Page:Great Men and Famous Women Volume 5.djvu/300

204 WORKMEN AND HEROES and, led by Allen, a rush was made, the sentry overpowered, and soon the gallant " 83 " were standing back to back on the parade-ground within the fort, their mus- kets levelled at the two barracks which, filled with sleeping soldiers, faced each other. The commandant was then aroused by loud rapping on his door and the voice of Allen bidding him come out and surrender the fort. The astonished officer, half dressed, made his appearance, demanding by what authority he was asked to do such a thing. A part of Ethan Allen's famous reply : " In the name of Jehovah and the Continental Congress ! " was more prophetic than authentic, as the latter earthly tribunal at that time had no existence. The hundred cannon and quantities of ammunition found in the fort were sent east, where they proved of great service in the siege of Boston. Crown Point, the garrison of St. Johns, many boats, vessels, and a British armed schooner soon after fell into the hands of the Green Mountain Boys, thus giving them the full sweep of Lake Champlain, and holding in check any attempts at invasion from that direction. Ethan Allen's military instincts and foresight transcended any experience and all knowledge he possessed on the subject. He at once saw the importance of pushing the advantage now gained, by an immediate advance upon Canada before reinforcements could arrive to strengthen the strongholds of Montreal and Quebec ; a measure which, if adopted, would have changed the whole history of the northern campaign that eventually proved so disastrous. With the splendid magnanimity of a noble soul and the abnegation of a true patriot, he addressed the Continental Congress of New York on the subject, first apologizing for his seeming neglect to consult with that body before his attack on Ticonderoga, which was within its province, and explaining the necessity for secrecy, which prompted him. Note the spirit of prophecy breathed in the fol- lowing words : " I wish to God America would at this critical juncture exert herself agree- able to the indignity offered her by a tyrannical ministry. She might rise on eagle's wings and mount up to glory, freedom, and immortal honor if she did but know and exert her strength. Fame is now hovering over her head. A vast continent must now sink to slavery, poverty, and bondage, or rise to unconquer- able freedom, immense wealth, inexpressible felicity, and immortal fame." He then offers the services of his own men for the purpose, and to raise a regiment of rangers in Northern New York, a proposal which he trusts will not be deemed impertinent. But for some unexplained reason no action w as taken on his suggestions until months later, when the conditions had materially changed, making such a campaign exceedingly more difficult. Generals Schuyler and Montgomery were then in command, and to Ethan Allen was given a task requiring shrewdness, tact, and great personal influence to enlist the co-operation or the neutrality of the Canadians in the struggle between the American colonists and the mother country. For weeks he travelled in Canada, "preaching politics" so successfully