1909 Champlain Tercentenary
Report of the NY Lake Champlain Tercentenary Commission
to the Legislature of the State of New York, Sept. 19, 1911

REPORT OF THE FIRST LAKE CHAMPLAIN TERCENTENARY COMMISSION

April 15, 1907 to March 23, 1908

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.

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

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

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

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

Resolved, That it is the judgment of the sub-committee 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

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

APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE EXPRESSED IN THE ANNUAL MESSAGE TO THE LEGISLATURE

“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

POPULAR INTEREST 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.

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.

HISTORIC IMPORTANCE OF THE CHAMPLAIN REGION

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

CROWN POINT AND TICONDEROGA

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.