The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1891-08-27
For Summer Cookery
BATTLE OF BENNINGTON.
AppR2ss or HON, L. J rHrI Hs.

Vermont consecrates today her FIRST bis
tofic monument. But not hers alone.
New Hampshire and Massachusetts,, vhc
fought with her snd for her OF Bsnning
ton, have joined in erecting this memoria
OF their common history. And they ar,
here. by ssplepdid representa- to share
10 the triumph OF its completion. aud tt
give to the occasion by the distinction Of
their presence. . higher dignity, q more
generous grace.
The day has still larger significance.
1t is trebly fortunate. II marks not only
the anniversary OF the battle. and the hap
py consunmstion OF this structnre OF the
eIertions OF 10 years, but likewise the cen
tenpisl Of the entrance oivermont into the
federal union. II unitss in its sugges
tions the great memories and the great
hope iu the life OF our commonwealth the
expiring century aud the limitless future
II is fit that we should signslize such On
occasion. Well may Vermoniers throw
open this day her gates and her heart
Well may she call her children home And
with display uncommon to her simple
life. with trumpets and banners, and ac
clsmstions. and the triumphant. voice OF
cannon, offer unbound welcome to ihs
great concourse that has gathered to her
festival.
II is appropriate aud gratifying that th 9
chief magistrate of the nation should be at
such time our most honored guest. In
this scene. party differences are forgotten.
We are only Americans. And in loyalty
to that great office, and respect for the In
cumbe who fills it 20 well. We are slI
this day on the presidents side
History is full Of battles. All its pages
are stained with blood. Instruments for
the most part OF ambition. oftyrannyjand
OF crime. II would have been we'll for the
world to be spared the misery they wrought
1t would be we'll for its history il their
memory could perish, But there have
been battles nevertheless whose smoke
went up like incense, consecrsted in the
sight OF heaven by the cause they maintain
ed. Such was that for which this shaft
shall henceforth stand.
II battles were to be accounted great in
to the number engaged. Ben.
nington would be but small. In compsri,
sion with Marathon and Waterlo and
it was in that view only an Of
fair OF outposts. But it is not numbers
alone that give importance to battle fields.
The fame Of Thermopylae would not have
had the Greeks been q great
army Instead Of 800. 1t is the cause that
is fought for, the heroism and self sscrif
re displayed. and the cons6 qnepces which |
follow. moral and political rs we'll as mil
i'ary, that give signiicanceto coufiicts OF
arms. Judged by those standards, Ben
nine'on may well be reckoned among the
memorable battles OF the world.
l, was, on our side the peoples fight.
No government directed or supplied ii, no
regular force was concerned; IL was . part
,f no organized campaign. Nev Ham.
'hire sent her hastily embodied militia.
1ot the less volunteers. 10 Vermont and
md Massachusetts il Was the spontaneous
iprising Of rural and peace loving pop
Itation, to resist invasion, to defend their
homes, to vipdicste their right Of self gov
,rument. Lexington and Bunker }Hill
rere in this respect its only parallels 10
he revolutionary war.
The march OF BurRoyne from Canada to
he Hudson. had been till then . contin.
ious victory. He was brave snd skilfnI
Ioldier, leading q we'll appointed and pow
'riul army. Ticonderogs. the key and
tronghold Of the Northern Frontier. had
allen Unexpectedly without blow. The
'ermonters rstreatipg thence bad been
,ver taken and utterly defeated at Hub
,srdton. The advance OF the British to
saltwater bad been almost nnopposed and
here was as yet no promise OF effectusl
Even Washington. steel proof
gains, despsir. wrote that be saw not bow
3nreoynes march to Albany could be
,hscked.
The silustion OF the Inhabitants OF the
i.mp,hire Grants was most critical. Their
' hole frontier Vas open TO the incursions
= 40 enemy whose allies were ssvsses.
rLsy lad been totally neglected by Con
,rsss; not step had been taken for their
elhf scsnered spsnely through the
oun'ry upop their srms. without suy OF
,spiHad State Rovsrtmsnt. slmost desti.
ne Of the msierisl Ct var. eIcept the
Ires,ms 10 their houses. they still bad no
honght OF fight or Submission. They
allied upon God fret, in = day Of fasting
q prayer. appointed by their eonven'
Ion srd pot only sppoipted bot solemnly
.epi And then they called upon New I
hampshire and John Stark. New Hsmp
hire. sblsze With patriotic feeling. issued
n.iani orders for Der militia 10 march.
A = l. -. L. n.