Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1858-08-27

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MONTPELIER, Aug. il, 1898.


MONTPELIER. Aug. IA, 1888.
THos. J. TfFFANY. Committee. &c:
Dear Sir.-The anticipated arrangement
that would permit me to leave home this
morning on a visit 70 the glorious historic
field Of Bennington, failed but not until this
afternoon did learn that this would be
disappointment to anybody except myself,
and two or three friends to whom | had ex
pressed my expectation uncertain, though 1t
was, Of being able to be present ] had ex-
pected to hear. rather than to speak; to
catch the inspiration Of the day aad the field
not to inspire anybody else and to bear
a,raj a warmer heart, if not more eloquent
hips, touched with a living coal from the an
cient altar OF Green Mountain patriotism-to
be carshjppp rather than priest, at the
shrine bapused in blood and gorifed by vic
tory | therefore the more regret the disap-
pointment-thc double disappointment, per-
haps. Ere you receive this, suppose--and
ere can reach you, if can start on Monday
morning-"tho feast of reason aud the flow OF
sou" in goodly company together, Will be
over, | will therefore only say. that II alb
sent in body. | shall be with YOU in spirit on
the ! 9Th and may the spirit of pure patriot
ism. that you will then ftly honor dwell for
ever in the sons of Vermont and illustrate
their lives. so that wherever their lot may be
cast, 1.-THE hearts Of the fathers may be turned
to the children, and the hearts Of the children
to their fathers" in affection. admiration and
emulation for the glory of our illustrious
State. In haste, truly yours,
f. p. WALTON.
/ Thus has passed one of the best and most
successful celebrations ever given in honor Of
the Battle of Bennington. But little occur
red to mar the happiness or impede all pres
ont from ENJOYING themselves. AS upon all
occasions of this kind some things we're omit
{ ted and overlooked which should have been
attended to, but as a general thing, we be-
lieye. all went to their homes on Monday
evening feeling that this effort of our citizens
had been a successful and happy affair. lii
quor flowed pretty freely. consequently there
was pretty good number intoxicated, but if
man was found noisy or disturbing the
peace. he was kindly cared for by the efficient
board of Police.
There are many things Of which we would
willingly speak, but space forbids. Our no.
tells enjoyed a rich feast. On Sunday even
ing every room was engaged, and on Monday,
Messrs. Cady Gates and Love fed thousands,
although they were not 'eat out, as they
were prepared for a rush, and they got it,
We now willingly give space for
MONS. LA MOUNTAINS ACCOUNT OF HIS
BALLOON ASCENSION.
At minutes past o'clock, P. NJ. every
thing being in readiness, the rope was cut,
and my companion, O. A. eager, and myself
bid farewell to the immense multitude, and
were ready for the ascent. We assembled to
the height of about three miles in course
about e. S. f. from our starting point. $40
lost sight of bennington village, still about
three miles from the earth. threw over q
bag containing a little sand, which ! watched
} 4 - minutes, when it was lost sight Of
) while still falling. The Hudson River, Lake
George, the towns of Addison, Willamstown
Pownal, Pittsfeld, Saratoga, Albany, Troy
Wilmington, Brattleboro' and numerous 9th
or places were in distinct view, We were
D enabled to see the road the entire distance
! between Bennington and Adams. The
4 Church at North Bennington was the las
T thing we could distinguish in Bennington.
We noticed an immense cloud of smok'
( rising from the vicinity of Bennington Center
c and which we afterwards learned was caused
e from the burning of barn in that place
e SIS passed a toll-gate hut happily no tol
d was demanded doubtless the gate-keepe
J, thought we were dead heads our course still
n Il. S. f.. and the clouds below us. $50
: Bellows Falls in plain sight; our course du
I. East, clouds below going $. w. by w. AM