The speaker was one who had been most bitter against Allen when he had appeared there sometime before to argue in favor of the men of Vermont.
"Let it be understood that New York, in listening to Ethan Allen, does not relinquish its claims to the lands which he culls Vermont."
"That matter can well be left in abeyance," said Allen. "There is a greater one—that of our independence as a nation."
"On that subject we will hear you!"
"I ask that the proceedings shall be secret."
"That is understood."
Ethan Allen, with a natural eloquence and rugged fervor, laid before the representatives of the people a plan for the invasion of Canada.
He showed how, with daring and quickness, the country north of the St. Lawrence could be captured, thereby inflicting an injury on the British, and taking from them a large tract of country, which could be made so valuable an adjunct of the colonies south of the St. Lawrence when they became independent.
He had gathered information which showed how easily all Canada could be captured, save, perhaps, the citadel of Quebec.
He was listened to patiently. He was cheered when he spoke of the gallant attack on Quebec by Wolfe and the heroic defense of the French general, Montcalm; and tears rolled down many cheeks when he recalled how the French hero, wounded unto death, expressed a pleasure that he should not live to witness the surrender of Quebec.