Ethan Allen, the hero of Ticonderoga, was once listening in
church to the Rev. Jedediah Dewey, the ancester of Admiral Dewey
of Manila fame, who was offering prayer in which he was giving
God thanks for the victory of the American arms at the battle of
Bennington, when Ethan Allen chafed under the devout preacher’s
neglect of his part in the conflict and success. Rising in his
pew in the midst of the prayer, he said, “Parson Dewey, Parson
Dewey!” The parson stopt and opened his eyes to see the source
of the interruption, when Ethan Allen added, “Please mention to
the Lord about my being there.” “Sit down, thou blasphemer,”
thundered Mr. Dewey, “and listen to the praises of the God of
battles.”
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