Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1891-05-15

SAvtL WARRrNER,
JAMES BLAKEsLEE
IoHN GRIFFIN"
The convention held on the first Wednes-
day of June at Windsor recommended to
the people of the new state to assemble in
their respective towns on the 23d of June
and choose representatives to meet on the
I'd of July at Windsor to form a constitu-
ton and elect delegates to Congress. On
June 10th at Brattleboro--
1T was put to vote in full town meeting wheth
er the town would except the proceedings of the
late convention held at Winsor or not. Voted not
to accept or approve of their proceedings Voted
& chose Mr. Samuel Knight Capt John Sergeant,
Ems. Richd Prouty, Col. Seth Smith & Stephn
Greeneaf committee to join the committees of
sundry other towns to consult what was best to be
done respecting the proceedings of the above con
vention.
STEPHEN GREENLEAF town clerk"
Brattleboro did not send any delegate to
this convention of the I'd of July at Wind
sor which adopted the constitution; and
had no part in the formation of the state.
The committees mentioned in the vote
met on the 18th of June at the house of
Capt. Sergeant in Brattleboro and said:
And we do hereby solemny declare that we
entirely disapprove of the proceedings Of the late
convention at Windsor and of all persons what
ever acting under authority of that convention
and that we will at all times do our best endeavor
to support the legal authority of the state of New
York in the county"
In August, IT'S, the sense of the voters
as to the new state was attempted to be
taken. The report from this town was:
The number of voters in Brattleborough
who dissent from the pretended State of
Vermont August II, 175s 1855
Number who are for Vermont
Total 1866
The opposition to Vermont was so strong
that Ethan Allen came to assist the civil
officers in enforcing its authority. Here is
an account of his doings from the New
York side:
marlborough, May p. 1779.
Sir. The Committee of this County who are now
met for the purpose of opposing the Authority of
the State of Vermont take this opportunity to in
form your EXcellency by Express. That Col.
Ethan Alline with number of Green Mountain
Boys made his appearance in this County yester-
day well armed and equpt for the purpose of re-
ducing the loyal inhabitants of this County to
Submission to the authority of the State of Yer
mont and made Prisoners Of Col Patterson Lieut.
Col. Sergeant & all the Militia officers except one
in Bratteborough with Mr. Townsend and mum
Der of other Persons They have also taken the
Militia officers in Putney 4 Westminster with 9th
ers the number of Prisoners we cannot ascertain
Col. Alline declared that he had five hundred
Green Mountain Boys with him, We are not able
to ascertain the number but believe there is not
quite 50 many who came from the west side of
the Mountains, they assisted by number of
the Inhabitants of this County where they will
carry the Prisoners We cannot tell Col Allen
treated the people here with the most insulting
language assaulted and wounded several persons
with his sword without the least provocation. and
bids defiance to the State of New York declares
they will establish their State by the sword and
fight all who shall attempt to oppose them. Moth
ing but the reluctance the people here have to
shedding human Blood could hinder them from
attempting to rescue the Prisoners they had ev-
cry insult which the human mind is able to con
ceive of to prompt them to it, our situation is
truly critical and distressing. therefore most
humbly beseech your EXcellency to take the most
speedy & effectual Measures for our Relief other
wise our Persons and Property must be at the dis
posal of Ethan Alln which is more to be dread
ed than Death with all its Terrors
SIR we are with the greatest esteem
Your EXcellencys most obt humble servts
Signed by order of the Committee
SAMUEL MINoTT Chairman
To his EXcellency George Clinton, Esq. GOV. Of
the State of New York.
The prisoners were taken to Westmn-
ster and tried, found guilty, and fined by
the court in session from g. to $40 each
with costs, for opposing the state of Yer
mont.
Although Vermont had government in
full operation after l777 Congress did not
recognize the new state; the government
of New York held out hopes that it would
maintain authority over the territory: and
Brattleboro kept up its organization as a
New y ork town, and sent norepresentatives
to the Vermont assembly till 1871. Then
sentiments in favor of government under
Vermont had gained and held place in the
minds of many. The record of the last
town meeting pursuant to the laws of New
York runs:
AT legal Town Meeting of the freehoders Of
the Township Of Brattleborough in the County of
Cumberland on the first Tuesday of March 1881
agreeable to the time prefXed by the Patent Of
said Township for annual town meetings the town
proceeded as followeth viz.
II Chose Doct Henry Wells Moderator
80 Chose Stepn Greenleaf Town Clerk
20 Voted to adjourn this meeting to the first
Tuesday in March 1872
STEPHEN GREENLEAF Town Clerk
This left the town without executive of
ticers. Steps were taken for another meet
ing the record of which reads:
"Bratteboro March Is, 1871
Having been requested by more than six In
habtants of this Town TO warn a Meeting of the
Inhabitants thereof to meet at the Meeting House
on Tuesday the eth of March instant precisely at
ten O'Clock in the forenoon to act upon the follow
ing articles viz
Il To choose a moderator of said meeting
80. To see whether this Town will approve of the
union proposed between the Towns represented in
Convention Of New Hampshire Grants and the
State of Vermont.
- If the Town shall approve of the proposed
Union To choose two members to attend the As
sembly of said State at their adjourned session on
the first Wednesday of April next agreeable to the
recommendation of the Convention and Assem-
bly,
II To proceed to the Choice of County officers
agreeable to the law Of Vermont for that purpose
if it shall be thought expedient
- To choose Town officers under Vermont if
it shall be thought expedient
Il do therefore in pursuance of the sd REQUEST
Notify the Inhabitants of this Town 10 meet at the
Meeting House in this Town the time first above
mentioned for the purpose before expressed
STEPHEN GREESLEAF Town Clerk
"Bratteboro March q, 1871
The Inhabitants being met agreeable to the