The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-07-09

able clothing, barracks, and provisions, most of
them were taken by the small pox, and several
died: Atthe opening aof the Spring, in May
l776, large body of the troops arrived at Que
bee to relieve the garrison. The American
troops were forced 70 abandon the blockade in
circumstances OF great distress and confusion-
Warner chose the most difficult part of the
business, remaining always with the rear, pick
ing up the lame and diseased, assisting and en-
couraging those who were the most unable TO
take care of themselves, and generally kept but
few miles in advance of the British, who were
rapidly pursuing the reircating Americans from
post to post. BY steadily pursuing this conduct
he brought off most of the invalids and with
this corps of the infrm and diseased he arrived
at Ticonderoga, few days after the main body
of the army had taken possession of that post.
Highly approving his extraordinary exertions,
the American Congress on July 5, 1776, the day
after they lad declared independence, resolved
to raise regiment out of the troops which serv-
ed with reputation in Canada Warner was
appointed Colonel, Stafford Lieut. Colonel oftbis
regiment; and most of the other officers were
persons who had been distinguished by their OPP
position TO the claims and proceedings of New
York. by this appointment he was again placed
in situation perfectly agreeable to his inclina-
ton and genius; and in conformity to his ord
ers he repaired to Ticonderoga, where he re-
NAMED till the close of the campaign.
On January l6 1777, the Convention of the
New Hampshire grants declared the whole d is-
trct to be Sovereign and Independent State,-
to be known and distinguished ever after by the
name of Vermont. The committee of safety in
New York were then setting, and on January
20th they announced the transaction to Congress
complaining in high terms of the conduct of VI,
censuring it as dangerous revolt and opposi-
ton to lawful authority and at the same lime
demonstrating against the proceedings of Con-
gress in appointing Warner to the command of
q regiment independent of the Legislature, and
within the bounds of that State "especiallv.
aaiA fIpu l,c,L
constantly and invariably opposed to the Legis-
lature Of this State, and hath been on that ac-
count, proclaimed an OUT law by the late gov
eminent thereof. 1t is absolutely necessary to
recall the commissions given to Col. Warner
and the officers under him, as nothing else will
do us justice" No measures were taken by
Congress at that time, either TO interfere i'm the
civil contests between the two States, or to re-
move the Colonel from his command.
Anxious to effect this purpose The convention
of New York wrote further on the this subject on
March, LIST and among other things declared that
there was not tho lsas. probability that Cuiuuei
Warner could raise such number of men as
would be an object of public concern. On June
the 23d, Congress was obliged to take up the
controversy between New York and Vermont
but instead OF proceeding to disband the Colon
es regiment on June Both they resolved, ssthat
the reason which induced Congress 10 form that
corps was, that many officers Of different States
who served in Canada, and alleged that they
could raise regiment, but were then unprovid.
ed for, might be reinstaed in the service of the
United States Nothing can give us a more
just idea of the sentiments which the American
Congress entertained OF the patriotic and mill
ary virtues Of the Colonel, than their refusal to
give him up at the repeated solicitations and de-
mands of so respectable and powerful a State.
as that of New York
The American army stationed at TIconderoga
were forced TO abandon that fortress OH the 9Th
of July, 1777, in very precptate and irregular
manner. The Colonel with his regiment retreated
along the western part of Vermont, through the
towns of Orwell, Sudberry, and Hubbardton.-
At the last OF these towns, the advanced corps of
the British army overlook the rear of the Am.
erican troops on the 9TH Of July. The Ameri-
can army, all but part of three regiments, were
gone forward; these were a part of Hale's
Francis and Warmers regiments. The enemy
attacked them with superior numbers, and the
highest prospect OF success. Francis and War
ner opposed them with great spirit and vigor;
and no officers or troops could have discovered
more courage and firmness than they displayed
through the whole action. Large reinforce nen,s
o the enemy arriving, it became impossible to
make any. effectual opposition Francis fell in
the most honorable discharge of his duty. Hale
with his regiment. Surrounded on
every side by the enemy, but calm and undaunt-
ed, Colonel Warner fought his way through all
opposition, brought off the troops that refused to
with Hale, checked the enemy in their
pursuit, and contrary to all expectation arrived
safe at Manchester. To the nortfward of that
town the whole country was deserted. The
Colonel determined to make stand at that place.
encouraged by his example and firmness, a body
OF the militia soon joined him; and he was once
more in situation 10 protect the inhabitants,
harrass the enemy, and break up the advanced
parties.
On the 10th of August, the vicinity OF Ben
ningIon became the of memorable battle.
Col. Baum had been despatched by General
Burgoyne to attack the American troops and
destroy the magazines at Bennington. General
Stark, who commanded at that place, had intel
genco ofthe approach of the enemy, and sent
orders on the morning of the 10th to Col. War.
ner at Manchester, to march Immediately to his
assistance. In the meantime Stark with the
troops which assembled at Bennington
ter severe action, had captured the whole body.
Just as the action finished, intelligence
was received that large reinforcement Of the