Inherent Patriotism
of the People -- Prepared for the First Call -- Capture of Ticonderoga
-- Different Sentiments Existing Among and Actuating the Inhabitants --
Effect of the Approach of Burgoyne's Army -- Mercilessness Shown to Tories
-- Results in Vermont of Burgoyne's Surrender -- Faithfulness of Vermonters
to the Cause of Patriotism.
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The opening of the Revolutionary War found the people of Rutland
county substantially independent, obeying only the orders and decrees of
committees, conventions and town meetings. The inhabitants of this region
took an active and patriotic part in the war. The leaders had been well
prepared to enter with enthusiasm and vigor into the contest for American
liberty, by sharing in the general hostility to the arbitrary measures
of the British crown and ministry, and by sympathy with their friends in
Massachusetts and Connecticut, whence they had emigrated.
The people were well aware of the great importance of the posts
on their frontier in the approaching conflict. When, therefore, a few days
after the battle of Lexington, messengers arrived from Connecticut for
the purpose of collecting forces to make an attack on Ticonderoga, they
found a body of men with their spirits and minds already prepared for the
expedition. The old military corps which had done effective service in
guarding the territory from the intrusions of the emissaries of the New
York government was speedily mustered and on the march. The immediate result
of this expedition was the well-known surrender of the fortress, the importance
of which at that critical time can scarcely be over-estimated; its details
and an account of the battle of Hubbardton are given a little farther on.
The prescribed limits of this work will not admit of an extended
account of the part taken by the people of this county, as individuals,
in the great struggle that gave the country its liberty. Their deeds, and
those of their compatriots, are written in ever-living lines on the pages
of general history. Some of the more prominent features of the contest,
bearing a local character, may, however, be alluded to.
There were, perhaps, at the opening of the Revolution, one-half
of the people to whom the coming contest was grateful. There were those,
too, who in the troublous times had neglected their own private affairs
and were now in embarrassed circumstances. Habits in a measure forced upon
them, had unfitted some for a quiet occupation. These were, of course,
ready for any change by which something might possibly "turn up." There
were a few who took a comprehensive view of the whole subject and, from
truly patriotic motives, were ready to risk everything for the great principles
of political freedom. Unfortunately these were not generally men of influence
and property. But when a British army of more than seven thousand men came
marching from the North, the leading men of the county were filled with
indignation, to say nothing of other feelings that animated them. The progress
of that army was slow, but so much the better calculated to spread alarm.
Tories began to declare themselves in proportion to the nearness of its
approach. Names of men suspected or known as Tories, who lived in all parts
of this region, were spoken, the Council of Safety met often and the several
towns in this county received especial attention, as well as those surrounding.
As Burgoyne's army approached, the excitement increased. Companies
of men on both sides were scouring the country in search of recruits and
provisions. The houses and fields of suspected Tories were mercilessly
plundered. Clothing and other necessary articles of furniture were carried
off. Every contrivance was resorted to for concealment. Cattle were driven
to the mountains. The family supplies of beef and pork were buried in the
earth. Even the less perishable articles of furniture were disposed of
in the same manner. It was a period of great anxiety and alarm. The settlers
along Lake Champlain and as far south as Manchester, had either submitted
to Burgoyne and taken his protection, or were abandoning their positions
and removing to the southward. When it became known that an army of Hessians
and Indians were approaching, the people flocked towards Bennington, taking
with them such of their most valuable property as could be hastily collected
and transported. The more timid and prudent passed on beyond, while others
made such preparations as they could for a sudden removal and waited further
developments. Any attempt to describe the painful anxiety that prevailed
during that period as to the result of the near contest would be vain.
That, as well as the rush of overwhelming joy and exultation which followed
the victory, can only be imagined. The victory was a proud one for the
people of the country, and an ominous presage of the later overthrow of
Burgoyne.
Although the capture of Burgoyne and his army in the fall of 1777
was a most fortunate event in the Revolutionary struggle, it left Lake
Champlain and the strong fortresses of Ticonderoga and Crown Point in the
possession of the enemy, and Vermont, during the remaining five years of
the war, constantly exposed to their incursions. The occupation of those
forts by a strong British force also gave countenance and encouragement
to the loyalists in northern New York and Vermont and kept the inhabitants
of Rutland county in a state of almost continual apprehension and alarm.
During the remaining period of the war the State was under the necessity
of maintaining a permanent guard on the borders of her territory, to which
the people of Rutland county contributed their full proportion of men and
means. They were also subject to orders to march in a body to the frontier
on many occasions of apprehended or actual invasion by the enemy. Vermont
at that period was weak in numbers, but she was strong in the justice of
her cause, in nerve and in patriotism. From the morning of May 10th, 1775,
when the dawn found Ethan ALLEN at Ticonderoga, until the evening of the
last day of the Revolution, the men of Rutland county were found, whenever
and where ever the enemy appeared, foremost in attack and last in retreat.
In 1775 a regiment was sent to Canada; its brilliant exploits at Longuiel
form a page of heroic history. In 1776, when the Continental army was formed
under Colonel WARNER, they served with honor throughout the war. The men
of the county were in constant service, and when their own territory was
invaded, the whole population was under arms. Ticonderoga, Longuiel, Hubbardton,
Bennington and Saratoga, bear testimony of the patriotism and valor of
the people of Rutland county.
"History
of Rutland County Vermont with Illustrations &
Biographical
Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men & Pioneers"
Edited
by H. Y. Smith & W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D.
Mason & Co., Publishers 1886
History
of Rutland County
Chapter
V.
(pages
55-58)
Transcribed
by Karima, 2002
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