Ethan Allen of New York, a descendant of the Revolutionary hero
made famous by the capture of Ticonderoga, has never been a
professional public speaker, but from time to time, when stirred by
some cause which appealed to him strongly, he has shown great power
as an orator. His address of 1861, delivered in New York city, is
here republished from a contemporaneous report, preserved among the
papers of Mr. Enos Clarke. It was described in the newspapers of the
day as "thrilling eloquence," and perhaps it is the best expression
extant of the almost inconceivable excitement of the opening months
of the war.
In 1872 Mr. Alien joined the Liberal Republicans and made earnest
pleas for reconciliation with the South. In 1897 he took a prominent
part in supporting the Cubans in their struggle for independence.