Colonel Allen was to be retained first in command, as had been decided upon the previous evening, or they should march back to Bennington without an hour’s delay.
On the other hand, the men from Stockbridge insisted that Colonel Arnold was the lawful commander because he was the only one who held a commission for such purpose, and threatened that neither money nor munitions of war should be given up unless his claims were fully recognized.
On this morning of the eighth of May the men were divided into three divisions according to their opinions, and it seemed much as if the officers were willing they should settle it without interference, for 80 those highest in command remained in council among themselves, giving no heed to the threats which were uttered here and there until it seemed positive personal encounters must soon take the place of words.
The men from round about Pittsfield, recognizing the need of a leader in what might properly be termed a mutiny, selected Corporal ’Lige as if by common consent, and Isaac had but just written his mother’s name on the missive which had cost him so much labor, when he and the corporal were surrounded by the faction to which belonged their neighbors and friends.
One of these, a butcher, whose home was in Pittsfield, thus addressed the old man, using at the beginning of his remark just that compliment best calculated to please him.
“You, who have had so much experience 81 in military affairs, Corporal ’Lige, should be able to settle this matter without any great loss of time, for according to my way of thinking it must be arranged among the men themselves, or not at all.”
“I have seen plenty of fightin’,” the corporal began slowly, as if undecided what words had best be used; “but it was in the king’s army, as you well know, and there every one in command held their commission from his majesty, which plainly said he was to be the leader. Now it seems in this ’ere case that the only officer who has any real authority is the one from New Haven——”
A chorus of derisive howls interrupted the old man, and not a few of his neighbors accused him of being a traitor because he was apparently on the point of giving his decision in favor of the stranger.
Waiting patiently until they had exhausted 82 their anger, and were silent once more, he continued placidly:
“As I said before it seems to me the only one with any show of authority is the officer from New Haven; but,” and Corporal ’Lige emphasized this word, “but what do you know of this ’ere Massachusetts Committee of Safety? Accordin’ to my way of figurin’, that body of men are lookin’ out for matters round about Boston, and we’ve got with us recruits all the way from Pittsfield up to Bennington, none of whom are given overmuch to heedin’ what the Boston folks think is right or wrong. Therefore I say, that while the officer from New Haven seems to have the only real authority, it strikes me that his commission does not extend as far as this ’ere spot, where we are encamped.”