The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-11-25

was done by the people, by the militia, by
common consent and common exertion.
See note A. Three hundred miles from
Connecticut, it was vain TO ask assistance
from her, exerting every nerve as she was
for the common defence, and the protection
of her extensive and exposed sea-board.
If States which ceded lands were entitled to
be reimbursed for keeping up forts, we sub
nit whether people situated like those of
Wyoming, may not properly ask for reim-
bursement-since not only themselves, but
wide extent of country below, slept in
comparative security through their position
and cxertions. ,.r 81.
But Congress early saw, and felt for the
extremely exposed situation of Wyoming.
On the 23d August, I77G, Resolutions
were entered into, Of which one is in these
words: "That two companies on the Con-
tinental Establishment be raised in the town
of Westmoreland, and stationed in proper
places, for the defence ofthe inhabitants
| of said torn, 0nd parts 0djdCCnt till fur
ther orders of Congress-" The Monday
following, Aug. 90, Congress proceeded
to the election of sundry Officers, when
Robert Durkee and Samucl Ransom were
chosen Captains of the two Companies or
dered to be raised in the town of Vest
moreland; james Uells and Perrin Ross
| first I.ieutenants; Heman Swift and Mathi-
as Hollenback Ensigns of said Companies"
Thus the General Government-the
Continental Congress, took the special de-
fence Of Wyoming into their hands. They
were satisfied, it seems, that the militia,
however well organised, were not sufficient
for its defence. A regular force was deem
ed necessary, and orders were issued for
raising that force, for the special defence Of
that foacn and parts adjacent. BY anoth.
er clause it was provided that the men
should be liable to serve in any other part
of the United States. This provision, not
withstandng they were raised expressly
"for the djence Cf the i1hGJitantS," &c.
was perfectly proper; for if the Savages on
the upper waters of the Susquehanna should
be driven off by force from Albany, or
elsewhere, so that the source of impending
danger should be removed, there was no
thing more proper than that these compa-
nies, being no longer needed for the defence
Of the inhabitants, should be marched else
where. at the discretion of Congress. In
perious necessity, however, almost mme-
diately induced Congress, without the inn
piled contingency OF the proximate enemy
being removed, to call for their services in
another quarter. On the 25th October,
I77G, the battle of White Plains was fought,
and Washington retreated. Nov. 16, Fort
Washington surrendered to the enemy, who
Immediately pushed his victorious troops
in pursuit of the American army, and on
the I'd December His EXcellency retired
through Princeton to Trenton, Lord Corn
wallis pushing upon his rear. "I'he Ar
N.Y." says Marshal, sat no time during the
retreat, exceeded four thousand men, and
on reaching the Delaware was reduced to
less than three thousand, Of whom not quite
one-third were militia of New Jersey"
"The commander-in-chef found himself at
the head of this small band of soldiers, dis
pirited by their losses and latigues, retreat
ing. almost naked and bare-footcd, III the
cold of November and December, before a
numerous, well appointed and victorious
army"
On the 18th December, Congress passed
r a Resolution, setting forth, that "whereas,
the movements of the enemy have now
| rendered this city (Philadelphia) the seat Of
, war;" &C., they resolved to adjourn to
meet at Baltimore. The SAME DAY they
adopted the following ResOlution:-"Re-
J solved, That the two companies raised in
the town of Uestmoreland, be ordered to
join Gen. Washington, 1cith all possible
g.. e1peditiOn.'
Thus, within less than four months from
the first order to raise these companies, and
Norr A.--ErtrGct from WestmOreland Re
} cOrdS
"At Town meeting legally warned and held in
2 Westmoreand, Sin Wilkes-Baue district August
yc 24th, l776.
=, "Col. Butler was chosen Moderator for ye work
! of ye day,
"Voted-It is the opinion of this meeting that il
onow becomes necessary for ye Inhabitants of this
"Town to erect suitable Fort or Forts, as defence
/ against our common enemy. .. ..
"Augnst 2sth, I776, this meetings. opened and
"held Ply an adjournment.
"Voted-That ye three Field Officers OF ye Re
"giment in this Town pc appointed as committee
q "to view the most convenient places in said town
"for building Forts for ye defence of said town anC
determine on some particular spot or place or Pla
gees in each district for that purpose and make ou
> "the same.
= "Voted-That the above said Committee do re-
"commend it to the people in each part as shall be