USA > Vermont > History of eastern Vermont, from its earliest settlement to the close of the eighteeth century with a biographical chapter and appendixes > Part 28
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The names of the officers nominated to take the command in the ranging ser- vice were read in the New York Convention on the 26th of September, 1776, and were before the house several days. On the 10th of October commissions were granted, and on the 23d the officers were "sworn to the faithful discharge" of their respective duties .- MS. Records Cumb. Co. Com. Safety. Miscellaneous Pa- pers in office Sec. State N. Y., xxxiv. 587 ; xxxv. 315; xxxvi. 191, 205, 206, 212, 213, 218, 239. Journal N. Y. Prov. Cong., i. 646, 647, 659, 669; ii. 214. See Appendix, containing a LIST OF THE CIVIL AND MILITARY OFFICERS OF CUMBERLAND AND GLOUCESTER COUNTIES.
* The agreement entered into on this occasion was in these words :-
" We, the subscribers, inhabitants of that district of land commonly called and known by the name of the New Hampshire Grants, do voluntarily and solemnly engage under all the ties held sacred among mankind, at the risk of our lives and fortunes, to defend by arms the United American Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British fleets and armies, until the present unhappy controversy between the two countries shall be settled."-Journal N. Y. Prov. Cong., ii. 311 MS. Records of Chester.
269
VARIOUS TOWN-MEETINGS.
1776.]
support of the proposed measures Mr. Allen told Mr. Clay that he had consulted with several members of the Continental Con- gress who had recommended to him and his coadjutors to ascer- tain the feelings of the people concerning the formation of a new state. He also reminded him, that if the inhabitants of the " Grants" should accede to the form of government which would soon be adopted for the state of New York, they would have no opportunity to withdraw their support therefrom at a future day.
For the purpose of ascertaining the views of those residing east of the Green mountains, upon the measures suggested by the committee from the Dorset convention, the people in each town were invited to assemble in town-meeting and express their opinion as to the course which they should deem it best to pursue. In Rockingham, on the 26th of August, the inha- bitants voted " to associate with the inhabitants of that district of land commonly called and known by the name of the New Hampshire Grants." They also chose two delegates to attend the convention to be held at Dorset in the fall, and instructed them "to use their best influence" to obtain the passage of such resolves as would tend to establish the "Grants" as a separate and independent state. At " the fullest meeting ever known in Chester," held on the 2d of September, similar mea- sures were adopted, and the association which had been formed at the Dorset convention, was signed by forty-two of the inha- bitants. A like spirit pervaded many of the other towns in the two counties. In some, however, there were two parties, and in a few, as in Halifax, where the inhabitants voted not to send a delegate " to meet the Green Mountain Boys," no dis- position was shown to throw off the jurisdiction of New York.
At the adjourned convention, which was held at Dorset on the 25th of September, representatives were present from both sides of the mountains. Loyalty to American principles, as embodied in the Revolution, animated the discussions which took place, and gave character to the measures which were proposed. Yet, while declaring their determination to support the general government of the United States, the members resolved that "no law or laws, direction or directions" from the state of New York would be accepted by them, or be regarded by them, as of the least weight or authority. The lit- tle leaven of dissatisfaction had worked its effect in silence, and the whole lump was fast becoming assimilated .*
Miscellaneous Papers, in office Sec. State N. Y., xxxvi. 193, 197, 233. Jour-
270
HISTORY OF EASTERN VERMONT.
[1776.
While the inhabitants of Cumberland county were thus wa- vering between duty and inclination, debates relative to the course which it was proper to pursue towards them, occupied the time of the New York Convention. Major Hoisington having completed his enlistments for the rangers, sent the mus- ter-rolls to the Convention, with a request that the remainder of the bounty money then due, together with an allowance for rations, and the wages for the first month, might be immedi- ately sent forward. Discussions ensued, which were finally cut short by a motion, offered on the 26th of September, to comply with the Major's request. To such a course it was objected that the Cumberland county committee of safety had, by their letter of the 21st of June previous," " reserved or pretended to reserve to the people of that county a right of seceding from the government" of New York ; that the state had " already been at great expense" for the county, and that further expenditures on its account ought not to be made until the jurisdiction of New York should be fully acknowledged by its inhabitants. Messrs. Stevens and Sessions were then asked whether, as representatives, they acknowledged the jurisdiction of the state over the county. Their answer was in the affirmative. The subject was resumed on the 27th, and the examination of the deputies was continued. In reply to the interrogatories of the Convention, they declared that they were elected by the people of the county at large, that the county committee was formed by two members sent from each of the town committees, which town committees had been chosen long before the late election for deputies to represent the county in the state Convention had taken place ; that they were "very confident" the county committee had no directions or instructions from the people of the county to advance such sentiments as were contained in the letter of June 21st, or to make such declarations or reserva- tions as were therein mentioned, and that that document was prepared in order "to prevent any division in the county, as some few towns in the county were opposed to sending deputies to the Convention unless with such instructions." For his own part, Mr. Stevens stated that he had no particular instructions from the people of his town ; that he believed the people of the other towns gave none ; that he conceived the credentials from
nal N. Y. Prov. Cong., ii. 311. Slade's Vt. State Papers, pp. 66, 67. Doc. Hist. N. Y., iv. 923, 924.
See ante, pp. 260, 261.
271
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
1776.]
the county gave him "full and unrestrained power in forming a government," and that he did not consider himself bound to abide by the imposed instructions except in cases where they agreed with his own judgment. Mr. Sessions also declared that he should deem it his duty "to pay regard to his instruc- tions so far as to lay them before the House, and obtain a com- pliance with them," in so far as they should "appear to be right and beneficial." In answer to another question, both gentlemen informed the Convention that they did not deem themselves required to follow the instructions, when, by pursu- ing such a course, injury might accrue to the state, or when a majority of the members might declare against the sentiments inculcated by them. At this stage of the proceedings the Convention were informed that the committee, who had been chosen on the 24th of August to report on the letter of June 21st, had made no return, and that the greater part of the members of that committee were absent. William Duer, James Duane, Zephaniah Platt, John Sessions, and Simon Stevens were thereupon constituted a new committee, and the whole subject was referred to them, with a request that they would examine it thoroughly, and recommend " with all convenient speed" mea- sures consistent with the character of the state and the situa- tion of the county. To this committee John Jay was subse- quently added.
A detailed history of the course which had been pursued towards Cumberland county, in connection with the establish- ment of the ranging companies, occupied the first part of the report, which on the 4th of October was submitted to the Con- vention. The meaning of the letter of June 21st was also con- sidered, and objections were raised against paying the money demanded by Major Hoisington. In support of these objec- tions it was stated that there was no evidence from the muster- rolls, which had been returned, that the officers and privates therein mentioned, had furnished themselves with the accoutre- ments required, or that other preliminary matters had been legally arranged. The benefits which the state had bestowed upon the sparsely-settled county were then recited, and in con- tinuation of and enlargement upon this topic, the report pro- ceeded in these words :-
"From this state of facts it appears to your committee that the former Congress, and present Convention, have manifested the most ready and cheerful disposition to protect the inhabit-
272
HISTORY OF EASTERN VERMONT.
[1776.
ants of Cumberland, at the public expense, in common with their other constituents, and without the least partiality or dis- tinction. That liberal supplies of men and money, and ammu- nition and warlike stores, according to the abilities of the state, have been granted them, as soon as their wants have been dis- closed. That this committee neither know, nor have heard, of the least cause of complaint or uneasiness, that has been given to any of those inhabitants by this state, or any under its au- thority, during the present contest for our rights and liberties.
" If under the former government individuals may have been injured, it ought to be remembered, that to rescue ourselves from the oppressions of that government, the United States of America, submitting to all the miseries of war, have asserted their independence. It is unquestionable that the jurisdiction of this state over the territory which now comprehends the county of Cumberland, is coeval with its first formation as a colony, under the Crown of Great Britain, and accordingly that county was erected, and hath been represented. Laws have been passed for its internal regulation, courts established, civil and military officers appointed, and many charters for lands and privileges confirmed, by the sole authority of New York. Your committee, therefore, conceive it to be the indispensable duty of this Convention to preserve and maintain their jurisdic- tion over the said county, by every wise, steady, and prudent measure in their power, at a time when this state is invaded and pressed by powerful armies, when our utmost exertions are necessary, and we are straining every nerve for the common cause of America, for the general defence of this state, and for the more immediate defence of the county of Cumberland.
" At a time when every virtuous member of the community is loudly called upon to assist his bleeding country, and har- mony and mutual confidence are so essential to our preserva- tion, and to the success of the greatest and best of causes-at such an important and decisive conjuncture, your committee cannot but lament that any of the inhabitants of the county of Cumberland should suffer themselves to be so far misguided as to assert a claim and principles subversive to all government, derogatory to the dignity, rights, and jurisdiction of this state, manifesting an unbecoming return for the assistance and pro- tection they have received out of the public treasury of their fellow-subjects at large, and implying a latent design, by a future separation from the state, to leave the whole burthen of
273
1776.] . REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
the present cruel and expensive war to be sustained by the rest of the community. If the extraordinary injunctions in the letter from their committee should be vindicated, it must follow that the form of government dictated by a party, from the best information, by no means the majority of the county, is to be adopted, however injurious to the general interest of this state, or disagreeable to other counties, and however unreasonable it might, on public debate, appear even to their own immediate representatives ; and thus a single county is to control the whole state, prescribe its constitution and government, and establish its laws on pain of separation. From a parity of reason every other county, and even district and town within this state, might arrogate the same power, and instead of producing order, security, and a wise and permanent government-the great and salutary purposes for which this free Convention was elected and assembled-anarchy and confusion must be the fatal result. Your committee are satisfied, however, that the letter does not convey the sentiments of the majority of the good people of the county of Cumberland, and that the general committee will, upon cool reflection, be at no loss to perceive its want of respect to this Convention, and its dangerous tendency not only to the state, but to the common cause of America ; and that after a deliberate revision they will cordially correct it, and give this Convention reasonable assurances of their attachment to its jurisdiction, and of their intention to share its blessings and misfortunes, its protection and its burthens, like faithful and affectionate fellow-citizens. Such a course your committee earnestly recommends as the best and surest means of removing the uneasiness which a measure so unexampled has excited, and of promoting the most perfect harmony and good under- standing throughout every part of this state. In confidence, therefore, that a thinking and reasonable people must see that their own interest and preservation, as well as the safety of the state to which they belong, and the success of the great cause in which the whole continent is engaged, cannot but be weak- ened by dissension, and by countenancing the factious and self- interested, your committee are of opinion that the requisition of the commanding officer of the ranging companies of Cum- berland and Gloucester counties should be complied with, lest the good people of those counties, being disappointed of the aid and protection provided by this state, may suffer from the incursions of their enemies, before an explanation of the said
18
274
HISTORY OF EASTERN VERMONT ..
[1776.
letter can be obtained from the committee of Cumberland, and have, therefore, agreed to the following resolutions :-
"First: Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that the sum of $6,4122, being the remaining part of the bounty money, and month's wages, and rations due to the officers and men of the four companies of rangers, raised and established for the immediate protection and defence of the counties of Cumberland and Gloucester, under the command of Major Joab Hoisington, be forthwith transmitted for their use. But inas- much as it does not appear, by the returns of the commanding officer or otherwise, that the men are equipped and furnished with arms or accoutrements, or that the officers have been qualified to make up their muster-rolls and returns agreeable to the directions of Convention ;
"Second : Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that a committee from this Convention be appointed to see that the said money is faithfully applied, agreeable to the esta- blishment of the said rangers ; for that purpose consulting with the general committee of the said counties. That they be fur- ther authorized to call upon the commanding officer and other officers of the said rangers, and, if they shall find it necessary, to review the respective companies. That they be instructed to inquire into the temper of the inhabitants of the said county, and the grounds of any discontent which may prevail among the uninformed, or which may be encouraged by designing men, and use their endeavours to remove the same, and to frus- trate any attempt to sow the seeds of jealousy and disaffection. And, lastly, that they represent to the committee of the said county of Cumberland, the wisdom and propriety of a revision of the said letter, and of an unreserved submission of the said county to the jurisdiction of this state, so that all cases of dis- trust may subside, and the harmony, which is so essential at this important conjuncture, may be fixed on the surest founda- tion."*
By a subsequent resolution this report was accepted, and was declared to be the act of the Convention. Mr. Sessions, one of the deputies, and John Taylor, of Albany county, were requested " to proceed to the county of Cumberland," and with Col. Marsh, to form a committee to secure compliance with the resolutions which had been passed. The treasurer of the state
-
* Miscellaneous Papers, in office Sec. State N. Y., 1776, xxxv. 473-484
275
MEASURES FOR PROTECTION.
1776.]
was ordered to pay the sum demanded by Major Hoisington, and $200 additional, to defray the expenses of the committee appointed to visit the county. At the same time the commis- sary of the Convention was instructed to deliver three thousand flints to the deputies from Cumberland, two-thirds of the quan- tity being intended for the use of that county, and the remain- der for the use of Gloucester. On the 5th of October, Mr. Ste- vens, having obtained leave of absence for three weeks to visit his family, was added to the committee who had been chosen to carry into effect the late resolutions of the Convention. Five hundred copies of the resolutions were ordered to be printed, and distributed in the counties to which they particularly re- ferred, and in other parts of the state. To avoid mistakes, and to afford time for deliberation, the committee, who had reported upon the course which it was necessary to adopt towards Cum- berland county were, at the request of their chairman, James Duane, allowed to sit again. Other applications made by Ma- jor Hoisington, in the course of the month, were received with favor, and satisfactorily answered.
In conformity with his duties, the Major had taken post at Newbury, that he might be able to watch the movements of the Indians and Tories, and guard the northern frontier from their incursions. From his position he was enabled to send to Generals Gates and Schuyler information of a valuable character, obtained from spies and deserters. During the en- gagement on Lake Champlain between the British and American forces, in the month of October, when it was feared that an attack would in the end be made upon Ticonderoga, messengers were sent to the New York Convention with a request for immediate assistance. The committee of safety, who were in session during the recess of the Convention, appointed a large committee on the 19th, to co-operate with Gen. Schuyler in devising such measures as would ensure protection, and to this end, invested them with power to call out the whole or any part of the militia of the counties of Tryon, Charlotte, Cumber- land, Gloucester, and Albany. The summons to arms was answered with spirit. The assistance of the troops was not, however, required on this occasion, for Gen. Carleton did not advance north of Crown Point. Having reached this place, he remained there until the cold weather rendered a longer stay impracticable. He then re-embarked for Canada, leaving the reduction of Ticonderoga unattempted.
276
HISTORY OF EASTERN VERMONT.
[1776.
Owing to the excitement prevailing in Cumberland county consequent upon the disturbances on the Lake, the committee who had been chosen to publish the resolutions of the Conven- tion, found it difficult to accomplish that task in a satisfactory manner. By the information of John Taylor, communicated on the 3d of November, it appeared that some of the people were in favor of the establishment of a new state, " some for joining New Hampshire, others Massachusetts, many for re- maining under New York." Referring to this state of feeling, he remarked : "I endeavoured to dissuade them from persist- ing in such idle and delusive schemes, which would meet with the approbation of such only as were fond of changes." But as his arguments did not avail, he proceeded to evince his zeal by his acts. From the side of a tavern in Marlborough he took down a notification of a town meeting, which had been called for the purpose of ascertaining the sentiments of the inhabitants respecting a revolt from New York. In giving an account of this affair on a subsequent occasion, he remarked with pleasant naïveté, or consummate impudence, "the inhabitants accused me of being guilty of a desperate mean act. They could not proceed to business for want of the notification, as the town clerk had no other minutes." His report, though neither accu- rate nor particular, presented a condition of affairs unfavorable to the continuation of the jurisdiction of New York over the New Hampshire Grants .*
Before the resolutions of the Convention concerning Cum- berland county had passed, James Clay, by the advice of Col. Williams, one of the former deputies, had issued circular letters containing a request that the people of each town would assem- ble and make known their intentions relative to the course they should pursue on the question of state jurisdiction, in order that their proceedings might be laid before the county com- mittee of safety at the next meeting. Written returns were received from a few towns; verbal messages from others ; but the majority did not deem it practicable to offer a reply. The greater part of the inhabitants of Hartford favored a separation from New York, but desired that an application to that effect should be made in the state Convention before the subject was brought before the Continental Congress. The particular sen-
* Journal N. Y. Prov. Cong., i. 587, 646-648, 657, 659-662, 676, 684 : ii. 317. Williams's Hist. Vt., ii. 82-88. Miscellaneous Papers, in office Sec. State N. Y., xxxv. 148, 149.
277
LETTER OF MR. CHIARLES PHELPS.
1776.]
timent prevailing at this time was favorable to a peaceable revolt, if a revolt should be declared necessary to the well- being of the people. On the 5th of November, the county committee of safety assembled at Westminster. When the meeting was declared organized on the 6th, there were present nineteen representatives from sixteen towns. The session was, in many respects, a stormy one. A few questions arising from the disagreement of individuals were equitably decided, and others were referred to a future occasion. A certain man who had deprived his neighbor of the use of a "run of water," was commanded to restore the privilege, and was reminded that no person had a right to deprive another " of that which God and Nature " intended for the benefit of all. Complaint was made, and the fact was proved, that Solomon Phelps of Marlborough, had made himself obnoxious to those engaged in administering the affairs of the county. In consequence of this, the county committee ordered the committee of safety for the town of Westminster, at which place Phelps was then visiting, "to take and convey him to ye committee of the next town, and so on till he is conveyed, as was the practise in times past, to his own home." Such was the summary mode adopted by the early inhabitants of the "Grants," in dealing with those who, by misfortune or accident, manifested an unbecoming acerbity of disposition, or showed too little regard for the sentiments of the" people or community with which they were connected.
But the most important topic which occupied the attention of the committee was the letter of June 21st, which had been written by Charles Phelps, and which had proved especially obnoxious to the New York Convention. Those who were will- ing to remain under the jurisdiction of New York wished to withdraw it from the Convention ; those who were not dis- posed to acknowledge allegiance to that state regarded its senti- ments with favor, and were not disposed to recall it. When the question was taken, the motion to withdraw prevailed. As soon as the result was made known the minority deter- mined to resent this declared opposition to their wishes. They accordingly denounced the acts of the majority as repugnant to the resolves of the Continental Congress, and entered their pro- test against any further proceedings on the part of the county committee of safety as then constituted. Explanations followed close upon their declaration, and the bolters were at length induced to withdraw their protest, and sit again as members of
278
HISTORY OF EASTERN VERMONT.
[1776.
the committee of safety. A committee were then chosen to take into consideration a proposition to recall the letter then before the Convention, and substitute another in its stead. Their report was in these words :-
"The committee appointed by this body, to take under consi- deration the expediency of the letter sent from this body to the Convention of the state of New York, dated June 21st, touching being laid to some other state, &c., &c., report :- that, whereas, the committee of the county of Cumberland have received a handbill from the Convention of the state of New York, direct- ing this committee to withdraw a letter sent to them from this body, bearing date the 21st of June last-We, the committee as aforesaid, having taken the same under consideration, report : That said letter ought to be withdrawn, and that we, notwith- standing, ought to enjoy all the privileges that any county in this state enjoys, and that we hold it our right to present to the Honourable the Provincial Convention of this state, a petition and remonstrance, setting forth those grievances that are the cause of the uneasiness that subsists among us, for their wise consideration and redress. And if, on proper deliberation, it may be thought proper a separation should be most conducive to the peace and happiness of this county, we do not preclude ourselves from the privilege of presenting our petition to the "Honble the Continental Congress for their wise determination. We still mean to pay all due deference to the state of New York, and pay our proportion of the necessary charges of the state."
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