USA > Vermont > The history of Vermont; with descriptions, physical and topographical > Part 14
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The senate chamber is forty-four feet in length by thirty in width, and twenty-two feet high, of an oval form, and finished in the Ionic order of architecture. It is a most elegant and symmetrical specimen of architecture, uniting in an eminent degree the " useful and ornamental." This is entered from the east landing.
From the west landing you enter the governor's room, twenty by twenty-two feet, eighteen feet high, through an ante-room, about fifteen feet square. Adjoining the ante-room is also a room for the office of the governor's
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secretary of civil and military affairs. From this same landing too you enter the library. It is a room thirty- six by eighteen feet, and twenty feet high, having a gallery and shelves capable of holding 10,000 volumes. Ammi B. Young, of Boston, is the architect who designed and constructed the building. The building cost about $140,000."
Middlebury and Vergennes are villages also of the first class. Some account of the former has been given in connection with that of the college bearing the name. The ground on which it stands is more irregular, perhaps, than that of any other in the state ; and affords a great variety of views and prospects, and business privileges and sites for factories and mechanic establishments. Hon. William Slade, and senator Phelps have here their residences ; and the state of religious society and social and literary enjoyments is high and inviting.
Vergennes is the only place, which has reached the dignity of an incorporated city ; alone in the interior enjoying the advantages of a sea port ; that of being visited by shipping. Its increase and progress did not keep pace with its early promise. But the opening of the canal from Troy to Whitehall, has had a favorable influence on its prospects. It is pleasantly situated on the right bank of Otter Creek ; and its compactness ; its stone stores and the distant sounds of business at the water side, give it a city-like aspect and presage its prosperity and growth.
But time would fail, to tell of all the villages in the state ; the number of places coming within the appella-
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tion, being perhaps from five to seven hundred. Some of them too approach very near, if not to the limits of those particularly named ; and afford points of view, and objects of contemplation of great interest and attractive- ness. But the reader must visit them ; or wait another opportunity ; or avail himself of a more skilful guide to lead him along their highways, and green walks and shady retreats.
Beginning then at the north end of the state ; and tak- ing the villages of the first class as particularly named ; and in order to the right and left of Montpelier, they will stand thus :-
St. Albans, Burlington, Vergennes, Middlebury, Rutland,
MONTPELIER.
Derby, Danville, Woodstock, Windsor, Springfield, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro.
Castleton, Manchester, Bennington,
Now if one like the lawgiver of Israel, who from Pisgah viewed the length and breadth of Canaan, from the highest point of the green mountains, could at once view more than the half thousand villages up and down the state, the privilege would be great and the spectacle ani- mating. If he could go back nearly a century when all this region was a dense wilderness except here and there a bald peak of granite or lime stone ; and mark the present
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contrast of the white dotted openings of towns and settle- ments and hamlets and villages, the changes would seem great and impressive. Or if like Charron of old, assisted by Mercury in viewing the curiosities of this upper world with poetic license, " piling Pelion upon Ossa ;" and gifted with far distant vision of minute objects even to the " hard wax" in the ear, he could see the inhabit- ants of these villages, like bees from their hives, in their various pursuits ; some in courts of justice ; others culti- vating the ground; some in merchandise; others on military parade grounds with the instruments of death ; some sailing upon the rivers and lakes, or endowed with the power of quick hearing, could hear their conversation in the field and in the house, like him who heard not a word about his boat, he might lament to hear so little said of death, yet he could not but admire the flocks and herds on ten thousand hills, and works of man ; the . traces and progress of human skill and industry.
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CHAPTER XV.
Military exploits and measures in and near Vermont .- Names of leaders, and places of fame .- Discovery of North America and settlement in Canada .- Lake Champlain .- Lake George .- Iroquois Indians .- Strife between the English and French .--- Col. Schuyler .- Attack on Deerfield .- Capture of Quebec .- Abercrombie .- Wolf .- His character .- Settlement at Crown Point .- Chimney Point .- Surprise of Bridgman's fort .- Cap- ture of Mrs. Howe and other women .- Attack on Royalton .- Brandon .- The justification of Vermont, thus exposed, in admitting overtures from the English.
VERMONT is classic ground, the theatre of warlike operations, whose soil has often witnessed the passing and re-passing of armies, the munitions of war, and the shedding of blood. On her western and northern frontier, the din of arms, and the savage yell and the war-whoop have been often heard. Ticonderoga and Crown Point ; Montreal and Quebec ; Stillwater and Saratoga and Plattsburg have been seats of distinguished military operations. They are fields of renown, retain- ing the footsteps of leaders and generals, whose names stand high on the pages of history and the record of fame. They indeed exhibit colors faint and indistinct compared with some sanguinary fields in Europe, and of
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ancient times. But they are places where European noblemen and names of much repute have led warriors of the old countries to the conflict ; and by their deeds and deaths giving them a deathless name. Lord Howe ; generals Amherst, Abercrombie and Wolf; and their associates and their actions and achievements have ren- dered the region contiguous to Vermont known to fame.
On her very soil also, and the waters of Champlain, Allen and Stark and McDonough ; and in her immediate vicinity, Burgoyne, Baume, Gates and Montgomery, have more recently added to the interest which is felt in human exploits and glory. Hubbardston, Bennington and Bemis Heights ; Saratoga and Plattsburgh and the Champlain waters near Burlington are consecrated spots, to which the patriotic youths of Vermont, and of our country burn with enthusiasm. As time recedes from the period of their renown, they become more and more places of curiosity and veneration, at the mention of which patriotism will be enkindled and a love of country increased. The plains of Marathon and Platea, and the straits of Thermopola will as soon be forgotten as they and the leaders on those fields of glory be driven into oblivion by the progress of time and the revolution of ages.
The French made the first settlement in North America, 1534. James Cartier entered the gulph which he named, and the river St. Lawrence, in honor of the day, (it being St. Lawrence,) on which they were discovered. The navigator who followed him was Samuel Champlain, who in 1608, with a small fleet
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sailed up the St. Lawrence to a place called by the Indians Quebec, where he made a clearing and built a town.
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The next year, at the suggestion of the Indians he made an exploring tour south in search of lakes. Ascending the river now called Sorel, he came to the lake which bears his name. Thence he went to the lake now called George, which he named St. Sacrament. On the shores of the latter lake he encountered the Iroquois, a powerful tribe of Indians. It was here that the natives of North America were permitted, (or doomed shall it be said ?) to hear for the first time the report of a musket. Great was the impression made on them; and it disposed them favorably towards their white (pale) European visitors. This was a powerful confederacy of different tribes of Indians ; and long before and subsequently waged bloody wars with the tribes in the vicinity of Quebec, to which place fifty of their scalps were now carried.
Thus as early as 1609, discoveries and the foot steps of civilized men were made in the vicinity of Ver- mont. A considerable period did indeed elapse, (more than a century,) before these parts were permanently settled. They were, however, the theatre of bloody wars between the French and their Indian allies on the one side, and the Iroquois and their associates on the other. In 1664 the Dutch settlement at New Amsterdam became an English province, after which, the territory now called Vermont was often passed and re-passed in various directions by English and French troops, and
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their Indian allies in the wars of Canada, and their ravages along the shores of the lakes and rivers. The + English thought themselves justified in the part which they took in them, as the French held forts and were constantly making settlements on the shores of Lake Champlain within the limits by them claimed. On the other hand, the French founded their right to this district on the ground of discovery and occupation. It was contended again by the English that mere discov- ery gave no sufficient title without actual occupation ; and that it was deserted when Massachusetts and New York extended their jurisdiction over it, under the direction and sanction of the British crown. But the question, as in most such cases at that period, was finally decided by the sword. It was a long and arduous struggle ; and victory and defeat were alternately experienced by each nation.
It was the settled conviction of the English government, particularly in that of their colonies, that these perplex- ing wars of inroads and rapine, would never cease so long as Canada belonged to the French. Two expedi- tions were accordingly planned against it ; one under Sir William Phips against Quebec ; and which was given up on account of the season being so far advanced. The other under John Winthrop was unsuc- cessful.
Col. Schuyler of New York distinguished himself about this period on the part of the English ; making a successful onset on the French settlements near the banks of the Sorel, destroying about three hundred of
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the enemy. Two or three years after this, in 1695, several hundreds, French and Indians, invaded the country of the Mohawks ; but were promptly met by Schuyler and two hundred volunteers, and driven back with loss into Canada.
The Indian attack on Deerfield, (Mass.) and its circumstances and consequences are well known, being on the records of our country's history. But the route pursued by these Indians may not be so familiar. It is said, on good credit, that in 1704, about three hundred Indians under De Rauville, went up Lake Champlain to the mouth of Onion river, and crossed over to the Connecticut ; and going on ice, reached the neighbor- hood of Deerfield, on the 29th of February. Con- cealing themselves till the dead of night, the guard being dispersed, and the inhabitants in a sound sleep, they fell upon the town in different parts at the same time ; and made indiscriminate slaughter of old and young ; of male and female, setting fire to the buildings and rending the air with their yells and warhoops. Forty- seven were slain, and the remainder of the inhabitants carried away prisoners. Their bloody track on their return, was along the rivers and vallies, and over the hills of Vermont, the whole course of which they marked, so to speak, with acts of barbarity. For they dispatched with the tomahawk and scalping knife, the exhausted female and helpless child ; the sick man, and all, who through infirmity were unable to keep pace with them. The monuments of death in peculiar circumstances are yet found at unequal intervals the
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whole route of this melancholy incursion. That they should undertake such a journey of two or three hundred miles in the winter, for the sake of plunder and murder, and making prisoners, is no very flattering evidence of Indian kindness and mercy ; but is proof strong, of the barbarity of the civilized man who led them; and his name has been given, that it may go down to posterity with an everlasting stigma. It is melancholy proof of the mutual cruelties and depredations of the times ; the inhuman custom of both English and French of insti- gating the savage to the most revolting deeds of inhu- manity.
But as these events took place most of them, before many settlements had been made in Vermont, it is not necessary in a history of this state, particularly to relate them. This is the case especially in relation to the wars between France and England, previous to the reduction of Canada. It is sufficient to say, in general terms, that Amherst, Abercrombie, and Wolf, were the principal leaders on the part of the English ; and that Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and Montreal and Quebec are the places where the greatest military feats were performed. Wolf was so happy as to give the finishing stroke to their efforts on the part of Great Britain. The impor- tant battle which decided this contest took place, 13th of September, 1759. This was an arduous enterprise ; and the British ministry knew that the greatest military talents were requisite in accomplishing it. No small honor was it then to Wolf, that he should have been selected for this difficult service. He was in the morn-
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ing of life ; and his example of self-devotion to his coun- try, has probably fired many a soldier to follow him in3 the high places of the field, in behalf of his country. His lieutenants in that enterprise were Moniton, Towns- hend, and Murray, sons of noblemen ; and, like their leaders in the flower of youth. "They were students in the art of war; and though young in years, old in ex -- perience."*
The taking of such a city ; so well defended by nature and art ; so strongly garrisoned ; and under the direc- tion of an able general ; the taking of which being fol- lowed with so important consequences, has made the name of the general who fell in doing it, dear to the British nation. Few generals have ever won so un- divided applause at so early an age ; or fallen in the' field of battle more sincerely lamented. Few names! stand on the pages of history, in a light better adapted to win and retain the favor of succeeding ages as long as: talents, and bravery, and accomplishments and generosity and love of country, shall be admired and venerated.
In 1731, the French made a lodgment in what is now Addison ; near what has since been named: Chimney Point, and opposite Crown Point.A point of land projects into the lake here on both sides, rendering the channel narrow, and affording a favorable spot for forts and redouts ; and great facilities for intercepting the' passage of an enemy up and down its waters. This
*' Trumbull.
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celebrated ground then was settled from the Vermont side of the lake ; and named St. Frederick. It is now a place of great interest and curiosity to the traveler. That part of Addison where the settlement was com- menced, is, as it has been said in another place, a delightful and enchanting spot. . Let the reader go and see for himself.
In the frontier towns, during the wars between France and England, for the supremacy in Canada, much em- barrassment and suffering was experienced. The in- habitants had to leave their homes, or were massacred, or kept themselves protected by forts, and by going in bodies armed. Two or three irruptions were made on the inhabitants and fortresses of Vernon. Three men by the names of Howe, Grout, and Gaffield, returning . from their labor in the field, were surprised and fired upon by the Indians. The first was killed on the spot ; the last lost his life in attempting to swim the river. Grout was uninjured and escaped. Their families were in Bridgman's fort, their wives and eleven children, who · were made prisoners, the fort having been taken. This was in July, 1755. These unhappy persons were taken to Canada ; and saw much hardship, and many a gloomy day before the time of their redemption came.
Some suitable and permanent memorial, (if there is none,) ought to be secured, pointing out the place of this fort; and that of Dummer; and descriptive of these events, and the early scenes there witnessed. If the spot of the first grave in that neighborhood could be certainly fixed upon, it would be an object of interest
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and curiosity, as it would probably be that of the first burial in the state. If none is there, surely a suitable monument, with a brief record, should be erected.
The same may be said of the ground in Newfane, (the shire town of Windham county,) where a small company of white men were attacked by a large party of Indians, and part of them killed. This was in 1756. The number in the company is said to have been twenty, going from Charlestown, N. H., to Hoosic, under the direction of Capt. Melvin. The conflict was severe ; but ended in the discomfiture of the whites, the survivors retreating to fort Dummer. The captain returning the next day to the place, found no enemy, but buried the dead. This is said to have been " in the southerly part of Newfane, then uninhabited." Does any one know the exact spot ; the number slain, and their names ? Is there any memorial of this event ? Such ought to be consecrated places. There are many such in our land ; but going fast into oblivion for want of timely me- mentos ; and some of them probably have gone beyond the reach of human scrutiny and curiosity. Is such neglect kind to the memory of those who periled their lives in the early settlement of our country, that we their posterity might have a goodly inheritance, sitting under our own vines and fig trees, having none to hurt or make afraid.
Since penning the above the writer has been informed . that tradition is, that Capt. Melvin was attacked by the Indians near the branch bridge at the mouth of a stream running from Dover and emptying into West river in the
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southeast part of Newfane. A son of Judge Knowl- ton, residing there, once observed a stranger, thought- fully examining the ground near this bridge. After being accosted, the stranger informed him, that he once was engaged in battle with the Indians near this spot. Although the surface had been cleared of trees, yet from the junction of the streams, he was confident the conflict took place near where they stood, which was a short distance north of the bridge.
It is to be regretted that Mr. Knowlton was not more particular in his inquiries relative to that event. But the facts thus derived from one of the parties are, that an attack was then made; that several of Melvin's men were killed; that he retreated to fort Dummer; and that returning next day with additional men, buried his slain near the spot on the left bank of the branch, on land now owned by Aaron Robinson, the very graves being, as is supposed, yet visible.
There is also a tradition, that at another time a scout- ing party from fort Dummer, having shot salmon with their guns in a deep hole near the mouth of this branch of West river, while engaged in broiling them for a repast, were attacked by the Indians, attracted by the report of their muskets. Two of their number were so badly wounded that they died ; one of them by the name of Allen, near the pond in the northeastern part of Marl- boro; and which bears his name ; the other on " New- fane hill" near the old court house.
Further up West river in what is now Jamaica, three men were fired upon by sculking Indians. One
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of them was killed ; another shot through the body, and rendered unable to walk. He importuned his sur- viving and uninjured companion not to leave him. So great was his anxiety, as was natural, to have him stay by him, that his associate had not a heart to break from him openly ; but stole from him guilefully ; under a pretence that he would return to him after a short absence. He went to the fort on the Connecticut, and taking with him several men, did return ; but only to perform the melancholy office of burying his body. Life had left it.
With regard to the attack on Royalton by the Indians, the above inquiries are answered, as it appears in Thom- son's history of Vermont. A minute account is given of this depredation. The names of those, whose houses were burnt are given ; and also of the slain and captured. It was in 1780. The town contained three hundred inhabitants. Two persons were killed, Thomas Pem- ber, and Elias Button. The number of prisoners made by them was twenty-five; more than twenty houses, and as many barns were burnt; and most of the flocks and herds falling in their way, were slaughtered.
The object of this expedition was to capture a lieu- tenant Whitcomb ; who, a few years previous, had killed and robbed of his sword and watch, a British general by the name of Gordan. This was the pretence ; but it was not established as a fact ; that of the robbery. The party was led on by Horton, a British lieutenant ; and they expected to surprise their object of pursuit at Newbury on the Connecticut. But learning from hunters whom they fell in with near Winooski, that
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the inhabitants of that town, expecting an assault, had taken measures to repel it, they turned their course to Royalton. Recovering from the consternation, the remaining inhabitants of the place, and others collected from neighboring towns organized under a man by the name of House to pursue the depredators. Guided by a few marked trees in the darkness of the night ; " amidst logs, and rocks and hills with which the wilder- ness abounded, as they were passing over a stream, which was crossed upon a large log, they were fired upon by the enemy's rear guard, and one man was wounded." Coming up with their camp the Indians sent an aged prisoner, threatening to put to instant death all their prisoners, if an attack was made upon them. Hosee and his party hesitated and delayed so long in consequence of this message, that the enemy escaped with impunity.
In 1776, the frontier towns of this state on the north ; or rather those served as places of frontier military posts ; were Castleton and Pittsford on the west side of the mountain ; Barnard, Corinth, Newbury, and Peacham, on the east. Two or three years afterwards, two men were killed in Brandon, and several persons made prisoners by the Indians. In 1780, two more were made prisoners in Barnard and carried into Canada.
These are specimens of Indian massacres and depre- dations in these difficult times in the history of Vermont. Many other occurrences of similar character took place ; and some undoubtedly, of which unhappily no record has been preserved. But it is owing to the hopes of
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the British government that this district might be disen- gaged from the union, as it has been related in another part of this work, that so few Indian inroads and cruel- ties were experienced. Their situation as a frontier state, bordering on the lake, at command of the enemy, afforded facilities to commit the greatest depredations and perpetrate deeds of barbarity. In this condition they were left unprotected by the continental congress. It is evident that the savages were not only not instigated by the English against this defenceless region, but that they were restrained by them. It was indeed through selfish motives on the part of Great Britain, as too much evidence exists of " letting loose their hell-hounds of war " on other portions of our country.
Should this people then ; the Vermonters, left in such perilous circumstances, be condemned for resorting to the strongest arguments to open the eyes of their coun- trymen, to do them justice? Were they wrong in suffering the British to expect what they hoped would not be realized.
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CHAPTER XVI.
Warlike movements in Windham .- Adherents of New York .-- Guilford .- Ethan Allen's proclamation .- General Bradley .- Instrumentality in quelling the disturbances .- Arnold .- Strife between him and Allen .- Campaign against Ticonderoga planned in Connecticut .- Capt. Phelps exploring the enemy's works .- Ethan Allen a prisoner .- At Halifax .- At Cork .-- On Long Island .- In New York .- The old jail .-- Prisoners in it .- Capt. Travis .- Maj. Van Zandt .- Col. Allen crying for quarters .- His death .- His grave and epitaph .- Col. Seth Warner .- His burial place.
THE greatest demonstrations of battle and bloodshed in the controversy with New York, were made in Wind- ham county. Guilford, containing a population then of three thousand inhabitants was the strong hold of the York party ; a majority of the inhabitants inclining to that side of the question. In this and some other towns, in their civil officers, each party had its distinct organi- zation. Collisions ensued ; and sometimes conflicts not without bloodshed. Such a state of things was extremely unhappy and perplexing; social intercourse between neighbors ; and even between branches of the same families was in a measure at an end. So trying was it to the leaders on the side of the New Hampshire grants,
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