the same right to establish their own gov-
ernment. As early as the 15th of May 1776, and before the dec-
laration of American independence, the Continental Congress, re-
cognizing the disorganized state of the country, and the propriety
of a legal organization, before the adoption of such declaration, had
. " resolved, that it be recommended to the respective assemblies and
conventions of the United Colonies, where no government, su£cient
to the exigencies of their affairs, has been hitherto established, to
adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives
of the people, best conduce to the happiness and the safety of their
constituents in particular, and America in general.*'
But Congress was placed in an embarrassing and delicate position,
"between two fires." They saw the danger of irritating either
party. Their proceedings were therefore vacillating in theextreme.
'4?
ID
IIISTOET OF ADDISON COUNTY.
Wli:it tbc}'- did at one time was undone at the next ; and no final
decision -.vas ever adopted by that body.
In the meantime the Ycrmontcrs continued to adopt measures to
reduce the government to system and order, in its operations over
ail parts of the b'tatc. The inhabitants v/ere also becoming, not
only accustomed to, but satisfied with, its operation. The settle-
ment of the State and its population were rapidly increasing and
adding strength to the government, and the claims of New York
Avcre thereby becoming every year more hopeless, and the condi-
tion of the friends of that government more uncomfortable.
Ethan Allen, wlio had been captured in Canada in 1775, and
lield by the British a prisoner of war, being exchanged and re-
leased in May, 1778, soon returned Iiomc and resumed