erected into a separate government under the king and constitution of England.

Allen, and the leading men to whom he made it known, took advantage of this, and other applications which followed, and by affecting a favorable reception of the proposals, they prevented the incursions of the British army; but by various pretences they avoided bringing the matter to a final decision.

These proposals were afterwards transmitted to Congress, together with a letter from Allen, declaring the attachment of Vermont to the general cause, and avowing her right to make any arrangement she chose with the British for a cessation of hostilities on her part, provided the United States still persisted in refusing to admit her claims to independence.

"Vermont," continued he, "would be inost miserable, were she obliged to defend the other States, and be herself at the same time liable to be overrun by those claiming jurisdiction over her territory."

He concludes his letter in the following bold words: "I am as resolutely determined to defend the independence of Vermont, as Congress are that of the United States; and rather than fail, will retire with the hardy Green Mountain Boys into the caverns of the mountains, and wage war with human nature at large.”

No measure could be more hostile to the feelings of the people of Vermont than submission to the royal authority; but they were fully determined, also, not to give way to the unjust claims of the other States, and rather than submit, to defend their territory to the last drop of blood.

SEC. 6. Vermont, finding it impossible to gain admission into the Union, and being alarmed at the course pursued by NewHampshire and New-York, made every exertion in her power to augment her own internal strength and increase the popularity of her cause.

Such was the popular excitement of feeling on this sub

6. What policy was pursued by Vermont? what the popular feeling?

ject, that every man was nerving his arm for the conflict; and had the attempt been made, to coerce them into the proposed measures, no doubt it would have terminated with a bloody issue.

SEC. 7. In October of the present year, a party of Indians from Canada made a descent upon Royalton. In this town and its vicinity they took twenty-five prisoners, killed several, burned upwards of thirty houses, and destroyed a considerable number of cattle.

SEC. 8. 1781. While New-Hampshire and New-York were extending their claims to the territory of Vermont, the government of that State adopted the same course towards them, and asserted a right to a large part of the territory of each.

Great success attended this policy. At the next session of the Assembly, thirty-five towns from New-Hampshire were represented, and several in New-York petitioned that body to exercise immediate jurisdiction over them.

A committee was accordingly appointed to confer with the petitioners, and the articles of union were drawn up and agreed to by delegates from twelve districts in NewYork, ten of which were soon after represented in the Assembly of Vermont.

SEC. 9. August, 1781. New-Hampshire and New-York continuing to press their claims to the territory of Vermont, Congress passed a resolution, appointing a com

7. Who made a descent upon Royalton? What depredations did they commit?

8. What claims did Vermont now set up? What was the success? How many towns were represented from New-Hampshire? What petition was presented?

9. What resolution was passed by Congress? What was the condition of their admission?

mittee to confer with the agents of Vermont on their claim to independence and admission into the Union; but making it an indispensible preliminary to that measure

"That Vermont relinquish all claim to jurisdiction east of Connecticut river, and west of a line running from Massachusetts to the 45th degree of latitude, said line being twenty miles distant from the Hudson river."

SEC. 10. These resolutions of Congress were laid before the Assembly of Vermont in October. They then resolved not to submit the question of their independence to any power whatever, considering that as settled; but were ready to refer the question of boundaries to arbitrators mutually chosen, or, if admitted into the Union, to Congress itself.

During the last part of the present year, the contest with New-Hampshire began to be quite alarming. An attempt was made to serve a writ under the authority of Vermont, in one of the towns which had separated from New-Hampshire and attached itself to the former State.

The authority was denied, and on the interposition of an officer from New-Hampshire, he was apprehended, with twó of his adherents, and imprisoned by the Vermont officer.The governor of New-Hampshire issued an order, calling out the militia to liberate the Sheriff.

The government of Vermont sent agents to compromise the matter, one of whom, a sheriff, was imprisoned by way of retaliation. Both governments were now alarmed at

10. What resolution did Vermont pass in October? What was the state of the contest with New-Hampshire? What affair took place? Mention the particulars. How was it settled?

*this approach to hostilities, and were disposed to prevent any further violent measures.

CHAPTER VIII.

FROM 1782 TO 1789.

Unsuccessful attempt for the admission of Vermont into the Federal Union. Termination of the Revolutionary War. Prosperous state of Vermont.

SEC. 1. Jan. 1, 1782, a letter was received by Governor Chittenden, from General Washington, in answer to one he had addressed to him asking advice, in which he says: "I will take it for granted that the right of Vermont is good, because Congress by their resolve of the 7th of August imply it; and by that of the 21st are willing to confirm it, provided the new State is confined within certain limits." "It appears to me therefore, that the dispute of boundary is the only one that exists, and that being removed, the matter would be terminated to the satisfaction of all parties. You have nothing to do but to withdraw your jurisdiction within your own limits, and obtain an acknowledgment of your in

1. What was Gen. Washington's opinion relative to the controversy? When were the requisitions of Congress complied with? What was the report of the committee of Congress? Did Congress pass the resolution? what was their policy?

dependence under the resolve of the 21st of August."

This letter appears to have had its intended effect; for in February, 1782, the Assembly met, and after some debate they resolved to comply with the requisition of Congress respecting the extent of their jurisdiction.

In March this resolution was formally laid before Congress by the agents from Vermont, and notice given that they were empowered to negotiate and complete on her part all that was necessary to her admission into the union. It was referred to a committee of Congress, who reported the following resolution:

"That the territory of Vermont as limited and defined in the acts of Congress of August, 1781, be acknowledged by the name of Vermont, as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and that a committee be appointed to treat with her on her admission into the Union."

Three several motions were made to appoint a time for the consideration of this report, and were all negatived. It was now apparent that Congress adhered to her former policy of evasion, and meant to avoid a decision if possible.

SEC. 2. The proceedings of Congress