The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-10-17


assembIage addressed with much feeling by Gen.
Skinner, who paid an eloquent tribute to the vaor
and patriotism of the men who shed their life blood
in defence Of their country. After referring to the
simple monuments about to be reared over the mar
beds of the fallen he observed that in perpetu-
ating the memory Of Captain George Downie the
Commander ofthe British feet who fell board the
Cou6ance while leading his vessels the attack of
the American lotilla on the Lake. they had been
ticipated by sisters affection, who had long since
caused her beloved brothers. remains to be covered
with fitting monument, inscribed with touching
testimony of her pride in his valor and her
for his loss
Col. Mcneil paid high and deserved compliment
to Gen. Wool, who commanded the detachment of
the American army which encountered and held in
check the Sd Regiment Of British Bluffs at Culver's
Hill, on the Beekmantown Road, Sept 6, IsI4.-
Pointing to the grave of Col. Wellington, who was
killed a: the head Of his regiment in that sanguinary
affair, Col Mcneil said that he grati6ed to learn
that Gen Wool had been designated by the President
Of the day TO place the at the head Of his
gallant antagonists sepulchre.
''The division of the British army in which the
brave and lamentcd Wellington fell,'' said Col. Nc
Neil, ''was not less than 1000 strong; and when we
take into view the fact that Gen. Wool, (then Ma
jor,) with light corps Of but $50 regular troops all
told, contested every inch of ground with this force
in their descent upon Pattsburgh, the selection OF
Gen. Wool to perform the melancholy duty assigned
him, but give deep interest to the solemn
occasion which brought together upon this hallow-
ed spot Nothing can be more appropriate than that
the monument about to be erected should be raised
Il
conspicuous part in the of the memorable day
which the gallant Wellington fell 1t is pleas
ant spectacle to the living brave do honor to the
illustrious dead"
General Wool proceeded to discharge the duty
signed to him, and said-
Fellow Citizens and SoIdiers-The duty assigned
me by the President Of the day. in behalf Of the citi-
of Pittsburgh and the Military Association of
the County OF Clinton, is less gratifying to
than it is honorable and magnanmous to its authors,
and will furnish an example worthy Of imitation FOR
all time to Ii is not less holy and pious Of
ferng to the llustrious death, than the offspring Of
noble and generous hearts a fallen foe, and will
furnish themes Of praise at the end Of time 1t will
be a healing balm of the wounded hearts Of relatives
and friends-whlst it will not fail to call forth from
every Briton who passes this consecrated spot.
tears OF gratitude we'll tears Of sympathy.
With these brief remarks now erect, in behalf of
the citizens of Plattsburgh and the Military Assoca
ZION of Clinton county, this monument to the memory
of Colonel Wellington, who fell on the 9th Septem-
Der, 1914, at Culvers Hi leading to the charge the
advance OF the British army marching Platts
burgh.''
The other officers appointed by the President to
ska .1...lf
their honorable duty. AT its conclusion, benedic-
ton pronounced by the Rev. Dir Whherspoon,
and the military aud citizens marched in procession
to Bouquets Hotel, where theCommittee Of Arrange
ments, tho Association and the invited guests, par
took of capital dinner. We must confne
count of the after dinner proceedings extract
from the response Of Gen Wool to the following ap-
propriate taost;--
Brig. Gen Wool, u s. Army--The Hero of Deck
mantown as well as of Queenston-
ellis laurels green, though his locks grey"
"Mr President said the General in reply, al find
it impossible, filled as l am with emotion, to make
a speech, give utterance to my feelings in a man
ner worthy Of the occasion. Were it otherwise
could say but little that has not already beeu said.
would, however, remark that although at period
to pervude our beloved country, there bright
spot exempt from the general gloom. 1t was here in
this place. Puttsburgh, that the patriotic inhabitants
never wavered quaed before the legions of Great
Britain They stood by their country in the darkest
hour and never failed to cheer and comfort the war
worn soldier, and to him with open arms,
whether he returned victorious was driven back
by force Of circumstances Who that was at Platts
burgh in IL, 'lS and IA, does not remember with
delight Mooers. Smith, Sallie, Delord, Bailey, Pal
ley, Palmer and Ransom, all patriotic citizens and
devoted friends of their country in as well as in
peace but who rest in the mansions Of eternal
bliss With these few remarks, lIr Presdent,I would
offer this sentiment:
The citizens of Plattsburgh and the Military Asso
citation of Clinton County-Ths dry attest their
mngnanimity and greatness of soul, by the homage
paid to the iustrious dead, who fell fighting the bat
ties oe their country
After dinner a number of the Generals friends
companied him to Beekmnntown, to the place where
the enemy were first encountered by the small corps
If upder his command. and by the nilita