 proudly we hail from New York City where the American stage begins here is another program with a cast of outstanding players public service time has been made available by this station for your army and your Air Force to bring you this story as proudly we hail Ethan Allen one of America's first heroes our story is entitled Knight Raiders a true story of Colonel Ethan Allen who led his Green Mountain boys on the first offensive of the revolution 177 years ago our first act curtain will rise in just a moment but first you young men who graduated from high school in the class of 52 listen to this there's a real opportunity for you in the expanding United States Army and you can continue your education too you see the army gives its soldiers the finest technical training in the world today's many soldiers go to excellent schools where they learn to do a job and do it right what's more in the army you can even get a college degree through you saffi the United States armed forces Institute and because our army is expanding so rapidly promotions come fast remember there's lots of room at the top you'll lead an interesting healthy life to and work side-by-side with other intelligent young Americans so if you think you can fill a man's shoes why not visit your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force recruiting station and find out what the army has to offer you and now your army and your Air Force present the proudly we hail production Knight Raiders at the southernmost tip of Lake Champaign you'll still find the walls the crumble battlements the Barrick foundations of the old Fort Fort Ticonderoga its site has been restored its remains preserved to remind us of another day another time when men sought to be free for you to stand by night on Ticonderoga's silent parade ground the breeze might play tricks with your ears bringing you echoes of sounds long gone and in the darkness you might think you saw shapes and figures moving toward you through the dust of time House number one 11 o'clock Horribly dull, sir. Quite, quite. 11 o'clock at all is well. I've been commander of this cursed Fort Ticonderoga and I can't remember it always, ever and always all's well. The man's an officer in his majesty's army, the man expects to fight, see action, view of service, but here what does he see here? Sees a lake, sir, forests, mountains, wilderness, savages, red and white, rocks. Exactly, sir. Rocks? Sir, do you think perhaps this mob who dared attack his majesty's troops at that place who silly name I can never remember? Do you think, sir, perhaps it might become a war? Felt him don't talk like a blasted fool. To attack his majesty's troops at Lexington Concorde authorities will hang their leaders, rest over home and behave. I never saw such people, frightfully odd, sir. No respect at all for their betterment. Exactly so, exactly so. No courage either. Runs the first sound of a volley. No, no fighting, no war here, Lieutenant. Nothing but the incredible pause. In Bennington, Vermont, some 50 miles to the south of Fort Ticonderoga was just as wild and ferocious as its title proclaimed. Here on an early May night in 1775, a swarm of grizzled backwardsmen were engaged in the notable Green Mountain custom of drinking stone walls, a mild concoction of Roman hardsiders and calmly and quietly discussing what they could do to further aid and abet their Massachusetts brethren in their revolt against his majesty's authority. Stop you into that barrel. It better we came here to figure out how we can help our brethren on Massachusetts play. Green Mountain boys can meander on down to this Cambridge place or can march for Hartford in the Connecticut colony. Oh, so far as I've heard he from Bennington. Let's go where there is. You can see that from here. It's been left in the center. I got another idea. I think it's Brian thinking on between Stonewall. Ticonderoga. That's my idea. You mean the fort even? I don't mean the move, Stephen. We get hold of that fort. We can stop anything coming down Champlain from Canada. You can even use it to go on up the lake to Canada. And I don't know if a mount of powder in guns to be had and we need them like we need the help of the Almighty. How many soldiers they got there? I don't know. But we can find that out. Well, how to strike you? I stay cleaver. It'll be a fine day. Hungry as a bear in springtime. Ain't thirsty, are you? That was a real set to. Going up the river and take old tie away from the Britishers. Ain't it peculiar what the lighter day will do to an elegant idea like that? It's just as good to me in a sunlight as it did in your tap room. You mean you really sat on it? You wasn't just... Oh, what do you take me for? You ever heard the time Ethan Allen got a plan and didn't carry it through plum to the finish? You ever? No, Ethan, no. Ain't a soul in the grants. Don't know your many word. But like on the roga, British soldiers can and... I ain't asking anybody to come along hasn't got a mind to it. I didn't mean that. Well, what did you mean? I guess I don't rightly know. But I'll tell you one thing, Ethan. If you're set to take this fort, then I'll close up the catamount and come along with you. Well, I'd certainly be a blight, Stephen, if you did. Now let's see what you got to eat for a starving man, huh? I want you and Sam and Noah to... Ethan! Right, you're coming up to trail in a hurry. Maybe you should, huh? Give it a Massachusetts boys, lick them again. Say, ain't that your brother, Heman? Well, by the... Heman! Heman, lad! Hey, morning, Ethan. Morning, boys. I got news. Good news. All away from Hartford. We give him another licking? Oh, oh, boy. Easy, easy there. Yeah, he's dry as a bone and half-winded. No, no, we didn't give him another licking yet. But we're sure going to. Ethan, I brung the authority from the committee in Hartford for us to attack the tag on the road. Well, if that ain't real naively now. I hardly get the idea and I got the word to go ahead and give it a try. Delegation's not far behind me. They're bringing 300 pounds in hard money to buy provisions and for pay. I'm a man who likes to see things going on. Levi, Sam, Noah, you know what to do. Get your horses and ride. I want all the boys in these parts here by sundown. We are going on a big wolf hunt. They said of Ethan Allen, he was a man tall enough to talk to pines. A man born to lead. By sundown that evening, the catamount was filled with green mountain boys and volunteers who would come in with a delegation from Hartford. Well, Colonel Allen, that takes care of the official business. We have the necessary papers and the necessary cash. I'm at your command. Mr. Mott, Colonel Easton, Captain Phelps. As you can hear from the taproom, the boys are anxious to start moving. Bennington and the catamount is no place for us to set up a headquarters. I say we head north to Castleton. We'll pick up a lot more boys on the way and when we get there, we'll only be 20 miles from the port. An excellent idea, Colonel Allen. You gentlemen agree? Fine, fine. Then gentlemen, let's drink on it. And to it. The long, straggling column of men in buckskin left Bennington by dawn light. At Arlington, the column grew larger as plows were left and firelocks shouldered. At Dorset, Pallet, Pothney, powderhorns were filled, bullets molded, and the column continued to grow steadily as it moved northward. We're going on a big wolf hunt, roared Ethan Allen, and the men came running. On May 8th at Castleton, a council of war was held. Ethan Allen was chosen to lead the attack on Ticonderoga, but first, boats must be gathered to cross the lake, and just as importantly, a scout must be sent into the fort to find out its strength. Now then, what are you doing, nosing around here? It's your hands of me. Why, look who's given the orders. What the devil's going on here? Well, speak up, Corporal. Oh, sir, I caught him snooping, I did, sir. Who are you, fella? What are you doing here? Name's Noah Phelps. I'm a trapper from a disabled way. Been in the woods all winter here to tell a man he could get a shave at Ty's, so I come in to get me one. You could use a bath, too. Ain't interest. Just want to get a shave and this big monkey monkey... That'll do. Corporal, just where did you find this fella snooping? Well, sir, he was acting suspicious, like poking his bloody nose at back. Looking for a barber, you fancy pants lobster back? That'll do, sir. He'll let you in here, anyway. Soldiers on the gate, they was gentle. Tala, are you a king's man? King's man? I ain't nobody's man. I'm a trapper and I heard you got a barber, you know. Do I get a shave or don't I? Hold your tongue, you insolent rogue. You happen to be talking to an officer and his majesty. Hold your tongue, you insolent rogue, he said. I knew you'd die trying to keep from laughing. Sounds like you almost got a closer shave than you expected, huh? Oh, there's a breach in the south wall. No, I... Where by holding to you? Ah, to a nothing, either. Had a fine time. What's this I hear tell about Gershom Beach, Blacksmith? Well, good. Well, Gershom took a little run from self. I sent him out to call in the boys in the north. He covered 60 miles in less than 24 hours. Do tell. A man can tie himself out running around like that. Through the night of May 9th, Green Mountain boys from the north came pouring in to swell the army, which had now settled itself at Hans Cove near Shorham. All was in readiness, and 200 men waited impatiently. For the boat parties to arrive, which were to carry them across the lake on Ethan Allen's big wolf hunt at Fort Ticonderoga. You are listening to the proudly we hail production of Night Raiders. We'll return to our story in just a moment. Here's a special message to the high school class of 52. The United States Army, the senior service, needs bright young men, men with ambition who want to continue their education. If you can fill the bill, the army will send you to one of its many fine technical schools. For the army trains its men in such interesting, exciting fields as radio, radar, electronics, mechanics, meteorology, and many, many others. You'll not only get the finest training in the world, but you'll have the special pride that goes with wearing a United States Army uniform. And today there are plenty of chances for a man to get ahead. For your army is growing fast and bright young men can grow with it. But why not get all the facts about what the army has to offer you? Go to your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Station. Have a talk with a recruiting sergeant and learn all the details. You are listening to Proudly We Hail, and now we present the second act of Night Raiders. The minutes and then the hours of the all-too-short nights sped away. Still, there was no sign of the boats. The men grew rested, their leader enraged, and then suddenly, to add fuel to the fire, a stranger dressed in a colorful uniform came riding into their midst and announced that he had been sent to lead them in battle. It makes no difference to me whether you come here with the authority or not. I'm running this out without even to lead it. Whatever your name is, I think you can follow the track of our senators. I care neither for your sentiments nor these wild men who follow them. Then you'd best get back on your horse and ride on out of here. I'll do no such thing. I was empowered by the Connecticut Committee to take command of this expedition. My orders supersede the arrangements you and Mr. Montmay. I am your superior officer, and I order you... I think even you, Colonel Arnold, you can see how it is. Now you boys just control your tempers. If anyone's got to lose that temper around here, it's me. I've all been making enough noise to let every Britisher from here to Cambridge know what we're about. Another hour in. Two boats coming up in the car. It's about time. Nearly dawn. Colonel Arnold, you want to come along on this wolf hunt? That's all right. You can come along with me, but keep your official papers and your orders to yourself. Two boats, even though they were scows, couldn't carry 200 men across the lake. But somehow, with gunnows awash and champagne chopped up by a north wind, 83 of the little army managed to reach the western side of the lake. Dawn was already erasing the darkness in the sky. There was no time to lose. Eastern. Have the men formed in three ranks. I don't want to hear a peep out of any one of you. Colonel Allen, I demand to lead the attack. Five of you! I'll have you understand. I mean, can I do it? For the gods. Boys, do you have any time to waste? We're going up and take old tie away from the Britishers. Not a one of you. There ain't worth five of them. And I'm proud to be the leader. This is an undertaking which none but the bravest of men would dare to undertake. So let's get to wonder taking it before daylight catches us. Forward march! History tells us that the attacking party was armed with rifles, pistols, fouling pieces, blunderbusses, clubs and hunting knives. With even Allen striding along at their head and Colonel Benedict Arnold fuming close behind, they moved quietly past the redoubt, skirted the east wall and came to the south curtain where the stealths had reported there was a breach. Without halting, their leader drew his sword, climbed over the tumble masonry and charged forward. Pull your quarter enough! Take me there, Commander, or I'll round him to your head. Follow me, sir. The officer's billet thought right up them stairs. Sir, take care of this man. The rest of you follow me. Did you lose your pants? What is the meaning of this infund racket? I was saying by what authority have you to enter His Majesty's hawk? In the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress. In the name of the... Who are you, people? By the eternal, I shall have possession of this fort and all the effects of George III. And if you don't comply, not one of your men shall be left alive in this place. I am Lieutenant Feltum of His Majesty's 26th Regiment of Foot. And I take leave to inform you, sir, whoever the devil you are, that I am not in command here. Then, you pantsless figure of a lieutenant, take me to your commander at once. Yeah! With much shouting and firing of guns and general pandemonium, but without loss of life on either side, Ethan Allen and his band took possession of Fort Ticonderoga. What had started out as a desperate venture turned into a mad holiday when the commander's keys uncovered a cellar containing 90 gallons of blood. By noon the next day, the entire countryside on both sides of the lake had assembled within the fort to celebrate his typical New England style. Would you mind closing the window? It's spreading headache. Yes, sir. It's better. It's a frightful noise. Savages. What do you suppose they plan to do with it, sir? Burners of the stake, if you have to eat it. I don't really know. I don't quite understand them, sir. No respect for authority at all. You have to hang a lot of them. It's unforgivable. It's loud, Allen. Hang him while it's at all. Continental Congress, sir. Captain, what is that? The Vegas left, and it would have appreciated greatly if you'd stop asking me so many asinine questions. I beg your pardon, sir. It's quite all right. What have they done with the men? Much of them. Not so far, sir. I believe they are all being held in these barracks. I suppose it's only a matter of time before these wild men set fire to it. How many of the garrison were lost when these barbarians attacked? None, sir, so far as I know. None. Why did you say none, Lieutenant Frodo? Beastly, isn't it, sir? Seems the lads were overpowered before they had a chance to rouse out. Oh, bad show. Bad show. Oh, you mustn't take it so hard, sir. Trust you've been treated well. You mean, sir, we haven't been set upon by your howling mob, and quite right. Well, Captain, you wouldn't begrudge the boys a bit of celebration, especially on your rum. My rum, how dare you? You're not only a pillager of King's property, but a thief as well. I'm yourself, Captain. I'll see that you're repaid for it. That's a jolly laugh. If I may be so bold, sir, what do you have in store for us? You may be so bold, Lieutenant. Incidentally, you look much better with your pants on. Well, you're going on a trip to Connecticut. To where? Connecticut. I'm sure you've heard of it, Captain. It lies to the south of Massachusetts. Couldn't we hang just as well here, or whatever it is you're planning for us? Hang you? Hang you, gentlemen? Oh, I wouldn't think of it. You'll be held as ransom for some of our friends in Boston. Now, enough of this talk. You'll be leaving in an hour. I'll just get your things together. Mordecai, you and that come in here. Don't, uh, don't really understand it. You're not surprised, Lieutenant. Connecticut, I believe I've heard of it. You suppose the people are as wild and disrespectful as they are? Blast it, Felder. Will you hold your tongue? What difference does it make what they are? I mean, what? That's all I know. I'll first take my fort and then we'll rum. Blasted gallons. Never see it again. Never get a penny for it. The thieves, the rebels. Hang a lot of them. On May 12th, Colonel Ethan Allen sat down and wrote a letter to the Committee of War at Hartford, Connecticut. So, whereas the fortress of Ticonderoga has fallen into the hands of the colonies, together with the ordinance, stores, and so forth, and whereas Captain Delaplace has in the fort 90 gallons of rum of his own property, which is greatly wanted for the refreshments of the fatigued soldier, this is therefore to desire the treasurer of the colony of Connecticut to pay him, the said William Delaplace, 18 pounds, 11 shillings, and 9 pence lawful money. As the rum is appropriated for the use of the garrison, your compliance will oblige the garrison and your humble servant, Ethan Allen, commandant of Ticonderoga. As you can imagine, but as Captain Delaplace couldn't, he was paid the stated amount. And so it was that the fort at Ticonderoga was taken by Ethan Allen and his green mountain boys back in May of 1775. And were you to stand by night on Ticonderoga's silent parade ground, the breeze might play tricks with your ears, bringing you echoes of sounds long gone. You young men who just graduated from high school, listen to this. The United States Army needs intelligent young men to handle the thousands of important jobs opening up in your growing army. If you can qualify and come within the quota, you'll be sent to one of the Army's many technical training schools to study such interesting subjects as radio, radar, meteorology, mechanics, or electronics. The Army teaches you the know-how it takes to get ahead faster. So men, don't worry about your future now that you've finished high school. You'll find the answer to that important question at your nearest United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Station. This has been another program on proudly we hail presented transcribed in cooperation with this station by the United States Army and United States Air Force Recruiting Service. This program featured a cast of outstanding players. This is Kenneth Banghart speaking and inviting you to tune in the same station next week for another interesting story on proudly we hail.