USA > Vermont > The history of Vermont; with descriptions, physical and topographical > Part 6
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In their very critical circumstances, the question here comes up, were they not justifiable in making use of the most efficient argument, to obtain, as they viewed it, their
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rights ?- The government of Great Britain was disowned over the whole union ; the Vermonters had bought and paid for the soil on which they lived, of those, who, by the English government had been authorized to take possession of it. They were now required to purchase it a second time and pay for their own improvements, or desert them at the option of those claiming the land under New York. The right to their soil was a question never submitted by them to congress. They claimed it on the same grounds as did the other states. The right to the soil, in their circumstances, gave a right to a gov- ernment of their own choice. In their circumstances ; that is, not being represented in congress, they took no part in the declaration of independence ; and consequently were at liberty to choose their allies ; to say with whom they would connect themselves, the better to secure the objects of their organization, 'liberty and the pursuit of happi- ness.' They had hitherto acted with the colonies in < opposition to the demands of the British government ; and they now merely intimated that they might if the course of things was not changed, be under the necessity of conciliating the friendship of a foreign power. They might be driven to this as the least of two evils. Would it have been inconsistent with honor and integrity, to avail themselves of such a motive on the councils of the nation ? Congress must see that they could do this ; and that their reasons for doing it might be justified by the world ; and the doing it by an alliance defensive and offensive might have a serious influence on the issue of
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the contest, in which they were engaged. Had they been represented in that body, and pledged their sacred honor to be faithful to their fellow states, come what might ; and then gone over to the enemy through fear, or mercenary motives ; or to escape hardships and dan- gers, being a border state, and more exposed to the inroads of the enemy ; or if they had been corrupted by gold, and betrayed the confidence reposed in them, the case would have been different. But in their cir- cumstances had they actually placed themselves under the protection of the British, according to their intima- tions, would impartial history have justified them ? But this they did not do ; and no evidence exists that they ever made any direct and serious advances of this nature to the English cabinet. The most then that can be made out against these isolated mountaineers is, that they used this as their strongest argument to open the eyes of congress ; to let them see the sword, which Providence had placed in their hands as an inducement to award them justice.
They did not resort to this alternative as the sequel shows ; but they took their full share in the war of the Revolution. "The Green Mountain Boys," were dis- tinguished as brave, faithful soldiers. They shed their blood freely at Hubbardton, Bennington, Crown Point, Stillwater, Saratoga, and many other places. The lead- ing officers of the army of independence have borne honorable testimony to their bravery and good conduct. The record of their deeds is in the history of their country. Ethan Allen, as it has been stated in another
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place, suffered long imprisonment, being taken jeoparding his life on the high places of duty and danger.
As further evidence that they did not wish, unless absolutely necessary, to defend themselves behind British cannon, might be named, their readiness to try other expedients ; and to wait patiently the result of their measures. Although this was the most likely motive to have influence with congress ; yet with New Hampshire and New York it might have little, or no effect to recon- cile them to their independence as a state. Indeed they became more clamorous ; and urged with redoubled zeal their respective claims in the hall of congress.
But Vermont now met them in their own way. On application, the government entered into negotiation with the western towns of New Hampshire, bordering on the Connecticut ; and the adjacent part of New York, bordering on the Hudson. She indeed extended her claim over most of New Hampshire ; and a considerable tract in New York. In the winter of 1781, thirty-five towns in the former state ; and ten or twelve districts in the latter placed themselves under her government for protection against British aggressions. The claim to these towns was set up, but the actual government over them was for the present delayed.
This measure had the effect to reconcile all parties within the limits of Vermont ; the adherents of New York, and of New Hampshire; and even those friendly to the mother country. Indeed it served to strengthen the hands of the Vermonters very much. It was to them the harbinger of a brighter day. The war had
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been so long waged with the usurpers, that they had learned from their enemies ; and with their weapons turned the tide of success in their favor.
This favorable change in their circumstances gave them fresh courage in their application to the Continental congress.
Some of the leading men in this state did indeed receive proposals of terms from British officers and adhe- rents, making them flattering offers to unite the state under the auspices of the English crown. But it is not known that these offers were accepted; or, even in a single instance, encouraged. They were indeed unan- swered ; and this might perhaps be construed as a tacit · encouragement of such advances. But no obligations were imposed on those, who received such communica- tions, to answer them ; and repel any further approaches of this kind. They were justified in silently discovering how good terms might be expected if an alliance should
become necessary. The fact that these propositions and advances were made known to the United States govern- ment, is evidence of the honest intentions of the leading men in this district. The sincere desire was to become a part of the nation, who had declared themselves free and independent. They were willing to follow their standard, on no other terms but as making one of the stars on its banners. Thus E. Allen, enclosing the letters received from British officers, to congress; and stating to them the circumstances of their reception, uses this language : "I am confident that congress will not dispute my sincere attachment to the cause of my coun-
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try ; though I do not hesitate to say, I am fully grounded in opinion, that Vermont has an indubitable right to agree on terms of cessation of hostilities with Great Britain, provided the United States persist in rejecting her appli- cation for a union with them. For Vermont of all people would be most miserable were she obliged to defend the independence of the united, claiming states, and they at the same time at full liberty to overturn and ruin the independence of Vermont. I am persuaded when congress consider the circumstances of this state, they will be more surprised that I have transmitted to them the enclosed letters, than that I have kept them in custody so long ; for I am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of Vermont as congress are, that of the United States ; and rather than fail will retire with the hardy Green Mountain Boys into the desolate caverns of the mountains, and wage war with human nature at large."
The only overt act on the part of Vermont with the British authorities, separate from the national councils, was, a proposition for exchange of prisoners, taken at Royalton in the spring of 1780. Col. Ira Allen repaired to Canada, and managed the business of making the exchange. He succeeded in obtaining favorable terms ; for the king's officers now had high expectations of secur- ing the state in their favor. This hope was kept on the increase by policy and circumlocution. While the direct question was evaded the advances were seemingly admitted for consideration, and without any definite pledge being given. In this way the wary negotiator
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secured Vermont from invasion by the English troops ; and thus turned away many evils, which its inhabitants might otherwise have suffered. This was diplomatic policy ; and is regarded justifiable by the practice and usages of national intercourse. But it will hardly bear examination on the principles of strict morality. It was raising expectations, it may be said, with an intention under certain hoped for circumstances of not fulfilling. This in ordinary intercourse of individuals, is at variance with the principles of honesty and truth. But if one is overcredulous, and takes for granted too much, neither morality, nor honor requires that such gratuitous assump- tions should be fulfilled. Nor would it seem wrong for one to avail himself of advantages which might flow from incredulousness and unfounded expectations. How far this was the case with the British authorities in Canada and the agents of Vermont, the impartial and uninterested spectator, and examiner must decide. Cer- tainly the agency of Vermont had a right to demand time for the full consideration of a question of such importance; and to enjoy the advantages incident to this period of examination. On the other hand, the acquisition of Vermont as a British Province, was an object very desirable to the magistrates of Canada, and the officers of the army. They thus might have become the dupes of their own strong desires, and magnified the grounds of their hopes.
Eight individuals only in Vermont, it is said, knew the particulars of this proposal by the British authorities of Canada ; and Cornwallis surrendering about this time,
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the further consideration of it was suspended. Thus eight men, husbandmen, Vermonters, were successful in gaining the ascendency over the artful policy, and wily, gold corrupting efforts of the English to win the state to their interest. To such a game, so long, and against such antagonists, and so successfully ended, no ordinary talents must have been brought. The dwellers on these mountains and in these vallies have much cause to hold them in honorable remembrance.
About this time, a letter of Lord George Germain, minister of state for the American department, to Sir Henry Clinton, fell into the hands of the Americans ; and was published and which served very much the cause of Vermont. It convinced congress that some- thing must be done in their behalf ; for in that letter the plan of the campaign in the spring was portrayed. The upper parts of the Hudson and Connecticut rivers were to be seized, and the communication between Albany and the Mohawk country was to be cut off. The lead- ing members in congress, and men throughout the country were anxious that this long controversy should, if possible, be settled.
Washington himself saw the dangers with which it was fraught ; and wrote Gov. Chittenden to know what were the real wishes and intentions of the Vermonters. Being assured that they were strongly attached to the cause of their country, on condition of making a com- ponent part of it, he intimated to the Governor that on condition, and only on that condition, of relinquishing claims to all lands east of Connecticut river, and con-
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fining her limits west by the waters of the Champlain, and within twenty miles of the Hudson, could Vermont have any hope of attaining her wishes. Respecting highly the character of Washington, his advice was received kindly and maturely weighed. It was at length, after much reluctance on the part of the towns border- ing on the banks of the Connecticut, complied with ; and the limits of the state confined to the old jurisdictional lines. It was now thought that the way was clear for their reception into the union.
Delegates were accordingly chosen, and commissioned by the Governor ; and repaired to Philadelphia as rep- resentatives to complete the business of being recognized as a free and sovereign state. The subject coming before congress, the committee appointed for the pur- pose, reported favorably ; and presented a resolution, distinctly granting their request. But the house, on motion, three different days being named, refused to appoint a time for acting on that report. Thus were overshadowed the prospects of this community. They had been encouraged to believe that these protracted difficulties were drawing to a close. In accordance with this requirement of congress, they had reduced their strength ; and were exposed to the inroads of the ene- my ; and with little prospect of aid from the general government. This conduct on the part of congress was flagrantly inconsistent ; and little savoring of good faith ; and not respectful toward their illustrious leader. The Vermonters were a little chagrined that the leaders of their government should have been cir-
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cumvented and become the victims of a congressional stratagem. But their sober second thought was that of indignation ; and a fixed purpose to ask no more favors in that quarter.
In this condition of things the state found it neces- sary to raise troops by detachments from the towns, to defend their own frontiers, now deserted by the conti- nental army. In doing this, some opposition was mani- fested in Windham county, through the New York in- fluence, which was restrained by a military interposition. Little or no blood was shed ; but several individuals were banished, and others fined. This occasioned the New York authorities to carry up a complaint to con- gress ; who were induced, after considerable agitation of the subject, to pass severe censures on the conduct of Vermont. The banished persons were required to be recalled ; and amends made for all the loss sustained by. them ; and. other individuals of fines and confiscations ; and this on penalty of being coerced to it by the power (military,) of the United States. These censures and threats were met and answered by the Governor and council in a cool, augmentative manner, but resolute and determined. If menace in return was not resorted to, somewhat of defiance was indirectly used. In this answer we find the following language : "That the state would appeal to the justice of his excellency, Gen. Washington ; and as the General, and most of the in- habitants of the contiguous states were in favor of the independence of Vermont, it would be more prudent to refer the settlement of the dispute to the states of New
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York and Vermont, than to embroil the confederacy with it. But supposing congress had judicial authority to control the internal police of the state, the state had a right to be heard in its defence ; that the proceedings of congress were wholly unjustifiable upon their own principles ; and that coming to a decision of so impor- tant a matter, ex parte, and without any notice to the state was illegal and contrary to the law of nature and nations."
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CHAPTER V.
Vermont little affected by the strong resolves of congress .- Peace with Great Britain .- Placed Vermont in new circum- stances .- Favorable .- Taking the place of spectator to the other colonies .- Encouraging the settlement of her lands .- Reforming evils .- Relieved from some evils of the other states .- The state of the country improving, she again seeks alliance with it .-- Intrinsic difficulties .- The question where the Capital of the nation should be, produces an alteration in New York towards her .- Commissioners appointed by New York .- Terms of recon- ciliation proposed .- Controversy ended .- Her admission into the Union .- Remarks on this controversy .- Its moderation .- The subject manifested .- Worthy of Imitation .- The instance, one, of bloodshed .- Family connexions of him killed.
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THE measures of the general government, especially their menacing resolves, had very little effect to awe the Vermonters into submission. They were viewed by them as the result more or less of the influence exerted in the national councils by New York ; and the peculiar posture of public affairs relative to Great Britain. But the war was now drawing to a close. About this time, January, 1783, the preliminaries of peace were signed. The prospects of the whole country now brightened, giving a new and sudden and favorable turn to the rela- tions of Vermont with the other states. Being refused
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admittance as one of the component parts of the union ; she could not of course be taxed for the expenses of the war. She was relieved from this and other burdens, to which the colonies were liable. The independence of the country was indeed acknowledged ; but the bond of union between the states was frail and inadequate. The jurisdiction of congress was undefined ; and their authority little more than advisory and nominal. The paper currency failing, the debts of the nation and of individuals, already burdensome, became now almost insupportable.
In such circumstances of the country, Vermont was not very solicitous to become a partner in a confederation by whom her application had been so long delayed and neglected. She chose to avail herself of past experi- ence to strengthen her own government ; and reform her internal policy ; and take measures to remedy evils ; and to encourage immigration, and the settlement of her unoccupied lands. She chose for the present to take the position of spectator; and watch the course of events, and govern herself as Providence might indicate the path of duty and safety. She had valuable lands at disposal ; and her present condition and prospects being by Divine interposition more favorable in some respects than those of any of her neighbors ; her population was rapidly increasing by respectable and enterprizing citizens from the New England states.
But the present constitution of the United States was sbon adopted ; and the smiles of Providence seemed to
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attend the efforts made to lay the foundation of a perma- nent and flourishing republic. Measures were taken to sustain the credit of the nation ; and to administer equal justice and privileges to all its constituent parts. This state of things was calculated to revive the desires of Vermont to become a copartner in this confederacy. But New York, her old and steadfast enemy, stood in the way. Intrinsic difficulties indeed attended this controversy and delayed a reconciliation. While under the crown of Britain, the government of New York had granted to her citizens lands in this district ; but Vermont had always strenuously denied these grants. The government of New York subsequently to the independence of the country, could not feel the obliga- tion to remunerate the individuals for losses occasioned by an authority which no longer existed.
But a rivalry soon after arose between the city of New York and Philadelphia, relative to the seat of gov- ernment. This question was to be decided by southern and northern votes. The influence of the south prepon- derated ; and Philadelphia was selected as the head quarters of the Federal government. That part of Virginia called Kentucky, was expected also soon to increase the influence of the south by being formed into a state. To counteract this, the New England States expressed a strong wish that Vermont might be admitted into the union; and New York saw that it had been good policy to have had the aid of her votes in deciding on the place for the seat of government. To have her
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help in future, she thought it best to abandon the claim, which she had lost all hope of compelling her neighbors of the hill country to acknowledge.
Accordingly, in July, 1789, New York appointed commissioners with full powers to treat with those of Vermont ; and to withdraw her claims and acknowledge her independence. In October, of the next year, these commissioners " declared the consent of the legislature of New York that the state of Vermont be admitted into the union of the United States of America ; and that immediately upon such admission, all claims of jurisdic- tion of the state of New York shall cease, and thence- forth the perpetual boundary line between the two states shall be as was then holden by the state of Vermont ; that is, the west line of the most western towns, which had been granted by New Hampshire, and the middle channel of Lake Champlain." Thirty thousand dollars were to be paid New York as a compensation to indi- viduals, who, purchasing under her former authority had lost their lands. Thus happily ended this controversy, which had perplexed the two states and congress for twenty-six years.
The way now seemed prepared for Vermont becom- ing a member of the Federal union. The question was agitated among the people ; and some opposition being manifested, it was thought advisable to call a convention which met at Bennington, January 6, 1791 ; and after having discussed the question two or three days, passed the vote in the affirmative, with only two nays out of one hundred and seven members. , Nathaniel Chipman
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and Lewis R. Roberts, Esqrs. were charged with the accomplishment of the business in behalf of the state at Philadelphia. The act of admission passed in congress unanimously, February 18, 1791.
The example exhibited by the parties to this contro- versy, and the whole United States, were directly or indirectly concerned in it, of moderation and forbear- ance, cannot be too highly commended. It ought to be often looked at and pondered well by the members of the separate local jurisdictions of this great common- wealth. In all their clashing interests and occasional irritation, they should remember those far more difficult and trying times and their favorable termination. The soothing and healing influence of time and delay ; of wisdom and prudence in the leading actors in this poli- tical drama were remarkably manifested. If applied in the removal and healing of internal, local evils in the nation, they will always be found lenient and efficacious. Surely the lapse of time should not render the sisterhood of the states less but more enduring ; the family attach- ment stronger and stronger. This with the light of his- tory, and the warning of experience which accompany it, should serve to awaken vigilance to guard against baneful antipathies and divisions. These should be our safe-guard in all the vicissitudes of political manœuver- ing and strife, bearing the ships of state over the waves of popular agitation, rescuing her from the insidious rocks and quicksands of office-seeking and secret combi- nations. In all the tumults of the times through which Vermont passed till she became a member of the union,
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only one man was killed on the spot. This took place at Westminster, in 1775, as it has been previously stated. His name was William French, of Brattleboro ; where and in Dummerston, branches of his family have since resided in respectable standing ; and from which several enterprising individuals have gone forth into the union ; and one a missionary under the American Board to Asia. Prodigal of their own in defence of their rights against the oppression of Britain, they were sparing of each others blood in their internal variances ; and seemed anxious to avoid the horrors of civil war ; and the fear- ful consequences of commencing such a tragedy. A few instances of executive collision and retaliatory im- prisonment of civil officers took place.
Chesterfield, N. H., as a town joined Vermont, but a number of families adhered to their own state. In serving a civil process, in 1781, the Vermont constable was resisted by the officer of New Hampshire, and the latter imprisoned. The posse comitatus was raised, and the officer liberated by orders of the New Hampshire governor. Three agents were then despatched to Exe- ter by the Governor of Vermont to bring the affair to a settlement.
In 1784, the Secretary of Vermont was seized and imprisoned while pursuing the calls of duty in the city of New York, in consequence of his official relation to the state, to which he belonged. In retaliation, the general assembly of the state, ordered lands to be sold belonging to citizens of New York, to raise money to
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indemnify the secretary for damages sustained by his imprisonment and delay.
These are specimens of the kind of warfare carried on by these parties ; and of the state of society at that perplexing period. In such circumstances the rapid settlement of the district could not be expected ; and this may account for the slow progress made for several years in the arts, and in agricultural improvements ; in education, and in manners ; and in securing religious instruction and privileges.
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