The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-08-12
No. g..
J.F. MCCLELLAN, Printer.

VIZ Dlltioh nav J, DIS well as lOr Snlp-DulluHc
generally, commanded a ready sale at high
prices, and were nearly the only ones allowed
by Englsld to be exported.
Ibis, especially the turpentine business,was
pursued more or less extensively in the towrtA
during period Of over one hundred years.
Ihere are indications of the localities Of some
OF these works plainly visible at the present
time. In 1928, the Rev. Mr.. Woodbridpo
shipped at one time to New York nearly five
tons Of turpentine, as appears by the records
of a law suit founded upon the Shipment Us
One of the most severe hail storms on rcl>
cord occurred in the latter part of July,17 G8.
1t seems to have been more violent and dis
astrous at Wcatauge, than any where else
The newspapers of the day represent the
hail stones to have been Of the size of
geese eggs" and the largest to have weigh
ed, after the storm was over, three ounces
each. Fruit trees, and large quantities Of
English grain were nearly dcstroycd-win-
dow glass was extensively broken-and the
smaller and weaker animals much injured
deer, in the park Of Mir. Thomas Case, had
one Of his legs broken, and was otherwise so
injured as to cause his death. Several hogs
had their backs broken, some Of which died
some days afterwards. Some horses, and oth-
err large animals were cut through the skin
= SN4'NA
In the various wars in which the country
has been engaged, the inhabitants of Sims
bury have performed their full share of SER
vice. We have already alluded to their SER
vices in the early Indian wars. When, in
1711-12, forces we're sent into the county of
Hampshire, massachusetts, oppose the move
mentS OF hostile Indians, who had assembled
ut that place in considerable force, part of
q company, attached to the expedition Yves
raised in this town. In the French wsr Of
1856, a company was raised in the town for
the protection of Grown Point" and other
service upon Lake Champlain, of which COM
pany Jonathan Humphrey was appointed
first Lieutenant. His commission, signed by
Gov. Fitch, has also been preserved in the
same family.
A company consisting of forty-seven men,
and commanded by Captain Noah Hum
phrey was raised, chiefly in Simsbury, which
belonged to the corps sent out to Havana, in
1862, under the command of General Ly-
man. This expedition was signalized by the
great loss Of life chiefly by sickness, which it
sustained. 1t is believed that less than one
third Of the troops ever returned home.
There has been preserved a " Weekly Re-
turn" Of this regiment in the handwriting of
Elihu Humphrey, ESQ, who was an officer in
the Simsbury company, and as is believed,
was adjutant of the regiment. This return
shows melancholy picture of the condition
Of the forces, after their arrival at Havana,
and daring their continuance on the island;
from August 10 to October 6. The eXpedi-
ton consisted Of eleven companies, number
inc SOP men. On the 14th Of August, the
number Of troops returned as sick, was 40;
the next week. 943 ;-Septembcr 18th,
$40! The number reported fit for duty,
October ID, was only tArty-tour! At the
last return, Oct 1G, the whole number re-
ported fit for duty was forty, and in Captain
Humphreys company, but four Up to this
time, The number of deaths in the whole regi-
mcnt amounted to three hundred and forty
two! Some Of the survivors died on their
passage home, and others we're captured or
shipwreckcd This expedition proved sac
rhco Of human life almost uncXampied, and
without the accomplishment of any valuable
object. The extreme unhcaIthfulncss Of tho
place, at that season Of the year, was proba-
bly, then unknown; bat at the present time
no one would seriously think Of sending troops
from Connecticut to Havana in the month Of
August!
In tho expedition secretly fitted out ana
sent to take fort Ticonderoga in April, 177j,
Capt. Noah Phelps of this town was a chief
Volunteers composing this expedition had
reached Lake Champaign, Capt Phelps cross
ell it in boat and entered the fort as 4 spy.
that his object was to get shaved,
he avoided suspicion, and had an opportuni-
ty to ascertain the construction, strength and
force Of the garrison. And he had the good
fortune to cludc detection, though as it after
wards appeared, his presence had began to
excite nistrust before he left the garrison
The boutman who conducted him from the
ort, suspecting his character was deferred
rom returning back by the superior strength
If his passenger. Upon report Of Captain
Phelps to his comrades concerning the condi4
ion Of thc fort, the company PASSED overthc
Glowing night, and succeeded in the cap
ure Of this important garrison without tho
oss of single man.
In addition to the valuable ordnance and
military stores which fell into the hands of
he Americans by this exploit, there were
aiken Gov. Skeenc with his suit, the officers
# the garrison, and forty-sevcn priyates, all
f whom were sent to Hartford as prisoners
# war. The American force amounted to
iehtythrec persons, many Of whom were
oluncers from Vermont.
AS this entcperprisc was undertaken before
he declaration Of Independence, the state as
nch, did not openly favor the design. But
he funds to reimburse its expenses were
FINISHED from the treasury on notes eXecu-
ed by few individuals, which notes We're
given up.
A company was raised in this town and sent
, the camp near Boston. Volunteers from
his company were engaged in the battle at
Bunker Hill.
Immediately after this battle, another com-
any was raised by enlistment. The compa-
v consisted of seycnty-fve men, rank and
lie. They were retained in service near
Ioston until the following December Tie
ricinal muster roll Of this company has been
reserved.
TLo oop,roo ndcr Of this comnanv was sub-