' . . .r '.
1
' 'i
VOL. T:
Celebration in 1778
BENNINGTON VICTORY OF 1777.
INTKODCCTOUY NOTE.
Tliobattloof Bennington was fought
August 10th, 1777, and iti aniversarics
liavo ever since been observed as holi-
days in that and the neighboriug towns,
aud haTO been cblebrated with all the
deinonstrations of rjoicing that are us
ual through tho country on "Indepond-,
ence Day;" such as tho dischai'go of ean-
non, tho display of banners, military
parade, processions with music, orations
nnd ptiblic dinners.
The lirst anniversary celebration at
Bennington took place tho 10th of
August, 1778, one year after tho victory,
uu wiiiun uuuiaiun --a speecn was ue
1; i 1 T .1 n in
uvcroi uynoan Dinun. A. u., ana "a
poetical essay, by Stephen Jacob, A. B."
They were two young men whp had
just graduated at Yalo College, and had
come to tho new country and Stato of
Vormont to remain and "seek their for-
tunes, with the liko purpose that
thousands of Vermontera havo since
emigrated to the newer regions of the
west. The clasa of 1778, in which they
had graduated, contained also the
names of Noah Webster, Jool Barlow,
Oliver Wolcott, Zophaniah Swift, Uriah
Tracy, and others who afterwards be-
caine highly distinguished. Both Smith
and Jacob adopted the profession of
law. Both deservedly acquired
siderablo prominence in the Stato.
con-
Noah Smith was admitted to the Bar
of tho Superior Court of the Stato at
Westminster in May, 1779; was at the
sanio term appointed Stato's Attorney,
pro tem.t for Cuniberland County, and
was imniediately engaged in liis ofllcial
capacity in the prosecution of a number
of the adherents of New York, who had
been concerned in resisting the author
ity of the State.and whose conviction bo
procured. Having settled in Bennington
ho was the same year appointed State's
Attorney for Bennington County, which
ofilco ho held for several yeara. Ho was
a Judgo of the Supreme Court for five
years pnor to 1801, and ho was also
Cbllcctor of the United States Internal
Revenuo under- tho ladminiatraHon'-of'l
"hls vouncerbrother. tead law with him
nt Ronninirton: beirani Dractice at RU'
pert, lemoved to RutlVnd. and becamo
Governorof tho State Ym 1807. Noah
Smith was born in Suffleld, Connecti
cut, and settled in Bennington in 1779.
He removed to Milton soon after tho
year 1800, where he died December 25,
1812, aged 57.
Stephen Jacob is belioved to liavo a
native of Sheffield, Massachusette. Soon
after ho camo to "Vermont, he settled in
Windsor, where ho died in February,
1817, at the age of 01. Ho represented
Windsor in the General Assembly on
sevoral occasions, was one of tho Coun
cil of Censors in 1785, a member of the
Constitutional Convention of 1793, a
State Councillorforfive years. ending in
1800; and a Judgo of the Supremo Court
in 1801 and 1802.
The speech and poem at the celebra
tion of the victory at Bennington, Au
gust 10th, 1788, were ' printed at Hart
ford.Connecticut, in 1779. and were as
followB:
A Spccch delivered at Bennington on
the Anniveraary of the 10th of August,
1777, by Noah Smith, A. B. Hartford:
Printed by Watson & Goodwin.
mdcclxxix.
VOTE OF THANKS.
Tho committee (consisting of fivo)
chpsen by tho pepple who composed tho
audience, return their thanks to Mossrs.
Noah Smith and Stephen Jacob for their
agreeable orations dclivored in com
memoration of the battle fought at
Bennington on tho memorable 10th of
August, 1777, and desire a copy thereof
for tho press. JONAS FAY,
Clerk of the Committee,
A SPEECII, ETC.
Thehistory of America during tho
last twelvo months relates events favor
able to a degreo which has exceeded
our oxpectations, cstablished our indo-
pendenco and astonished tho world,
Among which nono has been moro Big
nal than that which happened on tho
memorable 10th of August, 1777, of
which this.is the anniversary.
The recollection of past events,
whethermorciful or aillictivo, ofton pro-
duces a good effect in tho hnman mind
by leading it to viow the oporatienB of
that Bcing by whpso permissipn all
judgmerjts are inflicted and to whose
benignity all delivorance must be attrib
uted.
It is presumed that tho history pf these
nerthern campaigna is bo freali in the
memory of everyono present that a ro
petition of it would bo noitherentertain
Ing nor instructive; therefore, waiving
the doscription of tho progress of our
arms into Canada, and pf the defeat and
death ef tho bravo Genoral Mentgpmory
which was prpductivo of tho most pre-
cipitant andconfused rotreat, we need
only mention that Ticonderega was ad
judgetl a prpper placo to make oppos
ition.
This boingby its natural situation tho
kev of tho country, to maintain it was
man who
For more than fourteen motiths, whilo
this was the object, no sums wero too
great to be expended and no f atiguo too
painful to be endurcd; so that when the
third campaign was opened, the wprks
wero so completely finished, tho std're-
houeesso amply supplied with pTOvl
sions, the Hnes so sufHciently namod
and tho wholo country so ready to fly
to their assistnnco upon any emergenoy,
that lt was thought notlnng but tlio m
fernalhands of cowardice or treachery
could hare dolivered .them into the
enemy's possession'.
Under theso circumstauces the people
in this dcpartment, not considering that
disappointments are cotnmon to man
kind in a state of imperfection, puraued
their business with no less aecurity Uian
diligence.
Butatraia of evils, which at that
timelikeo mighty torrent rushed in
upon us, soon discovercd how vain and
unscriptural it is to trust in fortifica
tions, for within eight days after Bur
goyno appeared upon the Lake, he
found moans to possces3 himself of the
forte, wlnch laid our numerous army
under a necessity pf fleeing beforo him,
nnd fllled the whole country with con-
sternation and amazement. -
In tliis condition every battle ho at
tempted was succoeded by victory and
every advance ho made waa conquest,
The inhabitants of th northern dis-
tricts for more than one hundred iniles
inlengthwere obliged to quit every
tliing they possessed, and for eubsistenco
had no other jdependance but tho benig'
nity of heaven and tho charity of their
countrymen.
"Whenever we had intelligence from
our army it was mnrked by defeat and
diBCOuragement; so that some, to
their sliamo be it spoken, exclaimed, had
not we bctter submit to any imposition
than to be driven from any thing we pro
ces3. Notwithstanding this town was
tlien esteemod an asylum, yet the saga-
city of the honorable Council then sit-
tingat this placo induced them to be
apprehensivo of an attack and prompted
them to dispatch advices to tho neigh-
boring States for tho purpose of procur-
ing-assistanco.
In consoquonce of wliich, Genornl
Stark, who was hero to complofe thej
Hampsmre at tnancaa oi au
oftlienebleand Bpirited mllita pf that
State was welcome to tlio commana.
Butaspecialorderfor him to jom tne
main body at Stillwater gave ris to
new apprehensions;
Under theso circumstances, mtoui-
gence of the enemy's approach was ro
ceived. Ifitbe proper to judge of
f uturity by past events, nothing could
now be expected but panic, retreating
and confusion. But with thatmagnan-
imity of eoul which is ever the char
acteristicof real greatness, those pa
triote who composed the council at that
time, doliberately laid tlio plan which
their penetration assured them would
be tho destruction of tho enemy. Hav
ing induced General Stark to return,
they were indefatigablo in adopting
Buch measures as might conduco to the
success of the entorprwe.
Alengthof time had now elapsed
sufficient for the arrival of a number of
respectable mllita from the adjacent
towns in this State and that Pf Mass
achusette. Tlio exertion of the people
in Berkshire County were extraordinary
on thia occassion and merited them
particular honor. In convening, reso-
lnt on. liko electric llre diUusea ltseir
though tho whole body of the troops,
while braverv marked tho countenance,
and patriotism glowed in the breaat of
every individual
"The wigo new prudence from the wise
acquire,
"And one brave hero fans anothers
fire."
Prompted by their apprehensions, the
enemy, having made. choioe of the
most advantageous ground, began at
this time to intrench. But bo detcr-
mined wero our forces, that no circunv
stanco of supcriority in nuniber, of per-
fection of discipline, or of finished m
tronchments was Bufllcient to bring dis-
couragement to their viow,
Stark gavo tho command, the attack
was mado, tho intrenchmcnts stormed,
and the enemy defeated. What mira
cles will resolution and persoverance
effect
Thatanundiciplined militia, without
the assistanco of a single fleld piece.
should, in tho face of cannon, confront
an enemy almost doublo in number, and
drivo them from their intrenchmonta,
marks tho determination of Americans,
and nffords an instance of bravery with'
Soon atter this tno enemy, coing re
infprced, renowed tlio attack, and from
the dictatcs of despair fought with per-
Boveringintrepidity, which in any other
circumstances must havo been the at-
tainment of their wlahe8. In this crit
ical momemt tho arrival of Colpnol
Warner's regiment, by adding to tho
spirit of tho men as well as to their num
bars, comploted tho victory. Boast
then, yn gasccnadihg Britons, that two
thousand of your men can effect
march frem Saratoga tP Springfleld for
this action has ovinced that a Stark, a
Warner and a Herrick, with a number
the determination of every
wished well to America.
BENNMGTOy, YT,, TUESDAf, AUGIJST 6',
.of riien little 'more than half equal
youra could by tho assistanco of heavea.
defeat your erityjrprise upon tho flrat at
tempt, ana maae two-tbirds of your
boay prisoners.
But I check this languago becauspgas
conade is no mark of bravery. Tlio,
famo of this action spreairtlirough every
part of America, and wa3 productivo of.
the most salutary effects in raising the
spints of our army, which was ,worn
outby' fatiguoa and hardships, and in
depres3ing thoso of the enemy which
foralongtime had been flushed with
victory. This battle' heing a preludo to
those'fought at Stillwater, which were
the lmmediate harbingers of Burgoyne's
resignation, had a powerful oneration in
ettecting tliat event, vhich was really
tho most momorable and glorious that
ever graced the annals of America.
Canitbe thought possible that tho
herpism of a few hundred Green Moun-
tain bdys, by being exhibited when tho
wholo cpuntry was depressed by re
treat3.and misfortunes, should effoct'the
resignatlen pf a genoral who com-
manded ten thousahd men, and opefate
the total dissolution pf hs army. To tho'
effects cf this acticn must bo attributed
in a cpnsiderable decrco that series pf
Buccess which for the jpar past has con-
stantly attended our arms, and which.
has mado America so respectablo ambng
tho nationo, that ono qf the mpst pptent
mpnarchs in tho wprld has npt thought
H derpgatpry to cpurt lier alhance.
This establishes eur indepondence and
muatsppnputaperipd to tho calamities
of war Are these the effects of the bat
tloof Benningtpn? Are these tho prps-
pects which attend the Republio pf
America? Then what laurels are duoto
Stark and those bold asserters of liberty
whoso determmed resolution and un-
daunted courago effected the salvation
of theii countty?
iiutinnspoechof this kind it would
be impiousBot tomake ascription of tho
8ublimest praise to that God whoso king
domisovor all. "Had not the Lord
been on our aide when men rdso un
againat us they had swallowed' us up
quick." The success of that day is not
be attributed to the skill of the
offlcors, and the prowess of tho soldiers,
but to tho interposition pf heaven. That
pmnipptent being who has bocn pleased
directed tlielr' chargo in siicliTofiiannerv
that opposition could produce nothing
but carnage and immediate death.
Those heroes who wereactivo that day
wero the instruments by which our de
liveranco was effected but God was the
author. To Him, therefore, let the flrst
and most gratef ul tribute be paid. As
tho victory was complete, let the aong
of praise be sincero and universal. It
becomes all to unite in thisglad work,
even those whose nearcst inenus
wero numbered with the slain. By yield-
ing themselvos a sacriflce to the
flagitious exertions of tryanny,
they discovered a stability of sentimonts
in the cause of ffeedom and sealed it
with their blood. It was a custom
among tho ancients to canonizo those
who foll in battlo, and to scnd them im
niediately to the ElyBian flelds. Tliis
was productive of good effect among
the soldiers, as it made them believe
that to die in battle was only to enter
upon a moro happy state. "It is sweet
and glorious to die for one s country,"
was a maxim which they firmly be
lioved.
In fighting, the death of someisneces
sary, even on the siuo 01 victory ; ana
that individual who would not resign
his life for tho salvation of hia country
muat be possessed of a soul tho most par-
tial and contracted. There is, therefore,
nojuBt cause of lamentation to thoso
whose frionds were alain, for by their
deatlis our country was saved. Since
that event, the situation of affairsin this
northern department has been very dif-
ferent. Thehurry ana bustlo ol war
are nowsucceeded by tho sweeta of tran
quility and retirement. Those who by
the savago cruolty of tho enemy were
driven from their habitations are now
returncdto a peaceful and flourishing
settlement, and instead of those horrors
and depredations which are lnscparablo
from all wara, and with which tliis has
been particularly marked, all havo now
the glorious prospect of a pormanent
and uninterrupted poace. When this
takes placo, the necessity of maintaining
so numerous an army will cease, our
currency will again revert to its proper
value, and thousands will resort to this
Stato with dcsigns of making it the
place of their residence ; all tho avonues
of commerco will bo laid open, and the
inestimablo blessinga of government es
tablished. Then, if wo may bo allowed
to put a literal construction upon the
enraptured prophecy of Isalah : "The
wilderness and the solitary place shall
be glad for them; and " tho dcsert shll
rejoice, and blossom aB tho rose."
TITLE PAQE OF POEM.
A poetical essay delivered at Benning
ton on the anniversary of the 10th of
August, 1777, by Stephon Jacob ; 1778,
Hartford : Printed by Wateon & Good
win, MDCCLXXIX.
A 1'OETIOAL ESSAV,fTCi
'Whcro blood-brought famo jtho glowing
sago ihpircs.
Whoro tliirBt of glorious doath tho pa-
triot flros,
Wnero futuro scenos in haiplor pros
pect riso,
JVhoro giiefs aro sooth'd and grating dis-
'Springs tho rich thcmo that wakcs the
i enrapturea soiip
u,uuu oiiuracs an audienco 01 tno as-
somDicd throug.
Whon angry f action rolling from afar
JJUrst " our shorcs, and spread the
jiuinu oi war,
llouB'd fair Columbia with its drcad
aiarnis,
And bid hcr Bons indignant rush to arms.
JUB niinnt oiaro, wnoro Doasts ol mid
nignt nowrd,
Jwng'd tho broad waste and thro' lono
dcscrts nrowl'd.
Vid this fair town whcro felino monstors
14 . cfw.rll
floko from their dons and on :tho help-
Their martial .ofTuiing. to tlicir country
n sharo its victorics or a glprious
gravo,
Upsprung tho horoes from their new
nuotie.
Itispircd by freedom and by frecdom's
uoa.
With heaven-born vigor drovo tho 6p-
And crop't tho flrst blowu laurels of tho
north;
Nor cpuld a tryant's rago or fettcrs bind
iho uncpnquercd Allcn's moro uncon
(lucred mind.
IIo rose superior to tho chills of foar.
IJisdaining threats, dofy'd tho upllfted
spear,
Whon shifting victory flushed tho ad-
vnron flirhf
then war's, palo torch display'o a glim-
'ring light,
When foar our lcss'nincr band Jnsnlred.
Tho foo advanced and back our arms ro
tired; When too this trembllng scat our troops
were drivon.
Lko hosts subdu'd or disapprov'd of
'A- heaven.
That dread Supremo whoso thundoring
tcrrors roll.
Dart from tho storm and blast the gullty
r soul,
Mark'd all our griof from his1 briglA
.' tlironn ahov.
Ey'd our distressndsoften'd into lovo;
Tho foo's rash boasting in llorce angcr
Pointed their fato and our
cold bosom
Then from his scat sublimo scnt Miclfacl
forUi
To rouso tho anlor of tho droopingnorth.
In awful grandour on tho dusky storm.
8(ion as commandcd flow tho ethereal
form.
Horo in mid heaven slow hov'ring on tho
wlnir.
Dlffus'd Sio ardor that ho carao to
brinir.
by the Eternal'8 conquering broath
Insnir'd.
VKor roturn'd and zcal eaoK bosom
-tfasatpaswt.
EajL-h f66k- hlsPQBtMflgKgryqr.
Ea!ch hore glow'd to meot th' insulting
4 too,
ltciolvod to fnll or givo the conquering
blow.
High o'er tho hills th' ethereal scomed
to sall,
And from a cloud susponds tho dubious
Where voil'd in darkness near tho oppos
ingfoo, Thffsignal given, forth rushed tho mar
tial train,
Nor mountainn, floods, or hosts their
zcal restraln.
Thoir shining arms a dazzling pomp
display,
Gloam o'er tho valo and brighton on tho
Thoadvorso legions oyo tho trcmbling
And flushed with conquest, rush amid
tno lignt;
Our dauntles8 troops th' impetuous
shock sustain,
Burst through thoir ranks and multiply
Then back recoil liko yanquish'd war-
nors drivon,
Now blazo afrosh as roinspir'd by
heaven,
Now On tho foo in lcaden volleys pour,
Now baek on them tho thundoring can
non roar,
Now closo chgag'd the opposing heroes
meet;
Now fly their hosts and ours again ro
treat. Thus long conceal'd the dubious victlms
Till lengih'ning shadcsproclaim'd tho
sotting day.
Wlien from our Bight tho angollo form
wlthdrew.
itn noiRcd tho scalo and back their
niinrlrniifl flow.
Great Stark, a warrlor from that day
mayclalm,
iVith tho bravo Hcrrlck, an immortal
To many moro wo'd gratcful trlbutos
pay
V1in foucht. who connuor'd and who
lilmt thnt dav.
And thoso flrm souls. that now cloctcd
Whicji f orms vour Senato our bost thanks
demancl.
Thfiir iiL'i-severiuir minds 'mid thiek
nnnld rw.iv tho nublie and dircct its
arms,
And midst tho din of war and rough do
bato
Fir tlio flrm basis of a risinc stato.
Yon bright'nlng orb, whoso bcams tho
nntions clicor.
Has marked ono circuit round tlio Yaricd
year
Since thoso fair prospeots flrst ap
nro.ir.hnd tho siclit
Which groot our wond'ring oyes with
pleasing light,
Whon seo flerco discord ceaso, seo trea-
son blccd, x
Sco war's rough tumult cnd, and pcaco
succccd.
Aatonlsh'd BtrangorB oyo tho now born
stato
Whoro Chittenden prcsidcs in cach de-
h.ito.
Whoso patriot mind no selflah viows can
charni,
And whoso mlld bosom gcn'.rous pas-
slons warm,
Deneath whoso oyo seo scionco strotch
hcr winir.
Chcor tlio lono wasto and mako tho dos-
ort sing,
And hoavon at last, tho' long it scoms
, tofrown,
On its own sons oonfor a laurol crowu.
frhc'n war's rdugh gonlus flr'd tho angry
plain.
iado-orphaus weop and paronts mo
the slaln,
1891,
Bado sor'rowing thousands
PurnPd fleld
oyo tho c'm
Whoro Blauehter.fag'd, In various forms
rovoai'a,
Whcro countlesa warriors lo'ft thoir part-.
IHg U1UULU, r-
And many a hero swcll'd tho tido
death.
of
Wo mako a Bolemn,paua.o to mount thosoj
aeau
Wlioso famo shall livo tillgratoful heartb
nro ueu;
Who, to defcnd an injur'd, blccding
Dar'd blced thcmsclves at heav'n's- so
vero command.
Wo mourn thoir fall, yet joy thoy onco
Wero herb.
To Bhow their jgountry what thoy held
must ucar."
Heroes thus bravelv fallirur wn dnnlnrn
Yet hail them wclcomo to tho, immortal
shoro I
Horo blamoless envy might' with justico
cry, , . i .
"Ohl, could I virtuous livo, and liko
tkom dio."
Each matron, too, with anoient Sparta's
damo, ' ' '
Whoso son for freedom blcd, might thus
oxclaim:
"For this I birth to that young warrior
uavo.
Thatho by fallintr micht a countrv savo
Yot such rough flrmncss wo but seldom
lina.
And tendcrncss adorns tho foraalo'mind
Ono sympathetic tear wo now impart
To sooth tho paront's and tho orphan's
lieart.
Console tho widow and th' afflictod
maid.
Whoso dcarest bliss bcneath tho dust is
laid. T
For you -who wall a tendor offspring
cicaa,
Whoso sons for ueodom.fought and no-
blybled.
You, whoso companipns met tho fatal
Bpoar.
Wo groatly mourri and drpp tho friendly
tear.
For you, fair virgins, who in boauty's
bloom
Fadointo griof and wcar a saddening
cioom.
In secret1 languish and your pains ap-
nrovo.
Mclt in distress and mourn your haplcss
lovo.
Wo feol, wo feel for you tho tendorest
. nain.
And floods of softncss rush through
overy velnl
But stopl too fast thcsd piercing sor-
rows roll. .
And spread a gloom o'er overy "fceling
soul. ' '
Now lcd by fanoy, burst tho fllins of
night,
To futuro scones oxtcnd tho ploasing
slght,
Survey tho paths your unborn sons shall
trcad
When you're forgot and thoirs, when
. y.pu aro cleaa, l I
.y noniA'oion's less'.n'a.novt suau.
lisap-.
When tho fair olivo shall hor brancii ex-
tond,
And long lost pcaco again from hoaven
descond, ...
When fleets for trafflo skim along the
tide,
Hoavo to our shorcs, or in safo harbors
rido,
Whoro with sof t smiling commerco thoy
impart
Th' cnsnaring vices of each aistant
court,
Invado ourahores and spread a moral
d(jath,
Whero pamp'r'd lux'ries with malignant
breath
Internal sweotness and domestio easo
Hore flx their gontlo rcign and spread
tho charras ot pcaco.
No tryant hero shall daro orect his
throne, . .
No griping landlord wako th' opprcssed'a
No cringing minion bo for flatt'ry fed,
No menial slavo a haughty mastor dread,
No hatef ul monstcr suppllcato defenso
Who boaste his spoiia oi ariiess iuuu
ccnco But injur'd'virtuo sinking in distress
Flvhoro for safotv and obtain rodress.
No jarring f euds royivo the martial ilamo,
Or war DO Known oui as a irunaivui.
nnmn.
No tender matron feels tho pangs of fear,
Or moltinc vlrinn drop tno parting tear,
No mourning consort of hor fato com-
piam,
Or lisping infant weop a parent slaln,
But gentle friendship spread hor balmy
wing
Whilo musio softens from tho trombling
string, '
Each youth oxcel in overy poblo art,
rasto tno puro Dicssiugn
lieart,
Disdaln tho follics of a vicious age.
And spurn decoit and meaness from tho
stagc,
Nor daro pormit tho polish'd tonguo to
ai-knnlr
What wakcs a blush on virtuo's modcst
cheok,
Or yicld assistanco with malicious joy
Tn l.l.ist tho fair and innoconco dcstroy,
But taught by heaven their generous
aid oxtcnd,
Protocttho helplcs8 and tho wcak do-
fena.
Nor theso alono th' enraptur'd tho'ts in
snirc.
iint fa rer charms tho clowing bosom
flro. " t
Tho heavcn-born sweotness and an angel
' mind,
WMi beautv'a soft oxccss to sweetness
Bywisdom taught tho just distinction
Vnnw
'Twixt worthy morit and tho flutt'ring
boau,
Thoy scorn thoso vulgar arts that fools
pursuo,
imi afi.m Hm ttdn of custom to bo truo.
Thero conscious virtuo holds hor gentlo
And knovvs'no foar but that of causlng
pain.
To these blest scenos our fondeat hopcs
oxtcnd,
wimn discord flits and hated factlon
Long peaceful years in calm succcssion
rou, , ,
Aud lovo of wisdbm anlmates tho wholo:
Art and roflnemont wako and , spread
tlinlr Miarins. ' 1
Tim vouth in lottors Bhino as now in
nrma '
Whon many a fair adorns tho polish'd
Thatboams instruotion o'er tho rising
age,
Whon vvarring boxcs lay thoir arts asido
And tako fair virtuo for thoir guiltlc
guido,
mJMBBR 2.
AVhon worth and grandeur iu our.bosom.-.
shino, 1 .'.'!
And age and youth in Bacrcd chorus jo'in,, .
Whero nono shall court tho rich' uhpol-
ished clown, "', ' . "
On ncedy mcrit east a sneering frown, '
Spurn from.their prescncetho dojected
poor,
Or seud the hungry fainting from their
door, ' . .
But hcavori-born freedom spread hcr.
wido domain, J
And peace and justico nnmolestcd reign.
Coldpoverty Bhall fly, nor'anttipnear,
But hcalth and plenty overy bosom clieer, .
Tho blooming mead, tho hill and fcrtilo,
plain
Yiold a rich blcssing to th' indiistrlous
swain,
Tho fatal stcel'destroy tho noxious wood,
And blushing orchards to ,their place
succccd, .
Tho tracklcss waste, tho tough uncul-
tur'dsoil,
And desolation's solf bo scon to smile.
Whcr6 beauts of proy onco found , safo
abodo
Riso tho fair tomples of tho, immortal
God; ,
yiiorel suporstition's zcal obscur'd tho
dav. , t . . .
Truth uncontested shlno with' piercing
rav: -t .
Whero savago ignoranco held hor' mld-
night reign,
And bound wholo natlons in hor gloomy
chain,
Unnumbcred ages these blcst scenos ro
veal, To miido tho Dublio and thonrlvate weal.
Point to fair virtuo hor unbeaten road,,.
And mark with censuro hated foes to
God;
Bid scionco rise and strotch her bright- -?
'ningwand,
To dash out darkness from this blissfuL,
land.
None of that impious race shall then rc--'
main,
Whobondtho gospol to incrcaso tlielr
gain, J'
Who point to heaven a new and noarer
wav.
In unknown paths mako crring mortals
strav. .
Avoid clcction aa a theme too high;
Who preach up works, but pass repont-ance-bv.
Leavo faith untaught, or to ono scct con
fln'd And damn the rcst as heretlcs and bllnd. -
But fair rcligion warns tho hoary sage,
Ana lib'ral tho'ta inspiro tho rismgage,
Puro trospol truthrt in full meridianblazo
To gray hairs, wisdom and to infants
nraiso.
Fardistant climcs tho bliasful tidings
greet
Rough, bolsterous sects in boavenly
union meet.
Swift gathering crowds in listening clus-
ters throng,
And hang Irapationt on tho spcakcr's
tonguo, cr- i
Wlille tho calm toachoV marks the gJoriJJl ZZS '
vearHtcrthD
the poem which follows lt was aonverott
also on that occasion Both wero kindly
f urnished us by W. P. Baxter of Chicago,
111., for publicatlon in tho Ccntonnial
numbor of tho BAJraEn. Mr. Baxtor has
a largo collectlon of Vermont books and
pamphlots, numbering over 2000, and is
constantly adding to it His carliost
book datcs at Bennington in 1784, ana is
entitlcd "Rcason the Only Oraclo of
Man." It was printed in Bennington by
naswoll Russell. Mr. Baxter has over
400 manuscrlpts, "aH'ycrmontera" as ho
says. Hia thoughtfulnoss in f urnishing
tho Banneii with theso intercsting docu
ments for this occasion is ccrtainly fully
appreciatcd by us, and will bo, wo aro
suro, by all our rcaders. Tho matorial
is such as wo could scarcoly havo sccured
in any other way.
I'lue Plcinre of nennlnetou Bat
tle Monument.
Tlinrn Is nn w on exhibition at tllO BAN-
xeh ofllco tho largest and most beautiful
photo-engraving of tho Bennington Bat
tlo Monument tliat has over been mado.
Tho photograph was taken for
tho archltect. J. i'h. ninn oi
linatiin ltl tlio larcest nicturo of tho
Monument over taken, and lt shows tho
noble shaft in all its coiossai proporuons
as it appcars to an observor, stanaing on
Monument avenuo, a short dlstance abovo
the Bito of tho oia uatamount lavora.
Tho plcturo shows tho monument ana
tho avenuo oxactly as they appcar whon-
looked at from that point to-oay. aa
great hoight of tho shaft is impresslvely
brmiL'ht out bv comnarlnc it with the
horscs and wagon and tho frisky ronro
scntativo of Capricornus that stand in
the mU((lIe-foregrouna oi uio pioiuro.
Tho perapoctivo of tho long avenuo is
flnoly repi-csofitod, tho Hghts and shadj
ows on tho walks and tho trunks of tho
trecs and among tho foliage bcing so
completely dovcloped as to mako tho
obsorvor feel that ho is really in their
presenco.
Tho picturo uas tno great morii; oi uo
ing as perfcct in dotail a any sinall pho
tograph, and tho additional advantago of
being of grand size. It Is developcd on
tho llnost coated stock. 18x24 inches in
sizo, and is intonded for framing. It is
not a trashy, coarso pnnt on common
paper, but a highly finished, artlstio half
tono photo-engraving, fit to put in tho
most clegantly f urnlshed llbrary or par- '
lor. No handsomor souvcnlr of tho Cen
tcnnial Celebration, nor ono bettcr rop
resentingtho contnuidoaof tho occasion,
can oo sent Dy peopio in jienningioii m
distant frlends. Tho plcturo will bo put
in a strong tubo or caso, mado espcclally
for sending it with perfcct safcty by
niall. It Ts bo attraetivo that coples
havp already been oitlcrod for pcrsons of
distinction in various places, governors,
jildgcs, historical societlca, tho Tresl
dont and some also to go to Eurppo.
While Uio picturo is ot largo bizo ucan
bo mailed in a momont, in its caso, as
easily and safely as a lottor. To mako it
moro ciesiniuiu, vmy u uuuiii jiumuv.
pf coples will bo sold. C'all and seo it
nnd learn Its prlco.
Fhank Pcjidv, repicscnting Wells &
Covcrly of Troy, was In town to-day,
making arrangomonts fpr tho salo of a
handsomo lithograph of tho Bennington
Battlo Monument, issucd -by tho abovo
namcdfiriu. Mr. Purily iswoll known
horo nnd will doubtlcss disposo of a
great many of tlio lithographs.
4k
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