[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 11 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            COL. SETH WARNER

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor one of 
Connecticut's great Revolutionary War heroes, Col. Seth Warner. 
Tragically, the accomplishments of this extraordinary American have not 
been properly heralded by history, and I believe the time is past due 
for us to honor him. I salute the dedication of Edward S. Caco, Jr., of 
Roxbury, CT, in researching and recognizing the Colonel's great work 
and life. I have set forth below a discussion of Colonel Warner's life 
prepared by Mr. Caco. I can only hope this entry, by Mr. Caco, 
describing the importance of the Colonel's contribution to American 
independence, helps to bring the recognition he deserves. I sincerely 
thank Mr. Caco for his fine work on Colonel Warner's life.

       * * * Colonel Seth Warner was born in Roxbury on the 17th 
     day of May, 1743. As a man, he was over six feet tall, and 
     was courageous and commanding. Engaged in the controversy 
     with New York, he was fully prepared to engage in our 
     Revolutionary struggle. He was personally present in many 
     engagements in the northern colonies. It has been reported 
     that General Washington relied especially upon Colonel Ethan 
     Allen and Colonel Seth Warner [who were cousins], considering 
     them as among the most active, daring, and trustworthy of 
     this officers.
       Not long after the victories of Ticonderoga and Crown 
     Point, Seth Warner was appointed as a Delegate to the 
     Continental Congress. Shortly thereafter, he was enrolled as 
     part of the regular Continental Army. Seth Warner was 
     appointed the Commander of the regiment by the officers and 
     men, who felt that his calm and wise judgment would serve 
     them best in the serious business of war that lie ahead.
       It was at Longueil Canada in 1775 that Colonel Warner 
     fought a rear guard action against the advancing enemy, 
     covering the retreat of General Sullivan. The retreat became 
     a route and it was Colonel Warner that protected the rear and 
     brought up the sick and wounded. The stricken and defeated 
     army made its way to the safety of Crown Point, and later on 
     to Ticonderoga. Though the Colonel was successful in carrying 
     out his orders, it was this flight from the enemy forces 
     which broke his iron constitution and began the malady that 
     would eventually take this life.
       Several months later in July of 1776, Seth was again called 
     upon to fight a rear guard action to cover the retreat of 
     General St. Clair's forces from Ticonderoga. At Hubbardton, 
     along with units from New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the 
     Colonel made a stand against a combined unit of British and 
     Hessian forces. During this engagement the Massachusetts unit 
     scattered, and the New Hampshire unit surrendered, leaving 
     Colonel Warner and his men to stand alone. Though his unit 
     was forced off the field, Colonel Warner was entirely 
     successful in the duties to which he was assigned. * * * In 
     spite of his failing health, the Colonel carried out his 
     orders, led his men into battle, and was to have no rest as 
     Burhoyne was on the march.
       In August of 1777, General Stark was engaging the Hessians 
     of Burgoyne's command at Bennington. The first action had 
     been fought and the Hessians were already winning the day. A 
     powerful enemy reinforcement was taking to the field when 
     Seth arrived with his regiment. General Stark ordered Seth to 
     ride on the line and order a retreat into the middle of 
     Bennington. Seth refused that order, much to General Stark's 
     surprise, stating instead that he was certain that he could 
     get his men into action on the ground. General Stark agreed 
     and the day was won. Once again it was Colonel Seth Warner's 
     fiery courage and steady judgment that had turned the tide of 
     the battle. General Stark stated in his report to General 
     Washington, ``Colonel Warner's strategy and judgment was of 
     extraordinary service to me.'' In recognition of his valor 
     and service, Seth was promoted to the full rank of Colonel.
       It has been said that if Seth had retired from the service 
     at this time, he may have to a certain extent retained his 
     health. However, with Seth the needs of his burgeoning 
     country always took precedence over his own welfare, as well 
     as the needs of his own family. With failing health, Seth 
     continued to fight the ravages of the Indians and the ever 
     present Tories. Not one to remain idle for any length of 
     time, Seth led a scouting party in 1780. It was on this 
     mission that Seth was ambushed by the Indians. In the melee 
     of battle the two officers by his side were killed and Seth 
     received two bullets through his arm. This was the end of 
     Colonel Seth Warner's active military career.
       He retired to his Vermont residence for two years to 
     recuperate. In 1783 Seth returned to his native Roxbury and 
     established a homestead. Still in a great deal of pain from 
     his wounds and malady, Seth spent time by the seashore hoping 
     that this would give him some respite. This was to prove 
     fruitless, and he returned to his home where he lingered in 
     suffering and delirium for several months. At times neighbors 
     were needed to assist in his care. Finally, on December 26, 
     1784, Colonel Seth Warner was relieved of his pain and 
     suffering through his merciful death. * * *

  The entry on Colonel Warner's tombstone well summarizes his life.

In Memory of Colonel Seth Warner, Esq., Who Departed This Life December 
          26th, A.D. 1784. In the Forty-Second Year of His Age

     Triumphant leader at our armies' head,
     Whose martial glory struck a panic dread,
     Thy warlike deeds engraven on this stone,
     Tell future ages what a hero's done,
     Full sixteen battles he did fight,
     for to procure his country's right.
     Oh! this brave hero, he did fall,
     By death, who ever conquers all.

     When this you see, remember me.

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