USA > Vermont > The history of Vermont; with descriptions, physical and topographical > Part 5
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now Bennington. Under his dictation many other town- ships were surveyed and settled, not only on the west side of the Connecticut ; but westward within twenty miles of the Hudson, and along the shores of Lake Champlain. A fort at Crown Point had been previously built by the French from Montreal ; and a settlement commenced on the opposite side of the Lake, as early as 1631.
The title to these lands was disputed by the govern- ment of New York, which claimed the whole of this territory, even to the Connecticut, by a previous grant from the Crown of Great Britain. She claimed not only jurisdiction, but the right of making void the doings of
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New Hampshire ; and turning off the clearers of the ground and cultivators of the soil. This produced very unhappy consequences. New York established courts of justice over the disputed district ; and decisions were obtained in favor of the new claimants. But it was almost impossible to execute them. Opposition, violence and bloodshed threatened the confusion and ruin of this hardy and enterprising population. In many instances, the proceedings of the courts were interrupted and the doors closed.
No serious opposition would have been made to the government of New York if the title to their lands had been acknowledged. It was a mistake that such a policy was not pursued. Cupidity it is feared was the strong motive, controlling the considerations of prudence and experience, and in the end defeating its own object. New Hampshire, it seems, had as good a right to make the grants, which she did, as New York. Indeed her right was more plausible.
Having paid a fair price for their farms ; erected dwellings for their families, and made improvements on their lands, these husbandmen could not brook the idea of purchasing them a second time, or being driven from them. The authorities of New York might have fore- seen that resistance and conflict would result from per- severance in executing ejectments. Had they been con- firmed in their possessions as they expected ; and had reason to expect from the language in which the New York claim was first announced, Vermont as an inde- pendent Sovereignty might never have existed.
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But Providence, who directs infinitely better than the utmost sagacity and wisdom of man, called from retire- ment men of the stamp required by the times. Among others was conspicuous Ethan Allen, who took a decided stand against the encroachments of New York. He was a man of athletic frame; and of mind naturally vigorous and energetic. Rough indeed, like the face of nature around him, but a friend to the oppressed ; bid- ding defiance to the oppressor and tyrant ; resolute and unyielding in his purposes. He had looked at the threatening posture, which affairs were assuming ; and deliberately made up his mind in favor of the claimants, under New Hampshire. He offered himself to their service ; and they accepted him as a leader ; and a more suitable one they could not have selected. In his plain, unadorned style, he wrote and disseminated pamphlets on the injustice and cupidity of the New York measures. Without mental culture he expressed his sentiments and feelings in bold, severe, not to say rough language ; but it was in a manner suited to the undisciplined minds, to whom it was addressed ; and best calculated to have an abiding influence on them .- He was frank and open- hearted, scorning meanness, resorting to the spilling of blood when all other expedients failed. His energetic writings produced a powerful effect on his fellow-suf- ferers of the mountain regions. He soon found in Seth Warner a suitable coadjutor ; whose calmness and deli- beration and forecast came in opportunely to temper his vehemence, and impetuosity. Equally hostile to the measures of New York, they soon organized a syste-
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matic opposition to them. Being beset by an officer as a rioter, Warner acted on the defensive, and soon brought the assailant to his feet, but took not his life.
So serious and critical was the state of things at this period, that Samuel Robinson, James Brackenbridge, and a Mr. Hawley were sent to England to lay the matter before the king. In 1763, an interdict was sent to the Governor of New York, " to stay all legal proceedings on the disputed ground till his majesty's farther pleasure shall be known concerning the same. The authorities of New York did not yield obedience to this order ; but pursued their former course of turning the possessors from their tenements. The state of things soon became as bad as it was, if not worse, than before this royal in- terposition. Indeed a hasty, not to say oppressive law was passed by New York, " requiring submission to their orders in seventy days on penalty of death !" and offering fifty pounds for the heads of Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, and six others. This placed them under the ban of proscription.
It led to a general meeting by delegates of the inha- bitants on the west side of the mountain, who passed spirited resolutions, and adopted measures of self-defence. If the tone taken was a high one, they thought that cir- cumstances required it ; and that the measure of their sufferings and indignities was full, and called for the language of menace. They yet confined their opposi- tion to the grievance of being deprived of their lands. In all civil and criminal transactions, they were willing that the laws of New York should prevail. The pro-
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scribed ones, however, took higher grounds, and said publicly ; " we will kill and destroy any person, or per- sons whomsoever, that shall presume to be accessory, or aiding in taking any of us."
The oppressive acts of the home government, about this time, relative to the American Colonies, increased the difficulties attending this controversy. The first Congress, called by the colonies sanctioned the resist- ance of court edicts when inconsistent with the freedom and rights of the people. The royal courts thus met with much interruption and delay in their business. The court house in Westminster on the day of the court's opening, was found occupied by a number of men, who prevented the judges and their attendants from taking their seats. The sheriff and his associates, however, took with them soldiers, and in the dead of night went again to the house ; and during the contest at the doors, the men within were fired upon by the soldiers. William French, a young man belonging to Brattleboro, was killed on the spot ; and several others wounded. This rash act irritated the people very much ; and a large assemblage soon after convened at West- minster, and under a high state of excitement, as might be expected, passed indignant resolutions ; and even arrested some of the court party, and caused them to be imprisoned at Northampton, Mass.
The mind shudders at the thought of what might have been the consequences of this state of affairs between New York and this people. For as a body they were arrayed against her ; and the horrors of civil war seemed
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inevitable. But Providence interposed, and turned aside the impending evil by calling both parties to look at a common enemy, to unite their efforts to oppose him.
The 19th of April, 1775, came ; and the bloodshed at Lexington aroused the Americans, and called away their attention from minor difficulties to the all-absorbing question of war with the mother country, and indepen- dence from her oppressive yoke. The bold spirit of Allen, with Warner and others, now suspended his pursuit of the Yorkers ; and sought contact with the British regulars. As early as May, he raised a body of men in this insulated district, and surrounded the Eng- lish fortresses at Crown Point and Ticonderoga ; and, as it is said, "in the name of God almighty, and by authority of the Continental congress," demanded their surrendry. He accompanied Montgomery to St. Johns and Montreal; was taken and held a prisoner a long time, enduring much hardship and suffering. Warner engaged with all his heart in this struggle and had the command offered him by congress of a regiment to be raised on this territory.
This people now presented a singular spectacle. New York had relinquished, or rather relaxed her hold on them ; and New Hampshire withdrawn her jurisdiction from them; and they were left, each one, to do what seemed right in his own eyes.
The whole tract from the north line of Massachusetts, west of Connecticut river to the borders of Canada ; and from the west bank of that river to Champlain, and
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within twenty miles of the Hudson on the south west, was without any form of civil government. The whole country at the same time was engaged in a war with Great Britain ; and its inhabitants termed rebels. They had confidence in one another; but distrusted their neighbors, those especially, who wished them to pay twice for their lands ; or give them up with all their improvements to strangers, and seek another home. For a considerable period they lived in this state of pure democracy, or rather of untrammeled nature. But there was no complaint of treachery and violence and murder, and rapine and conflagration among them. They seemed to follow the suggestions of conscience, and the principles of justice and equity derived from education and habit ; and especially from the word of God. The persecutions which they suffered, or thought they suffered externally ; or from beyond their own limits, made them more attached to their hills and vallies, and the more love to each other. By tacit consent they submitted to the directions of the aged and experienced; and to a kind of government by common acquiescence. Their magis- trates were such only in name ; being unable " to show by what authority they did those things."
Let the question be repeated, what outbreaking dis- orders took place among themselves in this state of interregnum or rather of no rule ? Can history present a similar example of so large a body of people without a form of government, and going on so long, and with so little internal jealousy, and so few flagrant disorders ? It was like a school forsaken of their proper teacher ;
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and the attention of the one, who had usurped his place, and was disannulling his doings, being called off by some great and menacing evil, and which called for the undivided exercise of his mind, and exertion of his body. They keep each one his place ; and follow the cause to which they had been accustomed; and gladly and kindly condescend to teach each other, and patiently endure some inconvenience in consideration of enjoying a respite from the ferule and rod of the usurper.
But it is not meant by these remarks that such a state of things could be safely trusted for any considerable period. The evils of anarchy would soon show their name Legion. Nor is it intended that civil government is not indispensable ; and a good one an inestimable blessing. Far be the thought of conveying any such sentiment. As far be the thought that a school would long go on profitably and happily without the govern- ment of a lawful teacher ; or even after having obtained a temporary relief from the perplexities of arbitrary and contradictory rules.
So this people themselves viewed the subject ; and took early means to shun the vortex, to which the current of affairs was rapidly hurrying them. They place before Congress their situation ; express their readiness to take a part in the war against Great Britain, and bear their proportion of the expense. They ask to be called upon as the inhabitants of the New Hampshire grants, and not as under the jurisdiction of New York. A decisive answer to this petition was waved by Con- gress ; but the communication served to wake up the
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slumbering jealousy of New York; and a revival of the controversy was threatened. This condition of things induced the more resolute and determined of the inhabi- tants of this province to attempt the establishment of a government. They took measures to hold, and suc- ceeded in holding a convention of fifty-one delegates at Dorsett, July 24th, 1776. In January, 1777, another was called and assembled at Westminster, consisting of delegates from both the east and west side of the moun- tain. Here it was resolved to form themselves into a distinct state, to be called New Connecticut, alias Ver- mont ; discarding all connexion with New York; and all who favored her claims. The principles of the con- stitution were to be equally free and democratic with those of the other states of the Union.
Of this their intention to become a free and indepen- dent state, they respectfully advised Congress in a suitable manifesto, and a petition that they might be received into the number of the states, and on equal grounds. Thomas Crittenden, Heman Allen, and Reu- ben Jones were the bearers of this petition. This was the right step, and taken at the right time. They had the same right to assume a place among the other states that Congress, in behalf of the nation, had among the nations of the earth. New Hampshire, their rightful parent, had deserted them; and New York in their opinion interloped into a relation, which they could not acknowledge. It was becoming in them to let the gene- ral government know their object, and to ask their interposition in their behalf. Freedom from oppression
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and the sweets of liberty were the watchword throughout these colonies ; and it would have been too invidious to deny these borders on the green mountains the opportu- nity of urging their claims to such a blessing.
It was a perplexing question to Congress to know what to do for, or say to them. They did not wish to disaffect New York ; a powerful state, and exerting great influence in the councils of the nation. The contest with Great Britain called for the united strength of the country. Hence their cautious, evasive and delaying policy relative to these petitioners. New York remon- strated in strong language against their independence ; claimed them as a part of their state, and represented them as in a state of rebellion against lawful authority. They seemed desirous to prejudice Congress against the leaders in those measures, particularly Col. Warner, whose commission they would have taken from him, and that of the officers under him.
This state of things in this province attracted atten- tion more or less in the whole country, and called forth the sympathy of many in their behalf. Addresses were sent them by distinguished individuals in various places. In this way they were assured that many leading men in Congress were friendly to their cause. These public communications sent to them, but increased the more opposition in the government of New York. The one from Philadelphia signed by Thomas Young, particu- larly attracted their attention, and was commented upon severely before Congress. So determined and persever-
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ing appeared this state, that the national councils were induced to yield to their solicitations ; and give leave to Vermont to withdraw their petition ; and directed them to submit to their claimants. But they still adhered to their resolution of being an independent state, and imputed the proceedings of Congress on this subject to the influence of New York.
About this time Burgoyne made his appearance on the northern border, producing great consternation in the towns on the west side of the mountain. The provincial government of Vermont made application to New Hampshire for assistance, which was readily granted ; and a communication addressed to Ira Allen, Secretary of State, recognizing them as an independent community. This was noble; and encouraged them to hope that it would operate as an inducement to other states to acknowledge their independence. But it prepared the way for new difficulties ; for New Hampshire herself revived her slumbering claim to this territory. Indeed the project soon came up of having a state organized in the Connecticut river valley, consisting of the eastern part of Vermont and the western of New Hampshire. So far was this measure pursued that sixteen towns on the east side of the river were represented in convention at Cornish, N. H., Dec. 9th, 1778. This plan was frus- trated by the prudence and seasonable action of the Vermont government ; withdrawing, as they did, all connexion with it, and making known immediately this resolution to the New Hampshire authorities. But this
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very generous deed of the Green Mountaineers was not met with a corresponding spirit on the part of her neighbor. For she soon after set up her claim to this whole territory ; and even urged it before Congress ; New York at the same time renewing her demands so often made. So simultaneous were these movements on the part of these two states, that the yankee trait of conjecture was awakened in the Vermonters ; and they began to think that a scheme was plotting between the granite boys and their Dutch neighbors, to divide their territory between them, making the summit of the moun- tain the line of division.
Here Massachusetts, who had been a silent spectator, interposed, and urged her claim to this disputed ground. She found it not difficult to make out a plausible story in her behalf, especially as the boundary between her and New York had never been fixed. These mountain- eers then found their claim to these lands confronted by those of three others, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The shades of uncertainty and doubt seemed to thicken around them.
The measures of New York in the southern part of the state, now Windham county, were assuming a dis- play of military coercion, a body of five hundred men, being in readiness to execute the orders of the court. But the freemen of this county, as a body, were not the men to be easily intimidated ; or to give up their rights at the brandishing of the sword, or the array of bay- onets. Col. E. Allen at the head of a body of Ver-
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monters soon captured the commanding officer of this force and his associates, and dispersed their men. Clinton, the governor of New York, soon brought the affair before the councils of the nation and demanded their interposition. Commissioners were appointed to visit the ground ; and two out of the five designated, one of whom was Dr. Witherspoon, went to Benning- ton. But their efforts to effect a settlement were ineffectual.
Congress now began to see that this business required . their attention in earnest.
They asked the parties, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, who were for appropriating, or dis- membering this district, to submit the dispute to their deci- sion, and suspend enforcing there the execution of their laws. They recommended it to the people, who styled themselves Vermonters, not to molest the adherents to either of the other states in peacebly pursuing their respective callings and duties. The critical position of the colonies relative to the mother country was the cause of this undecided, dilatory, congressional policy. The course recommended was impracticable, especially on the ground in dispute. It was like establishing four distinct, independent jurisdictions in the same territory, and over the same people. The Vermonter, the Yorker, the adherent to Massachusetts and that of the granite state might be found neighbors locally ; but were for- eigners and sojourners in their political sympathies and relations. It might have been more than Ishmaelitish ;
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for not only every man's hand would have been against all around him ; and all around against him ; but against one another at the same time. The assumptions of New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts not only clashed with each other, but each and all three with those of Vermont.
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CHAPTER IV.
Rendered persevering by circumstances .- The justice of their cause .- Spirited reply to Congress .- Claiming the same grounds as did Congress with the mother country .- Appeal of Gov. Chittenden and his council .- Intimations of terms with Great Britain .- Their justification .- Abandoned by the Union. -A. frontier district .- A powerful enemy on their border .- Self-preservation led them to this .- Their last resort .- New York and New Hampshire persisting .- Vermont claimed juris- diction over a part of their territory .- This measure favorable. -Strengthened their hands and encouraged to renew to Con- gress their petition .- The enemy's proposals ; communicated to Congress by E. Allen .- His celebrated appeal .- Their only overt act .- Exchange of prisoners .- This offer of the British known to a few only .- Interrupted letter of Lord Germain .- The eyes of Congress opened by it .- Washington .- Commu- nication to Gov. Chittenden .- Delegates sent to Philadelphia .- Action of Congress .- Their repeated deferring of the subject. -Vermont raised troops to defend herself .- Censured by Congress .- Influenced by New York .- Censures and threats repelled.
IN their struggle for a standing among the states, this people experienced more sympathy from the Bay State than any of her neighbors. Her claim to jurisdiction over them seemed to be brought forward, more to loosen the hold of other claimants, than to cherish any serious
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hopes of having it admitted. But the consciousness of being engaged in a righteous cause, the cause of free- dom, that in which their country was engaged, animated and inspired them with invincible fortitude to persevere till the objects of their own were secured. Men of the right spirit were constantly making their appearance in public as the exigencies of the times required.
It is said truly, that the American Revolution, was " a time which tried men's souls." It may be said also, as a general truth, that times of great perplexity and dan- ger, are those which so form and discipline the souls of men as to enable them to bear trials. The trying and searching Providences of God bring to light the hidden resources of the mind. While they expose those, who have nothing but the appearance of virtue ; courageous only when dangers are distant, and the self-dependent ; they reveal the hidden strength of the soul well disci- plined, and trusting in the arm of Omnipotence. Long familiarity with difficulties and dangers in securing praise- worthy objects, gives to men sometimes an elevation of character as unexpectedly extraordinary.
The rough exterior of the Province now under con- sideration ; and which has well been termed the Swit- zerland of America, has served perhaps to give its popu- lation a corresponding external deportment. The windy storm and tempest of these mountains ; and familiarity with their snows and frosts ; and bodily efforts necessary to clear and subdue their soil and secure the means of sustenance may, perhaps, have impressed them with pro- portional strength and elasticity of character. The cir-
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cumstances of the times, through which they were now passing, were such as to produce a similar influence in the formation of their minds. They may have helped to give them strength ; and fertility in finding expedients, and perseverance equal to the unusual scenes, which they were called to experience.
A spirited and able reply was made to this counsel and direction of congress, written, it is said, by the Hon. Stephen R. Bradley, of Westminster ; and subse- quently, long a United States' senator from Vermont. In this reply, and it was an appeal to the world, the same ground is taken as that by the colonies in their separation from the mother country : "That the state of Vermont was not represented in congress, and could not submit to resolutions passed without their consent, or even knowledge ; and put every thing that was valu- able to them at stake ; that they were, and ever had been, ready to bear their proportion of the burden and expense of the war with Great Britain, from its first commence- ment, whenever they were admitted into the union with the other states : But they were not so lost to all sense and honor, that after four years war with Britain, in which they had expended so much blood and treasure, that they should now give up every thing worth fighting for, the right of making their own laws, and choosing their own form of government, to the arbitrament and determination of any man or body of men under heaven."
Congress still delayed acting definitely on this subject ; perplexed as they were by its bearing on their struggle
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for independence. The resolutions passed by them of one delay after another, called forth an energetic appeal from Gov. Chittenden and his council, in which they felt constrained to give the matter a more serious turn, and, to the national councils, somewhat unexpected as well as alarming. Among other things, they say, " That Ver- mont being a free and independent state, had denied the authority of congress to judge of their jurisdiction ; that as they were not included in the thirteen states, if neces- sitated to it, they are at liberty to offer, or except terms of cessation of hostilities with Great Britain without the approbation of any other man, or body of men ; for an priviso, that neither congress, nor the legislatures of those states, which they represent will support Vermont in her independence, but devote her to the usurped government of any other power, she had not the most distant motive 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 from a principle of virtue, and close attachment to the cause of liberty, they were induced once more to offer union with the United States of America, of which congress were the legal represen- tative body." This was in a letter to congress, July 25th, 1780, and signed by Gov. Chittenden. It was taking bold, and perhaps some will say, doubtful ground.
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