USA > Vermont > Addison County > History of Addison county Vermont, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 79
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bed and large tracts of wood land, started a small forge on Little Otter Creek, near the covered bridge on the road to Monkton; numbers of mule teams which they introduced for hauling ore and coal were quite a novelty. Colonel Wells, an accomplished gentleman of Boston, was for many years the manag- ing agent. It is said that 177 tons of cannon shot were cast at their works for the use of MacDonough's fleet at the battle of Plattsburgh, and it is also said that the iron business was closed soon after the war and that the company met the fate that many other iron-makers have had to meet-heavy losses; and the old question returned unanswered, the population of Vergennes being no greater in 1820 than in 1810. Their grist-mill and saw-mill were continued for many years.
In 1825 they advertised for custom at their mill, and also that they desired to sell various tracts of land in the vicinity. In 1815 Philip C. Tucker came on from Boston as a clerk or book-keeper for the company, and remained till 1830, the acting agent in closing up their business. He was fifteen years old when he came to Vergennes, and during his clerkship studied law, and opened an office in 1824, and continued a successful lawyer until his death in 1861.
Previous to the operations of the Monkton Iron Company, as they were called, the burning of wood into charcoal in pits in the fields had been practiced to some extent, but was largely increased when this company began to pur- chase. Immense quantities were made on the lands of the Spencer family in Panton and Addison, who owned what are now the farms of N. Richards, H. Hawley, E. Holland, J. Carter, Thomas Nooman, and other tracts. When Ira Ward was a young lad his father was engaged in the business for Spencer, his family finding a temporary home in a house where E. Holland lives. Ira, just old enough to drive the cows home from the woods (when he could find them), in passing along the road south of the house discovered a bear advancing to- ward him. After gazing at him a few moments the animal turned and left. Deer and game of all kinds were abundant in all this region even at that time.
The necessity for workmen in the mills, asheries, and on the rafts, and in chopping wood for coal, and the money so freely paid out by the Monkton Iron Company, had brought to Vergennes quite a number of Canadians with their families, a portion of whom occupied a cluster of houses on what is now the Shade Roller Co.'s yards, and was then called "French Village." A still larger number lived on East street. Among them were some quaint and original characters, ever ready to give expression in broken English to their wit and drollery, or to relate the adventures of their lives in Canada, some of them in lumber camps and some of them in the Northwest or Hudson's Bay Company as voyagers or carriers.
Previous to the War of 1812 Vergennes had become a central point for pleasure parties from the surrounding towns, and Painter's Tavern, where the Stevens House is now, was a resort for such parties and balls. There were
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many young ladies in Vergennes, at that date and a little later, whose fame for beauty, wit, and intelligence has come down to succeeding generations, and some of the men whom the living now remember as quiet and sedate citizens were then considered as agreeable and accomplished society men, much in- clined to gayety. As tending to show a slight difference in the now and then, the following incident is given, as related to the writer a few years ago by an aged lady who lived in Vergennes and was a young lady in society from 1805 to 'IO. She said she well remembered going to a ball where the daugh- ters of the richest man in Vergennes were able to enjoy the luxury and the very great distinction of appearing in calico dresses, while their associates were obliged to wear the homespun and home-woven linsey-woolsey dresses that all had been accustomed to wear before they were startled by the introduction of such an extravagance as calico dresses. She could not conceal the fact of her then admiration and longing for a dress in elegance equal to the calico dresses of her rich friends.
In the summer of 1813 Lieutenant Thomas MacDonough, then thirty years of age, who had already made it manifest that he possessed the courage and promptness and the cool and calm judgment necessary for the position, was given the command of the very small naval force on Lake Champlain, and De- cember 19 took his vessels into Otter Creek for winter quarters at "the but- ton-woods," three-fourths of a mile above Dead Creek. Commodore Mac- Donough, as he was then called, made Vergennes his headquarters, and during the winter was engaged in building several galleys or gunboats, to carry two guns each. Before these were completed, on the 5th of April, 1814, General Wilkinson, then commanding the United States troops at Champlain, N. Y., informed Commodore MacDonough that the vessels of the enemy on Lake Champlain would soon be ready to sail, and probably would attempt to land a force for the purpose of destroying MacDonough's vessels. On application Governor Chittenden ordered out the militia in Franklin, Chittenden, and Ad- dison counties, 500 men to be stationed at Burlington and 1,000 at Vergennes, and on the IIth Wilkinson advised MacDonough to erect a strong battery at the mouth of Otter Creek. From the 16th to the 20th, General Wilkinson and Governor Chittenden were both at Vergennes, and the site of the pro- posed battery was agreed upon. About the 12th of April a large body of militia arrived at Vergennes and was quartered in different places-some in barns, some in the school-house, some in the vacant house formerly occupied by President Saunders. As the result of the consultation at Vergennes the militia were all discharged except the company of Captain William C. Mun- son, of Panton, on condition that they should rally on the firing of alarm sig- nals, and General Macomb was ordered to send 500 United States troops to Vergennes. Ira Ward, now living, with a number of other members of Cap- tain Munson's company, was sent to Hawley's farm on the lake shore (Olmsted
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Keeler's) to watch the lake and give notice of the approach of the enemy. The anticipated attack of the British did not occur until the 14th of May, when one sloop and eighteen galleys commenced an attack on the battery at the mouth of the creek, commanded by Lieutenant Cassin. The point has since been called Fort Cassin. MacDonough, with what vessels he had afloat, soon appeared and put the enemy to flight, taking from them two fine row- boats. About the last of May, MacDonough's vessels were completed and sailed down the creek. It has always been asserted in Vergennes that his flag- ship, the Saratoga, was launched the fortieth day from the time the first tree used in its construction was cut in the woods. He spent the summer on the lake, and the result at Plattsburgh on September II is too well known to need repetition.
MacDonough was a tall, spare man, extremely popular with all his acquaint- ances in his vicinity. His office was in the second story of a wooden building that stood where N. J. McCuen is now in business, the lower room being used for a guard-house. One of the militiamen in the guard-house accidentally discharged his musket, the ball passing through the floor and near MacDon- ough. In one of the consultations as to dismissing the militia, MacDonough said, " If you will take your militia home I will take care of the fleet. I am in more danger from your men than from the enemy."
A number of ship carpenters came with the commodore to assist in the building of his vessels. Captain Brown was superintendent. Edward Roberts went to the battle with him, and afterward remained in Vergennes.
There was great fear and anxiety among the citizens of Vergennes at the time of the attack at Fort Cassin. Some of the families packed their valuables to have them in readiness for removal, and some more excitable ones did re- move temporarily, but the scare was of short duration.
The law of the State then required that each town should deposit with the town treasurer powder and lead for use in an emergency, and on the 13th of May the town officers of Ferrisburgh met at Theophilus Middlebrook's (then town treasurer) to " run " bullets and prepare cartridges, and continued at the work through the night. On hearing the cannon about daylight their anxiety was so great that they insisted on having news, and David, then twelve year old and anxious to go, was dispatched on horseback to learn the news. He could not be prevailed on to stop until he got to the point, about the time the firing ceased, and he then returned with the good news. The fears of the peo- ple were quieted for the time being, but a feverish state of excitement prevailed throughout this region until after the battle of Plattsburgh, which was one rea- son why the people rallied so quickly when called upon to repel the invasion.
On the 4th of September, 1814, General Macomb, then in command of 3,400 United States troops at Plattsburgh, of which number 1,400 were in- valids, appealed to Governor Chittenden for aid, as his small force was so man-
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ifestly inadequate to resist the large force advancing to assault him. Governor Chittenden, believing himself unauthorized to order the Vermont militia out of the State under such circumstances, called for volunteers. Hon. E. P. Walton says in Governor and Council : "This call was at once responded to, not only in the western counties nearest the scene of battle, whose men arrived in time to take part, but also in Central and Eastern Vermont. Irrespective of party opinions or age, the people turned out en masse, fathers and sons, veterans of the Revolution, and lads too young for military service-all pressed on toward the lake." Many went from Vergennes and vicinity; prominent among these was Samuel Strong, who had been major-general of the Third Division of Ver- mont militia from 1804 to 'Io, when he resigned; and Major Jesse Lyman, who had been an officer in the Revolutionary army. Judge Swift says in his History of Middlebury : "When a sufficient number of volunteers had met to- gether, they organized as they could, in a summary and unceremonious way, by putting forward such prominent men as were willing to be officers. And when new recruits came on they took their places as they could in the ranks. To General Samuel Strong, of Vergennes, was assigned the position of com- mander-in-chief of the Vermont volunteers; Major Lyman, of Vergennes, was his right-hand man, and was appointed colonel."
Judge Swift, then secretary to the Governor and Council, and Amos W. Barnum, of Vergennes, who was the governor's military aid, crossed the lake from Burlington to Plattsburgh in company with General Strong and others, on Thursday morning, September 9, and met General Macomb at the fort. On Sunday, the IIth, at seven P. M., General Strong writes to Governor Chitten- den : "We are now encamped with 2,500 Vermont volunteers on the south side of the Saranac opposite the enemy's right wing, which is commanded by General Brisbane. We have had the satisfaction to see the British fleet strike to our brave commodore, MacDonough. The fort was attacked at the same time, the enemy attempting to cross the river at every place fordable for four miles up the river, but they were foiled at every attempt except at Pike's en- campment, where we now are. The New York militia were posted at the place under Generals Moore and Wright. They were forced to give back a few miles until they were re-enforced by their artillery. The general informed me of his situation, and wished for our assistance, which was readily afforded. We met the enemy and drove him across the river under cover of his artillery. Our loss is trifling. We took twenty or thirty prisoners. Their number of killed is not known. . What shall be our fate to-morrow I know not."
Before this letter was written, however, Lieutenant-General Sir George Provost, "governor and chief of his majesty's North American Provinces, and commander of the forces," as he styled himself, had hastily left for Montreal, and what were left of his 14,000 troops, veteran soldiers of Wellington's army, at ten o'clock that night began to follow his example. It is not strange that so
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signal a victory filled the whole country with astonishment and delight; but it is strange that men of Vermont had the courage and resolution to volunteer to form a part of a force so small and seemingly so inadequate to meet so large and well-appointed an army of trained veterans. Towns, cities, State Legisla- tures, and Congress united in their tributes of thanks and honors to the victors. The Legislature of Vermont passed very flattering resolutions of thanks to General Strong and the volunteers, and to Commodore MacDonough, to whom they also granted a tract of land. The Legislature of New York voted a sword to General Strong, and as a picture of a gala day in Vergennes in 1817, the following is copied from the Northern Sentinel of July 18, 1817 :
" Honor by New York to Major-General Strong .-
" Vergennes, June 26, 1817.
" Yesterday the sword voted by the Legislature of the State of New York to be presented to General Samuel Strong in consideration of services rendered by him at Plattsburgh in 1814, was delivered to him by the Hon. Ralph Hascall, Colonel Melancthon Smith, Major Reuben Sanford, and Major David B. Mc- Neil, appointed by the lieutenant-governor of that State, acting as governor, to perform that service. The day was fine, and the several exercises were con- ducted in a manner peculiarly gratifying, under the direction of David Ed- munds, Amos W. Barnum, Enoch D. Woodbridge, Luther E. Hall, and Francis Bradbury, esq., the committee of arrangements on the occasion, and Major Lawrence and Captain Huntington, marshals of the day. In the morning the delegation from the State of New York were met at Mr. Johnson's inn in Fer- risburgh by Messrs. Woodbridge and Bradbury, and Captain Geer's troop of cavalry, and escorted to this place. It is but justice to remark here that the conduct of the troops on this occasion, and through the exercises of the day, was such as to do honor to themselves and their commander. At one o'clock General Strong was escorted from his house to Mr. Painter's inn, where, after a short interview with the gentlemen from the State of New York, he proceeded through a numerous procession of the volunteers, who accompanied him to Plattsburgh, and other respectable citizens, to the platform in front of the court-house. The delegation from New York were then escorted by Captain Geer's troop, dismounted, to the top of the platform, where the following ad- dress was delivered to General Strong by Colonel Melancthon Smith in behalf of himself and his associates :
"SIR - The Legislature of the State of New York have directed the gov- ernor to cause to be presented to you a sword as a testimony of the high sense they entertain of your valor and public spirit and for the services rendered by you during the invasion of Plattsburgh by the British troops in September, 1814. The lieutenant-governor, acting as governor, has honored us with this commission. In adverting to the events of that period when a numerous, dis- ciplined and well appointed army, under officers of experience and well versed
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in the art of war, flushed with recent and astonishing victories, conquerors of the conqueror of Europe, boastful of their prowess, and confident of success - when such a force retires before our newly-raised, undisciplined troops, not one-fourth their number, we have cause of gratitude to the God of Armies, who so manifested his strength in our weakness. We are not unmindful that, uninfluenced by local considerations, with no motive but the love of country, no prospect of fame except at the sacrifice of your life, no interest but a sense of duty, and notwithstanding every discouragement, you, Sir, volunteered in defense of a sister State. The act will be remembered by the people with grat- itude. Accept, Sir, this sword. It is the gift of a free people to a free man. It bears on its hilt the device of a Herculean Mountaineer crushing in his arms the British lion ; it will be a memento for your sons to imitate your example, and incite them to deeds of glory. It is given, not as a reward but a pledge, which the State of New York will redeem when occasion shall present itself. We are directed to communicate to you the consideration of his excellency the lieutenant-governor and of the representatives of the people. We offer you our personal regard and respect."
To which General Strong made the following reply : "To be honored, gen- tlemen, for any services I may have rendered, with the approbation of a State acknowledged to be the first in wealth, in commerce and population, and in no respect inferior to any State in the Union, affords a satisfaction I cannot under- take to express. It is well known that the precipitate retreat of the British troops from Plattsburgh to their own territory, prevented the citizens and militia of the States of New York and Vermont from coming to a close and severe con- flict with the enemy. Had it been otherwise I am persuaded that the volun- teers from Vermont, who knew no discouragement in flying to the relief of your State, when suddenly invaded, would have faithfully performed the duty which one member of the Union always owes to another. I accept the sword, gentle- men, and request you to communicate to the lieutenant-governor and Legisla- ture of the State of New York the high sense I entertain of the honor they have conferred. And you will permit me to say that the manner in which you, gentlemen, have executed your commission has added much to my gratification. You will please accept the assurance of my respect and esteem."
The sword presented was of exquisite workmanship, its hilt and scabbard of gold. On the scabbard was the following inscription : "Presented by his excellency, Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of the State of New York, pursuant to a resolution of the Senate and Assembly of the said State, to Major-General Samuel Strong of the Vermont Volunteers as a memorial of the sense enter- tained by the State of his services and those of his brave mountaineers at the Battle of Plattsburgh."
After the presentation of the sword the general and the delegation from New York, with the citizens, proceeded to Painter's Inn, where they partook of a dinner provided for the occasion.
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Vergennes people felt a special interest in the battle of Plattsburgh, from their exposed situation and liability to an attack from the British fleet ; and the fact of the building of the vessels of our fleet here the previous spring had also increased their interest in the result; and they were, moreover, acquainted with the prominent actors. Few battles have been more important in their results than this, which had great influence in securing the treaty of peace which soon followed, and was celebrated, when received here, with illuminations and great rejoicing. The volunteers were not all fortunate enough to return uninjured. Thomas Stevens, Wm. Mckenzie, and others in this vicinity received wounds. Major Lyman contracted fever from which he died soon after. General Strong took a severe cold which resulted in what was then called consumption, which made him an invalid the rest of his life.
Business in Vergennes seems to have languished after the war; the Monk- ton Iron Company did not long continue the manufacture of iron. In Thomp- son's Gazetteer of Vermont it is said they suspended in June, 1816, and also that the machinery in operation on the falls during the war consisted of one blast furnace, one air furnace, eight forges, one rolling-mill, one wire-factory, besides grist, saw, and fulling-mills, etc.
From 1816 to '23 were dark days for Vergennes, it not showing any in- crease in business, wealth, or numbers. The cold summer of 1816 was unfa- vorable to all engaged in farming and had a tendency to lead men into other occupations. The saw-mills, however, were at work to good advantage. Cap- tain Jahaziel Sherman and those associated with him were building steamboats in Vergennes, which gave employment to a good number of men, but had no influence in bringing men of capital and enterprise into Vergennes. General Samuel Strong, John H. Sherrill, Captain Sherman, Belden Seymour, and a few others were occupied in producing from the soil or by manufacture some addition to the real visible wealth of the community; but a large number of the citizens seem to have thought they could get rich by trading commodities or lands with each other. Some lumber and potash were sent to Canada and considerable wheat was carried to Troy. Until the Champlain Canal was opened, in 1823, wheat and other products were transported by teams to Troy, and goods for the merchants brought back. Most of the teaming was done in the winter, while the sleighing was good, by farmers residing in the vicinity. The favorite route from here was through Bridport, Orwell, West Haven, etc., and taverns were found once in six miles, and frequently nearer, and were well patronized, although many of the travelers carried food from their homes. All the merchandise that came to Vergennes (except some few articles from Can- ada) was brought by teams. The merchants went to market twice a year and purchased goods enough to last them six months. To order by sample or give orders to traveling salesmen was a thing unheard of. To get to Boston and back required about six days' riding in stages.
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The trade of Vergennes has always been large in proportion to her popu- lation. To be a successful merchant in that day required planning, prudence, discrimination, and a wise foresight. Customers expected to find in every store dry goods, crockery, hardware, drugs and medicines, and all kinds of groceries ; especially all kinds of liquors, which were sold as freely and in almost as large quantities as kerosene is sold to-day. The merchant then must take grain and nearly all kinds of produce for his goods, and find a market for the barter taken as best he could. He must give long credits and have the happy faculty of making collections without offending his customers. It was a good training school for the development of the faculties, and many were made strong and fitted for public duties by this training.
The census of Vergennes for 1820 shows the number of inhabitants to be less than in 1810-835 in 1810, and 817 in 1820-and until 1823 there was no perceptible increase, and no nice buildings were erected. There were about thirty two-story houses, but most of the others were low and of little value.
In two things Vergennes has always excelled, viz., her district schools and her hotels; it is not easy to see the connection, but we accept the fact. There were two district schools and three hotels usually. For many years previous to 1826 Thomas W. Rich kept what had then gained a reputation as Painter's Tavern and since as the Stevens House. Mr. Rich was a graduate of Dart- mouth College and came from Monkton to Vergennes. He died in 1826. The arrival of two stages a day at Rich's Hotel was an event of great interest -
one from Boston and one from Montreal. The mail route with the mail to be carried in stages was established in 1793 and kept up until the railroad was completed in 1849. To see handsome coaches and four good horses driving up to the hotel for the passengers to get out, while the mail was being changed and the coach driven to barns back of the site of Smith & Ketchum's present warehouse, where the horses which had been driven twelve miles were taken off and fresh ones put in their places, was a mild excitement coming every day, but ever new. The average mail for Vergennes in 1820 might all be car- ried in a common hat. Many a boy has thought that his ambitious views would be fully satisfied if he could become a stage-driver.
Previous to 1815 Jahaziel Sherman came to Vergennes and remained here to become an important factor in the history of the city. He was a man of great dignity of presence, of courteous manners, of great method and system in his business affairs, and universally respected for his probity and high sense of honor. Before he came to Vergennes he was associated with J. B. Ger- main, of Albany, in navigation on the Hudson. In 1815 the Champlain Steamboat Company finished a steamboat built at Vergennes by Edward Rob- erts, a master carpenter, of which Mr. Sherman became captain; this was the first Phoenix, 140 feet long, costing $45,000, to run eight miles an hour. The Champlain was built here in 1817 for John Winans & Co., of which George
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