Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1842-05-09
MISCELLANY.
ANCIENT DOCUMENT.

Tie following letter was recently discovered
among the papers in the Secretary of States Of
fee, by Henry Stevens, ESQ., who has furnished
it to us for publication. We can here see spe-
cimen of truly "hard times
COPY OF LETTER FROM GOV, CHITTENDEN TO
GEO. WASHINGTON.
BENNINGTON, 5th March, 1879
SIR,-I am directed by my Council and the
General Assembly of this state TO recommend 10
your ExcelIency the present unhappy situ(a)uon
of the Inhabitance of the northern frontiers of
this state, and to pray your Excellency's interpo-
sltion for their future relief The contiguous sit
uaton Of those Inhohitance TO the enemy has
rendered their safety peculiarly uncertain from
the frs, commencement of the present war. The
many alarms occasioned by the repeated ap-
proaches of the Enemy have kept its inbabitance
in such a frustrating condition as has rendered il
impractcable for them to have secured any Con-
siderable supplies of provisions for their Families
before hand. The encroachments of the Army
under the command of General Burgoyne into
the year l777 (and) their daring attempts TO de.
stroy this town and the public stores there depos-
tied, have commanded the attention as well as
the most vigorous exersons OF those Inhabitance.
and altho' there was then very plentiful crops of
Grain, Corn, Hay, &c. on the Ground, Yet by
reason of the enemy the Inhabitants are prevented
TOm securing any COnSlueraUle part OF II that by
their continuing in service for the purpose of re.
duclng General Burguoyne 10 submission, the
season of the year far advanced as to put j,
out of the pour of those inhabitants to make the
necessary preparations for a crop sof Winter
Grain, on which they hive ever had their great
est dependence since the first settlement Of this
part of the country they are therefore principey
reduced to an Indian Cake in scant proportion to
the number OF three families; and by the dis
truction of their sheep by the enemy, their loss OF
them otherwise, well Of their fax, their backs
and bellies are become co-sufferers. In this de-
plorable situation may it please yonr Excellency
they remain firm and mistaken, and being gener-
ally we'll armed and accoutred, are ready on any
sudden emergency and on the shortest notice tc
face and encounter their inveterate foe undaunt
Ell. But on learning their present circumstances
it may be your eXcelency may be prevailed on
to make such provisions for the security of the
frontiers of this state (which is no less so to three
other states,) as may prevent the fatal necessity
those inhabitants being continued in constan
service the ensuing summer.
With this will be communicated n copy of {
letter from General Clinton Of the 25th ut. by
which your Exceency will perceive his readiness,
to grant every relief in power. In consequence
of this letter, have ordered the continuance o.
the company OF Militia therein named, and an ad
dtion of fifty men, exclusive of commissioned Of
ficers, to Join them Immediately. lfatter all tina
has been exhibited on this subject it should BIZ
found inconsistent to adopt any other measures il
the case, desire an order may be granted for thu
subsistence and pay of such officers and soldier
as may be found necessary TO raise from time tC
time within this state for the purpose aforesaid
The bearer, Joseph Fay, in whose attachment
to the common cause your Excellency may re
pose the greatest confidence, will be able to Civ,
any further intelligence in the premises, and pa
tiently wait any (ordsr) or directions your Excel
lency may please 10 communicate.
am sir, your Excellency's most
obedent and very Humble Servant,
THOMAS CHITTENDEN.
His Excellency, Gen. WASHINGTON.
Copy. Attest JOSEPH FAY, Secy.