USA > Vermont > Outlines of the geography, natural and civil history and constitution of Vermont. Also the Constitution of the United States. with notes and queries > Part 9
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everything valuable at stake." They declared that the state existed independently of the " thirteen United States, " and was not accountable to them for liberty, the gift of the be- neficent Creator only. They concluded by declaring their willingness to help carry on the war with England, but after having borne their full proportion of this war for four years, and expended so much blood and treasure, they " would not now give up everything worth fighting for, the right of making their own laws and choosing their mode of government, to the decision of any man or body of men under heaven."
Questions.
What claim did New Hampshire now make ? What other state claimed Vermont ? What complaint was made by New York to - Congress ? What request was made by Vermont ? What request was made by a colonel commissioned by New York ? What did the authority of Vermont require of Colonel Allen ? While mat- ters were in this posture, what did Congress do ? Where did that Committee repair ? Did they accomplish the object designed ? How many claims to Vermont were now before Congress ? What did Congress recommend ? Which states complied ? Which did not ? Did Vermont consider it possible to comply? What did Ver- mont say in the appeal to the world ? Were the people still willing to help carry on the war with England ? What were they deter- mined not to give up ?
LESSON VIL.
It was expected that Congress would take up the subject, as proposed, on the first of February. But they did not till March, 1780. They then voted that the proceedings of the people who styled themselves inhabitants of Vermont, were "unwarrantable and subversive of the happiness of the United States, and that they be required to forbear exer- cising any authority over those people who claim protection from other states." In June following Congress resolved to defer attending to the dispute till September.
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On receiving these resolves of Congress, the Governor and Council of Vermont replied in very spirited language, and declared that, however Congress might view the subject, the people of Vermont viewed the resolves before mentioned, as subversive of the natural right they had to liberty and independence, and at variance with the principle which Congress had adopted in regard to assuming their own in- dependence. They declared farther that Vermont was at liberty and had a right to agree on a cessation of the war with Great Britain, and on condition " that neither Congress nor the states will support Vermont in her independence, but devote her to the usurped government of any other power, she had not the most distant motives to continue hostilities with Great Britain, and maintain an important frontier for the benefit of the United States, and for no other reward than the ungrateful one of being enslaved by them." But still from an attachment to the cause of liberty they would once more offer a " union with the United States, of which Congress was the legal representative body."
In September the subject was taken up in Congress with a desire to bring the difficulty to a close. The agents of New York and New Hampshire put in claims in favor of those states, and pleaded that Vermont Lad no right to in- dependence. Two agents from Vermont were present, but were not treated by Congress as the agents of an independ- ent state. The agents of New York and New Hampshire . were allowed to present the evidence on which they re- lied for the support of their elaims.
Those from Vermont, observing the course taken, and having never submitted the dispute to Congress, protested against the proceedings, because Venseat could have no hearing. Congress, having heard the pla of New Ilamp- shire, voted to postpone the subject Theagh Vermont w.s thus treated by Congress, her expectations were never higher. Many in other states believed that the state would unite with Canada, rather than submit to New York. Hence it was as dangerous to the cause of American liberty to decido against Vermont, as against New Hampshire or New York. The cause of Vermont was, in the midst of all
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these difficutlies, becoming more popular, and the state more powerful. Indeed, Congress could not safely make any de- cision without endangering the union ; and Vermont, disap- pointed in not being admitted into the union, determined to strengthen herself. A number of towns in New Hampshire wished to join Vermont, and after considerable attention to the subject, Vermont laid claim to those towns, and all the west part of New Hampshire. An application to become united with Vermont was also received from the inhabitants of the northeastern portion of New York, and this request was granted. Thus Vermont adopted the same policy which New Hampshire and New York had adopted, and with great success laid claim to considerable portions of both these states, embracing thirty-five towns in New Hampshire, and twelve districts in New York, thus materially increasing its strength.
Questions.
When did Congress take up the subject ? What votes were passed in March and June ? What did the Governor and Conneil of Vermont write to Congress ? What did they say respecting a cessation of the war with England ? When did Congress take up the subject again ? What did that body do, after hearing the plea of New Hampshire ? Were the prospects of Vermont less favora- ble than they had been ? What was supposed by many in other states ? Was it dangerous for Congress to make any decision ? What did Vermont determine ? What was requested by several towns in New Hampshire ? What by part of New York ? To what did Vermont lay claim ? How many towns in New Hampshire joined Vermont? How many districts in New York ?
LESSON VIII.
The English Generals in America had viewed the contests in regard to Vermont, as favorable to them, and had strong hopes, as Congress would not admit the new state into the union, that its people might be induced to join the govern-
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ment of England. Several letters were addressed to Colonel Ethan Allen by a British officer, inviting the people to join the British. These letters were not answered by Colonel Allen, but after being kept some time were sent by him to Congress. Hle declared at the same time his wish for the in- dependence of America, of which his services bore ample testimony ; he declared, also, his intention to maintain the independence of Vermont.
An attempt was repeated in the spring of 1780, by the British in Canada, to bring the people of Vermont into a union with Great Britain, and during the negotiations of an exchange of prisoners, the subject was urged by the officers with a great deal of art and earnestness. But Allen, while they addressed him, had the precaution and wisdom to man- age the subject so as to promote the best interests of Ver- mont. A cessation of hostilities was agreed on, during the - exchange of prisoners. The British commander wrote a very friendly letter to Governor Chittenden, and agreed to an exchange of prisoners on the most accommodating terms. The British had a strong army on Lake Champlain, but made no attempt to injure the people of Vermont. During the exchange, the subject of uniting with Canada was in- cessantly urged, and the officers of Vermont received the proposals in such a manner, that the British indulged strong hopes of success. They soon retired into Canada to winter quarters. The next year they entered on the business again, and as the whole of Vermont lay exposed to their ravages, there was no safety to the people but in doing that by strat- agem, which could not be done by power.
In May Colonel Ira Allen was sent to Canada to nego- tiate an exchange of more prisoners, and the British thought the day of their complete success was at hand. They com- plied with everything he required, and strongly insisted that Vermont should declare itself a British province. With a singular talent at negotiation, Allen fully gained his own object in leading thein to agree to what he wished, and to engage not to commence hostilities for the present against Vermont. At the same time he suffered the British agents to deceive themselves with strong hopes of ultimate success.
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The British had, in their own view, so far succeeded as to prepare a proclamation of the king's offers to the people of the state. But in October Lord Cornwallis surrendered his army to General Washington. The British were now on Lake Champlain, and wished to send the proclamation to the people of the whole state. The agents, however, were in- formed that the capture of Cornwallis had so affected the people that to send the proclamations among them, at that time, would defeat the whole object. During the winter following 1782, the enemy in Canada were extremely anx- ious to know what the effect of the capture of Cornwallis had, eventually, on the minds of the people of Vermont. In February and April, the British agents wrote in the most pressing terms for information. They were commissioned to make very noble offers to the state, if it would declare itself a British province; and high offers were held out to individuals, if they would use their influence to effect this. Negotiations were still carried on, and in the following summer the enemy again agreed to suspend hostilities against the state, and gave permission to Ira Allen to make this known to the people. Early in 1783 the war with Great Britain ended, and negotiation ceased.
Thus, by a few individuals, was this correspondence carried on for three years, while the people were nearly ignorant of it, and the state was saved from the dreadful carnage and destruction which it would otherwise have ex- perienced from the British army. Eight individuals only were made acquainted with the offers of the British, and these were most firmly attached to the American cause. On their part the correspondence from beginning to end consisted of ambiguous, evasive, general answers and proposals, which were not calculated to destroy the British hopes of seducing the people, but yet did not amount to definite engagements. Whether this course was right or not, it was in this way that many lives and much property were saved. It is proba- ble this was the only way the state could have been preserved from ruin. During the time that a few in Vermont were using this policy with the English officers, very serious movements were made towards civil war between Vermont and
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both New Hampshire and New York. The militia were called out, and appearances were most hostile. New York seemed determined to exercise authority over the districts from that state which had joined Vermont, and sent an army for that purpose.
Questions.
How did the British officers in America regard the contests ro- spreting Vermont ? Whom did they first address ? What did Colonel Allen do with the letters ? What further attempt was made in the spring of 1780 ? What is said of the negotiations of Allen ? What was agreed upon ? Did the British injure Vermont ? For what was Ira Allen sent to Canada in May ? To what did the British agree ? Did they believe they had nearly gained their object ? What were they planning at the time Cornwallis was taken ? Did they send the proclamation ? Why not ? What were the British anxious to know in the winter of 1782? What did they write in February and April ? When did the war with England terminate? By how many was this correspondence carried on, on the part of Vermont? Of what did their correspondence consist ? Was this course right ? Did it prove beneficial to Vermont ? What hostile movements about this time ?
LESSON IX.
Vermont appeared determined to protect those who had submitted to her, and soldiers began their march to defend them. But both parties seemed unwilling to engage; though, had the army in New York persisted, blood would, undoubted- ly, have been shed. The goverment of Vermont avowed the determination also to defend the towns which had united from New Hampshire. The Legislature sent commissioners to New Hampshire, to see if difficulties could not be adjusted without recourse to arms. Congress, fearing the conse- quences of a longer refusal to admit Vermont into the union, passed resolutions indicating a willingness to do it, if the state would withdraw its jurisdiction from those parts of New York and New Hampshire that had joined it. After considerable
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time the Legislature consented to this, and expected an imme- diate union with the United States. But Congress now re- fused to take up the subject, and continued their former policy of evasion. The inhabitants of Vermont were greatly dis- tressed at this, and believed the object of the resolutions which Congress has passed, was only to divide and weaken the state. They therefore determined to defend themselves ; and were as perfectly independent as any nation or people
in the world. Congress passed resolutions threatening to compel submission to its orders. The government of Ver- mont returned answers, full of spirit, showing what they had before promised, and declaring that the people would defend themselves, and manitain their rights. While affairs were in this situation, peace was made with Great Britain ; and now Vermont felt little anxiety to become a member of the union. The state was able to defend itself against the claims of New York, and had no fears from the British. Set- tlements had rapidly increased, and not having belonged to the union, the people were not bound to assist in paying the national debts incurred by the war. "This benefit, however, was small compared with the loss the state had suffered. Things remained in this condition till the federal govern- ment was formed in 1789. The people of Vermont prospered, were independent and happy. The Legislature had ac- quired wisdom by the difficulties which had been encoun- tered. Emigrants in large numbers flocked into the state, and everything was highly propitions for the future.
After the constitution of the United States was adopted, a new Congress was chosen, which met first in 1789. The measures of this body were marked with justice and pru- dence. General Washington was chosen President of the United States. In him all had the highest confidence. New York had now given up all hope of subduing Vermont, and well knew that the independence of the state was per- . manently established. It was desired by the other New England states, and even by New York, that Vermont might now join the union. The difficulty was soon removed by the agreement of Vermont to pay New York thirty thousand dollars to liquidate her claim to lands in the state. In this
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manner a difficulty was settled that had existed twenty-six years. Early in the year 1791 a Convention was called to consider the expediency of joining the federal union. A majority was in favor of the measure, and on the 18th day of February, 1791, Vermont was admitted by Congress, without a dissenting voice. It is proper here to call more particular attention to several facts which have been implied in the preceding narrative.
Few people have ever been subjected to more trying cir- cumstances than the carly inhabitants of this state. Many of them were without proporty, and before they could subdue the forests and secure the necessaries of life for themselves and families, they were involved in difficulties with the people of New York, New Hampshire and Massa- chusetts, which would have led most persons to utter despair. All the deprivations incident to first settlements were theirs in large measure. The Indians were naturally hostile to, and envious of those who were invading their hunting and fisting grounds ; they needed but little incitement to carry on a savage warfare. The perils experienced during the war of the Revolution can scarcely be realized by us of the present generation. Those trials were not only courageously endured, but aroused the people to the highest effort and de- termined perseverance. The men who met from thirty-five towns in 1777, to form a constitution, and declare the state independent of foreign jurisdiction, were " nature's noble- men." Few men, in any age, would have had courage to do it. This declaration, as was expected, called down the special wrath of New York ; but, notwithstanding this, " these brave Green Mountain Boys, of whom any nation or people on earth might be proud," followed up their declara- tion, " agreed upon the bill of rights, adopted a constitution, and made provision for a legislature " to chaet necessary laws. Able men were elected to hold the office of Gov- ernor, &c., and the state nobly met all the opposition of both neighboring states and Congress. To do this, called for unusual talent and energy, in both officers and people. But such men as Ethan and Ira Allen, Thomas Chittenden, Joseph and Jonas Fay, Seth Warner, Remember Baker,
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GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
Samuel Safford, Samuel Herrick, Timothy Brownson, John Fassett, Joseph Marsh, Reuben Jones, Isaac Tichenor, Moses and Samuel Robinson, Benjamin Carpenter, Elisha Payne, Paul Spooner, Joseph Bowker, and others of simi- lar character, were found equal to the task, and deserve to have their names recorded as benefactors, not only of the former, but also of the present generation. They have gone, but their mantle has descended on others. Great and good men succeeded the pioneers, and continue to this day. God's blessing is still richly enjoyed. The benefits conferred on the present generation, by the self sacrifice of the pioneers, and early settlers, can be appreciated fully by few, if any. Their self sacrifice was great. A careful study of the in- stitutions they catablished, and the efforts they made with reference to the generations that would succeed them, will awaken emotions of gratitude in the breast of every thought- ful youth.
The constitution of Vermont, formed in July and revised in December, 1777, was amended in 1786, and again 1793, also in 1828, and in 1886, and was adopted as it now exists in 1850. It secures liberty to the citizens, and as great protection of individual rights as is possible. It should be carefully studied hy every citizen, old or yonng. Its prin- cipal features will be more fully given in another place.
After the state became one of the United States, the people were well united in sentiment till the year 1797. At that time two distinct political parties arose, called federal, and republican. The federal party was the most numerous for many years. In 1806 the republican party became equal, and afterwards greater. Party spirit ran high, and many dieagreeable contentions arose. This was general in other parts of the United States as well as in Vermont.
The unpleasant state of feeling excited in consequence of political dissensions and parties was visible in neighborhoods, and highly injurious to the prosperity of the people. A part of these dissensions may be attributable to ignorance and prejudice. Men were often of nearly the same opinions, who were ranked with different parties, and were bitterly hostile to each other. It was, not unfrequently, a painful
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fact, that families were divided in opinion, the wife disagree- ing with the husband, and the son embracing opinions unlike those of the father. The father and the son were some- times candidates for the same office, nominated by different parties. The peace of families was thus sometimes destroyed, as well as that of neighborhoods and towns. The people who had so long been contending with those abroad for their liberties and rights, now found opponents nearer home with whom to engage in a war of opinions and words.
Questions.
Was Vermont determined to protect those who had joined her from New York ? Were soldiers sent to defend them ? Were both par- ties unwilling to engage in conflict ? What intimations were umde by Congress with regard to admitting Vermont into the Union ? Did Vermont consent to these proposals ? What course did Con- grees then take ? What resolutions were passed by Congress ? What declarations were made by the government of Vermont ? What happened while affairs were in this situation ? Was Vermont longer anxious to be admitted into the union ? Had settlements become numerous ? What benefit was now derived from not be-
longing to the union ? How long did affairs continue in this posi- tion ? When was the activation of the United States adopted? What is said of il alt= " Who was chosen President of the United " !: When wat how was the difficulty with New York settle l' a tu was Vermont admitted into the union ? Were the first & ! ! f Vermont placed in peculiarly trying circum-
tances ? V; ."casioned some of their trials ? How were they , yarded by Indians ? Can we realize the sufferings of the early - tilers dur . : . Revolutionary war ? What effect had these upon the page ? What was the character of the men who . . I the constitution of Vermont ? Were they terrified by the wrad. of New York ? What did they proceed to do ? Did Vermont over come all opposition ? What was required of both officers and people ? Who were some of the most prominent men in the work ? What do they deserve ? Who succeeded the pioneers ? When were changes made in the constitution ? What does the constitu- tion seeure to citizens and individuals ? What partice arose in 1797 ? When did the republicans gain the ascendency ? What evils resulted from party spirit ? To what was much of this con- tention attributable ? Did the contention affect families ? Where did the people now find opponents ?
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GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF VERMONT.
LESSON X.
'The rise and violence of parties were principally occa- sioned by events which were taking place in Europe. France had been very friendly to the cause of American liberty, and during the war with Great Britain, the people of France had assisted the United States, by loaning money, and sending ships and soldiers to aid them. On account of these things many of the people in the United States had become very friendly to France. When the soldiers and others who had been in this country from France, returned home, they wished to establish republicanism there, and a dread- ful revolution was commenced and carried on. The king, and a multitude of others, were put to death. The French people, at least many of them, who favored the revolution, were atheistic or infidel, and wished to stop all religious worship. They shut up meeting houses, violated the mar- ringe covenant : prevented the Sabbath from being kept ; and appointed one day in ten for rest and sport. They
established a new government, and asserted reason to be the sole guide to duty and happiness. They treated all religion as priesterafi, and endeavored to overthrow all the estab- Wished institutions of Christianity. After these things had taken place in France, the government of that country made an application to the Congress of the United States, which was considered a demand for tribute. The president of the United States resisted the clain, put the country in a state of defenes, and Congress prepared for war with France. It was expected for some time that war would take place be- tween the two countries. This state of things in France, and in this country, led to the formation of parties in the United States, which extended into Vermont. When party spirit becomes excited, it usually extends to other things than that which first created it. For a number of succeed- ing years ils violence was so great, that when republican- isin prevailed, no federalist was appointed to an office. It was similar in the state goverment. When the feder-
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alists were more numerous, the other party were generally excluded from office. A variety of things occurred to in- crease the violence of party spirit, which it would be im- proper to take up space in this work to relate. In 1812 it had become violent in a very high degree. During that year war was declared with Great Britain. One party was in favor of this proceeding, the other bitterly opposed to it. But towards the close of the war the British inade an attack upon Plattsburgh with an army of fourteen thousand men. Both parties then united in fighting, in defence of their country, and the enemy were driven back to Canada. Near the same time a battle was fought on Lake Champlain, in which the Americans, under Commodore Macdonough, gained a great victory. Almost all the British vessels were either destroyed or taken. This was on the 11th of September, 1814. A few months afterwards, the war closed, and from that time party spirit grew less, until it had almost ceased. But in 1825 John Quincy Adams became president of the United States, and now parties were formed, one in his favor and the other in favor of General Jackson. Party spirit grew more and more violent, and at the end of four years, when another choice of a president was made, General Jack- son was elected, and the democratic party, so called, came into power. This party has generally maintained an ascendency, up to 1860, in the general government, though defeated in the election of a president twice by a party called whig, for many years powerfal. The whigs elected two presidents, General Harrison in 1840, and General Taylor in 1848. Both of these presidents died before they had accomplished the changes which were hoped for by those who had ele- vated them to that high office.
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