Recollections of an old soldier - Info and Reading Options

Snippets and Summary:

...May we all remember the maxim of our illustrious Washington: "United we stand; divided we fall." -- When we reflect back to our Revolutionary war, and see how much blood and treasure were spent to gain our independence, shall we, after so long an experience of the advantages arising from so good a government, be any more deceived by internal or foreign enemies? Shall we contrast the mildness of our government, and the civil and religious liberty that we enjoy under it, with the bigotry and tyranny which prevails under the monarchies of Europe, and say we are willing to exchange the former for the latter? I dare say not. Then let me conjure my posterity to stand by this government of our choice, and never be deceived by political or ecclesiastical demagogues. Let the people keep the right and power of election; always in their own hands, and at their annual freemen's meetings be sure to choose men into office, who are true friends of a Republican Government. Let them encourage all the arts and sciences that are necessary in a Republic, and none others, -- and in this way they may perpetuate their liberties. -- But if they are ambitious to ape the follies, extravagance, and luxury of European countries, their freedom can have but a short duration. But, above all, let us as a nation dedicate ourselves to God, and pray that he would have us in his holy keeping, and so direct the councils of our nation, as may tend to preserve its free institutions, to the latest period of time; which is the ardent prayer of DAVID PERRY Chelsea, Vt. 1819

...At one time about thirty of the Indians, with their Sachem, came to see us. I talked with the Sachem some time; and, among other things, about going a hunting with him. I asked him if he would use me well: he said, if I did as he bid me, he would; if not, that he would kill me. On such terms, I thought it best not to try a new master.