ETHAN ALLEN AND FAMILY

(1759) "I have no doubt that many interesting and important facts and incidents in the early history of Ethan Allen, might yet be rescued from oblivion. A few of those which have never appeared in print I am happy in having it in my power to supply. Having instituted a careful inquiry with regard to the time and place of his birth, I succeeded several years ago in obtaining from the town clerk of Litchfield in the state of Connecticut a certified copy of records in the town clerk's office in that town, from which I derive the following facts, viz. That Joseph Allen, father of Ethan Allen, resided in that town in 1728, with his mother, Mercy Allen, who was then a widow; that on the 11th day of March, 1736, he was married to Mary Baker, by the Rev. Anthony Stoddard, of Woodbury. Succeeding these facts in the records of the town of Litchfield, we have the following statements, "verbatim et literatim."

"Ethan Allen ye son of Joseph Allen and Mary his wife was born January ye 10th, 1737." Litchfield, Cornwall, Salisbury, Roxbury and, I think, Woodbury have all been honored as the birthplace of Ethan Allen. But the records of the town of Litchfield which I have cited make it certain that he was born there. Joseph Allen, the father of Ethan, removed with his family to Cornwall, Ct., about the year 1740, and in that town were most of his children born, and there he died on the 4th of April, 1755. Soon after Joseph Allens' death, Heman, his second son, engaged in mercantile business in Salisbury, and after that period his house became the home of the family.

Joseph Allen had six sons, of whom Ethan was the oldest, their names were as follows: I. Ethan, b. Jan. 10, 1737-8; Heman, b. Oct. 15, 1740; Lydia, b. April 6, 1741;

Heber, b. Oct. 4, 1743; Levi, b. Jan. 16, 1745; Lucy, b. April 2, 1747; Zimri, b. Dec. 10, 1748; Ira, b. 1751. Lydia married a Mr. Finch, and lived and died in Goshen, Ct.; Lucy married a Dr. Bebee and lived and died in Sheffield, Mass.; Heber and Zimri, unlike their brothers never made themselves conspicuous in connection with political affairs. Heber died many years ago in Poultney, Vt. He had two sons, Heber and Heman. Heber went into the western country and I know nothing further of his history. Heman, Hon. Heman Allen, of Highgate, after the death of his father was adopted into the family of his uncle, Ira. Zimri, died at Sheffield, Mass. He came to Vermont (then the New Hampshire grants) about the year 1766, leaving his family at Sheffield, and from that time he regarded this state as his home. At the time Ethan Allen came to New Hampshire grants, the controversy between the settlers and the claimants under New York had already commenced, and several actions had been brought in the courts at Albany, for the ejectment of the settlers under New Hampshire titles."

"The time will not allow me to go into particulars in relation to the controversy between the first settlers of Vermont, and the colony of New York in which Ethan Allen acted so conspicuous a part. Nor is it necessary, since these particulars are fully detailed in the published histories of the state, and probably familiar to most of you.

While Ethan Allen was defending the rights of the settlers on the New Hampshire grants, as their acknowledged champion he was not indifferent to the conduct of the mother country towards her American colonies; and after the bloody affair at Lexington, he felt himself called upon to engage in the cause of liberty and right, on a larger scale. In accordance, therefore, with a request from Connecticut, he undertook to surprise and capture the fortress of Ticonderoga. Having collected 230 Green Mountain boys, he arrived with 180 of them at the lake, in Shoreham, opposite the fort, on the evening of the 9th of May, 1775. It was with great difficulty that boats could be pro

cured to cross the lake, and with all diligence, only 83 men had been able to cross over the land near the fort, before daylight the next morning. As any farther delay would inevitably defeat their object, Allen placed himself at the head of these, inspired them with confidence by one of his laconic speeches, and then led them through a wicketgate into the fort. The garrison (except the sentries, who were too much frightened to give the alarm) were in a profound sleep, from which they were first awakened by three hearty cheers from the Green Mountain boys, who were drawn up in regular order within the fort. Allen having ascertained the lodging place of the commander, Capt. De Place, commanded him to come forth instantly and surrender the fort, or he would sacrifice the whole garrison. De Place soon appeared at the door and inquired by what authority the surrender was demanded? "I demand it," says Allen "in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." These were authorities which, with Allen's sword over his head, De Place did not think it prudent to dispute. He therefore surrendered the garrison at discretion.

From the time of the capture of the garrison at Ticonderoga, Ethan Allen cosidered himself enlisted in the cause of American freedom. And, although he held no commission from congress, he lent his willing service to Gens. Schuyler and Montgomery, who were ordered to advance into Canada in the fall of 1775, and by whom he was entrusted with the command of certain detachments of the army, and sent forward for the purpose of ascertaining the feelings of the French settlers, and engaging them, if possible, in the American cause. In one of these excursions between Longeueil and LaPrarie, he met Maj. Brown, with about 200 men, and it was agreed between them, that they would attempt the capture of Montreal. Brown was to cross the river during the night, a little above the city, with his 200 men, and Allen, with 110 men, was to land a little below the city, and in the morning at a concerted signal, to assure each other that both were in readiness,

they were to rush in on opposite sides, and take possession of the city. With a few canoes and much labor, Allen succeeded in getting his men over in the course of the night, and choosing his position. Here he waited with much impatience, for a signal from Brown, that he had passed over and was ready for an advance upon the city, but he waited in vain. Brown did not pass over, Allen's position and numbers soon became known in the city, and all the forces that could be mustered were sent out to assault them, and an obstinate battle ensued. Allen, deserted by most of his Canadians, overwhelmed by numbers, and unable to retreat, was at length obliged to surrender at discretion. This event took place on the 25th of September, 1775, and for the space of 2 years and 8 months, Allen was a prisoner in the hands of the British. He was loaded with Irons and sent to England, and was treated with the greatest cruelty, and indignity, but in all situations, whether chained down in the hold of the vessel, or walking upon the deck, whether confined in the filthy and gloomy prison on shore, or abroad on his parole, he was, in all places, he was ETHAN ALLEN and no one else. Ethan Allen was exchanged for Lieut. John Campbell, on the 6th of May, 1778. After waiting on Gen. Washington, at Valley Forge, he returned to Vermont, where he unexpectedly, but to the great joy of his friends, arrived on the 31st of May. The news of his arrival was spread through the country. The Green Mountain boys flocked around him, and gave him a hearty welcome, cannons were fired in token of gladness and there was a general rejoicing. As Washington was a terror to the enemies of American Independence, so Ethan Allen was a terror to the enemies of Vermont. He died the 11th of February, 1789, and on the 16th, his remains were interred with the honors of war. His military friends from Bennington and parts adjacent attended and the procession was truly solemn and numerous. He was buried in the graveyard at Winooski Falls."