Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-11-23

people excited, that it was confidently believed
the settlement in the vicinity of Onondsgs
would be broken up. During this state OF
affairt, Gov. Clinton, about the middle of May,
despatched Gen. William North, Gen. Ste
phon Van Rensselaer,, Gen. David Van Horne,
and Baron Steuben who had been recently
appointed special commissioners by the Leg
islature of New York to provide for the de-
fence of the Western frontier, and to erect
such Notifications as they should deem neces-
sary for the public safety. Twelve thousand
pounds had been appropriated by the Leglsa-
ture to defray any expense thus made. The
commissioners repaired to "Salt Point, and
with the advice of COMMITTEE of safety,
consisting of Messrs. De Witt, Van Velck,
Orman, Pharse and Danforth, advised the
erection Of "block house" at that place. The
militia Of the county were called out and re-
viewed by the commissioners, and active
measures taken for the protection OF the
frontier. On their return, the commissioners
spent the night at the house Of Mr.. John A.
Shaeffer, " Inn-keeper," in Manlius village.
The guests were considerably fatigued with
their journey and the labors of their impor-
tant trust, and retired early to rest. During
the night there seemed to be an unusual stir
about the house. As the hour Of midnight
approached it still increased and before morn
ing transpired one of those questionable
events incidental to all prosperous and increas-
ing families. The Baron was greatly annoy
ed during the night, so that he scarcely slept
a wink. The frequent shutting Of doors, con-
tinued trampIing of busy feet, and hushed
sounds Of female voices, which were greatly
magnifed by the Bsron's nervousness, and
the Importance of progressing events, kept
his mind in continual tumult.
The house was built Of logs, only one story
high, with two rooms below--ths chamber be-
ing the whole size of the house, with only loose
boards for tho floor. The chamber was occu-
pied with the distinguished guests of Mr..
Shaeffer. The companions of the hero of this
tale slept soundly, and were not at all distur-
bed in their dreams. 1t was not so with the
Baron He often turned himself upon his
bed of straw, seeking rest but finding none,
cite such wonderful commotion below He
tossed about in nervous waksfulness, and final
worked himself into an almost uncomfortable
passion, which could scarcely be restrained till
morning. On the earliest approach of light
the baron rose, still in his rage, vowing VEN
geance on all below He approached the re-
doubtable landlord in not the most agreeable
humor. saying g Your house is tul oil gos-
sips and COLLINS, sir. haven't slept wink
all the blessed night. You have a pack Of
dogs about you noisy enough to deafen one
Sir, repeat, your house is full Of gossips and
COLLINS. Sir, your house isn't fit to stable
swine. Give us breakfast; let us be off as
soon as possible, and we'll not soon trouble
you again" The Barons rage was at its
height. Mine host was perfectly dumbfoun-
ded before his enraged and angry guest, and
dared not SO much as lift his head, or even
hint at the cause OF the disturbance during
the night The more considarute companions
of tho Baron heartily sympathi2cd with him
in his troubles, and were ready 10 excuse their
host, but it had ooIy the effect to add fuel to
the fame and Increase his rage.
| In the height Of Che storm, which had al
ready spent much of its fury,as if to afford re-
let and calm TO the rending eleuleats,a woman
cautiously and timorously approached the an
cry Baron WHO was still breathing forth threat
enlngs, bearing in her arms u little infant
wrapped up in swaddling clothes, which had
not yet Witnessed the setting Of a single sun,
saying, Here, sir Baron, is the cause Of all
the trouble and noise last night" The gal
liant old soldier instantly felt the mpropriety
of his conduct; his habitual good humor was
instantly restored, and his accustomed gallant
ry prompted him at once handsomely to apollo
glze, at the same time begging ten thousand
pardons OF those around him. He rendered
his most hearty congratulations to Mr.. and
Mrs. Shaeffer, and offered as an atonement for
the wrong he had done, to bestow his own
name upon the new vsitant, which offer was
joyfully accepted, and forthwith the Baron
drew decdo gift for two hundred aud fifty
acres of land from his domain in Oneida coun.
ty, and after breakfast with his friends went
on his way rejoicing
There is often singularty in the closing
scenes OF the lives of distinguished men. II
may not be unworthy to remark here, that
Frederic William Augustus, Baron de Steu.
ben, oncean aid-de-camp to Frederic the Great
King of Prussia /; Quarter-Master General
Chevalier of the Order of Merit Grand Mar.
shall of The Court OF Hohenzolen Colonel Of
the Circle Of Saubio Knight of the Order Of
Fidelity Commander in Chief Of the armies
OF the Prince Of Caden; Major General in
the armies of the United States, and Inspec.
tor General Of the same-the fortunate soldier
OF fifty battles, an admirer of freedom, the
friend Of Washington, the man of virtue
fidelity and performed his last military
service in reviewing Il few score Of unarmed
haf-clad militia, and in selecting site for a
bfock house for the defence of the frontier OIL
New York, in the county of Onondaga, al
"Salt Point" in 1874. The Baron died al
his residence in Steuben, Oneida county, Nov.
ember. l795.-Clark's Lights and Lines q
Indian and Fronticr LITE.
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