AN
HISTORICAL ADDRESS,
DELIVERED AT
HUBBARDTON, VT.,
ON THE
EIGHTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
Battle of Hubbardton,
JULY 7, 1859.
BY HENRY CLARK,
With
an Appendix Containing an Aooount of the celebration.
________________
PUBLISHED BY REQUEST
___________
RUTLAND:
PRESS OP' GEORGE A. TUTTLE
& CO.
1859.
ADDRESS.
____
The
celebration of our nation's birth has just ended, and ere the rejoicings
have ceased, it is fitting we should assemble on one of its battle fields to complete
the erection of a monument in honor of those who fell, and in commemoration of
the event. We are here at the invitation of patriotic and persevering citizens,
whose generosity and efforts have raised this noble structure- an honor to those
who projected it, and a fitting memento of the past.
This
is the eighty-second anniversary of the battle of Hubbardton, and
this occasion calls for a marked demonstration of the public interest in the event.
More than three-quarters of a century has elapsed, and we gather to-day in mass,
to note the results. Who of us will be permitted a similar retrospect when the
century shall have ended.
While
we recall with grateful interest
the sufferings and sacrifices of our fathers, and the trials they endured in our
behalf, we should remember there are other monuments on which their virtues and
deeds are inscribed, more enduring than sculptured marble.
Look around and behold them in the prosperity of our country to-day-- in the cultivated
fields-- institutions of learning, and internal improvements. They appear on every
hill-side, and in the flourishing hamlets and cities throughout the land.
We
are here from different sections, most of us for the first time,
and desire to testify our veneration for their names. What son of Vermont here
does not feel the power of the occasion? We have in our veins the blood and in
our keeping the graves of these martyrs of the Revolution. Their bodies rest in
this quiet vale, but the cause they espoused has spread its blessings over other
fields than the field of battle. In full fruition of these
bleasings, we join
you in homage to the spot, and to the memory of those who fought and fell. History
has prepared her tablets, and written imperishable records of the event, and the
present reality, it is hoped, will justify a recurrence to a few events which
preceded the battle of Hubbardton. We are borne back to the 7th of July 1777.
We see the people come from every direction. Old men and young hasten to the scene
of strife, and our presence here gives it a living power.
It
should be remembered the battle of Hubbardton occurred at a dark
period of the Revolution. When Gen. Burgoyne commenced his campaign, Washington
had been driven from New York, and the American forces from Canada.
2
Burgoyne
arrived at Quebec on the 6th of May, and took command of the British
army. On the 12th he was at Montreal collecting and forwarding all his stores
to Lake Chainplain. On the 20th of June his entire army was assembled at Cumberland
head, near Plattsburgh ; thence embarking he proceeded up the lake, without opposition.
On the 21st of June he landed his force on the west side of the lake, at the mouth
of the river Boquet, near Willsborough, N. Y. At this point he was joined by three
or four hundred Indians. Gen. Burgoyne made a speech to them, in which he exhorted
them to lay aside their ferocious and barbarous manner of making war, to kill
only such as opposed them in arms, and spare prisoners that should fall into their
hands, and gave such directions to their fierceness and cruelty as should best
subserve his designs against the Americans.
On
the 30th of June he advanced to Ticonderoga, with a well appointed
fleet and disciplined army, and encamped for the night about four miles from the
American lines. The next day they took their position just within reach of the
American cannon, and on the 2nd of July, after a brief skirmish with a picket
of sixty men, and forcing them to retire, advanced within sixty yards of the works,
scattering themselves along the whole front of the American lines.
At
this perilous period Gen. St. Clair, who commanded at Fort Ticonderoga,
feared he should not be able properly to defend the garrison, although the place
appeared strong, nevertheless the works were so extensive that he could not properly
defend them, beside, he had omitted to fortify a rugged eminence called Mount
Defiance.; the top of which overlooked and effectually commanded the whole works.
St.
Clair being sensible he could not sustain a seige, hoped Burgoyne
would make an assault, against which he was resolved to defend himself to the
last. After the discovery by the Americans of the advantage the opposing forces
had gained of them in the occupation of Mount Defiance, and their movements to
construct a battery, a council of war was held, by which it was unanimously agreed
to retreat that very night.
About
two o'clock on the morning of the 6th of July, Gen. St. Clair,
with the garrison, left Ticonderoga, and about three o'clock the troops on Mt.
Independence were put in motion, and a part were conveyed to Skeensboro in batteaux,
while the main body of the army proceeded by land, on the old military road ,
which had been cut during the preceding wars, from No. 4, now Charlestown, New
Hampshire, to Ticonderoga. The retreat was conducted in silence, unobserved by
the enemy , till a fire by accident was set which illuminated the whole of Mt.
Independence, and at once revealed their movements to the enemy. At about four
o'clock the rear guard of the American Army left Mt. Independence, and were brought
off Col. Francis in good order. When the troops reached this place they were halted
about two hours. Here the rear guard were placed under the command, of
Col. Seth Warner, with orders to follow as soon as
3
those behind came up. Gen. St. Clair, with the main body, reached Castleton on
the 6th of July.
The
retreat from Ticonderoga was no sooner discovered by the British
than a pursuit was made by Gen. Fraser, who was soon followed by Gen. Reidsel
with a greater part of the British forces. Fraser continued the pursuit during
the day, and having learned that the Americans were not far off, he ordered an
encamp-. ment for the night.
Early
on the morning of the 7th he renewed the pursuit and at 7 o'clock
the engagement commenced. Gen. Fraser made an attack upon the Americans while
they were at breakfast. The force under Warner's command consisted of the Green
Mountain Boys, Col. Haile's regiment of Connecticut River Men, with a Massachusetts
regiment under Col. Francis, amounting to nearly one thousand men. Those under
Gen. Fraser were two thousand strong, according to the account given by Ethan
Allen, in his narrative. Much reliance is to be placed on Allen's statements,
as he undoubtedly had it from Warner himself, as well as from the confessions
made to him while a prisoner in England by officers of the British army, who were
in the engagement.
Permit
me, therefore, in further illustration, to give the description
of the battle in his peculiarly graphic and characteristic language.
He says
, " The 6th day of July, 1777, Gen. St. Clair and the army under
his command evacuated Ticonderoga, And returned with the main body through Hubbardton
into Castleton, which was six miles distant, when his rear guard, commanded by
Col. Seth Warned, was attacked at Hubbardton by a body of the enemy of about two
thousand strong, commanded by Gen. Fraser. Warner's command consisted of his own
and two other regiments,viz : Francis and Haile, and some scattered and enfeebled
soldiers. His whole number, according to information, was near or quite one thousand
men, part of which were Green Mountain Boys. About seven hundred he brought into
action. The enemy advanced boldly, and the two bodies formed within about sixty
yards of each other. Col. Warner having formed his own regiment and that of Col.
Francis, did not wait for the enemy, but gave them a heavy fire from his whole
line, and they returned it with
great bravery. It
was by this time dangerous for those of both parties who were not prepared for
the world to come.
But Col.Haile, being apprised of the danger, never brought his regiment to the
charge, but left Warner and his men
to stand the blowing of it
and fled, but luckily fell in with an inconsiderable number
of the enemy, and to
his eternal shame, surrendered himself a prisoner.
The
conflict
was very bloody. Col.
Francis fell in the same, but Col. Warner
and the officers under
his command, as also the soldiery, behaved with great resolution. The enemy broke
and gave way on the right
and left, but formed
again and renewed the attack. In the meanfime the British grenadiers in the center
4
of the enemy's line maintained the ground, and finally
carried it with the point of the bayonet, and Warner retreated with reluctance.
Our loss was about thirty men killed, and that of the enemy amounting to three
hundred killed, including a Major Grant.
After
Warner's men had thrown them into disorder, they formed and again
advanced upon the Americans, who in their turn fell back. At this critical moment
Gen. Reidsel arrived with a reinforcement, and led them immediately into action,
and decided the fortunes of the day."
Such,
fellow citizens, were the stirring scenes which were enacted on
this battle field eighty-two years ago to-day --a strange contrast indeed to the
one presented before us. Gallantly and bravely
did they do their duty, and nobly are you doing your duty in commemorating the
event.
The
battle of Hubbardton, although the number engaged was comparatively
small, was one of the most determined and severe on record. If it was a British
victory, it was dearly purchased. But had it been an American victory, it would
not have lessened the sorrow for the fall of the gallant Col. Francis. He was
a noble patriot, and we should never cease to venerate his memory, while we remember
the action in which he fell and the principles
for which he sacrificed his life. If we keep in remembrance, fellow citizens,
the scenes of that day, we shall be able better to appreciate the price paid for
the liberties we now enjoy, and fitting is it that on this anniversary day we
raise yonder monument quarried in our own native hills.
It
is proper on this occasion that some mention should be made of
the leaders in this engagement.
Gen.
Frazier, of the British army, was killed on the 7th of October,
1777, at the battle of Saratoga.
Colonel
Haile, I fear, Allen has too severely censured, as he and many
of his men were known to have been in feeble, health and unfitted for military
service, and his strictures, therefore; upon his conduct, should be received with
great caution. We regret that imputation should ever have rested on one who is
represented to have been so irreproachable in all the relations of life. Col Haile,
history authorizes us to say, claimed the right of General
Washington, by Court Martial to exhonerate himself, but he died soon after, before
it could be accomplished, while a. prisoner
of war on Long Island.
Colonel
Seth Warner, who was on that day the lead , was preeminently a
representative man of the early settlers of Vermont. He has been aptly represented
by one* of Vermont's most gifted writers, as a man of commanding an even majestic
appearance. He was tall and muscular, and so completely set were his limbs that
his contour presented nothing to the eye in the least disproportional or ungainly.
Every development
----------
*Hon. D. P,. Thompson
5
indeed whether of his shapely head or manly countenance, goes
to show a strong; well-balanced character, and one capable
of action,
beyond the scope of ordinary men."
He
was a fit associate for such men as Ethan Allen and his valiant band. Vermont
has had no nobler defender--no truer friend--no greater hero--none more bold and
frank in the expression of their opinions. In the town of Woodbury, Connecticut,
lie the remains of Col. Seth Warner. He was buried with all the honors of war;
in a grave remote from the State he loved so well, and whose cause he so ably
defended. On a white marble tomb stone may be deciphered the following inscription
IN MEMORY OF
COL.
SETH WARNER, ESQ.,
Who
departed this life December 26th A. D. 1754, in the 42nd
year of
his age.
"Triumphant leader at our army's head
Whose martial glory struck a panic dread;
Thy warlike deeds engraven on this stone,
Tell future ages--what a hero's done;
Full sixteen battles he did fight,
For to procure his country's right;
Oh! this brave hero, he did fall
By death, who ever conquers all.
When this you see
Remember me."
Our
fathers fought for a purpose--fought for the rights which God and
nature gave them--fought for that principle which led them to leave their homes
and seek an asylum in the Western wilds. They fled from oppression and came to
a land where no royal foot had ever trod.
Time
has erased the stains of battle--crumbled the bones and scattered
the dust of the heroes who fought on this field; yet their memory is as green
as ever in the hearts of the living. It was theirs to toil--to bleed and to die
that we might be free. It is ours to preserve the rich possessions their sacrifices
secured. What American can contemplate his ancestry and not feel ennobled ? There
is nothing that so fills the American with noble thoughts than the recital of
the deeds of his fathers. And when we dwell upon the noble deeds of our sires,
and claim as kindred Washington and Warren, Allen and Warner, Stark and Lee, and
all the Revolutionary heroes, who pledged their lives, their fortunes and their
sacred honor for the sake of their coun- can we ever forget. our duties as American
citizens?
Fellow
citizens, let us promote
National unity, not only by fitting commorative festivals but by the erection
of such monuments as shall keep visibly before us the deeds and virtues of our
fathers. I know there are those who can see in the erection of monuments nothing
but a useless expenditure. But they know not the power that is in them to impress
the memory and stir the heart: Who is there that can enter with indifference the
burial place where are the tombs of his ancestors? To such an one indeed ancestral
memories are powerless. But to him whose
6
nature is susceptible
of nobler impulses, these memories will eve possess a charm and a power that nothing
can dim or destroy The monumental marble is not cold lifeless stone; it hath lip
and speaks in language which though silent, often stirs the hear more deeply than
the trumpet blast. Then let these monument rise and become the expressive chroniclers
of our history. La' their foundations deep in the earth, and let them rise heavenward
from the hill-top and the mountain summit, and as years pas away and the moss
grows o'er them and their inscriptions begin to fade away, they will stand grey
witnesses of the past, and from them will ;o forth an influence to animate remote
genera tions to like deeds of heroism, and to purify and ennoble the national
heart.
APPENDIX.
____
It
has been thought proper to add to the foregoing address the several accounts of
the celebration, as published in the public prints of the State. The account gives
in the Northern Visitor, published at Brandon, was prepared by a special reporter
for that paper. The account given in the Vermont Watchman is in substance the
address delivered by the Hon. E. P. Walton, on the occasion.
From the Northern Visitor, published at Brandon.
HUBBARDTON BATTLE-MONUMENT CELEBRATION.
Mr.
EDITOR: -I promised you a few items from the Hubbardton battle-Monument Celebration,
which came off according to previous announcement, on the 7th inst. The sun rose
clear and bright on that morning, and was scarcely above the horizon, before all
the roads, for a distance
of twenty miles, leading to Hubbardton, were thronged with vehicles of all sorts,
crowded with Green Mountain Boys and girls of all ages, wending their way to the
battle ground, which is situated in East Hubbardton, about ten miles from Brandon.
Could you have stood on the top of the liberty pole on the battle ground, and
looked the Country over, you might have thought it was being depopulated, as everybody,
seemingly
actuated by one impulse, was crowding towards that spot.
The
procession formed at the Baptist Church, at 11 o'clock a. m., under the marshalship
of Col. Parker, of Castleton, and preceded by the Rutland Band marched to the
battle ground, where a speaker's stand had been erected, and several board seats
prepared in front of the stand. The Exercises commenced by reading the Scriptures,
by Rev. Dr. .Thomas, of Brandon, after which prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Child,
of Castleton. At this point the Allen Greys arrived, and accompanied by the Brandon
Band, and Col. Bush and Staff of the First Regiment. After Capt. Cook had put
them through a course of military maneuvers in front of the stand, the President
of the day, James W. Barber, Esq., introduced henry Clark, Esq., of Poultney,
who read a well digested historical sketch of the events immediately preceding
and succeeding the battle, showing clearly its relation to the other scenes of
the great revolutionary drama. Hon. D. E. Nicholson, of Wallingford, was next
introduced, who delivered a characteristic address of half an hour. length, which
brought down the house (or would if there had been any house to come own m) repeatedly,
by its happy hits. The President then announced adjournment for dinner, and all
who were fortunate enough to find anything to eat, proceeded to eat it. Not expecting
a tenth part of the crowd, the gentleman who was to "victual and. drink"
them was soon compered to capitulate and surrender at discretion The inhabitants
of that part of the town opened their doors generously and showered their hospitalities
freely, but of course, could do little towards supplying such a hungry throng.
8
Hon.
E. P- Walton, of Montpelier, the orator of the occasion, was the
first speaker of the afternoon,
and his address was like all his efforts,
brim full of good things. He had hunted up in the State archives all the
documents relating to the Hubbardton
battle, and gave us some valuable
history. I was unable to hear him as distinctly as I could have wished,
owing to the « noise
and confusion " occasioned by the "sham fight "
which interrupted his speech--between Col. Bush, with a small detach
ment of the "
Greys," representing the British, and Capt. Cook, with the
rest of the "Greys," representing the Americans. This was one of the
most interesting incidents
of the day, although Mr Walton's speech was
interrupted for half an hour. The British were forced to retire until
reinforced by a company of
Indians, commanded by the artist, Hope, of
Castleton, when they rallied and drove the Americans back as far as the
speaker's stand. The smoke
of battle and rattle of musketry was really
quite exciting, and involuntarily led one to inquire what the realities of grim.
war must be if its mimicry is so stirring. It is understood that prodigies of
honor were performed--though I have seen no official bulletin from Col. Bush or
Capt. Cook. Major Hayward, of the staff, was the only one who was placed hors
du combat, as far as I could learn, and his injuries were not severe, I believe.
After the fight was over Mr. Walton concluded his, speech amid great applause.
The following sentiments were then read by Mr. Clark, and several short speeches
were made, in response to calls from the crowd, by Col. Allen, of Fairhaven, C.
E. Graves, Mr. Manly and B. F. Bingham, of Rutland, B. F. Winslow, of Pittsford,
and your reporter.
REGULAR SENTINENTS
PRESENTED BY HENRY CLARK.
1.
The day we celebrate--glorious in the past, honored at the present.
2.
The memory of
Col. Francis and those who fell with him, on the day we are now assembled to commemorate.
3.
Hon. E. P. Walton--honorably known for the interest he has taken in our Revolutionary
history. We hail his presence here as a testimony of his appreciation of the part
taken by the heroes of Hubbardton in that great struggle for Constitutional Freedom.
4.
The Independent Militia of Vermont--it is the glory of a free country that its
volunteers are all regulars and its regulars all volunteers.
5.
Fathers of the Revolution--They dedicated America to Liberty and gave their country
to mankind.
6.
The Chaplain of the day--The voice of prayer was raised by our fathers in the
hour of peril, let it never be silent in this period of our country's prosperity
and greatness.
VOLUNTEERS--
By Capt.
Justin Jennings--Hon. Amos Churcbill--His liberality, patriotism, and perseverance
in the cause of the Hubbardton Battle Monument, has gained for him an immortal
glory, which will be Inn remembered
by all true-hdarted Americans.
By
Capt. Justin Jennings--E. J. Manley, the master, builderStrength to his arm, correctness
to his eye, and wisdom to his understanding.
By
E. J. Manley, Esq., of West Rutland--The People of Hubbardton --May their patriotism
and benevolence continue as lofty as their homes.
By
M. M. Dikeman--Our Military--May they prove themselves worthy to be called descendants
of that little band of Green Mountain Boys who took old " Ti." in the name
of the "
Great Jehovah and the Continental
Congress."
9
By
a Lady--The Spirit of '76--the only spirit that may safely be imbibed
to excess.
The
day, as you well remember, was intensely hot, and there was not an approximation
to a shade within a stone's throw of the speaker's stand.
The
Rutland Band appeared for the first time--except at a couple of concerts which
they have given--and made a splendid appearance in their new and tasteful uniform,
and they, with the Brandon Band, discoursed
excellent music from the stand, at intervals between the different
speeches. Col. Bush and staff in their new uniform were "the observed
of all observers," and the military evolutions, which were per formed
under his and Capt. Cook's directions, were the subject of
unqualified admiration.
The
Monument, which received the finishing touches in presence of the multitude, is
a plain, neat shaft, rising to an elevation of twenty-one feet from the ground.
It was quarried in Rutland, and cost about five hundred
dollars.
Father
Churchill, a veteran of some ninety years, who gave one hundred dollars toward
it, was on the stand, and made some remarks, which could be heard but a little
distance. The rest of the amount was contributed mainly by citizens of Hubbardton.
It marks the spot where Francis is said to have fallen. The inscription is as
follows: on the east
side, "Hubbardton
Battle fought on this ground July 7th, 1777". On the north side,
"Col. Warner commanded;
Col. Francis killed; Col. Hale was captured; the Green Mountain Boys fought bravely."
On the west side, "The
only battle fought in Vermont during the Revolution." On the south side,
"This Monument
erected by citizens of Hub- bardton and vicinity."
I
heard the crowd variously estimated from five to eight thousand, and I will say
for them that I never saw so large a crowd so well behaved. There was no police,
only one marshal, (whose duties seemed to be finished when the procession reached
the ground,) yet there was no rowdyism, not a solitary individual drunk, so far
as I saw or heard; but their deportment was worthy of the descendants of the three
hundred and forty heroes who fell in this hotly contested engagement, who had
come, after the lapse of so many years, to show that the dust which has slumbered
unnoticed so long in this beautiful spot is not unfogotten, but that a grateful
posterity knows how to honor the memory of 'its heroic ancestors. Truly yours,
REPORTER.
From the Vermont Watchman, Montpelier, Vt,
THE BATTLE
OF HUBBARDTON, JULY 7th, 1777.
The
eighty-second anniversary of the Battle of Hubburdton was fitly observed on Thursday,
the 7th. inst., by completing with interesting ceremonies, a handsome marble monument,
"commemorative of our patriot soldiers," who were in the battle, which has
been erected on the battle ground by the Hubbardton Battle-Monument Association.
The assembly was large; numbering, we judge, nearly five thousand people, gathered
mainly from the counties of Rutland and Addison; and all the services were appropriate
to the occasion. The officers of the Association, with the gentlemen who were
to take part in the public exercises, were escorted to the battle ground by the
Allen Greys of Brandon, under the direction of Col. Parker, as Marshal, where
the order of exercises, intermingled with music
from the Rutland
Brass Band, and the Brandon Band, took place.
Not
last in the order
of performances, nor least in interest, was a rep-
10
resentation
of the battle, as perfectly as could be done, in which performance the Allen
Grays represented the British forces, while the Green Mountain Boys were represented
by a company formed for the occasion. The latter company, it was said, was commanded
by a gentleman who happened to be born on the other side of the Atlantic. --however
this may be he certainly entered into this affair will all the spirit of a Vermonter--born,
not made. To us, a very interesting part of the occasion was the meeting of
several of the descendants of Vermonters personally engaged in the battle, and
among them Mr. Churchill, now ninety years of age, who was a lad of eight years
at the time of the battle. We also beard of Benjamin Hickok, now living in Benson,
who was taken prisoner at the time. His presence was expected, but his great
age prevented him from the exposure of the day, and o1 the necessary journey.
As probably the very last surviving sufferer in that day, he was honorably remembered.
We ought to add that Mr. Churchill is one of the chief contributors to the monument,
and in response to a toast in his honor, (we forgot to include the toasts in
the programme,) he related some of his early recollections of the battle field.
It was am occasion well honored also, and it will doubtless be remembered with
pleasure, perhaps not unmingled with pride, by thousands. It will be worth one's
remembering, and worth telling to his children as they read the history of Vermont,
that he on that day and in that way honored the heroes, the patriots and the
martyrs, who, on the 7th of July, 1777, gained those lofty titles on the field
of Hubbardton.
The
battle ground is one of the thousand beautiful spots to be found among the hills
of Vermont; and it deserves rank among the very beautiful spots, even of Vermont
scenery. It is upon the highlands of East Hubbardton-the battle ground itself'
a hill, lying beneath and east of a striking promontory called Mount Zion. East
of the ground is a rivulet, and then comes the mountain range over which, and
through the forest, garner and his men retreated on their way to Manchester, and
successfully defied pursuit. Down the valley of the rivulet was the old military
road to Castleton, by which St. Clair retreated with his army: arid the whole
scene-embracing the battle ground, this lovely valley and the grand mountains-is
richly worth a visit, counting as nothing even the historic remembrances a visit
would provoke. With the diagram of the field, in Thompson's Vermont, one will
readily recognize the spots where the contending forces met; and from the neighbors
the traditions of the fathers can be gathered, enlivened with relics from the
field. Let the Green Mountain Boys of this generation make at least one visit
to the battle ground of Hubbardton.
And
now a few words as to the battle. We have a suspicion that its importance is not
sufficiently estimated at this day,-that even Vermont- do not justly appreciate
the honor that is due, nor fully measure the glory that is due to Warner and his
Green Mountain Boys. We often think,
of and speak of, and
often glorify, the audacious capture of Ticonderoga by Allen, and Crown Point
by Warner, and the brilliant victory of Bennrngton-for these are far more agreeable
incidents in our history, and have given us a name to live, wherever an d as long
as history shall be read. Let us then refresh the memory of the reader with an
account of the battle of Hubbardton. On the early morning of July 6, 1777,
Gen. St. Clair evacuated Forts Ticonderoga and Independence, and be marched to
Hubbardton on that day. Here he placed Warner in command of the rear-guard, with
instructions to wait for those who were lagging behind, and to encamp a mile and
a half in the rear of the army. St. Clair then marched on, but instead of halting
a mile and a
11
half in advance of Warner's
post at Hubbardton, or ascertaining whether the remnant of the army bad come up,
so that Warner could advance, the General never halted until he reached Castleton,
six miles ahead of Warner. The latter encamped at Hubbardton with a thousand men;
many of them doubtless diseased or disabled, (for be had to wait for the remnant
of the army, the laggers,) and many of them but poorly armed. On the 3rd of the
month preceding, we find Col. Francis writing. thus : "Soldiers unclothed
by day, and no blankets to shield them from this cold clay soil at night." * *
"Several officers have lately been up for inoculation [for the small pox
of course,] in camp, and are now on trial." * * "With respect to the arms,
it may with truth be asserted, that not more than half are fit for service." Francis
was of Warner's party, and his description is doubtless true of all the continental
troops. Indeed, probably the very best men for service, and the best armed, were
the Green Mountain volunteers and militia, of whom the President (Bowker) of the
Vermont Convention, then in session in Windsor, wrote this, four days before the
battle: "The militia from the State are principally with the officer commanding
the continental army at Ticonderoga, the remainder on their march for the relief
of that distressed post;" and many of whom, we learn from a letter from him, Warner
had ordered to Hubbardton a few days before the battle. At five o'clock the next
morning, Gen. Frazier came up with Warner's encampment, leading, says Ethan Allen,
two thousand British troops, from the most splendidly equipped army ever sent
to America by Great Britain,--of whom
" it was said
by the British," (says Williams,) " that a more complete body of officers and
men had never been se en in any army not more numerous than this." And Williams
adds: "This
army in every respect was in the best condition that could be expected or desired;
the troops, in the style of the army, .were in high spirits, admirably disciplined,
and uncommonly healthy." This was especially true preceding the morning of Hubbardton,
for they bad just driven out the American Army from Canada, swept Lake Champlain,
and recovered Ticonderoga and Fort Independence. When, therefore, the respective
forces were arrayed in order of battle at Hubbardton at sixty yards distance,
in the early morning of July
7, 1777, there were
two of these splendidly equipped and thoroughly disciplined British soldiers to
,one half-clad and badly armed American. And thus for two hours the parties stood,
for the attack was not made until seven o'clock. These two hours decided the fate
of the day. Frazier was waiting for Gen. Reidesel and his Brunswick troops, to
whom he had sent to support him --and Reidesel was close in Frazier's rear, and
ready to reinforce him. On the other hand, Haile retreated with his men without
firing a gun, leaving Warner with but seven or eight hundred men. The force against
him was therefore nearly three to one before a shot had been exchanged. St. Clair
had retreated to a safe distance --Haile had retreated to a safe distance, only
to be captured speedily --and Warner and, Francis were left alone as leaders,
with five or six hundred Vermonters and perhaps two hundred Massachusetts
men. The battle began at seven, and Williams, Daniel Chipman and Ethan Allen all
concur in saying that Warner was well supported
by officers and men,
and so impetuous was his attack, that the British troops broke and gave way. The
British again formed and charged, when, says Chipman, they " were again brought
to a stand." At this critical moment; the brave Col. Francis fell, and his men
retreated, while, on the other side, Gen. Reidesel appeared to reinforce the British
with his advanced column, "consisting of the chasseur company, and eighty
grenadiers and light infantry, who were immediately led into action." At this
moment, Warner and his Green Mountain Boys were alone, and. the opposing
force
12
must have
been four or five to their one. But even then there was no panic-no indecent
haste to follow their companions of the morning. Chipman says,
" at this anxious
and exciting moment, Warner saw Francis' regiment retreating, and the battle
lost. This was too much. even for the nerve of Warner. He dropped down upon
a log by which he stood, and poured out a torrent of execrations upon the flying
troops; but he instantly rose, and in a most collected manner, ordered his regiment
to Manchester." And to Manchester they went. The Green Mountaineers were the
boys, and the only ones who stood to the last: aye, we think there was not one
of them in Haile's or Francis' regiments. The revolutionary rolls in the State
Department purport to give the names not only of Vermonters in service, but
of their commanders, and we do not find the name of either Haile or Francis
in the list. The Vermonters stood, then; until by the withdrawal of others and
the reinforcement of the enemy, there was not even a chance for accomplishing
any thing by standing longer; and then they retreated by command, and reached
their rendezvous. Every way, then, the Battle of Hubbardton was honorable to
Vermonters. It was not a victory to them in the fate of the day, though there
were certainly victories to them in the fight; nor was it in any true sense
a victory to the British. No! not by them was the victory won, if victory it
was, but rather by the carelessness, not to say cowardice, of St. Clair, and
the retreat of the regiments of Haile and Francis: and in saying this we mean
to fix the blame on St. Clair. Had Warner retreated with the entire rear guard,
in the face of a force so greatly superior in numbers and equipment to his own,
and superadding, to what we have already named, artillery, firing grape and
chain shot, as the relics from the field attest ;* we say if all had retreated,
until they came within reach of support from the main army, there is not a military
man in the world who would not have justified it.
As
an evidence of the vigor of Warner's assaults, we give the fatalities of this
half-hour's fight. The Americans lost 30 killed, while the British recorded account
acknowledged 183 killed and wounded, and Allen states that British officers confessed
to him that they had 300 killed. Bennington battle (the first) says Stark, "lasted
two hours, and was the hottest I ever saw;" and probably the concluding fight,
when Warner and his boys pitched in, "being determined to have ample revenge
on account of the quarrel at Hubbardton," with the pursuit of the flying enemy,
gave two hours more: yet the Americans lost but 30 at Bennington, precisely the
same number as at Hubbardton, while the enemy left two hundred and seven dead
men the field of Benningtonbeing nearly a hundred less than Allen's statement
of the British lass at Hubbardton. The brief battle at Hubbardton, was therefore,
a terrible conflict, and the disparity of force against the Americans' and the
disparity of loss against the British, with the other unfortunate incidents, by
which Warner was the sufferer, all show that the Vermonters did most faithfully,
most honorably, and most bravely perform, their whole duty.
But Hubbardton battle
was more than terrible to the enemy, and more than honorable to the Vermonters.
It was an important battle:
important in its influence and consequences. The year preceding was one of the
greatest gloom, especially in the North. The year at of two large armies from
Canada, and the loss of nearly half of them by disease and hardship, not by arms--the
evacuation of Ticonderoga and Fort Independence, which were the keys to Lake George
and North
------------
*
Burgoyne's army was furnished with beautiful brass pieces, light and well
calculated for swift and effective
field work. Two of these pieces, trophies of Bennington, are flow at Montpelier.
13
River on the South, and to New England in
the East--and the triumphal entry
of Burgoyne with a splendid army and buoyant expectations, for it must be remembered
that he expected all the people, especially of Vermont and Northern New York,
to yield at once to his magniloquent proclamation: all these filled the country
with consternation and despair. Washington was terribly diappointed : New England
was alarmed; and as for New York and the Middle States, it appeared all but certain
that Burgoyne would join the British army, then on the Hudson, and command the
heart of the nation. The first gleam of hope appeared when Warner turned and sprang
upon Frazier at Hubbardton, like a tiger upon his pursuers. Then the first star
twinkled to anxious eyes through the cloud that had long covered them; and then
another and another, and still another, till the Northern galaxy was full. Hope,
courage, strength revived, and all was quickly gained to us. The darkness speedily
fell upon the glittering hosts of Burgoyne, and to them all was lost. Behold:
July
7, 1777-- battle of Hubbardton.
August
16, 1777--victoryat Bennington.
August
20, 17 77--Burgoyne has made the acquaintance of the Green Mountain Boys at Hubbardton
and Bennington, and thus most emphatically compliments them: "The Hampshire Grants
in pariticular, a country unpeopled and almost unknown in the last war, now abounds
in the most active and most rebellious race on the continent, and hangs like a
gathering storm on my left."
September
13, 1777--Gen. Lincoln visits Vermont, and from Pawlet despatches parties to capture
the British posts: In five days they recover the command of the Northern end of
Lake George, recapture Mount Hope, Mount Defiance, and all but the main fortress
at Ticonderoga, with 200 batteaux, one armed sloop, and a number of gun boats;
take 293 prisoners of the army, and release 109 Americans who were held as prisoners
by the British.
September
19, 1777--Battle of Stillwater.
October
7, 1777--Burgoyne worsted by Gates in a hard fight. Frazier who commanded the
British at Hubbardton, was killed.
October
17, 1777--Burgoyne surrendered, which put an end to the career of the British
Northern army ; and Gates, with his forces, was ,despatched for service elsewhere.
This
is the history of Vermont in that crisis; for in these events, from Hubbardton
to Burgoyne's surrender, Vermonters bore more--aye, infinitely more than their
share. And what a brilliant centre piece is this
in Vermont's tableau of Revolutionary incidents, with the
FIRST MARTYRS +
__________________________
*
The effect of the Vermont victories
on the country was equally as striking as upon Burgoyne. We quote from Lossing's
life of Washington: " While Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Deleware and Maryland were
gazing with mingled, expectations and fears on the armies under Washington and
Howe, as they slowly closed on each other, and the whole country was filled with
conflicting rumors,
agitating and cheering by turns, the works were rapidly going up at Saratoga,
from which was to recoil the veteran army or Burgoyne. Stark had dealt
him
a staggering
blow by his victory over Baum at Bennington, while Gansevoort's gallant defence
of Fort Stanwix had frustrated his plans in that direction. From every valley
and mountain slope the sturdy yeomanry went pouring into Gates their patriotism
kindled into brighter glow
by the shouts
of victory that came rolling from Vermont,
and down the Mohawk from Fort Stan- and the bloody field of
Oriskany."
+
William French and Daniel
Houghton, slain at Westminster, "March ye 13th,
1775,
by the hands of cruel Ministrial tools of George ye 3d. " The Boston Massacre
occurred five years before but at that time there was hardly a deliberate purpose
of
coercion unto blood on the one s and of resistance unto blood on the other. Indeed,
the Boston affair was simply murder by the enraged soldiery, and was discoutenanced
by the civil authority. In Vermont,
14
and the FIRST VICTORIES* OF THE REVOLUTION
on the one side and the other with that keen stroke of "policy," which by diplomacy
alone + completely protected the Northern frontier against a large British army,
from 1781 to 1783.
Truly
, it was right to erect a monument on the field of Hubbardton --to
mark the very spot where our fathers so gallantly "marked time" for
this glorious march of victories, and to commemorate "OUR
PATRIOT
soldiers"-- most emphatically
ours,--for they, we had almost said they alone, bravely stood the test
of that bloody day.
From the Rutland Herald.
THE CELEBRATION AT HUBBARDTON.
As
announced in our last, the anniversary of the Battle of Hubbardton was celebrated
in the above mentioned town, on Thursday, the 7th inst., on the occasion of
the completion of the monument recently erected
on the battle field there. The celebration was a highly creditable
affair, and was attended by a great number of persons,--some say as many as
5000 or 6000.
James
Barber, Esq., was President of the clay, and Hon. C. S. Rumsey and H. G. Barber,
Esq., Vice Presidents.
The
programme was as follows:
A
procession was formed at about 11 o'clock- A. M., at the Church, under the escort
of the Allen Greys of Brandon, who paraded as a Battalion of three companies,
under the command of Capt. Cook. They were accompanied by Col. Bush, Maj. Hayward,
Adj. Holt, Quarter Master Dana, and Sergeant Major Carpenter, of the First Regiment,
in full uniform; and Lieutenant Roberts of the Rutland Light Guard. They were
also accompanied by the Brandon Cornet Band, 11 pieces, and the Rutland Band;
with Col. F. Parker, of Castleton, Chief Marshal.
The
procession, consisting of the invited guests, Orator of the Day, Clergymen and
Citizens, march from the church to the battle ground, where a stand had been erected
near the Monument.
The exercises at the stand were as follows;
Reading of the Scriptures by Rev.
Dr. Thomas of Brandon.
Prayer
by the Rev. Dr. Child of Castleton.
Music
by the Rutland Brass Band.
Historical Sketch of the Battle of Hubbardton, by Henry Clark of Poultney
Address
by Hon. D. E. Nicholson of Wallingford.
At
the conclusion of Mr. Nicholson's address, the assemblage dispersed for dinner.
Early
in the afternoon
the multitude again assembled at the stand to listen to an address by Hon. E.
P. Walton of Montpelier;, after which!. responses to toasts were made by Hon.
Alanson Allen, of Fairhaven ; B. F. Bingham, Esq., Rutland; B. F. Window, Esq.,
Pittsford; C.E. Graves, Esq., and J. E. Manley, Rutland, and H. H. Thomas, Esq.,
Brandon.
------------
however,
the Whigs had determined, previous to March, 4175, "to resist and oppose al authority
that would not accede to the resolves of the Continental Congress; "they had taken
possession of Westminster court house in the spirit of this declaration, and they
were attacked
lay
the Tory Sheriff, who had the legal (royal) "power of the county," and the Tory
court sustained him, until the Whigs ca ptured and imprisoned the judges, and
put an end to Tory power in Vermont.
*
Ticonderoga
and Crown Point, May 10th, 1775.
+
Haldimand correspondence.
15
Mr. Amos Churchill of Hubbardton, was presented, and gave
a short but highly interesting history of events connected with the battle at
Hubbardton. Mr. Churchill will be recollected by our readers as the author of
those interesting sketches of the early settlement of Hubbardton, which appeared
in the Herald a few years ago. He is the only person now living in Hubbardton,
who was an inhabitant of that town at the time of the battle. At that time,
which was eighty-two years ago, he was nine years old. His appearance at the
celebration last week was indeed opportune, and his remarks added greatly to
the interest of the occasion. We have now but few left of those who link us
to the "
times that tried men's souls." Among the large collection of people at the celebration,
we learn of but one person who is near the age of Mr. Churchill, and that person
is Mr. Child of Castleton, who is in his 90th year. He was present on the
battle field last Thursday, and evinced a lively interest in the ceremonies
and festivities of the day. We are in receipt of a note from Mr. Child, concerning
the celebration, which we take pleasure in acknowledging here.
The
speeches at the stand were listened to with much interest, notwithstanding the
beat of the weather was intense, and there was no shelter whatever for the vast
crowd of persons in attendance.
Among
the particulars given by Mr. Clark in his sketch of the battle, are the following:
It was fought on the 7th day of July, 1777, by a party of 800 Americans, under
Col. Seth Warner, and a detachment of British, numbering nearly 2000. The Americans
were forced, ultimately to retreat, with a loss of 340 men, among whom was Col.
Haile, who was taken prisoner. The British loss was stated to be over 300.
The
addresses of Hon. D. E, Nicholson, Orator of the Day, and Hon. E. P. Walton, were
well worthy of the occasion, and were fully appreciated, if we are to judge from
the close attention of the audience.
After
the speaking, a sham battle was fought on the old ground, by a detachment of the
Greys, under Capt. Cook, who represented the American forces, and another detachment
of the Greys, under Col. Bush, togetber with a party of Indians as a reserve,
under James Hope, the poet painter of Castleton. The detachment under Col. Bush
moved over the bill towards the Monument, and surprised the other party, who sprang
to their arms and prepared to resist the attack, upon which the British party
were forced to retreat, when the party of Indians, under Mr. Hope, came to their
relief, and the British then charged bayonets down the hill, and were warmly met
by the opposite party, where after a short band to hand fight, the Americans were
defeated. The battle was well carried out, and but for the rush of the crowd of
spectators, would have given a vivid idea of the action which occurred 82 years
ago, on the same spot.
After
the battle, the Greys formed a squad around the Monument and fired a few volleys.
They then marched to the stand and gave three cheers for the. Hubbardton Monument
Association, etc., and took up their march for home, upon which the crowd dispersed,
well satisfied with the-.day's proceedings.
Thus
closed one of the frost interesting celebrations ever witnessed in Vermont; and
we may say here that we never saw a more orderly and a better behaved assembly
on any occasion. Great credit is due to the citizens of Hubbardton generally;
and especially to James Barber, Esq., Hon. C. S. Rumsey and H. G. Barber, Esq.,
for their indefatigable efforts in arranging and carrying out the affair. We will
add that the music of the Brandon Band, F. J. Farr, Leader, and our Rutland Baud,
G. H. Cole, Leader, who accompanied the Greys, was most admirable, and we can
see no reason why our people need go abroad, for good music.
16
The Monument, which is now finished, is of marble, 21 feet in height and on
its base, on the east side, has inscribed the following:
HUBBARDTON
BATTLE,
FOUGHT
ON THIS GROUND,
JULY 7, 1777.
[North
Side.]
COL.
WARNER,
Commanded.
COL. FRANCIS
Killed.
COL. HAILE
Captured.
THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS FOUGHT BRAVELY.
[South
Side.]
This Monument Erected
by the
Citizens of Hubbardton
and
vicinity.
[West
Side.]
The only Battle Fought
in
VERMONT
During the Revolution.