Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-01-20
MISCE ELL A N ECU S.
THE GREEN MOUNTAIN BOYS:


A Historical Tale q The early settlement Of Vermon
by ID. P. THOMPSON, ESQ, author Of May Mar.
tin: 9 vols. Z. p. Walton 8; Sons, Publishers.
Being ourselves the publishers ofthe aforenam-
ed work, it has seemed that decacy at least, for
bid that we should be the first trumpeters Of its
praises, if, praised the book was TO be. For this
reason we have preferred to await the judgment
of others That judgment has been in some meas
ure rendered and in every instance, far, high
ly favourable to the author of the Green Mountain
Boys. We now feel at liberty tc commend it as
work, valuable, for portions of the early history
of Vermont which it Las brought TO light, and for
the faithful picture which it gives ofthe character
of the first settlers of the State exceedingly in
teresting in the incidents with which it is filled ;
and credable, as literary performance, to its
author, and to the State, of which he is citizen
More than this, perhaps, others might justly and
properly say: we prefer. however, with this brief
notice only to introduce the reader to a specimen Of
these volumes; a specimen which at least contains
the only fault which has yet been found in the
work. In the followipgexract the author intro
duces character who has figured largely in the
history of the State.
Captain Hendee feeling more assured this time
from the reinforcement received in his friend How
ard who as usual bad his rifle with him, imnedl-
ately rose, aud, with but slight hesitation, OPEN
ed the door; when he suddenly paused, and stood
q moment gazing in mute surprise at the figure
before him. Soon recovering, however, he, IN a
sort of hesitating and doubtful tone, invited the
man TO enter
Acknowledging the profered courtesy with a
stately bow, the stranger advanced, with bold
fearless
room, where he paused, and bowed slightly to
each of the assembled group, most of whom
however, were too much surprised, and over aw-
ed at the singular and formidable appearance o.
the rhah, to return his salutations. And indeed hi
appearance was of so unique and striking q char
acter as well to warrant the sensation which hi
presence seemed to produce. Of an uncommon
height, and with an extraordinary breadth ofchest
supplied with large brawny limbs, his whole franz
constituted figure of the most Herculean cast
while his large, darby bright eyes, and The air o
intelligence that marked the general expression O
his coarse, lion like features, gave evidence, tina
his Intellectual powers were not, as frequently oc
ours in such instances, wholly incommensurat
with his physical proportions A modern phre
nologist, indeed, while comparing his high, an
remarkably expansive forehead, with the vast vol
ume which composed the back part Of his heac
might be mucI,puzzed TO decide whether his in
tellectual or animal nature would most predomn
ate in his character. His dress, which was like
wise somewhat singular for the times, consisted Z
high, heavy boots, buff breeches and doublet vii
high collared white shay coat OF the trock kin,
all Of which WAS surrounded by fine, ,houg
much worn beaver, slouched, except the font par
which was turned up so ms TO give an addition
holiness 10 his large features, and to imPart som
what of a bandit aspect to his appearance. Thl
TO ordinary observation, completed his outwal
equipment though closer inspection mig
have revealed the shape of a stout pistol sweIlir
the smooth and snugly setting leather over eac
of his breeches pockets, while the buckhorn hal
die Of a large war-knife might occasionally
seen pfotrudng from its sheath attached TO Il
side lining of his coat
Placing the heavy rife which he bore in h
hand in corner, the stranger now advanced, an
with an air of easy unconcern, seated himself
the side of his host in the family circle round Il
fire.
My name is iIendee,' at length said the Ca
tam, evidently not wholly at ease in the presen
OF his bold aud fearful looking visitor; my nar
Is Hendee, aud being great stickler for cerem
ny, hope shall be excused, Sir, in saying Il
II always affords me pleasure to know by wi
name may address my guests