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VOLUM E V I NUMBER MARCH 197 7 THE CONNECTICUT HISTORY COMMONS

Proposed Program for State Museum Completed

The long-awaited program study for the Connecticut "The Connecticut History Commons shall be education­ State Museum, Connecticut's permanent and lasting me­ ally oriented, professionally managed, and shall encourage morial to the Bicentennial, was presented to the January public participation and involvement. Its primary business meeting of the Connecticut Historical Commission — shall be the communication of ideas," Mr. Porter wrote. ARBCC by consultant Daniel R. Porter. The study was The study proposes that the Commons be divided into financed by a grant from Middletown, proposed site of the three zones, each utilizing to some degree audio-visual, ex­ museum. hibition, demonstration and visitor participation techniques Entitled "A Program for the Connecticut History Com­ so that the visitor actively participates in the museum ex­ mons" Mr. Porter put forth a plan for an approach to the perience rather than being merely a passive viewer. museum which would provide "an active, unique center Zone one is proposed to be a Presentation Center which where human and natural history of Connecticut will be will take the form of the more traditional museum, but presented and demonstrated." place its emphasis on the inspirational. It would be the The Commons would serve the citizens of Connecticut in function of the Center to gather representative aspects of five ways: through mobile exhibits in a trailer; through State history under one roof, so that the visitor under­ travelling exhibits for public buildings; through consulting stands Connecticut's heritage and is guided by the State's services; through radio and television programming; and continued on page 8 through publications.

NEW ENGLAND STATES PUBLISH UNDERGROUND RAILROAD PROJECT BROCHURE A brochure identifying 54 Underground Railroad "sta­ tions" scattered throughout New England has been publish­ ed by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administra­ tion, Region 1. The work is the culmination of an effort which got underway in late 1975 when representatives from the six New England States met in Farmington to begin to develop plans and procedures for carrying out a project that would commemorate this important era in the nation's history. For the past several months researchers have worked in their respective states photographing, documenting and compiling historical information on known and suspected Underground Railroad sites. The coordinator for Connecti­ cut was Richard R. Kuns from the staff of the CHC. Mr. The Francis Gillette House, 511 Bloomfield Ave., is one Kuns also served as co-editor of the brochure. of several Connecticut buildings identified as being a stop The published result is only a small sampling of the on Connecticut's portion of the Underground Railroad. houses which were used to make up the intricate system The house is currently owned by the Connecticut General which led thousands of fugitive slaves to freedom. A more Life Insurance Co. and is not open to the public. D continued on page 5 fw&s dog

ru* The Badge of Merit is mentioned casually toward the FOURTH BADGE OF end of the statement, which served as Simmon's formal ap­ plication for a government pension: "I further say that on the seventh day of June seventeen hundred and eighty- MERIT RECIPIENT three I received a discharge in writing signed by General Washington at the bottom of which was a certificate signed by Colonel Butler certifying that I have received the Badge UNCOVERED? of Merit for six years faithful services. I further say that many years ago the said writer's discharge was put into the hands of Mr. Fisk of Barre in Vermont to be delivered to If True, Connecticut Maintains Clean Sweep of the Award Judge Miles, then a member of Congress from that state to be used at the State of Government to prove my claim to When the news arrived it seemed to be an end-of-the-year county land and that I have not seen it since. Though I Bicentennial present to Connecticut. have repeatedly endeavored to recover it and I very believe According to Richard S. Allen, Program Director of the it has been destroyed." New York State American Revolution Bicentennial Com­ According to the records Samuel Simmons was born mission a fourth Badge of Merit recipient had been found. September 22, 1756 in Middletown to Samuel Simmons and Until now there have been only three recognized recipients Ann Pryor (Prior). Following the end of the war he ap­ of the award conceived by George Washington as a means parently returned to Connecticut where he married Sarah "to foster and encourage every species of military merit," Pelton, also of Middletown. all three from Connecticut It now appears that a fourth man, one Samuel Simmons of Middletown, also may have received the Badge of Merit. If true, then Connecticut has maintained its clean sweep of the ancient honor. Information about Private Simmons came to light follow­ ing publication of an article in the NYARBC's newsletter, "The Correspondent" about the award and its presentation to Elijah Churchill. The "Honorary Badge of Military Merit," as it was known then, was founded by Washington on August 7, 1782 and was the first award ever designed to be presented to Ameri­ can non-commissioned officers and enlisted men. Follow­ ing the end of the Revolution the award was not used again until it was resurrected on the Bicentennial of Washington's birth in 1932. Today it is familiar as the Military Order of the Purple Heart, awarded as a mark of valor through wounds received in combat. Washington had indicated that the design of the award should be a "figure of a heart in purple cloth." The original > award was not a medal, but a strip of purple silk edged with silver braid carrying the word "MERIT" stitched across the Badge of Merit presented to Elijah Qiurchill by George front, in silver thread, and was meant to be sewn to the Washington. left breast of the uniform coat. Simmons, a member of the Third Regiment, Connecticut Information provided the NYSARBC indicates that the Line, differs from Churchill and the other two known reci­ couple had eight children, Samuel, Epthram, Seth, David, pients in that he apparently received the award after the Anna, Polly, Joseph and Sally. war was over in recognition of his long service and not for David, Epthram and Seth Simmons were early settlers in any specific act of bravery. Great Valley Cattaragus County, New York. Epthram and According to a deposition, taken when he was 79 years Seth built the first school house in Olean, New York. of age and living in New Hampshire, Samuel Simmons, on David's son Samuel Simmons enlisted in the Civil War and June 1, 1776 ".. . enlisted as a private soldier in the Com­ was captured at Gettysburg in July, 1863. He escaped pany commanded by Captain Eliphalet Bulkley in Colonel from Belle Island the January of the following year only to Wolcott's Regiment in the Connecticut Line of the Army of be recaptured shortly thereafter and returned to the Island the United States, [and] served in that capacity in said where he died of fever and starvation on January 20, 1864. Company and Regiment until the first day of January fol­ Middletown's Samuel Simmons ended his days as a Con­ lowing when the said regiment was dismissed. I then on the necticut pensioner in New Hampshire, dying on October tenth day of January, 1777 again enlisted in this Company 15, 1841. He is buried in the Ruddsboro Cemetery in commanded by Captain Elijah Smith in Colonel Cooks Hanover. Regiment in the same line of said army to serve until the The first known recipient of the Badge of Merit was eighteenth of March and then went following as a private Elijah- Churchill, a sergeant in the Second Regiment of soldier and served as such until said eighteenth day of March Light Dragoons, a Connecticut regiment. According to his in said Company and Regiment, when the Regiment was citation ".. . in several enterprises against Fort St. George dismissed and afterwards about the first of April one thou­ and Fort Slongo on Long Island . . . [Churchill] not only sand seven hundred and seventy seven I enlisted as a private acquitted himself with great gallantry, firmness and address, soldier in the Company of Captain Robert Warner in but . . . the surprise in one instance and the success of the Colonel Samuel Wyllys 3rd Regiment in the Connecticut attack in the other, proceeded in a considerable degree from Line of said army to serve during the war and served in that his conduct and management." capacity in said army to the end of the war." continued onnextpage The City of Bridgeport plans to develop a marina at the spot where the three boats now rest on the bottom of the harbor. Because of the difficulty in disposing of the canal boats, the city has delayed beginning construction, but the canal boats must be moved,perhaps as early as this summer. If they cannot be raised intact, they may be dynamited into pieces and dredged off the bottom of the harbor. The canal boats are unquestionably irreplaceable historic resources. They are being nominated to the National Regis­ ter of Historic Places and the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Officer is attempting to locate museums or his­ torical societies that would be interested in obtaining and restoring one or more of the boats. Unless a way can be found to raise the canal boats in one piece,a unique portion of American heritage will be lost.

Then: Shown above are the Priscilla Dailey, next to the dock; the Berkshire #7, in back of the Priscilla; and the TWO NEW ARBCC PUBLICATIONS Elmer S. Dailey,alongside its two sister boats. NOW AVAILABLE Connecticut's Twentieth Century Pilgrims, written by AMERICA'S LAST CANAL BOATS Susanne D. King, former editor of the Gazette, is a collec­ The last three intact examples of the American round- tion of biographical sketches of the 96 men and women ended canal boat now lay sunk in Bridgeport Harbor. All honored last June in ceremonies at the State Capitol. The three are threatened with destruction for they lay in the 200-page book will include details and photographs of the way of a planned marina development. ceremonies in Hartford, as well as pictures of each of the The boats were built early in the twentieth century, but Pilgrims, most of them photographed at their homes by are of the type common on America's canal system in the Miss King. 1800's. Canal boats differ from the scows now commonly What Cooks in Connecticut is, according to its author seen on America's rivers and canals primarily in that they Marjorie Page Blanchard, "a gastronomic journey through are smaller and have rounded rather than flat ends. Intend­ the pages of Connecticut history as told by the cooks of ed for use on New York's canal system, the Connecticut New England's Provision State." boats were built so as to be small enough to fit into the Beginning with Indian corn and English pudding the locks of the Erie Canal, the forerunner of New York's pre­ author takes the cook and the curious on a trip through 200 sent barge canal system. The Elmer S. Dailey, built in 1915 years of Connecticut cookery down to the present day's as the canal boat Claire B. Follette, is 105 feet long, 18 return to "natural" foods. feet wide and 10 feet deep, and powered by a diesel engine. The chapter on "ethnic influence" includes a large num­ The Priscilla Dailey and Berkshire # 7 are approximately ber of recipes donated by some of Connecticut's Twentieth the same size but unpowered. Century Pilgrims. Although the old boats are of a type that once numbered The book is soft-bound and well illustrated. in the thousands, no others are known to have survived in­ Mrs. Blanchard has been a teacher and a lecturer in the tact. Once used to transport materials through inter-state food field for 15 years. She is the author of eight cook waterways, all three boats were moored in the Pequonnock books including Treasured Recipes from Early New Eng­ River at Bridgeport and sank at their moorings over a period land Kitchens, The Sprouter's Cookbook, and The Orchard of months between 1973 and 1974. The Priscilla Dailey is Sampler. She presently writes a food column for the Hart­ still visible at low tide. ford Courant ("Diary of a New England Cook") and for Shore Line Times papers. Both books may be ordered directly from the ARBCC, 59 So. Prospect St., Hartford 06106. Connecticut's Twen­ tieth Century Pilgrims price is $7.50, including tax, postage and handling. What Cooks in Connecticut is S4.95, includ­ ing tax, postage and handling.

COMMISSION PROPERTIES REOPEN IN MAY Spring opening for Old New Gate Prison, East Granby will bring with it the opening of the Guardhouse,now a mu­ seum, completed last summer. Included in the museum will be several David Wagner murals depicting the prison's history as a copper mine and as a prison for Tories during the Revolutionary War. Old New Gate will open for the season on May 15 and re­ main open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily until October 31. The Sloane Stanley Museum in Kent is scheduled to re­ Now: At low tide a portion of the Priscilla Dailey is still open to the public on May 1. The museum will be open visible. All three boats sit on the bottom of Bridgeport Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily harbor and may be lost forever if they are not salvaged soon. until October 31.

3 1777.. . THE TURNING POINT In the Nation In Connecticut Although Ml6 was the year Americans declared their In 1777 Connecticut began to earn its reputation as the dream of Independence, it was 1777 that the dream began Provision State. Food, gunpowder, weapons, troops poured to come true. forth from the small state. That year Connecticut provided The colonies in their struggle were facing staggering about ten and one-half regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, odds. They were still undeveloped, relatively disorganized five artillery companies, and two Wyoming Valley com­ and fighting alone. In 1776 there had been serious defeats panies; and with great difficulty it kept its contribution of in New York and New Jersey. But there were victories also, fighting men at about this strength for most of the remain­ notably at Boston and Charlestown, and a growing spirit der of the war. and commitment to independence. Under the guidance of Connecticut troops were at most of the significant en­ the Second Continental Congress state governments began gagements in 1777, seeing action at Princeton, Bennington, to form, the nucleus of a federal system was established and Saratoga, Brandywine, German town, Mud Island and White diplomatic relations with foreign powers were being sought. Marsh. Within their own borders men were called out to Thus 1777 began with optimism. the defense of Westport, Danbury and Ridgefield, and to January launch from Guilford an attack on the British at Sag Harbor. The Americans, exultant from their Christmas triumph On the sea the state also made significant contributions. at Trenton, moved once again into New Jersey. At a creek In 1777 two ships were built for the Continental navy, the called the Assunpink, they encountered Lord Cornwallis Trumbull and the Confederacy. Between 1777 and 1779 with 8,000 British troups. Cornwallis, confident of victory, Connecticut's own Oliver Cromwell took nine enemy prizes, decided to wait until morning to crush the smaller American In all the Connecticut fleet captured some 40 enemy ves­ force. Washington had his troops give the illusion of digging sels. in for a fight, then in the middle of the night moved them With a bounty offered for the production of gunpowder around the British flanks and on to Princeton. Washington in the state, powder mills were soon operating in East Hart­ himself took to the battlefield; the inspired Americans ford, Windham, New Haven, Stratford, Glastonbury and routed the British and gained most of New Jersey. Salisbury. Cannon from the Salisbury foundry were sent to February General Philip Schuyler in the Northern Department that The British now recognized the need for a new campaign. Spring. Much of what was produced in the state went to One such plan proposed by British General "Gentleman provide the defense of towns such as Stratford, New Haven, Johnny" Burgoyne called for his troops, invading the New London, Groton and Norwich, which feared attacks colonies from Canada, to meet at Albany with another in­ from British forces. vasion force from the west, led by Lt. Col. Barry St. Leger. January The combined forces would then meet the forces of General Two hundred American prisoners of war were put ashore William Howe at the Hudson River, thus cutting off New at Milford on New Year's Eve by a British prison ship when England from the other colonies and assuring British vic­ it was discovered they were sick with small pox. Milford tory. King George III accepted the plan and sent Burgoyne citizens, notable among them Captain Stephen Stow, nur­ to Canada to put it into effect. sed the men, who were so weak and starved that they fell March prey easily to the illness. Capt. Stow, known as "Milford's On March 14, Congress authorized the command of an Martyr," and the 46 American soldiers who died are buried American ship to John Paul Jones'. A Scottish sailor, born in a common grave in the south corner of Milford's grave­ John Paul and adding the surname Jones himself when he yard. came to America, he had made quite a reputation for him­ February self. Aboard his own ship he had captured eight prizes and Activity on the seas was increasing. On February 2 sank as many. In 1778 as commander of the American William Bingham wrote to Silas Deane, "There have been a sloop Ranger, Jones would conduct a foray on the Irish sea Number of Privateers lately fitted out of the English Islands, that terrorized the English coast. which greatly annoy & molest our Trade. They carry no April Commissions, but make Prizes of our Vessels Under the Au­ The Marquis de Lafayette, enchanted with the American thority &Sanction of the King's Proclamation, which dooms cause of liberty, came to join the rebellion. He landed in us to be the Prey of every Invader ..." South Carolina, donated enough money to outfit 100 troops and went to Philadelphia to present himself to Congress. March There he offered his services, without pay, if he could serve On the 19th of the month Moses Dunbar of Wallingford, at Washington's side. who had accepted a commission in the British army, was May hanged in Hartford after the Superior Court convicted him Congress began an intensive diplomatic campaign for al­ of treason. Dunbar was the only Connecticut Tory to suf­ liances, appointing ambassadors to many European courts. fer the death penalty. The Americans, untrained as diplomats, could not counter April the fear of involvement on the part of European heads-of­ On April 25-27 British forces under General Try on, land­ state. They were also hampered by bad communications, ed at Westport's Compo Beach and proceeded to make clever British spies and, finally, dissension among them­ their way to Danbury where they destroyed the American selves. To its credit American diplomacy had Benjamin supplies housed there. On their return the British encoun­ Franklin, who was to win recognition and an alliance with tered American forces under Generals Gold Selleck Silliman, France, a critical contribution to the Americans' eventual David Wooster and Benedict Arnold. victory. May June On May 23 a force of 400 men under Col. Return Jona­ Along with its newly declared identity, the new nation than Meigs of Middletown embarked from Guilford in needed its own banner to carry into battle. On June 14 whaleboats for a raid on British forces at Sag Harbor, Long continued on page 6 continued on page 6 4 haps operating it as a repair facility for museum and antique vessels. Under the terms of the Federal Property and Ad­ ministrative Services Act of 1949, Federal properties may be transferred for historic monument purposes. Interested organizations should contact the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Officer, 59 South Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06106. Unless a future opera­ tor of the Shipyard who is interested in the steam-powered machinery can be located, an irreplaceable part of America's maritime heritage will be lost. • ••••• Underground Railroad (continued from page 1) complete brochure on Connecticut's participation in the Railroad is now being prepared and will be published this year. Included in the Region 1 publication are nine specific Once a repairer of towboats and large steam yachts, the locations plus additional information on Farmington, the Thames Shipyard currently is utilized by a ship repair com­ "Grand Central Station" of Connecticut, and Eastern Con­ pany. In the forefront of this picture can be seen one of necticut. Fugitive slaves entered Connecticut from a num­ the Shipyard's marine railways, now no longer in use. ber of points. Those coming from Stamford, New Haven or Old Lyme usually made their way to Farmington and then north to Massachusetts. Those who entered from New THAMES SHIPYARD ENDANGERED London or Westerly, Rhode Island traveled north through The continued existence of the Thames Shipyard at New Norwich to Putnam and on into Massachusetts. London, Connecticut which contains two of the last steam- Five Farmington houses are featured in the brochure, powered marine railways in the United States, is uncertain. including the home of Elijah Lewis, an active agent for the The U.S. Coast Guard, owner of the property, is presently Underground Railroad who helped guide escaping slaves considering whether to declare the Thames Shipyard, which north through Simsbury or Bloomfield. A removable stone is enrolled in the National Register of Historic Places, sur­ in the base of the huge chimney stack in the house is be­ plus property and dispose of it. Should the Shipyard trans­ lieved to have provided the opening for a hiding place for fer into private ownership there is no guarantee that it will the fugitives. not be dismantled or its buildings razed. The carriage house and its cellar of the Austin F. Wil­ The Thames Shipyard was constructed in the first years liams House was used to harbor escaping slaves. The other of the twentieth century as a repair facility for the Thames three Farmington houses identified as being associated with Tow Boat Company. Although the Shipyard was used pri­ Underground Railroad activity are the Samuel Doming marily for maintenance and repair, some vessels were built House, now the home of the headmaster of Miss Porter's there including the Paul Jones, the largest steam towboat of School, the Smith-Cowles House, home of one of three its time. After World War I, more than a dozen luxurious known stationmasters in Farmington, and the Timothy yachts over 200 feet long were berthed at the Thames Ship­ Wadsworth House. yard. During both World Wars the Shipyard was used to re­ In Bloomfield, Francis Gillette, a United States Senator pair military vessels, including school and fleet submarines. and one of the most prominent antislavery leaders in the The most significant feature of the Thames Shipyard is Hartford area, reportedly gave shelter to many runaway the steam powered marine railways, which emit loud hiss­ slaves in his large stone home there. ings, groanings and clankings when in operation. A two- The Ovals in Wilton was the home of L. William Wake- story brick headhouse contains two large stationary steam man, stationmaster and conductor for the Railroad. Wilton engines which power heavy chain winches for hauling ships, was a center for fugitives entering Connecticut overland supported by cradles, out of the water. The winches con­ from New York. tain large gears which are 15 feet in diameter. The marine The Washband Tavern in Connecticut was known as the railways are rated at 1000 and 4000 deadweight tons. The Civil War Tavern because it was used to harbor fugitive cradle of the larger steam powered marine railway was slaves making their way north over the western.portion of damaged in 1950 and has not been repaired. The smaller Connecticut's Underground Railroad. The Tavern is one of steam hauling machinery was dismantled in 1976 in order the few sites with sound documentation. A family diary to obtain parts to repair the Shipyard's newer electric details how fleeing slaves were hidden in the attic room of powered marine railway. the tavern until they could be safely conducted to the next The Shipyard contains completely equipped metal work­ station. ing and boilermaking shops. Equipment in these shops was Although not used to shelter slaves the Prudence Cran­ originally steam powered and the machinery is still run by dall House in Canterbury, a property of the Connecticut a system of overhead shafts, pulleys and belts. Historical Commission, was owned by Prudence Crandall, Plans to demolish the Shipyard, which is adjacent to the herself deeply involved in the abolitionist movement. Fugi­ Coast Guard Academy, in order to build a new Coast Guard tive slaves who travelled through Canterbury likely stayed Station, were abandoned because of unforeseen engineering at a farm owned by her father there. difficulties and the significance of the Thames Shipyard as Because most of the houses ha've been destroyed over an engineering monument. The buildings and machinery the years, the eastern Connecticut spur of the Underground were documented by an Historic American Engineering Re­ Railroad is difficult to follow. There is substantial tradition cord emergency recordingteam during the summer of 1975. linking the Hempstead House in New London and the Amon The Coast Guard and the Connecticut State Historic Tinker House in Old Lyme to Railroad activity. Preservation Officer are presently seeking to locate a mu­ Interested persons may obtain a copy of the Region 1 seum or group interested in preserving the Shipyard and per­ Brochure from the ARBCC.

5 1777 . . . (Nation) (continued from page 4) Congress resolved that ".. . the flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes alternating red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation." July General Burgoyne proceeding with his plan to cut away New England from the rest of the colonies, tried to reach Albany over land instead of going by way of Lake George. As the British moved southward, some of the Indians em­ ployed by Burgoyne captured and killed Jane McCrea, fiance of one of Burgoyne's own men. When Burgoyne wanted to punish the offenders, the Indian leaders threaten­ ed to quit the expedition. Burgoyne let the murderers go free. As word of the atrocity and Burgoyne's reaction to it spread, colonists, incensed at the British brutality, joined the American forces in great numbers. August General Burgoyne's invasion plan began to come apart. General Howe would not meet him at the Hudson, but planned to go and confront Washington in Pennsylvania. St. Leger had been forced into a siege at Fort Stanwix by a colonial militia force of 700 men. A relief column of American soldiers, led by Benedict Arnold and rumored to be three times its actual size, was on the way. St. Leger's Indians rioted and deserted and he was forced to retreat to Lake Ontario. Burgoyne had to go on alone. On the 16th Burgoyne's army met defeat at Bennington at the hands of 1777 . . . (Conn.) (continued) a militia swelled in size because of American anger over the Island. Meigs' force took the heavily armed British com­ Jane McCrea murder. The stage was set for Saratoga. pletely by surprise. The result was twelve ships scuttled, September six of the enemy killed, ninety prisoners taken, and large General Howe prepared to march to Philadelphia. Wash­ amounts of provisions carried off. Meigs' men were back in ington, in Philadelphia, drew up his troops at the Brandy- Connecticut within twenty-four hours, having suffered no wine Creek. Howe's forces struck on September 11 and casualties. An impressed Congress awarded Meigs a sword Washington was driven to retreat. A later attack on General and a memorial. "Mad Anthony" Wayne at Paoli forced the Americans to June give up Philadelphia and retire to winter quarters at Valley A landing party from three British ships burned a house Forge. Despite this defeat, Washington had kept Howe's and three barns at Sachem's Head until repulsed by the forces from joining Burgoyne. Militia. October July Burgoyne continued towards Albany, finally encounter­ On July 4 the HMS Halifax was fired on by rebel cannon ing the Americans at Freeman's farm. With the help of while stuck on a rock at Norwalk Island. Morgan's rifles, a unit from Washington's own command, August the Americans successfully resisted the invasion. On Octo­ A tax on one shilling on the pound was levied, payable ber 7, Benedict Arnold led a counterattack that forced by November 1. Large paper issues helped bring about an Burgoyne to retreat to Saratoga and finally to surrender. inflation that saw prices rise rapidly and currency steadily Saratoga proved to be a turning point of the war. British depreciate. Finally high taxes and more and more paper victory was no longer certain. France was enough impressed money were needed to cover even more inflated war ex­ to recognize the colonies as a new nation. penses. November September Although the colonies had declared themselves inde­ On September 22 Ebenezer Watson, publisher of the pendent of Great Britain they had not yet formally de­ Hartford Courant died of smallpox. He left behind a paper clared themselves united with each other. Distrustful of that had achieved a dominant position among the State's strong, centralized form of government, the Continental other papers, one that was a strong voice for independence. Congress adopted a weak plan of unification, the Articles His widow began operating her late husband's print shop of Confederation, calling for one legislative house with on her own. no power to tax or control commerce. The plan would October take four years to be adopted and even then would fail. Blacks from Connecticut were serving in the war on land But it was the prelude to the Constitution of the United and on sea. While the number in service is not certain, Con­ States. necticut Revolutionary War archives and other historical December records indicate that there were at least 263 on the rosters. Winter of 1777 was a brutal one for the ragged American Connecticut's Black company, the 2nd Co. of the Fourth troops camped in tents and crude huts at Valley Forge. Regiment, was not formed until 1781. Food was scarce and area food stores were either taken by November or sold to the British. Supplies of clothing were received William Williams, one of Connecticut's delegates to the irregularly. Sickness, in particular typhus, swept through Second Continental Congress, was finally able to write, the camps. Yet the army survived. "the Plan of Confederation was finished." Congress had Begun with optimism, 1777 ended on a note of despair. just accepted the final draft on November 15 of the Articles Having started the year with 10,000 troops, Washington of Confederation. Roger Sherman, Samual Huntington,

6 now had only 3,000 bleeding and starving men at Valley Oliver Wolcott, Andrew Adams and Titus Hosmer were all Forge. Emergency food shipments from Connecticut, New to sign the Articles for Connecticut on July 9 the following York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia would be brought year. in time and time again to maintain the army until the Spring. December American fortunes in 1778 would brighten. Nathaniel According to a series in the Hartford Courant by one Greene would become quartermaster and find supplies pre- "Cato," although there were adequate supplies of food­ viously denied the army by mismanagement and graft, and stuffs, some farmers had hoarded their surpluses to stimu­ to Washington's service would come Baron Von Steuben-, a late rising prices, despite regulatory law setting prices and Prussian soldier who would drill the ragged Americans into prohibiting hoarding. There persisted the problems of a disciplined fighting force. spiraling prices, shortages and notorious profiteering.

"THE PRESENT UNHAPPY MISUNDERSTANDING ... " - Moses Dunbar

"My last advice to you is that you above all others, con­ Born in Wallingford in 1746 Dunbar had joined the fess your sins and prepare yourselves with God's assistance Anglican Church before he was 19 years of age. Already for your future and eternal state. You will all shortly be as married by then, Dunbar's allegiance to the Church of Eng­ near Eternity as I am now and will view both worlds in the land caused a rift that was never to be healed between him­ light which I do now view them. You will then view all self and other members of his sizeable family. worldly things to be but shadows and vapours and variety If a rift between himself and his family could not cause of vanities and the things of the spiritual world to be of him to waver in his beliefs, neither could a rift between his importance beyond all description. You will all then be King and his Colony. Dunbar apparently had never made sensible that the pleasures of a good conscience and the any effort to conceal his feelings about "the present un­ happiness of the near prospect of Heaven will outweigh all happy misunderstanding between Great Britain and the the pleasurs and honours of their wicked world." Colonies." As he put it in his last words, "I freely confess I Then calling for mercy from "God the Father, God the never could reconcile my opinion to the necessity or law­ Son and God the Holy Ghost," Mo,ses Dunbar, the only fulness of taking up arms against Great Britain." Connecticut Loyalist to be put to death for taking that After being threatened with mob violence and imprison­ position, concluded his "last words." Dunbar wrote his ed briefly by the Committee of Inspection of Waterbury last testament on March 18, 1777 in Hartford, the night be­ because of his Loyalist feelings, Dunbar, then a widower fore his hanging on Gallows Hill, a spot near the present and engaged to be married a second time, decided to seek location of Trinity College. continued on page 11

TRYON'S RAID - APRIL 1777 On April 22, 1777 General William Tryon and approxi­ From British records it appears that the original intent mately 1,550 British Regulars set out from New York via had been to carry away the Danbury supplies, destroying the Hudson River to capture the magazine of stores kept at continued on page 10 Danbury by the American forces. Accompanying the Bri­ tish Regiments were 300 men from the Prince of Wales Loyal American Volunteers, raised by the Loyalist Mont- ford Browne. This corp was, according to one source, made up largely of men from Fairfield County, including recruits from Redding and Danbury. By noon of April 25th the British fleet was nearing the Connecticut shoreline at Compo Beach, Westport, the one shore place remaining that offered safe anchorage and an unprotected beach. By 11 p.m. the entire British force was ashore. The landing had been uncontested despite the fact that local militia from Stamford and Norwalk were watch­ ing from Saugatuck. The march inland toward Danbury began almost im­ mediately, with the invading forces meeting only some small arms fire from a band of militia as they proceeded down Compo Street. Some eight miles away from their landing site the British bivouacked for the night. The next morning as they continued on toward their objective, they encountered some opposition from a small militia group at Weston before arriving in Redding where they halted for food and rest. When the enemy arrived at approximately 4 p.m. that day of the 26th, Danbury lay virtually undefended except for a small militia force of fewer than 200 men. As they moved doWn the town's Main Street, the British encounter­ ed fire from the home of Major Daniel Starr. The King's forces halted long enough to rout and kill the snipers and torch the house. Among the Americans slain was a Negro slave, Ned, who was also beheaded.

7 Commons (continued from page 1) impact and educational value of Connecticut's history could only be realized by a centralized presentation where future potential. Contained in the Center will be an audi­ a visitor could see the whole panorama of Connecticut's torium and large indoor exhibits area. heritage unfold before him. The second zone would be made up of three Demon­ A feasibility study was authorized by the General As­ stration Clusters for exhibits and demonstrations in conti­ sembly in 1972, and upon the basis of that study, the guous indoor and outdoor space. This area is envisioned as Governor of Connecticut signed into law on May 30, 1974 being informal and relaxed, with teaching spaces "where Public Act 74-347. This Act reads in part: "The Connecti­ people and objects can be brought together for a learning cut Historical Commission shall plan and establish a state experience without the barriers of glass and guards." The museum of Connecticut history which will be Connecticut's function of this zone would be to present fields of histori­ permanent commemoration of the Bicentennial period." cal subject areas by means of demonstrations, working Public Act 75-593 designated a site located in the City of historic machinery, and by changing exhibits. Middletown on the grounds of the Connecticut Valley Hos­ The Connecticut Trace, the third zone of the History pital overlooking the Connecticut River Valley Commons, would be an outdoor museum composed of his­ toric structures and features along a trail. Its purpose would be to present those parts of Connecticut's history that can best be told in an outdoor setting: agriculture, transporta­ tion, architecture, etc. Actually an outdoor museum, the Trace would be designed in conformity to the natural ter­ rain, and feature historic structures which present aspects of Connecticut's past out-of-doors. Situated along the Trace would be also exhibit bunkers containing exhibits on na­ tural or human history. Throughout all three zones the basic concern would be the learning experience of the visitor. A most important function of the Connecticut History Commons would be its extension services. Rather than be­ coming a self-centered, isolated institution existing for its own sake, the Commons would function as a state-wide educational facility. This extension of the Commons would include both mobile and portable outdoor and indoor exhi­ bit units. A second aspect of this outside program would be con­ sultation services provided by the Commons' professional staff for museum and historical houses and buildings seeking professional help in exhibit presentation. A "Knowledge Bank" would inventory, describe and catalog for information retrieval historical objects in every local museum, in private collector's hands, in dealer's pos­ session, either inside or outside the state, but limited to Mrs. Lorraine Wallace, chairman of the Deep River Bi­ those objects made or used in Connecticut. centennial Committee, and members of the Deep River Noting that some 32 states now have publicly supported, Tories were among the hundreds of thousands of Nutmeg­ professionally administered museums, Mr. Porter added gers who have toured the Southern New England Telephone that a state museum in Connecticut would deter the flow Caravan since 1976. of antiques and other historical objects from the state and offer a depository and showcase for such objects, as well as a place to present the ideas and processes of the past to Connecticut youth as part of their heritage. SNET BICENTENNIAL CARAVAN The ARBCC has applied to the American Revolution HAS RECORD YEAR Bicentennial Administration for a matching grant of $17,­ As might have been expected, the Southern New England 000 to design and construct a model and artists renderings Telephone's Bicentennial Caravan covered more miles and of the concept of the museum of Connecticut. The model had more visitors during 1976 than at any time since its would not be an exact mechanical design of buildings but inception. a panoramic landscape of the terrain showing where the According to Hugh A. Baird, SNET Community Rela­ buildings and outside trails might be positioned and illus­ tions Supervisor, from March until the end of the year the trating the kinds of activities they would contain, such as a Caravan completed 62 requested engagements stretching lecture, an exhibit, informational computers answering across Connecticut and even into Massachusetts with an all- questions, or a participating experience in spinning or time annual record attendance of 205,888 visitors. In 1975 manufacturing. the Caravan was seen at 46 events with a total attendance With the state the next step is the development of plans of 12?,144. and specifications for the museum. A bill has been entered The Caravan was in service last year almost 200 days at into the present session of the legislature seeking an appro­ Bicentennial celebrations, schools, fairs, industrial and busi­ priation of $170,000 for just this purpose. ness shows, SNET open houses, and major civic events, in­ The idea of a Museum of Connecticut History was first cluding a number of ARBCC exhibits. The largest event in proposed by a former chairman of the Historical Commis­ terms of turnout was the "Big E" at Springfield with sion, the late Eric Hatch who felt that Connecticut's long 46,369 visitors touring the van; the smallest a half-day ap­ and ingenious history could be and should be told in a pearance at the American Legion Boys State Conference in dramatic and creative way. Mr. Hatch believed that the full New London with 255 passing through the van.

8 COUNCIL CHOOSES THE THIRTEEN GREAT AMERICAN ACHIEVEMENTS IT WILL HONOR "One Nation Indivisible" is the first of 13 annual themes for the Great American Achievements Program being spon­ sored by the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States Fund, Inc. The Fund, the new program arm of the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States (BCTOS), is sponsor­ ing the 13-year program to encourage public review of signi­ ficant achievements of the Revolutionary period. A book­ let, expected to be available early this year, summarizes the historical background and significance of each of the chosen achievements. WESTPORT BC SETS UP FUND FOR ART NICHE According to Lewis A. McMurran, Jr., chairman of the A fund for the purchase and lasting exhibit of the works Council, "The Bicentennial Council is committed to using of Westport artists, past and present, was established recent­ the years of the Bicentennial Era to draw attention to the ly by the Westport Bicentennial Committee. great achievements of that period of history ... and to show As one of its last acts the Committee voted to transfer that those ideas and events have an important message for nearly $6,000 into a Bicentennial Trust For Westport Artists. us as we face our contemporary problems as a nation. The works purchased will be exhibited in two public build­ "These achievements resulted from the application of ings. specific principles and ideals to the unique task of creating The money was derived from sales in 1976 of the West- a new nation. They are more than historically important. port Bicentennial Calendar, and from revenues from the With the passing of two centuries, we can appreciate the historic bus tours and the Grand Bicentennial Ball. The greatness of these accomplishments. At the same time we fund will be a permanent memento of Westport's observa­ recognize that they were tentative and incomplete. The tion of the Bicentennial. issues and controversies which they reflect are certainly relevant to the current problems of American society. Thus, the commemoration of each of these achievements KOSCIUSZKO MONUMENT TO BE DEDICATED will lead directly to the evaluation of contemporary Ameri­ A 17-acre park and a monument will be dedicated in can institutions and how well they serve our goals and honor of the Polish General Tedeusz Kosciuszko in Stam­ aspirations as a nation — and how these institutions may be ford on May 1. improved as we enter our third century of union." Ceremonies will be held at Peninsular Park when a monu­ Three major components of the Program, designed to ment of Vermont granite with a sculptured bust of Kos­ encourage participation evaluation and application of the ciuszko will be dedicated. The monument, costing approxi­ principles of the Revolutionary period to contemporary mately $12,000, was funded through donations from the life by all present-day Americans, are a research program citizens of Stamford. offering opportunities for study and investigation of the origins and evolution of the basic American institutions; a TOWNS HONORED FOR VOTING public information program to transmit the studies into Two Connecticut communities recently won recognition form for publication for the general American public; and for voter turnout in last year's election. an action program which will involve community and na­ Manchester, which had 85.8 per cent voter turnout was tional leaders in conferences, seminars and training work­ awarded a "Certificate of Excellence" in the contest which shops in ways to encourage the application of the principles compared cities of similar size on voter turnout, voter regis­ and ideas of the Revolutionary Period to modern-day tration an increase in each of these over 1974 levels. conditions. New Canaan, with a voter turnout of 94.67 per cent also The 13 Great Achievements which have been chosen are: was honored in the awards ceremony held in Alameda, Cali­ 1977 — One Nation Indivisible fornia, which sponsored the contest as a Bicentennial pro­ 1978 — A New Republic Among Nations ject. A total of 268 communities nationwide entered the 1979 — Education for a Free People contest. 1980 - Of, By and For The People • ••••• 1981 - United We Stand 1982 — Property and Economic Union Merit Recipient Uncovered? (continued from page 2) 1983 - The Self-Determination of Nations 1984 — Freedom and Equality for All Sgt. William Brown of the 5th Connecticut Regiment of 1985 - The Equality of New States the Continental Line, was honored for "... in the assault 1986 — Religious Freedom of the enemy's left redoubt at Yorktown, in Virginia, on 1987 - The Federal Union the evening of October 14, 1781, he conducted a forlorn 1988 - Orderly Change of Power hope, with great bravery, propriety and deliberate firmness >5 1989 - The Rights of The Citizen Sgt. Daniel Bissell, a member of the 2nd Connecticut DR. TUCKER NAMED DIRECTOR OF MHS Regiment, was awarded the badge in 1783 for ".. . having Dr. Louis Leonard Tucker, formerly executive director performed some important services within the knowledge of the New York State American Revolution Bicentennial of the Commander-in-Chief, in which the fidelity, perse­ Commission, is now Director of Massachusetts Historical verance, and good sense of the said Sergeant Bissell were Society. Dr. Tucker, a native of Rockville, Ct., is the author conspicuously manifested . . ." Bissell apparently earned of Connecticut's Seminary of Sedition: Yale College, one his award for action in August, 1781, when he entered the of the monographs in the series of forty on Connecticut's City of New York as a spy, under orders from an aide of part in the American Revolution being published by the Washington's to gather military intelligence. ARBCC. 9 Try on's Raid (continued from page 7) tish line of march. One bit of evidence in Ridgefield of the only what could not be taken. The news that American action is the cannonball still lodged in the walls of the fa­ troops were gathering under Generals Gold Selleck Silliman, mous Keeler Tavern. Night brought a cessation of hostili­ David Wooster and Benedict Arnold forced the change in ties and the British bivouacked outside of Wilson. The next Tryon's plans. He also decided to return to his ships by a morning, April 28th, they began their final drive to reach different route in order to "avoid Mr. Arnold." the ships at Compo Beach. The destruction of the military stores and some of the Arnold attempted to make another stand, this time at buildings in which they were being kept was carried out in Saugatuck Bridge, but the raw militia he was commanding keeping with accepted military practice of the day. -Local failed to follow through on his orders. A disgusted Arnold legend aside, there was relatively little other damage done. was to write later, ".. . The militia, as usual — I wish never The reasons for the destruction of some twenty houses to see another of them in action." along with a number of barns, stores and other buildings is The Battle of Compo Hill unknown. Possibly it was done through vindictiveness, as an The last pitched battle of Tryon's raid was in Westport act of vandalism, or because of a mistaken notion that the on Compo Beach. The British troops, pressed to their limit buildings had some military significance. The "destruction" by the Americans, found their situation critical, their muni­ of Danbury by drunken and rioting British soldiers appears, tion completely expended. A fixed bayonet charge against in the face of facts, to be more than a slight exaggeration. the smaller force of Americans finally ended the encounter. The real price of the invasion was paid for in terms of By 9:30 p.m. Tryon's men were all on board and the fleet stores destroyed — thousands of barrels of pork and beef, had set sail across the Sound. flour, rice, rum, grains, sugar, tents, hospital bedding, tools The raid was over. The Americans had come to realize and shoes and stockings. their vulnerability against an enemy with the mobility to As sizeable quantities of rum, brandy and wine were move about at will because of their sea power. being destroyed, and soldiers being soldiers, undoubtedly The British learned that while they might control the some took advantage of the situation to prevent the bever­ sea, they could not move far inland without exposing them­ ages from being totally "wasted" and instead drank up what selves to heavy losses. was meant to be poured out. That 1,800 men became British journals would later record the incident as a drunk on what was perhaps fewer than sixty hogsheads of minor one. Yet the proof of its true military importance rum-and brandy appears, at the least, unlikely. Nor would might lie in the fact that never again were the British to at­ it be expected that 1,500 British Regulars would all forget tempt an inland raid in New England, but rather restricted their training as professional soldiers on what then was themselves to the destruction of coastal facilities. considered to be a minor expedition. By early the next morning Tryon's raid on Danbury was • ••••• over. It had all taken less than twenty-four hours. The British quitted the town about 8 a.m. April 27. The Battle of Ridgefield Meanwhile plans had been devised among the three American generals to meet the British on their return route. One division would harass the enemy from behind, while another would attempt to block 'their progress through Ridgefield. General Wooster was given the responsibility of following the British from behind and marched his men swiftly toward the enemy, already enroute from Danbury. Units from as distant as Goshen and individual soldiers from as far away as Wallingford arrived to participate in the ex­ pected battle. At a point where Barlow Mountain Road joins North Salem Road the first of the three engagements that make up the Battle of Ridgefield took place when Wooster fell upon the rear of the unsuspecting British. The encounter was brief, but Wooster managed to take a number of prisoners. The success of the first engagement was encouraging to the Americans and they continued to bear down on the PLAQUES NOW AVAILABLE British. One mile south of the first encounter the second FOR NRHP PROPERTIES engagement began when Wooster tried to capture a field Newly designed blue and gold plaques are now available piece from the British. In the action he was struck down, for purchase and display by owners of properties individual­ mortally wounded, and removed from the field to die in the ly enrolled in the National Register of Historic Places house of Nehemiah Dibble in Danbury. Ironically it had (NRHP) or those enrolled as part of NRHP districts. been Dibble's house that Tryon had used for his headquar­ The plaques are made of aluminum and depict the Char­ ters during the occupation. ter Oak in gold against a blue background. Both plaques The third engagement at Ridgefield pitted Arnold and have clrilled holes for exterior mounting. Silliman against the British along a narrow road leading into Plaques may be ordered from the Connecticut Historical town. The action lasted about one hour, during which Commission, 50 South Prospect Street, Hartford 06106, Arnold had his horse shot from under him and almost died by submitting the name and address of the listed property at the hands of a British soldier who was advancing on him and the name and address of the person to whom the plaque with fixed bayonet. Had the soldier been successful the is to be sent. Cost of each 4"x7" plaque is $8.00 including man who would become his nation's most infamous traitor tax, postage and handling. Checks should be made payable would have died instead a hero of the Revolution. to Treasurer, State of Connecticut. Allow 6-10 weeks for Skirmishes and harassment continued all along the Bri­ delivery.

10 SOUTH ACTiav y BICENTENNIAL HAPPENINGS MARCH 26 WESTPORT, Lecture, 'The British Crown," Dr. Jack Plumb, Coleytown Jr. High School. Admis­ sion fee. APRIL r J 13 WESTPORT, Lecture, "The Government and the A/OLIDV HinoV Press," Eileen Shanahan, Coleytown Jr. High School, 8:30 p.m. Admission fee. 23 DANBURY, Reenactment of the "Burning of Dan- BICENTENNIAL YOUTH DEBATES HELD bury." Daylong activities at Rogers Park: colonial Debating teams from Hopkins Grammar School, New encampment, battle reenactment, etc. Connecticut Haven and Stamford Catholic High School were first and Bicentennial balloon will appear, weather permit­ second place winners in the Connecticut qualifying tourna­ ting. ment for the National Bicentennial Debates. Sponsored by 25- WESTPORT, Ceremonies marking the 200th anniver­ the ARBCC the two winning teams and their coaches flew 28 sary of British landing at Compo Beach. to Williamsburg, Virginia to compete in the National Finals held February 8-11. 30- RIDGEFIELD, Reenactment of the Battle of Ridge- Greg Bialecki and Audrey Thier were winning debaters MAY field. Brigade of the American Revolution En­ for Hopkins, coached by Howard Preston. The Stamford 1 campment. Beginning at North Salem Rd. the Catholic debaters were Michael Dolan and Robert Popper, three skirmishes of the battle will be reenacted at coached by Timothy O'Connor. The qualifying tournament their original sites. Encampment will be at old was sponsored by the Connecticut Speech and Debate Asso­ high school field on Prospect St. ciation and was held at Stamford Catholic last December. I STAMFORD, Dedication of Peninsular Park and monument to Tadeusz Kosciuszko. The National Bicentennial Debates are being held each II WESTPORT, Lecture, "The Bicentennial Plus-Five­ year in Williamsburg until 1981. The Debates are sponsored Months-And-11-Days," John Kenneth Galbraith, by the Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission and Coleytown Jr. High School. Admission fee. the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States, 12 WILLIMANTIC, Founders Day, Windham Bicenten­ with the cooperation of the Colonial Williamsburg Founda­ nial Committee. tion and the College of William and Mary. ONGOING EVENTS MYSTIC, Exhibit, "The Challenge of Independence, 1776-1815," Stillman Building, Mystic Seaport (through 9/77). Moses Dunbar (continued from page 7) refuge in Loyalist Long Island where he "accepted a Cap­ HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT AID tains Warrant for the King's service in Col. Fanning's regi­ APPROACHES HALF MILLION ment." Connecticut will receive $468,898 in grants-in-aid assis­ Returning to gather up his children and his new wife and tance for historic preservation from the National Park Ser­ take them to Long Island, he was quickly apprehended. vice in the fiscal year 1977. The award is the third highest "I . . . was brought before the Authority of Waterbury. amount given to any state this year. They refused to have anything to do with the matter. I was According to John W. Shannahan, State Historic Preser­ carried before Justice Strong and Justice Whiteman of Far­ vation Officer and Director of the Connecticut Historical mington and by them committed to Hartford where the Commission, the money will be used for a survey of the Superior Court was then sitting. I was tried on Thursday state's historic, architectural, and archaeological resources 23rd of January, 1777 for High Treason against the State of and planning for the preservation of these resources. The Connecticut by an act passed in October last for enlisting funds also will be used for the acquisition, development and men for General Howe and for having a Captains Commis­ restoration of historic structures, buildings and districts sion. For that purpose I was adjudged guilty and on the listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Saturday following was brought to the Bar of the Court Projects funded include the Monte Cristo Cottage in and receiving sentence of death. The time of my suffering New London (Eugene O'Neill's boyhood home), the Old was afterward fixed to be the 19th day of March 1777 — State House in Hartford, and architectural surveys of Stam­ which tremendous and awful day now draws near when I ford, Meriden and other communities. must appear before the Searcher of Hearts to give an ac­ Connecticut's almost half million dollar award was based count of all the deeds done in the body whether they be on a request by the Connecticut Historical Commission to good or evil." the National Park Service of $15.1 million. That Dunbar was guilty under a Connecticut law against The work being done in Connecticut in the preservation traitors that had gone into effect the previous October area is reflected in the state's rise in national rankings. In seems undeniable. The reasons for the carrying out of the 1974 Connecticut ranked only 46th in the nation in terms sentence, however, are still a subject for debate. At least of historic preservation grants-in-aid. This year the Consti­ one reason must have been that he was to be an "example" tution State ranked-third in terms of money received and to other Loyalists. Whatever the reasons, no other Loyalist was one of only four states that increased its share of Feder­ was ever to receive the death penalty in Connecticut. al preservation grants.

11 §tat? of ^^^^ (Emmwttntt

By Her Excellency ELLA GRASSO, Governor: a PROCLAMATION

"History teaches everything — even the future," wrote the French poet and states­ man Lamartine.

History, a universal record of past events, provides important guidance for the months and years ahead. The economic, religious, cultural and political decisions formulated with the abundance of available knowledge will affect the history of our people in the future.

The American heritage began centuries ago when freedom-seeking men and women from many nations sailed to our shores. They arrived in this land yearning for freedom of worship, desiring all persons to be treated as equals and seeking a "land of opportunity."

American independence was proclaimed in 1776, as the concept of liberty was trans­ formed from a dream into a reality. The accomplishments and sacrifices of our colonial ancestors led to the realization of the basic principles of freedom, liberty, justice and funda­ mental human rights which we treasure so dearly today.

From the humble beginnings of this country to the modern space age and the wealth of technology accumulated in the past 200 years, future discoveries will be added to the unending log of American history for citizens to study and appreciate.

I therefore proclaim, in accordance with the statutes of the State of Connecticut, February, 1977, to be

AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH o

Appropriately, the month chosen for this observance includes the birth anniversaries of two of our nation's most distinguished historical figures, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I urge that, during February, our schools devote special attention to the vitality of American History and its meaning for all our citizens as we begin our third century.

Given under my hand and seal of the State at the Capitol, in Hartford, this thirty-first day m of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy-seven and of y^V^. the Independence of the United States the two hundred first.

f^y yt A

By Her Excellency's Command:

(Th » HV,

Secretary of the State

Bulk Rate Connecticut Bicentennial U.S. Postage GAZETTE PAID Permit No. 4313 59 South Prospect Street • Hartford, Conn. 06106 Hartford, Conn.

The American Revolution Bicentennial S T ft U ^ t !• " ft 1 ' 4 Commission of Connecticut WA T£R BR»HM-SIHU I IB« An Equal Opportunity /Affirmative 231 C AP1 •Ct AVP Action Employer Phyllis M. Fortnato, Editor H ARTFORD CT 06 I Is PCSA Subscription: $1.00 annually

Connecticut Bicentennial GAZETTE