Page:History of Warren County.djvu/146

 a hundred and fifty pounds offered for his arrest, was one of the brave spirits who first took up arms against the oppression of Great Britain. He was found at Bennington by the force which had been collected in Connecticut and Massachusetts with the design of descending upon the works at the two fortified points on Lake Champlain. The expedition numbered about forty volunteers when it reached Bennington, where Allen's powerful influence and enthusiastic assistance were secured. On the 7th of May a band of brave men numbering two hundred and seventy (all but forty-six being "Green Mountain boys," as Allen's followers were termed) had assembled at Castleton. At this inopportune time Benedict Arnold appeared on the scene, bearing a commission from the Massachusetts committee of safety, dated May 3d, clothing him with authority to effect the same purpose for which the other force was destined. A conflict for the command ensued, which was finally terminated by the refusal of the volunteers to march except under the command of Allen. Arnold reluctantly accompanied the expedition as second in command.

Noah Phelps, one of the Massachusetts committee, entered the fort at Ticonderoga in pretended quest of a barber, and thus gained definite knowledge of its condition. Captain Herrick was ordered to Skenesborough, whence, after the capture of the younger Skene and the stores there accumulated, he was to join Allen at Ticonderoga. Douglass was ordered to Panton to secure boats for transportation of the force. The committees of Albany and New York appear to have declined any part in these operations.

Allen's force marched with as much secrecy as possible to the eastern shore of the lake, posted pickets on all roads leading to Ticonderoga, to cut off possible conveyance to the fort of intelligence of the movement, and there waited a day and a night for the arrival of the boats. Finally with the few boats that were at hand Allen resolved to attempt the passage; and on the night of the 10th eighty-three men embarked at Hand's Point and landed about a mile north of the fort. Dawn was approaching and the commander realized to the fullest the importance of prompt action. He had been furnished with a guide in the person of young Nathan Beman, son of a patriot of Shoreham, who had a perfect knowledge of the works gained during his boyhood.

Allen, in a low and earnest voice, addressed his little band, inspiring them with the importance of their mission and the glory of its success, and then told them that all who accompanied him must go voluntarily, and ordered all who were ready to poise their firelocks. Every musket was instantly raised. After again pacifying Arnold, who assumed to the leadership, by agreeing that they should advance together, Allen and Arnold took the lead, with young Beaman, and the column filed up to the sallyport of the fortress. The sentinel snapped his gun as they approached and retreated through the covered way, closely followed by the Americans, who drew up on the parade in two lines, each facing the barracks. Their shouts awakened the garrison and Captain de la