The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-09-17

WI cell am G OU 9 -.
INTERESTING SKETCH.


the Correspondent OF the Boston Mercantile Jour
nal, dated Newbury, VT. Aug. 25, 1912
"Wanderng about at leisure, my attention was
called to those monuments of mortality which are
contiguous to every village, constantly reminding
the living that they must die. AS l saunte red
about among these dumb but eloquent ministers
of living truth, my eye rested the following
inscription upon somewhat dilapidated tomb
stone:
Sacred 20 the memory of
GEN'L. JACOB BAYLEY-
who was born in Newbury, Mass. July 2, 1928,
and died NJ arch l 1915.
He took active part in the old French war, was
firm and faithful supporter of the Independence
of the u. s., and firmly established IN the prnci
pies OF an Independent Republican Government.
In his early life he made profession Of the Chris
tian religion and died in a well grounded hope
of an inheritance in the kingdom of glory.
Blessed are the dead who die in tho Lord,
was led to inquire more particularly into the
history Of one who must have shared in those
events which led to our indie ndence. During the
French war. he had occasion to visit and explore
this part of the country, which was then wilder
ness far removed from civilized life,-
"Where prov led The wolf and where the savage
roamed.'
III then became acquainted with the country, which
subsequently led his settl ement in this town MS
the pioneer and to which he gave the name OF the
town ochs nativity. Many the tolls, trials,
and sufferings he endured while serving in the old
French war. He was officer, Colonel and took
an active part in the sege Of Fort William Henry,
was one who run the gauntlet at the dreadful
massacre that took place, by the plghted faith Of
the enemy. He, with a few others of that intrep
id band, escaped to Fort Ann. He pursued by
some Indians, who finding themselves unable to
overtake him set their dogs, and by leap from
rock IL Is feet, they lost their track,
and he attributed his safety to this circumstance
alone. AT this leap he stub or splinter into
his foot which he not able TO extract until he
arrived at Fort Ann.
understand his description OF that seige
and all the disasters accompanying tbs somewhere
in the hands of his DESCENDANTS; the recovery of
those scenes, and add another interesting page to
our country's early history. | hope it may be
found.
AT the conclusion Of the French War, in l764 or
65, he removed to this town, when he commenced
settlement little anticipating the scenes and trials
he was soon TO encounter, in the revolutionary
struggle. AT the breaking out of the Revolutiona'
ry War, he occupying the most norherly posi-
the commission of Colonel, and became officer
of great imp or lance, occupying the post that he
then did. He was after appointed by Gener-
al Washingto Commissary General of the north
ern department, known at that time as Upper Coos
This Office involved great responsibilities, and sub
jected him to dangers, difficulties and SACRIFICES OF
an extraordinary character. He held continual eS
frequent correspondence with Generals Washng>
ton and Greene Some of these letters have had
the happiness Of perusing, which show the estima
ton in which he was held by those distinguished
Generals He sustained through the war, with
great prudence, firmness, and untinching patriots
ism. the various duties and Offices conferred upon
him, with honor TO himself and advantage to his
country.
MANY anecdotes are related Of his exploits, hair-
breadth escapes IL C. during those troublesome
times-his encounters with the Indians and Torres
and the constant vgience TO escape Inc scouts sent
ont from Canada to take him. "A reward oil hVe
hundred guineas was offered for his head, dead or
alive He had faithful friend IN the person OF
Col Thomas johnson who was willing for while
IN bear the odium OF being called Tory, and Of
residing among the enemy, that he might render
more efficient service to his friend, Gen. Bayiey
and his country. Among the multitude Of Gen.
BavIev's friends around him there was occasional
w discovered traitor, and among his enemies
,bere was sometimes found friend. AT one time
messenger, who had been in his confidence, slim
ulated by his venal desire for the reward, sent to