IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / "^ ^ '^" C^x A t/. 1.0 i.l U;|2£ 12.5 ■50 ^^^ NIHK ■^ 1^ III 2.2 1^ lis 1110 1.8 1.25 1.4 1 1.6 === = II ^ < 6" ^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4503 %k. C^/ fA CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1 \ ^> -aiJvit'^4„ .Jii ' % Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The Institute has dittempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which m. work on which I had bestowed great la- vii- — . !a i> ;. 'i t S !JiM ii Biii ! W! i WJi^^ . Viii PKOTACB TO TUB WEW KDITION. bor and research, after passing through „VB BorrioNs, and been transhUcd into foreign languages, should have entirely disappeared from circulation, while the vol- ume the render now holds in his hand, which was cast like "bread upon the wa- ters," without a name to shew its author- ship, should pass through TiiiRTy EDrrioNS, and have established itself permanently m public esteem! For its singular success it is indebted to itself alone; for I had almost forgotten that I had ever written it, until, by accident, it came in my way. I am only surprised at the correctness of the decision of pub- lic opinion; for it is as much superior to the larger work, as the quintessence is to the gross material. It is in fact, the spi- rit, which still walks and travels, after the body has been placed in the tomb. After completing my larger history, and while its incidents were all fresh in my mind, I wrote this little book, not as an abridgement, but as a summary, and gave it to a friend, and it was pubUshed with- out my name. I now claim paternity to TO THB WKW EDrriOI^' rch, after passing through and been transhUcd into jrcs, should have entirely m circulation, while the vol- :r now holds in his hand, t like "bread upon the wa- a name to shew its author- ss through TiiiRTy kditions, blished itself permanently in I ular success it is indebted to ,r I had almost forgotten that ritten it, until, by accident, |r way. I am only surprised ncss of the decision of pub- or it is as much superior to >rk, as the quintessence is to erial. It is in fact, the spi- l walks and travels, after the ;n placed in the tomb, dating my larger history, and ;ident8 were all fresh in my e this little book, not as an but as a summary, and gave , and it was published with- ;, I now claim paternity to ix PUBFAOB TO THB New BdITIOW. the little wanderer, which, it seems, has unassisted, made its way to fortune, and found favor with our masters-^Ac People of this Republic. May it be the instrument of friendly aid to its parent and elder brethren, in « » land of strangers." Ca D« lD> Ca CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. l ■ Cauwi of the war with England — Oiden in Coancil ! ■» ■ preMment — Indian HoMUltiei. • > 13 CHAPTER II. Dtclamtion of War — State of the country. • S CHAPTER III. lavadon of Canada by General Hull — Battlei of Brown*- town and Maguaga — Hull evacuatci Canada — BrMkk invasion, and iiurrender of Hull, - - 98 CHAPTER IV. Ifaval A&in — Capture of the Ouriien— Kaval VkM)> rief. . . - . . 39 CHAPTER V. ■Utle of Qneenitown— Oeneial Smytht n>and — Colonel Pike's incursion. 45 CHAPTER VI. Aflkiis of the West — Movements of General HandMiK S3 CHAPTER VII. Meeting of Congress — Proposed Armistice — i^ptute of tfe* Java— Operations on the Lakes — Siege of Fort Meigs. 59 CHAPTER VIII. Capture of the Fisacock— Other Naval Affairs. 69 xi nOMTKNTB- xn CHAPTER IX. RuMian Mediation— BriUiant events of the War. 70 CHAPTER X. Capture of the British Squadron on Lake Erie— Defw^ of Proctor. . - - - * ^^ CHAPTER XI. War on tiie AUantic Sea Coast— Disgraceful conduct of , tiie British. CVIAPTER XII. Naval affaire— War carried on against tiie Eas'*™ States. *" CHAPTER XIII. War - tiie Nortiiem Frontier— Batties of Chippew and i iagara. . - - - 123 CHAPTER XIV. Capture of Washinston— Defence of Baltimore. 134 CHAPTER XV, Glorious events of tiio war— British defeateU at Plattt- burgh— Repulsed at New Orleans— Peace. CHAPTER XVI. Defence of New OiJeinj— BriUiant termination of the War. 1*> CHAPTER XVII. Seminole War— Florida Treaty. - - 161 146 ooirrKNTS. CHAPTER IX. ition— Brilliant events of the War. CHAPTER X. e British Sqn-idron on Lake Erie— DefW _ ■ " • B* CHAPTER XI. Mantic Sea Coast— Disgraceful conduct of - " " " * •^*' CVIAPTER XII. s_War carried on against the Eastern ... - 114 CHAPTER XIII. Northern Frontier— Battles of Chippewa ra. - - - - ^^ CHAPTER XIV. Vashington — Defence of Baltimoie. CHAPTER XV, nts of the war— British defeated at Platts- pulsod at New Orleans — Peace. - 146 CHAPTER XVI. New Oii<>«n»— BrilUant termination of the 150 fflSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. CHAPTER I. 134 CHAPTER XVU. ar— Florida Treaty. 161 Causes of the war with England— Orders in Council — Impressment — Indian Hostiiites. The United States assumed a rank among the nations of the world, in one of the most stormy periods of its history. All Europe was convul- sed with the effects of the French revolutior The mighty warrior which it called into political life, seemed to move as the genius of the tempest. One of his ruling maxim was never to tolerate a neutral ; all therefore within the reach of hib arm were either allies, vassals, or foes. England, whose erroneous policy had in the first instance, given rise to this distempered energy, chose to adopt the same maxim. She moreover appealed to the world as the defender of the liberties and rights of nations, and plainly denounced as trai- tors, those who declined a participation in hor i)uarrels. Fortunately for this country, the waves of the Atlantic rolled between it and the fury of the .uropean belligerants. However desirous they B 13 u HISTOBIT or THE LATB WAS. might be of engaging us in their mad oontert, it lid only be Through in«iduous arts by .hich Z in^x^nenced are entrapped, or by repeated p' ovocatSn. For twenty-five years the^ de- Lns were resisted with unshaken fimness.- The advice of Washington, to keep alo^fron. r dangerous contest, was strictly observed Thenatfonwas repeatedly exasperate ^on endurance, but the government opposed Uselft^ the imprudent effects of wounded «ationa^ P"f andfeeW It appears! to be a contest betw^n France and England which could injure us m^^ and on our i>art how long w. could forbear. But LreisaplintatwhichthLrorbear^oarnu^ become not only impolitic, but unjust Thep«^ ^s had taken to keep aloof from the European wars, at last came to be mistaken for puBillanim- Hy or at least for a want of -rgy in the atru. ture of the government. It became fashionaWe to represent us as amean and sordid race, «|^ j^^^ pable of any generous sentiment, and exclusiv^ ^^^^ ly devoted to self-interest, whom no m^ult, no .^ ^ iniury, could provoke to stnke. ^^ The practiL at first resorted to for the pur pose of engaging us to share their battles, wen ^ ^^ ^w converted into theordinarymeansofsupp^y^j^^j ing their coffers, or of recruiting their strengthJ Fran Spaii exan dere( seem our s situa of p< to co; Fr catioi adisi main ward ous. ered of pi gethc expel real -I^MH OF THE LATB WA«. ging us in their mad contest, it rough insiduous arts, by which I are entrapped, or by repeated or twenty-five years, these de- ted with unshaken firmness.— Washington, to keep aloof from contest, was strictly observed, repeatedly exasperatet' beyond he government opposed itself to •Tects of wounded national pride appeared to be a contest between rland which could injure us most, how long w«5 could forbear. Bui at which thte forbearance must impolitic, but unjust. Thepauu keep aloof from the European me to be mistaken for puBiUanim for a want of energy in the struo- ernment. It became fashionable as a mean and sordid race, mca- enerous sentiment, and exclusive- wlf-interest, whom no inwlt, no rovoke to strike. 58 at first resorted to for the pur ing us to share their battles, wen into the ordinary means of supply rs, or of recruiting their strengthl HISTOBT or THE lATE WAB. 15 France coi fiscated and plundered our ships; Spain, and some of th« petty states, followed the example, as though our pacific policy had ren- dered us lawful prey to all nations. England, seemed to think that she had a right to transfer our seamen to her service at her pleasure. Thus situated, it became no longer a matter of choice of peace or war, Sut of our enemy, or whether to contend with both. From Britian we had experienced great provo- cation. This haughty power, seemed to harbor adidike to us for having so bravely declared, and maintained our independence. Her conduct to- wards us, was uniformly hostile and contemptu- ous. She had called us rebels, sho still consid- ered us as successful rebels, whose destitution of principle must cause us, in the end, to fall to- gether by the ears, and thus make room for their expelled sovereign, Little did she. know the real spirit of American liberty. The settling down of this mighty republic, into that sober, order, and beautiful symmetry, which at present it possesses, appeared to her a state of anarchy. The treaty of 1783, was shamefully slighted; although at peace, she smote us with a conceal- ed hand: she instigated a dreadful Indian war, in which thousands of American citizens were bar- 16 BUTOBf OF THK iATB WAK. barously murdered. It will be long before the people of the Western country can forget the de- feats of Harmer and Sinclair, or the massacres of the frontier settlers. If there existed any particular desire for war on the part of the Union, this is surely enough to account for it. When the Indian hostilities were at last happily termin- ated by the bravery and prudence of General Wayne, nnd a treaty of amity in J 794, concluded with England, it was thought that we might at last indulge the first wish of our hearts, and live at peace: but we were greatly mistaken. Our growing prosperity could not be seen by heir with- out envy; as she was at war with Prance, the carrying trade fell into our hands, and greatly enriched our merchants. Britain resolved iw put a stop to (his by renewing what is called the rule of '66, established by her at that period, in order to embarrass the French commerce. It was foun- ded ostensibly, upon the idea that neutrals ought not to alleviate the sufferings of war to a belliger- ant, by keeping up an intercourse between its dif- ferent ports or colonies; but it was in reality, the Tesult of a flagrant usurpation of the sovereignty of the seas. It was followed up by orders of council, which restricted the American commerce, and exposed many of our ships to capture and many only I pleasi Th ticed) enum< enterj thato high counti of wa years, Thet beconi the pi wards was e The I more, subjec OF THE ULTB WAR. i. It will be long before the tern country can forget the de- nd Sinclair, or the massacres jttlers. Jf there existed any )r war on the part of the Union, Dugh to account for it. When ies were at last happily termin- ery and prudence of General aty of amity in 1794, concluded was thought that we might at rst wish of our hearts, and live ! were greatly mistaken. Our ty could not be seen by heir with- ) was at war with Prance, the ill into our hands, and greatly chants. Britain resolved tw put encwing what is called the rule 1 by her at that period, in order French commerce. It was foun- )on the idea that neutrals ought e sufferings of war to a belliger- ip an intercourse between itsdif- lonies; but it was in reality, the nt usurpation of the sovereignty was followed up by orders of Btricted the American commerce, [ly of our ships to capture and HISTORY OF THE IATE WAR. 17 condemnation. Britain not satisfied with these violations of the sacred laws of nations, estab- lished a new rule of blockade: but which she affected to consider as merely retaliatory; this was by placing her enemy's ports in a state of blockade by mere proclamation, and without st?- tioning any efficient force. Under these and many other pretexts, the American flag could only be said to float on the ocean at her will and pleasure. There was another grievance which she prac- ticed upon us, even more insupportable than those enumerated. Very soon after our commercial enterprise began to spread its wings, it was found that our seamen were exposed to be taken on the high seas, from underneath the flag of their country, and dragged on board the British men of war, where they were compelled to serve for years. No Algerine servitude could be worse. The abuse was very soon so severely felt as to become a cause of indignant remonstrance on the part of President Washington, and after- wards of every successive statesman, to whom was entrusted the safety of the commonwealth. The British alleged in excuse, for it was nothing inore, the diflliculty of distinguishing between her subjects, and the citizens of this country. It ap- B* 1ft HUTOBY OF THB XJlTZ WAB. peared, howev jr, that very little care was taken on her part to avoid the abi'sea which must necessarily result; for this investigation was usually entrusted to a petty officer, who was either not disposed or incapable of proceedin'j fairly to vrork; and people of every color, and of every nation, were equally liable to be im- pressed, or more properly speaking, kidnapped. This distressing outrage, was the constant theme of complaint on the part of the American gov- ernment: but instead of reilress we had the mor- tification of oeeing it repealed .-'ith greater fre- quency. American ships on the high seas, were sometimes left without a sufficient number of men to navigate them, exposing the lives of the remainder and ruining the voyage. Indignities not to be borne, were heaped upon our unfortu- nate countrymen; the certificates of their nativi- ty, with which they had provided themselves, a kind of humiliation to which no other people had ever been exposed, was taken from them, torn in pieces and scattered to the winds. To so great an extent had this violation of all human rights been carried, that it was estimated that in the year 1810, there were not less than seven t.'^ousand American seamen who had been drag- ged on board the British ships of war, serving against rous sta by the laval cc af the p ed, wh( ittack citizens frigate, id man jiortify ihe ine Ihey hi cparati leek of y and ingraci This e fom< epoch, tUothe nistres iothof jsing i far as I log OUT Wha OF THB UlTZ WAB. hat very little care was taken roid the abi'ses which must ; for this investigation was to a petty officer, who was d or incapable of proceedin'j ad people of every color, and vere equally liable to be im- properly speaking, kidnapped, utrage, was the constant theme the part of the American gov- ead of reilresa we had the mor- g it repealed .-'ith greater fre- an ships on the high seas, were ithout a sufficient number of hem, exposing the lives of the lining the voyage. Indignities were heaped upon our unfortu- ,; the certificates of their nativi- ley had provided themselves, a tion to which no other people xposed, was taken from them, d scatte red to the winds. To so had this violation of all human led, that it was estimated that in here were not less than seven »n seamen who had been drag- e British ships of war, serving BtraORV OF THB L.VTE WAB. 10 against their v»i!i, and consequently in a barba- rous state of slavery. All this was heightened by the unparalleled insolence of the British laval commanders on our waters. The patience af the people of this country was almost exhaus- ed, when the climax of insult was offered in the ittack on ihe Chesapeake, where five American :itizens were token from on board- a national frigate, after attacking her in the most unexpect- »d manner, and under circumstances peculiarly mortifying. Fiading at last, that war would be ihe inevitable consequence of this wanton act, ihey humbled themselves so far as to offer a reparation, in the return of the seamen to the leek of their ship; but this was not done prompt- y and magnanimously, but came late, and waa ingracious in its circumstances. This storm only blew over that another might » fomented. The United States were at this Bpoch, the only neutral in t!ie Christian world, ill other nations were involved in war. France, nistress of the land, and England of the sea. Joth of these nations were in the habit of exer- asing all the privileges of war towards us, as ar as lay in their power, while we were pursu- Qg our policy of peace. What could we now do? The first and sim- ao IIIiTCiBV OF T»B LATE WAB. plest idea which suggested itself, was to stay at -home, wlierc we could be more safe than in stir- ring abroad, exi)osed to be assailed by a tygcr or lion watching for his prey. An embargo was laid- but the experiment of some months, proved that from the great extent of our sea coasts and the preponderating weight of individual interest, over patriotism, it could not be en- forced. It was therefore taken off^ and m place" of it a law was passed forbidding all intercourse with France and England. By this means.we were still enabled to carry on some trade with Spain, the West Indies, and the nations round the Baltic. But we were not long in discover- ing, that an escape from war was inevitafele. Our national character had sunk abroad, and appeared 'n be sinking at home; and what man or society of men ever prospered, with mfamy attached* to their reputations? The Americm. was ashamed to own his country while abroad. Throughout the whole nation, the opinion was fast gaining ground that we must have wftr, But against which of the bellige.ants should it be waged? This was the question. We bad abundant cause tor complaint against both. The vast fleet of England would drive our little navy from the ocean, and lay our flourishing cities ib ashes, a i^nere 1 forces b ourselvf adopted the who choice port." of against would fli in counc peace oi Englant ister foi ernmeni repeaiet Regent quibblet the rep< It was i really a isteiice, It no^ ing fair by us i the nioi pressioi )F THB l^TE WAB. iggested itself, was to stay al uld be more safe than in stir- jed to be assailed by a tygcr r his prey. An embargo was inent of some months, proved lat extent of our sea coasts, jrating weight of individual riotism, it could not be en- 3refore taken oflTj and in place" ssed forbidding all intercourse England. By this means.we to carry on some trade with [ndies, and the nations round we were not long in discowr ipe from war was inevitafele. iracter had sunk abroad, and iking at home; and what man 1 ever prospered, with infamy reputations? The American own his country while abroad, whole nation, the opinion was lund that we must have whr h of the bellige.ants should it s was the question. We bad )r complaint against both. The land would drive our little navy and lay our flourishing cities it BI8T0R7 OF TOK lATS WAB. 21 ashes. With resiiect to France, a war would be a i^iere flourish, for we could neither meet their forces by land c- sea, unless wo chose to thrust ourselve.<» into the tygcr's den. The course adopted by the administration was perhaps upon the whole the wisest; that was, to leave it to the choice of the bcUigerants themSelves. The portp of the United States were therefore closed against both, but would be open to that one which would first rescind his obnoxious decrees or orders in council, and then would come the question of peace or war. To these fair and equitable terms England affected to accede, ana the French min- ister formally and solemnly declared to our gov- ernment, that the Berlin and Milan decrees were repealed; on this being made known to the Prince Regent and the English cabinet, tl.ay si.ufllednnd quibbled, and affected to regard the v Jence of the repeal on the part of the French insu.licient. It was in vain to say that we, the only persons really affected or exposed to injury by their ex- isteiice, were satisfied ; they could not h»i repealed. It now became as clear as the light, that noth- ing fair, just or honorable, was to be looked for by us from England. She basely persisted in the most iniquitous scheme of plunder and o\>- pression, and declined under every species of 32 HVrOBY OF THB lATB WA». subterfuge, the nunierous proffers of the Ameri can government to remedy the evils of impren- ment. These were not the only causes of irritation against Great Britain. Besiiies coming in con tact with her on the sea, where she harassed our commerce and kidnapped our fellow-citizens, w( also «mmo in collision with her on th? land Our situation with France was materially differ ent; we might shun her if we chose, but not « with England, for if we withdrew from tlw ocean, sIh could still harass us in consequence of our vicinity. From the influence of the fur companies of the North West, all the Indian na tions in that quarter were at their disposal, excepting the nations which resided within th( territorial limits of the United States. This in fluence was liable to abuse, and in fact was contin uaily abused ; the poor deluded creatures wrough upon by presents and artful tales, became inimica to the Americans. An Indian chief of uncommoi ability, had at this time acquired the ascendancj over all the scattered tribes along the lakes, mw on the waters of the Ohio. He had been fierce enemy of the whites since the first settle ment of the country, and was one of the mos noted warriors that had appeared. The nam of thic ed by jugglei one ap comma were s of the I Hem United any ht be to would 1 Inth betwee ostensi by Gov the In( treaty i most in digupti The he induced regime Boyd, t tucky, ana. ^ with th< OP TBB LATB WAl. inierous proffers of the Ameri- a remedy the evils of impren- >t the only causes of irritation itain. BesideH ooniing in con he sea, where she harassed oui inapped our fellow-citizens, w( llision with her on thp land h France was materially differ lun her if we chose, but not « for if we withdrew from the still harass us in consequence From the influence of the fui North West, all the Indian na •ter were at their disposal, no tions which resided within th( of the United States. This in j to abuse, and in fact was contin I poor deluded creatures wrough and artful tales, became inimicj , An Indicm chief of uncommoi is time acquired tho ascendanq ;ercd tribes along the lakes, ani of the Ohio. He had been the whites since the first settle intry, and was one of the mos that had appeared. The nam HIBTORV OF THB LATB WAR. 28 of this savage was Tccumseh, who was aid- ed by an artful Indian, a kind of high-priest or juggler, called the Prophet, his brother. The one appealing to superstitious fears, the other commanding respect, exciting awe; and both were soon found to be useful tools in the hands of the British. Hence, the prevailing wish through the United States of conquering Canada; not from any benefit or advantage the acquisition might be to us; but could wc possess Canada, war would be only known on tho ocean and coast. In the autum, 1811, serious differences arose between us and the Indians on tho Wabash, the ostensible cause of which, was a purchase made by Governor Harrison, of a large tract of land in the Indiana territory, from the Indians. At a treaty near Vincennes, Tccumseh behaved in the most insolent manner, and openly threatened to dig up the tomahawk from under the tree of peace. The hostile deportment of the Indians soon afler induced the GSovernor to call to his aid the 4th regiment of United States' infantry, under Col. Boyd, and a body of volunteer militia from Ken- tucky, besides a small body of militia from Indi- ana. With these ho proceeded up the Wabash with the intention of building a fort near the Pro- I M MirroRT or th« tAT" ^*«- phot's town, nearabranch of the VVa^hcalW Ti,),.ccano.., Hince Income famous^ On »u« ar rival he was .net by the Prophet, Wmnnac, and Lr.hief. who professed to bo peaceably some other duels, wno |>i disposed, requested him to -camp for the day and promised to come the next mornmg and hoW a council of peace With this request the Go^. replied, unsuspicious of theirtr^^^^^^^ Towards morning, the Indians led on by Wunma suddenly assailed the can.p, having kdlcd the They were received with Americans lost upwards of 180 in k u to:la,anK,ng whom were many valuable of.. '"clnel Davics, one of the first men in Ken- tucky,or perhaps, in this country, was among the IL' .lonem.yd and the 4th acquired much hoTor. The loss of the Indians was estin.ated at 150. These misguided people s-n <.fter sued fr peace, which was granted. But through 0^ nstgation of the British, the Prophet and Te- ums'ehsoonafter renewed hostilities, bymurd^r. ,ng several families on the frontiers The wot Xh was about to break forth m t»"« q""^/; roon after merged into more important evenU. t rroRV Of Tiin iat» ^*"* near tt branch oflhe Wabash called , Hinco Income famous. On h.8 ar- , ,ntt by the Prophet, Wini.nac, and .hicfH, who professed to bo peaceably ,„u..stcd him to encamp for the day •d to come the next morning and hold r peace. W ith this request the Go\ - ,lied, unsuspicious of their treachery. orning,thelndiansk.donbyW.n.m.c .ssuilcd the ca»n., bavmg kdled the itharrows. They were received with ation, but were not repulsed until after conflict of two hours, in which the , lost upwards of 180 in killed and anH,ng whom were many valuable of- Davies, one of the first men in Ken- .erhaps, in this country, was among the ,lonelIk,yd and the 4th acquired much rhc loss of the Indians was estimated These misguided people soon after sued , which was granted. But through the „ of the British, the Prophet and Te- Mjnafter renewed hostilities, by murder- ral families on the frontiers. The war tt3 about to break forth in this quarter, jr merged into more important evente; nisToav or tiik lath wai. 35 and which it is the busincsa of the present nar- mtive to detail. CHAPTKR II. Declaration of Wnr— St:\i<> iif thr Coiintey. The Twelfth Congress continued in session long beyond the u.s;i;il tiiiu! of ndjournment, in consequence of the crisis which was thought to be approaching. On the 6lh of June, 1812, Pro- vident Madison liiiil bcforo Ooiigross the corros- pondcnco of our Chiirgo dVMlUircs in I.'^ndon, with the British {government, which put au end tu nil hope of the reponl of the Orders in Coun- cil. Every attempt to airimgn the nmltor of im- pressment had ttlno failed. In the opinion of the President, there appeared to be no possible mea- sure left for us to pursue, but a Declaration of f^nr. This being referred to the Committee of Fo- ign Relations, they drew up an able Report, in hicha full view was taken of all our causes of omplaint against Groat Britain, and they con- ;urred fully in the opinion of the President, that lothing was left but an appeal to arms. After sitting several days with closed doon^ 26 HBTOBTi OF TOE lATE WAR. the important appeal was announced on the of Juncandthe next day war was formally daimed. For thirty years our favored and happy < try had smiled beneath the blessings of i and prosperity. With the exception mde< the distant Algerine war, and the occasK,na tilities on the remote frontier. It was ou^ national war since the declaration of mc dence,and with the nation from whom oui pendence had been won. We considers appeal to arms inevitable; we confided justice of our cause, and trusted to heaven issue. The means provided for carrying on a < with one of the most powerful nations globe were extremely slender. Our army exceed 6000 men, and those distributed surface of several thousand miles. A U passed for the purpose of enlarging it to men; but little or no progress had been r enlistments. Our navy consisted of afew I and smaller vessels of war, not more tha in number, while that of the enemy exc thousand ships. Our great commercia were not yet completely fortified, aithc some years, considerable pains had been ■ n|im i >lji> BiBTOBIi OF TOE lATE WAR. important appeal was announced on the I8th uncandthe next day war was formally pro- nied. ^or thirty years our favored and happy coun- had smiled beneath the blessings of peace I prosperity. With the exception mdeed, of distant Algerine war, and the occasional ho. ties on the remote frontier. It was our first tionul war since the declaration of mdepen- ice, and with the nation from whom our mde- adence had been won. We considered the peal to arms inevitable; we confided to the 'tice of our cause, and trusted to heaven for its lue. HI8T0BY OF TIIE LATE WAS. 27 fortify them. We had no overflowing treasury to furnish the abundant means of creating the ne- cessary force and supplies; and the American people had been burthencd with no taxes. Great Britain had laughed at th'- idea of our going to war ; our confederation, which she called a rope of sand, in her opinion, wonltl ciuinblc at the sound of the war trumpet. Our navy was the standing butt of her ridicule, and our " fir- built frigates," the subjects of her continued jests; "the bits of striped bunting," as she called our glorious flag, now resplendent with the stars of freedom, would soon disappear from the ocean. But Providence has decreed, that the keenest disappointments shall ever attend the boastful and vainglorious. The Americans looked to Canada as the vul- nerable part of Great Britain. Whatever intrin- sic value this province might be to her, pride at least, would render it an object worth contending The means provided for carrying on a contest ith one of the most powerful nations on the obe were extremely slender. Our army did not cceed 5000 men, and those distributed over a Kface of several thousand miles. A law M Bssed for the purpose of enlarging It to 26,00U ,, u but little or no progress had been made m for. To us, it could be only of advantage as the riistments Our navy consisted of afew frigates means of compelling her to a speedy peace, and nd smaller vessels of war, not more than thirty securing our frontiers against the murderous In- " number, while that of the enemy exceeded Uians. • u u xr *, w . 1 d hips Our great commercial towns We were already at war with the North West- tZZt yet a.mpletely fortified, although fci „n Indians; such troops as we could spare had ^Z years, considerable pains had been taken tc been ordered to the frontier, with the double view wAaMMMri .98 HKTOBV OF THE LATE WAK. of putting an end to those hostilities, and to be in the best situation for striking a blow at Canada. It was well known that there were no great pre- parations on the side of the British, and it was natural to suppose, that by a prompt and vigorous attack on the unprotected provinces, we should be masters of the whole country from Niagara upwards. This would effectually cut off all hope of aid to the British from the Indians, and would enable us to concentrate our forces on I <^ke On- tario, by which means, with the aid of the regu- lar troops in that quarter, and the militia of New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, Upper Canada would fall in the course of a few months, and in j the spring we might successfully advance against Quebec. ■ ■ -i CHAPTER III. Invasion of Canada by General HuU-Battle.,MW»<«<dard, and facilitate tho active con- r the country. . . he 12th of July, Hull, with the principal •his forces, crossed the river, and after a opposition, took possession of Sandwich. ,e issued a proclamation, in which he sfa- , force to be sufficient to « look down all tion,'' threatening destruction without mer- 11 who should be found fighting by the side ndian, and offering protection to the inhab- who would join his standard. But this tnmtion was followed up by no prompt and 3U8 measures against the British garrison, » at this time was in no condition to resist HIBTOBT OF TUB LATK WAR. 31 a vigorous assault. He contented himself with detaching Colonels Cass and M' Arthur, to take possession of the country along the river Thames, and loitered away his time in useless skirmishes. A sharp skirmish took place a few days after the landing, at the river Aux Canards, with a party of the enemy stationed to guard the bridge, which crossed the river on the road to Maiden. The enemy was compelled to retire, with the loss of eleven killed and wounded; but the passage ap- peared to be gained, with no other view than be- ing immediately abandoned. Hull now concluded that Maiden could not be taken without heavy artillery, and a regular siege; and in consequence sat about makiftg pre- parations which ought to have preceded the inva- sion While his proclamation was figurmg away in the United States, and every day was expect- ed to bring the news of the taking of Maiden, and the vast advantages which' would necessarily follow; this General was fast losing the confi- dence of his own troops, by his want of decision, and by his incapacity for command. It appear- ed that he had either become superannuated, or that his merit in a subordinate station during the revolution, was no just criterion of his talents as & leader. The British officer. General Broke, ..ij.'iiiiiiBi.iiiiim*"*'""^"'"" gS HISTOBTT or THB lATB WAB. Who was a man of talents, was not long in know- ^g the kind of adversary he had to deal wUh and from being at first apprehensive that he lid not withstand the great supenonty^^^^^^^ American force, began to conce.vehope of be mg abTe to take advantage of the incapacity of the tmerL, commenced by throwing light part- of" guWs and of Indians under the cdebre.^ « Tecumseh, on the road ^^^^^^^^^^^ of Ohio and Detroit, so as to intercept t^ie Amer ican supplies. Hull was now compelled to turr Tatten'tion to keeping open the — ;-^- while the preparation for the siege of Malde> advanced at a snail's pace. It was not until the 1st of August, that tw twenty-four pounders and three howUz^ were mounted, and even then, he appean atalosswhattodowiththem. Dange-a^ difficulties, appeared --y -"'"^"^e ;^t around him: on the 23d of July he receiv intelligence that Michilimackmac had surre dered to the British. Lieutenant Hanks, w commanded this important fortress, was sudd ,y encompassed by a body of the enemy, an. Jreat number of the Indians, which to him v The first intimation of hostilites. As it w« vain to contend agamst so great a supenont; HISTORY or THK WTB WAB. , man of talents, was not long in know- ind of adversary he had to deal with, , being at first apprehensive that he t withstand the great superiority of the . force, began to conceive hope of be.ng ^ke advantage of the incapacity of the „, commenced by throwing light parties ais and of Indians under the celebrated 3cumseh, on the road between the state .„d Detroit, so as to intercept the Amer- .plies. Hull was now compelled to turn In to keeping open the commun^t^ he preparation for the siege of Maiden 3d at a snail's pace. as not until the 1st of August, that two .four pounders and three howitzers mounted, and even then, he appeared ,sswhatto do with them. D«"g"? f"^^ ties, appeared every moment to thicken I him: on the 23d of July he received ,erce that Michilimackinac had surren- to the British. Lieutenant Hanks, who anded this important fortress, was sudden- compassed by a body of the enemy, and a number of the Indians, which to him was irst intimation of hostilites. As it was in to contend agamst so great a superiority o. UISTOHV OF THE LATE WAB. 33 force, he was compolicdto capitulate. There being nothing now to keep the Indians in check, and the - en in the service of the North West- ern Fur Company being collected, a considera- ble reinforcement might bo expected by the British General. Hull alarmed at the danger of his situation, which was greatly augmented by his fours, dispatched a messenger for assist- ance to the Governor of Ohio, and to General Hull commanding at Niagara. The astonishment excited by this news was universal; the morn- ing which had been so fair in hope, was thus suddenly obscured with bwering darkness. To a man of mental resource, the situation was not yet desperate. Tiio force of Hull was vastly superior to that of the British; his heavy cannon was at last prepared, and mounted on floating batteries; and the American officers and soldiers indulged an expectation of soon at- tempting something, to merit the applause of their country. The day was actually fixed for the meditated attack, but to the inexpressible astonishment, and universal indignation of the brave Americans, orders were given by this wretched commander, to abandon the British side, and retreat to Detroit. At once every hope of renown was dashed from them and S4 HIBTOST OF TH» LATB WA». they had before their eyes, the hatofu! pro«pect of becoming the scorn of their country, and tlie ridicule of its enemies. The British general was, at the same time, fully confirmed in the opinion which ho hod formed of the American commander. Hull, in his rlisgraceful retreat, abandoned to the mercy of the British the delu- ded inhabitants who had confided in his pompoui offers of protection, and effectually prevented any further co-oi)eration on the part of the Canadians, who otherwise might have been in- duced to join the United States to assert their independence. • Shortly before this, a party had reached the river Raisin, with additional supplies for the American camp, under captain Bush; but in consequance of the road being infested by In- dians, were obliged to halt, and wait until escort- ed by a sufficient force. A detachment of 160 men were dispatched under Major Vanhom, who was attacked near Browustowa, by a superior force of th9 enemy, and after a sever* contest, were obliged to retreat with the loss of 19 kill- ed and wounded; of the former, captains Gil- crease, McCuUuch, and Hostler, of the latter, captain Ulry. On the return of this party, it was deemed an ob> to kn< ma an( vai sei po en rei Av Bi ad th CO bi b( k( M It 1( c t OF TH» LATB WA». their eyes, the hateful pToapect scorn of their country, and tlie enemies. The British general e time, fully confirmed in the ,e had formed of the American ull, in his Hisgrticeful retreat, B mercy of the British the delu- who had confided in his pompoua ;tion, and effectually prevented >.oi)eration on the part of the ) otherwise might have been in- le United States to assert their re this, a party had reached the with additional supplies for the ip, under captain Bush; but in r the road being infested by In- liged to halt, and wait until escort- ont force. A detachment of IfiO atched under Major Vanhom, who near Brownstowa, by a superior inemy, and after a sevew contest, to retreat with the loss of 19 kill- ied; of the former, captains Gil- lUuch, and Bostler, of the latter, im of this party, it wm deemed an HISTOBt OF THB IJITB WAX. 35 object of serious consequence to make an etfort to clear the road. While the enemy, well knowing that another attei.^pt would soon be made, posted a much larger force of regulars and Indians at a place called Moguaga, in ad- vance of the former scene of action. For this service, which had now became of the first im- portance, the American general seleclod the vet- eran Col. Miller, with 300 rcguhrs of the 4th regiment, and about 200 militia. On the 9lh of August, the day after Hull hod evacuated the British territory, the gallant Miller, although advancing with great caution, was attacked by the enemy from an ambuscade. His advance guard under captain Snelling, was suddenly en- compassed on all sides by Indians and British, but he kept them off until succored by the main body. An animated action took place; after keeping up a warm fire for some time. Colonel Miller ordered a charge upon the British regu- lars, who fought under cover of a breast-work of logs and trees. They were immediately routed; but the Indians in the woods under Tecumseh, maintained the contest for some time longer. The enemy was finally compelled to retire, and were driven to their boats, in which they pre- cipitately embarked. The American loss in this 9t nwroBY or tiie latb wa«. affair was 15 killed nnd 60 wounded; that of the British about the sumc. The Americann were su much Ihtigucd by this action, which lasted three hours, that they halted on the ground, and the next day, received orders from Hull to foturn to Detroit, it hod been resolved to open a communication with Captain Bush through the woods, and for this purpose Colonels Cass and Miller were detached with a strong detach- ment of 400 men. By this time the British general had resolved upon the bold attempt of invading the American side, and attacking Hull. Ho took a position opposite Detroit, and on the 15th, sent over a flag, demanding in form the surrender of the American garrison, in which he magnified his foite in regulars and Indians, in the most fright- ful manner. Hull returned, however, for an- swer, that the place would be defended to the last extremity. The next day the enemy were discovered crossing the river for tho purpose of attacking the fort. Hull the evening before, had sent to recall by forced marches, the detachment under Miller and f 'ass. No preparations were made by him to oppose the landing of the British troops, but tho Americans were so disposed bc- h ir CI w th th et ac B in tit tic ca th th m; to th to h( ui V w of as th ai BY or TIIB Uitm WA«. lied ond 60 wounded; that of the jc 8umc. The AinericanH were cd by thiB action, which lasted liat they halted on the ground, ly, received orders from Hull to )it. It had been resolved to open on with Captain Bush through 1 for this purpose Colonels Cass •c detached with a strong detacli- ou. the British general had resolved ittcmpt of invading the American king Hull. He took a position lit, and on the 15th, sent over a g in form the surrender of the risen, in which he magnified his rs and Indirns, in the most fright- Hull returned, however, for an- I place would be defended to the lay the enemy were discovered iver for the purpose of attacking I the evening before, had sent to 3d marches, the detachment under aa. No preparations were nruide »posc the landing of the British Americans were so disposed be- nidTOllT or THE LATE WA«. 87 hind the pirkoting and fences of the village, and in the fort an to annoy their advance. On nii eminence, two twenty-four pounders, charged with gra|)c, were posted in a situation to sweep the advancing columns of the invndnr; add to this the detachment out on duty, might be expect- ed to arrive in time to partake of the action, and assail the enemy in the rear. At ten o'clcx^k, the British force, about 700 strong, and sonic skulk- ing Indians, were seen to luivance in the direc- tion in which they would meet certain destruc- tion; when suddenly, and without the slightest cause, the American commander gave orders for the troops to abandon their positions, and betake themselves to the fort, while the officers com- manding the heavy artillery were enjoined not to fire. In the midst of this strange suspense, the British still continued slowly and cautiously to advance. The American general seemed to have lost all presence of mind, and to have been under the influence of the most unaccountable panic. In this state of aifairs, he ordered u white flag to be susi)ended from the fort in token of submission. A British officer who rode up to ascertain the cause, could hardly believe it until the capitulation was made. The astonishment and mortification of the Americans at being thus 10 HI8T0HY or THE lATl WA». surrendered, can only be invigincl, and wa. only etmallod by the grief which ovornprcad then country when it carno to be rnad. known. The British were put iu ,H>s8o8H.on of the whole province, with all the public Htores and arms, among which were several troph.es of the revolution. The American general was alter- v/ards tried, and condemned to sutler death, but in consequence of his advanced years, and hi. revolutionary services, ho was pardoned. CHAPTER IV. H«val Affain.-Capt..re of the Gurrier—Naval VktoriM. No soon.M- was the war declared, than our little navy, in gallant trim, issued in separate ships, or small squadrons, from the differeiU ports ; and a hundred privateers soon after darted upon the foe. The national chagi ui had scarce- ly worn off, when the general attention was di- rected towards the x:ean. It was not long be- fore the trident was torn from the grasp of Bri- tannia, and the red cross laid at the feet of the victorious America. Com. Rodgers put to .s i in June, and steeroa in pursuit of tha West India convoy; while thus enga friga the oth« with woui burs Ihoi by V was sevc T abf Hut a)n! she 1 thii ren oen and nat the edi tor to wii or TUK LATC WAB. ,nly be irmginoH ^u leaving all the batteries undefended. Th CsS returned to the American side b 5^ rl^^ produced a suspense in the mmd i: (Ln'Tral, in consequence of his ignorance o the fate their lar Twol ed impa mander number ceed as I to dawn woH gri Iscarcelj prisonei was lesc in the induced Genera prosecu fhcrefo ihe dia his oo he sta ulty t ng his lempt. On ^uall lead brocee' JF TB» »»**■ ''*■• f the centre, his intention of ^ada It wua not, however, f November, that all things ,r t»io intended enlerpriso.- ono under Colonel Winder, or Colonel Bojrrstler, were to to seize the batteries, and Lhe main body should -pass the I ,k they got under way In ten roaching the shore, they found zed, an.l actually opened a fire of their batteries. The greater din-r force was compelled to put :en^rri.d down by the current .xceedingly rapid. Two -mall ,ne effected a landing, one under ho other under Captain Kmg, at from each oth.r; but making a i at the 8a.no tiiae raising a shout, re induced to believe that the in- ^ was occupied by the whole ^, and fled precipitately from the. tU the batteries undefended, i ^ eturnedtotheA.noricanside,b; roduced a suspense in the mmdo a consequence of his ignorance" HIBTORY OF TUB LATB WAB. 51 the fate of the handful of men who had effected their landing. Two thousand men who were embarked, wait- ed impatiently for orders to move, but the com- mander still hesitated what to do. An equal number paraded on the shore in readiness to pro- ceed as a reserve. In the mean li.no day began to dawn, and the enemy having 8U|>erior force, was greatly astonished to find the invading foe [scarcely exceeded thirty men, who were made [prisoners of war. The British force collected was less than 600 men, but concealing themselves ,in the woods, and winding their bugles lustily, induced a belief their numbers were very great. General Smytho concluding, that any further prosecution of this invasion would be useless, therefore announced its abandonment, greatly to Ihe dissatisfaction of the troops who were on lis occasion earnestly desirous of wiping away Ihe stain of former disgrace. It was with diffi- ilty that he could calm their minds by dcclar- ig his intention of making a more effectual at- !mpt. On the Tuesday following, the troops were tually embarked, and General Porter who was lead the van, anxiously waited the orders to (roceed. Every thing promised success, as far as J HIBTOBY OK TU« I^T« WAH a. depended on the good con.luct of the troops. Suddenly, to the ostonUhment of the whole ar- my, orders were issued by tho Ooneral, annouu- c4 his intention of renouncing tho invumon for the season, and to retire into winter quar- ters. The discontent of the An.erican volunteer, thus disappointed, was not confined to .nurmurs; ,nany threatened tho life of the General, w)>o was conMH^lled to place a guard near hm iK,rHon for his safety. The General, arter cndeavornig to entabhsh his courage and prudence by challenging Gene- ral Porter of the New York volunteers, thought proper to retire from tho command. He w.lh- Srew to his seat in Virginia, where he was per- mitted to remain quietly during the remainder of the war. The forces collected on the St. Lawrence, with the exception of some slight skirmishe^ did little worthy of being recorded. On the l.fth of October, Colonel Pike, a promising and rising officer, already highly esteemed as an enterpri- sing and chivalrous soldier, made an incursion into Canada, defeated a body of British and In .1 1 .ntiifnoH Witl AfTiiii \Vi molar of nc chagi of th ihe I actioi was conqi univ< port, rollei a sir privi In rend shou troo] sion nam into Uanaaa, ueiuuiuu « u^j «. --- dians, destroyed a block-house and returned witk milH only five men wounded com ash teml M ir OF TUB tAT« WAS- ll,o good conduct of tho troops. J ustonishment of the whole ar- issued by the Guneral, aimoun- „ of renouncing tho invusion for „1 to retire into winter quar- ntent of the American volunteers I llfSTOBV or T1IE IAT« WAI. 53 4 CIIAPTKR VI. Affttiii of the Weit— MovBiiients of (k-noral HnntUon. We return to tlic ulliiirs of tho West, after tho melancholy surrender of Hull. Nearer the scene "rwarnorcimfined to nmmuirsJ of notion, tlu; Western Htute.s were more deeply .d tho life of the General, w)io| chagrined than other parts of the Union. Many to place a guard near his iH)rHon|of their citizens had Iwen compelled to share in "the burthen of the heavy disgrace. In the re- action of the i)ublic feelings, an enthusiastic spirit was enkindled, and the desire of regaining the conquered territory and of avenging the insult, universally prevailed. At Louisville, and New- port, larg(! bfxlies of volunteers were continually collecting: in the state of Ohio, at several points, a similar alacrity had collected large bodies of private citizens who had suddenly taken up arms. Indeed, tho numlwrs flocking to the places of rendezvous, rendered it necessary that orders should be issued to prevent the assemblage of troops so far exceeding the necessities of tho occa- sion; whole companies were dismissed as super- numerary. General Harrison, the most popular ,1, oftcr endeavoring to entablish ,d prudence by challenging (Jenc- lic New York volunteers, thought re from tho command. He with- at in Virginia, where he was pi r- ain quietly during the remainder collected on the St. Lawrence cption of some slight skirmishes ,y of being recorded. OnthelOth ,lonel Pike, a promising and rising ly highly esteemed as an entcrpri- mlrous soldier, made an incursion defeated a body of British and In wounded. rzizi L -e.™^ ». -".-y .r- •» - — "^;,r.,!r„:^: command of the volunteers, and of such regular.s E8 had been collected. This took place in Sep- tember. His first step after organizing his force E* 54 HISTORY OF TUB LATE WAR. and distributing it to the most important points, was to relieve the frontier posts now m great danger, and to send detachments in various di- rections into the Indian country. One ol these, fort Harrison, situated on the Wabash, had been in the mean time attacked by a large body of In- dians in the night; the situation of the besieged was at one moment desperate, in consequence ol the wooden barracks within the picketmri having been set on fuel nothing but the admirable cool- ness of the commanding officer. Captain Taylor, preserved the lives of the unfortunate soldiers from Indian massacre. For his good conduct he was promoted to a majority. Several expeditions on a respectable scale were conducted by Generals Hopkins and Tup- ^r , and by Colonels Campbell and Russell. By these all the forts were relieved, and the Indian village* ' id in ashes, by which these relentless ^i^omicf^ were driven to the distant British tra- ding establishments for subsistence, and gave se- curity to the frontier settlers. Having completed these preliminary opera- tions. General Harrison left fort Winchester, at which the principal force was stationed, in order to superintend the equipment and march of the volunteers destined to replace those whose servi- [BTOBY OF THE LATE WAB. iting it to the most important points eve the frontier posts now in great 1 to send detachments in various di- the Indian country. One ol these, an, situated on the Wabash, had been , time attacked by a larga body of In- ,c night; the situation of the besieged moment desperate, in consequence of 1 barracks within the picketing having 1 fire; nothing but the admirable cool- commanding officer. Captain Taylor, the lives of the unfortunate soldiers T BISTORT OF THE lATB WAB. 55 ces had expired, and for the purpose of brmgmg the forces destined in the spring to operate against the enemy at Detroit. General Win- chester was left in command of about 1000 men, chiefly volunteers from Kentucky, and consistmg of young men of ardent and generous feeling. It was not long after the departure of General Harrison, before the arrival of a deputation from the village of Frenchtown, situated on the river Raisin, between the Miami and Detroit, soliciting the protection of their countrymen from the the unfortunate somiersdlndians, who had threatened to destroy them, ._acre. Forhisgoodconducthe atop^^^^^^^^^^^ tn-rra respectable - ^ y^L Ltempl. ed J. ^^^^^^^^ lucte" by Generals Hopkins and Tup- |the earnest solicitations f j^^-'^^^^^^^^^ ,, »y Colonels Campbell and Russell. By Iprevailed upon to consent to their "'«'^<^»2^ L f^rts were relieved, and the Indian Jthe relief of the unJorUinate^eople. Colonel id in ashes, by which these relentless IlcwIs, at the head of about 600 men, gr .^d -trto^e distant British trJer part of Kentuc^ ,Ushn^nts for subsistence, and gave se- 1 „ies of regulars, reached the "^r^TCcnemy the frontier settlers. 1 18th of January 1813, '^-'^^^^^^JZ^, 5 completed these preliminary operaJ strongly picketed, boldly crossed the mer^^ Lai Lrrison left fort Winchester, at I ,e, and aftera warm acuon^^^^^^^^^ 3 principal force was stationed, in order I a-,ection. Being maste of ^he found ntend the equipment and march of the I camped within a line of P'^^^^^s which wo -destined to replace those whose servi-Lntribute to render his position defencible, in 66 iriSTOBY OF THK LA,TB WAB. case of an attack by a larger body. Gener- al Harrison, about this time, arriving at fort Winchester, with some reinforcements, was much chagrined to find this deviation from his plan of operation. To remedy this false step as far as lay in his {■ wct, he despatched Gen. Winchester to take the command at the head of an additional force of 200 men. This increased the main body to seven hundred and fifty. The additional force encamped on the outside of the pickets before mentioned. At day-light on the 22d, this force was suddenly attacked by 2000 British and Indians: those on the outside of the pickets, were soon overpowered by numbers, and were all either killed or fell into the hands of the ruthless savages. General Winchester and Colonel Lewis, who happened to be with this body, were made prisoners about the same time. Those within the pickets, about 600 iu number, continued the resistance until near eleven o'clock, having repeatedly repelled the as- sailants in the attempt upon the stockade. Find iiig that their arms could make no impression on this band of heroes, the enemy resorted to the arts of persuasion; a flag was sent, promi- ses of protection were held forth; they express- ly agreed to preserve to the officers their side armi Gem brav thei upor T obli> The liorr man; the suit comi nam Man the] rible be a in t part wan been houi regi; Indii of C tlem r OF THE LA.TB WAS. Ii by a larger body. Gencr- ut this time, arriving at fort ;h some reinforcements, was to find this deviation from his n. To remedy this false step his f. ./or, he despatched Gen. ikc the command at the head of m of 200 men. This increased ) seven hundred and fifty. The encamped on the outside of the nontioned. At day-light on the was suddenly attacked by 2000 ans: those on the outside of the ioon overpowered by numbers, ther killed or fell into the hands savages. General Winchester (Wis, who happened to be with ( made prisoners about the same ivithin the pickets, about 600 in uod the resistance until near laving repeatedly repelled the as- ittempt upon the stockade. Find arms could make no impression f heroes, the enemy resorted to ■suasion; a flag was sent, promi- ,n were held forth; they express- reserve to the officers their side HISTORY OF THE LATE WAS. 67 rtM-JTKt ij TK *m\ arms; to all this were added the entreaties of General Winchester, who feared that these brave men would all be sacrificed to the fury of the savage enemy. They were at last prevailed upon to lay down their arms. The historian would gladly cast the veil of oblivion over the scenes which now ensued. The savages soon commenced their deeds of horror ; the dead were deprived of their clothing; many of the wounded tomahawked and robbed; the living were exposed to every species of in- sult and torture. The conduct of the British commander, Gen. Proctor, has stamped his name with infamy that will last to remotest ages. Many of the prisoners were carried away by the Indians, some of them were burnt with hor- rible torments, and others retained in slavery to be afterwards carried about like beasts, and sold in the streets of Detroit. The most tragical part of this shocking aflair, was the burning up- wards of 60 of the unhappy wounded, who had been left in the houses of the inhabitants; these houses were left without any guard of British regulars, and the day after the battle, a party of Indians returned and set fire to them. The fate of Captain Hart, an accomplished young gen- tleman of Kentucky, was peculiarly distre-ssing. 3* jm i in'i ' iiKWJ' een I 00 HISTOBV OF THE lATB WA«. Col. ElUot, Of the British amy Who ad^^ hi8 classmate at Princeton, voluntanl, .ndered i . his protection, and promised to return wU the means of conveyance to a p ace of safety where his wound might be attended to. Thjs he never did. Capt. Hart preva.led on two Indians for a sum of money to take him to De- troit- thev had proceeded with him but a short ^a;.c^ when lith the cruelty and fickleness of savages, they pulled him from his horse, and wreaked their vengeance upon their defenceles prisoner. Ohl Britain, what a heart couldst Lu have possessed, to permit a fellowship m thy wars, with such bloody fiends! Two hun- dred of the dead were suffered to lie on the ground; no funeral rites were permitted to be paid them. Humanity must ever weep over this melancholy picture. Among the slain, or barbarously murdered, were Colonel Allen, Captains Hickman, Simp- son, (a member of Congress,) Mead, Edwards, Price, M'Cracken, and many other of the choi- cest sons of Kentucky. Meetin Java- OF THE LATB WAII. 5 British army, who " ad been 'rinceton, voluntaril v -indered 1, and promised to return with nveyance to a place of safety 1 might be attended to. This Capt. Hart prevailed on two n of money to take him to De- ,roceoded with him but a short vith the cruelty and fickleness pulled him from his horse, and engcancc upon their defenceless Britain, what a heart couldst sssed, to permit a fellowship in such bloody fiends! Two hun- ad were suffered to lie on the eral rites were permitted to be umanity must ever weep over ' picture. slain, or barbarously murdered, Mien, Captains Hickman, Simp- r of Congress,) Mead, Edwards, :en, and many other of the choi- jntucky. HIBTORY or THB LATE WAR. 59 CHAPTER VII. Meeting of Congress— Proposed Armistice— Capture of the Java— Operations on the Lakes— Siege of Fort Meig». Shortly after the commencement of the war, a proposition for cessation of hostilities, was made y the Governor of Canada, information having reached liim of the repeal of the Orders in Council. This proposition being vague and informal, was at once rejected. It was followed by one more specific on the part of Admiral Warren, who came to take command of the sta- tion; he demanded as a preliminary to every other step, that the United States should throw down their arms, as having been the aggressors. This insolent demand was instantly refused. In fact we had no confidence in the momentary repeal of the orders in council; nothing but a repeal of the wicked temper of the enemy could ^ive us security. To prove, however, to the world, that we were not behind our enemy in a wish to put an end to the horrors of war, the American Charge d'Aflaires in London, was in- structed to make formal proposals for settling I all disputes on fair terms, and in the mean time, to agree to an armistice pending the negotiation. They were not received. 00 nisTOHY OF rnE iatb vtab. firnu^ess, becoming the representatives and magnanimous people ^^ Captain Chauncey,of the "^^y' ^f^ g T ll Ontario to organize a naval force, ao Lake Untario lo " s . ^^^^ rapid were his operations, that betore wm Wh«e Congress »a.en^-^.__^^,,,, guished officer ^.^^ ^^^^ ^^^„y lortally wounded. On board were General ^ . i MIU ll Kl ' »" OF THE tATB VTAB. of the Congress, the aspect , as to call for the most active ,arations for carrying on the as authorized; an addit.ona were to be enlisted; and all 3visions for a serious conflict . President called upon the Na- , to meet the coming storm with ,g the representatives of a free 3 people. ,cey,ofthe navy, was sent to organize a naval force. So perations, that before winter set d the ascendency on the Lake, British vessel, and driven their Iter in the harbor of Kingston, ess wa* engaged in these affairs, f a third victory obtained over a On the 29th of December, at M the Constitution, Captain "in w'lth and captured the British ,f 60 guns, and upwards of 400 ed by Captain Lambert, a distin- The action lasted about one If, during which time the enemy .dismasted, and their commander nded. On board were General HIOTORY OP THB lATE WAH. 61 val commanders. ^.^urrence were The rejoicings for tins nappy ending to f»"» """^ ;^f ^a Lunctt of » combined force of British an iPrnrtor made its appearance, a^'^ General Proctor, nmtr^^^^^ ^„^ which was manned ^^^th about ^^^^ rd:=r.nn:::r:^ H HISTORY OF THB LATB WAR. approach of 1200 men under General Clay. A well planned sortie in conjunction with the rein- forcement was resolved upon. Colonel Dudley descending the Miami at the head of a detach- ment, in pursuance of the preconcerted plan, suddenly landed on the left bank of the river, assailed the British batteries, and completely drove them from the field; unfortunately, how- ever, the impetuosity of his troops could not be checked; they persisted in pursuing the enemy until they reached a wood, where they were suddenly surrounded and the greater part cut to pieces or made prisoners. The Colonel, who had endeavored to make good his retreat to the boats, was slain in the struggle. On the oppo- site side, the sortie on the British works was completely successful. Col. Mille, of the gal- lant 4th, who was chosen for this purpose, drove the besiegers from all their works. On that side also, the ungovernable headlong daring of the Kentuckians, was near being ruinous to them; they were only saved by a vigorous charge of the horse which covered their retreat. Among the distinguished officers of the day, we find the names of Major Alexander, Captains Croghan, Bradford, Nearing, Sebrie, and Lieu- tenants Campbell and Gwyn. Ti HI8TOBY OF THE lATK WAH. 68 OP THE lATB WAB. men under General Clay. A 3 in conjunction with the rein- jolved upon. Colonel Dudley [ittuii at the head of a detach- cc of the preconcerted plan, m the left bank of the river, Ish batteries, and completely the field; unfortunately, how- sity of his troops could not be rsisted in pursuing the enemy >d a wood, where they were ded and the greater part cut to )risoncrs. The Colonel, who make good his retreat to the in the struggle. On the oppo- tie on the British works was ssful. Col. Mille. of the gal- 3 chosen for this purpose, drove »m all their works. . On that rovernable headlong daring of , was near being ruinous to re only saved by a vigorous rse which covered their retreat, inguished officers of the day, s of Major Alexander, Captains rd, Nearing, Sebrie, and Lieu- 1 and Gwyn. This put an end to the siege of Fort Meigs. During the siege which lasted thirteen days, the Americans lost 80 killed, and 150 wounded, be- sides those who fell a sacrifice to the fury of the savages under Dudley. Had the enemy been successful, the most disastrous consequences would have followed. The whole frontier was thus placed in a state of sec.'rity, from the mur- derous incursions of the savages. CHAPTER VIH. Capture of the Peacock— Other Naval Affair*. The naval incidents of the second year of the war, with one or two exceptions, were of the same brilliant character as the first. The open- ing of this year was signalized by the capture of j the Peacock, by the Hornet, Captain Lawrence. I This vessel had been left by Commodore B^xin- bridge shortly before his capture of the Java, to blockade the Bonne Citoyenne, a British vessel then in the port of St. Salvador. On the 24th of I January, the Montague 74, hove in sight, on which the Hornet was compelled to raise the siege. The Hornet by this occurrence, was compelled ^ HMTOBV or TUK tATK WAK. Hot. Th,. proved ■o^.l.reo^n o^.« 1„„, hnforo tlw «oro 1»* 0"g»8«i'- '" "7° 'l^r:ipc:cocUcou>a»,,M«;y;«^c, from sinking; she hung out signals of distress he su'^ moment that she hauled down her tog ?Lg:erousLaw.ence immediately despatc^ L h^ats to assist in saving the vanquished crew, every possible effort was made, but in despite o aSy eould do she went to the bottom carry m down Uuee American seamen, and five of her own The ollicer and crew having been depn- vld of their clothes, were supplied by the Amer^ ^„s.who shared with them like br.>thers. The iniury of the Hornet was very slight. The British, mortified beyond measure at th repeated defeats which they had experienced, ouCTt necessary seriously to devise some mod of'tievingthefrcredit. Several frigates we. fited out in the best possible manner, with picked c^s Marksmen in imitation as they pretend- OF TIIK tATK WAS. V course. On the 23d of Feb- rered an English brig ly.ng at ^arabona banks: Coptoin Law- er, but while in the act of beat- purpose of coming up, another a. espied making towards tl>e roved to bee large man of war ,k, Captain Peak. It was not were both engaged. In fifteen •ock could with difficulty be kept ,e hung out signals of distress at ,t that she hauled down her flag, awrence immediately despatched ,t in saving the vanquished crow; ■nbrt was made, but in despite of , Hhc went to the bottom, carrying ,erican seamen, and five of her ,cer and crew having been depn- thes, were supplied by the Amer- red with them like brothers. The lornet was very slight. , mortified beyond measure at the ats which they had experienced, ary seriously to devise some mode heir credit. Several frigates were best possible manner, with picked :smen in imitation as they pretend- HI8TOHY OF THK lATB WA«. ed of the Americans, were stationed in the tops, and the artillerists were trained with peculiar attention. The numbers of the crews were in- creased for the purpose of boarding; in (me noth- ing was left undone that might enable them to rope with the formidable American. Captain Lawrence returned in April, and nfer experiencing every mark of honor which his country could bestow, was appointed to the com- mand of the Chesapeake at Boston, the unfortu- nate vessel which had, before the war, received so great an insult from the British. The Shannon and Tenedos were at this time cruizmg ofl" the harbor, and sending challenges to the American commanders of frigates. Lawrence unfortunate- ly never received any of them, and was not aware that he had to contend with an enemy specially prepared ; but perceiving a British ves- «d casting defiance as it were in his teeth, by parading in full view of him, he burned to sa% forth and try the fortune of his arms. The Chesapeake was undergoing some repairs; tlie greater part of her crew had been discharged new hands were to be enlisted, and many of the most important equipments to be made. His impatience hurried every thing fr;"*!-- "° ™°- Jnt was to be lost. On the 1st of June he sail- 66 HMTOBV OF THB LATI WAS. ed out, and the Shannon, Captain Broko, espying him, manifested no wish to avoid the contest. Lawrence harangued his crew, wlion to his inex- pressible mortification, he found them sullen and mutinous; he endeavored to conciliate them and to arouse within their breasts a spirit worthy of the occasion. But in vain, as became too soon evident. Afler some manoBUvering they came to close quarters, and at first the advantage was evidently in favor of the Chesapeake; the fortune of the day soon began to turn, in consequence of the great destruction among the American officers. Sailing-master White was killed ; Lieu- tenant Ballard, mortally wounded; Lieutenant Brown, of the marines, severely ; as also the first Lieutenant Ludlow. Captain Lawrence, although severely wounded, still remained on deck giving his orders with coolness as he leaned upon the companion way. He was giving orders for the boarders to come up, when he received a ball in his body on which he was carried below, exclaiming to his companions as they cai-ried him off, ^^ Don't give up the SAip," which words have become the motto of American seamen. Captain Broke finding that his vessel had re- ceived great injury, and was then in a smking condition, determined to board. The Chesapeake tV OF THB hAT9 WAI. hannon, Captain Broke, espying no wish to avoid the contest, igued his crew, wlion to his inex- cation, he found them sullen and ideavored to conciliate them and their breasts a spirit worthy of But in vain, as became too soon some manoBUvering they came i, and at first the advantage was >r of the Chesapeake; the fortune 1 began to turn, in consequence ^struction among the American j-master White was killed ; Lieu- mortally wounded; Lieutenant marines, severely; as also th<' t Ludlow. Captain Lawrence, ily wounded, still remained on irdcrs with coolness as he leaned lion way. He was giving orders s to come up, when he receiveil r on which he was carried below, lis companions as they carried give up the SAip," which words he motto of American seamen, finding that his vessel had re- jury, and was then in a sinking nined to board. The Chesapeake HDTORY OF TUB LATK WAR. 87 having l>con disobled in hor rigging, had fallen, to use the seaman's phra-so, on board the Shan- non. The British ronimandcr leaped on deck at tlic head of about 20 men, and was soon fol- lowed by a sufficient number of his crew to ac- complish tho object in view. A short but dea- perate struggle ensued. The loss of officers on tho part of the Ameri- cans, and the dastardly conduct of the bootswain, who had skulked instead of calling up the boarders, govo tho decided advantage to the enemy. The action in a short time, terminated in the capture of the Chesapeake. Nearly all the officers on board this ill-fated ship, "built ,n the Moon's Eclipse, and rigged with curses durk," were either killed or wounded. On the part of the enemy thero were 23 killed and 66 wounded. The conduct of the British was not 80 conspicuous for magnanimity totho vanquish- ed, as would have been wished, with the excep- tion of tho honorable interment of the naval heroes, Lawrence and Ludlow, on their arrival at Halifax. The rejoicings in England for this victory, were scarcely more extravagant than they had been for those of Nelson, and of their most dis- tinguished Admirals. The conquest of one 68 HI8T0KV OF THE LATE WAK. American frigate, appeared to them a greater exploit, than the capture of a French or Span- ish fleet. For a time the tide of fortune seem- ed to be in favor of Britain. The Argus, early in June, after having carried out the American minister to France, went to cruize in the British channel, where she committed so much havoc that the British government found it necessary to fit out ships on purpose to encounter this dan- gerous enemy. By one of these, (the Pelican,) she was discovered at night by means of a ship in flames. Captain Allen fell at the first fire, and his Lieutenant soon after. The wheel being unfortunately shot away, she was exposed to a raking fire. In this situation she withstood the enemy's broadsides some time: but was at last compelled to surrender after forty-seven minutes close fighting. This was the last^icto- ry fairly obtained by Britain. Early in July, letters were received from Commodore Porter, who it seems had sailed round Cape Horn, for the purpose of cutting up the English trade and to destroy the fisheries in the South seas. In this he met with astonishing success: he captured nine of the enemy's ships, the greater part of which were armed, and dis- tributing seme of his men on board these ships, i-.> HISTORY OF THE LATE WAH. 69 I8T0KV OF THE LATE WAB. "rigate, appeared to lliem a greater ,n the capture of a French or Span- For a time the tide of fortune seem- favor of Britain. The Argus, early er having carried out the American France, went to cruize in the British here she committed so much havoc ritish government found it necessary lips on purpose to encounter this dan- my. By one of these, (the Pelican,) scovered at night by means of a ship Captain Allen fell at the first fire, Lieutenant soon after. The wheel irtunately shot away, she was exposed IT fire. In this situation she withstood 's broadsides some time: but was at )elled to surrender after forty-seven ose fighting. This was the lasUicto- jbtained by Britain, in July, letters were received from re Porter, who it seems had sailed pe Horn, for the purpose of cutting up sh trade and to destroy the fisheries in seas. In this he met with astonishing lie captured nine of the enemy's ships, er part of which were armed, and dis- some of his men on board these ships, he made out to form a respectable fleet, with which he soon became master of the Pacific Ocean. In the Atlantic, victory onc« more returned to the side of justice. On the first of September the brig Enterprize, Captain Burrows, fell in with the Boxer, Captain Blythe. The action lasted but little more than thirty minutes, when the Englishman was so roughly handled that he cried for quarter, as they were unable to haul down the colors, having used the precaution to make sure of their courage, by nailing it to the mast. Both the commanders were killed. Captain Burrows refused to be carried below, and when the sword of his adversary was pre- sented to him, he pressed it to his breast and exclaimed, "I die contented." Commodore Rogers, on the 25th of Septem- ber, arrived after a cruize of great length, hav- ing looked at every country on the Atlantic, and circumnavigated the British islands, without molestation from the thousand ships of Great Britain. Off the American coast he captured a small vessel, the Highflyer, with Admiral War- ren's private signals, by which he was enabled to escape the British cruizers. 70 HlffTORT OF TH'i tATB WAR. CHAPTER IX. RuMian MediaUon-BriUiant events of the War. War entails upon every nation many evils and many sufferings; although it is one of the conditions of life, there is no one who reasons wisely, who does not prefer the smiles of peace to the flickering hrand of discord. It was there- fore not without gladness, that we hailed the first rays which promised once more a day of sunshine. The overtures fot an armistice reciprocally made, had entirely failed, when the emperor of Russia interposed his good offices as mediator, desirous of bringing about an amicable adjustment of differences. President Madison immediately accepted the proposition, and without delay appointed Messrs. Gallatin and Bayard, together with Mr. Adams, the com- missioners for the occasion. The two former embarked as soon as possible for Europe. The campaign of 1813, the second year of the war, opened with several brilliant affairs, which served to raise the character of our sol- diery. Commodore Chauncey was master of Lake Ontario, and Sir James Yoe was careful not to shew himself out of Kingston until the r OF TH'i iATE WAB. CHAPTER IX. ion— Brilliant events of the War. upon every nation many evils rings; although it is one of the e, there is no one who reasons s not prefer the smiles of peace brand of discord. It was there- it gladness, that we hailed the 1 promised once more a day of e overtures foi: an armistice de, had entirely failed, when the issia interposed his good offices desirous of brhiging about an tment of differences. President diately accepted the proposition, elay appointed Messrs. Gallatin gether with Mr. Adams, the com- the occasion. The two former loon as possible for Europe, ign of 1813, the second year of led with several brilliant affairs, to raise the character of our sol- nodore Chauncey was master of , and Sir James Yoe was careful limself out of Kingston until the HISTOBT OF THE LATE WAR. 71 vessels then building would give him the supe- riority. The commander in chief. General Dearborne, was therefore at liberty to cross the Canada side with his troops, in the pursuit of any plan of operation he might adopt. Pike, who had been appointed to the rank of Briga- dier, full of the most ardent desire of distinction, panted for an opportunity of taking the field. An attack upon York was resolved upon; the plan and execution was resigned to Pike. This place, the capital of Upper Canada, contained vast quantities of military and naval stores, and moreover, a large vessel almost ready for launching, which would give the command of the lake to the British. On the 25th of April, 2000 men were em- barked on board the American squadron, and apj)eared before York. No time was lost in ef- fecting a landing at the ruins of the old fort of Toronto, about two miles above the town. This was effected under a severe fire from the enemy, who had been apprized and were drawn up at the water's edge. Forsyth, with his riflemen, led the van, but receiving a galling fire as he neared the shore he ordered his boatmen to rest upon their oars, in order to give his marksmen an opportunity of returning the compliment. 72 HISTOKY OF TUB tATE WAH. This being observec'. by Pike, who ,vas anxious, ly watching every movement, he leaped mto the boat prepared for himself and staff, and ordered the detachment of major King to follow hur, He made good his landing, and placmg hunsef at the head of the troops first formed, galkntly charged upon the enemy, and drove them before hiu, A few moments after, reinforcements ai- viving, he moved forward, drove the enemy from a bat^ry which they had constructed, and the pushed on to another, whcu the sound of Fo - svth's bugles announced victory on his part. As he approached the last battery, it was precxpi- tately abandoned by the enemy. Here the co - umn halted within 300 yards of the enemy s barracks. While calmly engaged in conversa- tion with a British sergeant, a dreadful exp^- sion took place. It was the magazme m whid> there had been an immense quantity of gunpow- der. Masses of stone and timber fell m th „,idst of the Americans, P™'^^^'"^ — havoc; upwards of 200 were at once kdled and wounded. Unsubduedby the horrors of this m. fernal contrivance, and this scene of de^olat o , their ranks were instan-ly closed, and they rent the air with three loud huzzas, while the anima- ting tuno of Yankee Doodle cheered even the dying pain, doom reer: tainir spirit my bi He w the s his ■ ^ lpro| ir OF TUS LATE WAB. •vcc- by Pike, who was onxious- ry movement, he leaped into the r himself and staff, and ordered of major King to follow him. .is landing, and placing himself he troops first formed, gallantly le enemy, and drove them before omcnts after, reinforcements ai- :d forward, drove the enemy from I they had constructed, and then another, when the sound of Fot- nnounced victory on his part. As the last battery, it was precipi- ed by the enemy. Here the col- ithin 300 yards of the enemy's bile calmly engaged in conversa- ritish sergeant, a dreadful explo- B It was the magazine m whicli ti an immense quantity of gunpow- of stone and timber fell in the J Americans, producing dreadfu rds of 200 were at once killed and nsubduedby the horrors of this in- rance, and this scene of desolation, ,cre instantly closed, and they rent hree loud huzzas, while the anima- Yankee Doodle cheered even the HISTORY OF TH$ lATE AVAR. 73 dying, and caused the wounded to forg-^t their pain. The chivalrous leader however, was here doomed to terminate his short but glorious ca- reer: he received a mortal contusion, but still re- taining enough of life to give words to his gallant spirit, ho thus addressed his troops, "Move on my brave fellows, and revenge your General.'''' He was then carried on board one of the vessels ; the scenes of life were rapidly receding from his view, and his sight growing every moment more dim, when he was somewhat roused by the victorious shouts of his men. A moment aAer, tlie British flag was brought to him; this for a moment kindled up his fading "ye, and request- ing that the trophy might be placed under jhis head, he expired. The American troops headed by Col. Pearce, Itook possession of all the British wo.ks, and |\vere on full march to York, when they were Imet by a deputation who offered to surrender. It waa agreed that the place, with all public property, and the troops should be surrendered to the Anjericans. While the articles of capit- ilation were under discussion, the British were itually engaged in destroying all the public roperty, while an opportunity was given to General Sheaffe to oscape with a considerable 4 G 74 HBTTOBY OF THE LAT« WAS. portion Of his regulars About three cjcbck possession was taken of the town. Pike, m Cgenoral orders, had forbidden any d" h» „en to violate private property, on pa^n of ri The order was strictly obeyed, although there existed cause of n.uch exasperation General Dearbornc, did not «— f ^^ „and, until after possession was taken of he ;L: Having taken measures for securing th Ltoired stores and the prisoners, who amoun ed to about 800, he ordered the place to be evac- :^ted, and soon after re^-^arked his troops^ Essential service was rendered by ComnK^o Chauncey, in covering the landing, and annoying the enemy's batteries. The Amer ■ iToss in killed and wounded, amounted to - 269, that of the British to 930 men, including ^"onTe return to Sacket's Harbor, prepara- tions were made for the attack on Fort George, and the British strong-holds on the Niagara, which had been vainly attempted the year be- fore. All things being made ready, the army embarked on board the fleet, and on the 23d of May, sailed on the contemplated enterprise.- The landing took place on the 27th of the sair. month. Commodore Chauncey placed his ve» | OF THB LATB WAB. rulars. About three o'clock, ken of the town. Pike, in f8, had forbidden any of his .rivate property, on pain of r was strictly obeyed, although e of much exasperation, ornc, did not assume the corn- possession was taken of the jken measures for securing the ind the prisoners, who amount- ,e ordered thfe place to be evac- after re-embarked his troops. 3 was rendered by Commodore »vering the landing, and in Mmy's batteries. The Amen- sd and wounded, amounted to a British to 930 men, including n to Sacket's Harbor, prepare- G for the attack on Fort George, I strong-holds on the Niagara, 1 vainly attempted the year be- ] gs being made ready, the army K)ard the fleet, and on the 23d of I the contemplated enterprise.— ok place on the 27th of the samej nodore Chauncey placed his ve» HJBTOBT OF THE LATB WAB. 75 sels in the best position for annoying the batte- ries and forts of the enemy, while the trans- ports for crossing the inv Jing army passed the river. General Dearborne, at this time in very Ill-health, issued his orders from his bed, and the immediate direction of the attack was en- trusted to Grenernl Lewis, the next in command. Generals Chandler, Winder and Boyd, with their respective brigades, advanced to the shore with unshaken firmness under a heavy fire. The advance under Cols. Scott and For- sythe, having effected a landing, and being assisted by the fire from the ships, soon cleared the batteries. But the British throwing them- selves into a ravine, completely arrested for a time, the progress of the Americans. After a warm engagement, they were at last compelled to retire, and the whole line of fortifications was abandoned. As soon as sufficient force was formed, they advanced to the assault of fort George, which they found, hastily abandoned, with the flag still flying, which was torn down by Col. Scott and Major Hindman. The retreat- ing enemy was pursued some distance by Cap- tain Riddle and some other active officers. Up- wards of 600 Canadian militia surrendered their arms, and were permitted to depart on parole : - iikatiii'MMiiii n: 7e « HIWOBV OF THK lATB VTAB. If I Brie ma •" *e te™""»B »'""'' a,«U «.d e.ve the enemy the fu» 6 e^^ " the darkness of the night, anj the elouds o. Ikt «nde,ing it imfossihle to disfngntsh .b OF THE IAT« ^*"' rs were killed, and 276 wound- ^ners. The loss on our side „d in wounded. The next Old all the remaining British e blown up. llecting their forces, amounting treated towards the head of the ,er end of the Burlington Bay. ued, they must inevitably fa^^ f the Americans, and thus would the contests along the North cr On the Ist of June, Gener- and Winder, were despatched ,uble the force, to effect the all- •t This forc« advanced to Stony hoy encamped, in expectation of overtake the enemy next day. no hope of escaping but through about one o'clock the same night lly upon the main guard, and rais- . shout, ran towards the main body leans; the 25th Regiment, under , ot Col. Smith, had lam on their ,i„K roused by the noise, instantly .ave the enemy the first fire. But , of the night, and the clouds of ring it impossible to distinguish ob HISTORY OP THB LATB WAB. "H jects, some confusion ensued. A number of the British became intermixed with the American BrtiUerists, and the two American Generals, while endeavoring to ascertain tlie cause, were taken prisoners. At day-break the American army was found entire, but the enemy had re- treated in great disorder, their spirits complete- ly broken by this unexpected reception, and now Riving up all for lost. Unfortunately for us, no officer was left to command, whoso station was such as to warrant the responsibility of pursu- ing the vanquished enemy. Col. Brun, on a consultation with his officers, resolved on a re- treat, which was effected, and the British under General Vincent, soon after receiving reinforce- ments, were enabled to maintain their ground. The absence of Commodore Chauncey, and the American forces from Sackefs Harbor, had well nigh given an opportunity to the British of retaliating the recapture of York. Towards the latter end of May, the British squadron, with about 1200 men, suddenly appeared before the harbor. The alarm was instantly given, and the regulars and militia posted in the neigh- borhood hastened to the aid of those left to de- fend the place, which did not amount to one half the number of the ossmlants. The command •gff nnTORT or Tni latb wab. was assumed by General Brown of the militia. The militia under colonel Mills posted to op^se their landing, after ono fire, fled in the moa shameful manner, in spite of the efforts of tne.r commander. -A more cffieient resistan^ was „ade by the regulars under Colonel Baccus, and Major Lavelle and Aspinwall, but who were compelled to retreat. In the mean time. Gen- eral Brown having rallied the mihtm, fell on the enemy's rear, and compelled them ^o fly with precipitation, and utterly discomfited. The American loss was 160 in killed and wounded ; that of the British, at least double that number. Sir George Provost, the Governor of Canada, retired, leaving his laurels behind h.m. Had this attack proved successful, the loss of the United States would have been immense, as this place was the store-house of all military sup- plies, both for the naval and land service. A considerable quantity of public stores were un- fortunately destroyed by our own officers, under a belief that the enemy had obtained possession of the place. . • , • In the midst of these occurrences, which in general wore so brilliant an appearance, we ex- perienced a severe reverse. General Lewis, who assumed the command after the resignation »F TH* LATB WA«. eneral Brown of the militia, olonel Mills posted to oppose r one fire, fled in tho most 1 spite of tho efforts of their lore efficient resistance was lars under Colonel Baccus, and Aspinwall, but who were at. In the moan time, Gen- g rallied the militia, fell on and compelled them to fly and utterly discomfited. The s 160 in killed and wounded; 1, at least double that number. )st, the Governor of Canada, is laurels behind him. Had d successful, the loss of the lid have been immense, as this 3re-house of all military sup- le naval and land service. A itity of public stores were un- )yed by our own officers, under 3nemy had obtained possession )f these occurrences, which in brilliant an appearance, we ex- ere reverse. General Lewis, ! command after the resignation BUTORY OF THB LAT» WAB. 70 of General Dearborne, finding himself mfested by several large detachments of tho enemy in the neighborhood of Fort George, where he had fixed his head quarters, ordered Col. Boerst- ler to march with about 600 men and disperse one of these at a place called La Loutro house. The Colonel had not proceeded half way, when he was assailed in front and rear by the British and Indians, and was compelled for some time to contend against very suncrior numbers. He was at last induced to surrender his whole force, greatly to the chagrin of the Americans, at be- ing thus thrown away to no purpose. But tor this affiiir the opening of the campaign, in this quarter, would have been regarded as far trans- cending our warmest expectations of success. About this time the Six Nations declared war against the British, with a formal proclamation, and entered into an alliance with the United States, stipulating, however, to renounce their barbarous usages in battle, a promise which they faithfully kept. We now turn our attention for a moment to the Westward, and the operations along the fron- tier of the Ohio. In that quarter, a most glo- rious victory crowned our arms early m the month of August. Until that time fort Meigs had 80 nwroBY of thk u^t* wab. remained unmolested, while the Americ«|8 wait- ed for the result of the navul war on Lake Erie, before the adoption of any ulterior move- men . Proctor, desirous of ombarrassmg the ^Reparations of Harrison, and of open.ng the Kier to the inroads of his allies, the savages, Riving m an opportunity of murdermg the Lpfng babe and helpless female determmed to destroy the different forts wh.ch covered the settlements. Fort Stephenson, on the Sandusky, ^as the first selected. To cover hm real mten- tion, he sent Tecumseh to make a push on fort Meigs, while ho appeared before fort Stephen- son aid demanded it to surrender. The off.cer commandingit,wasayouth of twenty-one year« of age. Major Croghan, who had already d.stm- guis^d himself at the siege of fort Me.gs. He had received orders to abandon this place on the -approach of the enemy, but taking all responsi- bil ty upon himself, he boldly set the threats of the ungVnerous enemy at defiance. The fort was surrounded with pickets and a ditch about s.x feet wide. The assailants, consisting of regulars and Indians, to the number of 800, commenc- ed the attack >»ith several pieces of artillery, with which they attempted to make a breach. But those within, secured the point at which the OP TUB I^TB WAR. ed, whvlo the Americans wait- of the naval war on Lake doptitm of any ulterior move- csirous of embarrassing the larrison, and of opening the oods of his allies, the savages, >l,portunity of murdering the i helpless female, determined Rerent forts which covered the t Stephenson, on the Sandusky, cted. To cover his real inten- cumsch to make a push on fort appeared before fort Stephen- ed it to surrender. The officer ^as a youth of twenty -one years roghan, who had already distin- ttt the siege of fort Meigs. He lers to abandon this place on the , enemy, but taking all responsi- iself, he boldly set the threats of enemy at defiance. The fort was 1 pickets and a ditch about six assailants, consisting of regulars , the number of 800, commenc- with several pieces of artillery, .y attempted to make a breach, n. secured the point at which the mSTORV OF THR LATR WAR. ^1 artillery was directed, by placing bugs of sand and even of flour. They now resolved to at- tempt the place by storm. Colonel Short, with a column of 350 men, taking advantage of the smoke, presented himself, at the point before mentioned, and crying out to his men to follow him, and to give the d d Yankees no quar- ters, londing in the ditch with nearly half of his men. His progress was sooner arrested thon ho could have expected. The Americans, who were chiefly young volunteers, had carefully concealed a six pounder, the only one which they possessed, in the bastion, which protected that part of tiie ditch; the match was put to it, ^ and being loaded with slugs and musket balls, instantly cut the savage assailants to pieces; not one escaped the fatal place. The rolling mu.s- quetry at the same time, produced great havoc among those who were Btill on the outside. The assailants fled, pursued by indescribable terror, while the Indians f lUowed without dar- ling to cast a glance behind. During the night, irregular firing was kept up, while the humane land generous Americans did every thing in their wer to relieve the wounded in the ditch. The jcxt morning the enemy disappeared in haste, [leaving behind a considerable quantity of public 4* 82 BCrrOBY OF THE LATK WAM. Stores. The loss of the British exceeded 200 men, while the Americans had only a few wounded, and that while engaged in offering relief to the sufferers. Croghan and his bravo comrades. Captain Hunter, Lieutenant Johnson, Baylor, Meeks, and Anthony, ware hailed with the plaudits of their country. The first received the brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel in tiie regular ser- vice. The Indians, after this defeat, were so disgusted with their allies, that they were about to abandon them. The frontier was completely protected from further molestation. CHAPTER X. Captuie of the British Squadron on Lalie Erie- of Proctor. -Defeat Commodore Perry, whose name now adorns the page of our history, was entrusted, at the commencement of the spring, with the impor- tant task of creating a force to oppose the British, who suice the surrender of Hull, had rode tri- umphant on Erie. The trees that gj'ew on its shores were commanded to descend upon the waves, and bear our sailors to meet the haughty foe. In consequence OjT exertions almost uu- rOBY OF THE tATK WA«. loss of the British exceeded 200 the Americans had only a few id that while engaged in offering lufferers. and his bravo comrades, Captam utenant Johnson, Baylor, Meeks, f, >y3re hailed with the plaudits of ■y. The first received the brevet utenant Colonel in tiie regular ser- Indians, after this defeat, were so th their allies, that they were about :hem. The frontier was completely om further molestation. T nnrnli BDTOItT OF THE LATE WAR. 88 CHAPTER X. le Btitiah Squadron on Uke Erie— Defeat of Proctor. )EE Pkeuy, whose name now adorns »f our history, was entrusted, at the nent of the spring, with the impor- 'creating a force to oppose the British, the surrender of Hull, had rode tri jn Erie. The trees that grew on iu jre commanded to descend upon the i bear our sailors to meet the haughty wnaequence o*" exertions almost un- paralelled in the history of naval preparations, before the last of August a fleet was provided, consisting of the following vessels— the Law- rence of 21 guns, Niagara of 20, Caledonian of 3, Ariel of 4, Scorpion and Somers, each of 2, Tigress, Trippe and Porcupine, each of 1; in all amounting to 69 guns. The British fleet, under Commodore Barclay, consisted of the Detroit, 19 guns; Queen Char- lotte, 17; Lady Prevost, 13; Hunter, 10; Little Belt, 3; Chippewa, 1; in all 69 guns. Thw fleet was consequently superior in force to that of the Americans, although on their side there was a difierence in the number of ships. No sooner was the American Commodore oa the Lake, than he went in pursuit of his antago- nist, who manifested no wish to decline the meeting. This, however, did not take place until the 12th of September, near Put-m-Bay. The American squadron at anchor, perceiving the British bearing down upon them, got under way The American flag ship, the Lawrence, out-sailed the rest of the squadron, and came tu close quarters with the Queen Charlotte and the Detroit. Against these two vessels the contest was heroically maintained for two hours, unti every gun was rendered useless, and nearly all fl4 HI8TOBY or THK LATE WAB. onboardeither kiUedor wounded. At this critical moment, the other American vessels which had been kept back were coming up, and the Com- modore, with admirable coolness, embarked in his boat with the intention of shifting his flag to the Niagara. This was executed in the midst of a heavy fire. Captain Elliot immediately seconded his views, and while Perry led up this vessel in a handsome style, volunteered to bring the other vessels into action. The Commodore breaking through the enemy's line, ^ured out such tremendous broadsides as soon compelled the two largest vessels to strike, and the flag of the Lawrence, which had been haul- ed down, was again hoisted. The remainder of the American fleet coming up, the action in a few minutes terminated in the capture of the whole British squadron, a thing almost un- exampled in naval warfare. « We have met the enemy," said Commodore Perry, "and they are ours;" two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. The number of prisoners exceeded that of the captors. Twenty-six Americans were kill- ed, and 96 wounded. Lieutenant Brooks, of the marines, was killed, as also several valuable American oflicers. The Captain and first Lieu by, V ear iar< OF THE LATE WAR. led or wounded. At this critical American vessels which had ^ere coming up, and the Com- nirable coolness, embarked in intention of shifting his flag to hia was executed in the midst Captain Elliot immediately 3WS, and while Perry led up handsome style, volunteered her vessels into action. The king through the enemy's line, tremendous broadsides as soon vo largest vessels to strike, and Awrence, which had been haul- gain hoisted. The remainder n fleet coming up, the action 3s terminated in the capture of sh squadron, a thing almost un- al warfare. et the enemy," said Commodore ley are ours;" two ships, two ner, and one sloop, of prisoners exceeded that of 'wenty-six Americans were kill- ided. Lieutenant Brooks, of the tilled, as also several valuable rs. The Captain and first Lieu w^^p^mw ^mmw-im* . HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 85 tenant of the Queen Charlotte were killed; Com- modore Barclay severely wounded. The con- duct of the victors to the unfortunate was, on this occasion, marked by its usual humanity and generosity. By this event, the field of glory was laid open to Greneral Harrison, and the brave volunteers of Kentucky and Ohio. The choicest troops of the West were alret^dy collected for the purpose of following up the success of Perry, if it should please Providence to award it. The venerable Governor of Kentucky, Samuel Shel- by, was at the head of the volunteers of that state, accompanied by the first men of the com- monwealth. The troops being taken on board the fleet, were fansported to the Canada side, where they found the villages and forts evac- uated. Proctor having fled in dismay up the Thames. After leaving General M'Arthur to take command at Detroit, General Harrison, at the head of about 3000 men, commenced a rapid march in pursuit of the fugitive army. In u few days he gained upon then™ so rapidly as to capture considerable quantities of their stores. On the 6th of October, it was discovered that lear the Moravian towns, within a few miles larch, they were drawn up in battle array H w«r gg HIBTOBY OF THE I^TE WAB. stinate; they at lirsi Q^^g,„or Shcl on the Amoncan infantry, wnen « bv brought up « -ei^iment to their support. The ^!d^s foui. * .rerately as long as tne . IT uf\ i .>f Tecumseh, encouraging and terrible s. - f ^ ^^^^_^^ j,.,, them to 1«-^;-; J ^^;,,,'e, ^e fell by the SoT'^l i:norbythatofCol.WhUe, l^^foM Indian fighter, and a volun^erj th 8 occasion,) seems to be a question rU unse S Whiteiy was found dead near the spot, agre( ■f««??t.-- IBTORY OF THE lATB WAR. 87 OF THE lATE WAB. , troops into two lines, consist- id Trotter's brigades, under with the mounted men of Col. ,e advanced against , ' n i» iWi-k(:i i i.^n ii wn uH ' ■ i i '. » . * ,^^ w . ' . •01 ' nWTOnY OF THB tATB WAR. ders of tho commander-in-chief, professing still a willingness to cc.-operato in any plan ho might adopt Thus terminated the mighty invasion of Canada, from which so much was expect- ed. The commanding General threw the blame upon Hampton, and the Secretary of War on both But the truth is, the season was too lar advanced, and the force was not sufficient for the contemplated enterprise. The disappomt- ment to tho nation, however, tended to brmg into discredit the leaders of this campaign, which turned out so barren of glory. Ihe army retired into winter quarters. This military movement was calculated only on the chance of success, while in war there are most usual'.y two chances; no allowance was made for the possibility of a failure. Its bad effects were soon experienced. General Harrison had received orders to move down the St. Lawrence and join the army; the whole Niagara frontier was left unprotected. Gen. M'Clure, who was left in command at fort George, finding that the enemy was approach- ing in considerable numbers, blew up the lort and evacuated the Canada side, at the same time burning the village of Newark, situated ^ near the fort: an act at the time universally War T busi OF THE LATB WAR. wiider-in-chief, professing still operate in any plan ho might luinntcd the mighty invasion which so mucli was expect- iiling General threw the blame and the Secretary of War on riitli is, the season was too far 10 force was not sufficient for J enterprise. The disappoint- ion, however, tended to bring ho leaders of this campaign, out so barren of glory. The ito winter quarters. f movement was calculated only of succesj, while in war there I'.y two chances; no allowance the possibility of a failure. Its re soon experienced. Generol received orders to move down ice and join the army; the whole ier was left unprotected. Gen was left in command at fort g that the enemy was approach- rable numbers, blew up the fort the Canada side, at the same the village of Newark, situated an act at the time universally nnroRY of tub latx m-a». 03 censured and lamented in the United States, and which the government took tho earliest opportunity to disavow. It seems that tho General hod received or- ders to burn tho village, in case it should be found necessary for defence; misconceiving the orders, he set fire to the place on his depar- ture. His conduct was submitted to a Court of Inquiry, who passed a severe censure upon it. The British, not content with this, crossed the river ia considerable force, took fort Ni- agara by surprise, put the garrison to death, and then laid waste, with fire and sword, the whole frontier, from ten to fifteen miles. The flourishing village of BuflTaloe was laid in ash- es, together with several others. It was after- wards declared by Sir George Provost, that he was satisfied with this am]>le measure of ret-al- iation. CHAPTER XI. AVar on the Atlantic Sea Coast — Disgracerul conduct of tlie British. The first year of the war found England too busily engaged in the great events of Europe, 94 HI8T0SY OF THB LATH WAS. to think of directing much of hor attention td tho contest with America. Excepting by a genj eral proclamation of blockade, our Atlantic coa.i was not molested. J In the year 1813, she set about carrymg oij hostilities in a more serious manner. She ha- threatened much of burning all tho Amenc sea-port towns, and laying waste the country.! She thought to intimidate us by these barbarousi threats. „ . . j I In the month of March, the Poictiers madel her appearance in tho Delaware, and sendingi out shallops, commenced a species of maraud- ing warfare. The property of private citizeiwl was the object of their ambition. By the Uw.| of war, the persons and property of nonnjom- batantsare exempted from it.s levastations - Without benefiting the cause for which they fouRht, the British ruined many of the inhabit- ants of the country. Admiral Beresford, the commander of the squadron, made a demand on the inhabitants of Lewistown for water and pto- visions; and on being refused, ineffectually at- ' tempted to obtain them on compulsion, by bom- barding the place. The militia under Colonel Davis and Major Hunter, manfully resisted ev- ery attack. lOP TBI LATH WAM. Ing much of hor attention td inorica. Excepting by a geni )f blockade, our Atlantic coail 3, she set about carrying ro serious manner. She hn of burning all the Americ id laying waste the country.l imidato us by these barbsroiul r • I >f March, the Poictiers madel n the Delaware, and sendingl monced a species of maraud-j e property of private citizenil > their ambition. By the lawsj ons and property of non-oom- ipted from it.s ievastations. — I ig the cause for which they| h ruined many of the inhabit- itry. Admiral Beresford, the I i squadron, made a demand on Lewistown for water and pro- )oing refused, ineffectually at- them on compulsion, by bom- The militia under Colonel Hunter, manfully resisted ev- I • ^ •-fV^r-^tf^jLJtn^r'^ -r.. 4- .^ i/.A CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques 1 ' j!tt. ' Ujmj i wia!«a.?gg. i HISTOBT OP THB lATB WAR. 95 I From the Delaware they proceeded to the Ichesapeake, where their course was marked by I the most lawless depredations and conflagra- Itions. The genius of history blushes as she re- I cords them. There is not one solitary act of 1 benevolence or magnanimity to rescue the char- lacter of the British officers and seamen, from the dark disgrace; or if there be, it has been I hitherto unknown to us.* Indiscriminate havoc I was every where committed. One of their first I exploits was plundering and destroy mg the Ismail village of Frenchtown, a place of mercan- Itile deposit and transit, on Elk river. From I Frenchtown they proceeded to Havre de Grace, I where they perpetrated the grossest outrages on Idecency and humanity without the slightest pre- Itext Every house of this little village was con- signed to the flames, and a scene of most dis- l graceful plunder was acted, in which officers and men were mingled alike; the plunder con- Isisted of household furniture, bed clothes, pans land spoons! They burnt and destroyed many valuable manufactories, after which they went to the next village church, not to ask forgive- ness of their sins, but in order to wreak their vengeance on this peaceful dwelling, by deta- • The conduct of Sir Petet Parker is an exception. ■,W ft i> jiW*J- ' ^J » """"" ge H18TOKV OF THE LATF WAU. eing it in the most Shameful manner ^" o . ._ , .. „ „„mfi ftcts on After tor port of JUM. «" f J, folk. On Jkr^h vSS»' nd M«y-.r, .o^ fl.ght. IM » b ^^^^_ „j f,oq«nt\y »'" ''°' '" „h„lo»„son,from „ch harassed through Iho «hol« *htlno»n*r.h,e„av.Uorootopro.ec,| '"tIHL.w^ oommKted .o .he charge .( rie^Tayler, of .he ™li.ia ofVirgm... N. „,,»„, mta.e preoautton. for exeeuUag ..lans roquisUe .o he adopted. The »»ii Cu was happily -edly.hev.lori the marines, mi the s«>.o of V>rg.o.. rd.ev L - OF TUB lATF WAK. ,ost shameful manner. After ated the same acts on the two ericktown and Georgetown- mrfare continued until thclat- , ,vhen their movements indvca- ipon the town of Norfolk. On ,f the bay, the militia on seve- Kavely put the marauders to vginians and Marylandcrs were ,d out from their houses, and through the whole season, from shifting scene of the war. The ich intersected with .reeks and vas impossible for any force to from one point to another, to re. tory warfare. The great o\.y^^ ,nce of Norfolk, the troops we e neighborhood of that place, and •onsiderable naval force to protect HISTORY OF THE LATE WAB. 97 was committed to the charge of or, of the militia of Virginia. No more capable of providing the mi- .te precautions for executmg the ite to be adopted. The town o , happily saved by the valor of and the state of Virginia reliev ed from a mojt dangerous enemy; for had pos- session been taken of this place, the enemy could have done them incalculable mischief. Wherever the enemy met a steady resistance from the legular troops or militia, after this, they retreated precipitately to their boats, or returned to their fleet. The chief leader in this warfare, so dishonorable to the British nation, was Admiral Cookburn, whose conduct was on every occasion, that of a ferocious, unfeeling buccanier. On the 21st of June, the movements indica- ted an attack on Craney Island, and on the ne.\t day they landed upwards of 200 men, for itlifc purpose of assailing the batteries on the west end of the Island. Shortly after the de- barkation of these troops, forty-five or fifty )outs filled with sailors and marines, left the iliipping and approached the north side of the ll.sland. The naval fou f the United States, united i i the defence of the post. The enemy l«as completely beaten off. His loss was not less than 200, besides deserters. Four or five Ibarges wem sunk. The Centipede, 60 feet long. Admiral Warren's boat, with 24 oars, was •aptured, with 22 prisoners, a brass three .lounder, and a number of muskets, pistols 5 I gg UI8T0KV OF THS lATE WAS. . .1 «.«. Forty British deaerters were and 'f^^'^'-J'^^^ others were dispersed j r!^Th;:u.rTherewasnotone.an, ro^he American side..^^^^^^^ Theene^yexasperated^^^^^^^ tempt, m order ^o give a i of Han-.p- '^'T ':l the Sy ?n ^hetth of Ju J rra:r.::tn^-d after a gallant res^ ance on th^ part of the militia and a few regu- ::"who werrthcre, the town was take. T «^„e which ensued, far surpassed any th.ng ^fore acted by the ferocious enemy w.th whoj ^e had to contend; such conduct should be hd 1 to universal execration, in order that th I "cTu Llion of public opinio, may prev^ the occurrence of the like among civilized p^ Z ^he utmost licentiousness was permittdl Tnihe treatment of the unfortunate females who! fel into the power of the enemy : without regardi to their respectability in society, they werj seil by ruffians, and several of them actualb "^ in conseciuen<. of the shocking treaH they received. A poor old man, sick a-bed wd ^t upon by them and shot in the "- o H aged wife, who was also wounded, and the J fShful dog was put to death. The sick m th pern littl OF THB U^TE W*"* «orty British deserterB were many others were dispersed try. There was not one man cansidetluringtheday. asperated at this inglorious at- ogive a loose to his thirst foi 1 to attack the village of Hair-p- the bay. On the 26th of June, men, and after a gallant resist- ■t of the militia and a few regu- lere, the town was taken. The tsved, far surpassed any thing the ferocious enemy with whom 3od; such conduct should be held] \ execration, in order that the of public opinio.i may prevent : of the like among civilized peo- lost licentiousness was permitted It of the unfortunate females who wer of the enemy : without regatdj BCtability in society, they were ans, and several of them actuall; luence of the shocking treatmeni A poor old man, sick a-bed, wa! hem and shot in the arms of h> rho was also wounded, and then ^as put to death. The sick in th( HISTORV OF THE LATE WAR. 09 hospitals were not spared, and every act of sav- age violence was committed, apparently without any attempt to restrain the perpetrators. A let- ter on the subject of this infamous conduct, so deeply implicating the character of the British nation, was addressed by General Taylor to Sir Sidney Beckwith, who at first stated that it was in retaliation for the shooting a man at Craney Island, while he hung to a burgc that had over- set. A Court of Inquiry was immediately insti- tuted, which completely disproved the charge; on this being communic ^d to Sir Sidney, he sent a verbal reply, that he was sorry for the excesses committed by his troops, but that he would in future prevent the falling into such conduct. A savage chieftain could have alleged the same kind of excuse for ungovernable war- riors whom he led. The subject underwent an examination before a committee of Congress, who reported upon it in terms as strong as lan- guage could express them. Having thus given an account of what hap- pened on the coast, a war which redounded so little to the honor of England, we shall pass m review the important war of the South with the Creek Indians, which was closely connected with the hostilities with England. Very soon 1 100 niSTOBY OF THK LATI! WAS. after the commencement of the war, the Semi- no" Indians on the borders of Georgm, wUh a number of runaway negroes began to make n roads, and to infest the frontiers. On the 1 th rtptember, 1812, Captain WilUams^ of the marines, convoying some ^^^f^^^^^;'^, military supplies, was attacked by a party ot TherLp^and compelled to retreat w.th the Ls of' several hundred men, himself rece.vmg 1 ^ound of which he afterwards died Towards the close of the same month. Col. Norma^, with about 120 Georgia volunteers proceeded towards the Alaci ua towns, with a view of ch««- Xg the savages. He was attacked by a large body%f Indians, apd after a charp conflict corn- ed them to fly, leaving their kmg, Pame, _>n Z ground; after repeated efi-orts to rcgam the dead body, they at length succeeded by brmgmg up additional numbers, after which they moved 1 They soon after returned, however, with a stiil more powerful party, the Georgians appre- hending this, had hastily thrown up a bre^t work, in which they were closely besieged. The ^ge was kept up for some days, until the ene^ „,y dispaired of making any -P'— ' ;" which they retired, but returned m a httle while, under the belief from the stillness wMch reig abai salu how giai wh( deg abl< wei ssti If OF THE LATE WAB. ncement of the war, the Semi- the borders of Georgia, with a way negroes began to make in- fest the frontiers. On the nth 1812, Captain Williams, of the ying some wagons, loaded with 38, was attacked by a party of nd compelled to retreat with the hundred men, himself receivmg ch he afterwards died. Towards he same month, Col. Norman, ) Georgia volunteers, proceeded acl ua towns, with a view of chas- ges. He was attacked by a large ,s, and after a charp conflict com- , fly, leaving their king, Paine, ".n fter repeated efforts to regain the .y at length succeeded by bringmg numbers, after which they moved nn after returned, however, with a ,arful party; the Georgians appre- had hastily thrown up a brea.st :h they were closely besieged. The pt up for some days, until the ene- l of making any impression, on retired, but returned in a little the belief from the stillness w^ich HIBTORY OF THE lATE WAR. 101 reigned in the camp, that the Americans had abandoned it. On crowding up to it they wore saluted with a volloy or two, which sent them howling to the woods. After this the Geor- pians decamped and reached the place tron. whence they set out, after encountering no small degvee of fatigue. This affair haa a most favor- able operation on the .ni.ds of the savages, who were thenceforth exceedingly shy of the frontier 93ttlers. . , A more serious N'ar broke out in the course of the year 1813, with the Creek nation. The American government had taken great pains to civilize this people, and hai spared no expense to effect this humane object. But its endeavors had met with no more than a partial success, for the greater number of the natives obstinately adhered to their Indian manners, and violently opposed the introduction of the arts of civiliza- tion The celebrated Tecumseh had paid them a /isit, in which '.Ao threw among them addition al causes of discord. A civil war took place, and the more savage part of the nation proving the strongest, the rest were either compelled to fly, or to join those who were for war with the United State ^ A wonderful degree of supersti- tion and fan aacism were brought into play on I* 102 IIISTOBY OF THE LATE WAS. the occasion. The unfortunate people ..ere led to believe by their priests or magicians, that they would certainly defeat us by the assistance of their potent charms. The credulous crea- tures were persuaded to destroy all their cattle, so that there should be nothing among them that wore the appearance of civil.zation.-- They were further stimulated by the British agents, who also gave them some supply of arms, and made them promises of assistance. It was not however, until towards the close of August that hostilities openly commenced on their part; but this was a commencement of the most shocking kind. Foreseeing the coming storm, the settlers on the Mobile and Alabama had collected in small forts or stations, erected for their security. At one of these, called fort Mims, about 300 per- sons, men, women and children had taken ref- use It was defended by Major Beasly, of the Mississippi Territory, with about 130 volunteers. ' A party of 600 Creeks suddenly appeared before this place and attacked it at noonday. Unfortu- nately the gate happened to be open, and the In- dians under the command of Watterford, a half breed, rushed towards it with a hideous shout. The Major attempted to close the gate, and act- r OF THE LATE WAH. HIBTOKV OF TIIK LATE WAK. 103 he unfortunate people were led leir priests or magicians, that inly defeat us by the assistance charms. The credulous crea- loded to destroy all their cattle, lould be nothuig among them appearance of civilization.— ther stimulated by the British so gave them some supply of them promises of assistance. It rer, until towards the close of Btilitiea openly commenced on this was a commencement of the kind. ihe coming storm, the settlers on [ Alabama had collected in small 8, erected for their security. At called fort Mims, about 300 per- mcn and children had taken ref- lefended by Major Beasly, of the rritory, with about 130 volunteers. ( Creeks suddenly appeared before attacked it at noonday. Unfortu- B happened to be open, and the In- ,e command of Watterford, a half 1 towards it with a hideous shout, tempted to close the gate, and act- ed bravely whilst life remained, but ho soon fell loZly wounded. The Indians were at Icng^ :;iled%ith the exception of a ew who h^ taken the block-house, from which they were after slme time dislodged. Being harangued by Sehief. a second assault was now rnade which unhappily proved more -j;f ^^^. ,,each was made in ^^^^^^11:^^1:1:^ ges gained possession ^^ ^^ ^^^^ ,^^^, ,, ^r- .eceededinsettmgfin>totherc.fs^^^^^^^^.^^ were the agon. zing shrieks ot ::;[h:%; the whole of. .^ people perished by savage violence, consumed by the flames. Thisattrocious outrage demanded a promp ye.,s »"'W*^ 7;„ „,^« .wc, of Geor. "*' TtIT^ a'^^so the MWssippi .orri • rying war into the country ot me u ■HIMMMMm 104 niBTOKV OF THK I^TB WAB. Th.,! ton prevemod, if .he United S».c. 1 „,ghl h.»e ton p ^^^^ ;_j ,^„ El^vllen, in employing »de«iUn8l Generals Floyd of Georgm, Coffee, White ^d Jackson, of Tennessee, in the course of one 1 leason, humbled them in the dust. On he shortest notice, Gen. Jackson brought | to^Lr a brigade of mounted "Ae-n and - valry, and immediately penetrated the Creek I^unt y. On the 2d of November he detached Gen II Coffee, with about 900 men, to destroy I fhe TuHushatches town, where a consider, ble body of Creek warriors had assembled. A I ITL sent to draw them out, wh.ch com- Sy succeeded, and the Creeks suddenly ■ tnd themselves directly opposed to the whole American force. They, notwithstandmg, fough^ with astonishing desperation, but at last were I OF THE UATB WAR. niSTORY OF TlIE LATK WAR. 105 . was the only way to ensure 38cd frontiers, ond at the nanic ho rising of the other southern is but little doubt, that all this prevented, if the United States d to employ the Indians in the The infernal policy of the .cnt in employing and exciting ted people, was the cause of the hich, as a just retribution, over- A series of brilliant victories rate and deluded foe, gained by 1 of Georgia, Coffee, White and -nnessee, in the course of one d them in the dust. est notice, Gen. Jackson brought rado of mounted riflemen and ca- 'mediately penetrated the Creek the 2d of November he detached . with about 900 men, to destroy tches town, where a considera reek warriors had assembled. A nt to draw them out, which com- eded, and the Creeks suddenly Ives directly opposed to the whole ce They, notwithstanding, fought ing desperation, but at last were eo.iipelled to retreat to their village, where they continued their rc«istancc, obstinately refusing garters u«.il every one perished The women Ld children of the village, to t'^c number of eighty, were taken prisoners. Cot ce had hvo „,en killed, and 41 slightly wounded. In the morning of the 7lh, a friendly Indian brought intelligence to Gen. Jackson, thaa^u ,Uirty miles below ^^--^^ ;'>«'° Ta TaTe- bcr of Creeks collected at a place called rale dega, engaged in besieging some friendly I. dians, who must inevitably perish unless si^ed. '^^irte promptitude and decision, wliich Jud his Military career, and is the secret his extraordinary success, he marched at 12 his exiruu.u J „t thP head of 1200 men, o'clock the same night, attl^ehcau o and arrived within six miles of the pl'^ce »« irng. At midnight ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^ at 7 o'cloc-k was within a mile of ^^-J^^^ Having approached almost unperceived, within "oTards of the Indians, the battle commenced Z tfeir part with great ^^^V^^^^^^^l^^t on all sides, they attempted to '"[^^e he r «« c^pe but soon found themselves inclosed, two rjanies at first giving way a spa^- e^ through which a considerable number 6* 1 illHiiiMtMMM«i*» •wirrr 108 HISTORY OF THE LATE WAH.' enemy escaped, and were pursued to the moun tains with great slaughter. In this action the American loss was 15 killed and 80 wounded. That of the Creeks was little short of 300; their whole force exceeded 1000. General Cooke, who commanded the other di- vision of Tennessee militia, on the 11th, detach- ed Gen. White from fort Armstrong, where he was encamped, against the hostile towns on the Tallapoose river. After marching the whole night of the 17th, he surprised a town at day- light, containing upwards of 300 warriors, 60 of whom were killed and the rest taken prison- ers. Having burnt several of their villages, which had been deserted, he returned on the 23d, without loosing a single man. The Georgia militia, under Gen, Floyd, ad- vanced into the Creek country, about the last of the month. Receiving information that great numbers of Indians were collected on the Au- tossee towns, on the Tallapoose river, a place they called their beloved ground, and where, ac- cording to their prophets, no white man could molest them. Gen. Floyd, placing himself at the heel of 900 militia, and 400 friendly Creeks, marched from his encampment on the Chatahou- chie. On the evening of the 29th, he encamped F T ms ani mc wi se" ke CO of fei •icj la SI sc tl si tl Ii n E OHY OF THE LATE WAH. id, and were pursued to the moun- lat slaughter. In this action the 3 was 15 killed and 80 wounded. Creeks was little short of 300; )rce exceeded 1000. loke, who commanded the other di- nessee militia, on the 11th, detach- to from fort Armstrong, where he d, against the hostile towns on the iver. After marching the whole 17th, he surprised a town at day- ling upwards of 300 warriors, 60 re killed and the rest taken prison- ; burnt several of their villages, leen deserted, he returned on the loosing a single man. gia militia, under Cen. Floyd, ad- ;he Creek country, about the last of Receiving information that great Indians were collected on the Au- I, on the Tallapoosa river, a place heir beloved ground, and where, ac- iieir prophets, no white man could , Gen. Floyd, placing himself at the I militia, and 400 friendly Creeks, tn his encampment on the Chatahou- le evening of the 29th, he encamped F . ... giiiiiiliiinwi HISTORY OF THE LATE WAH. 107 within ten miles of the place, and resuming his march at 1 o'clock, reached the towns about six, and commenced an attack upon both at the same moment. His troops were met by the Indians with great bravery; and it was not until after a severe battle, that they were forced by his mus- ketry and bayonets, to fly to the thicket and copse in the rear of the towns. In the course of three hours, the enemy was completely de feated, and the villages in flames. Eleven Amer- icans were killed and 60 wounded, among the latter, the General hiffiself; of the enemy, it is supposed, that besides the Autossee and Tallas- see king^ , ..pwards of 200 were killed. This just retribution, it was hoped, would bring these unhappy beings to a proper sense of their situation; but unfortunately it h&J not this effect, they still persisted in their hostilities against us. In the month of December, General Claiborne marched a detachmsnt against the towns of Eccanachaca, on the Alabama river. On the 22d, he came suddenly upon them, killed 30 of their warriors, and after destroying their villa- ges, returned with a trifling loss. After the battle of Talledcga, General Jack- son was left with but a handful of men, in conse- quence of the term of the militia having expired 108 niSTOKY OF THE lATE WAR. On the 14th of January, ! o was fortunately re- inforced by 800 volunteers from Tennessee, and soon after by several hundred friendly Indians. He was shortly after joined by Gen. Coffee, with a number of officers, his militia having also re- turned home. On the I7th, with a view of ma- king a diversion in favor of Gen. Floyd, and «t the same time to relieve fort Armstrong, which was said to be threatened, he penetrated the Indian country. On the evening of the 21st, believing himself, from appearances, in the vicinity of a large body of Indians, he encamp- ed with great precaution, and placed himself m the best attitude of defence. About day-light he was furiously attacked, and after a severe con- test, the Creeks were compelled once more to yield. They fled in every direction. General Jackson being apprehensive of anoth- er attack, fortified his camp for the night; the next day fearing a want of provisions, he found it necessary to retreat, and before night reach- ed Enotachopco, having passed a dangerous de- file withoiV interruption. In the morning, he nad to cross a defile still more dangerous, where he might expect aii attack; he therefore deter- mined to pass at some other point. The most ludicious arrangements having been made for the he had flan seal was gav wh abc the Act to cip hai iti no Cc tir CO fe SI L in f€ e: P naae lor v wHmm tY OF THE LATE WAR. January, ; was fortunately re- volunteers from Tennessee, and everal hundred friendly Indians, after joined by Gen. Coffee, with ficers, his militia having also rc- On the 17th, with a view of ma- m in favcr of Gen. Floyd, and ime to relieve fort Armstrong, 1 to be threatened, he penetrated itry. On the evening of the 21st, self, from appearances, in the irgo body of Indians, he encamp- precaution, and placed himself in e of defence. About day-light he attacked, and after a severe con- es were compelled once more to fled in every direction, kson being apprehensive of anoth- ified his camp for the night; the ng a want of provisions, he found o retreat, and before night reach- », having passed a dangerous de- iterruption. In the morning, he defile still more dangerous, where ect aii attack; he therefore deter- s at some other point. The most mgements having been made for HISTORY OF THE LATE WAS. 109 the dispositon of his force in case of an attack, he moved forward towards the pass which he had selected. The front guard, with part of the flank columns, together with the wounded, had scarcely crossed the creek, when the alarm was given in the river. Jackson immediately . gave orders for his right and left- columns to wheel on their pivot, and crog3ing the stream above and below, assail the flanks and rear of the enemy. But to his astonishment and morti- fication, when the word was for these columns to form, and a few guns were fired, they pre- cipitately gave way. This unaccountable flight had well nigh proved fatal: it drew along with it the greater part of the centre column, leavmg not more than 26 men, who being formed by Colonel Carroll, maintained their ground for a time against overwhelming numbers. All that could now be opposed to the enemy, were the few who remained of the rear guard, the artille- ry company, and Capt. Rupel's company of spies Their conduct, however, was admirable. Lieut. Armstrong, with the utmost coolness and intrepidity, dragged, with the assistance of a few more, the six pounder up the h.U, although exposed to a heavy fire; and having gained his position, loaded the piece with grape, and fired K .^HMiaiiiitiiiMai >, ] .in'ij. '■-Hill imjiif" 110 HI8TOBY OF THK LATE WAB. it with such effect, that after a few diwAarges the enemy were repulsed. The Indians were pursued for several miles 6y Col. Carrol, Col. Higgins and Captains Elli- ott and Pickins. Captain Gordon, of the spies, had partly succeeded in turning their flank, and by his impetuous charge, tended to restore the day. The Americans now continued their march without further molestation. In these different engagements, 20 Americans were killed and 76 wounded; in the last battle 180 of the Creeks were slain. General Floyd, who was advancing from the Chatahouchie, was attacked in his camp by a large body of Indians, an hour before day.— Thv-y stole upon the sentinels, fired upon them, and then rushed with great impetuosity towards the line. The action soon became general: the front of both flanks were closely pressed, but the firmness of the officers and men repelled their assaults at every point. As soon as it be- came sufficiently light, General Floyd strength- ened his right wing, and formed his cavalry in the rear, then directed a charge; the enemy were driven before the bayonet, and being pur- sued by the cavalry, many of them were killed. The loss of General Floyd was 17 killed and 132 be t decui was It featj the Cr© una ruir side beii exp cee( rea< Yoi sho scl( fori At nee net wo Th leb col ex( lY OF THK LATE WAB. jct, that after a few discharges I repulsed. were pursued for several miles Col. Higgins and Captains Elli- . Captain Gordon, of the spies, 5cded in turning their flank, and la charge, tended to restore the icans now continued their march molestation. In these different :0 Americans were killed and 76 le last battle 180 of the Creeks yd, who was advancing from the was attacked in his camp by a Indians, an hour before day.— ,n the sentinels, fired upon them, id with great impetuosity towards action soon became general: the flanks were closely pressed, but if the officers and men repelled it every point. As soon as it be- lly light, General Floyd strength- wing, and formed his cavalry in 1 directed a charge; the enemy lefore the bayonet, and being pur- ivalry, many of them were killed, ieneral Floyd was 17 killed and HISTORV OF THE lATE WAH. Ill 132 wounded. That of the Indians could not be ascertained ; 37 of their warriors were left dead on the field, but it was thought their loss was very considerable. It might be supposed that these repeated de- feats would tend to destroy the influence of the fanatical prophets among the unhappy Creeks; but they still persisted in the most unaccountable manner in completing their own ruin. General Jackson, having received con- siderable reinforcements from Tennessee, and being joined by some Indians, set out on an expedition to the Tallapoose river. He pro- ceeded from the Coose on the 24th of March, reached the southern extremity of the New Youca on the 27th, at a place called the Horse- shoe Bend of the Coose, where the Creeks had selected a strong natural position, and having fortified it, awaited the attack of their enemies. A breastwork had been thrown up across the I neck, of considerable strength and compact- I ness. The area thus enclosed by the breast- works, was little short of one hundred acres. The warriors from Oakfu&kee, Oakshaya, Hil- lebees, the Fish Ponds and Eupata towns, had collected their force at this place, in number exceeding a thousand. i n i tmti i iii ii mniT *"- '"* — i-.ai,...-'wffi>if« 118 U18TOBY or TBE iAi'E '*^- General Jackson finding that his arrange- menta were now complete, at length yielded to the earnest solicitations of his men, to be led on to the charge. The regular troops, led by Col. Williams and Major Montgomery, were in a moment ia possession of the nearest part of the breast-works; the n.ilitia accompanied them with equal firmness and intrepidity- llaving maintained for a few minutes a very obstinate contest, muzzle to muzzle, through the port holes, they succeeded in gainmg the opposite side of the works. The event could , no longer be doubtful; the enemy, although many of them fought with that kind of brave- rv which desperation inspires, were cut in pie- ces The whole margin of the river, which 6urv<.undcd the peninsula, was strewed with the slain. Five hundred and fifty-seven were found, bc-sides those thrown into the river by their friends, or drowned in attempting to escape. Among the slain was their g^^*^^ P^^"'' !J^ nahoe, and two others of less note. About 300 women and children were taken prisoners.-- Jack^on-s loss was 26 white men killed, and 107 wounded; 18 Cherokees killed and 36 wounded; and 5 friend'y Creeks killed and 1. wounded. pe H ai cc t^ st is u a P a t BY or THE LAi-E '*'^' kson finding that his arrange- ow complete, at length yielded solicitations of his men, to be charge. The regular troops, led ms and Major Montgomery, were ia possession of the nearest part ■works; the militia accompanied ;ual firmness and intrepidity.— ttined for a few minutes a very est, muzzle to muzzle, through 8, they sue* ceded in gaining the of the works. The event could doubtful; the enemy, although n fought with that kind of brave- pcration inspires, were cut in pie- hole margin of the river, which le peninsula, was strewed with the lundred and fifty-seven were found, 3 thrown into the river by their Irowned in attempting to escape, slain was their great prophet, Ma- Avo others of less note. About 300 children were taken prisoners.— ,sii was 26 while men killed, and Dd; 18 Cherokees killed and 36 nd 5 friend'y Creeks killed and 11 HISTOHY OF THE LATE WAB. US This most decisive victory put an end to the Creek war. The spirit and power of these misguided men were completely broken; Jack- son soon after scoured the countries on the Coose and Talapoose; a party of the enemy on the latter river, on his approach, fled to Pensacola. The greater part of the Creeks now came forward and threw themselves on the mercy of the victors. A detachment from North and South Carolina, under the command of Colonel Pearson, scoured the country on the Alabama, and received the submission of a great many Creek warriors and their prophets. In the course of the summer, a treaty ot peace was dictated to them by Jackson. They agreed to yield a portion of their territory as an indemnity for the expenses of the war; they conceded the privilege of opening roads through their country, and navigating their rivers; they stipulated to hold no intercourse with any Brit- ish or Spanish post or garrison, and to deliver up the property they had taken from the whites and friendly Indians. The General, on the part of the United States, undertook to guar- antee their remaining territory; to restore a.l their prisoners, and in consideration of their •iliiiiiifiii'iiriiiirir"^-"" 1 114 HISTORY OF THE LATB VAK. destitute situation, to furnish them g«.tuitous- ly with the necessaries of life until they could provide for themseWes. They also engaged to establish trading houses, and endeavor to br.ng back the nation to its former state. CHAPTER XII. Naval affairs -War canieO on against the Eattem States In the course of the year 1813, an Ameri- can squadron, consisting of the United States, Commodore Decatur, the Macedonian, Captam Jones, and the sloop of war Hornet, Captam Biddle, was blockaued in the harbor of New York, by a strong squadron of the ener y. After making severui attempts to escape a> » proceed on a cruize, they ran through th« sound, but were immediately pursued, and so closely as to be compelled to seek refuge m the harbor of New-London. Here the frigates were towed up the river a=. far as practica- ble, and a military force called out to protect them. The frigates were detained in this place during almost the whole of the war. On the 29th of April, IB 14, Captain War- rington, of the United States sloop of war, BY OF TH« UlTB WAH. ion, to furnish them gratuitous- ceasaries of life until they could imsel /es. They also engaged to ig houses, and endeavor to bring n to its former state. CHAPTER XII. rar canieO on against the Ea»tem States. ■se of the year 1813, an Ameri- consisting of the United States, )ecatur, the Macedonian, Captain .0 sloop of war Hornet, Captain )lockaaed in the harbor of New itrong squ^wiron of the enen^ y.- severai attempts to escape a> ■! i cruize, they ran through th« ere immediately pursued, and so be compelled to seek refuge m r New-London. Here the frigates up the river ad far as practica- li'.itary force called out to protect frigatfcs wore detained in this place it the whole of the war. }th of April, IB 14, Captain War- the United States sloop of war, HWTORV or THE tATE WAB. US Peacock, fell ia with, and captured the British .loop of war Epervier, rating and mouutmg eighteen 32 pound carronad- wivh a crew of |128 men. In the action the Epervier had 11 tilled and 16 wounded, among the latter her first Lieutenant, severely. On board the Pea- Lk, not a man was killed, and but two were wounded. The Epervier was aimost cut to p|e- ees, while the American vcsse, m fifteen mm utes after, was fit for action. On board the ■L was found upwards of 100,000 dolors I specie, which were taken out, after which L was sent to Savannah, under Lieutenant Nicholson, where she arrived safely. Anothe victory, no less brilliant, followed Ut after. The sloop of war Was^ Captain Blakely, engaged, and after an -t.on of 19 ninutes, captu:-.d the Uritish sloop Remdeer, ninui , J r.eindeer was despe- tryCgL ll^hTexecuti^ wt !ery gre'at. Vwo attempts were made by the enemy to board, with no success. The prize t so much injured, that it was found imprac- ticable to bring her in: she was accordingly seT on fire and blown up. The Wasp hod 6 Sled, the other 23 killed and 4i wounded. The Wasp, after putting into L'Orient to re- 116 1I18T0HY OF THE LATE WAR. pair, and to dispose of her prisonors. again JTiled out on tho 27th of August. She h d not been long out until a second opportun, y occurred of putting her prowess to the test. Tthe 1st of September, she fell in wUh the Avon, and after a short but warm engagement, this vessel was compelled to strike ; but when possession was about to bo taken of the prize, Ihe Castilian, a brig of 18 guns, was desened; preparation was immediately mode for action; Lt on the appearance of two other vessels, and the Avon at the same time making sig- nals of distress, the Wasp bore away. The Wasp afterwards captured the Atalanta, a brig of 8 guns. After these numerous exploits, .inking two ships of war, and capturing the enemy's property to the amount of at least a million of dollars, tho Wasp was for a long ] time fondly expected home; but alas! her fate is now hut too certain; our gallant seamen are covered by the mountain waves of the ocean. Tho daring commander, Captain Porter, was master of the Pacific, with his singularly ere- ated fleet. The enemy's flag was expelled from those waters, and the British whale fish- ery entirely destroyed. The admiralty was obliged to fit out several vessels, for the ex- ' or THE LATE WAR. K)se of her prlaonors, again o 27th of August. She had ut until a second opportunity ting her prowess to the test, leptembcr, she fell in v/ith tho a short hut warm engagement, compelled to strike; but when about to bo taken of the prize, brig of 18 guns, was descried; J immediately mode for action; Kiarance of two other vessels, at the same time making sig- i, the Wasp bore away. The ds captured the Atalanta, a brig After these numerous exploits, lips of war, and capturing the ,rty to the amount of at least jllars, the Wasp was for a long pcctedhome; but alas! her fate certauj; our gallant seamen are mountain waves of the ocean, commander, Captain Porter, was Pacific, with his singularly cre- rhe enemy's flag was expelled aters, and the British whale fish- destroyed. Tho admiralty was out several vessels, for the ex- mSTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 117 press purpose of encountering this formidable enemy. Capt. Porter having been a long time at sea, was under tho necessity of selecting a landing place, where he could refresh his men by some relaxation from their long and ar- duous service, and whore he could repair his vessels, lie landed at an unfrequented island called Nooahevah, inhabited by numerous tribeo of the natives. They at first erantcd him per- mission, but afterwards became hostile, and compelled him either to quit the island or to give them a signal chastisement. He preferred the latter; and they afterwards treated him with respect; it was also a means of bringing about a general peace among all the tribes. After having completely refitted, he sailed for Valpa- raiso, in company with the Essex Junior. Soon after his arrival, the British frigate Phoebe, Captain Hillynr, carrying 53 guns, in company with the sloop of war Cherub, Captain Tucker, mounting 28 guns, made their appear- ance. On entering the harbor, the Phcebe fell foul of the Essex in such a manner as to be completely in her power. The British com- mander aftected to be grateful for this forbear- ance on the part of Capt. Porter, and promised to pay the same regard to the nei-i.ulity of the 118 IIMTORY OF TUB LATB WAB. port; a promise which ho could easily disregard! when it no longer suited him to observe. Repeat ed attempts were made by the American com I mandor to provoke the British frigate to a sin-l glc combat, without success. At length, finding! that they could out-sail the British vessel, ho dc I termined to seize a favorable opportunity ofl running out to sea. On the 28th of March, he made the experiment, but on rounding the! point, a squall carried away his main top mast, in consequence of which, finding it impoMiblel to escape, he attempted to regain the port ; failingi in this, he put into a small bay, under the gunsi of a Spanish battery, and let go his anchor. Re- gardless of the neutrality of the place, the ene-l my bore down, and the two vessels choosing each a raking position, opened a tremendous fire upon the unfortunate American frigate. Capta.nl Porter long defended himself with unexampled courage. With three long 12 launders, run out of his stern ports, he twice compelled the I enemv to haul off and repair. They afterwards chose a more secure distance. Captain Porter I cut his cable and attempted to board; failing in this, he tried to run his vessel ashore; afterl trying every expedient which the most consum-l mate nautical skill could suggest, and supported iHY OF THE LATB WAB. ! which ho could easily disregani 5er suited him to observe. Repeat 3re nmdo by the American com voko the British frigate to a sin-] Ihout success. At length, finding 1 out-sail the British vessel, he dc icizo a favorable opportunity of lo sea. On the 28th of March, 3xperimont, but on rounding the carried away his main top mast, « of which, finding it impcMible ittcmplcd to regain the port ; failing ; into a small bay, under the guns )attory, and let go his anchor. Re- le neutrality of the place, the ene- in, and the two vessels choosing position, opened a tremendous fire trtunate American frigate. Captain efended himself with unexampled /ith three long 12 pounders, run irn ports, he twice compelled the il off and repair. They afterwards 3 secure distance. Captain Porter and attempted to board; failing in i to run his vessel ashore; after expedient which the most consum- I skill could suggest, and supported nisTORV OF THB 1.AT* WA«. 110 1 by an unshaken firmness without a parallel, ho was at last compelled to surrender his ship. Out of a crow of two hundred and twenty-five, 5B were killed, 65 wounded, and 31 drowned. Thus, after a contest of two hours, a victory was won by the arms of the British, which covered them with disgrace. Captain Porter was allowed to return in the Essex Junior, but was shamefully treated by the Saturn razee off Sandy-Hook. He was obliged to give up his parole, and afterwards effected his escape in an open boat, at the dis- tance of thirty miles from land. In order to bring to a close the naval incidents of this war, it will be proper to notice several important affairs, which in order of time, may appear somewhat out of place; this will, how- ever, be counterbalanced by the advantage of a more connected narrative of the remaining events of the war. In Jan. 1815, a squadron in the harbor of New York, consisting of seve- ral frigates and ships of war, under the com- mand of Commodore Decatur, was destined by the War Department to make a cruise in the Indian Ocean. The harbor being closely blockaded, the squadron agreed upon a place of rendezvous, and attempted to sail out suigly, i ■hI 120 HI8T0BT OF THE tATE WAB. and endeavor to elude the enemy. Taking ad- vantage of a dark night, the Commodore s ship (the President) stood out, but unfortunately struck on passing the bar, and was detamed for two hours, by which means the return of day brought her in sight of the British squadron; and the Endymion was in a short time so near as to come to action. Decatur at first resolved to board this vessel, and if successful to aUn- don his own ship, which had entirely lost her sailing trim by the unfortunate accident first mentioned. He was disappointed in this by the manoeuvres of the enemy; he therefore opened his guns upon her, and it was not long before she lay a complete log in the water. By this time the other ships had come up, and the Pres- ident was compelled to surrender. The Presi- dent lost 25 killed and 60 wounded. Nothmg in point of naval renown was lost by America m this affair. The Hornet, Captain Biddle,near the island of Tristan d'Acunha, fell in with, and after an action of 22 minutes, on the 23d of March, 1816, captured his Britanic Majesty's brig Pen- guin, Capt. Dickenson. The captured vessel had 14 killed and 28 wounded. Captain Biddle was wounded in the neck, after the Penguin had L- r THE lATE WAK. de the enemy. Taking ad- ight, the Commodore's ship od out, but unfortunately le bar, and was detained for :h means the return of day ht of the British squadron; was in a short time so near Decatur at first resolved 1, and if successful to aban- which had entirely lost her 3 unfortunate accident first IS disappointed in this by the enemy; he therefore opened , and it was not long before e log in the water. By this IS had come up, and the Pres- Hl to surrender. The Presi- and 60 wounded. Nothing renown was lost by America iptain Biddle,near the island iha, foil in with, and after an utes, on the 23d of March, s Britanic Majesty's brig Pen- mson. The captured vessel 28 wounded. Captain Biddle lie neck, after the Penguin had HISTORY OF TUB lATE WAH. 121 surrendered, an act which so irritated the crew, that it was with great difficulty it could be re- strained from refusing quarters to the enemy. Lieutenant Conner, a brave officer, was se- verely wounded. The frigate Constitution returned to the Uni- ted States, after p. long cruise, after the cessa- tion of hostilities. On the 20th of February, 1815, Capt. Stewart was attacked by two heavy sl(K)ps of war. Notwithstanding the advantage which they possessed of being able to take raking positions, unless baffled by the utmost exertion of skill, both were captured, and prov- ed to be the ship Cyane, Captain Gordon Falcon, of thirty-four 32 pound carronadcs, and the brig Levant, Captain Douglass, of 32 pound carronades, and two long twelves. On board the enemy, the loss was 100 in killed and wounded. The Constitution had 4 men killed and 11 wounded. Capt. Stewart carried his prizes mto Port Praya, in March; here the British ships Leander and the Newcastle api^earing, and the Captain apprehending that no regard would be paid to the neutrality of the place, endeavored to make his escape with his prizes After a long chase he succeeded in getting off the Cyane, but the Levant was compiled to return to port, mi!IHi-). i -| i L ' !W*)- ' t"'' ■-r^fifl }« „CtO.T OF OT« "T. «"• ,he,= ske »w cplured in violation of the l.w. „., ,„ ™ko .hen, M -"« -^ „^ i„,.„^„ h^Uly collecea. A heavy 'jj^ '^X°^,'^ kept »p for « ho.,r., 'f '^"^^^^.tTi tVi«t attempted to land, were several !^Ld toTelire. Great praise was bestowed in Tve^y Art "the Un Jstates, on these bravel citizens in defence of their town. a the course of the summer,, several tmpor tant expeditions were undertaken by the enemy iainst'the extreme north eastern frontier ^ Z United States, whore the American forcel could make but a feeble resistance. _ i "^ I Eastp War r THB tXt* WAB. HISTOBT OF THB lATB WAB. 123 ured in Violation of the laws includes the naval history ,ow turn back our steps in OT- egular plan of our narrative, ^car of the war, the leniency towards the Eastern states, icts of hostility, although not aracter, yet sufficiently ngor, feel the war. was afforded the inhabitants common ene.ny, that disaffec was the last thing thought of whatever sentiments might be uncdbyafew. Commodore nily resisted at Stonington, a which a few militia had been A heavy bombardment was hours, and the British barges land, were several times corn- Great praise was bestowed in le United States, on these brave ce of their town. of the summer,, several impor ; were undertaken by the enemy' treme north eastern frontier of ites, whoie the American force a feeble resistance. Eastport, Castine, Machias, and other villages bet^rthe rcnobscot and the Bay of Passama- rury%ere successively visited without any Lta'nce of consequence. The British com- mander affected to take possession of all the Lntry cast of Penobscot, and fortifying East- Zi, established a garrison of 1200 men. The Txa^t boundary of this quarter had never been piLtly ascertained; it had been doubtful to Thorn several of the islands properly belonged; Tlds at the conclusion of the war, gave rise to an article of the treaty ^^^ In consequence of the taKing oi , frigate John Adams, was unfortunately lost C ptain Morris had put into the Peno^ot^ a few days before. Having no means of defend Z Ws ship against a powerful force, he was ?m^lledt sefheronfire,andblowherup. CHAPTER Xlll. Arm. .h» Mure of the to. "»■»'' "''^ ir, the inhabitants along ttie I'iiaga' :j whieh e,»bW ,he B,m* .o «ke po»e».o» msTORV or the late wab. of the American fort, the forces on both sides retired into winter quarters. Nothing of im- portance took place until the opemng of the Lpaign, towards the latter end of Maxch General Wilkinson, finding that a large body of the enemy had been collected at La Cole, march- ed a considerable portion of his army, for the purpose of attacking his position. They had fortified a stone mill and erected other defences^ \n eighteen pounder was attempted to be brought up by the General, but not succeeding in tlUs, a twelve pounder was substituted. After a fair experiment of the strength of the fortress and repulsing a sortie by the enemy, m which Captains Larabie and M'Pherson were wound- od, a retreat took place. The General hen took position at Odletown, on the dividmg line. The inauspicious opening of the campaign, together with the failure of the last, caused this officer, together with Hampton, to be withdrawn from the army, and General Izavd assumed the command in the place of the one, and General M'Comb of the other. - Early in the spring, General Brown, who had been detached from the main body with about 2000 men, arrived at Niagara. The gal- lant conduct of this officer, on several occasions. THE LATE WAB. the forces on both sides luarters. Nothing of im- until the opening of the he latter end of March, nding that a large body of !ollected at La Cole, march- lion of his army, for the ; his position. They had and erected other defences. ,er was attempted to be 3eneral, but not succeeding nder was substituted. After the strength of the fortress, tic by the enemy, in which nd M'Pherson were wound- place. The General then etown, on the dividing line, opening of the campaign, ilure of the last, caused this h Hampton, to be withdrawn 1 General Izard assumed the ace of the one, and General jr. jring, General Brown, who I from the main body with rrived at Niagara. The gal- i officer, on several occasions. HI3T0BV OF THE LATE WAK. 125 fidently expected that ne wuui There doe. .>o. "PF" '» '"= "^ j ', „t being oble to tear any pan ol was to cut off »l'^*'"""' mu^j British had .„l large "»"="/''' '^'°^asu..e, h»l «.< Oa»no. AUbongl. *«"°*\t naval force, .bey f»»^ *'"lr,:co*«"h. he enemy. with the land forces. ^„j^ ■ , S.,erd smaller aff.^»,ho»=v-;^ e„li,enthe«ne. O^U» „„,^„ Jame. Lucas Yeo, «'» ^d before .easel, of -"^j^^ /to"«X '^ "».''' Oswego, with a view oi i g^^rior, and necessary ^^^^^f^^^J^ The place then building at Sadcet's Harbor. 126 nisTOHTT or the latb war. ^08 commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mitch- ell, with about 300 men, assisted b Captam S>W with a party of sailors, and the G^w^ ler's crew under Lieutenant Pierce. They were olTmly received by the Yank- ;;^^;>- boats were compelled to fall back with all pos- sible precipitation. Not content witn this, they apprlhe! the next day with 3000 me„,^d covered their landing with their ships. These vrere handsomely peppered as they drew near and after taking possession of the place, with the loss of 200 men, they found to their inex- pressible mortification, that the stores had al- ready been removed, except one barrel of whis- key, which they indignantly stove, and suffered to be swallowed by the thirsty earth. Sometime after this. Captain Woolsey having brought to at the mouth of Oswego creek, with the military stores for Sacket's Harbor, received intelligence from his look-out boats, that a flo- tilla of British gun vessels had chased them. In concert with Col. Appling, a plan of decoy- ing the enemy, who it appeared, was command- ed by Captain Popham, was formed. The look- out boat shewing itself was closely pursued into the creek. Colonel Appling's riflemen having been coi cealed in the edge of the bank, suddenly ■ THB LATB WAB. Lieutenant Colonel Mitch- men, assisted l^ Captain of sailors, and the Grow- utcnant Pierce. They were by the Yankees, that, their ,d to fall back with all poa- Not content with this, they St day with 3000 men, and ng with their ships. These cppered as they drew near, )ssession of the place, with len, they found to their inex- ion, that the stores had al- d, except one barrel of whis- dignantly stove, and suffered J the thirsty earth, his. Captain Woolsey having south of Oswego creek, with for Sacket's Harbor, received lis look-out boats, that a flo- in vessels had chased them, ol. Appling, a plan of decoy- 10 it appeared, was command- )ham, was formed. The look- itsclf was closely pursued into lel Appling's riflemen having the edge of the bank, suddenly HurroB. OF -n.. i^« ^'^' ^'^ ^Uen P"«««'; ^^^ 3d of July, that Geneml It was not until tn ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ Brown found hunse^f mas ^^ ^^^^ plan into execution. On t ^f Ly, orders were issued for the em ^ the army, which consisted of ^J J^ ,„i,„. sides the New York -^ J-^^ -re suf- teers under ^^^.^Z^ ^-d without mo- fered to cross ^^« ".''" „„der General Scott, lestation; t^e ^-t brigade und<^^ ^^.^^^^^^ t,e artillery, -^^^^hUc General Ripley, landed below fort fl^'^^^istance above the V.h the second, laned«J-^^^^ ^^^ ^.^^ fort. The garrison ^^ "^ ^^^^d with but almost taken by -n>r-, J-;;^.^, ^, ..-.ty- very little resistance. One tiu seven P"-""^ J "tot "in the fort. General Placing tt small B"^"^" , ,„ Chippewa Brown moved ^^^^^^^'Jl'^e, General Por- plains. In approachmg ^jf ^^^^^ ,f the en- Lsadvancemetsomelgh^bodi ^^^^^^^^^^ -y'^"\^"^°t:tlnr- P-sued,u^ beating them, the vol •„ .intact they found themselves on as m nuTORY or xnB late wah. » ith the nwiin body of the British army. They ,v,re about to give way, when Gen. Brown or- isted Scott's brigade to advance with Towson s artillery, and drew the enemy into the plain^ The engagement becan. general. Ihe leu .tank of Scott's brigade was exposed m conse- .lut^nce of the volunteers having fallen back; but Major Jessup, who commanded here, ordered his battalion to carry arms and advance, until choosing a favorable position, he poured a dead- ly fire upon the enemy, which compelled them to retreat. General Ripley was ordered to move up with his brigade, and turn the right wing; before this could be executed, the British had given ground, and on approaching the de- clivity of the hill broke and fled in disorder be- hind their works. This action was close and severe; it was fought with great courage and skill on both sides. The Americans had 60 killed and 248 wounded: on the side of the Bri- tish, their killed amounted to 133, and 320 wounded. n • ■ x. • After this well fought action, the British in- vincibles retired to fort George, abandoning all their intermediate posts; but not without being closely pressed in their retreat. Gen. Brown returned to Queenstown heights. where 1 ments and Pr and en detach I Schlosi to thr order Towsc Queen On Britisl occup; selecti ed a and t to the and 1 engai mand the I gove this rank ishir pose groi )r THB LATE WAH. of the British army. They , way, when Gen. Brown or- le to advance with Towson's V the enemy into the plain, becaiii' general. The left igado was exposed in conse- unteers having fallen back; irho commanded here, ordered irry arms and advance, until )le position, he poured a dead- lemy, which compelled them jral Ripley was ordered to 1 brigade, and turn the right could be executed, the British , and on approaching the de- broke and fled in disorder be- This action was close and ught with great courage and les. The Americans had 60 (unded: on the side of the Bri- amounted to 133, and 320 I fought action, the British in- to fort George, abandoning all e posts; but not without being ti their retreat. ;turned to Queenstown heights. HlfeTOBV OF THB LATE WAR. 120 Where he soon after found that large rcmforco- n^nts had reached the enemy from hmgston Iprescott. Onthi8here«3dedtoCh.ppcwa and encamH- On the 26th of July, a strong detachment was discovered on its m.jrch towa^ Schlosser, on the opposite s.de, whv^h seemed to threaten the American deposU the - in order to counteract this, Scott's br.gade and Towson's artillery, marched in the du-ecUon of ^ On;"oaching the Falls of Niagara the BrSh army was discovered directly m front Spying a position which had been curetuUy Xtld.'cc'l^ral Scott immed.ately espa h ed a messenger to the commander n ch^f, and the General hastened -'^hout loss of Ume to the field with his main force. General Sco t, : ':ife artillery under Towson, we. ^^^ A ThP 26th under the gallant com 180 BWTOKY OF TIIK LATB WAB. of being reinforced by General Brown. Mean- whC Colonel Je.sup. taking advantage of 1 Le^y, in leaving his JefV ung^ard aained his rear, and as the clouds of night were fast descending, he penetrated the Brmsh hne «,d cut off its left wing, makmg prisoners o Gen. Rial and suit, while Gen Drummond nar- rowly escaped. . , . Ripley's brigade at length arrived, and m ord^fto'relieve the troops of Gen. SC.U, now almost exhausted, displayed in front. 1 he ene_ mv occupied a conntianding height, on whicn was planted his artillery, a formidable battery. Ripley conceived the bold design of making an attempt to carry the height. The troops advanced in column to the perilous contest, but faltered on receiving the first fire; they were again formed, and advancing with a steady and firm step, seized the whole battery. The enemy fled in astonishment and dismay; but stung with shame, and receiving reinforce- ments, came on with a furious charge, but were driven back with great loss; a second and third time, having each time received reinforcements. The Americans were left in quiet possession of the field: it was now midnight, and having been so long engaged in this sanguinary en- gage mi unforti or THE tATB WAB. sd by General Brown. Mean- lessup, taking advantage of leaving his left unguarded, ,nd as the clouds of night were te penetrated the British line eft wing, making prisoners ol lit, while Gen Drummond nar- 1 niSTOHV or the tAT« WAS. 181 ade at length arrived, and in the troops of Gen. Scott, now 1, displayed in front. The ene- conimanding height, on which artillery, a formidable battery, d the bold design of making an the height. Ivanced in column to the perilous ored on receiving the first fire; n formed, and advancing with a 1 step, seized the whole battery, d in astonishment and dismay; shame, and receiving reinforce- with a furious charge, but were ith great loss; a second and third ich time received reinforcements. I were left in quiet possession of ft-as now midnight, and having engaged in this sanguinary en- gagement, they were ordered to retreat; but unfortunately, the trophies of th.s splendid v.c. tory could not be secured, from the want of the Jans to convey the artillery, the carna^ having been shattered, and the Worses ^dled. The total loss of the Brit.sh amoun ed to 860. ,he loss of the Americans very httle shorto the same number. Generals Brown and Sccrtt were both severely -— ' ^^^'^rTn^ the volunteers, gained great honors for hin»elf and his brave volunteers. Colonel ^venwo^h Major Jcssup, and a number of other officer. weTe highly c-on.plimented in the orders of the Ty This'was Lyond all question the m<-t desperately fought action on land, during the wT It was a fair trial of military skill and r;age;and although no great adva^Ug^^^^^^ eitheT trained or lost, the moral effect wouw llvbSn felt if the war had been or— longer continuance. The two ««;!«« J'^^ nTarly matched, and the loss in k.ll^ and wounded on either side, amounted to a fifth of r whole number engaged, a mortality almost unparalleled in modern warfare^ On the 15th of August, after the ton naa been for some time invested by General Drum- ^nd,withalarge force, and after having made tss HMTOHV or TUI LATB WAE. his regular approaches, he resolved to attempt to carry it by Htorin. Tht assault and defence were of tho sanw desperate character as the pitched battles before described, and terminated alike to tho glory of tho American officers and soldiers. By this time the bravery of Amer- ican troops had made no light impression on these haughty 1-<3S. Gen. Brown having recovered from his wound, on the 2nd of Sept. resumed the com- mand. From tho time of the unsuccessful assault, both sides w «-^X- Porter, Davis, Jessup, Roe, Gibson, Wood, Mo^ gan, Hindman, Aspinwall, I---^-^^; J;:^ L and Trimble, will be wntten m letters o. gold, on the arch of American glory. M m HISTORY OF THE lATE WAR. CHAPTER XIV. Capture of Washington— Defence of Baltimore. In the beginning of Summer, the enemy arrived off our coast with several ships of the line and frigates, with a great number of trans- ports. They soon after entered the Chesa- peake, and maintained a threatening attitude against the principal cities on the Bay. Consid- erable time however elapsed, before any impor- tant enterprise was undertaken; but Admiral CockLurn was actively engaged as usual, in plundering and pilfering the planters. To op- pose some check to this attrocious freebooter, a flotilla of gun vessels was fitted out by our gov- ernment, and the command given to Commo- dore Barney. Thi? intrepid veteran, soon made himself so formidable, from his rapid movements through creeks and inlets, that the enemy found it necessary to destroy his flotilla. A number of vessels suited to the pupose, was accordingly provided. The Commodore, about the first of June, was chased into the Patux«nt; here their larger vessels not being able to pur- sue him, they sent their barges, but which w re comiicllod to sneak off faster than they came. A mor< days al toVe re cxosely Barney fell do^ ing his the Bri finding l)ruden Patuxe run 01 tuxent Adn ascend transp About attack stance in the the c dividi up th SirP« Captt he to Tl >F THE LA.TB WAH. PTER XIV. I A mot HJSTOHY OF THE lATE WAR. 185 ngton— Defence of Baltimore. ig of Summer, the enemy ist with several ships of the fith a great number of trans- 1 after entered the Chesa- incd a threatening attitude al cities on the Bay. Consid- er elapsed, before any impor- as undertaken; but Admiral ;tively engaged as usual, in fering the planters. To op- o this attrocious freebooter, a els was fitted out by our gov- command given to Commo- 'hip intrepid veteran, soon formidable, from his rapid rh creeks and inlets, that the cessary to destroy his flotilla- els suited to the pupose, was led. The Commodore, about was chased into the Patux«nt; vessels not being able to pur- , their barges, but which m re k off faster than they came. more formidable squadron of boats, a few days afterwards, compelled the Commodore to toVe refuge in Leonard's creek, where he was cxosely blockaded by two frigates. Commodore Barney having received some additional force, fell down to the mouth of the creek, and choos- ing his position, began a well directed fire on tiie British vessels. In two hours the frigates finding their situation rather uncomfortable, l)rudently weighed anchor and stood down the Patuxent. Barney embraced this opportunity, run out of the creek, and ascended the Pa- tuxent. Admiral Cockburn, about the 16th of August, ascended thfc bay with twenty-two sail, besides transports, and was joined by Admiral Malcom. About this time, it appears the determination to attack Washington was formed. The circum- stance of Barney's flotilla having taken shelter in the Patuxent, favored the design of attacking the city by way of Benedict. Accordingly, dividing his force, and sending one detachment up the bay, as if to threaten Baltimore, under Sir Peter Parker, and one up the Potomac, under Captain Gorden, as If to force fort Washington, he look the road first named. The British land forces debarked at Benedict 180 HWrOBV OF THE LATE WAB. on the 21st of August, and on the 22d, reached Upper Marlborough, and the American flotilla, which had ascended as high as this place, was now destroyed, while Commodore Barney, accor- ding to his orders, joined General Winder with his marines. At this time the American Gene- ral had not more than 2000 men, just collected into camp, at a place called tte Woodyard. On the 22d, he fell back to the Old Fields, where he encamped for the night. The General might expect to be re-mforced in the course of a day or two, by the mflitia of Baltimore and Annapolis, which, with the volun- teers of Georgetown and its neighborhood, and the regulars would give him a force of about 6,000 men. As the ground was extremely la- vorable for skirmishing, and irregular fighting, he might harrass the enemy on his advance; for his force was by no means sufficient to meet the enemy in open field. On the 23d, the General detached a party under Colonel Scott, for the purpose of watching the movements of the ene- my, and harrassing him in his advance. Within six miles of the American camp, the enemy was descried marching in column; after firing a few rounds, the detachment retreated, and the ene- my advancing three iriiles further, encamped appea had e nam* (inmiiin'^'i'iii' I' ' »p THE LATB WAB. ruBt, and on the 22d, reached h, and the American flotilla, i as high as this place, was le Commodore Barney, accor- joined General Winder with his time the American Gene- than 2000 men, just collected ce called tl»e Woodyard. On »ck to the Old Fields, where tie night. light expect to be re-inforced I day or two, by the mflitia of mpolis, which, with the volun- wn and its neighborhood, and Id give him a force of about the ground was extremely fa- ishing, and irregular fighting, the enemy on his advance; for no means sufficient to meet the ield. On the 23d, the General ' under Colonel Scott, for the ling the movements of the ene- ng him in his advance. Within American camp, the enemy was ig in colunm; after firing a few ichment retreated, and the ene- throo miles further, encamped BDTORV OF THE LATE WAS. 187 for the night. Apprehensive of a mght attack, the General marched about sunset mto Wash- ington, and encamped near the navy-yard. Early the next morning, the British were dis- covered to have taken the road to Bladensburg, having General Winder's force on his left flanl. General Stansbury's brigade, about 1300 strong, arrived at this place on the 22d, and was joinei next day by the Baltimoreans under CoU Sterret, about 600 in number, but much fatigued by a forced march; the Colonel was accompa- „L by the artillery companies of Myers and Magrauder, and the light battalion of riflemen under Pickney, the Attorney General. On the 24tli, about noon, the enemy made his appearance near Bladensburg. The Americans r ah. ady posted themselves in the fi>l^owing manner Stansbury's brigade, was drawn up Ttbe west side of the Western Branch the :tiLy posted so as to command th^^^^^^^^^^^ the riflemen so as to support ^^^"'^"fy^f J^ ret's regiment in an orchard m the i-ear ot ::irii the other troops in the ^.po^^^^ the nature of the ground would admit^ Gen^ Winder having surveyed this ^-^-^^W^ trooos, which had been made -^^ the -sisance of Colonel Monroe, approved of them. Ihe M 188 HISTOBY OF THB 1AT» WAB. General had already posted the marines andl seamen on the rising ground, in a position to command the road, in two separate betteries, one under Commodore Barney, the other underl Captain Miller. In the rear of these, therel was a second line of regulars, volunteers andl militia, under General Smith; there was justi time to post those, about half a mile in thel rear of the first line, when the battle comj menced. , .,■ • A strong regiment of Maryland militia, oom-l manded by Colonels Beal and Hood, at the samel time took posts on the heights south of thel great road among the woods, whence they could! annoy the approaching enemy. Until this mo- ment, the heads of department, with the Presi-1 dent, were on the ground; it was now deemed prudent to retire. I The enemy, coming in view of the American! line, moved in column to the bridge. The ad-I vance under Colonel Thornton, received a mo-l mentary check from the well served artilleryl of Myers and Magrauder, and from the fire of | the riflemen. But rallying his men, the Colonell passed the bridge, and then moved forward, andl was soon followed by the main body underl General Ross. The American artillery andl OF THE 1AT« WAH. cady posted the marines and •ising ground, in a position to lad, in two separate batteries, lodore Barney, the other under In the rear of these, there ne of regulars, volunteers and Jeneral Smith; there was just ^se, about half a mile in the St line, when the battle com- ment of Maryland militia, com nels Beal and Hood, at the same] s on the heights south of the! ig the woods, whence they couldj oaching enemy. Until this mo- 1 of depiirtment, with the Presi-' he ground; it was now deemed e. coming in view of the American column to the bridge. The ad- jlonel Thornton, received a mo from the well served artillery Wagrauder, and fronj the fire of But rallying his men, the Colonel Ige, and then moved forward, and owed by the main body under . The American artillery and HWrORY OF THE L.VTB WAB. riflemen were .oon after obliged to retreat, while the enemy continued to fiance, not a little annoyed by the artillery of Major Peters^ When the enemy's right approached withm musket range of Stansbury's b.igade, this bn- nttroke' all the efforts of the commander Sneral Winder, and the other officers, could not rally them. They fled in «>"f"--'^ J, ing terror wherever they went. The BrU^h now proceeded in column along the road, until Tycame suddenly and unexpectedly, m v.ew of Commodore Barney, who gave them so warm a reception that they ^^-^^^'^^^ ^,'' leaving the road strewed with their dead. They deployed, and pushing out flanking part.es, «.- de^vored to gain the .^mencan re^^J\^^ preaching the battery of Captam M,l er, they L with a reception as little ogreeable as that afforded them by Commodore Barney They continued, however, to send out Aankmg par ties, until both these gallant corps were m d^ Tr of bei.g cut off, when they were order^ fo retreat. The Commodore had been severely mounded, and fell into the -'«-/« ,»^?"';^-- Stansbury's brigade had been ordered to rally on the second line, commanded by Gen. Sm.th tit on coming to the road which led to Mont- 140 IIISTOBir OF TTIE LATE »VA2. gomery Court-houso, they had nearly all taken that direction, and the remainder were dispersed. Gen. Winder, now apprehensive that this line would be outflanked, ordered it to retreat, intend- ing to make another stand near the capital. Gen Winder rode to the capital, and meeting witii the President and heads of departments, on con- sultation, agreed that a second attempt, since the flight of the great body of the troops was not practicable. General Smith was therefore ordered to march through the city, and lake position on the heights of Georgetown. Thus ended the unfortunate attempt to defend the capital of the American republic. Public opin- ion has settled down under the belief that a fault was committed by some one. Washing- ton c'jght never to have been taken; but it is not altogether wise to say that if this or that officer had had the command, the result would have been different. I think the great error consisted in losing sight of the enemy a single instant, after his object was discovered — every inch of ground should have been contested. Meeting with no farther resistance, the Bri- tish general approached the metropolis with about 1000 men, where he arrived about 8 o'clock in the evening, while the remainder of the of the also « nately inoved sideral ing de The carryi meanv Gordo approi diatel} witho\ ing n place the ',>! demai a thri hard (x>mpl with- Th siicce sailoi apeat landc I OF THE LATE 'VA2. )iisc, they had nearly all taken I the rcniaindur were dispersed. w apprehensive that this line ed, ordered it to retreat, intend- ler stand near the capital. Gen. ;he capital, and meeting with I heads of departments, on con- I that a second attempt, since great body of the troops was General Smith was therefore h through the city, and take leights of Georgetown. Thus tunate attempt to defend the lerican republic. Public opin- lown under the belief that a tted by some one. Washing- to have been taken ; but it is se to say that if this or that the command, the result would rent. I think the great error ig sight of the enemy a single object was discovered — every should have been contested, no farther resistance, the Bri- proached the metropolis with 1, where he arrived about 8 evening, while the remainder HISTORY OF TUB LATK WAH. 141 of the army encamped within a mile or two of the place. The libraries were burnt, as also were the different offices, whence fortu- nately the archives of the States hud been re- moved. The loss of the British was very con- siderable; it is estimated at 1000, many havr ing deserted. The enemy retreated to Benedict on the 26th, carrying' away considerable booty. In the meanwhile, the naval detachment under Capt. Gordon, ascended the Potomac, and on the 27th, approached fort Washington, which was imme- diately blown up by the officer commanding, without firing a gun! The enemy now meet- ing no oppo 'tion, passed to Alexandria, which place '/as put under a heavy contribution. All the ',rces in the Chesapeake and ibled under the commander-in ochrane, and now composed a urmada of more than fifty sail, > mere than 5000 land troops, losii. of September, the anxiously appeared at the mouth of the [es below Baltimore. The de- urishing and populous city was }r General Smith, and Briga- ickler: both revolutionary vot- er, at his request, was detached my at his landing, near North leral accordingly marched with trigade, and several additional y, cavalry and riflemen, in the K) men. A detachment was or- forward to watch the enero'. of the 11th, the troops reacheu estination, seven miles below HISTOBT OF TBS lATB WAB. 143 MtMMM I WB W fcWL'»"^ the city. Early in the morning, the videttea brought information that the enemy was de- barking under cover of his gun-boats; on thlj the General took position at the junption of the different roads leading from the city, resting his right on Bear Creek, his left covered by a swamp, and in this situation awaited the enemy. Major Heath, who had been sent forward to skirmish with the enemy, now retired before the advancing columns of General Ross. The General, while reconnoiteriug at the head of his troops, received a rifle ball in the breast, which put at once an end to his career. The command devolving on Col. Brooks, he moved with the whole force, little short of 7000 men, and commenced the engagement by firing rock- ets; a brisk cannonade was oiwned from the ar- tillery of Capt. Montgomery, which was warm- ly returned by the enemy, and the action soon became general. . The American commander mamtamed his ground an hour and a half against the superior numbers of the British. Unfortunately, how- ever, the regiment stationed on the left gave way, and his flank became exposed, which com- pelled him sooner than if this had not happened, to retire upon his reserve, a regiment posted 144 IIHTOBY OF THE LATK WA«. half a inile in the rear. This being effected, he tiH.k up his march and retired to the en- trcnchiDonta thrown up on the rising ground to the eust of the city, where he was presently joined by Generals Winder and Douglass, with a brigade of Virginia militia, and Captain Burd's United States dragoons. In this well fought battle there were not more than 1400 men on the American side, their numbers having been diminshcd by the reserve, and by the unfortu- noto poiiic which seized the troops that gave way. The loss on the American side was about 180 in killed and wounded; the British loss was at least 600. The brigades under General Stansbury and Forman, the seamen and marines under Com- modore Rps in safety. HAPTER XV. th« w«r-Brili.h defe«ttd »t Plato- ilMd at New Oileans— Feace. idy mentioned the departure of ,r Plattsburgh, and that General 1 in command, with little more lars, many of which were ihva- the latter end of August, Sir t had collected an army. of as 8, chiefly veteran troops, with a since been ascertained, of pene Hudson. Sir George, about the nber, passed into the American i at the same time, a squadi -n Downie entered Lake Champlain Comb and Commodore M'Don ,ot idle in making every prepara the most effectual resistance t( HUTOBV or TBB LATB WAB. J47 thit most formidable enemy. A body of militia under General Moers, of New- York, and also another from Vermont, under General Strong, added to the strength of the place, while the militi<\ called in from all quarters were daily arriving. The naval commander was equally industrious; as an instance of the wonderful ex ortion made on this important occasion, he ad ded a brig to his force, before greatly inferior to the enemy's, in the short period of twenty days, the timber of which was actually growing on the lake when the vessel was begun. Even boys were armed, and for ug themselves into a company, were found dlicient on the day of battle. General Moers, Colonel Appling, Major Wood, and Captain Sproul, were sent forward at the head of detachments, to meet the advan- cing foe. It was not till the 10th, that Sir George reached Plattsburgh, and took posses- sion of the village, while the Americans retreat- ed behind their defences on the other side of the river Saranac, having taken up the planks of the bridges. Here the British remained almost inacUve for several days, waiting no doubt for the arrival of their squadron, intendiug to cap- ture the American ships. Numerous skirmish- es, however, occurred daily. •iMaliwtt ^^H^IUggll^l^ffg 148 niSTOBY OF THE lATE WAB. m ■-% On the 11th, early in the morning, the look- out boats of Commodore M'Donnough at last espied the approach of Captain Downie, in order of battle. His line consisted of the frigate Coniiance, 39 guns; the brig Linnet, 16 guns; the sloop Chub uid Finch, 1 1 guns each; and 13 gallies, five of which carried two, and the others one gun each. The American squadron consisted of the Saratoga, 26 guns; the Eagle 86 guns; the Ticonderoga, 17 guns; the Preble, 7 gun., and ten gallies, six of which caVried two guns, the others one. It lay moored in a line with the bay of Plattsburgli, having on each flank a division of gun boats. At ten o'clock Captain Downie ranged his ships directly abreast the American line, within 300 yards: the Confiance opposite the Saratoga, n id the Linnet the Eagle. Dreadful was the thunder- ing battle which now ensued : havoc and death ruled the frightful fray. About ten the Eagle changed her position, opposed to a ship of vastly superior force; nearly all the guns of this ves- sel, upon whose success huig the fate of the bat- tle, being dismounted, an effort was made to swing her round that her other broadside might be brought to bear. Providence favored the at- tempt; the same experiment was tried with the ji gWJf i.gnKStll HH HMI Coniianc this, she opposed drifted ( had gor effected with dif hours, a humble freedom This view o1 filled w beholdii struck y cans w words. wounde wounde Thenu side, w; prisone Americ British OF THE LATE WAB. T rly in the morning, the look modore M'Donnough at last I of Captain Downie, in order ne consisted of the frigate 3; the brig Linnet, 16 guns; I Finch, 11 guns each; and 13 vhich carried two, and the ih. The American squadron laratoga, 26 guns; the Eagle nderoga, 17 guns; the Preble, gallies, six of which caVried lers one. It lay moored in a if Plattsburgli, having on each )f gun boats. At ten o'clock ranged his ships directly ican line, within 300 yards: posite the Saratoga, n ad the Dreadful was the thunder- now ensued : havoc and death il fray. About ten the Eagle ,on, opposed to a ship of vastly sarly all the guns of this vcs- iccesshuigthe fate of the bat- inted, an effort was made to that her other broadside might r. Providence favored the at- jxpcriment was tried with the HISTORY OF THE LATE WAR. 149 Confiance, but without success; on perceiving this, she was compelled to strike. The vessel opposed to the Eagle had already struck, and drifted out of the line. Three of the gallies had gone to the bottom of the lake, the others effected their escape, although heavy laden with disgrace. Thus, after an action of two hours, a second British squadron was oblged to humble itself before the strength of American freedom and justice. This sublime naval combat, took place in view of both armies; the hearts of all were filled with deep anxiety for the result. On beholding the consummation, the British were struck with horror and grief, while the Ameri- cans were elated beyond the expression of words. The Americans had 161 in killed and wounded. Of the enemy 200 were killed and wounded, among the former. Captain Downie. The number of men engaged, on the American side, was 820, on the British 1060, so that the [prisoners alone, exceeded the number of the Americans. The Americans had 84 guns, the Iritish 96. liiiTiffr"" """-•' 150 HWTOSV OF THE lATB WAB. CHAPTER XVI. D.f«.c. of New Orleans^BnUiant tennination of A. | On the meeting of Congress, the President laid before them the chequered scenes of the past year. The thanks of this body, together with medals and other rewards were voted to the heroes of the last campaign on Niagara and at Plattsburgh. Very soon after the meeting of the Congress, news from he southward awakened the attention and the anxiety of all Americans. Intelligence from that quarter left no doubt of an intended mva- aion of Louisiana. Gen. Jackson, so distm- Ruished for his zeal, and for his victories over the Creeks, was appointed a Major General, and the command of the southern district assigned to him. In tlie summer of 1814, he fixed his headquarters at Mobile, where he assembled a respectable force of regulars, volunteers and militia, the two last from Tennessee chiefly. On the 26th of September, a squadron of the enemy, consisting of two frigates and two gun brigs, appeared before Fort Bowyer, at Mobile Point, then garrisoned by Major Lawrence with about 120 men. A land force under Captam Wood 400 I fort b; attack were well I they haste of th blow belie side T evei rati< em mai] con ber inv def anc ( wi wl H< r OF THE lATB WAB. HAPTER XVI. )rlean»— BriUiant tennination of ih« War. ng of Congress, the President m the chequered scenes of The thanks of this body, nedals and other rewards were eroes of the last campaign on Plattsburgh. Very soon after the Congress, news from the jtkened the attention and the Americans. Intelligence from ft no doubt of an intended inva- iana. Gen. Jackson, so distin- , zeal, and for his victories over B appointed a Major General, and of the southern district assigned ,e summer of 1814, he fixed his at Mobile, where he assembled a rce of regulars, volunteers and last from Tennessee chiefly. 1 of September, a squadron of the ting of two frigates and two gun ed before Fort Bowyer, at Mobile irrisoned by Major Lawrence with en. A land force under Captain HISTORY OF THE lATK WAH. 151 Woodbine, consisting of about 100 ">«"«««' "^"^ 400 Indians uuier Col. Nicholas, mvested the fort by land. The fort withstood this combmed attack with the utmost firmness; the land troops were compelled to retire, and the fire was so well directed against the Brmsh vesse s, that they were compelled to cut the.r cables and Sen out of the way, but not without the loss of their flag ship, which was set on fire and blown up. The loss of the assalants was Sed'obe very serious, on the Amencan side it was trifling. ^Uo rhesa- The British fleet, after leavmg the Chesa peake had gone chiefly to the Bemu^a^, a^_ Tvery day brought accounts of unpoftant pre^ rations for some enterprise agmnst the South 1 States. The mighty ^r.r..rr.n.ji^^^^ made its appearance in the Gulf of Mexico, ^l^ltingofsixty sail, attended byava^num^ ber of barges and transports. The foe was S^vited by Lopulenc. of New Orleans and^^ defenceless state; here they anticipated an easy and profitable contest. nM^«na. General Jackson hastened to New Orleana wifhhL brave Tennesseeans, and his regulars, rhere he arrived on the 2nd of December^ Se super-tended in person all the works which IQS IIISTOBY OF TUB lATE WAB. the tin would allow him to construct, and review- the different corps of militia and volunteers of the city and country. On the 12th of December, the enemy's fleet appeared in the bay of St. Louis, and the American flotilla of gun-boats commanded by Lieut. Jones, then lying p Oat Island, ascended the bay to take a positio.* more favorable for watching the enemy's movements. Two days afterwards the gun-boais were attacked by forty launches and barges, manned by at least a thousand men, and after a most heroie resist- ance, in which many of the enemy were des- troyed, the gun-boats surrendered. The danger was now at hand: Gen.. Jackson j«sorted to the expedient, excusable only in the last extremity of danger; of declaring martial law, and the whole of the militia was called out on duty. The Legislature then in session, made appropriations, and an embargo was laid «ii all vessels then in port. No exertion that eould be made was omitted. On the Slst, Gen. Carroll arrived from Tennessee with 4000 men, ijiany of them not armed, and others badly. About this time the city received a new acces- sion of force from *he arrival of the Baritariait pirates. Their leader had received offers from theEf themsi For tb ■elves Th left tl lakes. the c enum the s This Ville aoqui natei the I my, un)M the aboi Thi inst to I itai ttOB I ma Ge r TIW lATK WAB. )w him to construct, and rent corps of militia and y and country, lecember, the enemy's fleet ay of St. Louis, and the r gun-boats commanded by ,ring p Oat Island, ascended «sitio.4 more favorable for y's movements. Two days wais were attacked by forty es, manned by at least a after a most heroic resist- ly of the enemy were des- s surrendered. I now at hand: Gen.. Jackson sdient, excusable only in the anger; of declaring martial of the militia was called out sgislature then in session, IS, and an embargo was laid in port. No exertion that omitted. On the Slst, Gen. m Tennessee with 4000 men, ot armed, and others badly, ifc city received a new acoes- *he arrival of the Baritariaii ider had received offers from HisToav or thk iatb war. 169 the English which were refused. They offered themselves to Gen. Jackson, and were received. For their bravery their chief Lafitte, and them- ■elves, received a full pardon. The capture of the squadron of gun-boata left the way open (o attack on the side of the lakes It was therefore necessary to close alf the canals or bayou.., which would enable tte enemy to pass through the swamp and roacW the strip of dry land on the bank of the river. This important duty was entrusted to (^neral Villere, a native of the country, ""^ well aoquuintfcd with tlm secret passages. UnfortUr nately,the guard stationed at the entrance of the bayou 15ien-veau was captured, and the ene- „y, procccJiug with groat caution, reached un,«rceived the fir... land, and emerged from the forest at ti.o bank of the mighty nver, about 3 o'clock 1'. M., on tbo 23d of December. This force consisted of four thou^d, and instead of .noviufj directly .m to the city, halted to proi.are li.eir u.cal, and then march toward- it at their lelsu ro, a. it was now, in the»r esl.mar tion, entirely in their power. imelligenco of this unexpected and alamung „arch of the British, was «>— 'f;^''^ Gen. Jackson by Major Villere, who had been 7* r 154 BvnwT or to» iat« was. taken prisoner, but had contrived to effect his Wape The General, with his usual prompti- tude, hesitated not a moment in taking the measures; to which under Providence, the fortune of the war may be ascribed. He uwued orders fot the troops under the command of Gea. Coffee, stationed some miles up the river, to mareh to the place of rendezvous, and giving orders for all the other corps to be collected with the utmost speed, he put himself at the head of the regulars, the city militia, and the battalion of colored troops, and advanced a few miles below the city where ho halted to give time for the remainder of his forces to join him. The schooner Caroline was at the same time ordered to drop down the river. Gen. Jackson ibeing joined by the other troops, now pursued •his march; but it was some time after dark before he came near the British encampment. Gen. Coffee with his riflemen was placed on the •left near the woods, while the other troops led by Jack**' in person, attacked in front. The signal was given by a broadside from the Caro- line, which did great execution, as the British were gathered round their fires and entirely off Iheir guard. The enemy were at first struck with constenwition, IbMt after some time being n o tl t pr THB UiTK WAB. had contrived to efi^ his ral, with his usual prompti* a moment in taking the ich under Providencet the may be ascribed. He issued ops under the command of led some miles up the river^ ce of rendezvous, and giving other corps to be collected peod, he put himself at the ars, tho city militia, and the id troops, and advanced a few ity where ho halted to give nder of his forces to join him. roline was at the same time own the river. Gen. Jackson he other troops, now pursued t was some time after dark tear the British encampment. his riflemen was placed on the )ds, while tho other troops led irson, attacked in front. Tho by a broadside from the Caro- reat execution, as the British ind their fires and entirely off e enemy were at first struck i» but after some time being niSTORT at THK LATX WAB. 155 rallied, they formed and returned tho fire of the Americans. A thick fog about this time arose, and Jackson considering it imprudent to con- tinue the fight any longer, sounded a retreat; a company of city riffcmen, however, missing their way, fell in with a body of the enemy and were taken prisoners. The General re- tired to a piece of ground two miles nearer the city, where there formerly had been a mill race; this position offered considerable advantages in the speedy erection of defences, as it answered all tho purposes of a ditch. The loss of the Americans in this bold and well advised attacA, was 23 killed, and 116 wounded and 74 miss- ing. The British loss was estimated at 46 killed, 167 wounded and 64 missing. Thie battle saved the city of New Orleans, for had tho British advanced the next morning it would have been impossible to have withstood them. Fortunately, all the prisoners who fell into their hands concurred in magnifying the Ameri- cen force to 10 or 15000 men. In the mean time, a prodigious effort wae making to fortify the American position. Baloa of cotton were used to expedite the erection of^ the breast Ts-ork. In a few days, the line er tended a thousand yards to the swamp, which O 196 HUTOBT t» ram IiAtb wax. w*a there impaamble. A swell in the river, Camewhat unusual at this season, enabled them to make an opening in the levee, and to flood the ground in front oC the line, and when the lyaler subsided, a sufficient quantity was left in the ditch. On the opposite bank of the river, some works were also constructed, and batteries erected. On the 26th tKe British directed liot •hot at the Caroline, who from her position •nnoyed them exceedingly. They succeeded Hm blowing her up. Two days afterwards, they mvla a general attuck on the American lines with bombs, rockets and artillery, but after a hir experiment, they retired in the evening with considerable loss. On the Ist of January, having during the night erected batteries within A fe ^ hundred yards of the American works, tliey made another attack, and were compelled once more to rehire with the loss of 70 men. The brig Louisiana, had taken the place of the Caroline, and greatly incommoded them. On the 4th, Generals Thomas and Adair, arrived at the head of 2600 militia from Kentucky. On the 6th, the British were re-inforced by Gene- ral Lambert; their whole force under General Pftckenham, was little short of 10,000 men, and it was now resolved to force the American lines by tn heterd tries a krlyt In infinit ning ' proacl numb Duriii the fi unusi everj hadl of Ii| thei oolui cine can I appi artif thej levj gio ^^.jt, BMiirliKf ■ Inn LA.VU WAS. A swell in the river, this season, eoabled them 'in the levee, and to flood •r the line, and when the icient quantity was leA in pposite bank of the river, constructed, and batteries h tKe British directed hot who rrom her position dingly. They succeeded Two days afterwards, they :k on the American lines and artillery, but after a y retired in the evening !■ On the 1st of January, {ht erected batteries within » of the American works, ittack, and were compelled with the loss of 70 men. had taken the place of the ' incommoded them. On DQias and Adair, arrived at litiafrom Kentucky. On vere i^e-inforced by Gene- hole force under General short of 10,000 men, and > force the American lines msTcmy or ths iatb was. 1B7 by main strength. These were manned by heterogeneous materials; men of different coun- tries and languages, and not all armed, particu- larly the militia last arrived. In the night of the 7th the enemy with infinite labor succeeded in widening and deep- ning the swamp drain, by which they liad ap- proached the river, so as to get a sufficient number of their boats into the Mississippi.— During the whole night from the movements of the British camp, it was e/ident that something unusual was going forward, and there was every reason to believe that a general attack had been resolved ufoa. With the appearance of light, these conjectures were fully confirmed; the whole British force was seen to advance in columns, with a steady and determined appear- ance, many of them carrying ladders and fas- dnea. The utmost silence pervaded the Ameri- can lines, while the British were permitted to approach within the range of grape, when the artillery opened a most tremendous fire, and as their ooluraaa were entirely uncovered and on a level plain, they were mown down with prodi- gious slaughter. They still, however, courage- ously moved forward, closing up the broken ranks with fresh troops. But when they came M tisimmmmitm 168 HnTO>Y or TBB LATB WAl. within i-each o( the musket and deadly rifle, the whole American lino waa one sheet of fire. It was in vain that the British officers endeavored to urge forward their troops to certain slaugh- ter: the bravtsst of them fell at the head of their culujnns. They at last shrunk from the contest, in which thoy saw nothing but univer- sal ruin. The columns broke, and fled in the utmost oonfusfon. A few detachments only could reach the ditch, where thoy were devoted to sure destruction. A few platoons, led by Col. Renee, reached the Utch and clambered up the rampart; but in an instant not one of them was leA alive. The repulse was universal. The astonished Britons stood aghast for a few min- utes, when in a fit of phrenzy they made the second eflbrt; but with the same unfortunate result. They were now rolled away from the field, which waa left covered with the slain; a most shocking and pitiable scene of carnage. The commander-in-chief. General Packenham, fell dmost at the commencement of the action; Aon after him, Generals Kean and Gibbs were duigerously wounded, and General Lambert retired from the field with the fragments of the army, the flk>wer of the British forces, aocus- tooied to conquer in the wars of Europe. Two tbousau( will be r Onth not so over uE attack < the stal Genera ing the The ei conseqi of Lou cans SO kill The ing th oovere the ni officer filled and I poure givini wouh destr mani tbeu Tax LATB WA>. nusket and deadly rifle, the was one sheet of fira. It British officers endeavored : troops to certain slaugh- them full at the head of y at last shrunk from the )y saw nothing but univer- nns broke, and fled in the A few detachments only I, whore thoy were devoted A few platoons, led by Col. itch and clambered up the istant not one of them was tulse was universal. The tood aghast for a few rain- if phrenzy they made the rith the same unfortunate now rolled away from the covered with the slain; a pitiable scene of carnage, hiof. General Packenham, nmencement of the action; irals Kean and Oibbs were id, and General Lambert with the fragments of the the British forces, accus- he wars of Europe. Two uvrtouv OF Tn« hun wa«. 150 tbouMind men fell in this iU fated assault, which will be remembered while history lasts. On the opposite side of the river things were not so brilliant. The British ^i^ ""TJ over under Col. Thornton, and marched to the attack of the entrenchments. The mihtia of the state, with some of the Kentuckians, under General Morgan, after one fire ^-}^^^''^'^^ ing the batteries in the hands of '»»« B'^'"^ tSo enemy had been able to outflank ^^ m of Louisiana militio. The oss oi u cans on both sides of the river, did not exceed 20 killed and 40 wounded. The British were now only -tudjous of eff«^ • VK«ir nscane. On the lUh, they were dis- ♦K« niaht leaving a great number of woundeo 1^« Irp^^^^^^^^^ The inhablants were ^^"witr^/for this providenUal deliverano. Za hailed Jackson as their deliverer. They "^r^ forth their gratitude in P"b»- ^-Ju. ^- for this signal escape from a foe who ^Zl have doo^ their city to p.Uage «^ T J^^ The utmost tenderness and hu- liO nvron w m* lat« wa«. the iwBistanoe of their fellow creatures. Every hou«3 was a hospital for the reception of the wounded, and the benevolent .istfim, the nuna, were actively engaged in pouring o,l on their woundm and in di^harging all the office, ol christian charity. In a few days afterwards, it wna discovered that the enemy had entirely disappeared, and the state of Louisiana, then the latest star in the confederation, shone with beauteous lustre. The British proceeded soon after to attack Fort Bowyer, and being able to bring an over- whelming force against it, thoy took possession of the place. Not however to retain it long, as * the news of peace soon after caused it to be restored to the Americans. This event, so welcome to all, at last arrived. It was concluded between the British and Amer- ican commi8sion«;r8, on the 24th of December, 1814, and ratified by the Prince Hcgent on the 28th, and by the President and Senate on the 18th of February, 1816. All parties in the United States heartily rejoiced. America was victorious in the struggle; the enemy had been signally vanquished both by sea and land; and though the change which had occurred in Eu- rope had rendered it unnecessary to insist m litel r THB IJ^"** ^*>' it fellow creatures. Every Hi for the reception of the )enevolent Bistfini, the nuns, ^ in pouring oil on their scharging all the oflBces of fterwards, it wew discovered id entirely disappeared, and ana, then the latest star in ihone with beauteous lustre, ooeeded soon after to attack being able to bring an over- jainst it, they took possession t however to retain it long, as « Boon after caused it to be lericans. urelcome to all, at last arrived, between the British and Amer- ra, on the «4th of December, 1 by the Prince Hegent on the President and Senate on the ry, 1816. All parties in the artily rejoiced. America was struggle; the enemy had been liod both by sea and land; and ^ which had occurred in Eu- 8d it unnecessary to insist in Hi«o«v OF T«« ^-^ ^*"- 161 world, that America was not to be impunity. \ CHAPTER XVll. Seminole W..-Florid» T««y. A^HOVOH the war was thus happily Jerm^ nated, the temple of Janus was "« y«^ J*^ i»»-iv closed Hostilities were stiU kept up pletely closed^ ^^^ ^^^.^ y.^^. '^unC^tween the United States and the Floridao. established General Gains, early "»/»"'f "^ f^^„. himself with a considerable force, on the fron 'W Borgia, for the purp<«e of repjessmg the incursions of the Se-m> e^ ^ ^^"^^ ^o ^ived at this time no orders to cros the Spanish territory. ^f Ademand-as-deJ^^^m^^^^^ the perpetrators of the "«'" ^^.^o^t with which they were charged, m any other effect than to provoke them 162 HISTOSy OF THB lATB WAS. peat their aggressions. The matter was grow- ing serious, especially, as a harbor was openly afforded for the runaway slaves, a number of whom had been left by the British, on their retreat from Florida, and who might form a dangerous rallying point. An occurrence took place in the month of November, which called for active measures on the part of the United States. Lieutenant Scott, descending the Appalachioola in a boat, with about fifty persons, many of them women and children, was suddenly attacked, and with the exception of one woman, the whole party was massacred by the Indians, with circum- stances of cruelty seldom exceeded even among those barbarous people. The Indians, in the meantime, fancying themselves in perfect se- curity, within the Spanish limits, had collect- ed in considerable force, apparently elateid by their recent exploit. Towards the close of the year, Greneral Gains received discretionary or- ders to pass the Spanish boundary, and inarch into the Indian country, if this should be found the only means of repressing their barbarous inroads into our territory. On the receipt of the intelligence of the mur- der of Lieutenant Scott and his party, (3reneral Ja th au P Wl w to ec a1 fi n t1 U o f< t s t >Sy or THB lATJl V/AM. essions. The matter was grow- lecially, as a harbor was openly le runaway slaves, a number of in left by the British, on their 'lorida, and who might form a ying point. be took place in the month of ich called for active measures ' the United States. Lieutenant ]g the Appalachioola in a boat, y persons, many of them women i^as suddenly attacked, and with )f one woman, the whole party I by the Indians, with circum- Ity seldom exceeded even among 9 people. The Indians, in the ying themselves in perfect se- the Spanish limits, had collect- ble force, apparently elated by ploit. Towards the close of the grains received discretionary or- e Spanish boundary, and inarch country, if this should be found I of repressing their barbarous r territory. t of the intelligence of the mur- int Scott and his party, <3reneral niSTOBY OF THB LATB WAR. 168 Jackson was ordered to take the command of the forces collected near the seat of war, with authority to call upon the militia of the ad- joining states, for reinforcements. His orders were similar to those of General Gains, but with more urgent instructions to bring the war to a speedy and effectual termination. Jackson, with his usual promptitude, march- ed to the borders of Florida with a consider- able body of Tennessee volunteers, and some friendly Indians under his command. He im- mediately crossed" the Spanish line, and entered the Seminole country, destroyed the Micasurky towns, and then proceeded to the Spanish fort of St. Marks, at that time garrisoned by a small force, entirely insufficient to have any control over the Indians. He then summoned the fort to surrender, and then entered it without re- sistance. It was then garrisoned by American troops. After this, he marched to the Tucoany, and destroyed the Indian towns on that river. The motive assigned for the capture of St. Marks, was the inability of the Spanish force to re- press the hostility of the Indians, and the al- leged fact, of the Spanish commander having afforded them the means of carrying on the m HI8T0BV OF THK LATE WAS. war — reasons which, on the part of the Ameri- can general may be considered amply sufficient for acting on his own responsibility, although his orders were no further discretionary, than to authorize him to pass the Spanish bound- ary, in pursuit of the savages. An occurrence took place shortly after, which gave rise to much difference of opinion, and animated discussion, although the conduct of General Jackson was sustained by the Exec- utive, and sanctioned by a majority of votes in congress. Two British subjects, Alexander Ar- buthnot and Robert Ambristie, were seized within the territory thus occupied, and a court martial was ordered by the General; the court in obedience to the order, took their cases under consideration, and sentenced Arbuthnot to be hanged, and Ambristie to be shot, on the charge of having aided and excited the Indians to make war against us. The court on reconsid- eration, changed the sentence of Ambristie, to a milder punishment. But the General set aside the last decision of the court, and ordered the first to be carried into execution, which was ac- cordingly done, and both the unfortunate men suffered an ignominious death. The two principal chiefs, who had been the or THK LATE WAB. :h, on the part of the Ameri- considered amply sufficient own responsibility, although o further discretionary, than to pass the Spanish bound- the savages. >ok place shortly after, which difference of opinion, and n, although the conduct of was sustained by the Exec- led by a majority of votes in ritish subjects, Alexander Ar- ert Ambristie, were seized T thus occupied, and a court ed by the General j *he court ! order, took their cases under I sentenced Arbuthnot to be istie to be shot, on the charge and excited the Indians to us. The court on reconsid- le sentence of Ambristie, to a t. But the General set aside f the court, and ordered the into execution, which was ac- i both the unfortunate men lious death, il chiefs, who had been the niSTORY OP THE ULTE WAR. 106 leaders of the Indians, (one of them engaged in the massacre of Lieutenant Scott,) were taken by General Jackson, and also executed. The Indians have always been barbarous and cruel in their mode of warfare towards us, although we have observed towards them the laws of ci-. vilized war, which require us to spare the van- quished, unless they be pirates, spies or traitors. The General having terminated the war in this quarter, dismissed the Georgia militia, and was about to take up his lino of march for Ten- nessee, when accounts reached him from that jMirt of Florida west of the Appalachicola, which induced h".m to change his purpose. The In- dians and negroes had fortified themselves on this river; and it was said, that a large body of the former was collecting at Pensacola. . These Indians were part of the Creeks, who had been subdued during the war, and who had of late, committed outrages in Alabama, and it was even said, were furnished with am- munition and supplies by the Spanish com- mandant. The General proceeded to Pensa- cola with about twelve hundred men — advanced to the town, although warned by a communica- tion from the Governor against the violation of a neutral territory. 160 nDTTOBY OF THB lATB WAR. He took possession of Pensacola, and after- wards of the fort at the entrance of the boy, after a feeble resistance on the part of the Spaniards. The Indians fled everywhere in dismay, and hid themselves in impenetrable swamps, where many perished from hunger. Two companies of rangers scoured the country in every direction, until the Indians entirely disappeared. The taking of Pensacola and St. Marks, and the occupation of the Spanish territory, gave rise to serious remonstrances on the part of the Spanish minister. The executive justified the conduct of General Jackson, which arose from a necessity, in which th? Spanish govern- ment was to Wame. But as the nulity occu- pation of Florida, and the expulsion of the Spanish authority was not authorized by the executive, it was agreed to restore the coun- try to Spain. In the meantime, treaties were set on foot for the purchase of Florida, which was at last accomplished, and possession, in pursuance thereof, delivered on the 17th of January, 1821. Thus according to the expression oi the great Athenian orator, "cuttiw^ up ihb WAR BY THE BOOTS." THE sin>. tMAWMMt*" OF THB LATB WAS. ision of Pennacola, and after- at the entrance of the boy, sistance on the part of the Indians fled everywhere in themselves in impenetrable many perished from hunger. )f rangers scoured the country m, until the Indians entirely Penaacola and St. Marks, and >f the Spanish territory, gave remon.strances on the part of lister. The executive justified Grcneral Jackson, which arose ', in which ths Spanish govern- ame. But as the nulity occu- da, and the expulsion of the ity was not authorized by the U3 agreed to restore the coun- ime, treaties were set on foot e of Florida, which was at last ind possession, in pursuance Bd on the 17th of January, x:ording to the expression oi lion orator, "ctrrTuru ur ihb OTS, THB sin>. } J'i