Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 10.djvu/141

 'John Stark.

��133

��To General Stark from President Hancock.

Yorktown, Pa., Oct. 5, 1777,

Sir : — It is with tlie greatest pleas- ure I transmit the inclosed resolve of Congress, expressing the thanks of that body to you, and to the officers and troops under your command, for the signal victory you obtained over the enemy in the late battle of Ben- nington.

In consideration of your distin- guished conduct on that occasion, and the service you rendered the cause of freedom and your country, the congress have been pleased to ap- point you a Brigadier in the army of the United States.

Be pleased to communicate to the officers and troops of your command this mark of the approbation of their country, for their exertions in defence of American liberty.

I inclose your commission, and have the honor to be, with the great- est esteem and respect, sir, your most obedient and vei-y humble servant,

John Hancock, President.

Soon after the Bennington battle, Gen. Stark, with his volunteers, joined the main American army of Gates ; but the three months' enlist- ment of the men having expired, they said they had performed their part, and must return to their farms W'here their harvests now waited for them.

The general being then without a command, proceeded to New Hamp- shire to make his report to the coun- cil. His return was a triumphal march. He was waited upon by committees of congratulation where- ever he came, and was received with the warmest demonstration of the people's gratitude.

By order of the Council of New Hampshire, he immediately proceeded to enlist a new army of volunteers ; and such was the confidence in him

��as a commander, and so enthusiastic were the people, in view of the pos- sible capture of Burgoyne, that, in a few days, nearly 3,000 men enrolled themselves under his standard.

With this fresh army of New Hampshire volunteers, he immediate- ly advanced, by order of the council of that state, to Fort Edward, on Burgoyue's rear. This fort he cap- tured ; and after securing the garri- son, and leaving a strong detachment of his own troops to maintain the post, proceeded, on the the 7th of October, with 2,500 men, to occupy the sole remaining line of retreat for the British army.

By this movement Burgoyne be- came completel}' surrounded, and Gen. Stark earnestly advised Gen. Gates to attack the British camp and compel an unconditional surrender. But a capitulation was deemed most prudent, and Burgoyne soon after delivered up his entire army at Sa- ratoga, t

The capture of Burgoyne put an end, for the time being, to military movements at the north, and Gen. Stark returned to New Hampshire to obtain recruits and supplies for op- erations elsewhere.

In December he received orders from congress to repair to Albany and prepare for a secret winter ex- pedition to Canada. The Hon. James Duane was directed by congress to confer in person with Gen. Stark, and communicate to him orally the secret details of the proposed expedition, and to consider with him the best and most practicable means for its ac- complishment. The conference took place, the troops were engaged, sup- plies were obtained of provisions,

�� �