Letter from the Battle of Bennington Committee to John Stark, Papers of John Stark, 1810.
From the Collection of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
Bennington July 25th, 1810
Respected Sir
Once more the season has arrived for the celebration of that auspicious day when you Sir at the head of our brave yeomanry under the benevolent hand of a super intending Providence led our troops to victory and glory on the ever memorable hills of Walloonsack – the people of the adjacent counties have resolved to celebrate on the consecrated ground – For this purpose they have chosen a large and respectable committee from the surrounding towns -- The Governors of the States of New York and Vermont will be invited and probably attend. Hundreds of your fellow citizens who fought by your side and thousands of other republicans will be present on the pleasing occasion. Nothing __ can be wanting to make our joy complete but the presence of our venerable friend and commander whom with American pride we stile the Hero of Bennington.
In your patriotic address to us of the last year we regret that you tell us that the oil is almost extinguished in the lamp and that old age has rendered it impossible for you to attend. Altho we are again pushed by our fellow citizens to give you an invitation to come and join in the festivities of the day – The toast Sir which you sent us in 1809 will continue to vibrate with unceasing pleasure in our ears – Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils
Never never Sir shall we cease to recollect with the most ardent affections the man who made the arrangement and who at the ______ of his life executed the plan with such decision and success. And while your sword was waving on the high places of the fields the lives of thousands of our distressed fellow citizens like a cloud rolled before the throne of the eternal. Heaven heard and led you and your brave fellow citizens to glory and victory. Accept dear general the expression of our warmest gratitude and our highest esteem and believe us to be your cordial friend.