were viewed with indignation by the people of Vermont. They had complied with all the requisitions of Congress which were attached to their proposal for her admission, and they now considered that Congress were absolutely under obligations to acknowledge their independence.

Vermont was now placed in a critical situation. The armies of the United States had been withdrawn from her protection, and being abandoned by Congress, she was exposed to the incursions of the whole British army in Canada.

SEC. 3. Conscious of her exposed situation, the government of Vermont supplied the lack of physical strength, by policy and address. The British had been and still continued unwearied in their proposals to her, while on her part a correspondence had been kept up by the leading men without coming to a decision, by which the British were led to believe the state would recede from the union.

Every effort was made on the one part, to persuade Vermont to declare for Great Britain, while on the other, every art was used to avoid this step and yet prevent hostilities.

With a singular talent at negotiation Allen, in whose name the correspondence was principally carried on, suffered the British to deceive themselves with a hope of success, and completely effected his own views by entering into an engagement with them, that no hostilities should be carried on against Verinout.

2. How did the people view these proceedings? What was the situation of Vermont at this time?

3. How did Vermont supply the want of strength? What correspondence was carried on? What was the object on the part of the English? What on that of the Vermonters? What was the success of it? How many persons were in the secret of the correspondence?

Only eight persons in the State were in the secret of the correspondence; Thomas Chittenden, Moses Robinson, Samuel Safford, Ethan Allen, Ira Allen, Timothy Brownson, John Fasset, and Joseph Fay. It was terminated with the war in 1783.

Meantime the contentions still continued between the Yorkers, (as they were called who adhered to New-York) and those who were attached to the new government.

SEC. 4. The principal seat of contention was in the southeast part of the State.

During the year 1782 some people in Guilford, with the aid of others from Brattleboro', attempted to exercise the laws of New-York over the citizens of that town.

The government of Vermont ordered out the militia to assist the sheriff of Windham county, and protect the courts of justice against the violent opposition of the Yorkers. Ethan Allen was despatched at the head of one hundred men, and on his arriving in town issued a proclamation declaring, "that unless the people of Guilford peaceably submitted to the authority of Vermont, the same should be made as desolate as Sodom and Gomorrah."

This silenced the opposition and under Allen's martial law, the sheriff found little difficulty in collecting taxes and enforcing the authority of the new government.

In all these affairs great care was taken by the government, to avoid the effusion of blood. The punishment of offenders was as light as was consistent with the preservation of good order and maintaining the authority and independence of the state.

New-York disappointed in her attempts to produce an insurrection, made complaint to Congress that their resolutions were publicly violated; and that Vermont had proceeded to exercise jurisdiction over the property and persons of sundry individuals professing themselves subject to New-York.

SEC. 5. In December, Congress passed a resolution disapproving and severely cen

4. Was the affair with New-York yet settled? Where was the seat of contention? What took place at Guilford" What measures did the government take? Relate the particulars. Was the government rigorous in the punishment of offenders? What course did New-York take?

5. What resolution did Congress pass? Was it just and politick?

suring the measures pursued by the government of Vermont ; declaring "that their acts were highly derogatory to the authority of the United States, and extremely dangerous to the confederacy, and demanding the immediate and decided interposition of Congress," and requiring them to make immediate reparation to such as had suffered in consequence of them; and concluding with the following words,

"That the United States will take effertual measures to enforce a compliance with the aforesaid resolution, in case the same shall be disobeyed by the people of the said district."

Thus instead of fulfilling their own engagements, Congress thro' the influence of New-York was led to this unjustifiable act, which served only to increase the prejudice already too strong, of the people of Vermont against their authority, and which served only to rouse their indignant feelings and make them the more determined to maintain their independence.

SEC. 6. 1783. The governor and council immediately sent a remonstrance to Congress, in which they reminded them of their nonfulfilment of the engagements in their act of Aug. 1781, altho' Vermont had complied with the conditions. They also referred them to the articles of confederation, in which they were prevented from interfering in the internal affairs of the states;

6. What was done by the Governor and Council? What was the substance of the remonstrance? What other remonstrance was sent? How did the people of Vermont regard the proceedings of Congress!

much less therefore in those of Vermont, whose delegates they had constantly refused to admit to a seat in their body.

They also asserted, "that Vermont had as good a right to independence, as Congress; and as much authority to pass resolutions prescribing measures to Congress, as Congress had to them. That the inhabitants of Vermont had been in full possession of freedom from the first settlement of the country, and would not now be resolved out of it by the influence of New-York.”

They concluded by soliciting admission into the union, agreeable to the promises of Congress heretofore made, and which a committee of their body had reported "to be absolute and necessary to be performed."

A remonstrance was also sent by the assembly at its next session in February, which was of the same tenour and spirit of that of the Governor and council, and equally plain, spirited, and decisive.

Congress was not a little disappointed in the effect which their measures had produced. So far from intimidating the inhabitants of Vermont, they served to unite them in their determination to defend themselves against aggression and prevent the execution of those acts which they believed were passed by the influence of New-York.

SEC. 7. Jan. 20, 1783, peace was concluded between the kingdom of Great Britain and the United States of America. The military operations now ceased and the for

7. When was peace concluded with Great Britain? What difficulties had Congress now to contend with? What effect did the termination of the war have upon the Union?

mer colonies were acknowledged to be free, independent, and sovereign states.

Though now relieved from the apprehensions of a foreign enemy, still Congress had serious embarrassments and troubles to contend with. The want of sufficient power to enforce their authority, and the depreciation of the currency, served greatly to embarrass the general government.

The war by presenting a prospect of common danger, had served to unite and cement the union of the several colonies. But being terminated, the several states exercising their own authority paid little attention to the resolutions of congress, and confusion and disorder could not fail to ensue.

SEC. 8. While the general government of the states was thus struggling with their numerous embarrassments,the state of Vermont was highly prosperous. She was not burdened with any part of the enormous debt which oppressed the union, and the legislators having gained experience, and the people being disgusted with the former proceedings of Congress relative to them, the people of Vermont were not desirous of joining in the general confederation.

Nothing was now to be apprehended from the incursions of any enemy; the internal affairs were as wisely and happily regulated as those of any other state, and it was no object for her to join a union which would involve her in the debts and contentions which were weighing heavy upon the others.

8. What was the situation of Vermont compared with that of the other States? Were the people now anxious for admission into the union? Why? By whom was the Secretary arrested, and on what account? What measures did Vermont take?