USA > Vermont > The history of Vermont; with descriptions, physical and topographical > Part 20
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The sound of many and sometimes mighty waters is heard a great distance, and the travelers way is fore- closed.
The bridges are swept away, and the vallies and causeways filled with water and large fragments of ice. Many a cascade is thus presented him ; on either hand water falls foaming and sparkling as the rays of the sun fall upon them. The scene around him is often impres- sive, fixing his eyes attentively, and absorbing the soul. But this breaking up of winter, and the commencement of spring, with their attendant circumstances of deep toned sounds to the ear, and beauty and grandeur to the eye, are of short duration. For such uproar of the elements ; so violent is it at times, nature could not long endure ; and man could less abide its protracted continuance. The dwellers on the banks of the Con- necticut are sometimes overtaken suddenly by green mountain visitors, coming without ceremony ; but with urgent demands, and requiring immediate attention. The rains and warm gales washing down, and scouring the sides of the mountains, innumerable streams carry each its signals of victory in uprooted evergreens ; in lofty pines, and spruce ; and beech and maples ; and timbers and plank ; the subversion of man ; and art and labor. These crowd their way through the numerous outlets into the Connecticut; and with masses and fragments of ice ; with spreading, and deepening and fast rising flood arrest the ears and eyes of those sojourn- ing along its margin, even through the land of its name. Corresponding work also for their hands and feet they
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will require, that a suitable reception may be given them ; that cellars and stores, and chambers, and streets may be cleared for a temporary residence with their old acquaintance and neighbors.
The power exhibited sometimes, in breaking up fast- frozen rivers by a sudden thaw and heavy rain is aston- ishing. An example of it was witnessed in 1840. It took place in January, after three or four weeks of severe cold weather ; the streams in Vermont and its vicinity were overspread with a thick and hard crust of ice. In forty-eight hours after the rain commenced, this solid, impenetrable crust was broken into fragments like window glass before the explosion of a magazine of gun- powder. The rise of the water was so rapid; and its pressure so irresistible, that the ice-bound channels were cleared of their incumbrance. Innumerable masses of ice were driven violently upon the banks, prostrating trees and shrubbery, and impeding the road. These fragments were wedged in the narrow places of the river ; and forced so closely together as to make a dam, and impede the water, causing it to overflow.
The Connecticut exhibited a singular appearance after the water had somewhat subsided. A sudden change in the weather taking place ; the high winds and severe cold sunk the current almost as rapidly as it rose. Hav- ing occasion to go some eighty or ninety miles on its banks in March following, the writer witnessed the as- pect of things after the strife of the waters had ceased. A crust of ice marked the rising and falling of the water as distinctly as the ridge of cream does the space
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between the full and waning milk vessel. The saplings and underbrush were prostrated ; and large trees scath- ed, some of them being forced far out of their perpen- dicular position. In some places its surface presented the appearance of a level plat recently cleared ; trees, logs, and bushes, and roots were strewed in every direc- tion. The masses of ice were wedged and frozen to- gether like granite blocks cemented. They were of every dimension and in all positions ; some lying level ; others edgewise, and some at greater or less angles of inclination. Logs and pieces of timber were made fast between cakes of ice, some partly imbedded, lying on the surface ; others obliquely set on /end in various ways.
In one place for nearly a mile, the road was filled several feet high with solid masses of ice, which required much labor and expense to remove them. A narrow passway being cleared, it was like going through a cave with walls on either hand of transparent marble blocks.
But the reign of spring torrents in Vermont is of short duration. As summer advances, the warm sun dries up many of the sources of the flood waters ; and , reveals the channels of many a temporary stream. Even drouths are sometimes so severe as to give a brown sun- burnt hue to the hills of the evergreen state. But these are not very extensive and of serious duration. So many are the fountains, and permanent rivers and streams ; so- well adapted to retain moisture is the soil, that the sub- stantial crops less often fail on this account than in many other states. Travelers passing through other places in
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time of drouth, and dust, and the absence of green grass and herbage, have often admired the unexpected verdure meeting the eyes as they approached the banks of Ver- mont rivers, and adjacent hills and vallies.
Of the rivers in this state, about thirty-five run into the Connecticut ; and twenty-five westerly into Lake Champlain. Otter creek, Onion and Missisque, are the largest.
Otter creek is ninety miles long ; and has considerable falls at Rutland, Pittsford, Middlebury and Vergennes. But generally its current, so level its route, is slow and sluggish like the creeks at the south and west. So long is it after heavy rains before it rises toward its mouth, that you begin to think that the waters have found a new direction ; and that it will escape the threatened flow and overflow. But its channel at last fills and deepens and spreads, and the turbid waters rush with impetuosity over the falls in its course after the other rivers, those especially on the east side of the mountain have subsided and become peaceful.
Onion is a fine river and passes through a rich and beautiful part of the state. It was along the delightful banks of this river, that the Indians from Canada, passed and repassed in making their murderous inroads upon the first settlers on the Connecticut. One of its branches rises within ten miles of that river (Connecticut) and uniting with another at Washington, it flows in a north- westerly direction seventy-five miles and empties into Champlain a little north of Burlington. Its channel for fifteen rods near its mouth is a solid rock ; being at this
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place fifty rods wide and seventy feet deep. Considerable falls are found in this river ; those at Waterbury espe- cially are romantic. Lofty ranges of mountains crowd the channel into a narrow compass; and an enormous, shapeless rock has, in some past time been precipitated ; and forms a bridge under which the whole river runs. But so unshapen is it; and so steep and ragged the cliffs on either side, that no use can be made of it. You may stand upon it; and view the wild and sublime scenery around, and hear the rushing of the waters.
Lamoille is perhaps as beautiful a river as can be found in the state. Its current is gentle and tranquil for almost its whole course of seventy-five miles. It passes through a rich and delightful region. It is remarka- ble that two rivers of the size of Onion and Lamoille should be discharged within five miles of each other.
The rivers on the east side of the mountain are com- paratively small. One of the largest is West river ; the Indian name of which was Wantastiquet. Its length is about forty miles ; "and it passes through a romantic val- ley, some account of which has been given from its mouth in Brattleboro to Newfane. A ride along its banks, through Townshend, Jamaica and Londonderry, till its stream disappears is delightful ; affording a great variety of views and prospects. Several excellent farms are found on its margin, particularly in Newfane and Townshend. Its bed in many places is rocky ; and in midsummer the water fleet and scant. But in the spring- freshet and times of high floods, its current is rapid and strong ; laughing, so to speak, at the effort of man to
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resist its force, and urge their frail bark upwards against its waves. Some of the dwellers on its borders have been called to try its strength, who have sunk beneath its surface, and been borne by its resistless tide into the ocean of eternity.
The quantity of snow by which these streams are swollen in the spring varies in different winters; and is greater in some parts of the state than in others. The summit of the mountain and its sides for several miles down are generally covered from the first of December till the first of May. But it is not uncommon, to see from the highlands near the Connecticut, snow-banks some twenty miles west as late as the middle of June. Snow storms are more frequent on the eastern side of the mountain than on the western; and it is often good wheeling on this, while sleighs are running on that side. The same is true in a measure, with regard to the towns on the Connecticut, and those at the foot of the moun- tain. In the latter, winter may reign with ruthless sway, while in the former autumn struggles to keep, or spring to gain her mild dominion. Leaving the third tier of towns from the river amid whirling snow and unflinching frost ; not even an icicle formed by the meridian sun at the eaves of the south side of buildings; and going directly east to the first range of towns, and you see the difference of the same day, in the bare spots and the snow thawed and running in the road. The writer once went from a river town about the tenth of April, to a singing concert in one at the foot of the mountain, fifteen miles distant, with good wheeling to begin his ride, he
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found sleighing at the end of it; and a passage shoveled through the snow for the choir to walk in procession to the church.
On some roads the travel for weeks and even months is on the top of drifts six or seven feet high. You will here sometimes see frequent way-marks placed to guide you when fresh accumulations of snow shall have covered your track. These drifts are made by hard winds in the first place ; and by passing over them often with horses and teams, and by the action of thawing and freezing, are rendered more and more safe ..
But this bridge of crusted snow is narrow, and a slight deviation at either hand will give the passenger a plunge ; that is, his horse will sink and flounder, and sometimes must be ungeared before he can gain a foothold. As the warm weather and rains of spring weaken this crust, these become treacherous, not to say dangerous passways. What are here called times of slumping and plunging now come ; and disasters sometimes follow ; and if some of the frailer craft navigating these straits should be foundered and wrecked, it would not be strange. Ped- lars, from the lower states, eager to renew their business, and reach the new state in season, sometimes run their carts aground in these snow-banks ; and after many vain struggles ; and some fretting; and severe reflections on the tardiness of the inhabitants in rendering the roads passable for spring travel, apply for help to lighten their wares over these impediments.
When sickness and death, in such seasons invade the dwellings, as they do, remote from the main road, the
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aid of a whole neighborhood is sometimes needed. It is cheerfully given. Some twenty or thirty men dig a passage to the house of mourning ; and for half a mile your way may be like going down into the sides of the grave.
In this northern region you sometimes see by the road- side a tomb; a public tomb; in which the dead of the winter are placed; and removed to the grave-yard in the spring ; so difficult is it at times to reach those conse- crated spots during the reign of snow and winds.
Vegetation is rapid after these snow drifts are dis- solved; and where they linger till the last of May near the barns of farmers, by the last of June you may sometimes find grass fit for the scythe.
The winter of 1842-3, was remarkable throughout the country for the quantity of snow and the continuance of the cold. The northern position of Vermont would of course make her a partaker of these visitations. She felt their impressions, through all her borders, not a hill or valley escaping. The snow was four feet deep at Brattleboro, the first week in April; and in the mountain towns from five to seven. The sleighing continued about six months. March was unprecedently cold ; the mercury in the thermometer going down often several degrees below zero. A young man, who had been to visit a sick acquaintance, returning was impeded by the drifting snow ; and after long struggling in the accumulating banks sunk down exhausted, and perished within two miles of Windsor. The appearance over the state the whole of this month, and nearly half of
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April was that of mid winter. The sun made little impression upon the vast masses of snow ; the wind being fearfully high most of the time, driving it into enormous banks, and rendering the roads almost impas- sable. Teams meeting on the mountains passed each other with difficulty, the drivers having to scoop out with shovels a place in the snow in which to turn out. The rivers were encrusted with thick ice early in December ; but a thaw in January, broke up and cleared it out. Early in February, they were again frozen and remained so till the middle of April. At this time a warm rain coming, dissolved the snow so rapidly as to produce in the Connecticut a very great flood. Indeed the water rose at Northampton, Springfield and Hartford, as high within a few inches as it did in March 1801, when was experienced the greatest freshet since 1692, and has been called the "Jefferson flood," leaving even monthly date, and perhaps commemorative of the event, with his taking the presidential chair. The expanse of water in the vicinity of the above named places was vast, producing confusion and consternation. Between Hart- ford and East Hartford was one unbroken sheet of water four miles wide. The lower parts of the city were completely inundated ; and much property dam- aged, and much swept away.
In the Springfield Gazette of April 19th it is said : " The rise of water commenced on Friday last; and continued gradually until about 8 o'clock A. M., yester- day, at which time it had attained as we are informed, within about four inches of the Jefferson flood mark ;
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the great mass of water having been supplied from the mountain rivulets of Vermont and New Hampshire. The meadows opposite this town, so far as the sight extends, are a perfect sea of waters, extending .north beyond the railroad embankments to the elevated ground near the centre of West Springfield, and south to the banks of the Agawam. The road for nearly a mile from the west end of Springfield bridge is impassable, except by boats."
The Northampton Gazette of the same date thus commences an account of the catastrophe. " We are in the midst of a flood ; such as has no parallel within the range of forty-two years, if it has in any period within the memory of any man now living. Maple and Fruit streets are covered with water; all the houses are inac- cessible, except by boats and horses and carriages." Then follow particulars of individual sufferers ; of one we are sorry to see it added : "Col. Dickinson, our eminent Washingtonian, has more cold water than his most ardent desires could crave. The water is within a few inches of the floor of his house at the lower part of Maple street. He has been obliged to remove all his animals.
These worthy and watchful journalists were appre- hensive, one would think, that all the subterranean springs of the green mountains and granite states were let loose to deluge the dwellers on the banks of the Connecticut. But surely the immense snowy fleece on the green mountains must have been taken off in some way. It could not be worn through summer, and
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what outlet so natural ; or prospect of disposal so favorable as down the valley of the Connecticut ? But being buried during the winter in these upper regions, they think that their acquaintance in those lower, would like perhaps, to hear from them in the spring. They would not willingly suffer their old companions to take such hasty leave of them, and intrude so uncerimoni- ously into the premises of others. But if such spring-tides must come and overflow the dams and locks, and give their early customers, the favorite fish of the old Connecticut, an opportunity of again exploring its sources and branches, they think themselves justified in taking advantage of such rain falls. They think it no more than a return for the pines, and timber, and lumber washed away from them, and crowded into the posses- sion of the river-borderers below. There with plenty of ice for their summer consumption, they continue to send down the river, though long since precluded a share in the fisheries of its waters ; and their nets hung drying and rotting upon its banks.
This winter was also memorable in this state for the prevalence of erysipelas. It commenced its ravages in the northern parts ; and in many towns proved mortal. Many valuable members of society fell victims to it. The increase of cold aggravated this disorder, and rendered it more virulent, augmenting the number of cases. A complaint this is, one would think, the very last to attack the inhabitants of such northern regions, and especially in so extremely a cold season. "But God's ways are not man's." His messengers and pre-
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cursors of death are habituated to all climates and seasons ; have no local and separate jurisdiction ; but intermingling and promiscuously doing their work. The shivering ague lays his cold hands on the dwellers under a southern sun ; and the scorching rays of the torrid zone cannot warm the blood and give color to the face of his victims. Fever and cataneous inflammation seek their prey among the inhabitants of the north ; selecting for their season of sojourn a winter of the greatest severity, heating the blood and burning the bodies of those surrounded by the snows of Canada and the green mountains, laughing at the cooling influence of frost and ice.
These things combined ; the protracted coldness ; the deluge, so to speak, of snow, the high and piercing north winds, weeks in succession, the obstructions in the way of procuring fuel ; and of going from house to house, together with the inroads of this appalling disorder, rendered it a season of suffering and dismay. But by the blessing of God, this sickness went off with the return of spring ; and the hills and vallies were again clothed in cheerful green, and enlivened by the music of the groves.
7 . .
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CHAPTER XXIV.
Earliest records. - State papers .- Council of Safety .- Its origin lost .- How chosen .- Its jurisdiction and power .- Tories .- Their families .- Examples from the records of the governor and council .- The first public execution .- Excitement .- Anec- dote of Ethan Allen .- Treason, how defined,-Journal of the House of Representatives .- First constitution .- Some of its principles .- The custom of giving titles .- Origin of the supe- rior court .- The judges .- How chosen .- Its early proceedings. -Places of holding the general assembly.
ACCORDING to " the Vermont State Papers," compiled by His Excellency William Slade, now (1846,) governor of the state, the first form of government was a Council of Safety. The origin of this council is lost ; the efforts of the above named gentleman to find any record of its commencement being unavailing. It is much to be regretted that this desirable document cannot be recover- ed. The journal of this body commences August 15, 1777, the day previous to Bennington battle. From that time till the 17th of June, 1778, extracts are given from that journal ; a curious document. The presidents and secretaries are named, but who composed the council, and how elected, it does not appear. Bennington is the only place named at which their proceedings are dated, although many of the acts by them have no place
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specified, but the day of the month and the year signed by order of the council, sometimes by the president, and at others by the secretary, or deputy secretary. It does not appear that they had stated times of meeting, but met as occasion required.
Its jurisdiction, judging from its doings and acts, was very general and extensive ; civil, judicial, legislative, military, advisory, supplicatory, dictatorial, minatory and final. There seemed to be no appeal from it. Its object was, what its name indicates, safely to keep the people of Vermont from the encroach- ments of her external enemies, and from injuries, one from another. Its head quarters were in a frontier town as a bulwark against the incursions of New York, as well as those of the British army. The form of its first act, extant, is as follows :
" STATE OF VERMONT.
BENNINGTON-IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY, August 15th, 1777.
SIR : You are hereby desired to forward to this place, by express, all the lead you can possibly collect in your vicinity ; as it is expected every minute, an action will commence between our troops and the enemies within four or five miles of this place, and the lead will be positively wanted.
By order of the Council, PAUL SPOONER, D. Sec'y.
The chairman of the Committee of Safety, Williamstown."
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This must have been Williamstown, Mass. Commit- tees of safety it seems, were common in these times of trial ; and the practice of Massachusetts, and other New England states, probably suggested to the people of Vermont this mode of government.
The distinguished compiler of the work above-named has done good service in the cause of the early history of our country, in publishing so much of this journal. They who wish to see the early and original mode of doing business in the state, both civil and military, are referred to that work. A few more specimens are here transcribed.
" IN COUNCIL, Oct. 8, 1777.
GENTLEMEN : This council earnestly recommend to the town of Bennington, to warn a town meeting, to fill up the committee of safety for said town.
By order of Council, JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y.
To the Selectmen of Bennington."
Here some light is thrown on this unique body of legislators. The members were chosen by the freemen of the town. The selectmen called meetings to fill va- cancies. Towns then were entitled to a certain number. But what that number was,-how many towns were represented, and what the names of the members of this council at any given session, are questions too late
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to ask? Are any individuals of that council now , living ?
" IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY, Bennington, Aug. 12, 1777.
To Capt. JOSEPH FASSETT,
SIR: You are hereby requested to take a potash . kettle, for the Hessian troops to cook in. Give your receipt for the same, and bring the same to the meeting house in this place.
By order of Council, IRA ALLEN, Sec'y." ,
" IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY, Aug. 27, 1777.
To Capt. JOSEPH FARNSWORTH, Commissary, Bennington.
SIR: If you please to give Lieut. Benjamin Cham- berlain and three men with him, three day's provision, as they are bold volunteers, this council will settle with you for the same.
By order of Council, IRA ALLEN, Sec'y."
" IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY, 30th Sept. 1777.
* is permitted to return home, and remain on his - father's home farm; (and if found off to expect thirty- nine lashes of the Beech Seal) until further orders from this council."
* Name suppressed.
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" IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY, Sept. 8, 1777.
Whereas complaint has been made to this council against you for disposing of cattle and horses belonging to this state, you are therefore hereby summoned to appear before this council, to answer the complaint immediately.
Per Order,
THOMAS CHITTENDEN, President."
* is permitted to go to Arlington, to see his wife as she is sick, and return again in thirty-six hours."
" IN COUNCIL OF SAFETY, r u
19th Sept. 1777.
To Capt. WILLIAM FITCH,
SIR : Whereas Mr. Timothy Mead has, some days past, made application to this council, to take thirteen sheep out of the tory flock in Arlington, in lieu of that number which he lost-this council positively orders that none be delivered until further evidence can be had.
I am, Sir, your humble servant,
By order of Council, JOSEPH FAY, Sec'y."
" To Capt. NATHAN SMITH,
SIR : You are hereby required to march, with the men under your command, to Paulet, on horseback, where
* Name suppressed.
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you will apply to Col. Simonds for a horse load of flour to each man and horse: You will furnish bags sufficient for such purpose.
By order of Council,
THOMAS CHITTENDEN, President."
" Mary Reynolds is permitted to send for her gray horse, and keep him in her possession until further orders from this council.
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