The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-08-21
THE GREAT DAY.
CONCLUDED.

New Orleans, Buena Vista and Cha
pultipec, Vicksburg and Appomattox,
and innumerable things, having exer-
cised the interest, wonder and admira-
ton of intervening generations, now be-
long to the historic past. But the in
fiuence of Bennington is still potent as
the vast concourse here assembled at
tests.
Under the title, bennington Troops,
1777." in Vol. of Revolution Roll' of
New Hampshire, edited from original
rolls with great care, by the official state
historian, are recorded the names, rank,
terms of service, general average being
about two months, with other details,
of more than 1900 New Hampshire men.
Col. George c. Gilmore, who has been a
special commissioner to investigate such
matters for the State, has published a
volume entitled, New Hampshire Sol
diers at Bennington" in which he re-
cords the name, residence, regiment,
rank, company, and date OF enlistment
of each of the 1867 New Hampshire men
who fought under Stark at Bennington.
He omits from the official rolls all who
died OF left before, or enlisted after,
August 16. III, the date of the battle.
Vermont has no full official record of
her troops engaged in the Battle of Ben
nington, as | learn through one of her
intelligent citizens. Estimates of their
number must rest on the best informa-
ton obtainable. 1t is certain that Colo
mel Seth Warner was there as valued
adviser of Stark. 1t is certain that
Colonel Herrick was there with his
rangers arrayed in green, and it is GER
tain that the Green Mountain Boys"
put every possible man and every posi-
bic musket into the fight. There is no
doubt that the heroic clergyman from
Pittsfield, Massachusetts,, Rev. Thomas
Allen. came early and eager for the fight,
and was effective therein, being accom-
panied by all the men that he could
induce to follow him. Other troops
came timely from Massachusetts to take
part in the second engagement.
President Bartlett in his centennial
address says: 1.-The plumber taken at
bennington was divided between 22j0
men; but some troops arrived soon after
the battle was over"
THE OTHER SPEAKERS.
President Veazey called out Major
Gen. Howard as able to speak for New
York in the absence of Gov Hill. Cen
Howard was received enthusiastically
and spoke with refreshing abandon and
and humor, keeping the sitters at the
tables in the best of spirits all the time.
He thought it quite funny that he
should be named as Gov. Hills sub
stitute, and humorously discussed the
strained relations which used to exist
between the Empire State and Vermont
General Howard spoke very compli-
mentarily of the Second Vermont Regi-
ment, once in his command. He could
not ask for better soldiers than they
were. He thought there was Provl-
dence in the Battle of Bull Run, for we
were not yet completely equipped for
the great struggle. In closing the Cen
eral grew enthusiastic over the people"
who he said, were the hope of the coun-
try-that is, the right sort of people who
are in favor of building up the homes,
and schools and churches. He was a
thorough believer in the oneness to
which President Harrison had referred.
Gen Russell Alger of Michigan was
the next speaker. He was introduced
as one who married Vermont lady,
and the greater part of his speech was
devoted to a eulogy of the women of
Vermont. The only difficulty about
raising a monument in their honor, said
Gen. Alger, is that the skies are not
high enough. Applause.
Hon Redfeld Proctor, Secretary of
War, received great reception when
he was presented. His remarks were
very brief and largely facetiOus. He
thought Vermont had reason to be proud
of the presence of the United States and
the other distinguished visitors; but
when he reflected that the celebration
was the grandest occasion Of the kind
he had ever witnessed, he was inclined
TO think that the visitors were indebt-
ed to Vermont for the privilege of be-
ing present. Attorney General Miller
vas called up and said he had been
host intently interested in the days eX-
crises. II have never heard OF the
stoy so well presented as by Vermonts
peefess orator of to-day-a man whe al
waysreturns increase for all honor he
has received. He referred briefly to
the vaDr of the patriots of the Mohawk
Valley md the part they played in the
War of he Revolution. These yeomen
in that dhadful time showed themselves
worthy OF the men who had fought
under the Anner of William the Silent.
He rehearsal the valiant relief of Fort
Stanwix shirt time before the battle
of BenningtoA, when the ravages Of the
British and Inlians were stopped and
the marauaers Aent flying back to Can
ada. As to the Aattle of Bennington, it
boo occurred to him that the readiness
with which thu Hessians surrendered
may be taken as Sign of pallantry, for
1t was his idea that .lEost ANYBODY
would surrender before taxing the
chance of making Mollie stark or
other good looking woman wioOw.
Gen Alex. II. Webb, President OF the
College of the City of New York, paio a
feeling tribute to the valor and heroism
of the men of Vermont who participated
in the battles of the War, of the Rebel
lion.
Gen. John g. Mccullough spoke for
the people of Bennington, and also as a
representative of the Battle Monument
Association. His remarks were very
happy.
Ex- Governor Rice of Massachusetts,
made very spirited speech. He told
a number of stories which had applica-
ton to the event which was being cele-
brated, paid high tribute to the people
OF Vermont, and facetiously remarked,
by way Of compliment, that he couldn't
tell a Vermonter from a Massachusetts
when he met him in the streets of Bos-
ton.
Col. Albert Clarke was called out to
speak for Vermonters who reside out
side Of the State, and made some fell
ctitous remarks, paying tribute to the
character of the people of Vermont as
attested in this great gathering. He re-
ferred pleasantly to Benningten's in
dustries in particular and Vermont's in
dustries generally as monuments of her
life and greatness.
The other speakers were f. Fl. Sher-
man of Chicago, Gen. Bartlett of Con
NJ 4 L