REPORT OF THE FIRST LAKE CHAMPLAIN
TERCENTENARY COMMISSION
April 15, 1907 to March 23, 1908
To the Legislature of the State of New York:
The Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission of New York State respectfully
submits the following report of action taken, and suggestions for proposed
action in the matter for which the Commission was created.
April 15, 1907, Mr. Hill offered in the Senate the following Concurrent
Resolution, authorizing the appointment of a commission to confer with
Commissioners from Vermont and the Dominion of Canada in relation to
the observance of the tercentenary of Lake Champlain:
RESOLUTION CREATING THE COMMISSION
WHEREAS, The discovery of Lake Champlain by Samuel
Champlain, on July 4, 1609, antedates the discovery by the whites
of any other portion of the territory now comprising the State of
New York, and was an event worthy of commemoration in the annals of
the State and nation, and
WHEREAS, The State of Vermont, in 1906, appointed a commission consisting
of the Governor of that State and six other commissioners, to confer
with commissioners to be appointed on the part of New York and the
Dominion of Canada, to ascertain what action, if any, ought to be
taken by such States and the Dominion of Canada for the observance
of such tercentenary;
Therefore, be it Resolved (if the Assembly concur), that a
commission, consisting of the Governor, who shall be chairman ex
officio, two citizens to be designated by him, the Lieutenant-Governor,
the Speaker of the Assembly, two Senators, to be designated by the
Lieutenant-Governor, and two members of the Assembly, to be designated
by the Speaker, be appointed to represent the State of New York at
such conference, with power to enter into negotiations with the commissioners
representing the State of Vermont and those representing the Dominion
of Canada for the observance of such tercentenary, and that such commission
report the results of their negotiations, together with their recommendations
thereon, to the Legislature of 1908. That such commissioners receive
no pay for their services and that their necessary expenses be paid
by the State, but such payment shall not exceed the amount expressly
appropriated therefor.
The foregoing resolution was adopted by the Senate April 15, 1907, and
by the Assembly concurring without amendment April 16, 1907. For the expenses
of the Commissioners appointed under this resolution, $2,000, or so much
thereof as may be necessary, was appropriated by Chapter 578 of the Laws
of 1907.
Governor Hughes appointed as members of said Commission the Hon. Frank
S. Witherbee of Port Henry, and the Hon. John H. Booth of Plattsburgh.
The Lieutenant-Governor designated the Hon. Henry W. Hill of Buffalo,
and the 1-Ion. John C. R. Taylor of Middletown. The Speaker of the Assembly
named the Hon. Alonson T. Dominy of Beekmantown, and the Hon. James
A. Foley of New York city.
JOINT MEETING OF THE NEW YORK AND VERMONT COMMISSIONS
At a joint meeting of the New York and Vermont Commissions, held at Hotel
Champlain, Bluff Point, September 6, 1907, His Excellency Governor Hughes
presiding, Governor Proctor, of Vermont, and six members of the Vermont
Commission were present, as were also all of the New York Commission,
except the Lieutenant-Governor, the Speaker, and the Hon. Frank S. Witherbee,
absent in Europe. Mr. Victor H. Paltsits, State Historian of New York,
also attended by invitation. Mr. Frank H. Severance of Buffalo was chosen
Secretary of the New York State Commission.
The Chairman stated the general purpose of the Commissions and the
desirability of reaching definite suggestions for carrying out the work.
On motion of Senator Hill, a sub-committee of three was created, to
be appointed by the Chair, the Governor being Chairman ex officio
of the said sub-committee, who should confer with the Secretary of State
at Washington as to advisable steps to be taken in regard to bringing
the proposed celebration to the attention of the Republic of France,
the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Dominion of Canada.
The sub-committee subsequently appointed consisted of Hon. Henry W.
Hill, Chairman; Hon. Frank S. Witherbee and Hon. John H. Booth.
A TOUR OF INSPECTION
A tour of inspection of historic sites on Lake Champlain having been determined
upon, members of the two Commissions, including the Governor of New York,
the Governor of Vermont, and a few guests, left Hotel Champlain on the
morning of September 7, 1907, on two yachts.
As they passed northward, places of historic interest were pointed
out, and every island, every bay and headland, was found to have its
associations. The attention of your Commission was especially directed
at the outset to Valcour island, just off the New York shore near Plattsburgh.
This island, now in part owned by the Federal Government, has played
an important part in three wars. On October 13, 1759, Captain Loring
of Amherst’s army pursued a French schooner and three sloops under the
shelter of Valcour. Two of the sloops were here sunk, and the third
was run aground by her crew. The naval engagement of October 11, 1776,
between the American and British fleets, was off Valcour; which was
also within the theater of the engagement of September I 1, 1814.
Other islands in this part of the lake share the history of these
events. It was from Schuyler’s island, October 12, 1 776, that Benedict
Arnold wrote to General Gates, announcing the loss of two vessels of
the American fleet.
The commissioners crossed the bay which was the scene of Macdonough’s
brilliant victory of September 11, 1814, in which the American loss
was, according to Neeser’s “Statistical Tables of the U. S. Navy,” 52
killed and 59 wounded, and the British loss, according to the same authority,
84 killed and 110 wounded. Special note was taken of Crab Island, where
the Americans placed their sick, September 7th to 10th, and where the
convalescent soldiers built and manned a battery. Here is the burial-ground
where were interred the soldiers and marines killed in the battle of
September 11, 1814.
Just beyond we passed Cumberland Head, with associations not only
of the War of 1812, but of the Revolution. Here it was, in June, 1777,
that Burgoyne’s army rested for several days.
Further north, on the New York side, Point au Fer was passed. This
famous point, visited by many of the early expeditions, was fortified
by General Sullivan in 1776. In June of the next year it was occupied
by Burgoyne; and the British remained in possession until 1788, after
the close of the war.
Near the north end of the lake, among other places noted by your Commission,
is Windmill Point, so named from a mill and settlement built there by
the French in 1731. The Canadian boundary line runs about two and a
half miles north of this point. An interesting association relates to
a visit made to this place in the autumn of 1766 by Sir Henry Moore,
Governor of New York Colony, and Sir Guy Carleton, Governor of the Province
of Quebec. Their object was to ascertain where the boundary ran which
had been fixed by royal order at the 45th degree. “After encountering
many difficulties,” the Governor of New York subsequently wrote to the
Lords of Trade (November 7, 1766), “we fixed the limits on the River
Sorell [now known as the Sorel, or Richelieu, the outlet of Lake Champlain],
about two and a half miles below Windmill Point, which is further to
the northward than we imagined to find it from the observations which
were said to be made there by the French some few years ago.
During this visit of the two Governors at Windmill Point they were
visited by a number of French gentlemen from Quebec, who sought a confirmation
of their rights in seigniories granted to them before the conquest of
Canada, and now found to extend south of the Canadian boundary line.
The adjustment of these old seigniorial grants, and questions relating
thereto, ran through many years, and constitutes a considerable chapter
in the international history of this region. The boundary line was fixed
by an Order in Council (“Report of the Lords of the Committee of Privy
Council “), August 12, 1768.
Your commissioners made their first landing at Sandy Point, on Isle
La Motte, the site of the first French settlement in the valley; thence,
after dinner at the home of the Hon. Nelson W. Fisk. Isle La Motte,
going to Burlington, where the Commissions were the guests of the Burlington
Commercial Club and of the Ethan Allen Club. Various points of interest
in the city and vicinity were visited, and the following day as many
of the commissioners as could arrange went by steamer to Crown Point
and afterward to Ticonderoga, where the sites and ruined fortifications
were inspected.
CONFERENCE WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE
On December 4, 1907, the Hon. Henry W. Hill and the Hon. Frank S. Witherbee,
of the above-named sub-committee, visited Washington, where Messrs. Lynn
M. Hays and Walter H. Crockett of the Vermont Commission joined them in
a visit to the Secretary of State, the Hon. Elihu Root, with whom a conference
was held, at which there were also present, besides the commissioners,
Senators Proctor and Dillingham and Representative David J. Foster.
The commissioners laid the proposed plan of celebration and commemoration
before the Secretary of State, with a view of ascertaining the action
which he would approve in the matter on the part of the Government of
the United States. The Secretary inquired what New York State and Vermont
were likely to do in the way of appropriations; and was informed that
both States were expected to make suitable appropriations, and that
it was deemed important that representatives of the Governments of France,
of Great Britain and Canada be invited through the Federal Government
to be present as its guests at such celebration.
Secretary Root expressed his approval. In his view the Federal Government
might with propriety invite such representatives; and he stated his
willingness to recommend to the President that a suitable appropriation
be made for their entertainment.
The Secretary of State further expressed to the commissioners his
most cordial approval of the proposed celebration, and deep interest
in it, especially on account of its international features, and because
of its historical character, illustrating as it would, the periods of
discovery and settlement, and the development of American institutions.
ACTION TAKEN AT ALBANY, DECEMBER 21. 1907
At a joint meeting of the New York and Vermont Commissions, held at Albany,
December 21, 1907, the following resolutions, which had been adopted by
the special subcommittee and reported to a meeting of the whole Commission
at the Executive Mansion, Governor Hughes presiding, were adopted:
Resolved, That
it is the judgment of the subcommittee of the Lake Champlain Tercentenary
Commission that the tercentenary of the discovery of Lake Champlain
and the historic events following during the Colonial and Revolutionary
periods, and also of the War of 1812, be celebrated in an appropriate
and fitting manner in July. 1909. In the valley of Lake Champlain, with
appropriate exercises to be determined upon by the Commission having
that matter in charge.
Resolved. That a permanent memorial to commemorate the discovery
by Samuel Champlain be erected at some point in the Champlain Valley;
and that the State of New York make suitable appropriation for such
celebration; and also a suitable appropriation toward defraying the
cost of said memorial, sharing therein with the State of Vermont and
any other contributors thereto.
Resolved, That a suitable memorial be prepared on the part of
the Commission of the State of New York and on the part of the Commission
of the State of Vermont, if they concur, to be presented through the
Secretary of State to the Federal Government, requesting that the Federal
Government, through the Department of State. or a commission, as it
may decide, participate in the proposed celebration; and that the Federal
Government be requested to make suitable appropriation therefor; and
that the Federal Government be requested to invite the participation
of Canada; and also to invite and entertain representatives of the Republic
of France, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Dominion of Canada.
SUNDRY SUGGESTIONS
In free discussion among the members of the Commissions it was developed
that in the judgment of the Commissions the proposed celebration should
include exercises to be held at Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Plattsburgh,
Burlington, Isle La Motte, and, if found feasible, at a convenient point
in Canada. Other suggestions were:
That on Sunday, July 4, 1909, religious services of a character appropriate
to the anniversary be held, if possible, at suitable points, especially
at Cliff Haven, at Isle La Motte, and in the cathedral at Burlington,
under the auspices of the Roman Catholic church.
Also, that said celebration shall include such musical features as
may be found desirable, and, if possible, an aquatic pageant, with fireworks,
electrical display, and other appropriate features. It is understood
and expected that the annual meetings of regattas of canoe, motor-boat
or yacht clubs may be held at this time on Lake Champlain, contributing
attractive features to the celebration.
It was further suggested, with the approval of the members present,
that the fraternal orders represented in the Champlain Valley be invited
to join in the celebration and to appear in regalia in appropriate parades
as opportunity may offer.
After some discussion as to the practicability of participation by
patriotic societies, it was voted that the Secretary of the New York
Commission procure data relative to the patriotic societies represented
in the Champlain Valley and submit it at a future meeting of the Commission,
that the Commission may act with more adequate information on this subject.
A MEMORIAL VOLUME RECOMMENDED
A further suggestion, which appeals with force to your Commission, is
that there should be provided for, to be published by the State of New
York, a suitable memorial volume, to be issued as soon as practicable
after the celebration, which shall contain a general report of your Commission;
a report of the celebration and memorial exercises; a suitable historical
sketch of the Champlain region; a bibliography of the works of Champlain
and works relating to him; a cartography of Lake Champlain; and such other
features as may be determined upon.
APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE EXPRESSED IN THE ANNUAL MESSAGE TO THE
LEGISLATURE
That the Governor of New York State heartily approves of the proposed
celebration is shown in his message transmitted to the Legislature on
January 1st last.
“Fitting preparation,” he said, “should be made for the celebration
in the year 1909 of the 300th anniversary of the discovery of Lake Champlain.
This,” he adds, “is an event of interstate and international importance,
and a Commission representing this State is cooperating with a Vermont
Commission in perfecting suitable plans. It is hoped that the Federal
Government will give assistance, and that through its offices the Government
of the Dominion of Canada and the Republic of France will be invited
to participate.”
THE VERMONT COMMISSION
The Vermont Commission, it should be noted, was created by the act of
the Vermont Legislature, session of 1906—1907. It is officially designated
“The Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission of Vermont,” and is constituted
as follows: Chairman, His Excellency the Hon. Fletcher D. Proctor, Governor
of Vermont; Chairman pro tern., Walter E. Howard, Middlebury; Secretary,
Lynn M. Hays, No. 196 Main street, Burlington; and Messrs. Horace W. Bailey,
Newbury; M. D. McMahon, Burlington; R. W. McCuen, Vergennes; and Walter
H. Crockett, St. Albans. This Commission, it may be observed, is a permanent
organization for the accomplishment of the object for which it was created;
with power to enter into and perfect arrangements with a similar Commission
representing New York State, when it shall have been created; and to plan,
superintend and carry out the proposed celebration and erection of a memorial
on the part of Vermont.
POPULAR INTEREST IN THE MATTERR
As the public, not only in New York State and Vermont, but in neighboring
States as well, have learned of these preliminary preparations, great
interest has been shown in the matter.
In Vermont the press very generally has joined in expressions of approval
of the project. The Vermont Commission has been prompt to signify its
readiness to cooperate in every way possible with New York. Its sub-committee,
consisting of the Hon. Walter E. Howard, Chairman; Messrs. Lynn M. Hays
and Walter H. Crockett, have reported a resolution in which they “recommend
to the Vermont Commission that the 300th anniversary of the discovery
of Lake Champlain by Samuel Champlain be celebrated in a manner fitting
the occasion by the State of Vermont, acting in conjunction with the
State of New York.” The full Vermont Commission have also planned to
organize a publicity bureau for the purpose of creating sentiment in
the interests of the proposed celebration.
In New York State, also, the press in many sections has shown marked
interest in and approval of the project. So, too, have various patriotic
and historical societies. ACTION OF PATRIOTIC SOCIETIES The following
resolutions, adopted by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Buffalo
Chapter, on November 22, 1907, were officially endorsed by the New York
State Conference, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution,
and in substance have been adopted by several other of the patriotic
societies having chapters in this State:
WHEREAS, Buffalo Chapter, Daughters of the
American Revolution, has learned with deep interest of the preliminary
steps taken by the State of New York. regarding a contemplated celebration
jointly with the State of Vermont and Province of Quebec, of the discovery
and first exploration of Lake Champlain, said suggested celebration
to occur on the 300th anniversary of the discovery, in July, 1909; and
WHEREAS, We regard this discovery, and the events flowing therefrom,
as of paramount importance in the history of this State. In the Colonial,
as in the Revolutionary period and that of the War of 1812, the valley
of Lake Champlain was the theater of many stirring operations and decisive
engagements. With its beautiful waters, its hills and headlands, its
storied islands and ruined fortifications, the annals and traditions
of the Daughters of the American Revolution are inti- mately woven;
therefore Resolved, That we, members of the Buffalo Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution, hereby urge upon the Legislature
of the State of New York the desira- bility of heartily endorsing the
proposed plan of celebration;
Resolved, That in our view it is especially desirable that in
connection with the proposed celebration, one or more of the historic
sites in the Champlain Valley be acquired by the State of New York for
the suitable preservation of its landmarks and the enjoyment of the
public; or that, if this should not prove feasible, that the erection
of some permanent memorial be included in the action of the State.
The following letter from the Secretary of the Society of Colonial Wars
in the State of New York, further indicates the interest that has been
aroused and the cooperation which awaits the action of your honorable
body:
SOCIETY OF THE COLONIAL WARS IN THE STATE OF NEW
YORK,
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, ROOM 62,
45 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK,
February 20, 1908.
Hon. HENRY W. HILL, Chairman of the Sub-Committee,
New York Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission, Senate Chamber, Albany,
N. Y..
Dear Sir.— I have the honor to transmit to you the
following resolution adopted by this Society through the Council:
WHEREAS, The Society of Colonial Wars in the State
of New York has been informed of the proposed celebration jointly
by the States of New York and Vermont, and the Province of Quebec,
in commemoration of the discovery of Lake Champlain. to occur on the
300th anniversary thereof in July, 1909;
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That
the Society of Colonial Wars in the State of New York hereby declares
that it is in hearty sympathy with such proposed celebration and that
it is its intention to hold a reunion at Lake Champlain in connection
therewith in July, 1909, and that it appoint a committee to confer
as to the management therefor.
Yours very truly,
HENRY GANSEVOORT SANFORD,
Secretary.
Other organizations as well, especially the historical and patriotic societies
represented in the Champlain Valley, have expressed their ardent interest
in the project and willingness to cooperate as may be desired.
HISTORIC IMPORTANCE OF THE CHAMPLAIN REGION
Your honorable body are familiar in general with the historic importance
of the region in which it is proposed to hold this celebration and erect
a memorial. It may be permitted, however, on the part of your Commission
to direct especial attention in this report to a few features of its history,
which endow the Champlain Valley with extraordinary importance in the
annals of New York State.
The entrance into the valley which now bears his name by the great
explorer, Samuel Champlain, in July, 1609, constitutes the opening of
the first chapter in the history of New York State.
It antedated by some months the discovery and exploration of the Hudson
river, and it resulted in a sequence of events extending over a century
and a half, in delivering the region which is now the great commonwealth
of New York from its condition of aboriginal darkness. After Champlain
came the missionary, and with him and after him there came the trader;
and presently from Lake Champlain to the Niagara river the power of
France strove with that of England for the control of what is now New
York State.
Your Commission would call your particular attention to the extraordinary
significance of the anniversary which it is desired to celebrate. In
discovering the lake that bears his name, Champlain also discovered
the region that became New York State. He was the first white man to
behold any portion of our State, or to set foot therein. His visit in
July, 1609, was not only the beginning of recorded history in New York
State, but of a new era for the Western continent.
FIRST CHRISTIAN WORSHIP IN VERMONT
For many years after this initial voyage the waters of the Champlain Valley
were the highway of many expeditions notable in Colonial history. None
was more notable than that which in the summer of 1666 erected on Isle
La Motte the old Fort Ste. Anne, and set up there the first Christian
altar in what is now the State of Vermont. Throughout the following years
of Indian warfare many a desperate enterprise occurred in this valley;
and later, as the English colonists to the South found themselves in opposition
to the power of France in Canada, the passing years saw an endless succession
of war expeditions up and down the valley.
CROWN POINT AND TICONDEROGA
Towards the end of the period of French control of the Champlain region,
in 1731, the French made their most southern fortifications at what is
now known as Crown Point. When your Commission visited this historic site,
it found, in a most interesting state of preservation, not only the ruins
of British military constructions, but of the earlier French outlines.
The territory covered by these landmarks, or identified with them,
passed from the ownership of New York State to Union and Columbia Colleges.
The property was partitioned in 1812, and in 1828 the trustees of Columbia
College deeded the property to Sylvester Churchill. It subsequently
passed through various hands, and is now owned by Mr. Fred Nadeau, who
resides in the neighborhood.
Similarly at Ticonderoga, where your Commission carefully inspected
the ruins, one finds reminders alike of American, of British and of
French occupancy. The title of Ticonderoga may be said to have been
successively vested in the Indian aborigines, in the French down to
1759, in the English to 1775, with changing fortunes to the end of the
Revolution; then (after perhaps a period of Federal control), in the
State of New York, the Regents of the University, and Columbia and Union
Colleges.
In 1818, Mr. William F. Pell purchased the property of some five hundred
acres, including the old ruins and fortifications, from the two colleges
mentioned, since which date it has been in the possession of his family,
the ownership at present being vested in five of his descendants.
HISTORIC ASSOCIATIONS
That the places included in the proposed celebration are rich in historic
associations may be judged by citing a few of the many significant facts
that might be presented.
Sandy Point on Isle La Motte, near the outlet of the lake, holds the
ruins of Fort Ste. Anne, the first spot in which mass was said in the
present State of Vermont. Its military associations under the French
include the names of de Tracy, Levis, Bourlamaque and Bougainville.
Of even more significance is it in the annals of the Roman Catholic
church. The great missionary, Dollier de Casson, ministered to the garrison
there in 1667; and later three famous Jesuits, Fathers Frémin, Pierron
and Bruyas, labored there.
In 1892 the site of the old fort was bought by the Rev. de Goesbriand,
first bishop of Burlington, with a further purchase in 1895. A chapel
with a statue of Ste. Anne, a great cross and other structures were
erected and blessed. It is a point of religious pilgrimage, and yearly
on the feast of Ste. Anne, July 26th, thousands of devout pilgrims visit
the spot to pray at the shrine, where are preserved relics of Ste. Anne
and the Virgin.
IN DEFENSE OF NEW YORK’S RIGHTS
Of surpassing interest to the American student and an especial source
of pride to the resident of New York State, are the expeditions sent out
by the feeble Colony of New York to maintain their rights against the
encroachments or murderous incursions of the French and Indian allies
to the north.
When these enemies burned Schenectady and slaughtered its inhabitants
in February, 1690, New York was stirred to a just retaliation; and it
was through the Champlain Valley that John Schuyler (grandfather of
Philip Schuyler of Revolutionary fame) led his little force, in a fleet
of bark canoes, against the enemy in Canada. His men were few, but they
struck a sturdy blow for the rights of New York.
In 1691, Major Peter Schuyler led still another expedition against
the hostile settlements, also by the Lake Champlain route. Numerous
other expeditions followed, in subsequent years. The annals of Colonial
New York show how, time and time again, Lake Champlain was both highway
and battleground where the rights of New York were defended and established.
EXPLOITS IN THREE WARS
Lake Champlain throughout its whole length was the theater of important
engagements and expeditions during the Revolutionary War. One needs but
to mention Ethan Allen at Ticonderoga, Seth Warner at Crown Point, Benedict
Arnold at St. John’s. The battle which the latter fought October 11, 1776,
near Valcour Island, off Plattsburgh, was one of the earliest naval battles
in our history, and one of the most heroic. The wreck of one of Arnold’s
vessels, the Royal Savage, still lies near Valcour Island.
Plattsburgh and Cumberland Bay are memorable for engagements in the
War of 1812, both on land and lake. Here it was, September 11, 1814,
that Macdonough won a brilliant victory over the British squadron under
Downie. It was one of the decisive engagements which brought that war
to a close with credit to the Americans.
As one passes up the lake to the south, the points of historic significance
multiply; and recall, besides the later wars, the old French war with
the exploits of “Rogers the Ranger;” the defense of Ticonderoga by Montcalm
(July 8, 1758), when Abercromby stormed the works only to retire, crestfallen
and exhausted, with a loss of some 2,000 men. The next year. again in
July (23d) British arms at Ticonderoga under Amherst scored a victory,
and virtually ended the dominion of the French in the valley; and British
it remained until that May morning (the 10th) in 1775, when Col. Ethan
Allen made his sudden advent and demanded its surrender “in the name
of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.”
Crown Point, the old French Fort Frédéric, is peculiarly a landmark
to the student, for it was not only the southernmost outpost of the
French of Canada, but as early as I 742 it was reported to be, “with
the exception of Quebec, the strongest work held by the French in Canada.”
Furthermore, it was of great strategic importance, for it commanded
the open highway between French and English North America. Abandoned
by the French in 1759, it was occupied by Gen. Amherst (August 1st),
who gathered there 15,000 troops, and rebuilt it, stronger than before.
During the Revolution the Americans held it until Burgoyne with 7,000
troops invested it (June 27, 1777), when the Americans abandoned it
and retired to Ticonderoga.
LANDMARKS THAT SHOULD BE PRESERVED
That the preservation of historic sites within our own boundaries meets
the approval of the American people, and is a source of satisfaction to
them, is proved by innumerable instances. Never do we hear any advocacy
in favor of abandoning sites already acquired and suitably cared for,
either by State or Nation. But very often do we hear regret expressed
that more sites, rich in historic associations, have not been thus acquired
and safeguarded for the future.
Of no points in New York State is this regret oftener expressed, than
in regard to Crown Point and Ticonderoga. Indeed, the scenic beauties
of these places would win for them approval as public parks, even had
they no historic associations. But in addition to their great natural
beauty, and comparative accessibility for large numbers of people, they
offer to the visitor a wealth of historic association equaled by few
if any other spots in our State.
The ruins at Crown Point are the best preserved examples in America
of the military construction of their day and kind.
WHAT IT IS PROPOSED TO CELEBRATE
In the view of your Commission, the events above mentioned are a few of
the many occurring in the valley of Lake Champlain which make it a worthy
scene of a notable memorial celebration. We would celebrate the tercentenary
of its discovery; but that anniversary, which falls July, 1909, is also
a fitting occasion for recalling, in speech and written record, in festival
and in pageant, some of the other nation-building events in the three
centuries of history of that region. For several of those events, as our
report has shown, the month of July is the anniversary time, as well as
of that first voyage through the lake by the explorer.
In 1909, too, we would celebrate the 100th anniversary of the introduction
of steam navigation on Lake Champlain. For more than a century this
lake has been a part of New York State’s system of improved waterways,
and for 89 years it has been joined by canal with the canal system of
the State and the Hudson river.
LAKE CHAMPLAIN IN LITERATURE
One needs but to turn to the literature of travel and description to find
abundant records of the Champlain Valley in the narratives of travelers,
especially Europeans. For many years, because of its beauty, its history,
and its directness or convenience, the tour through Lake Champlain was
a favorite one with foreign as well as American travelers.
Peter Kalm, the famous Swedish botanist, describes at length his visit
to the valley in 1749. Isaac Weld and John Maude, English artists, who
traveled in America at the close of the eighteenth century, describe
it at length. Dr. Timothy Dwight. the famous president of Yale College,
made elaborate record of its conditions as he found them in 1798.
Shortly after the close of the War of 1812, an English officer, Lieutenant
Francis Hall, of the 14th Light Dragoons, traveled through the Champlain
Valley and recorded with unusual detail the state of things as they
then were. His narrative, printed in London in 1818, is a valued source
of information for this particular period.
In 1842, Charles Dickens enjoyed the beauties of the lake tour, and
in his “American Notes,” in marked contrast to many of his critical
comments, he wrote in superlative praise of the steamboat service that
he found on Lake Champlain.
PROGRESS OF THE CHAMPLAIN REGION
These and many other travelers who have written of Lake Champlain have
left a valuable record of conditions as they were at different periods.
We have a picture of the lake when its shores were practically all wilderness.
We see the bark canoe followed in turn by the rude batteau, the heavy
sloop, then by various sail-craft; later by the pioneer steamboat, and
finally by the era of modern travel and conveyance, whether for passenger
or freight, whether for business or pleasure, with all the useful appliances
of steam and electricity.
Even more striking has been the evolution of the shores, where the
remote pioneer settlements have been succeeded by scores of thriving
communities.
The Champlain Valley embraces a populous and progressive portion of
the Empire State. Our citizens in that valley have a just pride in its
past, and are ready to promote in any way possible, such commemorative
celebration as the State may determine upon.
NEW YORK AND CHAMPLAIN
New York State has never erected any memorial to the great explorer who
first reached her shores.
So far as your Commission is aware, the only monument to Samuel Champlain
that has been erected in the United States is the modest but creditable
statue unveiled in the village of Champlain in this State on July 4,
1907. The exercises included impressive religious services, a parade,
military drills, etc.; and a formal unveiling of the statue. Thousands
of visitors shared in the exercises, especially those of French-American
ancestry, whose pride and enthusiasm indicate the ardent endorsement
which may be expected from this source for the proposed tercentenary
celebration.
CHAMPLAIN ANNIVERSARIES ELSEWHERE
Already the Dominion of Canada is preparing for a fitting celebration,
the coming summer, of the 300th anniversary of the founding of Quebec.
Your honorable body will recall that the Maritime Provinces of Canada
held a most successful celebration in June, 1904, of the 300th anniversary
of the founding of Port Royal and other events associated with Champlain,
who first entered the Bay of Fundy in June, 1604. The memorial and festive
features of this tercentenary celebration, so happily carried out by
the people of New Brunswick, awakened very general interest.
The events of 1608, which the Dominion of Canada proposes to celebrate
in 1908, stimulate and extend this popular interest, and direct attention
in a marked degree to the historical importance of those events of 1609
which we recommend for distinguished observance by New York State in
1909.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF 1909
Your Commission respectfully submit the foregoing report to the consideration
of the Legislature of New York. The anniversary, which we desire shall
be suitably observed, has great significance. Important as it is to the
student of history, it makes a wider and stronger appeal to that large
body of our citizens whose forefathers fought in the wars of the Champlain
region, or were among the pioneers who transformed it from the wilderness.
But chief of all the considerations which we urge upon your attention
is the international character of the proposed celebration. The history
of the Champlain valley belongs to the history of three great nations,
whose cordial relations we believe will be promoted by the suitable
observance of this significant date.
RECOMMENDATION
To that end your Commission, after careful investigation, reaches the
conclusion that the 300th anniversary of the discovery of Lake Champlain,
should be suitably celebrated by New York State; and to that end we respectfully
recommend the enactment of the following bill:
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF
THE TERCENTENARY OF THE DISCOVERY OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN, THE APPOINTMENT
OF A COMMISSION, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND DUTIES AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION
THEREFOR.
The People of the Side of New York, represented
in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. The governor shall appoint five citizens
of this state, the president pro tempore of the senate shall appoint
three members of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly shall
appoint three members of the assembly, who shall constitute and be
known as the commission for the public celebration of the tercentenary
of the discovery of Lake Champlain. The members of such commission
shall serve without pay but shall receive their necessary traveling
and other expenses.
SEC. 2. The object of such commission shall be to plan and conduct
a public celebration of the tercentenary of the discovery of Lake
Champlain by Samuel Champlain in the month of July, sixteen hundred
and nine, and such other historical events following such discovery
as such commission may deem of general public interest or worthy of
commemoration.
SEC. 3. Such commission shall organize by electing a chairman, secretary,
treasurer and such other officers as it may deem necessary; and may
adopt such rules and regulations as it may deem proper for carrying
into effect the purposes for which it is created, and shall have power
to enter into negotiations and co-operate with the state of Vermont,
the government of the United States, the Dominion of Canada and the
Province of Quebec, or either or any of them, and with the various
patriotic and historical societies of the state and nation, in such
celebration and may appoint committees of citizens from the various
municipalities of the state. Such commission shall also have the power,
either by itself or in co-operation with the state of Vermont, the
government of the United States, the Dominion of Canada and the Province
of Quebec, or any or either of them, to erect a suitable permanent
memorial to the said Samuel Champlain, in the valley of Lake Champlain.
Such commission may also appoint committees from its members and may
employ such assistants as it may deem necessary, fix their compensation
and define their powers and duties within the provisions of this act.
SEC. 4. Such commission shall audit and pay all bills and expenses
incurred under this act and file the vouchers therefor with the comptroller
of the state; keep an accurate record of all its proceedings and transactions,
and shall submit to the legislature of nineteen hundred and ten a
full and complete report thereof. It shall have no power or authority
to contract for the expenditure of any sum in excess of the amount
herein appropriated, except such funds as have actually been paid
into its treasury by public or private contribution for the erection
of a memorial as herein provided, and it shall keep an accurate account
of the receipt and disbursement of such contributions, if any, and
include the same in its report to the legislature.
SEC. 5. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated, out of any moneys not
otherwise appropriated, for the purposes of this act, and payments
shall be made by the state treasurer to the treasurer of such commission
on the warrant of the state comptroller on the requisition of the
chairman of such commission. In addition to the sum herein appropriated,
the commission is authorized and empowered to receive and expend public
and private contributions for any of the purposes hereinbefore set
forth.
SEC. 6. This act shall take effect immediately.
The foregoing is respectfully submitted.
CHARLES E. HUGHES.
LEWIS STUYVESANT CHANLER.
HENRY W. HILL.
JOHN C. R. TAYLOR.
J. W. WADSWORTH, JR.
ALONSON T. D0MINY.
JAMES A. FOLEY.
FRANK S. WITHERBEE.
JOHN H. BOOTH.
FRANK H. SEVERANCE, Secretary.
ALBANY, March 23, 1908.
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