USA > Vermont > Records of the Council of Safety and Governor and Council of the State of Vermont, to which are prefixed the records of the General Conventions from July 1775 to December 1777, Vol. I > Part 41
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The above Committee Reported.
The Committee appointed to Draft a Representation as in the third article Reported as follows:
Persuant to the Resolves of the Honorable Convention of [the] State of New York appointing the Committee of the County of Cumberland to assist the Sheriff in Holding the Election of Governour, Lt. Gover- nour, Senitors, &c., the County Committee from eight towns meet on the fourth Day of June Instant and proceedid to make Choice of Capt, James Clay, Chairman, and Mr. Stevens, Clark, and after Deliberating on the Important affair and Broken State of the County, adjourned untill the Seventeenth Day of June Instant, at which time they meet according to adjournment from five towns, but the Sheriff'1 having Resigned his Com- mission and Intirely Refusing to act thereon, and the Committee being terrifyed with threats from the people who are Setting up a new State here. they thought it Imprudent to proceed to any Business and ad- journd to meet at Brattleborongh on this 26th Day of June, where they are meet according to adjournment from six towns, and where also a number of men who are appointed by Several towns to make their Dis- approbation to the Proceedings of the Late Convention at Windsor pub- liekly Known in some proper manner, meet the Committee and Joyne with them, and in Representing the Broken and Disordered State of the Connty, and making their Disapprobation to the proceedings of the Late Convention at Windsor Known to the Honourable Convention or As- sembly of the State of New York.
We therefore the Committee of the County of Cumberland, and oth- ers, Specially appointed by the Towns of Weathersfield, Westminster, Putney, Brattleborough, Hindsdale, and part of Guilford? for said pur- poses, Do Represent as follows, viz. that the Convention, held at Wind- sor on the fourth day of June Instant for the purpose of Establishing there new State of Vermont, have taken into their Possession the Prison of this County and have strictly forbid all Committees acting under the athority of the State of New York, so that it is Become Impracticable for the County Committee or any other Comtee to proceed to any pub-
1 Doctor Paul Spooner, who joined " the people who " were "setting up a new state."
2 Guilford had no regularly appointed committee-man present, but doubtless some person to represent the New York party in that town.
366
Appendix A, No. 1.
lick Business in this County, and that several prisoners now in Prison in the County, who might have been set at Liberty agreable to the Re- solves of the Convention of the State of New York, are still Kept in prison in the most Pitifull Circumstances, and are so Like to Continue- and that the publick peace is in so [far] Interrupted by the Proceeding of this Convention at Windsor, and those Disorderly persons who are so warmly engaged in Supporting the Illegal authority of their New State, that it hath already Considerably Hindered the Raising men for the Common Defence-and we think we have Reason to Beleave that if a stop is not Speedily put to this Spirit of Disorder which Rages so vehe- mently here, that a final period will soon be put to any further provision being made in this County for the Common Defence of america.
We further Represent that a Considerable number of the people in this County who are so warmly engaged in the setting up their new State have not any or but Little property which they can Claim under any Grant whatever: and that we Really Beleave that the Leaders of the people who are for the new State in this County are persuing that which they Esteem their privit Interest and prefer that to the publick weal of America-and that they are Determined to support the athority of their new State at all events, and we Really Beleave that without the Interprsion of the Honourable Continental Congress, they will neaver submitt to the athority of the State of New York untill obliged so to Do it by the sword.
And we Do hereby solemnly Declare that we Intirely Disapprove of the proceeding of the Late Convention at Windsor, and of all other per- sons whatever acting under authority of said Convention, and that we will at all times do our best endeavour to support the Leagal athority of the State of New York in this County.
Signed by order of the Commtre and those other persons Specially ap- pointed for the purposes aforesaid. JAMES CLAY, Chairman. Dated at Brattleborough ve 26 day of June A. D. 1777.
To the Honourable Convention or assembly of the State of New York.
4. Voted to except the Report of the above Committee and that it be sent to the Convention of the State of New York.
51y. Voted that Mr. Eleazer Patterson and Hilkiah Grout be ap- pointed to Carry the Representation of this Committee to the Conven- tion at the State of New York.
6Vy. Voted to adjourn untill tomorrow morning at Seven o Clock.
JUNE y" 27.
Mett according to adjournment.
7ly. Voted that Whereas the Committee of Safety of the State of New York Did on the 22 day of January Last authorize and Impower the General Committees of the Countyes in this State to appoint and as- sign fit and sutable places for Innoelation for the small pox-the Com- mittee of the County of Cumberland do therefore by the athority and Trust Reposed in them by the Committee of the State of New York, Do allow and approve that a house may be Built in the town of Brattlebo- rough for the purpose of Innoculation in such a part of the town as shall be appointed by Mr. Obadiah Wells, Capt. John Sergent, and Lt. Israel Smith, and they to have whole Care and Inspection over said house that the small pox Doth not Spread.
Mr. Patersons and Grouts Credentials.
These are to Certify to the Honorable Convention or Assembly of the State of New York that Colo. Eleazer Paterson and Majr. Hilkiah Gront the Bearers hereof was this Day appointed by the Committee of this
367
Appendix A, No. 1.
County to Convey to the Assembly or Convention the Representation and Disapprobation herewith to them Commited, and also the expence of his Journey is born by private Subscription as the Disorderd State of the County Renders it Impossable to Rase any money in a pubbliek way, therefore the Committy prays the Assembly or Convention Give their assistance in this affair.
Voted that the above be signed by the Chareman and given to Colo. Patterson and Maj. Grout.
Voted to adjourn this Committee to the first tensday of September next to meet at the Court house in Westminster at nine o Clock in the forenoon.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT WESTMINSTER, SEPT. 2, 1777.
Hinsdale, [none.]
Woodstock, [none.]
Brattleborough, [none. ]
Rockingham, Mr. Simons.
Guilford, [none.]
Springfield, Mr. Stevens. ditto Mr. Powers.
Halefax, [none.]
Draper, [Wilmington, none.]
Winsor, [none.]
New Fane, [none.]
Hertford, [Hartland, none.]
Putney. [none.]
Chester, Mr. Sergents.
Pomphret, [none.]
Kent, [Londonderry, none. ]
Townshend, [none. ]
Wethersfield, Mr. Grout.
Hartford, Mr. Rust.
Cavindish, [none. ]
Westminster, Mr. Gilston, [Gilson. ] Fullam, [Dummerston, none. ]
WESTMINSTER, September 2: 1777.
According to the adjornment of the Committee and a New notifica- tion sent to the above towns by the Chairman of the County Committee,1 the above Gentlemen met at the County house and proceeded as fol- oweth:
The Chairman Not being able to attend his Duty, Mr. Stevens who was Clark opened the meeting.
Firstly. Voted after a long Debate to adjourn said meeting until to morrow morning at Seven o Clok.
SEPT. ye 3.
At Seven o'Clok met according to adjornment.
It was moved that this Commitee Send Some Sutible Person to the Convenson or Legislature of the State of New York to inform them of the Conduct of the Protended Counsil [of Safety] and Protended Com- mitees of the State of Vermont and take their advice and Directions thereon, but their Being four members against the motion we Could Not obtain any vote of that mater [nature.]
Seco[nd]ly. Voted to adjorn this Committee until the Second tuesday of November next at teen of the Clok in the morning to meet at this Place.
Among the PINGRY PAPERS, connected with the foregoing records of the County Committee in 1777, are the following credentials and other proceedings of town meetings :
1 The fact that only seven of the twenty-one towns were represented, after notice had been sent to all the towns, indicates a strong sentiment at that time for the " new state of Vermont."
368
Appendix A, No. 1.
At a Legal town meetting held at Putney on the thirteenth of May A. D. 1777, Chose Cap !. James Clay and Left. Lukus Willson Committee men to Join the County Convention at Westminster.
AMOS HAILE, Clark.
These may Certify that Col. Eleazr Patterson & Mr. Amos Tute were Legally Chose by the Inhabitants of Hindsdale [ Vernon.] as members for the County Committee.
JONTH HUNT, Clerk.
Hindsdale, May ye 13th. 1777.
MAY THE 20th 1777.
At a legal meeting held in Springfield, Chose Simon Stevens and Jerathmiel Powers County Committee for this year ensuing.
Test, SIMON STEVENS, Clerk.
These are to Certifi all whom it may Consern, that Mr. Obidiah Wells & Capt. John Serjants where Legally Chose Members for the County Committee, in a Full Town meeting held on Tuesday ye 27 Instant.
Attest, STEPN GREENLEAF, Town Clerk.
KENT, [LONDONDERRY, ] June 2 1777.
These are to Sertifry that the Bearer James McCormick was Legaly Chosen by the inhabitants of sd town to Represent them at Westmins- ter the 3 of this Instant at a Proposed Meeting of the County Commit- tees by Vartne of New York athority.
EDWARD AIKEN, Town Clerk.
At an Annual Town Meeting held at the Town house in Windsor on the twentieth Day of May past. after the Choice of a Moderator it was put to Vote whether the Town would proceed to Act acording to the Orders from the State of New York ; Voted in the Negative by a great Majority.
EBN' CURTIS, Town Clark.
To the Chearman of the County Committee.
Whereas I the Subscriber are the member of the County Committee of Cumberland to represent the town of Windsor in Convention this third day of instant June, Do now in behalf of sd town Enter my pro- test against any proceeding under the State of New York either directly or indirectly as to any Jurisdiction over sd town.
EBENEZER HOISINGTON.
Agreable to a Vote of the Inhabitants of Townshend passed on Tues- day the 3rd day of June 1777, Mr. John Dyar is Impowered to Carry and Lodge the within Instructions with the Chairman of the Committee for the County of Cumberland.
Attest, SAML. FLETCHER, Clerk.
Instructions to Major Joseph Tylar by the inhabitants of Townshend.
That you do not act with the County Committee of the County of Cumberland agreable to the new Constitution of the State of New York, because it is our Opinion that we do not belong to the Jurisdiction of that State, and that you in behalf of the inhabitants of sd Townshend do
369
Appendix A, No. 1.
protest against any County Committee sitting or acting under the an- thority of the State of New York in sd County, untill the report of the Deligates of the N. Hampshire Grants which have been to the Continen- tal Congress is received. Attest, JOHN DYAR, Clerk.
These May Certifye that Nathaniel Robinson Esq. & Mr. Michael Gillson (at our Annual Meeting the Twentieth Day of May Last) Was Leagaly Choosen Members of the Committee of Safety For the County of Cumberland. ELKANAH DAY, T. Clerk.
Westminster, 18th of June 1777.
At a Legall Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Hindsdale On ve 19. day of June A. D. 1777, Voted & Choose Col Eleazar Paterson & Major Jonathan Hunt as A Committee from this Town to Meet the Com- mittees of Severall Other Towns in this County at Capt Sargents in Bratleborong on the Twenty Sixth day of this Instant Jime at Nine o Clock in the forenoon & that they have full Power & Authority from us to Joyn the Other Committees from the Other Towns in Choosing a Man or Men (if they should think Best) in Order to Make a Represent- ation to the Continental Congress & the Provincial Congress fof New York] Concerning the New & unlawfull State of Vermont that Seems to be a going on here to Our Great Disturbance.
Attest.
JOHN BRIDGEMAN, Moderator.
PUTNEY June ye 23: 1777.
Mr. Clay Laid the Leter, Ile Received from the Committee of the Town of Bratelbourough, Befor the Town of Putney, and a Previs Question be[ing] Put-it was Voted, that Capt. JJames Clay and Mr. Luias Wilson, Joyn the Committee at Bratelborough, on the 26: In- stant agreable to the Leter atest: AMOS HAILE, Town Clarck.
These are to certify, that at a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Weathersfiekl, this 234 day of June 1777, that we made choice of Ma- jor Grout and Mr. Eliphalet Spafford to join a Committee of Brattlebo- rough and the other towns they have sent to, by order of the above said town. ISRAEL BURLINGAME, Town Clerk.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Hertford [Hartland,] held on the 16 of this Instant August to hear the Desire of Capt. James Clay, Styling himself Chairman of the County Committee, Requesting that the sd Inhabitants to Chuse County Committee man to Sit at West- minster on the first tuesday of September Next,
Voted, tirst, that Joel Mathews be Moderator.
2ly, Voted that the town Chuse two Committee men agreable to the above Desire.
Bly, that Major Mathews [and] Ensign Rust be appoynted as County Committee for the town, to stand till the Second Tuesday of March Next. JOEL MATHEWS, Moderator.
These certificates close the apparently complete journal of the Cum- berland County Committee from June 1776 to September 1777, as pre- served in the Pingry Papers. The November meeting cither was not held, or its record has been lost, so that practically the meeting of Sep- tember 1777 may be called the last meeting of the County Committee.1
1 In June, 1777, to an inquiry as to the temper of the people in eastern Vermont, the reply from Cumberland county was, that " the New Hamp-
370
Appendix A, No. 1.
Several other meetings, composed of Town Committees, were afterward held, but these can hardly be styled County Committees or Conventions, inasmuch as only a part. and usually less than half, of the towns in the county were represented. In fact they were generally meetings of the adherents to New York only, and for the purpose of resisting the gov- ernment of Vermont. So far as necessary to explain the action of that government, the acts of these meetings will be noted in the proper time and place. For the most complete account, short of the manuscript and printed state papers of New York, the reader is referred to B. H. HALL'S Eastern Vermont.
shire Grants had declared themselves independent, and would not let the county committees sit, nor permit any thing to be transacted under the jurisdiction of New York."-Eastern Vermont, p. 299. One of the charges of the Vermont Council of Safety against Capt. James Clay was, that he called a meeting of the Cumberland County Committees under New York .- See elose of Appendix D, post.
APPENDIX A, NO. 2.
-
GLOUCESTER COUNTY COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.
Ample evidence is found in the American Archives of the patriotic spirit of the people of Gloucester County in 1775 and the subsequent years of the revolutionary war, and also of the formation and efficient work of its Committee of Safety : but no formal record of its proceedings has as yet been discovered. On two occasions, there were joint meetings of representatives of Cumberland and Gloucester Counties, and the min- utes of proceedings have been already given in Appendix A, No. 1. On other occasions there were also joint meetings in which Gloucester County was represented, and these will be given in the proper place. The following documents cover the period from June 1775 until June :777, the last date fixing the time when the people of the county deter- mined to join their fortunes with Vermont.
JACOB BAYLEY TO NEW-YORK CONGRESS. [From American Archives, Fourth Series vol. II, col. 1134.]
NEWBURY, June 29, 1775.
Gentlemen :- Lately we received a desire from you to send a member or two to the Provincial Congress at New- York. We met and chose one, Sir, myself ; but considering our distance and the danger we might be in of a visit from Canada, thought best that I do not yet attend until we were prepared to meet with an enemy at home. I am taking what pains I can to be prepared with arms and amunition, but as yet to but little purpose ; am still apprehensive of danger from Canada, and cannot be absent. I have had intelligence from an Indian, to be depended on, who informs me that they shall be forced to take up arms, if we do not help them by sending an army to Canada, and say they are both threatened and flattered ; says that the French and Indians will join us, and make no doubt but Quebeck will be taken, (which is their desire,) but if it is neglected much longer it may be fatal to them and us. I have employed him to bring intelligence from Canada, and must meet him myself, and shall transmit to you. I should think that if orders were sent to me, I could raise two or three hundred men from the neighbouring Govern- ments, which must be necessary either for our defence or to pro- ceed to Canada.1
1 Gen. Bayley was as zealous as Ethan Allen for invading Canada. June 23, 1775, he sent an address to the Northern Indians, to persuade
372
Appendix A, No. 2.
Ifit is thought best to raise men, arms (at least two hundred) and powder and flints must be sent. Mr Harry [ Alexander Harvey, doubt- less, ] will inform more, and take care of whatever is sent. Mean time I am endeavouring to supply ourselves from seaports eastward.
We acknowledge with gratitude the notice taken of us by you ; shall attend [the N. Y. Congress] as soon as we are in a posture of defence.
Wish prosperity to the canse of liberty and truth. Am Gentlemen, your most humble servant, JACOB BAYLEY.
To the Provincial Congress for New- York Colony.
JOHN TAPLIN TO NEW-YORK PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. [From American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. 1, col. 1668.]
NEWBURY, New-York Province. July 15. 1775.
Sir :- Your letter of the 31st of May I did not receive until the 14th instant, which was broke open and the General Association taken out. We have formed a County Committee, as also one in each Town and Precinct ; also, we have chose Colonel Bagley to represent us in the Con- gress. The County seems to be very well united, and firm to one another and also in the canse of liberty ; and I make no doubt but they will cheerfully join in whatever measures and directions the honourable Con- gress may point out from time to time.
I am, Sir, your most obedient and humble servant. JOIN TAPLIN.'
To Peter V. B. Livingston, Esq., President of the Provincial Congress, at the City of New- York.
JACOB BAYLEY TO NEW YORK CONGRESS.
[From American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. 111, col 1124.]
NEWBURY, October 20, 1775.
Sir :- The packet I received from you, some time the last of Angust. broken, many of the papers wanting. I supplied the Association, who [which ] all have signed but a very few. Shall send it soon, [that is, the list of signers, and of the persons who refused to sign. ] We are now regulating the Militia after the form that the Continental Congress ad- vise, (not having received any thing from our [New York] Congress,) only shall choose by the Captain and subs together with the Commit- tees, the field-officers, and shall recommend them accordingly .? Here-
them to join the Americans against the British ; and with the same view he urged the completion of the now called " Hazen road." the construc- tion of which he commenced in 1776. For the unique address to the In- dians, see American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. 11, col. 1070.
1 JOUIN TAPLIN was one of the first settlers of Newbury. He was ap- pointed Commissioner to administer oaths of office and judge of inferior court of common pleas, March 17, 1770 ; and judge again April 10, 1772. His son, JOHN TAPLIN, jr., was Sheriff of Gloucester county from March 1770 until May 1777 .- See Eastern Vermont.
2 The meaning appears to be, that the commissioned company officers, acting jointly with the town or district Committees of Safety, (who con- stituted the County Committee,) were to nominate field-officers to he commissioned by New York.
373
Appendix A, No. 2.
tofore we chose new Captains and subs, both for the standing [militia] and minute men,1 who were at the command of the President of our little [County] Congress, assisted by the Chairman of each District Committee: and long before we heard of a Congress at New York, we all to a man signed an Association, agreeable to the Continental one, which I forget whether I mentioned to you before. I determine to see you this winter, if health permit.
It is sixteen days since we have heard any thing from Canada, and what I had then you have before now. I hope all is well. I shall make a return by Docter Wetherspoon, whom we expect every day. All are well, and with us peace and plenty. This from your most obedient hum- ble servant, JACOB BAYLEY.
To John McKesson, Esq., Secretary to the Congress at New York.
JOEL MATTHEWS TO NEW YORK CONGRESS. [From American Archives, Fourth Series, vol. VI, col. 547.]
WINDSOR, May 22, 1776.
Agreeable to the order of the honourable Provincial Congress of New- York, the Committees of Safety of the Counties of Cumberland and Gloucester, appointed a Committee of three out of the Committee of Safety of each County, for a Committee to nominate a Brigadier-General and a Brigade Major. In consequence of which, the Committee so cho- sen previously notified the Committee of Charlotte County, by a letter, directed to the Chairman thereof, of the time and place of meeting, but had no return. Your Honour's obedient and humble servant,
JOEL MATTHEWS.
To the Honourable Provincial Congress.
At a meeting of the Committees of the Counties of Cumberland and Gloucester, appointed to nominate a Brigadier-General and a Brigade Major, at Windsor, on Wednesday, the 22d day of May, 1776: made choice of Colonel Joseph Marsh as Chairman, and Major Joel Matthews Clerk; then proceeded and made choice of Colonel Jacob Bayley as Brig- adier-General, and Simon Sterens, Esq., as Brigade Major, of said Conn- ties.
Voted, That the return of the above nominations be sent by Colonel Marsh to the honourable Provincial Congress, who is authorized to rep- resent this Committee at Congress.
A true copy from the Minutes. By order,
JOSEPH MARSII, Chairman. JOEL MATTHEWS, Clerk.
To the Honourable Provincial Congress.
JACOB BAYLEY TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW YORK CONVENTION [From the Documentary History of New York, vol. 4, pp. 560-561.]"
NEWBERRY, Febr. 19th, 1777.
Dear Brethren,-With the utmost Concern for the Publick welfare of the United States, and this in particular, I take my Pen to write when I consider the Absolute nessecty of an Intiere Union of all the Friends to truth-the American cause I mean-and when I see all the Friends
1 Meaning that new company officers were appointed, doubtless to ex- clude inefficient or unpatriotic men.
374
Appendix A, No. 2.
of hell Combined and using all their Deiabolicall Arts to Disunite us, and now the Deivil as usuall at the last efforts of Changing themselves into angles [angels] of light, now pleading you [we] were abused by the State of N. Y. they having taken away your [our] property, Imposed upon you [us] in every shape, you [we] have nothing better to expect than as heretofore, now is the time to separate &c. And so far has this timptation prevailed that a number (not from this County) has declared Independacy of the State of N. Yk. and the Committee of Dorset has Directed a Convention of all the New IIr. Grants to meet at Dorset to fill up by Draft or Raising a bounty, Collo, Warners Regt. However In- concistant to there own plann, I Supose the Chiefl' of Cumberland will Join. None from us, but which way for us to steer I know not. I know the Congress will not countenance them in there Independence. We are at the greatest distance of anie of this State. We are willing to be Subject to N. Y. but had Rather be somewhat handier to the Seat of Govrl. as we really see the want of it. I have heard I was chosen to waite on the Congress in behalf of 1 I am also desiered by the Com- mittees [of Gloucester county, probably. ] to apply to Congress through our own assembleys [the New York Convention at that date] for Procter- tion. Can I come to you as our assembly or not ? I cannot as New Connecteutte [Vermont] wait on the Congress.2 Whether as the case stands we had not better be ordered to do dutey [military duty ] with Bos- ton [Massachusetts] or N. HI. ? I am afraide not from any thing heard saide, but [from] the naturall Consequence that these Counties [Glouces- ter and Cumberland] are in danger of Ministeriall protection." The heads of the Green [Mountain] men were with me in Novr. They In- sisted much on my JJoyning [them.] I refused, but told them first to petition our own [New York ] Congress, which they said should be done the 16th Jany.4 which I thot would bring them to you with hopes some measures would then be used to heal old Deficultys, but the Reverse hap- ned at that meeting.
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