USA > Vermont > Vermont state papers; being a collection of records and documents, connected with the assumption and establishment of government by the people of Vermont; together with the first constitution, and the laws from the year 1779 to 1786, etc > Part 19
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General Allen immediately communicated the contents of it to the Governor and some confidential persons, who agreed in opinion that it was best not to return any answer.
On February 2, 1781, Colonel Robinson wrote again to general Ethan Allen, inclosing a copy of the former, in which he writes-" The frequent accounts we have had, for three months past, from your part of the coun- try, confirms me in the opinion I had, of your inclination to join the king's cause, and to assist in restoring America to her former peaceable and happy constitution. This induces me to make another trial, in sending this to you ; especially as I can now write with more authority, and as- sure you, that you may obtain the terms mentioned in the above letter, provided you and the people of Vermont take a decisive and active part · with us."" Hle requests an answer, and that some method might be point- ed out for carrying on a correspondence for the future, and information in what manner the people of Vermont could be the most serviceable to the British government, " either by acting with the northern army, or to meet and join an army from New-York."
Allen returned no answer to either of these letters ; but on March 9th, 1781, inclosed them in a letter to Congress. In his letter to that body, he made observations, justifying Vermont in asserting her right to iude- pendence ; in which he observed,-conscious of his own integrity, and sensible that his activity and sufferings in the cause of his country were known to all America-" I am confident that Congress will not dispute my sincere attachment to the cause of my country, though I do not hesi- tate to say, I am fully grounded in opinion that Vermont has an indubit- able right to agree on terms of a cessation of hostilities with Great Britain, provided the United States persist in rejecting her application for an union with them : for Vermont, of all people, would be the 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 surprized that I have transmitted them the inclosed letters, than that I have kept them in cus- tody so long ; for I am as resolutely determined to defend the independ- ence of Vermont, as Congress are that of the United States ; and rather than fail, will retire with the hardy Green Mountain Boys, into the deso- late caverns of the mountains, and wage war with human nature at large."
> Copy of Robinson's letter of February 2, 1781, to E. Allen.
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In April, 1781, Colonel Ira Allen was appointed, by the Governor and Council, to settle a cartel with the British in Canada, for an ex- change of prisoners, and also to procure an armistice between Vermont and the British, which most of the Cabinet Council thoughit impracticable, .at least, for any length of time, as the British had 10,000 troops in Cana- da, who would, in that case, be idle, not being able to annoy the other States, without first annoying Vermont. An armistice was necessary for Vermont, as their whole militia did not exceed 7000 men, able to bear arms, (her unions excepted) and who could not contend with 10,000 Bri- tish troops, be maintained and paid, for any length of time, if called out. to action ; therefore an armistice must be obtained, or the frontiers must be evacuated, until assistance could come from those very states, whose influence had rendered Vermont defenceless ; which, perhaps, had been contemplated, that they might, more easily, divide the spoil, under a rati- fication of Congress, and have their troops ready to guarantee such division.
The business was necessarily of a private nature ; nothing could be written with safety to Vermont ; one person was better than more, as cross questions might arise, and no one could divine what questions and propositions might come from the British, respecting the past and future conduct and intentions of the principal characters of Vermont. Besides, there was much danger, in the negociation, to the Governor, Council, and especially their agent, from the spies of the claiming States and Congress, who would labour hard for proof of a criminal correspondence, to expose life and property ; but it was considered, that unless this measure was pursued, there was danger of being annihilated as a State, and being sub- jected by a power greatly promoted by the exertions of the people of Vermont. Under these circumstances, perseverance in an attempt to obtain an armistice, was resolved on, at every possible hazard. At this time, only eight persons were in the secret,* but more were added, as cir- cumstances required. Colonel Allen preferred the first day of May, (it being the anniversary of his birth,) for his departure on this important business ; he took with him one subaltern,1 two serjeants, and sixteen privates, and, with a fair wind, soon arrived at l'Isle auc Noix, and was kindly and politely received by Major Dundas, Commandant at that place, who provided convenient apartments for Colonel Allen and his suite, and he daily dined with him at the mess. The next day, the com- missioners met to settle a cartel for the exchange of prisoners. Major Dundas, Captain Sherwood, and George Smith, Esq. produced their cre- dentials, as also Colonel Allen ; and they adjourned to the following day. Captain Sherwood walking next morning with Colonel Allen, told him that Major Dundas had no knowledge of any business, except the ex- change of prisoners, and that he and Mr. Smith were the commissioners to settle the armistice, and to concert with hint measures to establish Vermont a colony under the crown of Great Britain. Whether Major
* The followino are the names of these persons, as stated by Dr Williams in his his- tory of Vermont, viz. Thomas Chittenden, Moses Robinson, Samuel Safford, Ethan Allen, Ira Allen, Timothy Brownson, John Fassett, Joseph Fay.
+ Lieutenant Simeon Lyman.
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Dundas was, or was not, unacquainted with the main business, he con- ducted himself as if he was not, for which reason the papers respecting the exchange of prisoners, were kept by themselves for public inspection. What concerned the armistice was more verbal than written. In the conferences respecting the `temper and disposition of the inhabitants of Vermont, and their extreme hatred to the system and government of New-York, it was observed, that Congress was making use of every art to bring Vermont in subjection to New-York, and that the people of Ver- mont would, rather than yield to it, see Congress subjected to the British government, provided Vermont could be a distinct colony under the crown, on safe and honourable terms ; that the people of Vermont were not disposed, any longer, to assist in establishing a government in Ameri- ca, which might subject them and their posterity to New-York, whose government was more detested than any in the known world, and under which the people of Vermont could never be safe, in person or property ; therefore, they would not submit to be subjected to the jurisdiction of New-York, on any terms ;"tliat the most discerning part of the citizens were weary of the war, and turning their attention to retirement and safe- ty ; but how to effect their objects was the question.
The replication to the foregoing observations was, that the territory of Vermont could be a colony under the crown, with privileges equal to those enjoyed by any other colony ; and that those who assisted in effect- ing such an event, would be duly honoured and rewarded. Both parties " joined in opinion, that Vermont must become a British colony ; but the methods to effect it, consistent with the interests of both, were to be dis- covered. Much conversation passed on the subject, and Captain Sher- wood wrote to General Haldimand, and stated matters, but nothing was decisively done for some time. The negociations caused the army to re- main inactive, which gave Colonel Allen reason to persevere, with hopes.
Colonel Allen asked leave to go and wait on General Haldimand, at Quebec, but was refused ; when he wrote to General Haldimand, in ab- struse terms, on the subject of his mission. General Haldimand answer- ed his letter, and sent Major Lunno, Adjutant General of the army, to join the Commissioners at Isle aux Noix. On his arrival, he had a long conference with the two other Commissioners, after which, a private in- terview took place between the parties in a bye part of the island, un- known to Major Dundas, respecting the armistice, and the motives which induced the people of Vermont to consent to become a British colony. The next day, Colonel Allen and Major Lunno met at the same place, and the Major requested Colonel Allen to put down, in writing, the most important matters for the consideration of the Commander in Chief, who would then come to a final conclusion. Colonel Allen declined writing any thing on the subject, lest his writings should be exposed (which would be dangerous to him in the States, and destroy his influence there) as he had wrote to General Haldimand, and, by accident, the copy of his letter, which was couched in very ambiguous terms, was enclosed to Major Dundas, who was angry to think Colonel Allen had wrote off the island without his consent, and declared to the officers that he would con- Ane Colonel Allen in irons ; the impropriety of which was urged by the
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officers, as there could be, and was, no harm in it, as it was to the Com- mander in Chief, who had duly answered it. Colonel Allen said, he would verbally state the business, which Major Lunno might write and communicate to the Commander in Chief, with perfect safety and secrecy, on which the whole business depended, as the zealous Whigs would listen to no proposals until they saw and felt the benefits of an armistice ; and the loyal subjects, who were scattered through the state, must be employ- ed to change the minds of the Whigs by degrees. Major Lunno, at once, adopted Colonel Allen's mode to inform the Commander in Chief, and proceeded in the following manner :-
Question .- Did not the people of Vermont take an early and active part in the rebellion ?
Answer .- The people of Vermont were informed that hostilities had commenced at Lexington, by an express from the Governor and Council of Connecticut, to Colonel Ethan Allen, who requested him immediately to raise the Green Mountain Boys, and, without loss of time, to march and take the forts Tyconderoga and Crown Point, which Colonel Allen complied with, and also took the King's sloop of war with 16 guns, then lying off' Fort St. John's.
Question .- Have the people of Vermont continued their exertions in the course of the war ?
Auswer .- No people in America have exerted themselves more than those of Vermont ; they, with the assistance of the militia from the State of New-Hampshire, and from the county of Berkshire, gave the first check to General Burgoyne's army by the victory at Bennington ; and by other exertions, greatly contributed to the capture of his whole army at Saratoga.
Question .- What were the motives which stimulated the people of Vermont to such violent measures ?
Answer .- The inhabitants of Vermont principally came from Connec- ticut and the other New-England States, and, as brethren, felt for them, in a high degree, when hostilities first commenced ; besides, they were of the same opinion as entertained by their brethren in New-England, that the Parliament of Great Britain had no right to bind and control the colonies, in all cases whatsoever, and that representation ought to pre- cede taxation.
Question. On what principles do the people of Vermont act, by en- deavouring to obtain an armistice, and the privilege of being a colony under the crown, after taking so decided a part as you say, on similar principles to those of their brethren in New-England ?
Answer. When the people of Vermont first took an active part a- gainst Great Britain, they were, in principles, agreed with their brethren in the other colonies, to oppose the claims of the Parliament on America, and fought in their country's cause, expecting to enjoy equal privileges with their neighbours, in chusing and establishing their own form of gov- ernment, and in sharing with them all the advantages which might result from their united efforts in the common cause. But after all, they have found to their sorrow, by acts and resolutions of Congress, and proceed- ings of other states, that they intend to annihilate the new state of Ver-
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mont, and annex its territory to New-York, whose government is perfect- ly hated and detested by the people of Vermont. To effect this plan, Lhe frontiers of Vermont have been left naked and exposed to the wasting sword of the British troops, with a view to depopulate the country, and give the New-York monopolists possession. 'This usage being too much for human nature to bear, the citizens of Vermont think themselves justi- hable, before God and man, in seeking an armistice with the British, and ceasing further to support a power that has too soon attempted to enslave a brave and generous people.
Question .- Should the Commander in Chief consent to an armistice with Vermont, for the time being, and admit it to be a British colony, with as extensive privileges as any colony ever had, what would be an adequate compensation for the inactivity of the army ? and how soon can Vermont furnish a regiment to be put on the establishment, and march with the army against Albany ; and what other assistance can Vermont give in such an expedition ?
Answer .- The advantages to Great Britain by making an armistice, and receiving Vermont as a colony, will be great. After the propositions of Colonel Beverley Robinson, in his letter of March 30th, 1780, to Gen- eral Ethan Allen, the Cabinet Council of Vermont have not been inat- tentive to a peace and union with the British government. Governor Chittenden, last July, sent a flag to the British Commodore, on Lake Champlain, with a letter to General Haldimand, requesting the exchange of some prisoners, which produced a truce, last autumn. General Ethan Allen included the frontiers of New-York, to Hudson's river, with Ver- mout, which produced very good effects, and made the people, among whom are many loyalists, on that district, friendly and anxious to come under the jurisdiction of Vermont. The Legislature of Vermont, on their petition, and, in consequence of measures, New-York, &c. were pursuing against her, extended hier jurisdictional claim over that part of New- York : the territory thus added to the state of Vermont, is bounded south by a line due west from the south-west corner of Vermont to the Hud- son's river, thence up the said river to its source, and by a line due north, to the south lineof Canada, thence east to the north-east corner of Ver-
mont. Articles of union are forming, and no doubt but that district will be duly represented in the next session of the Legislature of Vermont. In like manner, has been added to the jurisdiction of the state, on petition of the inhabitants, all the territory lying cast of Connecticut river, and west of Mason's patent, which takes away, at least, one third part of the state of New-Hampshire. These additional territories will give strength to Vermont and weaken Congress. The extent of country, and the return of sucha body of people to their allegiance, with the effects it may have on the people in the other states, many of whom are sick of the dispute, in consequence of the taxes and hardships already experienced, most like- ly will be of greater consequence than the operation of an army of ten thousand men. . As to an army marching against Albany, it will operate against the union of the New-York district, and that of New-Hampshire, now forming with Vermont. This business requires time and modera- tion, with the address of some discreet loyalists, now in Canada, who
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may visit their friends in those districts, and let them know that Vermont is on good terms with the British.
In Vermont are plenty of men who would be fond of commissions on the British establishment, and could raise a regiment in a few weeks ; but this, with sundry other things, can be better ascertained after the, session of the General Assembly, at Bennington, next June.
A cartel for an exchange of prisoners was completed. Thus terminated this negociation in May, 1781, after seventeen days, on a verbal agree- ment, that hostilities should cease between the British and those under the jurisdiction of Vermont, until after the session of the Legislature of Vermont, and until a reasonable time after, for a commissary of prisoners to come on board the Royal George in Lake Champlain, and even longer, if prospects were satisfactory to the Commander in Chief.
In the mean time Vermont was to consolidate . her unions, to weaken Congress, permit letters to pass through Vermont, to and from Canada, ' 1 and take prudent measures to prepare the people for a change of govern- ment.
The Commissioners parted in high friendship, and Major Dundas fur- nished Colonel Allen and his suite with ample stores to return home. On Colonel Allen's return to Castletown, Captain Hurlbert and others waited on him, and desired to be advised whether to remain or move to the inte- rior parts of the country ; the Colonel advised them to remain quiet on their farms ; that the Governor and Council would provide the best means for their safety ; that they must not be surprised if there was not a powerful army to protect the frontiers ; should any event niake it ne- cessary, for the safety of their families, to move, they might depend on seasonable information : he had a similar interview with Major Hebar Allen, the R W. Mr. Hibbard, &c. in Poultney.
The Colonel went to Sunderland, and made his report to the Governor and Council, who took measures to carry into effect the stipulations he had made. In June, the Assembly met at Bennington, and received the Representatives from the east and west unions.
Many jealousies having arose amongst the zealous whigs in the United .. States and Vermont, that some negociations were carrying on between the British in Canada and Vermont, which occasioned several men of discernment to be sent from the neighbouring states, as well as many in Vermont, to collect and see, if, at the sessions of the Legislature, they could find any measures were pursuing, that might eventually be injurious to the United States, or the common cause of America.
On the other hand, the British in Canada were anxious to know wliet- her Col. Allen and his friends would be faithful, and conduct matters so as to give a reasonable prospect of success, that might be adequate to a fur- ther suspension of hostilities ; with these views, two opposite parties at- & tended the Legislature; as the Assembly convened in the Meeting-House, the spectators sat in the galleries.
In a few days after their meeting, the Assembly sent a message to the Governor and Council, requesting them to join in committee of both Houses on the subject of Colonel Allen's mission to the British in Cana- dla. &c. The Governor and Council attended in the Assembly, and re-
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wolved both Houses into a committee of the whole, when the Governor proceeded to state the facts ; that in consequence of application from ateral persons, praying that some measures might be taken to procure the exchange of their friends, who were prisoners in Canada, in the recess of the Legislature, he had, with the advice of Council, appointed and au- thorized Colonel Ira Allen to go to the Isle aux Noix to settle a cartel for the exchange of prisoners, in behalf of the state. That Colonel Allen went to the Isle aux Noix, where he met the British Commissioners, and, with · difficulty, had completed the business, in behalf of Vermont, though no such exchange had taken place with the United States, or any other state in the northern department ; that if the grand committee wish- ed for further particulars, respecting the mission and conduct of Colonel Allen, he was then present, and could best inform ; to whom he referred then.
The committee then requested Colonel Allen to inform them respect- ing his commission, and what effects it had produced. Colonel Allen rose, and observed to the committee, that he had received an appoint- ment and commission from the Governor and Council, to go and settle a cartel with the British, in Canada, for an exchange of prisoners ; that he had, very happily, succeeded in his mission, and made his report to the Governor and Council ; but not expecting to be called on by the commit- tee, had left the commission and all the papers at home ; nevertheless, was ready to give a verbal statement of the whole transactions, or, if more agreeable to the committee, he would, by leave of the Governor and Council, go home, and produce the writings for the inspection of the con- mittee, next day. The committee desired Colonel Allen would lay the papers before them the next day.
Accordingly, he attended the committee with the papers, and made a short verbal statement, that the papers might be the better understood ; they were read, and, on the whole, it appeared, that the British had shewn great generosity in the business. Colonel Allen then rose, and stated sundry things, which occurred while he was in Canada, and mentioned that he had discovered among the British officers, a fervent wish for peace; and that the English government was as tired of the war, as the United States ; -- then concluded with a desire, that if any Member of the committee or auditor in the gallery, wished to ask any further questions respecting the business, he was ready to answer them.
All seemed satisfied that nothing had been done inconsistent to the in- terest of the States ; and those who were in the interest of the United States, paid their compliments to Colonel Allen, for his open and candid conduct. In the evening he had a conference with the Canadian specta- tors, on the business of the day, and they appeared to be as well satisfied as those from the neighbouring States and Vermont. Is it not curious to see opposite parties perfectly satisfied with one statement, and each be- lieving what they wished to believe, and thereby deceiving themselves ! Major Joseph Fay was then appointed Commissary of prisoners, and after the session of the Assembly, went, in July, on board the Royal George, in Lake Champlain, obtained the exchange of prisoners, and a further extension of the armistice;
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In July, 1781, General Ethan Allen was informed by one of his neigh bours, that some of his friends, from Canada, wished to speak with him in the dusk of the evening of that day ; that he would shew-him the place, if he chose to see them ; --- at the time appointed, General Allen, with his cane only in his hand, cheerfully went to a British guard under arms, and received a packet from the British in Canada. In the twilight of the next day he met them again, and returned an answer ; this mode of corres- pondence was continued, and whenever dispatches came in this way, General Ethan Allen or Colonel fra Allen (as they both lived in one house) went and received them, and returned an answer, not trusting any other person with these dispatches. It is worthy of remark, that Sun- derland, where they lived, was more than sixty miles from the frontiers; yet a serjeant and six or eight men frequently passed. with their arms, in 1781 and 1782, without being discovered by any that would inform a- gainst them.
In these times, party spirit ran so high against tories, or any corres- pondence with the British, that a person in Arlington, who had, on these occasions, rendered himself obnoxious to some brave and spirited people in Manchester, &c. a party collected and set out to pull his house down ; their plan was discovered by Colonel Gideon Brownson and Captain Eli Brownson, who met said party in Sunderland, interposed by their advice, to prevent so rash a procedure .- Colonel Ira Allen soon came to their assistance ; by their united influence, with difficulty they persuaded said party quietly to return home. That the same evening, Colonel ira Allen, crossing the same ground, where said party were persuaded to return back, met a British guard under arms, received a packet, and returned an answer, next evening.
This shews the vicissitudes of human affairs, and the dangers indivi- duals are frequei ly exposed to, for the best good of the whole.
The Assembly, during their June session, appointed Jonas Fay, Ira Allen, and Bezaleel Woodward, E'squires, agents to Congress. On their way to Philadelphia, and on the same day of their arrival, they, at an inn, saw, in a newspaper, a letter from Lord George Germain to Sir Henry Clinton, dated Whitehall, February 7th, 1781, which had been taken by the French and carried to Paris, and by Dr. Franklin, forwarded to Con- gress, who had ordered it to be printed, containing, among other things, the following : " The return of the people of Vermont to their allegiance is an event of the utmost importance to the King's affairs ; and, at this time, if the French and Washington really meditate an irruption into Canada, may be considered as opposing an insurmountable bar to the attempt. General Haldimand, who has the same instructions with you, to draw over those people, and give them support, will, I doubt not, push. up a body of troops, to act in conjunction with them, to secure all the avenues through their country into Canada ; and when the season ad- mits, take possession of the upper parts of the Hudson's and Connecticut rivers, and cut off the communication between Albany and the Mohawk's country. Ilow far they may be able to extend themselves southward or eastward must depend on their numbers, and the disposition of the inhab- itants,"
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