Fellow-citizens, with the story of Burgoyne’s surrender, the Revolutionary glory of the State of New York, still fresh in our memories, I am glad that the hallowed spot on which we stand compels us to remember not only the imperial State, but the national Commonwealth, whose young hands here together struck the blow, and on whose older head descends the ample benediction of the victory. On yonder height, a hundred years ago, Virginia and Pennsylvania lay encamped. Beyond, and further to the north, watched New Hampshire and Vermont. Here, in the wooded uplands at the south, stood New Jersey and New York, while across the river to the east, Connecticut and Massachusetts closed the triumphant line. Here was the symbol of the Revolution, a common cause, a common strife, a common triumph; the cause, not of a class, but of human nature; the triumph, not of a colony, but of united America. And we who stand here proudly remembering, we who have seen Virginia and New York, the North and the South, more bitterly hostile than the armies whose battles shook this ground, we who mutually proved in deadlier conflict the constancy and courage of all the States, which, proud to be peers, yet own no master but their united selves, we renew our heart’s imperishable devotion to the common American faith, the common American pride, the common American glory! Here America stood and triumphed. Here Americans stand and bless their memory. And here, for a thousand years, many grateful generations of Americans come to rehearse the glorious story, and to rejoice in a supreme and benignant American nationality! THE SURRENDER OF BURGOYNE BY JAMES WATTS DE PEYSTER (Extract from Centennial Poem, read October 17, 1877.) Brothers, this spot is holy! Look around! Before us flows our memory’s sacred river, Whose banks are Freedom’s shrines. This grassy mound, The altar, on whose height the Mighty Giver Gave Independence to our country; when, Thanks to its brave, enduring, patient men, The invading host was brought to bay, and laid Beneath “Old Glory’s” new-born folds, the blade, The brazen thunder-throats, the pomp of War, And England’s yoke, broken forevermore. ... Yes, on this spot,—thanks to our gracious God,— Where last in conscious arrogance it trod, Defiled, as captives, Burgoyne’s conquered horde; Below, their general yielded up his sword; There, to our flag bowed England’s, battle-torn; Where now we stand, the United States was born. THE SARATOGA MONUMENT BEGUN BY HORATIO SEYMOUR (From Address delivered October 17, 1877.)