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YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

A '
OF AK
EXCUUSIOK MADE BY THE

AMERICAN LITERARY, SCIENTIFIC AND MILITARY
ACADEMY,

Capt. ALDEN PARTRIDGE,
JUNE, 18P,

CONCORD :
pbik'ted sy mix akd moobx.
1822.

Eokb~!f

THE American Literary, Scientific and Military
Academy, is located in the village of Norwich, in
the State of Vermont. Thjs village is situated on
the western bank of the river Connecticut, and
from the site of Dartmouth College, in New-Hamp
shire, one mile distant. It was founded in the year
1819, by the liberal patronage of a number of gen
tlemen of deserved merit in its vicinity, united with
the individual exertions of its principal, Capt. Al
den Partridge, to whom alone its friends and the
public are indebted for its organization, and also for
the high reputation which it has gained at this early
period. The principles upon which this Institution
is established, are found to be, in many respects,
different from those characterising the Literary and
Scientific Institutions of our country. Although its
friends, ia the beginning, ventured to anticipate
much, their most sanguine expectations have been
already more than satisfied ; and we fondly hope
and have confidence in believing,, that its usefulness
will not cease to keep pace with ihat growing pros
perity, of which the friends of literary and scien
tific improvement have so early been made sensi
ble. The police and government ol the Institution
are strictly military ; and such is the arrangement
\of all the military exercises and duties, that none of
that portion of time which.is usually devoted by the
pupil to study, is to be occupied ; but they are made

lo supply the place of idleness and amusements, in
themselves useless. These duties, united with fre
quent practical scientific operations, while they oc
cupy hours commonly devoted to idleness, conduce
in no small degree to the improvement of health,
constitution and spirits : in the mean time, the stu-
dentis acquiring an appendage to his education, the
worth of which an American youth, if he possess
the amor patria, cannot prize too highly.
Improvement being the object, our most respect
ed superintendent determined that course which he
resolved to pursue, at the opening of the seminary ;
that, during each year, a certain portion of tima
should be devofced to practical improvement in the
duties of the soldier, and in acquiring that experi
ence so necessary, as well for the citizen in active
life, as for him who is destined to the service of his
country. The first year allowed only of one short
excursion of some less than twenty miles, to one
of the chief towns of the county in which the In
stitution is situated. At the commencement of the
second, which is the present year, an excursion still
less distant was made by the corps ; and on the ap
proach of the warmer season, our superintendent de
termined on performing a march of a more considera
ble length. This march he resolved to prosecute as
far as to Concord, the capital of the State of New-
Himpshire. Accordingly orders were issued and
preparations made for the purpose of accomplishing
it. June the 13th was appointed as the day on
which we were to depart from our quarters. Our
corps, consisting in number of 115, was organized

in manner of a battalion and accompanied by our
Rev. Chaplain. The catalogue subjoined, exhibits
both the number and the individuals composing it.
Thomas. B. Adams, Mass.
J. D. Allen, JV*. Y.
Charles A mory, Mass.
T. M. Bailey, Me.
T. S. Baker, Mich. Ter.
H. W. Baker, do. do.
Jonathan Baker, JV. H.
Charles Ball, Ohio.
Fred. Barton, Vt.
Francis Bartlett, Mass.
Levi Bartlett, JV. H.
Carlos Baxter, Vt.
Portus Baxter, Vt
John Bell, 4 th, JV. H.
Charles H. Blagg, Mass
Ray Boynton, Vt.
D- H. Bingham, Vt.
Marshal Burton, Vt.
J. S. Blake, Mass.
A.K.Chase, N.H.
D. H. Chase, JV. H.
S. G. Chase, Vt.
Wales Cheney, Vt.
Fred. Cheney. V. C.
Calvin Carpenter, Vt.
G. B. Campbell, S. C.
Albemarle Cady, JV. H.
G. L. C. Davis, La.
J. P. Darling, ' JV. H.
J. A. Denison, Vt.
Rondey Durkee, Vt.
Elisha Dunbar, Vt.
C. C. Drew, JV. H.
Alfred Dorr, Mass.
Philip Eastman, Me.

Theo. W. Ely,

Mass.

Rufus Emerson,

Vt.

Tho's. Emerson, jr

Vt.

Tho's. L. Emerson

Vt.

Tho's. P. Emerson.

Mass.

Charles L. Emery.
Curtis Fowler,

N.H. Vt.

W. H. Forster,

Mass.

Edward Forbes,

Vt.

Edward French,

N.H.

Lyman Garnsey,
W. H. Goddard,

Vt.
Mass.

Norman Gegnilliat.
E. L. Greenwood,

Ga.
Mass.

A. G. Hatch,

Vi.

F. A. Hall,

JV. Y.

J. A. Harlcston,

Om (./•

John Holbrook,

Vt.

J. C. Holbrook,

Vt.

John Hudson,

Ga.

Russell Hubbard,

Con.

Stern Humphreys,
H. Hutchins,

JV. Y.
JV. H.

Lucius Howe,

Vt.

V. B. Horton,

Vt.

Daniel Judd,

Vt.

Farewell Jones,

Mass.

R. P. Kimball,

N.H.

Josiah S. Leverett,

Vt.

N. B. Leavenwortl

i, Vt.

George Lyman,
Charles Lyman,
Chas. R. Lowell,

Vt.Vt.
Mass.

J. M. Mack,

Vt.

Almond Mack,

Vt.

R. G. Smith, N. Y.
T. P. Stockbridge, Me.
S. C. W. A. Sullivan, Mass.
JV. H. Benj. Swan, Jr. Vt.
JV. H. Oliver Sparhawk, JV. H.
Vt. R. E. Temple, Vt.
Vt. Chas. Thompson, JV. H.
JV. #. Edward Thompson, JV. Y.
JV. iJ. G. H. Thorndike, Mass.
Vt. E. C. Torrey, Vt.
JV. #. M. B. Tuller, Mass.
JV. F. R. B. Ward, Con.
Con. J. H. Ward, Con.
Con. John Warren, Mass.
Vt. S. H. Weld, JV. #.
rt. Charles West,; JV. ff.
JV. H. Langdon Wilson, JV. H.
Mass. J. F. Willis, JV. H.
Vi. William Wise, Mass.
Mass. Edw. Woodbridge, Con.
Vt. H. P. Woodworth, Ff.
Pa Cyrus Yeamans, Ff.
Ff.

Joseph Marsh, Vt.
Chas. F. Matchett, Mass.
Wm. M. Murray,
Robert Means,
¦George Minot,
Samuel Mower,
C. P. Newton,
F. J. Noyes,
Chas. H. Olcott,
Horace Paddock,
H. E. Perkins,
Francis Perkins,
David S. Porter,
S. L. Pitkin,
E. E. Phelps,
Chas. H. Perry,
J. W. Prentiss,
E. G. Prescott,
T. B. Ramson,
A. S. Riley,
Chas. Rich,
John Savage, Jr.
W. W. Sherman,
Finding ourselves perfectly equipped, and having
been provided with every necessary convenience,
as for a regular campaign, on the morning of the
clay above mentioned, at half past eight o'clock, we
we're paraded, inspected, and being found in readi
ness, after prayer offered by the chaplain, took our
•departure. We passed from the ground of our ac
ademic enclosure into the main street of the village,
wheeled to the right, advanced up as far as the head
>of the street, and thence we returned by the same
street, continuing the march without delay. From
the village we descended to the Connecticurt^ver
which we passed, and asqended its eastern bank ta

Hanover, New-Hampshire, distant from Norwich one
mile. Here is situated Dartmouth College, of which
the Rev. Bennet Tyler was lately elected Presi
dent. This college was founded in the year 1769,
by the late Dr. Eleazer Wheelock, and at present
contains about 1 50 students. We were led by our
commander in a direction arouhd the common in
front of the college, whence, without making
any halt, we passed directly through the place.
Here, in our course, we came on to the turnpike
road:, leading directly from Hanover, through Con
cord and thence to Boston. Thus finding ourselves
on our way, many were the circumstances which
conspired to animate the mind of each in our corps.
The morning brought with it a prospect, which,
though in »ome degree threatening, was in a few
hours changed. Not a solitary cloud could the eye
now discover, nor could we have reasonably desir
ed an atmosphere better suited to our wishes. We
advanced on our way at the usual rout -step, prece
ded by an advance guard. We were happy in the
contrast which was made by our change from the
duties to which we are daily subjected at !the Acad
emy <, and which;' during ' the greatest portion of a
year, had not suffered any interruption ; 'and con
templated with interest the prospect then presented,
which gave rise to a hope of enjoying no small de
gree of pleasure, as well as instruction, from this ex
cursion. :.;w •!!.'.:¦ ;f; HVi.
At the distance of near one mile from the plain of
Hanover, bending our direction a little southerly arid
crossing a small mill stream, we began directly lo-

ascend a swell of land extremely rough and to ap
pearance barren. This rise of ground, we are told,
is commonly termed Mount Support, the etymology
of which name is unknown. From this, we descend
ed into the village of Lebanon, distant from Nor
wich six miles. We entered this village, which is
pleasantly situated on the Mascomy river and near
the centre of a rich agricultural town, about 1 1
o'clock ; and, as we yet felt no fatigue, we kept our
direction immediately through it. At the end of
about two miles from this place, our curiosity
prompted us to make a halt for the purpose of view
ing a mineral spring a few rods from the road, to
which public attention has been recently much di
rected. We were told that some of the water of
this spring had been tested by a chymfcal professor
at Dartmouth College, and that its properties were
found to be those of sulphur and iron, but so lightly
impregnated that an analization the most exquisite
only, would afford a knowledge of these qualities ;
yet like many other of the fashionable watering pla
ces in our country, they have been extremely effi
cacious in their effects upon their friends. We here
remained until we had slightly refreshed ourselves
in a cool shade on the provisions from our baggage
waggons, all which detained us something more
than an hour. We then resumed our march, having
determined to reach J. Willis, Esq's, in Enfield, this
day, which town came next in our way as we pro
ceeded east from Lebanon. Previous to our arri
val at Mr. Willis's, we passed a settlement of " Sha-

kers."* These Shakers are the owners of the
soil for a considerable distance around them, and
are said to be very wealthy. They possess a most
admirable situation on the western bank of the Mas-
comy, or what is more commonly termed Enfield
Pond, from which emanates the river Mascomy.
This source of the Mascomy, by many termed a
lake, is supplied by some others adjacent to it ; the
river, haying its whole course in the town of Leba
non, through which we had just passed, is to that
town, a source of no small business and wealth. In
passing the possessions of the Shakers, the mind dis
posed to improve, could not but stop here, and while
it observes, admire that perfect regularity which
characterizes every thing to be seen. Their gar
dens at 6nce excite admiration, as they are very ex
tensive, and together with their cultivated lands in
general, exhibit- the pleasing effects of industry and
economy. In short, nothing is left unimproved ; a
rich neatness arid and an uniform simplicity mark
every part of their possessions.
At half past three o'clock we reached the man
sion of Mr- WUlis, where a number of the citizens of
that vicinity had assembled to witness our coming.
We were welcomed by their ; munificence to every
convenience which the citizens were able to con
tribute. At our arrival Mr. Chase, minister of the

* " The appellation, " Shakers," was first applied to this
sect or denomination of people by their opponents, in conse
quence of their remarkable operation of Shaking under .deep
and irresistible conviction."

10
pkce, on the part of the citizens, addressed Capt*
Partridge as follows :
" Capt. Alden Partridge,
"Sir — We, the inhabitant's of Enfield, em^
brace with pleasure this opportunity of personally
congratulating you on your arrival at this place.
Considering- the benefits which your attention, a's an
Instructor, to the military defence of our country, as
well as to the other arts and sciences, has already a£
forded, and we hope will continue to afford, it is with
peculiar pleasure that we now enjoy this personal
interview with you.
" Be assured of our best regard to your person
and the prosperity of the Institution over which you
preside. May you have the satisfaction of realizing
your warmest hopes, and view with pleasure the
result; of your exertions to promote the general wel
fare of your fellow citizens. And when you retire
from public life, may you have the satisfaction to
reflect that your mind has not only been to promote
the temporal concerns of your pupils, but also to
remind them of their accountability to the great
Captain of our* salvation ; anet when your life on
earth shall cease, may you be escorted to those
realms of day, where wars shall cease forever, and
the weary be at rest.
"A few words to the cadets under your care, with
your permission.
" My young Friends,
" The privileges with which you are now favored
are truly auspicious. It therefore becomes you to

11
improve the time to the best advantage. AU the
care and expence which is bestowed on you, by
yeur parents and friends, will be of little avail, with
out exertion on your part,, which from your present
appearance, I hope you are not wanting. May you,
therefore, by your assiduity and attention, be useful
citizens, and have the pleasing satisfaction, to re
flect that you have not labored in vain, or spent
your strength for naught. And as you look to your
•instructor to guide you, may you, above all, "Re
member your Creator in the days of your youth" and
by attending to the cause of your heavenly Father,
you will, at last, be safely conducted to a world of
peace, where you can ground your arms at Jesus'
feet; having " fought 'the good fight ," your course
•will be finished with joy, and you will wear the lau
rel of victory ia those seats of never ceasing rest."
We received a temporary refreshment on our ar
rival, and haying piled our arms, were dismissed,
that we might prepare ourselves -for an excellent
dinner, made ready for us by Mr. Willis, in a cooi
igrove in front of his -house. After dinner we enga
ged for a short time;inthe performance of some of
the evolutions of the line as well as manual exer
cise, which seemed much to contribute to the grati
fication of observers. The ground being so unsuit-
ed to our necessities, we were unable to perform but
ifew evolutions, therefore soon closed our exercises
with a military parade ; at tattoo beating (9 o'clock)
we all retired to quarters^ having marched this day
il4 miles. ,; < :

12
Friday the 14&— Anticipating!* warm, and conse
quently, an uncomfortable day for travelling,
which the prospect indicated, our corps prepared
their baggage, and all was ready for a start at little
past 4 in the morning. That generous hospitality
which we here experienced from the hand of Mr,
Willis claims our particular acknowledgments. No
sacrifice of exertion on his part was wanting during
our continuance in his vicinity to render us every
desired favour, and those favours best suited to our
enjoyment and wants. Our way this day, lay over
a tract of country the most uninviting for several
miles ; it was rough, barren and mountainous. As
we left Mr. Willis' we departed from a well cultiva
ted eountry, yet we were afforded some little grati
fication in the contrast exhibited between the two.
Whilst the one presents every appearance of indus
try, contentment and wealth, but little in the other
interests the traveller or encourages the efforts of
the agriculturist ; for the eye is rested on little else
than penury and want; the consequent product of a
soil hidden nearly from the sight by stones and
dwindled shrubbery. By a quarter past 7 o'clock
we had proceeded 7 1-2 miles, which brought us as
far as Capt. Stickney's tavern in Springfield. Here,
through the politeness of Capt. Stickriey, we were
invited to a breakfast which he had provided for
us on our arrival. We remained here until ha!f
past 8vwhen we again resumed our,u march. We
soon reachecl the summit of the main ridge of laild
that passes through the state in a N. E. direction, of
which Moosehillock is the principal eminence, and

13
of which also the famous White Mountains, the high
est in the United States, are a spur. Over this
ridge the turnpike leads from Dartmouth College to
Boston. The altitude of this point in the ridge was
formerly determined by a barometric observation
of Capt. Partridge, to be a little short of 1 400
. feet above tide water. The ascent is long and tire
some, and much of the country, as before mentioned)
barren and thinly settled. Here was noticed the
dividing point between the waters tributary to the
Connecticut and Merrimack rivers : within a few
rods of the same spot Were to be seen streams run
ning in opposite directions, which had emanated
from the same source. Thence we descended grad
ually five miles into Wilmot, and arrived at Col;
Moore's inn at about 9 o'clock. Col. Modre very
politely met Capt. Partridge and solicited an opport-
tuhity of at least affording our corps a temporary
refreshment. To this Capt. Partridge gratefully
assented, and a halt being made we were feerved;^
whilst in our ranks', with a highly gratifying collation*
At this hour of the day, the sun poured forthits
burning rays, which together with the dust ofthe
road, that now in clouds covered us, produced in
Some degree the effect of fatigue, and many begart
to complain of blistered feet, a consequent evil
which the inexperienced pedestrian has always to.
suffer in the outset.
From Wilmot we soon entered and passed through
a fine grazing country, more uniform in surface,
exhibiting, as we noticed, soriie well cultivated farms..
At half past two o'clock we arrived at Mr. Hutch-

14
ins1 tavern in Andover, where we dined. • That
hospitable spirit which we had uniformly experi
enced, and which had thus far been manifested to
wards our corps, was not in a less degree manifest
ed by Mr. Hutchins. Finding ourselves consider
ably rested from fatigue, and our spirits brightened
by refreshments, we resumed our march at 5 o'clock
and proceeded to the east village in Salisbury,
where we were quartered for the night. The dis
tance travelled this day was 28 miles. During the
greater portion ofthe day the weather had been ex
cessively warm and the road generally very dusty,
and many of our number, having never before been
¦engaged in a like duty, found themselves much fa
tigued. We were met a little preceding our arrival
by Mr. Hawley of the village, who welcomed us to
the provisions which himself and Mr. Noyes had
*nade for us for the night. They provided us with
a spacious building for our quarters, where we de
posited our arms and accoutrements, and prepared
ourselves for supper, after which we immediately
retired and each rested for the night upon his blan
ket, i
Saturday 15th. — This morning brought with it a
prospect threatening the excessive heat by which
we were tb be oppressed during the day. We were
¦served with a breakfast, well prepared for us by
Esqs. Wells and Fletcher, together with the above
mentioned gentlemen, who evinced by their gener
osity and kindness, the purest regard for our happi
ness and prosperity. The surrounding country as
me entered Salisbury was extremely delightful.

15
We had ascended a long rise ©f ground, when at
once we rested our view upon the north village into
which we directly entered, but made no stop ; a
beautiful vale of near a mile in length lay before us,
the passing of which brought us into the south village,
the place of our quarters. SaUsbury is a rich, well
cultivated town ; the two villages exhibit signs of
opulence. The houses are principally of wood,
two stories high, and white, giving a neat appear
ance ; their sites are elevated, and command an ex
tensive and interesting prospect.
At 9 o'clock we were again on our march, antici
pating to-day an early arrival in Concord. The
weather soon became . extremely warm, and thus
continued to increase. The road as we proceeded
became more and more sandy, for this was the gen
eral character of the soil the whole distance from
Salisbury to Concord. The burning influence of
the sun had a serious effect on our persons, and the
sand became so intensely heated as to blister many
of our feet. We entered the plains of Boscawen
about twelve o'clock ; as we approached the village,
we were saluted by the discharge of artillery, and
on our arrival were hospitably served with some
necessary refreshments by the benevolence of its
citizens. We reclined ourselves, for a short time,
in a cool shade in which we had halted, experienc
ing upon the whole a grateful treat. Continuing on
through the plains of Boscawen, we crossed over
the Contoocook, a principal river in this town, which
losp itself in the Merrimack a little distance from
this place in the road. Near the mouth of this

16
river and a few fods from our way, we were pointed
to a small island of celebrity, the short notice of
which gave us peculiar gratification. This spot,
consisting only of a few rods ot ground, has been
consecrated by the achievements of a most heroic
female — Mrs. Duston. Whilst in captivity, in the
earlier history of the country, to save the life of her
self and evade the touch of savage cruelty, she be
came the executioner of the whole party by whom
she had been captured, and thereby secured an hair
breadth escape from the blow which their savage
brutality was about to raise against her life.
''We now entered the border of the town of Con
cord ; we were soon sainted and joined by an es
cort of citizens, part of whom were under arms, and
then conducted a short distance to the hotel of Mr.
Brown, where we remained a considerable length
of time. We here found a table suitably provided
by the inhabitants with a variety of the well timed
antidotes for fatigue, which were heartily relished.
At four o'clock we resumed our course to Concord
village, distant about three miless We were met on
our approach at the western extremity of the vil
lage, by a company of Light Infantry under Capt.
Stickney, well and elegantly uniformed. ,Our corps
was received by them with feelings of admired po
liteness and attention, and welcomed by their salu
tations, which were returned by the corps. Thence
we were escorted by them, under the sound of can
non, into main street whi^h leads south through the
village, and thence to the State House common, a
most delightful enclosure near the centre of the vii-

n
tage, finding as' we approached great numbers as-,
sembled to welcome our arrival. Although this
day's march had been shorter than the former, (on-*
ly 16 miles in length) we were in a much greater de
gree fatigued by it. The heat was almost insup
portable, and the dust most of the way deep and
covering us in cloud's. As soon as we reached the
Capitol, being at 5 o'clock, our line was formed in
front of it, and we were then welcomed im an ad
dress by the- citizens through Sambei Sparhawk.
Esq. and immediately received to our several lodg
ings-provided by the hospitality of the eiifcizBos-.
For the address and a generali recital of occurrences
whilst in town, we have heofe taken the liberty to
make the following extract froni the NewrHamp.-
shire Patriot of Monday -aftor our leavimg the vi-.
einlty. « VISIT OF THE CADETS.
" The citizens of this town and a vast concourse
of strangers asse»Med on the occasion, have enjoy
ed With ver-y great satisfaction the -Recent -Kisit- of
Capt. Partrid&e- and 'hai Cadets. Though, ifeoiq
the high reputation of the shcool aD Norwich, we-had
aHtieipated-mu&b, our ^expectauiaaas were fari exceed
ed, in the neatness of liheir appearance, the onder
arid perfection of theMisbipJjne% and Pegprifdu cojps
with which they seemed to. be . animated.,
"On Saturday the 15th, notice having been given
of their approach, the'eempany -of light infantry xm-.
der Capt.STieKNEY volunteered as an escort, and: re
ceived the corps at fee village ia the west part of
the town. After a halt they were escorted- into.
3

18
main-street and on to the State-House common— -
where having been drawn up in line, their command:
er' was thus addressed by Samuel Sparhawk, ,£s%
in behalf of the citizens of Concord :
" Capt. Partridge,
"We wait on you, sir, as a committee on the part
of our fellow citizens > and townsmen, to welcome
your arrival among us — to assure you that-this visit
is generally and highly gratifying ; and to express to
you the "nterest and satisfaction we feel in witness
ing the fine appearance and martial skill of your
youthful band, the cadets of the Scientific and Mili
tary Academy ; an institution that reflects honour
on its founder; its superintendent and the State with
in whose territory it is located. We will detain you,
sir, no longer than to add, that arrangements have
been made for the accommodation of yourself and
the cadets during the stay you may, favqur u» with.
in this village."
" To this address Capt* PArtAid&e made an ap.
propriate reply, expressing his high sense of the hosr
pitality of the citizens, and his gratification at meet-
ing with so oordial and distinguished a receptions
The cadets were immediately dismissed ^and wel
comed to the houses of the citizens."
1 Oiir corps was favored, by a resolution ofthe
Legislature, now in session, with the north wing of
the State House, to be occupied by Capt. Partridge
and cadets whilst in town, which was made our-
place of rendezvous ; and the State House common.
was appropriated to our use for our military exer
cises, yrf

19
On Sunday, we attended public worship in the
morning at the State House, and in the afternoon at
Dr. M'Farland's meeting house.
Monday the 17 th. — Morning pleasant; the early' part
of it was devoted to the cleaning and arranging of
our arms and accoutrements, which by this time ap
peared somewhat the worse from the march ; after
which a dress parade was formed, guard turned off
and relieved, and then a considerable time was de
voted to drilling and the battalion exercise ; occupy
ing the time until near 10 o'clock, when we were dis
missed for the day. In the afternoon we were high
ly gratified with a shower ; and indeed no less so did
the whole face of nature appear. The shower, at
tended with some thunder, effected an entire change
in the atmosphere, put to rest the immensity of dust
which the day previous had filled the air in constant
clouds. The rain continued during the day, but at
evening a-eloudless sky again appeared and all in
dicated a favourable morning to come. :
" Monday evening, in the Representatives' Hall,
Capt. Partridge, at the solicitation of the citizens,
delivered an historical lecture on the battle of Wa
terloo and the events which preceded and led to that
memorable conflict, which foraver humbled and des
troyed the hitherto transcendent power of Napoleon.
The audience was brilliant and very numerous ; and
was we believe universally gratified with the lecture,
and the ease and effect with which it was -delivered.
For ourselves, although we had read various ac
counts of the battle, we never perfectly understood
its details, and were much gratified with the oppor-

20
tunity of hearing from a man Intimately acquainted
with the subject, the particulars of that great event
—the situation of the contending armies, the princi
ples upon which they acted, their different modes of
attack, and the military genius of the commanding
generals. "The cadets on Tuesday morning were reviewed
by his Excellency Governor Bell and suite, with
the Adjutant and Inspector General,and he was much
pleased with the military appearance of this band of
youths, and expressed tp Capt. Partridge his confi
dence in the increasing usefulness of the seminary
Ivhich he had founded and thus far conducted with
distinguished honour. The corps afterwards spent
some time in military manoeuvres and firings, and
evinced a skill and correctness we should have hard
ly believed it possible for a corps of such youth ful
persons to have acquired. In the afternoon, the
¥6uhg Ladies of Mr. Blake's Literary School pre
sented the corps of Cadets with a Standard repre
senting on one side the arms of the State and on
the other an emblem of the Sciences and Arts. The
Cadets were drawn up in front of the Capitol, from
which the Ladies ofthe School descended^ and the
cerettiony of presentation was gracefully performed
by Miss Ma«y-Jane Kent, who addressed the Cadet
deceiving the Standard, as follows :
"Sir — bxbehalf of the Young Ladies Of the Lit
erary School, and by the permission of your vene
rated Instructor and Commander, I now perform the
duty,assigned me oifpresentihg to your corps this
Standard, It is proffered as a token of the high es
tivation in which we hold the Institution of which

21
you are members, and of the respect which we feel
for yourselves, spending your time, as you are, in
becoming qualified for the important stations to
which you may be destined. It is with no common
emotions that we are now exercised. Like your
selves, we are engaged, for a season, in literary pur
suits ; like yourselves, many of us are separated
from our parents, and the companions of our child
hood, that we also may become the better prepared
for the duties of life. It is true that we are to move
in a comparatively humble sphere— the domestic
circle is chiefly to call into action the talents of our
sex. Not thus is it with you ! While we are spending
our days unnoticed and unknown by the world, you
may be called to advocate the cause of innocence
and of justice in our courts of judicature ; or to sit
in the councils of our nation; or to proclaim in the
sanctuaries of religion the messages of pardon and
of mercy ! And you may also be called to defend
the liberties of our beloved country against foreign
and domestic foes. If so, may we nol hope and be
lieve, that the brow which is now exposed to the
mid-day sun ; that the limbs which now disdain the
downy couch, and that the head, which now makes
the rugged earth its pillow — will then be devoted to
al! the perils and hardships of the warrior's camp."
"Cadet J. D. Allen, on receiving the standard,
in behalf of the corps, made the following reply :
" This Standard, valuable in itself, is rendered
doubly so, by the circumstances under which we re
ceive iti Permit me to request the Young Ladies from
whom it comes, to accept the thanks of the corps of
Cadets : assure them that among the other pleasing
recollections connected with our visit, this pledge of
their respect, shall receive the happiest ': Assure
them that we feel all the interest in their welfare,
which they have been pleased to express in ours.
Assure them also, whether we .may be called in fu-

22
ture life to serve our country and our God, in peace
or in war ; in its councils or armies, we will never
iorget duly to appreciate the virtues which shine and
.flourish in the domestic circle. And from1 the sever
er duties to which we may be called, we shall al
ways turn with no small degree of interest to the ap
probation and smiles of those whose proper sphere
of life it is, to create and cherish every thing which
forms the charm and loveliness of home."
" We have never witnessed in this place any pub-
,lic ceremonies, in which the people were so univer
sally interested as on this occasion. Indeed the
spectacle was one eminently calculated to interest
the feelings. ' Two thousand spectators had assem
bled and occupied every spot around the common :
parents, brothers, sisters and friends had crowded
around to witness the improvement of their sons and
•companions. The corps was composed of mere
jrouth, who yet exhibited the decorum and precis
ion of age. The ladies of the school were also most
ly yeung, and admiring that improvement in others
they were themselves ambitious to attain — they
spontaneously sought to honour and encourage the
talents ofthe youthful band of soldiers. The scene
to a reflecting mind was interesting and imposing.
The mother beheld her son attired in the military
garb, and while she thought of hardships and fatigue,
and perhaps of war, asilent tear marked the depth
Of her emotion. The father saw in the discipline
and education of his son, a sure pledge of future use
fulness, and the pride which springs from love of
-country inspired him with hope that if his country
should need assistance, his offspring would be her
defender- Old and young, male and female,. were

alike interested in the scene ; and no one went away*
but with pleasing recollections, and an increased;
confidence in the value of Capt. Partridge's institu
tion. "• On Tuesday evening by request Capt. Partridge
delivered a lecture on the improvement of the militia
as a mean of national defence. The subject was
quite as interesting as that of the preceding lecture,.
andbis manner of discussing it gave as universal, sat
isfaction. , " On Wednesday morning this interesting band
left the place, and proceeded to Hopkinton, where
they were very hospitably received by the citizens..
They are to return to Norwich by the way pf Wind
sor. Duringrtheir stay in this place,, it is but .just to
remark, that their individual deportment was such
as gave great satisfaction to the people, and will
long be remembered as a bright promise of future
excellence. , Too much praise cannot be given the
worthy gentleman who presides over this institution.
His talents, and industry, his amiableness and. can
dor, will we trust secure to him, wherever he goes,
as they have here, many and warm friends."
During the short period that we were in town, we
were made'the recipients of every favour and: atten
tion, which its citizens could bestow forour happiness
and enjoyment. That generous welcome with
which we were received, that frank expression of
friendly andbenevplent feeling, so prevalent, enkind
led within us the most grateful emotions. And whilst
an acknowledgment of our obligations is the only
tribute that words can -pay, our feelings, prompt us-

24
yei i'ax liter, and we have only to regret that our abil-
ity will permit no more.
We are particularly obliged to Mr. Jacob B.
¦ Moore, of the village, for the intelligence by which
we are enabled to form the following sketch of Con- ;
cord. Concord. bas its location-in the county of Rock
ingham, and is the capital of the State of New-Hamp
shire. It is pleasantly situated on both sides of the riv
er Merrimack, which waters and fertilizes an exten
sive tract of interval on its borders. There are no
very considerable elevations in the town. The soil
is uniformly-good, and the intervaFs very productive.
The principal village is situated on the west bank
ofthe river, and extends nearly parallel with it for
me distance of a mile. The State House, an honour
to the people ofthe State, stands near the centre of
the town, and is a superb edifice. It cost the State
about f $0,000. Itjis constructed of fine ? granite,
which is found in vast quantities in the neighbor
hood. The convenience and elegance of its apart- ,
saenfe, are exceeded by no work of the kind in
New-England, and, we would scarcely hesitate t:P
say* by any in the sister states.
Iri the western part of the village stands the State
Prison, a commodious stone building of three stories,
Containing 36 cells. Its walls are three feet in thick-
Bess, and fourteen feet in height, surmounted with a
range of pickets ten feet in length. Connected with
the prison, is a house built also of granite, four sto
ries bigh, for the accommodation of the Warden and
familyVguards, &c. The number of convicts sen-

SOUTH EAST VIEW OF THE STATE HOUSE.

27
tenced since its establishment is 188 — number at
present in confinement, 59. Under the management
ofthe present Warden, the affairs of the institution
are prosperous. There is a handsome congregation
al meeting house, and also a meeting house for the
society of friends. The settlement of this town
commenced in 1 725, under a grant from the govern
ment of Massachusetts. The lands in the vicinity
had, however, been previously explored, and sever
al persons tarried here in the warmer season, as early
as 1721. This town was originally the residence
of the chiefs of a powerful tribe of Indians, the
Penacooks. Traces of their habitations, their imple
ments, &c. are frequently to be 6een. Like most of
the nations who were the rightful lords of the soil,
this tribe has become extinct, or its few remaining
descendants have mingled with the tribes of the
west. Concord was originally called Penacook,
from the name of the tribe just mentioned. After
wards, in 1733, it was incorporated by the name of
Rumford, and in 1765, after the termination of a ted
ious controversy, with the proprietors of the town
of Bow, on the subject of conflicting grants, the
town was incorporated by its present name. The
citizens of Concord are an industrious and thriving
people, and the town is rapidly gaining in business
and wealth. Immense quantities of goods are an
nually carried through this place to the interior.
The canals on the Merrimack, which have been in
successful operation for several years, are of consid
erable advantage to the place, and will prove of
great advantage to the adjacent country. The very

respectable Institution, denominated thu " Young
Ladies'' Liter ary Sdiool" here located, is flourishing
beyond most others of its kind within this section of
our country, and deserves, particular notice. Its
principal the Rev. J. L. Blake, and his principal
assistant, Mjss Richmond,* are qualified in a most
eminent 'degree, to render the institution deserving
ofthe approbation' and patronage of an enlightened
people. It is indeed gratifying to lovers of im
provement, to discover the rapid advances which,
we are informed, are making at this seminary in fe
male education. More than 30, it is said, are now
engaged in the study of Natural Philosophy, besides
classes in Ghymistry, Botany, History, Rhetorick,
and other more common branches.
We left this village about 9 o'clock, on Wednes
day the 19th, taking our direction towards Hopkin-
ton, where we arrived about 1 2 o'clock. As we ap
proached the village, we were met by a company of
Infantry under Capt. C. Chase, which, together with
a company of Riflemen commanded by Capt. Thos.
Bailey, received our corps and honored us as an es
cort into the village. Capt. Partridge had previously
received a solicitation from the gentlemen of the vil
lage, to remain in Hopkinton until the following
morning; with which he had concluded to comply.
We were provided with convenient quarters for our
arms and accoutrements, and at 2 o'clock, by the
politeness of Col. Roger Perkins, were invited to
partake of ar excellent dinner, which he had pre.-
* The other Instructors are, Monsieur PeyrE Ferry, teacher of the
French Language.
Miss Mary Ayer,
Miss Laura Hastings.

29
pared for us in front of his house. Considerable part
ofthe afternoon was spent in drilling and in the ex
ecution of the various manoeuvres of the battalion.
We were now billetted out with the inhabitants for
the night. The hospitality and friendship manifes
ted towards us during our stay in this vicinity raised
in us feelings the .most grateful. The face of the
country over which we passed after leaving Concord,
was fair and somewhat elevated, exhibiting the evi
dence of industry and skill in the husbandry of the
soil. A smiling plenty, and, indeed, wealth had
manifestly been the reward of the agriculturist.
Thursday morning, the \8th. — Weather cloudy
and rather portentous ; at 9 o'clock we set off in fine
spirits. Capt. Partridge had not yet determined
which should be our direction, but as he had resol
ved to reach Norwich by the end of the week, he
soon came to the conclusion to take the shortest
road, since the time was only sufficient to accomplish
the obj ect by this means ; we therefore kept our
direction towards Henniker, the town next through
which we were to pass. After leaving Hopkinton
we found our road hilly ; the country more uneven
and barren, until we began to descend towards the
village of Henniker. Coming on to the Contoocook
river we observed some handsome country . seats,
and the face of the country exhibited a more fertile
appearance. Meeting, on our approach to the vil
lage, the Hon. Judge Darling, with a number pf gen
tlemen and an escort of Riflemen under the com
mand of Capt. Campbell, Capt; Partridge was ad
dressed by Judge Darling in the following flattering
terms.

30
"Capt. Alden Partridge,
"Sir— In behalf of the committee of arrangements
on the part of the town of Henniker, we bid you a
hearty welcome within its territory. We do' not
promise to give you that splendid reception that you
have met with at the capital and other towns, but we
fully assure you and your most excellent corps of
Cadets, that we are highly gratified in this opportu-
nity afforded us of testifying the high sense we en
tertain of your personal exertions, unaided and un
assisted by government, in establishing an "Ameri
can Literary, Scientific and Military Academy,1'
which promises at no distant period, clearly to evince
to the public, that institutions of this kind may be
instituted, and carried to the highest degree of per
fection, though not patronized and supported out of
the public treasury. We thank you for your atten
tion and visit tojbe capital of our state, and we cor
dially lend our feeble aid in escorting you on your
return to your Institution ; and while within the ju
risdiction of Henniker, we, in behalf of its good citi
zens, pledge you a most cordial and welcome recep
tion, and no exertion on the part of the committee
will be spared to make you, sir, and your noble and
splendid band of Cadets, comfortable and happy."
These expressions were briefly reciprocated by
Capt. Partridge, and we advanced, joined by this es
cort, after passing them with the usual salutes, and
entered the village at half past 1 2 o'clock, distance
from Hopkinton 9 miles.
Judge Darling had erected a table and crowded
it with a superb repast for us, in front of his dwel-

31
ling, to which we were invited. We had only pre
pared to dine and surrounded the table, when a co
pious shower of rain began to pour upon us ; but
feeling a little unwilling to yield, we suffered a se
vere drench, whilst participating in the sumptuous
treat. At half past 2 o'clock we left the village for Hills
borough, where Capt. Partridge had purposed to take
up quarters for the night. The rain continued mod
erately during the afternoon, but we were under the
necessity of proceeding, in order that we might reach
the end of our journey, at the time that had been
determined. From this place to Hillsborough, the
country was rugged and hilly, but still was well wa
tered and fine for grazing. On our approach, Gen.
Pierce, from the village, accosted^ Capt. Partridge,
and politely accompanied our corps "into the village,
where he detained us a few moments with a slight
refreshment ; we were then dismissed, and took up
our quarters for the night. We were by this time
considerably fatigued, having travelled to day IS
miles, and during almost the whole afternoon in the
rain. Our clothes had become drenched with wet
and our route was uneven and hilly. We early
possessed ourselves of our lodgings, many choosing
the refreshment afforded by sleep, to any other, as
the fatigues of the body were more sensibly felt,
than the cravings of the appetite.
Friday the 21st. — A clear, cool and pleasant morn
ing dawned upon us, and we were happy in the
change. Our sleep had dissipated much of our fa
tigue, and our spirits were again more animated.

32
We found ourselves as it would seem on a spot of
country commanding a prospect extremely wide and
extensive; the view was indeed delightful. We
made every thing ready, took some refreshments and
again at halt past 6 o'clock took up our line of march.
Our way was leading through an uneven country,
variegated with hills and vallies, and considerably
rocky, until we reached the pleasant village of Wash
ington, upon which our sight was gratefully rested
about 1 1 o'clock, A- M. Before we arrived in sight
of Washington,Capt. Partridge was met by a number
of gentlemen of the village and politely invited to
make a halt in their village and receive some refresh1
ments. Their generous invitation was willingly aC'
cepted. This was a most delightful village, and ex
hibited the appearance of wealth, and activity in bu
siness. We left here at half past 1 o'clock, P. M- for
•Newport. Arriving in Goshen on our route, the vil
lagers, as we made a short halt, manifested a highly
appraved spirit of generosity. We remained only a
few moments, however, and proceeded on. The vil
lage of Goshen was a pleasant one, but the surround
ing country presented nothing inviting. Advancing
onwards we reached Newport (making the distance
travelled to-day 28 miles) at an early hour, and un
expectedly to the inhabitants, as they had been ap
prised through mistake of Capt. Partridge's inten
tion to take another route. * Exertions were not how-'
ever wanting on their part to facilitate the perfection
of every convenience which our necessities required.
By their exertions to provide for and accommodate
u*, they manifested lo every one a nobleness of spir-

33
it as citizens, most to be admired. Many were their
manifestations of generosity ; and their hos pitable
expressions unsolicited, excited towards the m feel
ings of the highest regard.
Saturday the 22nd. Early this morning, a com
pany of artillery under the command of Capt. Mc-
Kenney of the vicinity, were assembled, and a salute
was fired by them complimentary to the corps.
Since leaving Concord we had not in our way be
held a village which was in every respect so inter
esting in appearance, exhibiting a more neat and
lively aspect. It is apparently the seat of a good deal
of business, and the adjacent country gives to the ob
server evidence of its excellence. Around the vil
lage are to be seen some country seats of the agri
culturist, which exhibited marks of wealth and ease.
An Academy is situated here, a useful seminary,
and, we were told, in a flourishing condition. The
morning was pleasant and the prospect favourable
for the day. As soon as was convenient we resum
ed our march, being very well pleased with the id^a
that we were this day to rest our sight on our old
haven, an object which by this time had become de
sirable. After leaving the vicinity of Newport we
entered a dreary rough region of country, and thus
held our way for the greater portion of the day.
Our route continued across a rocky, barren part. of
the Moosehillock range of mountains, and although
we were favoured with a tolerably well wrought
turnpike road for travelling, it would seem we were
almost constantly on the ascending side of it. With
out making any stop, we passed the towns of Croy-
5

¦34
don, AndpaH-of Plainfiejd, on-this turnpike, a dis*
tance of ;21 miles, and arrived in Lebanon about 2.
o'clock, P. 31. i We here made a short halt* Al
though it was contrary to a reasonable supposition
that nature bad ever designed the uneven, and
barrsn, ridge 6ver wfaicb. we had just passed should
become the abPde of any pf our fellow beings, yet
some few habitations had been erected there, and
the people on this elevated, -though unenvied spot,
seemedi to be content with their rural possessions.
After a temporary resting, leaving Lebanon we anx
iously pursued our direction for Norwich, and pas
sing Hanover and the Connecticut river, we entered
oui? Tillage with animated' spirits, glowing with plea
sure ;as we 'approached our Academic enclosure.
After' entering there, our line was formed and by a
discbarge ©f muskets, we thrice manifested our joy
at our safe and early arrival home; Immediately
we Were dismissed, and although a little fatigued
froiri the extreme beat and the distance we had trav
elled this day, it being 27 miles, every individual of
our number found himself in the best spirits, and in
perfect health. ¦'¦ •> - ¦
We had now accomplished the object of our en
gagement'; and although our excursion was limited
in distance to'about 145miles, and the time occupied
therein hot great, yet its benefits Were proportion*
bly realized by our corps. From the more pre
scribed limits we were awhile suffered a change ;
and the mind which is fond of a less limited sphere,
was allowed an indulgence in that variety, which
the happy traveller enjoysj and which is. productive .

35
of no small degree of. solidi entertainment, tcvthe stu
dious and speculative. < .. ,- .,-.:..:'.
Desirous of communicatingitp the citizens of; Con
cord, and also to the) many gentlemen and citizens ol
each: of the towns and villages through which, in our
tour,; we had passed,, those impressions of. gratitude
whjch their unaffected expressions of hospitality and
polite attention produced within us, publicity was
given to the following address soon after our return.
" Norwich, Vt. July 3, 1822.
" The Cadets of the American Literary^ Scientific,
and Military flcademy,h,a.v'mg returned to their bar
racks in Norwich from their late excursion to Con
cord, through the undersigned, their Committee, pre
sent their grateful acknowledgment to the inhabitants
ot the towns and villages generally through which
they have passed, for their kindness, attention and
hospitality. If we fail to do justice to their senti
ments, or are unable particularly to enumerate every
claim to gratitude, we assure our benefactors and the
public, that it is. not, and we are persuaded cannot
be forgotten.
In recurring however to the incidents of otir march,
our feelings forbid us to. pass in silence those places,
in which our wants were anticipated, or were met
with promptness and cordiality. 'In' Enfield, Wil
mot, Andover, Boscawen, Concord, Hopkinton, Heri-
^ikerWashington and Newport,our necessities were
riot only attended to, but the smallest conveniences
were supplied*
Neither can we pass in silent recollection the
names of those gentlemen to whose liberality we

36
are indebted for many favors, viz : Messrs. Willis,
Moore, Stickney, Hawley, Noyes, Perkins and Hon.
J. Darling ; by each of whom was an entertainment
furnished for the whole corps. We acknowledge
with pleasure our obligations to other individuals —
B. Chase, Esq. Messrs. Little, Moore, Healey, Gen.
Pierce and Cols. M'Neil and Cheney. From the
citizens of Concord we experienced a politeness and
urbanity, worthy of the capital of the enlightened
people of New-Hampshire. V
The excursion was intended as a relaxation from
severer pursuits, to improve and exhibit the disci
pline of the corps, and to extend our acquaintance
with our fellow citizens and learn the characteris
tics of the country. The attainment of those objects
has been facilitated by the flattering reception with
which we have met ; and we feel more than a senti
ment of self gratification from the interest excited
in our behalf, and in that of our beloved Instructor,
since the consideration bestowed upon the educatien
of youth marks the tone of patriotism, and the in
fluence of the finer feelings of our nature which
contribute to the embellishment of life.
It is not for ourselves individually, we solicit pub
lic approbation, which would belong to merit better
understood than ours could be, from the transient
acquaintance formed during the late lour. Our
wishes will be accomplished, if the design of the
Institution, and its claims to public patronage, are

37
duly appreciated and awarded by an enlightened
community. JOHN SAVAGE, Jun.
RUFUS EMERSON,
S. D. PITKIN, )- Committee.
W. M. MURRAY,
JOHN A. HARLESTON,
Thus with a rapid glance have been noticed such
of the occurrences, as appeared the most prominent
from the hurried notes of the writer as taken during
the period of our excursion.
Among other benefits which we had realized in
our tour, the happy effects of industrious and well
regulated habits, which often form the man anew,
had now been experienced. During this our short
excursion, a test, in some degree, of the force of
habit was afforded, and the lesson was a lesson of
improvement. Many of our fellow Cadets, with
their equipage for a burthen, their arms and accou
trements, scarce advanced to the age of 14 years,
were at no time the sufferers of any degree of in
convenience from the travel of one day and another
in succession. With an atmosphere heated almost
to an insufferable degree, a road sometimes deep in
^sand, and then rough and mountainous, many of our
younger brothers were unwilling to acknowledge
their inability to vie with any in our corps.
Whilst it is gratifying in the extreme, to observe
that laudable spirit, and youthful desire to excel and
become citizens of merit andusefulness, it is equally
so to the lover of his country, to notice the general
improvements, coeval with its growth, and rapid ad
vances to eminence and power, and with them the

38
efforts of American genius towards improvement in
the sciences, in connexion with the arts ; which are
most deserving . of merit. Experience has taught
men that intelligence is - the handmaid of Freedom,
and that an enlightened people are. not only the most
eminent and deserving,- but that such alone are the
safe conductors of the affairs of a Republic. The
governing principles in the system of education at the
Scientific and Military, Academy ;, are such as to com
bine the qualifications of both citizen and soldier,
and we have only to recur without further reflection,
to the examples of the past to determine their pre
eminence. , A Grecian,, and a Roman Republic, had
a name and an existence, whilst from the conse
quence of a general cultivation of military science
in connexion with others, every in lividual acknowl
edged and felt himself a soldier. But, a reversion of
feeling, and the pririciples which governed in their
advances as a nation, were, only attended with a
prostration of their boasted, liberties, ...
Asspciated with those principles of improvement
which govern in our progress as students, such as
induce at an early period a love of country and in
spire the mind with an ardour to cultivate and de
fend, the honour and dearest interest of the nation
wbich gave us birth, cannot become -, too early
rooted, and whilst - an identity of interest be-
cpmes prevalent with the rising spirit of our
country, we have the surest pledge of an uninter
rupted enjoyment of that inheritance committed to us
by the Fathers of our Nation.

o

JOURNAL

H« Mptuvaiou*

MADE BY THE

NORWICH, Vt.

UNDER COMMAND OF \

JUNE, 1824. '# .
WiNDSOR, Vt.
Printed by simeon ide.
1824.

CAPT. A. PARTRIDGE —
Sir — In compliance with your request, these
pages, embracing a Journal of tbe late excursion of
our corps, are submitted for publication. In making
this copy from some hurried notes, we have merely
given a plain relation of ordinary facts, as they occur*
red — and the only wish is, that our friends, who are in
terested in our pursuits, may be gratified.
A copy of the notes and calculations of Cadet Dun
bar, which were made agreeable to your appointment,
from observations on the route, and afterwards address
ed to yourself, is appended to tbe Journal, as they serve
concisely to exhibit the general features of the country
over which our march extended.
Respectfully, your obedient pupil.
THE AUTHOR.

WtmiB£Ul%> &(D«

TO the active mind of the American citizen, a re
view of the advancement of our country since its first
enrolment on the list of nations, serves to enkindle a
proud sense of its political superiority, and fills his
heart with the most lively emotions of gratitude, to
those distinguished patriots who, with such unceasing,
ardour, reared the fabrick of that Independence, which
we feel it our duty to foster and support. In this retro
spect, our imaginations often revert to the contempla
tion of the causes, which have been productive of ef
fects so beneficial to a nation, numbering 10,000,000,
whose greatest boast is, that they are freemen, and who,
in support of such rights, are ready to immolate them
selves upon that altar to Freedom, already consecrated
by the blood of many distinguished martyrs, to the
cause of universal emancipation.
Monarchs have ever found it advantgeous to the sta
bility of their governments, to trammel the intellectual
faculties of their subjects, by depriving them of the
means of knowledge and improvement. To the ab
sence of such restrictions, we principally owe the dis
semination of those noble feelings, which will ever pre
serve our happy country, inviolate from tyrannical op
pression. But, while we admire the accuracy of the
means, and give a due share of praise to the distinguish
ed projectors of this revolution, our attention should be
more powerfully arrested, when investigating tbe mea-
I*

sures by which the blessings of our free government
may be most permanently continued.
In contemplating the rise, progress, and fall of the
Roman Republick, we find that the two great princi
ples upon which all its superiority was based, were a
general dissemination of learning, and a due cultivation
of military discipline. So long as these were adhered
to, while yet there remained those schools of philosophy
and science, which have enriched the world by their
productions— while every citizen was' ready to arm and
act in his country's cause, no earthly power could op
pose a barrier to their conquests — the world acknowl
edged its proud mistress, and all its rulers were subser
vient to her will. But when luxury and riches had en
ervated their minds, and estranged them from the cul
tivation of the sciences, when instead of contenting
themselves with fheir own powerful internal resources,
they employed the aid of mercenaries to secure the pos
sessions acquired by the gallant conduct of their ances
tors—from that moment its fall may be dated.
In the Grecian Republick also, we find the statesman
and soldier connected in Demosthenes, Xenophon and
others, who when not engaged in the field, devoted all
their pursuits to the advancement of literature; thus af
fording to the world a splendid proof, of (he advantages
of connecting (he literary and military pursuits of a na
tion. After such glaring examples of the efficacy of this
principle, it cannot for a moment be doubted, that the
most effectual means of securing ourselves from the me
naces of the powerful and oppressive, are, to promote
the advancement of literary and scientifick pursuits in
our country — to inure our young men to the hardships
attendant upon a military course of life, and to teach
them practically, all those arts so necessary to the pros
perity of a nation, which like ours, depends for defence
upon her citizens.

Aware ofthe importance of such a course to the coun
try, as well as of its useful effects upon individuals, the
American Literary, Scientifick and Military Academy
was established in the fall of 1820, at Norwich, (Vt.)
for the purpose of promoting this beneficial design. —
Notwithstanding the novelty of the leading principles
in the organization of the Institution, it has continued
to increase and prosper, under the guidance of Capt,
Alden Partridge, its projector, founder, and superin
tendent, to whose persevering exerlions, and distinguish
ed qualifications, it owes its present deserved reputation.
In this seminary, are taught practically and theoretical
ly, the mathematics; including more particularly, in
practice, the various branches of Field and Topograph
ical Surveying, Levelling, and Mensuration of heights
and distances. The Latin, Greek, and French lan
guages are also embraced with all the other branches of
a scientifick and classical education. From time to
time, excursions are undertaken for the purpose of mak
ing barometrical observations, for determining the rela
tive heights of particular sections of our country.
In addition to these studies, the members of the Insti
tution have the advantage of a regular course of milita
ry instruction, by means of lectures delivered by Capt.
Partridge.. In these are embraced, the subjects of
Fortification, Castramelation, the construction of ma
rine batteries, (he attack and defence of fortified places,
gunnery; and for the purpose of illustrating (bese lec
tures practically, a description or (he principal cam-
paigns, and battles of modern times. To these are
subjoined a synopsis ofancient tacticks, with (heir modes
of attack and defence. In addition to this, for the pur
pose of putting in practice (he principles laid down in
this course, the students are subjected to a regular daily
drill, as aiso(he duty of guards and sentinels, habitually
embraced in the duties of the garrison.
These pursuits do not occupy any part of that time
which would otherwise be devoted to study, but are fea
arranged as to form a healthful substitute for those hours

8
of leisure, the objects of which are often so fatally mis-
applied in most of our publick seminaries ol learning.^-
By this means, instead of devoting themselves to use
less recreation, they receive a very competent exercise
for the extension of their physical powers, and at tbe
same time are acquiring a knowledge upon subjects of
the greatest utility to their future advancement in life.
The police regulations of the Academy are based
upon principles purely military, and the character of its
members is required to be such, as would attach itself
with honour to the soldier. Any deviation from strict
military deportment, is considered as disconsonant with
that course of conduct, which ought to regulate the ac
tions of the gentleman, and suffers that discountenance,
which cannot fail finally (o accomplish its eradication.
In addition to the various other exercises embraced
in this system of education, occasional military excur
sions are made by (he corps, under tbe immediate com
mand of the superintendant. These are productive of
the highest benefits (othe members of the Institution, in
as much as they tend, by a moderate share of fatigue,
measureably to invigorate the cons(i(u(ion — afford a re
laxation from their more confined academick pursuits—
and give an opportunily for all those beneficial improve
ment, which the observing traveller enjoys, in travers
ing any section of country, and associating with its in-
habitants, Agreeably to the arrangement of our respected su
perintendent, and in coincidence wi(h his regular cus
tom, the most pleasant par( of the presen( season was se
lected for the prosecution of an excursion of the above
nature, to the subject of which, the following pages have
been devoted. From the whole number of cadets at
tached to the Institution, (amounting to about 1 50) those
embraced in the following catalogue, exhibiting their
names and places of residence, were selected to form
our corps:

9

Henry D. W. Alexander, S. C,
Isaac B. Alexander, S. C.
Joseph Dana Allen, N.Y
Joseph Alston, S. C.
John Arroistead, Md.
Romeo Austin, Vt.
James E. Baker, Mass.
H. Swinton Ball, S. C
George Barnard, L. C.
William E. Bartells, Me.
Frederick A. Barton, N. H
Carlos Baxter, Vt.
George W. Briggs, Miss.
Robert Bowmer, Miss.
George Brinckerhoff, N- Y.
William H. Brisbane, S. C
Alexander M- Brnen, N. J.
Michael Burnham, N.Y-
Henry Barbour, M«>
• Alexander H. Chisolm, S. C.
Thomas G. Clemson, Pa.
Morion Coates, Pa.
Augustus Coles, N. Y.
George E. Coolidge, Mass.
1 George Crowninshield, Mass.
- Francis B. Crowninshield,Mass.
Henry W. Cushman,
Frederick Dana,
Thomas H. Darling,
Horatio Davis,
David Deas,
John W. Dicks,
Levi Diller,
Sanders F. Dorrance,
Theodore S. Dubose,
Elisha Dunbar,
Stephen D. Elliott,
Arthur Fenner,
Peter W. Freeman,
Charles Fitz Randolph,
Edgar Fitz Randolph,
Theophilus Fortier,
Thomas J. Fripp,
Frederick A. Gale,
John L Ger vais,
David Goodall,
William Goodrich,
William H Gordon,
William O. Gourdin,
Louis J. Gourdin,
John Hancock, jr.

Mass. Me.
Mass.
Mass. S.C. Me. Pa.
R.I.
S.C. Vt.
Miss. RI.
Mass, N Y.
N.Y La
s.c.
N.Y.
Missou. N.H. Con. Del.
S.C. S.C

: Jesse Hatch, Vt.
Guilford H. Hathaway, Con.
John Holbrook, Vt.
George Holley, Con.
Thomas L. Horry, S.C.
Valentine B. Horlon, Vl.
Russell Hubbard, Con.
¦ John Hudson, S. C.
| William B Huggins, Con.
I Frederick J. Huggins, Con.
', Edwin S Hnmpbreys, Con,
> Chester C. Hntchins, N. H.
; Amos S. Hutchinson, N. H,
| Charles L. Ives, Con.
! Augustus James, N.Y.
¦ George Jen ness, Vt.
Ozro P. Jennison, Vt.
Edwin F. Johnson, Vt.
Daniel P. Johnston, S.C.
Andrew Kennedy, Pa.
! Wm.W. Keyes, Vt.
'< Henry Laverty, Jr. N. Y.
; John W. Laverty, N. Y.
| Silas B. Leach, Vl.
! Edmund Lee, Con.
! Nalh. Lord, Me.
| Samuel Lockwood, N.Y.
| George S. Mcintosh , Ga-
{ Francis B. Marion, S. C.
| Henry Marshall, S. C.
1 George A. Mills, Con.
j John W. Mooers, N. Y.
; Isaac E. Morse, La.
| James Murdoch, Mass.
1 Wm. A. Osgood, Mass.
.' John'O. Page, Me.
; John G, Palmer, S. C.
; Wm. Parker, j N. J.
i Wm P. Parrowt, Mass.
'• Wm.Pearce, Mass.
1 Ebenezer W. Pomeroy, Mass.
• Thomas W. Porcher, S. C.
; Frederick A. Porcher, S. C.
; James A. Powell, N. Y.
: Daniel L. Randolph, R. I.
j Truman B Ransom, Vt.
I Henry H. Rhodes, D. C.
: Charles H. Rich, Mass.
William C. Robinson, R I.
! Joseph B. Rodney, Del.
i John D. Russ, Con.

Edward C Russell,
- Theodore Sedgwick,
John Sergeant,
Charles E. Scoville,
Richard Scrivtn,
William J. Slidell,
Israel D. Smith,
Altred Stanley,
Henry Stebbins,
Theodorb B. Sterling,
Henry J.Talbot,
Robert E. Temple,
George MTotten,
Paul H. Trapier,
James H. Tyng,

10
N. Y- | George W. Van Zandt, N. Irt
Mass: | PhinebasF. Varnum, Me.
N. Y. | Decius Wadsworth, Vt.
Con, J Thomas B. Wales.jr. Mass.
S.C | James S Wallace, N.Y.
NY } William M. Wallack, Mass.
Vt | Morton Waring, S. C.
N- C. 5 Daniel C. Webb, S.C.
Mass. I William P. Widgerv, Me.
Con. | John Williams, jr. N.Y.
R. I. } James Woodbridge, Con.
Vt. S Hiram P. Woodwortb, Vt.
Con. J Simon W. Wright, N - Y.
S. C. | William E Wright, N. Y.
Mass. < Cyrus Yemans, Vt.

"Wednesday, June 9th, was the day appointed for a
departure from our quarters. Every incidental arrange
ment was accordingly made, agreeable to orders previ
ously communicated. Our corps was organized in man
ner of a Battalion, and our musick, led by Mr. Wm. W.
Bayley, instructor in that department at the Academy.
With this arrangement, on the morning of the day a-
bove, tbe corps paraded, while our chaplain officiated
in a solemn invocation of the benediction of Heaven
upon our corps, on the occasion of our contemplated ob
jects. Our baggage now on board our waggons, and
every thing in readiness, we were formed in order of
march, and at 8 o'clock departed from the ground of
i our academick enclosure, and left the town in the full
| anticipation of those pleasures connected with improve
ment, which in the end were so happily realized. The
weather, at this time, was very sultry, and the clouds
thickening around presented all Ihe indications of a
storm, which might have afforded us an inducement to
defer our tour, but through (he fear of again disappoint
ing the arrangements and anticipations of many of our
friends in our route.

The first part of our route, lay over the undulating
country, adjacent to the Connecticut, 4 miles to the
village of Hartford, which is located on the banks of
White River. This place boasts extensive privileges
for mills and factories, the stream affording the greatest

u

facilities for business. Arriving at the bank, we found
tbe bridge over the river had shared the destruction
common to all others in the vicinity, during the past
spring. We were, therefore, reduced to the necessity
of crossing by means of a ferry. One of (he main
branches of this stream, rises towards the N. W. 50
miles distant in the Green Mts. and at the same foun
tain from which emanates one of the mos( important riv
ers discharged into Lake Champlain. In its course for
many miles from ifs origin, several very considerable
tributaries fall into it, before the confluence is formed
with the western branch at Royalton, from whence it
becomes a most interesting stream, until it is lost in the
Connecticut. Its banks afford an excellent soil, yield
ing tbe husbandman the richest bounties in return for
his labour. The passage ofthe river being effected, we
continued our route over a very good road, without a
halt, passing through Queechy Village, 5 miles from
Hartford, to which it is inferior in size and population,
but interesting from it local advantages. Leaving the
Village, we continued along the bank of the river bear
ing its name. The Queechy is a narrow stream, rathe*
shallow, and remarkable for its rapidity. It takes ils
rise in the Green Mts. and after traversing a country
generally fertile for about 40 miles, it falls into tbe Con
necticut, 10 miles N. of Windsor. Pursuing this pleas
ant road for 4 miles, a halt was ordered for the purpose
of receiving some refreshments. After about an hour's
stay, we again proceeded, and arrived at the village of
Woodstock about 2 P. M. This is a principal town of
the county of Windsor, containing a court-house and jail,
besides other publick buildings. The location on the
little Queechy river is pleasant, although partially hem
med around with mountains. We passed directly
through the town, and though pressing!} invited by the
villagers to partake of some refreshments, the plea of
haste was urged as our excuse. The weather which
had continued cloudy the preceding part ofthe day, now
assumed a more threatening aspect, and shortly alter
leaving Woodstock, a tedions rain commenced, and ere
we reached the place of our destination for the night, we

12
¦were completely drenched. The few remaining miles
on our route for the day, now appeared tedious in length:
we however reached the town of Bridgewater about 6
o'clock, where we remained for the night. This little
place had nothing apparent of which to boast, except
the hospitality of its inhabitants, to whom most of
us were indebted for the comforts of convenient lodg
ings; now very acceptable, after the fatigues of this
day's march, which in distance was 22 miles, through
a country generally hilly, but apparently fertile, at least
in the vicinity of the road along which we passed.
a
Thursday, June 10th. — The sweet sleep ofthe past
night had dissipated the fatigues of the previous day,
and we readily arose at tbe sound of ihe morning re
veille. Anxious to accomplish the projected task of this
day at an early hour, our baggage, and every article of
-equipage were soon in readiness, and at the hour of 6, A.
M. we set off, but wiih the fearful prospects of another wet
day. The lowering clouds (hat hung around the heav-
ens seemed an evil omen, and continued to threaten tis
for some hours. In time, boweVer, as we continued to
wind our way along the banks of a principal branch of
the Queechy, our prospects became changed by (be
sudden appearance of the sun, which soon dispelled tie
dark and moistened harbingers above.
The hospitality of the villagers whom we had josi
left, remained a subject not forgotten on our departure,
but while their kind offices were gratefully recollected,
we viewed them as the early presages of future enjoy-
ments: From a more open country, we now found our pros
pect gradually contracting as our distance increased.—
The many eminences that began to appear around us,
seemed by degrees to swell into considerable bills, and
ns we progressed gave evidence of their alliance with
the great Green Mountains of the stale. We had
continued onward for some miles, when at 9, A. M. our
-x:or,ps was halted in a commodious and shady grove,

13

where we found a living fountain of the purest water,
and such other conveniences in the situation, as seemed
to invite us to Choose (his as the spot where to receive
some morning refreshments, from the supplies on board
our waggons. We remained here an hour, and were
then again under way. Our course continued along the
bank, and on either side of a branch of the Queechy for
about 10 miles, leading to the foot of the principal ridge
of the Green Mountains, over which the road passes.
Although this route might to many appear lo forbid
any considerable degree of interest, yet there is much
which serves to treat the eye, and please the mind of
the traveller. The littl* stream winding along the val
ley, generally some 10 or 12 yards in breadth, and rath.
er shallow, keeps up a constant murmur as it finds its
way around the hills and ridges, that seem sometimes
to threaten its further course, and above its banlfs the
high summits of the mountains clad in the rich variety
of an extended forest, unite much of beauty and inter
est. At intervals, some dwellings of the husbandman
are seen, and around them is exhibited the appearance
of contentment. It was with a medium pace that we
progressed through this extended valley, sometimes
¦quite narrow, and only of sufficient breadth to admit a
tolerable road on the bank of the river, until about the
middle of the day we arrived at the abrupt and rough
ascent of the main ridge of the mountain. Here we re
mained a considerable time, and as we rested ourselves
from some degree of fatigue, each shared a portion from
our stores of provisions, all which the better prepared us
for the tiresome task, that was now presented for our ac
complishment. From a comparatively smooth road, which for many
mil''s had lain along Ihe banks ofthe Queeeby, we had
next to climb the rugged side of a tedious mountain. At
length leaving the small river, we were on our way up
tlie ascending ground, finning as we advanced, a road
quile unimproved, and to appearance, totally neglected
by those whose duty it might be, to have given it bet-

14
ter attention. Although we bad expected from the al
titude ofthe ground, to have found it at least a dry road,
yet to our disappointment scarcely would it been possi
ble to have found one more muddy, in any of the mo
rasses or low lands of our country. Such being our for
tune, we made but a slow pace for many miles through
the forest of the mountain, the summit of which, as will
be seen by the annexed table of barometrical admeas
urements, is 1882 feet above tide water. From this
point, the descent was more gradual towards the west,
and we were gratified to find the road less deep in mud.
As we passed from Ihe wood which had a long time
forbid any length of view, the majestick peaks of Kil-
lington and Shrewsbury were seen towering a little dis
tance on our left, apparently to the clouds.
This mountain pass, at length accomplished, we were
not a little pleased with the relief afforded by a good
turnpike, into which our road soon led us. From this
juncture the village of Rutland was distant 4 miles. A
stop was now made, that some who had been retarded
by the roughness of our way, might regain their lost dis
tance from the main body. This effected, we soon
reached tbe border of the village, where an escort of
citizens had resorted to bid our corps a friendly welcome.
We accordingly entered the place with feelings of grat
itude for the polite attention of its inhabitants. Pass
ing into the main street, near the north end of the vil
lage; we were led south, to the common in front ofthe
Court-house, where the citizens with a hospitality most
attaching, provided for our numbers by billeting them
among their families, during our stay. Twenty three
miles was the distance we had accomplished this day,
which although not great, yet from the circumstance of
our rough and mountainous route, we found ourselves
somewhat fatigued.
The stupendous mountain range over which we had
toiled to pass, has its origin on the border of Long Isl
and Sound, and continues north through Connecticut
and Massachusetts, and thus on through this state, where

15

assuming the name of Green Mountains, (hey divide it
by an almost insuperable wall of primitive formation. —
At the point where our road crossed the main ridge, the
inclination of the strata is towards the eastern declivity,
and at a greater angle than the quadrant of a circle. —
This will easily account for the unequal length of-onr
ascent and descent, for after travelling 3 l-aiffiles from
tbe base, we attained as before observed, the height of
1882 feet, but were obliged to proceed 6 miles before we
reached the more level country on jthe western side. —
The mineral productions most abundant in this range,
are ascertained by specimens collected while passing o-
ver it, were petrosilex, veins of which traverse the gra
nite in every direction, and schorl, which was found
imbedded in quartz imperfectly crystalized. The gra
nite has by far the greatest proportion of quartz among
its components, and the mica occurs in very small lami
na, it however runs inlo mica slate, and gneiss by al
most imperceptible shades.
Friday.June 11th. The weather which was clearand
pleasant inthe morning thus) continued during the day.
Our military exercises, consisting in an exhibition of
the various battalion evolutions, in connection with the
wanuel, occupied considerable time, and highly to our
gratification, the villagers expressed much interest and
satisfaction as witnesses. Some leisure being now al
lowed from our customary engagements, an opportunity
was offered to traverse the various sections of the vil
lage, which curiosity often prompts the slranger to do,
in passing over any country with which he is unac
quainted. The location of the village is pleasant, (hough (he
view (o (he East and West, is somewhat limited by ele
vated land that seems to extend in ridges running North
and South. At a short distance, and a little Soulh of
East from the village, is to be seen the peak of Shrews
bury, whose altitude was trigonometrically determined
while here, to be 3347 feet above the level of the vil
lage. Many other elevated points obstruct the view

16
of Killinglon, though not more than 7 miles distant, and
one ofthe highest summits in (he Green Mountain range.
The village however, and its immediate vicini
ty, exhibit an interesting appearance. A large
Church, a Court-house and Jail, are among the number
of publick buildings; and beside these, the private
-fallings, the principal of which are situated on one
main street, extending through the village, and about a
mile and a half in length, are either of brick or wood,
and exhibit with their neat appearance, the signs of op
ulence and wealth. The marks of prosperity in busi
ness of every kind, are manifest from the industrious
habits which appear to pervade the people, as also from
the apparent amount of capital devoted to a variety of
useful and necessary occupations. Many of the inhab
itants, notwithstanding their present appearance of
prosperity, expressed a regret that (be site of llieir vil
lage had not been selected a short distance west, where
the most extensive privileges are offered by a consider
able stream; which at the desired spot, presents a beau
tiful fall of water of a number of feet. But it is at this
time (oo late to remove, and the good people will there
fore continue to cherish the interests of the present lo- '
cation, enjoying in their extensive circle of society, all
those solid blessings of human life, which are the fruits
of social relations, established as were those of this gen
erous people.
Saturday, June 1 2th. — This morning at 8 o'clock, our
corps commenced their exercises with the ceremonies of
a military parade, wlien prayers were offered by the
Rev. Mr, Walker of the village parish, after which a
considerable portion cf the former part of the day was
devoted to the various battalion evolutions, and to prac
tice in the different modes of firing which are usefully
adopted in service, inducing many expressions of grati
fication on the part of our friends who had assembled
around. At 3, P. M. a publick dinner was provided by
the citizens, complimentary to Capt. Partridge and the
members of our corps, to which we were invited. After
retiring from the table, which had been well furnished,

17
we individually enjoyed the remainder of the day with
out further duty. Capt. Partridge this afternoon, as he-
had done the day previous, gave a military lecture by
request of the citizens.
Sunday, June 13th, Church was attended by our
corps in the morning and afternoon, at the raeetiog-house
of the Rev. Mr. Walker. At 7, P. M. agreeably to the
necessary arrangements of Capt. Partridge, we left the
village, but with the strongest recollections of our obli
gation to our many hosts, whose hospitality and kind of
fices gave them a lasting place in our memories. The
determinate object was, to reach the village of Castle
ton, 10 miles distant, this evening. The road was found
favourable to our circumstances, and free from those
hills and that roughness, which had previously often fall
en in our way. In the early part of the evening, as the
sun had disappeared, the shining ruler of the night soon
rose above the horizon, which illumined our way, and
yielded all the pleasures of a still, bright evening. To
this short nightly tour we could have wished an exten
sion, since the favourably tempered atmosphere, and the
undisturbed silence of our passing hours, added not a
little to the peacefurcurrent of our thoughts, as we rap
idly measured our distance onward. At 10 o'clock we
reached Castleton, and though, unexpected at this hour,
we were conveniently supplied with quarters, and re
mained for the night. The villagers not expecting our
arrival until the following day, regretted much their
want of ability to bestow more attention, upon our corps,
than their circumstances at so late an hour would allow.
Monday, June 14th. — Alan early hour (6 o'clock)
every preparation was made for our departure from the
village, having it in design to reach Whitehall, (N. Y.)
as soon as practicable, that the necessary arrangements
might be made for a steam-boat conveyance from thence
down Lake Champlain to Burlington, during the coining-
night or following morning.
We left the village with the flattering prospects of
mild weather and a good road. But a slight opportu;
2*

18

nity offered for observing much of the village, as our
stav was short. - I" its local situation, and general ap
pearance, the stranger finds much to admire. It con
tains an Academy and a Medical Institution, which
having a direct connexion with the College in Middle-
bury, the members enjoy many important facilities for
progress in their pursuits. A generous publick has no
ticed the apparent prosperity of the Institution, and giv
en it an extensive patronage. There is one main street
extending through the village to a considerable extent,
and the dwellings are generally of wood, and white, ex
hibiting, a neat and good appearance. It is the seat of
much flourishing business, and the country about the
immediate vicinity, which admits of an extended view,
exhibits a good soil, and is well cultivated. The agii-
cultural interest of this section of the country bas for
some time commanded an attention worthy to be imitat
ed by their neighbours throughout the state. Wifh a
soil generally productive, though somewhat uneven in
surface, and a temperate climate, the industrious efforts
of the husbandman are uniting to raise this department
of their interest to that important rank, sufficiently fa.
vourable to which, a want of encouragement and a more
devoted attention, have long preyailed in various parts
of our country.
After leaving Castleton, the country continuing quite
uniform in surface, we passed on a distance of 4 miles,
when a halt was made that we might receive some of the
refreshments with which we had been supplied for the
day. Remaining an hour or more, we again resumed
our course, and soon reached a small village called Fair-
f--" Haven, distant from Castleton 5 miles. The surface of
the country about this place was very even, and the soil
though not so attentively cultivated as that already
passed over, was to appearance not inferiour. After
leaving this Village, as we passed on through the north
west section of the town, we reached a small stream
bounding tbe state of Vermout on the west,— crossing
this1, we entered the state of New-Yojk.

19

From this time, although we had passed the bounds
©f a state so proverbially fruitful of its hills and moun
tains, as from this cause to have given it a name, yet
the remainder of our days tour was no less rough, nor
our road less hilly. Many well cultivated farms how
ever, were noticed along our way the whole distance, as
we approached Whitehall. We arrived at the village
about 1, P. M. and found the steam-boat Congress wait
ing to give us passage down the Lake. We embarked
on board, and deposited our arms, baggage, &c. and re
mained in the harbour until the following morning.
Some leisure hours now remained, giving an opportuni
ty to look about the village, and learn so much of the
character of the place, as improving curiosity not tin-
frequently desires. '
This location possesses one of those singularly inter
esting situations, which nothing but the absolute de
mand of necessity, and convenience in business, would
have chosen. Hemmed in ou all sides, by immense
rocks, precipitous ledges, and rough mountains, with
every distant prospect hidden, there is nothing which
canadd any degree of interest, except the lively bum of
business, which seems to centre here from abroad. The
navigation of Lake Champlain commences at this place,
and great numbers of the various kind of water craft,
are regularly passing to and from its harbour. In addi
tion to the immense business afforded from the naviga
tion of Ihe lake, one of those extensive channels of com
munication, (the Northern Canal,) which are at present
the pride and honourable boast ofthe great state of New-
York, here commences its course, running south the dis-
tance of 22 miles, terminating in a junction with the
Hudson at Fort Edward. This canal communicates
with the Lake, by means of locks, affording the citizens
of this northern section of our country, the extensive
benefits of a navigable intercourse with the Hudson, the
Ocean, and the immense chain of western Lakes. While
remaining here, we witnessed the arrival of some of
that craft which is adapted to the purposes of naviga
tion on the canal, and among the number some valuable

20
cargoes from the rich, and inexhaustable springs of Sa-
lina. A beautiful Packet also, bearing passengers from
the same direction, elegantly fitted up, and convenient
in the highest degree, moored along side the landing ia
the village towards evening, but departed again after a
short stay, industriously occupying the hours as they
passed. The cargoes from Salina, were the first of
the kind, that bad ever entered this northern port, nor
was this fhe end of their "voyage." They passed .
down the lake, as we were informed, to Charlotte, the
place of their original destination.
Such we were led lo reflect, were the great ends,
which had now only began to be accomplished, by the
enterprising spirits of New-York. In their policy, the
people of this state have, by their liberality, vigilance,
and example in accomplishing, done much which must
eventually lend to advance the great interests to be re
alized by internal improvement, throughout our country.
And while this enlightened people continue to reap the
blessings which must emanate from their unexampled ac-
; corhplishments, they will never forget to associate wit!,,,
others, the name of CLINTON, the patriotick projector
ol "the great artificial river of the west."
Tuesday, June 15th. — At 4 o'clock the Congress, ott 1
board of which we had remained the preceding night, left:?
the harbour for Burlington. The day brought with it"
the fairest prospects, and we anticipated much pleasure!
from our passage down the lake. On leaving Whitehall
the navigable passage is confined abd narrow, foracon-
siderable distance, at length by degress widening into
the body of the lake. About a mile from the town, and
a little on our right, was seen as we passed along, the
wrecks of some of those unfortunate vessels, Which had
1 fallen into the hands of our gallant little force, which rul
ed the lake, and triumphed over a superior foe, during
the last struggle with our British neighbours. ' The Con-
i fiance, which so well served the interests of our enemy,
lies here with some smaller vessels, partly buried inthe
watery element, and serving as mementoes of the brill-

21

". iant deeds of their conquerors. The borders of (he lake,
' '¦ as we continued, were generally uncultivated, and (heir
,j* hilly surfaces covered with wood, until we had gained
7*j the distance of 24 miles, which brought us into the vi-
!l1' cinity of Ticonderoga. As we arrived opposite the ru-
^K ins of the old military works at this place, the anchor was ,'
*" let go, and the small boats manned and put in requisition'
JJC' for our conveyance on shore. When landed, after mod-
J*IJ erately ascending for a short way, we reached the relicks
'¦li of what once was, but which now remains only in (he
historick page. This position was selected by the
French, at the early period of contention with (heic
«8* British intruders, who dispossessed them of the post,
iW|i and aftevwards built the principal works, rendering them
eitptlvery stroug. After the close of Ibis contest, in which
litj, r$the British, as is remembered, were victorious, these
ik rtitliworks were suffered to remain in a state of neglect, un-
jeililoKil the commencement of the American Revolution. —
ilmretff hey were now with considerable labour repaired, and
ne (o repossessed by some of America's patriotick defenders,
iiesimpfeioubtles with a perfect faith in the command, which the
»Sltn>ost was supposed to possess over the Jake and adjacent
M&fiyfOuutry, not dreaming of the destruction that awaited
£ hem from the summit of Mount Defiance, which over-
ooked and commanded the whole of these possessions.
jytoCJhe principal fortification is situated on the summit of
n elevated ridge of land, about 300 yards from its point,
,ijvhich terminates in a rocky precipice at the confluence
7i gLf lakes George and Champlain. Itjis a regular parellel-
i , jffi(gram,fortified wifh bastions, around which is extended a
, j.itch and glacis. The rampart appears once to have been
J" , tlrongly revetted, but like many other parts of the work,
11 nihil16 reve'meI,t is now buried in ruins. Extensive bar-
* Vj^cks were erected within the body of the place, some
'"iTjtbe walls of which now remain nearly entire. There
»le«*. ( also to be seen the ruins of a bomb-proof, a bakers
«lM*;'>om, and two large ovens, about 10 or 12 feet in diam-
nasup! ,er> wjjicjj are the mogt perrect 0f tije appendages be-
iieip^inging to the work. There are traces of other smaller
(iiltwW orks around within a few yards of the principal, but
;Al*!*;>mparatively of little importance. On the soulh ofthe
$00'

22

main work, a small one remains on the precipitous bank
of the lake, apparently designed to command the chan
nel. On the north, about half a mile distant, are some
extended ruins, known by the name of the French lines.
These were thrown up by them, under the command of
Gen. Monteairn, when attacked by the English under
Gen. Abercrombie, in the year 1 745, from which they
were repulsed with great loss. On the east, and thus a-
round to the south-west, this sacred spot is limited by
the waters of Champlain and lake George, which serve
to bound a considerable portion of its exterior.
In traversing the ground about this place, every thing
seems to bear some marks of interest, particularly tend
ing to enhance that pleasureable profit which is derived
from a contemplation of Ihe past fortune, contrasted
with the present condition of our conntry.
From beneath the rod of a malevolent parent countrw
ours sought the shield of freedom and independenfB
The struggle was long and tedious, but it was a contest
of an unworthy (yrant against the cause of Liberty, and
as the result must ever be, with contemners such as
these, opposing tyranny was forced to yield the sway.
Our nation, unskilled in the science of government,
from a want of its practical administration — our country
men, in that of war— experience, except in the evils in
cident to her situation, having added but little to her
ability to accomplish those vast designs sought to be ef
fected; yet the struggle which established her independ
ence, raised her national character, and served to afford
an opportunity of exhibiting those characferistick en
ergies and virtues which ennobling Liberty had long
cherished, though secretly, in the hearts of her people.
Numerous were Freedom's votaries in the caused
America, and among the patriots, to whom memory was
active, here to do justice, the name of St. Clair stood
pre-eminent. The historick relation of his fortunes,
his successes, and the more immediate events; whicff|
while dwelling on the objects around this spot of earth,

23

are brightened in the recollection, were all now associ
ated" in the memory, and the judgment was allowed the
better from our situations to do justice to his merits.
The fortunes of war had here placed our hero within
the power of an enemy, whose strength was their secu
rity, and whose purpose was his destruction. Nought
therefore remained as an alternative to him and his
handful of compatriots, but to abandon this post, and res
cue those lives, of which his oppressed country would
then in her state of want, have mourned the loss. Noth
ing was here for him to gain, but every thing to lose.
His hundreds, now reduced to a state of want, were op
posed by an enemy's thousands, whose boast was their
ability and experience. On the one side his works
weie effectually commanded from the high summit of
Mount Defiance, and on tbe other, the enemy rode tri
umphant on the Lake, holding a strong position on its
opposite bank. In addition to this overwhelming pow
er, a savage horde, thirsting for the blood of his few de
voted spirits, lay yawning on his remaining flank, to add
to their wretchedness.
¦\ Under these circumstances, difficult and dangerous
as they must appear to the unprejudiced, every dictate
of prudence would seem to urge the expediency of a re
treat as the only means of safety. "In this, although
be lost a fort, he saved a country, while a Burgoyne, in
gaining the place, lost an army" — yet for this, the jeal
ous aspersions of many a secret enemy, and aspiring ri
val, now sought to blast (hat reputation, to which his val
uable services and patriotick virtues, had ere this period
given him tbe strongest claim. But we leave him,
gratefully remembering to associate his name with those
"Ofthe patriots who were the companions of his glorious
toil, and never to be forgotten, while America is the
dwelling-place of Liberty. To conclude our notice of
Ticonderoga, we returned by means of our small boats,
and embarked on board the Congress, which had re
mained in waiting about two hours. She was now a-
gaiu under way, and, we soon lost sight oft he spot
which had afforded us so much interest. The pros-

24

riect from our boat began lo be more exfensive as
we progressed, and the.couutry adjacent lo the Lvrke,
presen(ed some handsome situations where the agricul
turalist exhibited the fniri-st signs of prosperity. About
12 o'clock we were within sight of Crown Point, and
although earnest in our wishes to visit this, which is an
other military reliek, a want of time forbade (he pleas
ure. We therefore passed it by, but not without all
that attention which our gazing eyes, eager to be grati-
tied, couh! bestow thereon. This, rather unlike the sit
uation at Ticonderoga, is delightful; — it is an eminence
projecting into tbe water which bounds it on three
sides. From every appearance it may be rendered the '¦
strongest military position on the border of the Lake,''!
and agreeable to the opinions of many military men, '
is capable of being made tbe Gibraltar of the United
States. ;
The principal fortification liere, is situated on Ine
summit of the high ground which projects into the
Lake, some hundred yards from the shore; but (heir dis-'
lanr:e from our boat in passing, would only allow a very
cursory observation thereof. Its form could not be dis
tinctly determined, but was said to be that of an irreg-1"
ular -pentagon. The rampart, bastions, and ruins of
the enclosed barracks, many ofthe walls and chimneys
of which are now entire, were apparent Irom our situa
tion, but the other appendages could not be traced out.]
Tbe limits of the garrison ground here, as also at
Ty<-onderoga, are said to contain some hundred acres
of land, which has been appropriated by the State te '
literary purposes.
Passing Crown Point a lillle way, on the New-York'
bank of (he lake, tbe snug little village of Essex pre
sents fin interesting appearance, while on the opposite'
shore, the village of Charlotte, in Vermont, exhibits a'
fiouiishing aspect, -and signs of prosperity in business.1
The majeslick grandeur of the distant mountains of:
Vermont now more plainly came into view, which a<!d-
cxl to the extended prospect a share ol interest, and serv-

25

ed favourably lo arrest the attention in passing onward
Ihrough the lake. The surface ofthe counlry around is
beautifully variegated with hill and dale, and to appear
ance, rich with cultivation, quite populous, and from
the manifest attention given to (hese (honsand hills,
which are fed by large flocks and herds, while (he more
accessable lands are devoted to the purposes of tillage,
and the productions of the earth; we were convinced of
the excellency of the soil, and the prosperity ofthe ag
ricultural interests ofthe people. .
Passing on at a good rate, about 6, P. M. we gained
sight of Burlington, which presented a beautiful loca
tion, descending gently from ifs most eastern border,
lo the lake. Arriving within a short distance, our corps
were complimented by a discharge of cannon, manifest
ly the tokens of our welcome reception. On approach
ing Ihe wharf, great numbers assembled (o witness our
landing, and the most favourable demonstrations of
friendly feeling were exhibited as we left the boat and
prepared to enter the village. We now passed up the
ascending ground from the lake, lo the common in the
centre of the town. A committee of arrangements on
Ihe part of the citizens, here waited on Capt. Partridge,
and manifested their sentiments of gratification at our ar
rival among them, which were cordially reciprocated.
The committee only detained ns while we were ap
prised ol the arrangements made by the villagers, for the
disposition of the members of our corps. We were bil
leted among the families of the village, each being re
ceived with a generous welcome.
Wednesday, June 16th. The morning ushered in
by the hum of business, proceeding from the various oc
cupations of Ihe industrious citizens, added a cheerful
aspect to the place already possessed of every attrac
tion to enchant the delighted observer. Contentment
and easy affluence seemed fo smile around (he dwell
ings, and (he various departments of trade were appar
ently in (hat condition which might be expected iu the
great western emporium of Vermont
3

26

It affords to those who take an interest in the beauti
ful imagery of nature, when perfected by the skilful hand
of art, an intellectual treat, the lineaments of which will
never be effaced from the recollection. From the very
borders of the lake, the buildings rapidly though uniform
ly ascend, overlooking each other from their terraces,
from which a beautiful view is commanded over the
lake, and adjacent country.
The extensive prospect from the cupola of the Uni
versity of Vermont, was formerly (he admiration of all
who beheld it. But, a few days previous to our arrival,
the place lost this, its pride and ornament, by fire. —
The walls only now remained, which were of brick,
and four stories high, 160 feet in length by 50 in breadth,
with projections in front and rear. It contained about
fifty rooms for students, beside othar spacious apart
ments appropriated to college purposes. The citizens
however, with a promptitude characteristick of their,
enlightened and energetick spirits, are striving to raise
the Institution from its present ruins.
Among the other publick buildings ofthe place, there
is a Court-house and Jail, also two spacious houses of
publick worship, and an Academy, which is said to be
& useful and flourishing institution. On the northern
border of the town a stream of considerable magnitude,
called Onion River, which loses itself here in the Lake,
affords extensive water privileges, which are an impor
tant addition lo the business of the place. But iu con
junction with other sources of surrounding interest, tbe
citizens live in the conscious enjoyment of (hose refined
pleasures, which are afforded from an extended Circle of
society, such as this village is proud to own.
At the hour oflO, A. M. we were paraded for the
purpose of a short exercise in marching (hrough (he
principal streets about the village, which occupied a-
bout two hours, after which we were dismissed until
evening, at which time with the ceremony of an eve*
ning parade* when a prayer was heard from the ReVi

27

Mr. Preston, of the village, we closed our exercises for
the day.
Thursday, June 17th. — A delightful morning ap
peared, and every thing added an assurance of a favour
able day. At an hour previously appointed, we assem
bled for a morning parade — this accomplished, in con.
nextion with the ceremonies of mounting and relieving
guard, a good share of the time until the middle of tbe
day, was devoted to various military exercises. Some
what fatigued in consequence of the heat of the day,
we were at length dismissed, after having received or
ders to prepare ourselves to depart from the place at 5
o'clock, P. M.
Agreeable to this: requisition, every thing was put in
readiness, our baggage, and every appendage. At tbe
hour determined we marched from the common to take
passage on board our former bo'at for Pittsburgh.—
When we arrived at the wharf we fonnd tlie steam-boat
Congress waiting to transport us; we accordingly em
barked about 6 o'clock, amidst a discharge of cannon,
and the most flattering ' demonstrations of approbation
from the numerous citizens who lined the margin of
the lake; we returned these tokens by heartfelt cheers,
which were re-echoed by either party until beyond
hearing. Immediately upon starting, our band struck
up some favourite airs, and continued playing until we
had attained a distance of about two miles, when a
scene was presented, impressive and interesting to the
feelings. A pleasure boat, bearing on board a large
company of ladies and gentlemen, approached, and as
they passed saluted us, the gentlemen by cheers, the la
dies by waving their handkerchiefs, shawls and mantles.
We reciprocated these attentions, which were gratifying
beyond description, with feelings of tbe greatest delight,.
and the thought was, "who would not, cheered by the
eaiiles and gratulations of the fair, firmly oppose himself
to those who sought to despoil them of one sacred right; —
who would not for privileges like these, «teny himself

28
the frivolous luxuries of life, and learn by toilsome prac
tice, to protect and foster them?''
We parted with Ihem, and passing on our way, were
soon lost in the shades of evening. We were unfortu
nate in not having a moon to have enhanced the beau
ties of our evening sail; enough light however remained
on reaching port Kent, to enable us without difficul
ty, to enjoy the delightful scenery around it. The vil
lage to which this port is an appendage is now just ris
ing into notice, about three miles in its interior, and de
rives its whole revenue from the iron mines in its vi
cinity. The iron is of a most excellent quality, and
yields remarkably well. This place is situated nearly
opposite Burlington, on the New-York side of the lake,.
which is here about ten miles wide.
After a short stop made to receive passengers, we a-
gain started, and about 1 1 o'clock reached Plattsburgh.
The darkness of the night prevented us at this time
from viewing the situation of the town. We were
marched in column from the boat to the centre qf the
place, where we were accommodated for the evening in
a manner which gave the fullest assurance of the hos
pitality of our entertainers. Owing to the exercises of
the day, and the advanced hour of the night, each one
sought his bed, there to dissipate all his weariness by
sleep. Friday, June 18th. — The morning dawned upon us
with the most enlivening prospects; the day was coo!
arid pleasant, and the committee of arrangements on
the part ofthe villagers, made every exertion in their
power to render our situation during our stay as agreea
ble as possible.
' . At 8 o'clock we assembled at our appointed rendez
vous and were marched Ihrough all the principal streets,
after which we visited the cantonement, about half a
mile from the main body of the place. This was thrown
up by the troops commanded by Gen. McComb, at the
time of the recent invasion by the English under Sir

29
George Prevost. It is at present rapidly falling info
dilapidation, which is a matter of regret, as wi(h little
attention it might be kept in such order as rendered it
the pride of the 6th regiment while stationed there.
Although this fort is situated on the highest ground
in the vicinity, still ils elevation above the lake is very
inconsiderable, barely sufficient to secure it a perfect
military command. It is a very eligible situation for a
station in time of war, and affords a fine depot for stores,
as its proximity to tbe lake renders the transportation to
and from the place, a matter of perfect ease.
After having taken a survey of the fort and bar
racks, we were conducted to the store houses under th*
guidance of Major Halsey, the U. S. Military Store
keeper at this place, to whose urbanity and kindness,
we were much indebted, for conducting us through all
the different departments, in which are deposited can
non of all callibres, Mortars, Howitzers, with about 300
tons of shot, a great proportion of which bears the im
press of King George, beside a large quantity of shells,
'powder, cannon and grape shot.
The buildings appropriated to this use are all in good
•repair, and every article about, partook of the general
neatness and regularity. A short time thus occupied,
we reassembled at the fort. From tbe parapet of this
work, a fine view is presented. On the east is an ex
tended Bay, memorable for the defeat of Com. Daniels'
Squadron, by an inferior American force under Com.
McDonough. The Bay is terminated on the north by Cumberland
head, around which the English fleet was seen steering,
on the memorable morning of tbe 11th September. It
embosoms a small Island, celebrated as being tbe sepul
ture of many departed English and American worthies,
who in, that battle p&id the debt (o nature and their
countries. On the north, PlaKsburgh itself lays fully
in sight, presenting an uniform appearance, but with
evident traces of wealth and refinement
a*

30

This, including the ground on our left, may be eon
sidered as the seat of war, occupied by the land forces,
while the fleets were engaged upon the Lake.
We were now formed and marched info town, when
we were dismissed for the day. This afforded an op
portunity for observing the situation of the place.
Plattsburg is situated on both sides the river Saranac,
which rises in the high grounds to the S. W. and after
a ceurse of about 60 miles falls into Lake Champlain.
The town was first built upon the tongue of land form
ed at the confluence of the Lake and River. This is
connected to the other part of the town by means of a
bridge, and on this very spot, it was, where our brave
militia acquired for themselves, honour, lasting as the
flow of the stream which was tinged by the blood of
their enemies. AU the old buildings still show the ef
fects of war, being perforated with balls, cannister and
grape shot.
Plattsburgh is not equally pleasant in situation with
Burlington, but still it has many local advantages,
which will ensure its future growth.
After a day pleasantly spent in viewing Ibis placa,
rendered so interesting from its connection wi(h affairs
which reflect so much honour upon our brave country
men, we retired lo our quarters, the better to prepare
ourselves for tbe duties of the morrow.
Saturday, June 19th. — We assembled at 8 o'clock,
and were marched upon the cantonment, which afford
ed us a very elegant parade ground. We here formed
parade, and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr.
W helpley, of the village.
Various military exercises, embracing the battalion
evolutions, the different modes of tiring, and the duties
of guards and sentinels, occupied some lime. We were
then again paraded, and reviewed by Maj. Gen.

31
Mooers, who afterwards, through Capt. Partridge, ex
pressed the highest gratification at our manmvers, which
he remarked ought to be doubly valued, as coming from
an officer of the revolution, and one of the distinguish
ed actors in those scenes, for which the very ground on
which we stood was celebrated.
After the review we returned to the town, and were
dismissed until evening, when we assembled again to
receive orders for tbe next day, from which we learned
that we had received an invitation from the Rev. Mr-
Wbelpley to attend his church — accordingly the next
morning, Sunday June 20tb, we assembled at the regular
time, and heard a fine sermon from the pastor, which
was closed by an address to the corps. The kindly
feelings which were expressed to us, and the excellent
counsel contained in it, were received with feeliegs
which spoke-loudly in its praise. In the afternoon we
attended church again, and heard another excellent
sermon from the same source, after which no further
duties were required for the day.
Monday, June 21 st. We assembled at 8 o'clock
for a morning parade, after the ceremonies of which,
we were dismissed, with orders to be in readiness at 3
o'clock, P. M. to embark on board the "Phoenix," which
was lo carry us on our intended return to Norwich.
To gratify the wishes of many of the members of our'
corps, who desired to embrace this opportunity to visit
the. Province of Canada, Capt. Partridge had partially
contemplated an extension of our tour, as far as Mon
treal. He however, while remaining here, was appris
ed of an unwillingness on the part of the authorities, as
well as citizens themselves, to allow our corps an ad
mittance into their dominions. For this reason, the
project must have been abandoned, even had this not
been previously determined on, by Capt. Partridge.

32

To exhibit something of the tone of those sentiments
which seemed to prevail with some of the people of the
Province, in relation to this subject, the following ex
tract is made from "The Canadian Times," which soon
after met our notice, under date June 18th, 1824.
"We read in a Burlington paper that it is (he inten
tion of Capt. Partridge and his corps of Cadets, to vis
it Montreal in Ihe course of a tour which they are now
making in the North. Before any such step is taken,
we should suppose it better that the effect should be
considered. We are most ardent in our wishes, (hat
nothing may he done to create broils or discontent be
tween this country and our neighbours, but we doubt
whether the appearance of one or two hundred young
men, preparing to become officers in the United States
Army, armed and equipped, would be a grateful sight
to our citizens. And if Iheir presence would not give
pleasure, tbey surely should not come; for their own sit
uation, under such circumstances, would be peculiarly
disagreeable. When all remembrance is obliterated of
former animosity betwixt this country and the United
States, — when feelings of perfect friendship are estab
lished, then such a display of such offensive materials
may be taken as mere pastime, and the students of Nor
wich would be cordially received. But, while the kind
ly sentiments, which similarity of laws, language, and
institutions, ought to produce, are slowly forcing them
selves into being,— while yet the feelings of friendship
are tardily recovering from the late hostility with the
United States,— while the least idea exists that this
country may be involved in warfare with tliat, their Ca
dets will do injury lo the cause, by a display of their
ranks among us. No one can feel more desirous than
we, that the most kindly intercourse should exist be
tween the two countries, but we are not anxious to
have the perfection ol their institutions impressed up
on our minds in the manner proposed. The irritation,
if there should be any, would be local it is true, but evea
that is worthy of avoiding."

33

We wore sorry to excite so many fearful apprehen
sions on the part of our Canadian neighbours. They
might perhaps have judged us equally imprudent, as un
civil, had our tour been extended into- their dominions,
without the approval of their authorities; but this was
not solicited, and consequently not denied. Fearful
jealousy was therefore warmed up for nought.
As soon as the steamboat hove in sight, we marched
down, and embarking immediately, were soon on our
way for Port Kent, Crowdsof the inhabitants were
on the wharf to witness our departure, when some com
plimentary remarks were made by tbe Rev. Mr. Whelp-
Icy in behalf of the citizens, and briefly answered by
Capt. Partridge. A discharge of cannon, accompanied
by some strains from the bugle was continued from our
boat, until we had attained some distance from the
shore. We passed through the beautiful bay, for which
we were afforded a fine prospect of the village. We
passed Port Kent, delaying but a few moments lo re
ceive passengers, and then stood directly across the
lake for Burlington, where we arrived about 1-2 past 6,
P. M. We delayed here but 30 minutes, and proceed
ed to Bason Harbor, near the mouth of Otter Creek,
where we intended to put up for the night. At about
1 0 o'clock we disembarked and took up our lodgings in
a store bouse near the wharf, which had been prepared
for our reception: we soon were prepared for slumber,
and each one laying on his blanket, enjoyed a sound
repose, until aroused in the morning. Upon our arriv
al at this place, a letter was handed to Capt. Partridge
from the Mayor of the city of Vergennes, from which
the following is an extract. Vergennes, June 31 st, 1824.
Capt. A. Partridge,
Sir — We are informed of your intention to honour us
with a visit, — you will be received with the most cordial
welcome, but without ceremony: in fact were we to at
tempt parade; we should fail of making it satisfactoy to
ourselves or pleasant to you. Many of our most respect-

34

able eitizens are absent at Court, but the few that remain
will meet you on your approach to the borders of our
village, to bid you welcome, and to conduct you to our
publick Green, after which, you will be informed ofthe
provisions that are made for yourself and corps, so long
as your convenience will permit you to remain with us
Yours, very respectfully,
A. W. BARNUM.
Tuesday, June 22d. — The morning being favoura
ble, we departed from the place of our quarters about 6
o'clock, and after travelling three miles, crossed Otter
Creek by means of a ferry. Continuing along its north
bank three miles farther, through a country generally
level, .we arrived ,within,sig.ht ©f Vergennes, which, ap
peared beautifully situated on an eminence, at .a hand
some fall of this stream, which affords an extensive wa
ter privilege. Just as we arrived within verge of the
.city, we were met by the Mayer and Corporation, ap-
companied by some pf the principal inhabitants. We
made a halt, and General Barnum, the Mayor, present
ed to Capt. Partridge the following neat address:—
Capt. Partridge,
Sir — In behalf of the citizens of Vergennes, I ten
der you and your pupils a most hearty welcome; we feel
ourselves doubly complimented, in consequence of tbe
extra trouble you have taken to houour us with a visit.
In omitting the usual ceremony and parade practised by
our neighbours on simlilar occasions, I hope the want
of it may not be considered as a want of respect, it is
otherwise intended. We feel in common with them,
and the whole country, the importance and usefulness pf
the institution, which, by your own exertions, has been
brought to its present state of perfection. We hope and
(rust that our country, whose interests you have so zeal
ously exerted yourself (o promote, may not fail of grant
ing that liberal patronage you so justly deserve. To
you, Sir, it must be a flattering consolation to know, that
no individual, (except yourself) in any country, has ev-
0r inade a similar attempt, with any degree of success.--

35
And God grant that your most sanguine expectations, in
this laudable undertaking, may be fully realized. Such
accommodations, as our little city affords, are most
cheerfully offered for your comfort and convenience."
To this Capt. Partridge made a short reply, expres
sive of his gratitude to them for their good wishes, man
ifested towards his institution, and their readiness in
making every arrangement for the convenience of the
corps. We now resumed our march, whilst a salute was
firedfrom the village, preceded- by the escort, which,
upon reaching the Green, received a passing salute
from our corps. We were here informed that the in
habitants had made their arrangements to accommodate
us, and accordingly were received by (hem into their
families with a degree of cordiality and generous feel
ing which could not but secure within us a reciprocated
sentiment of gratitude, and an impression most favoura
ble to their virtues.
This is one of the oldest settlements in Vermont, and
stands at the head of navigation on Otter Creek, about
six or seven miles from its mouth. The navigation is
here obstructed by falls. The town bas continued grad
ually to increase since its' early location, and shows the
marks of industry and wealth. Extensive water privi
leges are afforded by tbe stream which passes through
the town, and is the source of much profitable business.
Many of the principal vessels, including also (he Steam
boats at present on the Lake, were built here — and here
also, during the late war, the instance is remembered, in
which a vessel of war was constructed from the trees
standing in its vicinity, in (he short space of 18 days,
and immediately floating before ils enemy, thus afford
ing a proud example of what might be done by a nation
of freemen, united to repel the intrusions ol aggressors.
Some military exercises occupied a part of the day we
remained, and although the ground was very unsuited
to. our necessities, we were pleased to notice the gratifi
cation afforded to our friends.

36

Wednesday, June 23d —Having paraded, we heard
n prayer (hrough (he politeness of (he Rev. Mr. Lovtll,
of the village parish, (hen left (his hospitable place, a-
bout 9 o'clock in (be morning. A( our departure from
the city, the mayor, corporation, and citizens, honoured
us with an escort (o the border of tbe (own, where some
compliments having been received from them and re-«
turned by Capt. Partridge, we continued our course
-(leaving the village of New-Haven on our right) Ihrough
a country very gently undulating. We had progressed
about six miles, when some refreshments were offered
us, through the politeness .of the inhabitants of Ver
gennes, who had transported them forward for our con
venience. Continuing on over a tolerable road, we gained a
view of Middlebury about 1 o'clock, P. M. A commit
tee of arrangements on tbe part of (be citizens, met our
corps at the border ofthe (own, and we were welcomed
in an sddress, by President Bates, of Middlebury Col
lege, into their village, receiving at the same lime many
Haltering expressions relating to the merits oi our in
stitution, &c.
These sentiments were briefly reciprocated by Capt.
Partridge, who (hanked them for their hospitable mani
festations, as also for their encomiums upon his semina
ry. Preceded hy an escort of citizens, we arrived in
the village, where a salute was fired, and agreeable lo
previous arrangements, proceeded directly to (he Col
lege Green, where an excellent rlinner had been pro
vided for us.
An extensive arbour served to protect lis from (he
hea( of the sun, and the whole number who eBJoyed
this well timed collation, amounted to about three
hundred, comprising many ofthe inhabitants and mem
bers of the College. Alter our repast we marched to
tbe Court-house square, near the centre of the town, and
Vfere billeted with the inhabitants.

37
No further duty remaining for- the day, an opportuni
ty offered for viewing the place, so far as ils variety in
vited the attention. It is situated on both sides of Ot
ter Creek, 18 miles from its mouth, and 11 from the city
of Vergennes. The ground occupied by the village is
very uneveu, and in addition this cause, a want of regu
larity in the location of many of the dwellings, as well
as arrangement of the streets exists, to (he injury of its
appearance. From the many facilities in business,
however, afforded from its favourable location, every
Ihing is seeming to flourish, and the town is by no>
means wanting iu interest. The Creek has aline fall
here, which affords ample water power for several man
ufactories, among the principal of which is a cotton and
woolen establishment. There is also an iron founde
ry, and a manufactory of marble. An extensive quar
ry of marble was opened in the margin of this stream
some few years since, which has been found to be of a
fine quality, and capable of receiving the highest polish.
It is extensively wrought in all its varieties, and trans
ported for sale lo the various sections of our eountry, to
the amount of many thousand dollars per annum. A-
mong the publick buildings there is a Church, a Court
house and Jail, which stand near the centre of the vil
lage; and near its western border stands (he College,
which was founded in 1800, and at present contains a-
bout 100 students. There are two buildings belonging
to the College, one of wood, and the other of stone, and
four stories high; the one is appropriated to rooms for
students, and the other contains appropriate apartments
for recitations, libraries, lectures, &c.
Tuhrsday, June 24. — The weather threatening in
the morning, continued very indifferent most of the
day, finally terminated in a severe rain. We occupied
Some time in military exercises, but our ground poorly
suited to our purposes, added to the rain, which sud
denly came upon us, caused their suspension. Capt.
Partridge had now determined on leaving the place the
following morning, consequently gave us orders to pot
every thing in readines for a departure at an early hour.
4

38

Friday, June 25th."— We assembled at 7 .o'clock,
folly equipped for resuming our march. We were pre
ceded by the committee of arrangements and several
citizens for a short distance, when they received our
passing salute. We then continued our journey,' and
soon reached (he foot of the Green Mountains. The
same general remarks may apply to the range in this
section, as in that part which we have previously de
scribed. The road near Middlebury was very unpleas
ant, owing to the aluminous nature of the soil, but as
we progressed toward the interior, it visibly improved,
and particularly over the mountain it was quite dry,
notwithstanding the rain of the preceding night. Pass
ing the height of land a short distance, we observed a
small brook on the right of our path, which was ascer
tained to be the source of one of the principal branches
of White River. It continued to run in a direction
with the road, gradually enlarging into a considerable
stream. i
The first village incur route after leaving the moun
tain was Hancock: passing through this without stop
ping, we proceeded 4 miles farther to Rochester, wb'ere
we halted for the night. Many thanks are due to the
inhabitants of this place, for their spirited endeavours to
accommodate us. The weather this day had been
showery, but fortunately a settled rain did not com
mence until after our arrival. We marched this day
25 tniles. *
Saturday, June 26th. — This morning brought with
it the unpleasant prospect of rain. But desirous of
reaching Norwich if possible this day, we paraded, and
after a short drill, took up our line of march.
This village is surrounded by immense hiUs on all
sides; we had therefore to commence with climbing
over a very rough and mountainous road, at our outset.
After (ravelling about three miles, we gained the sum
mit of the main ridge over which the road lay in our
coarse. We were here enveloped in thick fog, rrotwith-

3d

standing this point must have been some hundred feet
in altitude above the village which we had just left.
Our view was from this cause totally obstructed, al
though under other circumstances it must have been ex
tensive and delightful. We descended the mountain,
and on reaching the more even surface below, ad
vanced rapidly about 4 miles to Bethel. This village
is situated on the 6th branch of White Rjiver. The
villagers here offered us some refreshments, which were
gratefully accepted. Without much delay we proceed
ed on a distance of 5 miles to Royalton, which is local- •-
ed on White River. The country from Bethel to this
place was even in surface and well cultivated. The
village here has an interesting location on the banks of
the river, and presents a neat appearance. It contains
an Academy, flourishing at present under the direction
ef an able scholar, a gentleman formerly professor of
the languages at our institution. At this place the gen
erous villagers urged an acceptance of some refresh
ments, which we thankfully received. Resting on the
principal sireet tor about half an hour, - we resumed our
march towards Sharon, 7 miles in advance. This part
of our road was delightful, laying along the bank of
White River, which has its course througb an extended
valley, bearing the appearance of a rich soil, and highly
cultivated. We reached Sharon about 7 o'eloek, which
was an hour too far advanced to admit of the final ac
complishment of our whole route (his nigh(, although
this had been our previous intention. We therefore
determined to quarter here for the night, having trav
elled this day 27 miles.
Sunday, June 27. — At 7 o'clock we had every thing
in readiness, and on »ur route for Norwich, which was
now distant 1 1 miles. Leaving the main river road, we
took our direction across the high land intervening,
and arrived within the walls of our Academick enclos
ure about 10 o'clock, all in fine spirits, and without hav
ing experienced (with the exception of one) a single
ease of serious indkposTtion. The ' whole distance of
tbe route which had been embraced in our excursion
was about 290 miles.

Soon after having returned to our regular Academick
duties, the sentiments of our corps were communicated
in the following address, (o (he many gentlemen, and
citizens, throughout the gecttorn-hr-n-hich" our tour had
been made, on the subject of (he many attentions as well
as benevolent and hospitable offices, which they had
uniformly exhibited. So far only as publicity to (hese
sentiments would serve, were wre able to reciprocate
their friendly favours, holding in memory their further
claims to what gratitude cannot satisfy.
A CARD.
American Literary, Siienlifick $,* Military Academy, \
Norwich^ Vermont. J
First in mind, and most lasting in memory, are (he
claims of our friends and benefactors to gratitude. An
obligation of (his nature, the Cadets, members of this
Institution, through the subscribers their committee,
b«g leave to acknowledge as due from them, (o (he citi
zens of (he various towns and villages ihrough which
they have passed, during their recent military excursion
from (his place (o Burlington, and thence to Plaits-
burgh, N. Y.
For their hospitality, kindness and attention, we are
sensible more is due than our ability will allow us to
render, — hut should such benevolence, the offspring of
principles the most pure and undissembling, fail to re
ceive from us what justice would require, let it be re
membered by our benefactors, thai as our memories ex
ist, they can never be forgotten.
To enumerate the many individual expressibns of
generous feeling, and attention, would scarcely be prac
ticable. In recurring however to the various events
incident to our circumstances during the period of our
excursion, justice to our feelings as well as toothers,
requires that we do not pass in silence, (he particular
mention of the citizens of Rutland, Burlington, Ver
gennes, Middlebury and Piattsburgh, (N. Y.) whose
unaffected hospitality, frankness, and liberal principles;

41
whose eagerness to please, and promptitude in supply
ing us with every requisite convenience, have merUed
for them a place in our recollections, which will last
while gratitude shall continue to influence the purest
sensibilities of our hearts.
Neither would we omit the mention ofthe citizens of
Bethel, Castleton, Rochester, Royalton and Sharon,
whose seasonable attention to our wants is duly appre
ciated; — nor would we pass in silent recollection, the
fentlemen members of Middlebury College, whose ex-
ibitions of generosity and friendly feeling, we shall be
happy long to remember. To many other individuals,
although we may omit to particularize, we acknowledge
ourselves indebted, and cordially yield them our thanks-*
In this our excursion, the objects in contemplation.
as a military corps were many, and we feel an assurance
of their utility. From the confinements of our more im
mediate academick pursuits, we were afforded a health
ful relaxation,. We have shared the pleasurable bene
fits which are ever derived from an association with our
fellow-men, — we have been gratifie dy ban extension of
the circle of our acquaintance,— and we fondly hope,
have with many secured the lasting advantages of ra
tional friendship.
fn traversing the extent of country through which
we passed, we have marked its characteristieks, and
been iuduced to cherish sentiments the most favourable
thereunto. We have noticed with enlivened emotions, the high
est considerations bestowed on the education of youth,
and are grateful for the flattering sentiments 'Variously
communicated, on the subject of that course, by us pur-
sued. Such views, from an enlightened and liberal
community, cannot fail to inspire us with that spirit of
emulation in out country's service, which will ever
prove the safest barrier against any intrusion upon those
blessings, now enjeyed under our happy constitution*
4*

42

From a consideration of Ihe privileges of which we
are at present the sharers in our scholastick pursuits, we
at least cherish the hope, that other than the best interests
of our country, may never find a place within us which
shall tend to lessen their preeminence, — and while we,
as members of this Institution, shall ever be ambitious
justly to meet the approbation of a generous publick, we
shall also be further gratified, if the designs of ils palri-
otick founder shall continue to be duly appreciated and
rewarded, by an intelligent community-
Further we will only assure our benefactors, that a
more ample reciprocation of the many considerations
which they haver bestowed upon tbe members of our
corps, will ever continue an object eagerly to be sought
by us, as a body, and as individuals.
With this assurance, we remain, in behalf of the
corps, their obedient servants,
J. D. ALLEN, 1
J. B. RODNEY, j Committee
J. S. WALLACE, }. of
H. P. WOODWORTH, | Cadets,
A KENNEDY, J
July 1st, 1824.
To gratify Ihe wishes of the parents and friends of
the members of our^ institution, these pages have been
(bus far devoted simply to a plain relation ofthe most
prominent occurrences, occupying the period of our ex
cursion, and it is for this reason only, that they have
been suffered to assume (his publick lorm.
Anxious for tbe progress of his dependents, the par
ent or friend, regards with interest their advances dur-
ing (hose early and best years, in which education forms
and improves the mind, influences and regulates the hab
its, and in the end effects the accomplishment of ifs
grand designs— the qualification honourably to dis
charge the great ami varied duties of Ike.

43
¦ In our country, where education emphatically forms
the basis of our liberal government, the progress of im
provement, is regarded with no common share of inter
est by all.
The independent freeman feels' the alliance of knowl
edge to liberty, and while he cherishes as the most dear,
the best interests of his country, is proudly interested in
(he prosperity of the institutions of every kind, based
upon truth and justice, and now flourishing under the
auspices of its good government. But in pausing on
that era, when Liberty fixed on ours as the land of her
habitation, we feel it no less a source of gratitude, than
a subject exciting admiration, that in the earnest smug
glings of the few, who sought to secure the "olive of
peace" and a nation's civil liberty, that letters were not
forgotten and consigned to oblivion. Yet we are as
sured, that intelligence was sought by them, as the rich
earnest, which should perpetuate the lasting blessings
which by their patriotick virtues, they secured to our
republick. Wifh the fairest prospects, it is now the happiness of
our American people, to notice the rapid march of im
provement in their individual conditions, — the great
and inestimable facilities afforded to every class of
youth for progress in the various departments of science
and literature — and in fine fhe competent securities
which as the individuals constituting a great nation, we
now enjoy, and all our observation assures us, are but
the fruits of our bappy and virtuous government.
During the short period of two centuries the progress
of American genius in science, and in the arts, as well
as political department, exists unparalleled in the an
nals of time, — and from the rapid spread of intellectual
and moral science our citizens now possess a deserved
claim to the highest spirit of generous principles.
As freemen we are now conscious of security in our
varied pursuits — as such we notice an encouragement

44

in the arts by tlie most liberal patronage — education
¦widely diffusing her choicest fruits, and a yet more per
fect blessing in the eyes of freemen, the press, that dread
foe to tyrants, exists (he safe palladium of our Uberties,
unshackled by legitimate power.
These and tbe countless other blessings of the many
millions of our fellow-citizens are but an inheritance
committed to us by those generous spirits who gave per
manence to our freedom. Inspired from this cause with
gratitude to those worthies, the fruits of their patriotism
must unavoidably enkindle within us such an ambition
as is worthy to hold a place in the breast of every A-
merican citizen — an ambition which will ever be ac
tive in investigating (he best measures for (heir invio
late perpetuation.

To Capt. A. Partridge, Superintendant of the A. L. S. &
M Academy.
Sir — In conformity to (he duly assigned me irpon the
late excursion of the corps of Cadets, I have endeavour
ed to mark the most distinguishing characterislicks, and
obtain the general features of the country over which
our march extended. With this view I have been ena
bled to make a series of barometrical observations, from
which lo calculate the various altitudes of the most not
ed places and, principal eminences over which we pass
ed, whereby may be represented a section of the coun
try from Connecticut River to Lake Champlain.
The face of the country, bounded by tliese limits on
the east and west, presents all the variety of surface that
can divert the mind with romantick scenery, that can
abundantly reward the labours of the husbandman, or
gratify (he spectator with Ihe more majestick appear
ances of nature. The mountains in the inferior are
lofty and precipitous, thickly crowded together in a,
continued chain, extending (o the north and south, and
giving a general inclination of the country (o (he "east
and west from the main ridge- As these inclined planes
descend on each side, they become less undulating as
they approach Connecticut river on the east, and (he
lake on the west, and from the high cliffs and deep
channels with which the more elevated parts are diver
sified, they are soon spread into extended swells and
broad vallies, and arriving upon the borders of the river
and the lake, Ihe surface becomes generally smooth and
level.

46

After taking a brief view of the features of Ihe coun
try generally, I have endeavoured more to particularize
the parts which lie more immediately in the vicinity
of our route.
The country descends from Norwich southerly to the
channel of White River. This river rises in the Green
Mountains, and makes its way through an uneven coun
try to Connecticut river, supported in its channel at
times by two inclined planes gradually rising on each
side with an easy ascent, and at others by lofty and
precipitous eminences near its banks. On the south
side, in the vicinity of ils entrance into the Connecti
cut, is a gradual ascent to the summit of a high swell of
land, thence descending to fhe valley of Queechy river,
which is of a similar description, but of inferior size to
that of White River, running,|in its general direction,
nearly parallel with it. This is a very rapid stream,
emanating from the Green Mountains in the neighbour
hood of Killinglon peak, and bringing off the waters
that spring from the eastern side of that lofty elevation.
As our march extended up this river near its banks, our
ascent was very gradual almost to its source. Arriving
near the limits of the Green Mountains, the prospect
before us was an extended pile of mountains rising one
above another in a wild and disorderly manner, and
seeming to threaten resistance to any attempt to pene
trate them. Tho road however, collateral wifh the rivr
er, leads through the circuitous channel, often crowded
by the mountains, whose precipitous sides almost meet,
and rise to a great elevation. Passing Ihrough this de
file which continues several miles, the mountains recede
from each other, leaving between them a large valley,,
on the west side of which rises the main ridge of (he
mountains. From this ridge and in this vicinityas-
cends Killinglon Peak, one of the most celebrated emi
nences in the state. — Wishing to know the elevation,
I went to Us summit and obtained its altitude. Tbe
prospect from this mountain is at once sublime and in
teresting. The magnificence of nature presents itself
in the highest pilch of grandeur, and (he spectator, who
fancies himself placed upon the pinnacle of nature's

47
immense fabrick, looks down with astonishment upon
the mountains crowded thick around bim. At no great
distance to the south rises Shrewsbury peak, which, in
point of elevation, seemed to be a rival to the eminence
on which I was situated, and afterwards by a trigonom
etrical observation made with a base line in Rutland
street, I found its height to exceed that of Killinglon
peak. To form an idea of the general character of this
chain of mountains, which pervades the state of Ver
mont, hy the prospect from thi» eminence, would be suf-
¦ ficieut to induce tbe observer to despair of every hope
that human agency could ever facilitate the means of
commerce between the parts of the state to which they
are so formidable a barrier. Bui the magnitude of the
whole collection of mountains in this . vicinity is evi
dently greater than at any other place in the whole
range. Of this we have a convincing evidence, from
the quantity of water that rises among them, which is
much greater than from any other place of the same ex
tent, which argues the mast elevated and broken part of
the country. Black, Queechy and White Rivers, all of
considerable magnitude, rise within no great distance
from each other and run in an easterly and southerly di-
<rection to the Connecticut, and to the west many large
streams flow, tributary to Otter Creek. These moun
tains a few miles south of this diminish to an inconsid
erable size, as naturally would be expected in conse
quence of the superabundant accumulation around this
place; and the possibility has not been without sugges
tion, of communicating the waters oflakeCbamplain and
Connecticut river by means of a canal, and, if practica
ble, so noble an enterprize ought not to be neglected.
The country from the base of the mountains wesl,
descends to Otter Creek, which runs in a northerly di
rection to lake Champlain. West of this creek is a
high ridge extending to (he north and south, which
seems a detached part of the Green Mountains. From
this the country descends in a gradual inclined plane (o
the lake, diversified with gentle swells and pleasant val
lies.

Having extended a series of observations across the
sta(e of Vermont over the most prominent part ofthe
Green Mountains, I have calculated the altitudes of (he
most important stations, which ure found annexed in Ihe
following table.

No.

Stations.

Dis- 1
tuner i
in '
miln

Allitwft,
abort tide
\ut~ater, in
I pel 1

1

Military Academy, - - - -

430'

2

White River, ....

4

«3»

3

Hartford Meeting-House, -

»i

730

4

Queechy Village, -

2i

415

5

Woodstock Court-house, -

6

498

-6

Bridgewater, ....

8

812

7

Sherburn, 

6

1075

8

Most elevated parts of the Green Mfs. on

7

1882

the road from Woodstock to Rutland,

9

Killinglon Peak, ....

6

3924

10

Shrewsbury Peak, - - - -

3

4034

11

Rutland Court-bouse, -

8

687

12

Otter Creek, in Rutland, -

2

467

13

Castleton Village, ...

8

494

14

Fair Haven Village, ....

5

370

15

Lake Champlain, - - - -

9

96

Whole distance, 68 miles.
The above results I have obtained wifh as much pre
cision as possible, and believe them (o express the alti
tude of (he several stations with a considerable degree
of accuracy, whereby may be represented a correct pro
file of the country to which they apply.
Wiih the confidence that inexperience will be con
sidered an apology for imperfections, tl's is respectfully
submitted for your examination,
By your most obedient and humble servant,
E. DUNBAR.
Topographical Engineer.,

-