Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1877-08-03

H)w TIE NEW HAMPSHIRE HEROES WERE
RALLIED TO HELP THE GREEN MOUNTAIN

WI. Nulep SltIk, III MS hcnOIT anu OHl-
cial Correspondence of Gen. John Stark
says:
The news Of the fall of Tconderoga
spread rapidly through the country, giving
rise to the most fearful forebOdings The
people in general appeared to be parayzed
with terror and astOnishment. Ali was con-
sidered as lost. But there were men whose
nerves had not been unstrung by the misfOr-
tunes of two disastrous campaigns whose
warrior spirits arose with the dangers that
surrounded them, no could look upon this
dreary night of disaster as the harbinger
OF more glorious day; who could fOresee
that the invader, nOtW lthstandIng his hith-
ertO triumphant advance, would not be able
to retrace his steps, should he be so inclined.
Around such men the hopes and strength of
the country gathered.
The people of New Hampshire had per-
formed all that it was supposed they could
do. Public credit was at low Gbb, and
the ability to support single extra regi-
ment was doubted even if one could be raised.
The State council had been notified, by the
authorities OF Vermont. that unless speedy
assistance was sent to them, they must yield
to circumstances, and accept the protection
of the enemy, which would leave New lamp
shire frontier State. In this emergency
shone forth the spirit and patriotism that
man of his country, John LangdOn. Ever
hOnored be his memory lie was then presi-
ding officer of the Assembly, and upon the re-
ceipt of the news from the north, this aG-
dressed that body:
81 have three Thousand ,',llars in hard
money my plate ! will pied for as much
more. have seventy hogsh Is of Tobago
rum. which shall be sold for i most they
will bring. These are at the 'rvice of the
State. If we succeed, shall , remunera-
ted if not. they will be OF no use to me.
We can raise brigade; and our friend
Stark. who so nobly sustained the honor OF
our arms at Bunker's Hill, may safely he
entrusted with the command, and VIC will
check Burgoyne."
This noble proposal Infused new life into
the Assembly, and arrangements were I'M
mediately commenced for carrying it ont.
As soon as it was decided, saws Rev. N.
Boutin in his history OF Concord, to raise
volunteer companies. and place them under
the command OF General Stark, Col. Gordon
Hutchins (member of the Assembly from
Concord) mounted his horse. and travelling
all night with all possible haste, reached
Concord on the Sabbath afternoon, before
the close of public service. DismOunting
at the meeting house door, he walked up
the aisle of the old North Church, while
Mr. Walker was preaching. Mr.. Walker,
paused in his sermon and said, Colonel
Hutchins. are you the bearer of any mes
sage p "Yes," replied the Colonel, Gen
eral BurgOyne with his army is on his
march to Albany. General Stark has
offered to take command OF the New Hang
shire men, and if we all turn out We can
cut off Burgoyne's march, Whereupon the
Rev. Mr.. Walker said: MY hearers. those
of you who are willing to go had better
leave at once" At which all the men IN
the Westinghouse went out and many I'M
mediately enlisted. The whole night was
spent In preparation, and company was
ready to march next day. Peinehas East
man said Il can't go for | have no shoes,
to which Samuel Thompson a shoe maker,re
piled. Don't be troubled about that. for you
shall have pair before morning, which
was done. A messenger was Dispatch
ed to Col Stark who, stupg with
the injustice of Congress in promo
ting junior officers over him, had
retired to private life. lie had left the
army three months before. and was now
living upon his estate on the banks of the
Merrimack. lie returned with the messen-
ger, and waited upon the council. lie lis
tened to their proposal. They assured him
that his former patriotic services were duly
remembered and appreciated, and urged
him to forget the past, and assume the
command of their troops.
He informed them that he had no conf
dance in the commander of the northern
Amy but if they would organize a bri-
gate to be by him commanded, to hang up
on the left wing and rear of the enemy,
with fall authority to direct their operations
according to his own judgment. without
responsibility to any other authority than
their own body, he would again take the
field. The council closed with the terms,
and issued commission, investing him with
as ample powers az he could have desired.
Recruiting officers were Immediately en-
ployed under his orders. in beating up for
volunteers. His popularity, military repu
tation, and previous successes (fOr he had
seen more actual service than most OF the
Continental oihcers) were strong induce
ments with the yeomanry of New llamp-
shire to volunteer under his command.
More men than his orders called for were
soon engaged. and marched to Charlestown
the on Connecticut river, as place OF gen.
eral rendezvous. From thence they were
ordered to Bennington, VT, as fast as they
could be equipped with arms, ammunition
and supplies.
On the Both Of July, the general wrote
from Charlestown to the New Hampshire
Council - am informed that the enemy
have left Castleton. with an intent to march
to Bennington. We are detained by the
want of bullet molds. There is but one
pair in town, and the few balls sent by the
council go but little way" One pair of
bullet molds Tor an army In many other
particulars the troops were equally deficient.
General Stark crossed the mountains to
Manchester, in Vermont. where, after rein
forcing and consulting with Col. Warner,
he proceeded to assume the command OF his
brigade. then mastering at Bennington,
where he arrived on the 9th of August.
Soon aiterward an officer of the northern
army arrived, with instructions to conduct
the New Hampshire levies to the main army,
then at Saltwater. To these orders General
Stark declined to submit, declaring himself
to be only responsible to the authorities OF
New Hampshire. and promptly refused to
permit the troops to march to join the army
commanded by General Schuyler.
The officer reported the result Of his mis-
sion to headquarters, and General Schuyler
complained to Congress. urging the neces-
sitv OF reintorcements of men and supplies.
Congress resolved That the council of
New Hampshire be informed that the in
structions which General Stark says he has
received from them, are destructive OF mill
tary subordination, and highly prejudicial
to the common cause at this crisis and that,
therefore, they be desired to instruct Gener
al Stark to conform himself to the same
rules which other general officers of the
militia are subject to, whenever they are
called out at the expense of the United
States"
This vote Of ccnsnre neither tho council
nor their general considered of much &C
count. lie knew no other authority than
the State council and had ho submitted to
the demand of General Schuyler. the cam
paign would have terminated with the ruin
of the northern army; and General Bur-
goyne would have reached Albany, from
whence he could cooperate with Howe and
Clinton. and find the task an easy one to
crush the other American armies.
Genera! Stark now proceeded with dill
gence to organize and discipline his forces,
collect supplies, and prepare for active duty
as soon as occasion should require.
The commander of the northern army soon
opened correspondence with him. and he
detailed to him his plan of operations
which was to intercept and cut off the
enemy's supplies, remove beyond his reach
all the cattle and stores Of the country. haI
rass his rear and attack any OF his detach
ments which should afford him an oppor-
tunity. The plan was approved by General
Schuyler, and while arrangements were
making to carry it out. General Burgoyne
himself furnished the desired opportunity
General Summary.
Five boys were arrested in New York city,
on Monday, for incendarism.
The Pennsylvania regiments propose to
tirht the pcyt hnttlr bv tclcnLnnc