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11. The remonstrance, from which the foregoing are extracts, was dated the 26th day of April, 1774, and signed by Ethan Allen and six others. About this time a plan was concerted to avoid the jurisdic- tion of New York, by having the New Hampshire grants erected into a separate royal government. To effect this object, Philip Skeen, a colonel in one of the king's regiments, and the owner of large posses- sions on lake Champlain, went over to Great Britain, and seems to have met with some success ; but noth- ing decisive had been done when the revolution . commenced, which put an end to the negociation.
12. The opposition to the claims of New York had hitherto been confined, principally, to the inhabi- tants on the west side of the mountains. The settlers on the grants in the vicinity of Connecticut river, had, many of them, surrendered their original charters, and had taken new ones under the authority of New York. In several of the towns they submitted quietly to the jurisdiction of that colony, and stood, in a measure, unconcerned spectators of the controversy in which the settlers on the more westerly grants, were so deeply involved. And where this was not the case, they had not yet been driven to desperation by the executive officers of New York. They were not, however, indifferent to the policy of Great Brit- ain towards her American Colonies. The settlers on the New Hampshire grants were, generally, eme- grants from the other New England provinces, and they readily sympathized with their kindred and friends, and were by no means backward in imbibing the growing spirit of opposition to the oppressive and arbitrary measures pursued by the mother country towards her colonies.
13. The affairs of the colonies bad assumed so alarming an aspect, that delegates from most of the
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provinces met at Philadelphia on the 5th of Septem- ber, 1774, to consult upon measures for the common safety. The meeting of this congress was followed by an almost universal suspension of the royal au- thority in all the colonies, excepting New York, which refused its assent to the measures recommended by that body, and the courts of justice were either shut up or adjourned without doing any business. The first interruption of this kind in the colony of New York, happened in the county of Cumberland, on the New Hampshire grants.
14. The stated session of the court for that county was to have been holden at Westminster; on the 13th of March, 1775. Much dissatisfaction prevailed in the county because New York had refused to adopt the resolves of the continental Congress, and exertions were made to dissuade the judges from holding the court. But, as they persisted in doing it, some of the inhabitants of Westminster and the adjacent towns, took possession of the court house at an early hour in order to prevent the officers of the court from > entering. The court party soon appeared before the court house, armed with guns, swords and pistols and commanded the people to disperse. But, as they refused to obey, some barsh language passed between them and the court party retired to their quarters.
15. The people then had an interview with judge Chandler, who assured them that they might have qui- et possession of the house till morning, when the court should come in without arms, and should hear what they had to lay before them. But, contrary to this declaration, about eleven o'clock at night, the sheriff, with the other officers of the court, attended by an armed force, repaired to the court house. Being refused admittance, some of the party fired into the house and killed one man and wounded several oth- ers. The wounded men they seized and dragged to prison, with some others who did not succeed in making their escape.
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16. By means of those who escaped, the news of this massacre was quickly spread, and before noon the next day, a large body of armed men had collected. A jury of inquest brought in a verdict, that the man was murdered by the court party. Several of the officers were made prisoners and confined in the jail at Northampton, in Massachusetts. But, upon the application to the Chief Justice of New York, they were released from prison and returned home.
17. These proceedings aroused the spirit of oppo- sition to New York throughout the grants on the east side of the mountains. A meeting of committees from the several townships was held at Westminster, on the 11th of April, 1775, at which a number of spirited resolutions were adopted relative to the late unhappy transactions. Among other things it was voted, "That it is the duty of the inhabitants, as predicated on the eternal and immutable law of self preservation, wholly to renounce and resist the ad- ministration of the government of New York, until such times as the lives and property of the inhabitants may be secured by it."
18. Thus were the settlers on the east side of the mountains driven to make common cause with their brethren on the west, in opposing the government of New York. The indignation of the settlers through- out the New Hampshire grants was now raised to the highest pitch, and probably the conunencement of the American war at Lexington, on the 19th of April, was the only thing which prevented the parties proceeding to open hostilities. 'This event produced a shock which was felt throughout the colonies; local and provincial contests were at once swallowed up by the novelty, the grandeur and the importance of the contest thus opened between Great Britain and her American colonies.
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SECTION VI.
Brief review of the progress of settlement previous to the Revolution.
1. It has already been remarked that, although several establishments had been made in Vermont previous to that time, the commencement of the set- tlement may properly be dated from the conquest of Canada in 1760. In that year, the whole number of settlers on the territory- of Vermont did not exceed 300 persons, and although the settlement began from that time sensibly to advance, it was by no means rapid till after the treaty of peace, in 1763, by which Canada was ceeded to Great Britain. In 1764, set- tlements had been commenced in most of the town- ships on Connecticut river as far north as Newbury, and in several townships on the west side of the Green Mountains.
2. In 1765, the government of New York, having acquired authority from the British crown to exercise jurisdiction over the New Hampshire grants as far eastward as Connecticut river, caused a division to be made of the territory into counties. The south- western parts about Bennington, were annexed to the county of Albany ; the northwestern, towards lake Champlain, were erected into a county by the name of Charlotte, and on the east side of the mountain, Cumberland county was formed of the southeastern parts, and Gloucester county of the northeastern.
3. This was the first division of Vermont into coun- ties, and the only division of the kind previous to the revolution ; and if the limits of these counties were then accurately defined, it is now difficult to deter- mine where they were. It, however, appears probable from documents published in Ethan Allen's Vindi- cation of Vermont, that the division between the counties of Albany and Charlotte passed along the south lines of the townships of Rupert, Dorset and
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Peru, and that Cumberland county extended so far northward as to inchide about one third part of the present county of Windsor. The division lines be- tween the counties were, however, a matter of little consequence, towards the close of this period, for when the government of New York found the op- position to their measures so determined and so general among the settlers on the grants, they gave - the court of Albany county jurisdiction over the whole tract of country. This gave rise to the expression, unlimited county of Albany, so frequently used by the Vermont pamphleters during the controversy with New York.
4. Previous to the year 1770, scarcely any settle- ments had been made on the west side of the Green Mountains to the northward of the present county of Bennington. During the next year, 1771, settlements were commenced in several townships in Rotland county, and this year was taken the first census of the inhabitants on the grants on the east side of the mountains. By this enumeration it appears that Cumberland county contained, in 1771, 3947 inhabi- tants, and Gloucester county 722, and it was estimated that these two counties contained at that time two thirds of the people in the whole district. The whole number of inhabitants must therefore have been about 7000.
5. No complete census was taken till the year 1791, and hence it is impossible to determine the precise population of Vermont at the time of the com- mencement of the American Revolution. But as the settlements were rapidly extending during the five years succeeding the year 1771, we may safely con- clude, that the whole population of Vermont at the Commencement of the war was at least 20,000. About the close of the war we find the population incident- ally estimated by Doct. Williams at 30,000 souls.
HISTORY OF VERMONT.
CHAPTER III.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
SECTION I.
Events of 1775-Reduction of Ticonderoga-Invasion of Canada-Carlton defeated by Col Warner-St Johns and Montreal taken by Gen. Montgomery-Als- sault upon Quebec.
1. As all minor contests and sectional difficulties were, for a while, swallowed up by the great and mo- mentous concerns of the revolution, we shall now pro- ceed to a brief statement of those incidents in the war for independence, with which the people of Vermont were more immediately concerned. The affairs at Lexington produced a shock, which was felt from one extremity of the colonies to the other ; and it was now perceived that their only reliance for safety was to be placed in a vigorous and effectual resistance to the arms and arbitrary power of Great Britain.
2. The military posts on lake Champlain were at this time garrisoned by British soldiers, and the Brit- ish government had been pursuing measures, by which they might, if necessary, avail themselves of the strength and resources of Canada, for the purpose
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of subjugating their other colonies, in case of revolt. The importance, therefore, of securing these posts to the Americans, was at once perceived, and the design of effecting this object, engaged at the same time the attention of several adventurers, both in Massachusetts and Connecticut, who were utterly ignorant of each other's views. But the first active measures for accomplishing an undertaking so desir- able as the reduction of these posts, appear to have. been taken by several enterprising gentlemen ,of Connecticut.
3. As the success of the enterprise depended upon its being managed with secrecy and dispatch, they obtained of the Connecticut legislature a loan of $1800, and, having procured a quantity of powder and balls, they hastened forward to Bennington with the view of engaging Ethan Allen in the business. Allen readily undertook to conduct the enterprise and set off to the northward with his usual spirit of promptness and activity for the purpose of enlisting and collecting men for the expedition. The gentle- men from Connecticut, having purchased a quantity of provisions, proceeded to Castleton, where they were joined by Allen with his recruits.
4, While they were collecting at Castleton, Col Arnold arrived there attended only by a servant. This officer had been chosen captain of an independent company at New Haven in Connecticut, and, as soon as he heard of the battle at Lexington, he marched his company to Cambridge, where the Americans were assembling to invest Boston. There he received a Colonel's commission from the Massachusetts com- ,uittee of safety with orders to raise 400 men for the reduction of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, which he represented to be in a ruinous condition and feebly garrisoned. His commission being examined, Arnold was permitted to join the party ; but it was ordered by a council that Allen should also have the communis. sion of Colonel, and should be first in command,
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5. To procure intelligence, Capt. Noah Phelps, one of the gentlemen from Connecticut, went into the fort at Ticonderoga in the habit of one of the settlers, where he enquired for a barber, under the pretence of wanting to be shaved, By affecting an awkward appearance, and asking many simple questions, he passed unsuspected and had a favorable opportunity of observing the condition of the works, Having obtained the necessary information, he returned to the party, and the same night they began their march for the fort. And these affairs had been conducted with so much expedition, that Allen reached Orwell, opposite to Ticonderoga, with his men in the evening of the 9th of May, while the garrison were without any knowledge of the proceedings and withoutany apprehension of a hostile visit.
" 6, The whole force collected on this occasion amounted to 270 men, of whom 230 were Green Mountain Boys. It was with difficulty that boats could be obtained to carry over the troops. A Mr Douglas was sent to Bridport to procure aid in men, and a scow belonging to Mr Smith, Douglas stopped by the way to enlist a Mr Chapman in the enterprise, when James Wilcox and Joseph Tyler, two young men, who were abed in the chamber, hearing the story, conceived the design of decoying on shore a large oar boat belonging to Maj. Skeen, and which then lay off against Willow point. They dressed, seized their guns and a jug of rum, of which they knew the black commander to be extremely fond,-gathered four men as they went, and, arriving all armed, they hailed the boat and offered to help row it to Shoreham, if they would carry them there immediately to join a hunting party, that would be waiting for them. The stratagem succeeded, and poor Jack and his two men suspected nothing till they arrived at Allen's head quarters, where they were made prisoners of war.
7. Douglas arrived with the seow about the same time, and, some other boats having been collected,
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Allen embarked with 83 men and landed near the fort. As the morning was advancing, it was deemed inexpedient to wait for the remainder of the men to pass over. Arnold now wished to assume the com mand, and swore that he would lead the men into the fort. Allen swore he should not, but that he him- self would be the first man that should enter. As the dispute grew warm, some of the gentlemen interpos- ed, and it was agreed that they should both enter at the same time, but that Allen should enter on the right and have the command.
8. Accordingly, a little after day break in the morning of the 10th of May, 1775, they advanced towards the works followed by their men. The sentry at the outer post snapped his fusee at Allen, and, retreating through the covered way, was followed by the Americans, who were immediately drawn up on the parade within the fort. With so great expedi- tion and silence was this business accomplished that the garrison, excepting the sentries, were not awaken- ed from their slumbers, till arosued by the huzzas of the Green Mountain Boys, already in possession of the fort. The Capt. De Laplace, without waiting to dress himself, hastened to the door of the barrack, when Allen sternly commanded him to surrender, or he would put the whole garrison to the sword. De Laplace enquired by what authority he demanded it. I demand it, says Allen, " in the name of the Great Je- hovah and the Continental Congress."
9. Surrounded by the Americans, the British cap- tain perceived that resistance was vain, and surrend- ered the garrison prisoners of war, without knowing by what authority Allen was acting, or that hostilities had commenced between Great Britain and her co- lonies. As soon as Allen had Janded with his party, the boats were sent back for the remainder of the men, who had been left under the command of Col Seth Warner. Warner arrived soon after the place surrendered, and taking the command of a party, set
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off for the reduction of Crown Point, which was gar- risoned only by a sergeant and twelve men. They surrendered upon the first summons, and Warner took possession of the fort. Skeensborough was also taken, the same day, by another party, and Major Skeen made prisoner.
10. By these enterprises, the Americans captured a British Major, a Captain, a Lieutenant and forty four privates. . In the forts, they found more than 200 pieces of cannon, some mortars and howitzers, and large quantities of military stores ; and also a ware- house filled with materials, for carrying on the business of building boats. All these cost not the Americans a single man.
11. Elated with their success, they now determined to secure the command of lake Champlain, by getting possession of an armed sloop, which then lay at St Johns. For this purpose they armed and manned a schooner, and procured a number of batteaux. Ar- nold took command of the schooner, and Allen of the batteanx, and they both set out together upon the expedition. But a fresh wind springing up from the south, the schooner out sailed the batteaux and Ar- nold soon reached St Johus, where he surprised and captured the sloop. The wind immediately shifting to the north, Arnold set sail with his prize, and met Allen with his batteaux at some distance from St Johns. Thus, in the course of a few days, and by a few daring individuals, was lake Champlain and its important fortresses secured to the Americans.
12. The American Congress, having received in- telligence that the governor of Canada had been making exertions to engage the Canadians and In- dians to fall upon the frontier of the colonies, deter- mined to send a body of American troops into that province, in the hopes that the Canadians would join the other colonies, in opposition to Great Britain. For this purpose, it was proposed to raise 2000 men, who were to be placed under the command of Gen-
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eral Schuyler and Montgomery. Much pains were taken to raise the troops, and a large number of batteaux and flat bottomed boats were built at 'Ticon- deroga and Crown Point to convey the forces to Canada.
13. Montgomery set ont from Crown Point, on the 21st of August, but soon received intelligence that the British Gen. Carleton was prepared to obstruct his designs-that he had provided a considerable na- val force and was about entering the lake with a body of British troops. To prevent this, Montgomery pio. ceeded down the lake, with the forces which had arrived, to the Isle La Motte, where he was soon join- ed by Gen. Schuyler ; and they both moved forward to the Isle Aux Noix, where they took proper measures to prevent the passage of the British vessels into the lake.
14. From this place, the American generals sent proclamations into the adjacent country, assuring the Canadians that they had no designs against them, and inviting them to unite with the Americans in asserting their rights and seeuring their liberties. On the 6th of September, they proceeded without opposition towards St Johns with their whole force, which did not execed 1000 men. A landing was effected about a mile and a half from the fort, but, while advancing to reconnoiter the works, their left was attacked by a party of Indians, who killed three and wounded eight of the Americans. The Indians were, however, soon repulsed, with the loss of five killed and four severely wounded. Finding the fortress well garri- soned and prepared to make a vigorous defence, the Americans thought it prudent to return to the Isle Aux Noix, and there wait the arrival of their artillery and re-inforcements, which were daily expected.
15. Schuyler returned to Albany to conclude a treaty, which had been some time negotiating, with the Indians, leaving the command to Montgomery. On the 17th of September, Montgomery, having receiv-
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ed the expected reinforcements, proceeded to St Johns and laid siege to that fortress. The place was garrisoned by the greatest part of two British regi- ments, and contained nearly all the regular troops in Canada, and it was at the same time well supplied with artillery, ammunition and military stores. The first measure of Montgomery, was an attempt to de- tach the Indians, who had joined Gen. Carlton, from the British cause. Ilaving succeeded in this, parties of the provincials were dispersed over the country and were favorably received by the Canadians.
16. As Col Ethan Allen, with 80 men, was return- ing from one of these excursions, he was met by Maj. Brown who was out upon the same business with 200 men. Brown informed Allen that Montreal was entirely without defence and might easily be surpris- ed ; and it was finally agreed between them that they should proceed to make an immediate attempt upon it. Allen was to cross the river and land a little north of the city, while Brown was to land a little to the south, and both were to commence the attack at the same time. Allen crossed over with his little band of 80 men, in the night, as had been agreed, but he waited in vain for the appearance of Brown to co-operate with him. And when day light appeared and rendered the sur- prise of the place impracticable, instead of saving himself by a retreat, Allen rashly determined to main- tain his ground.
17. Gen. Carlton zoon received intelligence of Al- Jen's situation, and early in the morning marched ont against him, with about 10 regulars, together with several hundred English settlers, Canadians and In- dians. Allen's force was made up of Green Mountain Boys and Canadians and at the head of these be fonght with desperate courage until most of the Ca- nadians had deserted him, and fifteen of his men were Filled and several wounded. But courage was una- tiling against such a superiority of numbers. Allen was taken prisoner, on the 25th of September, with
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38 of his men, and by order of Gen. Carlton they were all immediately loaded with irons. In that con- dition, they were put on board a man of war and carried to England. During the voyage they were treated with such rigour as to render their suffering almost intolerable.
18. Montgomery was in the mean time pushing the siege of St Johns, as fast as his embarrassed circum- stances would permit. He derived much assistance from the Canadians, who had joined him, and being informed by them that the little fortress of Chamblee, situated further down the Sorel, contained a large quantity of ammunition and military stores, of which the besiegers were much in need, he ordered Major Brown and Livingston to proceed against it. The garrison, consisting of about one hundred men, after a short resistance surrenderred themselves on the 18th of October, prisoners of war. By this capitu- lation the Americans obtained 120 barrels of powder, a large quantity of military stores and provisions, and the standard of the 7th Regiment. This standard was immediately transmitted to Congress, and was the first trophy of the kind, which that body had ever received.
19. The besiegers having obtained a supply of am- mumition and stores by the capture of Chamblee, made their advances upon the fort at St Johns with increased vigor. The garison consisted of between six and seven hundred men, who, in the hopes of being soon relieved by Gen. Carlton, made a reso- lute defence. Carlton exerted himself for this pur- pose, but such was the disaffection of the Canadians to the British cause, that he could not muster more than one thousand men, including the regulars, the militia of Montreal, the Canadians and the Indians. With these, he purposed to cross the St. Lawrence and join Col. Maclean, who had collected a few hundred Scotch emigrants and taken post at the mouth of the Sorel, hoping with their united forces to be able to
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COL WARNER DEFEATS GEN. CARLTON.
mise the siege of St Johns and relieve the garrison. 20. In pursuance of this design, Carlton embarked his troops at Montreal with the view of crossing the St Lawrence and landing at Longuiel. Their embarka- tion was observed by Col Seth Warner, from the opposite shore, who, with about 300 Green Mountain Boys, watched their motions, and prepared for their approach. Just before they reached the south shore, Warner opened upon them a well directed and in- cessant fire of musketry and grape shot from a four pounder, by which unexpected assault, the enemy were thrown into the greatest confusion, and soon retreated with precipitation and disorder. When the news of Carlton's defeat reached Maclean he aban- doned his position at the mouth of the Sorel and hastened to Quebec.
21. By these events the garrison at St Johns was left without the hope of relief and Major Preston, the commander, was, consequently, obliged to surrender. The garrison laid down their arms on the 3rd of No- vember, marched out of the works and became pris- oners of war, to the number of 500 regulars and more than 100 Canadian volunteers. Gen. Montgomery treated them with the greatest politeness, and had them conveyed by the way of 'Ticonderoga into the interior of New England. In the fort was found a large quantity of cannon and military stores.
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