The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1877-03-30
THE CENTENNIAL FAST.

IhE CENIENn1AL fA6T.
The year 1877 is full of centennial ami
versaries for Vermont. Commencing with
the assembling of the Westminster conven-
ton, January IL, 1777, We have the dec
laration of independence, January II; the
adoption of the name of Vermont, at
Windsor, June a the assembling Of the
convention to frame constitution, July 2
the "battle of Castleton," July 6; the bat
tie of Hubbardton, July z; General ST..
Clair in Rutland, the same day, directing
the militia to remain in Rutland for the
protection of tho people until the conven-
ton should direct otherwise; the formal
appointment of the council of safety,
July s; the so called battle of Benning-
ton, August 16; and the final adoption of
constitution by the convention at Wind
sor, December "a.
To-day is the anniversary of another
kind, although it had its origin in our pol
itical troubles. We commemorate, to-day,
our centennial Fast-the one hundreth an
niversary of the event, but not of the ex-
act day. And vet, there is as much pro.
priety in calling this the anniversary of the
exact day as there was in commemoraiing
the declaration Of Vermont's independence,
January 16.
A brief review of the events which led
to this original Fast day may not be out of
place. The early months of the year were
peculiarly gloomy for Vermont. Her ter.
ritory was claimed by both New York and
New Hamps hire; her citizens branded as
outlaws and Price set on the heads of the
leaders; her petition to the continental con-
gress, for recognition as state, treated
with contempt; her territory threatened
with invasion by powerful army under
Burgoyne; her border swarming with
hordes OF savages, while bands of tories
roamed within the state, her only hope was
in the God of battles and the strength of
her own right arm. A convention at West
minister, January II, had declared the state
free and independent, and an adjourned
session was appointed to be held at Wind
sor, June 4, at which were represented the
towns of Rutland, Bennington, SALISBURY
Arlington, Sunderland, Manchester, Dor.
set, Rupert, Pawlet, Wells, Poultney, Cas-
lleton, Hubbardton, Dandy, Tinmouth,
Clarendon, Pittsford, Brandon, Whiting,
Cornwall, Colchester, Williston, Whining
ton, Halifax. Guilford, Brattleboro, Towns
bend, Dammerston, Putney, Westminster,
Rockingham, Chester, Windsor, Hartland,
Woodstock, Hartford, Pomfret, Barnard,
Norwich, Sharon, Londonderry, Caven-
dish, Peru, Thetford, Stratford, Fsirlee,
Bradford, Corinth, Newbury, and Reading.
New York and New Hampshire had not
abated one jot of their pretensons, while
the common enemy were becoming more
and more threatening on Lake Champlaiu
General Poor had written to Washington
detailing the situation, declaring that IT,
conderoga was 'untenable against vigor-
"ous attack" and asking tor immediate
relief. Washington, however, usually far
sighted, was in this instance blind and
wrote that "the garrison at Ticonderoga is
b" sufficient to hold it against any attack. -
Succor was not sent, and 1t was at this
time, and under these circumstances, that
the convention assembled at Windsor, June
a, 1777. Its first act was to change the
name of the state from New Connecticut
to VERMONT. A committee was appointed
to draft Constitution, an election for del
egates to a convention to form constitu-
ton was ordered, Fast was appointed,
aud the convention adjourned. The ''pro-
clamation" for Fast day was as follows :
Since God has been pleased in his wis
dom TO visit the Inhabitants of this land
with bis just judgments by suffering our
unnatural enemies to wage war against US,
the pestilence TO prevail and the many
other calamities with which we are now
threatened as n just reward for the many
prevailing sins committed against the
Divine Law, we have sufficient reason 10
believe calls aloud on his people for solemn
Fasting and Prayer We have, therefore,
thought fit to appoint and do hereby ap.
point Wednesday the 18th day of June To-
slant to be observed Gs day of public
fasting and prayer throughout this state,
and do earnestly recommend to the good
people thereof to observe the same as such,
that we may humble our hearts before
God and implorc Him to avert the impend-
log Judgments, remove the sword of our
unnatural enemies from us, sanctify the
awful frowns Of Divine Provide nee, grant
His blessings on our councils and arms and
direct our generals, guard this state from
the invasion Of the savages, direct in our
election of members for establishing gov
eminent, bless the labors of our hands,
graft suitable seasons for the year for seed
time and harvest and crown the year with
HIS goodness, revive religion and virtue,
Bless the ministers OF the gospel and
water his churches with heavenly grace
And II is hereby recommended to all the
good people of this state TO abstain from
secular labor and recreation on that day
0lyen AZ Windsor In the state of Yer