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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 from Xew Haven, Cciin Peter Stiwvesaut , Mr 7/7.<^ of the Ihikli (^ova-furs, died in #<*« idifc ui Ji!F,2. lujed SOy/'/irs Georvre Cluiton.r/ Gtiwol in theRm'dutwwin-War.OoveTiior cfNe»i7/''rl.- .Via- Brsident of tlu Ihiied Shites. horn in C>range Co. in W9: died in \Vi-ishingtcn.4l>rd 20,4^:'. ] 'liilij' Sclmvler JamV ijmshcd (hi a livilum imd Gmetal in the Ra'olldwn born mAlbrnw inWM: died m lo04. JoLn .'\i[S\.U).l'hu'fJitsUcc of tilt Vnilcd States. TcndtTd important riationol seiW*'-'^:'l-ii'diitBei}ffi'>i.^^ in /.S2'J,(/-/^//84, IteWilt (]vi\\.m)..difliminished tlir liii ]>uUir -yniit S: emK'-]>rizc :ilS .^nudrr A' Gnrrnc r of ^JrifY( rk dird iiilSyS, n^;cd c>9 vaitS.z i ■>« yj^ i- t,(. A (' Y raj. iir IIISTOKICAL GLEANINGS, OMPILED AND ARRANGED BT MRS. C ATlrARINA V. R. BONNEY. '« II 1 CrSTRATIOXS AND AUTOGB APH8, '■ ' ■• ^ fU/ U M B S . - *^K I. 1 ALB4^' A' v.; tic ^SILI.. / HTATE STREET. i*78. ^ Peter Sn -; <•;■ ,*.'/. . Crt'ort;*" ' ■ , / ' ' J .'^ UniUd Sti (jnishcd a .;v,7,,; ■ ■ .lay.LLli./ : •/ >/« yj^ LEGACY or HISTORICAL GLEANINGS, COMPILED AND ARRANGED BT MRS. CATHARINA V. R. BONNEY. WITH ILLirSTBATlOKS AND AUTOGRAPHS. IN TWO VOLUMES, VOLUME I. J. MUNSELL 82 STATE STREET. 1875. 76754 The Lkgac tion of Rev. grapliical Ske andlsha. St. rennial Stand De Herr Killii Vigilance of I Turnpike. C( Belaer. PoT^e Destruction o Sanders. Ord- CoiiONIAL H Col. Wendell. Same to Thomi Wibird. Aunt Sanders. Chrif Boston. Destri Kay to same. Hundred. Can Taken. Captur to Philip Van I Daniel Hale, t ence. Christopl . Surrender o I at Ticonderoga. Wounded. Sih Surrender of Bui Albany. Great General Gansevo. Frederick Vissch I man. General V selaer. General I from Yale Colleo- Iselaer. Wedding jington's^oTi^eM Iselaer to George ( General Wah |Geu. Wayne. So; IWest. Abstract CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. grapliical Sketches. GleaiuiW fn'-t^ • ^m"*^.':"?'"®^' "^'^en Popular AirTn andl«ha. St. Nicholas's DaT^^OraSeBov^ ^'^;^- ?" «r««t ProgenSrs thelsh rennial Standard. Santa nRn«i?'' ^^^° ''^^ Ascendancy. Dutchman-l pl DeHerrKillianVanKssdrr. v"K 5 11° '"\^"/^^ PatrS^of 1629 Turnpika Commerce of Early Tim^ a?,;.i, "t'"'"^ Sc&lped on Bethlehem selaer. Porter of Attorney. Indianron'iT, w^^ ^^^'^- Hendrick Van W Destruction of Schenectady. STorial Pal^ffP''*^n «r"« "^ J^^^^t Priest Sanders. Orders to Armori 128 SrsAgaQ^aL Le?et,.^°^^^^ ^^'"^ CHAPTER II. ^oston. Destruction of Tea. General 8oJ?,V„i I ?>um^" Rensselaer. Affray af ; Daniel Hale. Henrv Glen to Se F^^Vi « *° ?*™«- Richard Varick to^m? lence. Christopher Yates to pTan Re^nsSaJ/^'^^^- ^^«^"'^«on of IndeS^ ' ?4 CAPTER III. M^urrenaer ot Burgoyne's Army. Col Niol,«ioo\r H ^istyne Goes as a Sdv selaer. Wedding InvitationroO yea^s f^ro n' ^^"^'^r'^rt to Philip Van Rens jington's Bon Hepon Union r.ii«„!:^^*^ . ^a-'Cing Assembly in 1791 Wofi selaer to George^JLton"!!! . . . !^' Committee to Gen. Schuyl^;° P VanTens'- ' 58 CHAPTER IV IV Contents. Van Renssolaer. Capt. Turner to same. Lieut. N. I. VisBcher to same. Rorrel Tr(K)p. Gen. WllkinBon ToHts tlie Motal. Warden DeHtroyed. An OfiBot. In- dians TroubloBome. Battle ot tlio Miami. Indians Routed. Capt. Van Konsselaer Severely Wounded. Extract of Capt. Campbell's Will. Little Turtle. Capt. Van Kensselaer to Lieut. Vissclier. The same to (ien Wayne. Several Letters from Otticors. K. K. Van Rensselaer to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Henry Cuyler not Dead. 89 CHAPTER V. European Trip in 1795: Lieut. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Fort Wayne. Lieut. Posey to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Robert S. Van Rensselaer to his Sister. James Cuyler to Capt. Van Ransselaer. Lettei from Amsterdam. Secre- tary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Capt. Webb to same. Lieut. Blue to same. West Point Letters. Sol. Van Rensselaer to Secretary of War. Capt. ^"an Rens- selaer to bis Cousin. Dutch Letter. Mr. and Mrs. Church. Visit to Blenheim House. Duke of Malborough. Magnificent Park. Wedding Invitation. Maria Gansevoort. Abraham Hun. Tea Party, 109 CHAPTER VI. CuMRBRLAND Line : Tender Surveillance. Marriage. Marching Orders. In- teresting Route. Letters and Diary Down the Ohio in Flat Boat. Fort Wash- ington. Lexington Letter. Gen. Wilkinson to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Knoxville. Cherokee Indians Dissatisfied. Lieut. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Richard Varick to Philip Van Rensselaer. Secretary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Letter from Fort Niagara. Major of Calvary, 180 CHAPTER VII. Troublous Times : Death of General Washington. Mrs. Adams's Drawing Boom Deferred. Funeral Procession in Albany. General Hamilton to Secretary of War. Same to Gen. Wilkinson. Governor Jay to Secretary of War. Gen. Wilkinson to Major Van Rensselaer. Duel in West Indies. " Shoot him on the Spot." Adjutant General. Death of General Schuyler. Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. " Liberty and Equality." Political Elements in Albany. E. C Genet's Counter Statement. Federalist's Meeting. Republican Meeting. Affray. Gov. Tayler to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Statement of facts by Federal Com- mittee 150 CHAPTER VIIL Speech of Hon. Elisha Williams : Elisha Jenkins vs. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Solomon Van Rensselaer vs. John Tayler. The same vs. Charles D. Coopor. The same vs. Francis Bloodgood. Awards in the Several Cases. Elisha Williams. Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. First Steamboat. Several Letters from Judge Van Ness. Gov. Morgan Lewis to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Several Letters. Gen. Van Rensselaer to the Public. Same to William Simmons. John P. Van Ness to Judge Van Ness. Gen. Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Death of (ieneral Gansevoort 170 CHAPTER IX. Declaration op War in 1813: Maj. Gen. Siophen Van Reusselacr in Com- mand of Forces. Adj. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer as Aid-decamp. Departure of General and Suite. Entertainments. John Lovett as Secretary and Military Aid. Interesting Letters. Sacketts Harbor. Ogdensburgh. Sol. Van Rensselaei- to his Wife. Gen. Van Rensselaer to Governor Tompkins. Tour of Inspection. Queer Night Quarters. Ofwego. Niagara Frontier. Destitute State of the Array. Head Quarters. Gen. Vv'^adsworth. Armistice. " Solomon Van Rensselaer's Contents. ^ Maj. (ieu. Dearborn Muf^nJ^r ot HuII'h Army. Uen. Van HenHHclaer to ' 194 CHAPTER X. CniTtcvL Situation of thb U. 8. Akmy fi«neral Orders. Gen. ssja"„%ri,™Ui^fr.^i'r'^L'°.&^^^^^^ Bcii-ntious Scruples, mation. Spicy Letters. Abralmm Van Vecliten. Dearborn TT „ ,„ ^''"- ^*" Rensselaer to (ien "Dearborn"'' cv!^' U. STr,K,ps Should not be "Hulled." (^n BrS'PrSl" - Contemplated Duel. General Orders. M^^r LovS to s..laer to General Bn;ck:- C.^' vin RrnsXe'r to'^£^' "'''^ 'i^\ ^'»" "^""^ Whistler. Colonel Van l^lTaTr SZ S Leti^'EoT CuvTe^' t*?- , "^^ ' Rensselaen Pnsoners of War. Revoking SentenS orChl^iS'ajrr LteTS 818 CHAPTER XI. Jr^G^rs&Te^^^vrrnL^^^^^^ r"'?r *"««-• ^- ««- nence." Propose/councilTfOffl^^eS'Tetl ifM^:'^^^^^ l^ife. PrenaratinnH tn n,.,wa ♦i.-. o:. tT .^"y'^\:. '^o*- Van Rensselar^r Last CHAPTER XII. EnSuTrTiXlTdilr^oSlStr^^t^ RENSBE.AKH: Lieut. Col. Scott. selaer. Major Lovett's Interest n^Lett^^ ^^''- ^»° ^^^ Exclianffe of Prisoners aln aP^o- ! «"• ^J"^' ^"■'^ Rensselaer to his Wife Van KoLler wa"s \Vounded S™ A^«°; ^^"^ ««'^«««1^«'- K«gret that CoT. •^' 260 CHAPTER XIII. (^.^vrRtSLaoJ'XVvSSirin?" ''"' ?r««^««= J-«°binson to Sir^«tftS^Ea^^^^ feou awick. R,jbert Macomb to name. Governor Tomnklns fli v ^°^<'°^0'^ laers Letter. Encounter between Mai LoveU and Tien k.^ " ^? ^^'^^^^ ! Co„,ress. Lovett's Letters from Wash^ngS.*^ Vrfu'ce^'oT J^^S^^^^^^^^^^ CHAPTER XIV. Peril to the Capital. Gen. ,.r.,.^" '^"'^' Represent a Deaf Man. Wiliimson Ordered North Enemy Near. Gov. Tompkins to Sol. of New York Letters ««"• Armstronjr. Enemy at Wasliinf^ton. Defense '■■■ ao3 I vf 11 J. Contents. CHAl'TRU XV. i^''r,;;:r:,,!i;;;\iirj,.!;;';::z,r",T'.':T"i,""i": '-«• '- >"" ^'«" ju.^„ v.*Ni"K,, ;'riL:::;c. rc'»X".:'z,:::':-.:r.'".5s^ CHAPTER XVI. MrsHouRi roMmoMTSK . Ju-]«„ Van New, to Sol. Van RenMflaop Dr V.„ K ..^ Van l{..,m„..la.,r. hn.M.„,.l,n...«t an.l A,.,,uittal. Falling of n.a.uleZr CHAPTER XVII. AlTOINTMENT OF AlBANT PoPT MabTEH : Tv'bute of r tnw Removal of ( ongresB. . . -.Ttnt'iiii'i . iri>iiiii /IT ivint/Aw !Vi i it: Van HensHt'laer. Van HenHHclacr. ^/;,","^^;r '^l'I"''"^''*'^"st ^^^istor. "Billy Winne the P...rnv'Pna7» « • of Sol. Van RensHclaer. .John n nw.i,iL.„ ""L.'.rxV'"y.\°«*- . Kc-Bignation Patterson to samo 866 Sol. Van Renssdaer to tl.e Patroon. Judge McKnown to SoV in ^-^l'^ ^ '""" ••'*' I ''"ny Post- " RcBiffnation John I). Dickinson to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Walt™ CHAPTER XVIII. Gkn. Stephen Van Renshelaek Ei.k<'ted to Cn^nnvaa . p„~ j aboin Albany Post Office. J„hn D Dick ns.ln to Sol V^^ « ^?"''8Pon^™ce CHAPTER XIX. Albany Patroon to Sol. Van RensseLr J B Stn rA". ^''"S^ ^''" ^^ La Fayette. E.cort to Mas.aclulsetts Li, „. it"' SprinTHote^T'?'/^ Gov.™or Clint.,n'H Vinit to Ohio His Enti;„siastir Rece^T SL^-Oe:- Sol Van Rensselaer at Detroit. Speech of the Mayor, lien. VaTEssefi 411 CHAPTER XX. Erie Canal Celebration : Completion of Canal Passarre nf Rr.nt= n i tion from Albany. Celebration in New York Ci^ \^rtL%roSon S mony by Governor Clinton. Grand Canal Ball siverll i I?f tt- •. Queenston Battle Ground. HoriXle AssLsinaHon vf.-. ^"''Ti, ^'^'\ ?,° Execution of Jesse Strang. Death of Lv^r WiU C^iutoZ" F^d '"?'. S South Ameri [Oen. Bolivar. C of Bogota, 8,220 1 Arrival at Bogota I Splendid Rout on Nay the Oala-dai J titnircase Mounta I of Fusugazuga. , South Americ. J Father. Robbers Imeda. Excursion ■Placards. Home I Webster to Sol. \ IMooro. Distrust! I Spanish Goverim. IConsal Et Anolayr lOftee. AnUngrat |oi ben. Harrison's IWeueral Cordova,.. CONTRNTS. vi! t to Sol. Van Haiim. Dt-atli «*neral Ord* th. y. Montproiu- iHwilaortoSol. wilaor Elwt'Kl V. Lewis and 823 lor. Dr. Van )in Governor (Ij^eMcKown { Chandelier. iHt MastorB." )1. Van KenH- ise. <.!l(arlt'H 844 Removal of :e Van Ness nton to Bol. i')wn to Sol. lensselaer to Resijirnation ler. Walter 366 respondence er. Walter ;ime. Fire no to same, jetters from ■tes Elected Van Ueng- at Albany. 388 CHAPTER XXI. •itfhtened Fronch- :''i'i.'P". <'artlm„e„a.''' l?ny t, 'n/i'/lv's Iv" ^''^ ,»''•"'"-"« Castle ,Z^; tn-HoftheHolidayH. Furtlu.r 1'^^ ,,«; cfn^rm 'IV ;„ '71'' **'■•""•'"•"• ^'"-ti v t of Beauty. Fore<*t BiruH HUnt m T '-''•^"*'' ' '"ns- MftliOMiiy TreeR rVovur. ,«illa "»■ Adv<2r„ Jackson. Phases of Society. A cS«nn- fT"','"; ^''^ ^""^'ote of Gen Fenc.n«r Exercise. Spaaisli Funeral SriS^^^u^^'^'' "^ ^''l*^- ^^tf"^^' GeneraTtoGen. Van Rensselaer. TiicmasP^M,- ^"''"^un'iHy- Post Ma r Strenuous Efforts to Effect Gen vJhZLL'u «"P"r««'J«8 Oen. Harrison I Judge Spencer. BarranqoiUa Uttere '"''«"'^«'-« "♦"noval. Gen. Armstrong to ' r.?i CHAPTER XXni .too .nd PWr. Van CV«l."d ',';'^, Sh™™ 7' '^•"„;*""- *a>v,„l r,!v „g I ^n,u. ,.d„. Mounf^irri jx«ir'£„dtrr'.:dr"^^ CHAPTER XXIV. |oe?SivlrCo?oLKSelf'^«"r^''.= ^^'' ** «-d«as. New Tariff bv «<■ Bosrota. 8,320 Feet AbovL the L V'""^- /'V,^*''"- Picturesque Va«ey Sain Snfir/ fl^"^"'^- UmS's^lSe/arn''S?'?S^^^ .^PpV»-«'^t'oun '^ S'! "f "^ ,?°"t on J"ly 4th. Maki iTcalls -iT^ A. •°"^' ^•""^ Welcome^ «.Ll'"! «?l«-day- Gambling Unfver^ VisU fo nT' f^r.^^iUance. Sun- Terrific Lookin^liole Novel £'"-*^„B"dge of Pandi. Fight, ^ ^- -^ovel Dinner Party. The Belles 499 CHAPTER XXV Ia«la. EjcuisloM. Loftv Andes £ ft;"; K""°°'"- f«»l'ionable Al " I 516 htaircase Mountain, of Fusugazuga. Bull NOTE. Legac Id printing the correspondence which is presented in the following pages, it was decided to give each writer the benefit of his own peculiarity of style in every respect, as well in orthography, punctuation, and the use of capital letters, as in all other matters. The letters are faithful transcripts of the originals, and the reader will observe, not only the great extent of the correspondence and the wide range of topics embraced, but also the abundance of new facts in the history of these men and of the times in which they lived, here brought to light. "Com And tho Of early For Am( When fi Yet, 'his Legacy of Historical Gleaning s. CHAPTER I. The Legacy-Why Bequeathed. Of early campaigns' whfnSrr KSSha^r' ?^«' ^''^^ «-«* '• Vet. ^S™^:i:^K"St!^^±^ -d , NOTE. In printing the correspondence which is presented in the following pages, it was decided to give each writer the benefit of his own peculiarity ERRATA. I'rtgo ■'). line 10 fnim l\\c bottoin. Tor become, read htcaine. IS. line 1!) Iruiii the top, foi' 1847 read 174". :iT. line lil from tliu top omit •" and Elizabtth Sclluyler.^' 71. line li IV(jm tlie bottom, I'of caiiiu, read come. !)I. line 11 IVom tlie top, !or Henry li. Van Reii8i. line 17 from bottom, for siippassiiij; read niirpamiig. !,S8. line tl from the toj) for militarv poet, read mili/ary jmst. I.S4, line 1(1 from the bottom, for IStiS read 1H()S. 1H8, line 111 from the top, for was erected, read were erected. 1',!."), line 17 from the top, for moved on. read moved to. mil. line 17 from the top. for Heiidedict read lientdict. ■Jll. line !l from the top. for liiichephalns vmul Jiucei>halii/<. iid, line ti:) Irom the toj), lor I hope, read I have. •i'H), line 10 from the bottom, for hnman man. lead h.itmani- man. •i:>i. line -w from the top the wohl "of" is omitted. •^liO. line 1 at the lop. for and lake, read to lake. ■ ion. line -M from top. for llie. read lie nobly re-instated. :ilS. lim' 1 frcnn the to]), for to the seenrinjr. read to the serutiiuj . :!-^), line •J4 from the bottom, for ISlilread 1814. '■Vi\. line 11 from the top. for Wood read Wool. .•W4, line •i'^. for party, read imrt. ■Vi'i. line 4 Irom the top for their epidemic, rcMid thuf epidemic. :i:i8, line i-i from the top, lor Morrell. read .Uonell. .138. line il from top lor Uohert rea(l Alljert. :!!H). line .'JO from the bottom, foria-ji. read 1822. :ill-.!, line -i from the top. for that the one. lead than t1u>, one. I.'il, line ilfroin the botlom. for .\lilen Trimble, read Allen TrimlUe. 14.'), line 17 from the top, for There read Vlieae. 4")ti, line 2 from the to]), for knew, read knon:. \~'i. line 2 from the top, for Mompo, read .Monipox. \~:.. line ID trom the bntt'im " to the " •- omitted (to the contra)';/). IV>. line !l from the top, for so beaiitifnl read no boimtifnl 487, line 22 I'nMii the botlom. fir Hones read Hone. 302, line 2 from the lop, for morning to, read moridnrj too. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. CHAPTER I. The Legacy- Wuy Bequeathed. As brigla viR onrotiov or b '^ ^°^'' ' memories cling. In Japan, quJint and m/JtTc^Tb^FS^e'rTE^^^^ ^uerreotyped, n.ost certainly, on /our mfnd let the T I'"''"' *'"i: ''' ^'• Ho me, comprise a chronicle of the carefS Iv hn tV^ f°^ ^°" bequeath iventful life, interwoven with th. rln / "^ '"cidents in your truly •oble Dutch patriarchrbaTk^ottt^^^^^^^^ ^^ «- -os^ ^"S;S r:2^!j^r^^^ lady i„ .he 'fover half a century i7 hoarv and . n" / ^"''S^^''^'^""^ ^idow, l-ave been thinking ove S wearv l ^1 \"'"'"" ' ^'^''^ decadence I acquiesce ? "" ' "° """"'^ ^'^''«' ^^r expressed desire, shall ani benefiting the <^^Z^I^:rC!^Si:S''' '\'^^^f^-^ to- o.ne measure the ends for which he ts crated ''' " "'" '' ^"'^''^^ ^-^1^';^^.:;^^? d:!;;tcS!r:; t ^^^ --^--^ ["CO in social life, than creat m-iffPrl nf '''^ °^ ^''^"^^'" ""Port- ei'avior in trifles is prXtive o the Trr."?""''"'''' '"^^ P'^^^'"^' t^ic pleasure and pain" Now as we ^..^''1 "'"'""S "^' ^^^'''^^ '»"d h 7— L_!ll _ ^ow as we are fuM yppsted as to our duty I ''Ib-'huldhim (Cai.t. Solomon Vnn R«„c,=H""-^ ^ 7, Kb. atill smiling with com?lacency/'r^lfSlj,S^^^^^^^ «-'-g from his Legacy of Historical Gleanings. in the premises, we are also impressed most forcibly with the reminder of these potent " Three sugn;estions : " First. Go to no place where you cannot ask God to go with you. " Second. Engage in no business which you cannot ask God to bless. " Third. Indulge in no pleasure for which you cannot return thanks to God." Therefore, as we propose keeping these instructions in view, we will modestly yield to pressing entreaties and strive, as a graphic narrator, to portray "our past" in a tableau vivant. " Autobiographies are not often very popular, but when supplemented by personal recollections may possibly be productive of benefit to others ;" and realizing that all your sympathies will be enlisted, and harmonize with the incitement which finally determined me to comply with your flattering persuasions, I have cheerfully undertaken the pleasing task. Fearing I may not be specially well qualified for this work of delineation and cosmography, must trust to your partial indulgence to excuse any flagrant imperfections in not wielding skillfully the events portrayed. "The ancients emulously encouraged one another, by the remembrance of the heroic deeds of their ancestors, to vigilance in peaceful times, and to intrepidity in the hour of danger. Every thing among the Greeks conduced to plant in their hearts the most heroic courage, by the remem- brance of their ancestors, whose principles and sentiments were the spur to the noblest actions. The lowest Greeks were exalted to a level with their greatest chiefs by a glorious death; their memory was renewed by tlie most solemn oflPering to the latest posterity, and their images were placed next to those of the Gods." The same clannish pride, produced by the remembrance of the hero- ism and valor of our ancestors, makes it a precious privilege to a daughter of the Van Rensselaer family to record, the " ways and means " or devious paths, by which its members, (together with the greater part of other illustrious personages, to whom allusion is necessarily made from the intimate linking and intwining of co-existent events,) have passed to, " That undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns," where " Immortality is their birthright and inheritance." With increased avidity and some degree of anxiety we shall " await the public verdict upon this work, " and although laid open to, we would wish to disarm criticism by frankly confessing we do not expect our first and last essay in " book making " to be faultless, far from it. In 1831 my brother Rensselaer Van Rensselaer, under the signature of (Jlio, arranged some numbers of autographical sketches at the instance of an advertisement in the Albany Daily Advertiser, published by a Committee of the Albany Institute appointed for the purpose of collecting materials for a contemplated history of Albany. The communications seem to have been satisfactory from the following notice which soon after appeared: " The Committee of the Albany Institute, who are preparing a history of the city, acknow- ledge the receipt of some very valuable papers from an unknown corres- pondent, to whom tliey tender their thanks, with the hope that the residue of the information therein promised may be forwarded as early as possible.- C. R. Wkusteii, CICn." Clio requested, if it would not be infringing upon any of their es- nien." What the regulations, after the publication, to have his original etfusions tablished rciurricd entire to him. This was aocordin are now in my possession and interwoven in dune, uiid Lho.se sLuLelies this record of historical I^EGAcy OF Historical Gleanings. 3 one's own native country i. a broad beatrhthway fo^^e'ry t iv d^^^' Our wishes are presentments of our capabilities." P^«^»^tions, for ia 1 i's'gvS n r"''^ 7^''^-'^' ''^ ''""'^'- e-^Periences when en^a^ed mssoV hf V ^'^'•''*^ "''•'"°* '^^ P'^'-^O"^ «»d things. Ti us from a mass of bioj,.raph.cal matter we also will select the whole or mrts of ^ers penned by notable persons and others who are ninll y grouped tlln 1" ' '""^'fPl'"'^ ^'th a i'ew extracts of home letters, which portrav iJo I i"f.' 1.'^' '""^^ '"^"^ 8'^"'» '-^'^^^ desultor; Turv yT he political field at that period. As all our needed Prefatory is containod ! Di dZT R^ 'Y^l'^^""^ ^^--"g a first cousin of the anci/n and v ritab e fv V. ^'"?kerbocker, will start as so authoritatively reouester' b.ok om the beo,„„i„.'' i„ historic gleanings. Our grolt p^og trs 1 e sh and Isha were created perfect in the image of God tLu't 2 un fortunately atter a time the Isha become a '^Vomaa's S^Tnnvp^; be reat'S T^'t':"' ''''' f '^^^^^^^^^^ The'i? deseeXn race thpM 1^ Mongolian, or yellow race; the Africar>, or black iSJnffK ^^•'''' ^T" '''''' ""^ the American, or red race -"So lineage of these IS worthy of the parent stock. «" race, tlio sinl r/"' -^ r.' " '*'''^" ^^'■'^'"^ ^°ot8." ^iftei- many Ion- strides we iiallfind, verified from the most authentic sonmes H.-./tClc- - irfh^flt iof IJoIland, our " ladder leindt; " Mother" England and '•™ce (.ho oi,ivai,„„„, „„„a „p' f^i^^i^^i.s^^^iz:;: szz 4 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. the notable Ish and mT ^'"'''''''"' ''^'''^ P^^igree dates buck from from Heaven "countCLvrial'"^^;^"'""^ ?""^^*' ^^ '^ «'- journey "into a far conmy- T .v, . "•'" P"'^ ""cientry, took their Pili-rim fathers' sllt .1 ^" . • ^^l^'y'^'S exigences of our noble the^de^ot d bTnd I'SnTttlr'fi, r "^r' "' ^'-^ ^••^«'" ^^^ "^ cemetery where the en toXd t 1 'T?" 'P"' '"^ ^'"^ ^^^^^^ ^ill leaves Thi M.vfl^ en onibed dead reposed beneath the .ray autumnal ber ?lst ' A^riiros^^^^^^^^ V'^^l ''" Plymouth ^ro^ek Cen I wilderness cLvodMT.TL"'''" ^"^^ '^''^ «" ^'' «'de lay a vast Atlantic, ye the?r tru t in rXl '"'"^'' ""u^' ''^'^''' ^«"«'l ^^e broad shores/''Th irvivo^s "Lmi^T^^ "."^'^"''^'^ °" *''««« inhospitable «phere anu goMeTrnli^E Tc illhff '^^1?;^ " ^^'^ ^"^^ "^"^°- who records their prosper7tv as flllvrf ^1 ., ^H P'^''^"* "'*"'*'or of their noontide meridhn • Zh ^ 17 '° ^j"'°"' ^"""'h ^'^^ «Plendor totter to decav who "athpr's 1 .?'''Pf, * "•'' ^''^^' '"emorials is they rot; and wlo'piou ly^at lel^^^^^^^^^ as they of his work an^d ri^: ii'isL::^^ x^tz:^^^^^^^^ to all succeed no- aires Tn.looH „„^ * , • "''^ansmit their renown deiinctiou. of .he f^^artrafliln:: " "" °°"'"'° "■"""" ""'^ ''-"""I of the Dutchman, was alwavs to »« r All ^"'\''''"- ""= P-'roo saint a-idfrom immediLlv abLp X'^ and graced the head of the room ; a large artifi al sun ^hot Jb, ^ jts'T "^"-^ '^ '^'' ''''"''^^^ P^^^i'l*^"' " The standards of 1 vinous 2i^^ ™on rays with a fine effect corps, interspersed wi h " " n r "? nd on"'' "' n' ^'" ""'''^''^ pamtings we^e really exceediu" y ? !"lel kT"m ""'^^'P" "^ ^^"-^ On the tables, upo'n the walls.Ind X 'J he^e Hn^'tirnorT^n emblems were arranged with -ood MsfP rl? . ^^ "^^"^'^ ^""^"S^ choicest flowers to beauti V and P-Si" ,S°"'^"^^^°"es contributed their fragrance around. '' A nume'^^f ^ '''' ^'"''/"^ ^l^^*^ '^^'^ ^^-^-^^ entertainment at s;ven?cirrodpjrP'"^, T' ^7]' '' ' sumptuous with pleasing recollections of trhi^rv^Tfhp'"^ 'T'"^.' were mTngled and of t,.eir ancestors who settled b thi^good L3 '' "' ""' ^'"^ ''''''' is Sn^:t o^EV^^tfelS^; -^fy when a good dinner style and decorous mSe ft tt n^.M ^^'^^"^ ^•l' i» ^ very superior «' wassel days." " An T,„ ] "/^^^^^^^e ^nd worthy burghers of tho..o aays. An aouudant dinuer and good living ^as from tin- Legacy of IIisroRicAL Gleanings. immemorial a fundamental nnrf „Pii- hearted shy Dutclnuan whoClpe'rvTus 5"" "P'" ^^"^^^ '^^ ^^^h The entire affhir was ■ihv.,vrn ''"P^'^VO"^ ^o innovations." «eemed to be lackinron i^'lfT'l'^^'''^ "'^"^'^"^'^ «"««««'^- Nothin. ol.hnoh:^, O..J -.1.''^ •' .K^'^^^h KruUetiees. hnnl «lr,r. ».._. -^ , .' there were al.o n,i . '^'^ '"""."^' «.'»ffi«g -,,.„, „„^, uiner primitive ]iiTiipi«o a* ;-."•'""> '•'-«' e/t /coj^r/ as a matter of course there wrA„l ^-^ .^^'^ "^"""^l stuffin^^ sturgeon or Albany beef p ckled a d boilo7"'^' '^ ^°'-«'^'» ^'^hesl pigeons pastry and dainties of all fclnl Si '"'"'^ T'''''' ^"'•kevs, chenshod the pious thought that thlT'. "^J'^^.'-f P^cted sires " tended^ J mneSourceofbeneficenfe towhonlev^ero '^f' ^"J'^^"'^"^« *« ^^' actions and gratitude was\ow upn tlT' ^T^^^ invoked a blessing and then tho "^, "PP?'^"^^*- , The venerated Dominie k the splendid banquet ctdtlX"'"^'"" ''^'^"-^d the mer hnoughconstitutesafiast/' TiSf vaasf 177" '"'^''"' " ™°'-° ^han ^0 l.c.ous, the to:.sts patriotic, the fine "bltd r""" '''''"'°'' ^'^^ ^''"^ nl.ven.ng all contributing to their nieasntr ,^'''"°"'-«'»f? "^usic most ock of sp een. Abraharn Van Vecl ten F . "^.r'"'^''^" *« ^«»t ««y resided with his usual urbanity and .- 1^' P^'"' of the society, 'ere was, in this just asseSe f tlZ'^TT''''' "^'^^> ^o 'erionty and pre-eminence even with V'if .f'^"?'*^^"'"^"' O'' his su- "oving the cloth, « Standing toas^ and vol ?""^ '"'"P^^"' '^ft^r re- ,'nong which : «y the president 'hu ''^'""'^er toasts" were given ■e cradle of civi/and rEous 'iber^v l?'^ '^ ■'^"'i «^"»^ fatherfand I-e toasts were choice and jlZ '^'''^ '^^^""'^ '^'^ Atlantic." Ma^y of , , ?^;St ::^t.;^5^£^ :?^ J^^>-e of the brave.^ 'eh^nd^find good roads. ^ ^"'"'^ ""^ «'^''dren ; long may he tra- ByotrrarSottnV^^^^^^ h^posterity). -" ^"^»''h and prosperity to St. Nicholas and *ro.fgts'!,f eola'nttinitv W^ "T'T'i ^""^^^^^ *« each other by the lell stuffed with the fvalv^ut iohntl T"''^^ '" ^^'^ ™»«h loved pipe K the vapor with anTm^: L fht sent if '■''"'^^'^^^y^^^oked ; pXg f ^-n^uiii^'iVrdfcE^rm'^r ' '^ r •; ^''^ '-^^--e S:: :•; ^, orange c'olored c^ck d"' ^ a b^d'e o7th '''' "'^'^ ^'^^-^-tisfaetio Hati,„, ,f ,,^,.^ Orange hte a gratef dr!.''.? °^ ^"^ ^"^'* «»"" Na hers; anda just estinuUeoftheiC^^^^^^^ of their Dutch ('!' the noble achieveuieutsof ^nlno - ^^ ?''^^°'°" ^'""^'«- to^^t',.. Noa while '■' ''^ ''° ^"^"»"->' ^hioh can never be^sufficiently 'X^u ^™»P« banner as of „ld, Th! '?'•"'' !" "''^"y "^ flapping fold 1 he patriot heart to draw " ' 6 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. _ Then, too, the good St. Nicholas was not oblivious of the " little ones" either at the Anniversary Festival or the merry Christmas time. '"Twp.3 the night before Cliristmas, when all thro' the houso Not a creature was Htirring, not. even a mouse ; The Htcskin^js were huniLf by the chimney with care, In hopes tiiat St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snup in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced through their heads." His coveted gifts were always found in the well filled hose hung up so conspicuously in the chimney corner, making many little hearts joyous beyoDd expression at the stirring sight before them. " They laujjlied and they cried in their innocent glee. And shouted for papa to comi; quick and see What presen.3 Old Santa Claus brought in the night." But woe to the luckless children who had been disobedient or naughty, for a proper punishment and salutary mortification was sure to await them as a reminder in the shape of a trim little birchen rod ; piece of hard black coal nicely enveloped in paper; or a pig's tail dried, ensconced under the truly choice dainties ! What a flush of crimson suffuses the astonished countenance, what a throb of subdued anguish shakes the sensitive and conscious little one chilled by the failure, herself the chief accuser in her credulous simplicity and giving voice and pathos to the intensity of deep regret, that the good Santa Claus should have known her fault. This is not an ideal sorrow but a trying experience of dreamy yearning to the trustful child as her heart fluttered with this trying disappointment ! Sad that the time-honored festival of St. Nicholas should have fallen into such disrepute, for we ever took pleasure in it, and felt a proper pride that our forefathers hailed from the " Vaderland." In the early part of the seventeenth century — September 1609 — Henry Hudson, while exploring the river which now bears his name, ran his vessel aground on the south point of the " middle ground " opposite the present cify of Hudson. ]{ut being unwilling to leave his task unfinished, he manned some small boats and with them continued the expedition up as far as where the city of Albany now stands. Here he found a large number of Indians engaged at fishing, and from the circumstances called It the t-utjck, the fishnet or the fishing place, also from the crescent form of the bay. From this he dropped down to the south point of Van Rens- selaer island and bivouacked for the night, In the morning the party were very much alarmed at finding themselves surrounded by a number of ' the tawny sons of the forest," but the pacific deportment of these un- expected and certainly unwelcome visitors, allayed their apprehensions. With an almost reckless hardihood the whites accompanied them through the ford by which they had gained the ishnd and landed at the foot of tliat classic mount of legendary story, Kiddenhoo'';!' t''«"Sle. of which the base line of th^tri^mI^,s d '7^ '\''T^- "'°"" '^'^''''^ ened with palisades indoso^ th ' I'l ''^f'^ ^•'"'^ ^"^"^^ strength- church whic'^i it btVav^^^^^^^ °" *»>« 0"ly at the foot of State see aid w.?t^h"'"^ f?'"'^''^' . '"^'"'^ edifice stood been erected. On Zarvwtloht TT'^ ''""''^ °^ ^'"'"''^'^P '^'■'' ^^'^ Donnnie Johannes MegrpTn is „ L^- fl^^T 'f ''T'" """^"^' pu^iev^shipwascon^rSct:3^:an^t:ff;ir!^il L^:?^^;S^ m vTlysTnrie:;th:t\';;''"''n^^r f ^"-^ bore there were^o and were tak n by th [ i , ? 1^;!' "'' >,;^! '^"1!^ 'r*^ ''"^"P'^''^ ^« '^^^^ Dutch was eaual Ctluet'a ^ f ol e '^ ^'^f nif ^ '^ '^"^°'^ ^^ '^^ pipe. The trade of fh^ fn,„ ■ ' , "'*"-' "' '^^<''" '^ tobacco though a,4uL was lis ,n ^'JV'""''' ^'^""^ ^^'^'^ '''<^ Indian., was a%erfect pSSV "h LT' ThTc^elk^^'S '"" ^^'^J^ ''"""'^^ f "1 liuncers. ine creeks and rivers abounded ia illSTORlCAL GlKANINOS. 9 ''^'•; piko nn.I sfiir.roon worn ,i i '"■'■" ■•' ;^">« Vigilant i„ .naiMfui,, h "• ^ '" ^^"'""i""'^ "Ppcar to h„vo ^ '•<• .leN,„,lo.l by block 'houses a, L J i ""'"■' '''"^'^ "'"^'"^ viHuKO At .„.|ua watch was ke,.t, cuh' ./ArT ' V'?''" ''»l«'i for n.u.skotr}. ! "'/•"■''« "f urgent need. Th «?» ,1 '''' "' ""^''"^'y ^» ^-'"'"ou assistance I ;;' 7';'«wutch. CVrtai,. a "• -r I I'Tr"' ^'''^'^ '^' P""--^' t''« name vani for use in case of hVo rf ^ i'"'^''''''''' ^^i-" providod in each ''••""/v.;ll.s, and .luri„,Mt ufan ll'n '!;''''^''^"^ *''"'^ ^"'cr apply ;"""">• iron, actual attl.ck ly t e ^^ ''r''^ ""J''^'*^"' P«'^ce, and'im^ rWud, wore daily „„.4jr'lH3 f^rslh^ri^^ at the improvements the soil thought it pru lent to e fe 't f /« ' ^''^^--priHin. cultivators t he r ./mr..y., as „ 1 J, of" efu ' n ? ^'^'■"^"*'""« i" the vicinity of If t ose, is still visible undo 1^011 .'T? ""''^- '^'^° ««"^^'- «f «"« P'!''"ly road to Cherry-JIill i, t 1 ,° L 7^'' ^'■'^° ^ ^'''' rods north of the he, one mile south of the' vne'S^^^^^ V^'' ^^'^''''^^em turn! P earl stree.s. (Alas f;,r thoTe anci'n T "*, "',' ''«'-"'^'- «f «t^to and ;: •"' ""•' '7«t desirable ol/apTX ^^"'l^^'' '^'' ^'^^'^''^'"^ ""•"■ 'Y '"ou.^ the thin^^s that wrrenll: T^' ?''. "«'"^'e cellar, in ls75 ho boaeon lights of other day'' ) T ' T \f 'V ^''' ^^'^ «upersed d /ere wont to asse.nblo with thdr f • ' '!""'' *''*-' "ci^'hboring farmers '.".'" ;f tbey would issuntl /''';•' "^r'"" *^° ^-"^^^ '^•-•, ""d '«" .the city. Notwithstandi tli ' •:• '' 'f'"'"'^ ^f'^''' ^^ops, 'or to eea.s,on guard against the u ki^, " n '""'"'" ^''^^ ««»ld not 5n every '«••« through the^neadow in ou sHon L''''.f ■ ^^' ^'"^^'^ ^rook mean^ ok place at the period men 12" ^ ■". '^' '°^"« "f ^ tragedy which ^'-'-'e worthy citizens on eJavTn^.T''^'" ha'f gunshot of the fort '«'■« pounced upon by a p"irtv of sfv ^1 f "'^' ^"■'•^' ^^ the Sabbat 'ver the brook/murdered^r„d^cilne>rp'''" M "'''^'"» *'>« ^^^^ic bridge «et,on, and U.e murderers^ ^d J! w' ^""'°"^ P"''''^*^ *^« xvenl occurrences of a similar nttnr. .n u r'"^\ *' ''''^"J '» s^ifety. ear the castellated buildirn on tl e Pr 1 ^uT "^""* the same period fe'lr't ^;^rs;'"^ ? ?^5--Erivli:?^^-^f •^--o^S^Sr^-^|;-en^^ or seawant, I I ?\''/'^'-«« to the stiv^ F ut , ; •^'"'''^^^''^^'^^konedb; I >cuats of the Indian women made of ^ i "''''" "^^'^'^ ^^ «i^- The I h ese various kinds of s^ir^l c^W I "' T' '^"'^^'^'^ ornamented pl 'irtistic designs. These d l^I^ '''^' '""^ wrought into curious ^■•'■•^•"-7 of the present dr tZlVT" ""T} '^'"^''^^ ^^''^rs in the ; ^'^'i"o as trimming. T fe TndiTnrf ^"'^ '"'" ^"*^''^" "'°"^'J, hence ^'"-7, and it was i„ "onn , r ,7 "' " ^""" ''^''-'"J ^nnw n-oM Urpm -^^"-^ on all oeeasi^ of^llS^^^,- ^^^^ ^^atter 10 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. nnt part in the economy of the Indian nntionH. With the wampum the l)utch bou;,'ht tho bi-.ivcr skins, door hides, nrid other peltries of the red hunters; und sold them blanliets, duffels, arms and ammunition, iiettles, axoH, etc. The extensive traffic in lif|nors v;us a constant source cd" trouhio to tlie hical authorities, and re;>ulaiions for its sale were constantly miKhi and apparently as persistently evaded. The barter with the In- dians who came to tiio city to sell their peltries was carried on in certain houses set apart for the purpose, and all eitizens were forbidden, under severe penalties, to entice tho Indians into their houses to make secret barjiaiiiH with tlicm. Traders wlio went into tlie Indian country ^o buy, could only do so after obtaining a license. Tlieso rc^julations were un- doubtedly necessary. The city was an exposed i'ronticr town, liable to at- tack from Canada, and constantly subject to surpri.so by tlio neijjhborini,' Indians, if they cho.so to assume a liostilo attitude. In its familiar, social aspects, Albany continued in all respeets a J)utch town till la; j into the last century. Even a few years prior to tho revolution, the hirgi' majority of its inhabitants spoke only the Dutch lanj^uage. The court records were kept in the same tongue for many years after 'iie EnobiH duo to th» Person or Persoi Acts and Thing ratify and conlir In Witness w twenty-seventh I seven hundred & Sealed &, deliven A melancholy (I as found in its ap theintelleetual poi rations, in the qui yearly counted th( My maternal gn and wife of Philij daughter of John descendants of Rev Kngland, 1556, di ill the same prison liini if he would re the stake sayin"- : Oneof hisdescend'a when I read this lai to both of us a con Sanders.' Cranme "If,' to tho doctrin "Queen Mary, hov cantation should avi his errors in churc Jeclaring his deep re as the flames encircl blazing fire till it wa.< VVhen it dropped off o'ed with perfect c together where there sous of Rev. Lawre great distress, escape point of refuge to the fufugees, there found ^'•ive churches and fi swamps, was the fear jvoild." And from Kottordam, or any pa tills unifjuo and higl wuuderers were kiudli Leoacy of Historical QiE^mma. brin,- Suit, in our Na» „ Vil ., '?" ^" .'^""-"I'ior docoaHod to l>ol.M duo to the H- id Site a d totv aU '''V'l '\ '^''''"'''' ^« "«" '" «» J'erson or Persons who have Zcu,^ ' ■'"'' !^'^''' "« '»"■« '>»« t'> '^ny Acts and Thinj^s to bo d oe re L^ ^^^ H ^^^ "**'''""" ^'''^'^ rutity and confirm. * '" '''« «'"*^ Business wo do hereby --on hundred , ^hty.rouf ^^ "" '^^" X.t^K. ^"^ll^::.;!;^ "' f- Van UKNPSEr.AKii, ' Midi's V. Kknssklaer, K. K. Van Kkns klaeh Sealed cjk delivered la the Presence ^^ , ^^"^^^"^ «AN«i'- .ur, Jr. ^/«Jry Kjh lieimdacr, 1784. '{ descendants of llev Lawronnn '^.w / i ^^"'''*" ^- Van llensseiaer, were Kn,Ia„d, 155G, du !!' . ro n"o7 "^ "f "'^^ "^^"^^^^"'^ "^^ ^'-«"'ry i" tbe same prison with Arelbishnn r ^^ ^' '^^'"■^' "'^ ^«« ^'«"fi"ed the .stake saying : M^W Z Tr, " ^"'^ ,'^''^^'"' '^'''i ^'"J>'-''«od OneofhisdeLndant ,v;Z: T "^ (^^f! welcome everlrUln., life P when I read this iS dWn! off..-; IT' *''' "^ ^'"^ "*" devotional dij^nity, to both of us a comLof/ L et r %^ unwavenng faith, from one, vvhofs .Sanders.' Cranm | Vin S: oUru^ at T^r^ "^T '"''^'^^"^ ''^^- 'nf,'to the doctrine of the mnT/^ '' ''f '°^ '^ P"P^ "Queen Mary, howevt with tlr^''''« r'^ ""^ ''>'^ -''••'' Preseneo." cantation should avail hi'mToh?. kP!'^!'""'"''' =^nd in the , When it dronned^ff h! ?| " ""'"^"/"•^^ «^y>">?: ' Tim hand has offended' i'iied with pol^ct CO po re'- Til: f^"^"'^"•^^ of eountenaie- l,; together where there wasnnn.nrr' ^''" ^^'^ ^"'-'"'^^ ^'^•'^ ««"" again sous Of Rev. W'Mr% f ^'^^.^orrow or pain. The widow and two great distres , teTned to R .fr'"'. '"""^t;''f,'^ ^'■'*^'- '^' "martyrdom, L , point of refug^rsi, :, ^^ <;^t;"" iV"^"'' '7 "?"^^' p™^-^-" I .rorugees, there found a scnh u.d tf A f '^r'^f ^"^ *'^"«'- "^"''ken , ^ ave churches and free^eoo le ht t^l T ' Y ''"'f ^^""^»<^' ^'^'^ her swamps, was the fear ess^defendpr ^w 7^^ '^^'P''' ^^'^°^' ^^"'l-l^^'-^ ^nd r"ld." And Lm he momen . l- '^"°' •''^ '^"'^ «^" *"^« P-'o'^^tant I Rotterdam, or , ^'"^^f ^^",'?«"^ ^ f ''Sious victim planted his foot in ffauderers were kiudiv rl,!? ^i P ^^^ '" *'"^^ '^''^en of rest the were kindly received, entertained, and ultimately settled. 12 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. After residing in Holland about ninety years, a descendant named Elsie Sanders with her iwo children came to New York, one moved south and the other son married into the family of Captain Alexander Glen of Schenectady. " In 17G5, by Lha purchase of t^^e interest of both John Glen of Albany, and John Glen jr., of Schenectady, for £4000, Johannss Sanders became sole owner of the Glen estate in the present town of Glenville." Whenever the original patentees of the surrounding soil, branched out into the wilderness from Fort Orange to cultivate their estates, a fortification was invariably erected, sufficiently convenient to their dwellings for refuge, and strong enough to protect them from the dreaded visits of their savage foe. The first ejitablishment of this kind " over-the- pines," flourished so rapidly, that it was soon dignified with the name of Dovp (literally, the " city at the end of the pine woods "). On each side of its beautiful river — the Mohawk — numberless other ones soon like- wise rose, though on a smaller scale, and became the frequent resort of those friendly Indians who wished to dispose of peltry, to procure neces- saries, to conclude treaties, or, perhaps, to celebrate their pagan orgies. " These Mohawk Indians, were the Spartans of North America, the head nation of the Iroquois confederacy, the chivalrous knights-errant of the western world. The chase was mere pastime ; war and its surroundings was their element. The redress of real or imaginary wrongs to them- selves or others, was pleasure to these high strung knights ; and when duty called, from the three castles on the silvery Mohawk, their warriors issued forth. They went, zealously bent upon errands of mercy, generosity, plunder, murder, no matter what, so long as glory awaited them, and the terror of their name ensured a safe passage and hospitable entertainment from the Mohawk valley to their barbarian enemies, the Chippewas and other nations from the north, or from the Mohawk valley to the lands of the deftiut and unprincipled (Jherokees and Seminoles of the south. Alexander the Great was never more venturesome, in his desperate marches into unknown lands, than these wily sons of the forest. Evea since Scotia was settled, these knightly warriors visited North Carolina on an errand of mercy, punished the Cherokces by an overwhelming defeat, rescued the Tuscarora Indians, who had been nearly extirjiatcd Ly them — and strange magnanimity — returned with all the survivors to their own valley, and adopted them as the sixth tribe iu the great Iroquois coni'ed- eracy ; nor is that a tithe of their powers, for three weeks the Mohawks held Montreal in full possession, control and plunder. Such were *lie Mohawks of Scotia's early days, and always devoted friends to the Dutch ; but, they were barbarous after all, and the whole white population were too sparse, weak and timid, to interfere with the chivalric customs of these noble knights of the tomahawk, blundcrbu.ss, bow and arrow. There is a hillock not far from the present Scotia house, where, after their return from warlike or plundering expeditions, they were wont to sacrifice their victims; even so late as the time of Colonel Jacob Glen, a Mohegan Indian was burned on the spot. This surely was revolting, but the monarchs of the valley, owners of the soil, willed it .so, and nothing was left to civilization, but to mitigate or ameliorate. And this the Christian pioneers accomplished, when possible, and many acts of kindness, which according to the accounts of the French themselves, were rendered by the Glens of Scotia to parties cantursd by {ho. Mnbnwks," At the time of the destruction of Schenectady by the French and In- dians, on February 8, KiOO, the Glen family, then residing at Scotia, in Glenville, were all preserved because of previous kindness to French captives. Aboi down of a beat house at Scotia ref iiicd from oi or the Scotia fli riginal power tl; of the soil. 'J ' having captured taincd extreme protestants aftei priest with oth catholic party t( under their Grea French to desti llie Indians brou safely locked in intended to have he was put to dc philanthropic Ca eii'ect his rescue formidable visitor! friends, and ho fel was aware of thecc and superstition, formidable object prisoner is a priest could go through;! what then r"' ' H Great Spirit wouK blame him. A'b viae nolcmnltij (triv [in the cellar,' ke'ep [they might do so. 'inan, their destinec in quest of furthei ai.so suggested at a yhateiirlij in the n Albany with peas, i hiovenients contenij (campaign, got their p-houtcd and .sang, exhausted nature ^]'i |tlie imprisoned one Igiued. This lull, hvatehed, the prison jpnest placed on a w jbung-hole to breathe pgro men was soon Jiis was supposed, pea Jf'ie city, on delivery |{" '1 sloop to New Y, lie reported himself |c;ii.ture and t! j oxtr The morning came Legacy op Historical Gleanings. jg l.ou.e at Scotia was still standin'S ?! . " ^ ^'f ^ ongmal lar<;e stone ref ,„ed iron, one oftheir ruuS ^^ eSifff^ "^ ^^^''''^ ^"'^'^'^ j»«t or the Scotia flats, just befo/e AJ . 5 e,P:t XnT' Montreal encased n^mal power they claimed clear ru'hf f ^ '^^"^«"«°; In that day of abo- of the Ll. Tlfe par ; w r „ f h^?h .t^t."/^^ °!''»'"^' '"'''^■''^''^-^ having captured a llL.nCatLlic Jesuit n^^^^ '^'''°'? ""'^ ^'•'""'Ph, tained extreme antipathy. The ,~y,?' '^''"^ they enterl Protestants after their own t'horilV""A '^! ^^'^'''^' ^^'"o priest with others had pr^Cd Infon / h ^f '^ ™; «nd this catholic party to remove^into S.ada ethtv of wh 'T'^ ^""'^ «« ^ under their Great Aonier chief of ^oT^"^^ '^''°'" ^™'" the north, Trench to destroy Sehenectudv ''^/j'^^l^^'^' ^^^^""'■"ed in 1690 with the .he Indians brou^t the ' ttfv'e to W 'n ^' ''"'''■ ''' '^ ^'^^ ^='y«. safely locked in his cellar duHn- their '^Eencl"' ''''^"^■''."'IS ''« "'iyl't bJ intended to have a jubilee, in t rt a^ ^^td otVersa?. ""■ T'\'' "''^ he was put to death by a .rrand rn-.^Hnlf 1 ■ ^^^ '"""^^^ties, before philanthropic Cant Glen ' ,AV7 , / ^^ T '^'^''' P'""« sacrifice. The effect his Lscuo'i^ t cLld be dontwitr 1"' '^'''' ^"* ^^^^'---'ned to fonnidable visitors) with inimitldTo" ot"r s^dd thf .f^H 'T'' '' '"^ friends, and ho felt pleasure at all movTt\vZT u- ^/'^awks were his wasaware of the confidence the IndE ae dfn hin T '^T\ .^'^'- ^^'^^ aud superstition, he therefore raise. H«; ^' '' '" "^ ^'''^"' ^'edulity formidable objection : " 111^ 4 ntt'iZlr'' ^^^'^^ -'-''- A an J prisoner is a priest, and priests cn-T^rtLlT ?J * ■" '•*^«PO"-^'bility, the could o, through a'ny key hole S^V; e tt', ri l"'"* ^'''' '' "'^''^ »'"» "« ^ what then T He further remV.frfu ,7 ^''r'"'"'' ^^ ihemornin.^ Grei,t Spirit would "it i^Tett u ""^ '"^"'^'"^ ^'"^^ '-»' tirj blame him. i\r« y ,,, ^X ;« ,.,7; ^,''" \^' « ''''P^: •■^"^ then tliey would yi.^r .o/rmniny (givin- the Ind ans t"o I \ .T ''""^ ''^ P-'^P^'^ed z..V/, i" the cellar: keepin':: the kev t em..I ^'^ ^^ '?"'*' '^'''^ *'^« P''i-^^"<^'' they might do so^^hi lein'^s. s :;TJ ' '"°V't' '^''" ^esf^-nsible, 1""'., their destined vieti.r^i locked ^T''""^,'^' '^'' ^'-etched clergy-' in quest of further p u, derTavin . tl "1 " "f''\ ""^ ^^'« ^"'i''"'« left ai.so suggested at a pCperi\L i,^^ !^ ''*''' ']'""'■ M""- G^en had Albany with peas, to brin^ back sn t .n ?!^' ^^^'""'^ ''"^ '''« '^'-^^^ to n)ovements cc^itemplated ^ The noWL m: , ! J'f ' "' '"^P'^'"'^ '''^' ejunpaign, got their rum from S eneS Th n l""'? T^'^f^' '■'^"^•- ^ hhouted and sang, until the'wcesmf/h. lexhausted nature Wnd e.J /L";/.;" .^^rinto^st '' .'""'"'"- ^''"" the imprisoned one was sufferin/rdeo 1 of "'\' "P'^' '"'^P^^^ ' «hile 8>ned. This lull. Cant Gle " hifwH i;'" ;'«'""^ ^""''^y J»'=^- ,«-atched, the prison doo was onened wi /'"t ^'""^"'' ^'''^'^'« j'-vi"^^ V'est placed on a wa-^on In a ho"sbP 1 '",f »P''«'f« k^J, and the captive bung-hole to breathe tC:.! ndti ' Jo o d tt "'H ''' ^"^' ""'^ ''- kgro men was soon passin" close bv it'ln r -^'^ "'""*'" ^^•'"' '^^'^ -- .apposed, peaf fbr ^e TSbaJ:;! k^^" ^l!!!:"'!"^"^ -"f-'-^. Ith lia a sloop to New York, and •eported himself to the lL°"«!;^^yf"'"'-'--.<^;.o; lien safely arrived lu lie r Iro in thei len to friends h CO sailed to Quebec. On h 10 wa« t:i! :c'U Fl'tiiie and t!j oxtr Th vernor general of ( eine kindness of Capt. Alexander (Jl anada, telling of h '« arrival IS '0 morning came and the Mohawks liav en I'lg an important mission ou I 14 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. hand, rose oarlier than usual and came for their victim t/) immolate pro- vious to their departure. They found the cellar closed, hat tUe prirnt Hown liie Hhouts wore awful and the a},'onics of disapoiiited justice »!mphj tim. bolnal ; but when the captain appeared, he only said to his friends "/ told ijnu w, I told you so. rnrsfs are wizzards ; " and they reluctantly responded that Condac (his Indian name) was ri-ht. Publicity after such a joke on warriors, was impolitic, nor was it ever known that any of the IMohawks of that generation discovered the deception; but this kind act bore abundant and blessed IVuit to the (Jleu family. Subsequently dunn- King William's war, or the seven years' war, Count Frontenac governor of Canada sent out several parties against the English colonies' Uno expedition, consisting of Frenchmen and Indian allies, was dispatched lor fechnioctady with express directions not to injure or molest Captain Glen ot Scotia, or any of his relations, in consideration of his humane conduct am to spareall his property. The people of Schenectady, thou-h they had been intormed of the designs of the enemy, were in the greatest se- (rurity; judging it impracticable for any men to march several imndred niiles. 111 the depth of winter, through the deep snow, bearing their pro- visions on their backs. After two and twenty days' march, the enemy arrived near Schenectady, and were reduced to such strait.«<, that they had thoughts of surrendering themselves prisoners of war. ]}ut their scouts who were a day or two in the village entirely unsuspected, re- turned with such encouraging accounts of the absolute security of the people, that the enemy determined on the attack. They entered on Saturday night, February 8th, KiDO, about eleven o'clock, at the gates which were lound uiishut ; and that every bouse mi-ht be invested at the same time, divided into small parties of six or ^i^.\m men. 'Vha inhabit- ants were in a profound sleep, and unalarmed till their doors were broken open. Never wore people in a more wretched consternation, before they were risen from their beds, the enemy entered their houses, and began the perpetration of the most inhuman barbarities, with the most dreadful slaughter of the citizens. " No tongue," says (Colonel Schuyler ''can express the cruelties that were committed. The whole villa<'e was instantly in a blaze. Women with child ripped open, and their i"ufants cast into the flames, or dashed against the posts of the doors. Sixty-three persons were massacred at the midnight hour; the Dutch church and sixty-three houses were burnt to ashes, the whole place destroyed with the exception ot live houses left standing, and no more. Tv.onty-seven men and boys capaide of walking were carried prisoners to Canada. A few persons fled naked towards Albany, through a deep snow which fell that night in a terrible storm ; and twenty-five of these fugitives, lost their limbs ill the flight, through the severity of the frost." " Symon Jacobse Schermerhorn rode to Albany by way of Niskayune to carry the sad intelligence ol the massacre, although shot through the thi-di and his horse wounded. His son Johannes together with his three ne-M-o"es were killed on that fatal night. The naws of this dreadlul ti-rgedy reached Albany about break of day, and universal dread seized the inhabitants ol the city. A party of hor,se was immediately dispatched to Schenectady, but the enemy, in the meantime, pillaged the town of Schenectady and then went ofl" with the plunder and about forty of their best horses. The little garrison at Scotia witnes.sed the conflagration and took every precaution to make g.,od their defence against the attack they anticipated on themselves. Belbre leaving the village, a French oilieer summoned Captain Glen to a council, upon the shore oi' the river, with the Legacy of Historical Gleanings. jg tender of personal safety. He «t Un^fj. a . -, , .Meat satisfaction of havf„. fi W cm £ ?rl7". ""'I ^T"' ^"^ ^'^^ ^'>« to I>im, statinfr the instructions ^S ) '^l "" -^ '''"^'^^^'^ '^^'ivorod emnuy -"»« ^-^"n «.uch by good will. Jan.es W J S Ts? T' V ""• v ^^' '""^ f^''^'"'-'d -other, Catharine Sanders, was a o a7mx dl'.t oS "^ '^' "^^^' ^•-- ders, has a large and valuable n.eiuoriarnaintin , , '^"wrence San- P.sen.n, C.pt. Alexander Glen rec^ilirX:;^^- ^}f^^:^^1l^r^'^j::^:ltr^ -d powe.and reflects the old Scotia Mansion, 1 have of^en felt ^^^ u ^u"?; ^ ''^'" ^'"^i-'S a.s I saw the deep inden ation Tom A^ fih'^- >-' ■ "■'''' "'^'' "'^^ ^'i' tl;e stairs, as'it was th ow r^^Judhn' \'''k1 " ^'''^ ^"'"■^^-• ""Other, as he fled up the stairs for% lotion '1^^ '^ " "^""'"'''^ ^'^^ iniT Mrs. Sanders, who at the nioiuerKf '• l'"'^ ^""^ "^-"- ^rain- inovod a sad circumstance butT. nr ' t ^'l'-"" '^"^"- ^^ "'i^l't have tlu.-s : ; Shortly after tr'comnecl'it'^';' "'^?f "r"" ^^ -'^-"d soon after the n.arriape of' JuZe J^u " nl l^'volutionary war, and wife lived at Scotia, wliile his fUthl t f« -^ '!' V ^ ' ' ^" ""^' »"« you"f? At this time the Mohawks idit'wii'Sirri''V; ''^"'" ^'"^ "'-«-»• alists, had removed to VtinuU Ik ., ''" J»'>n80" and other lov- still resided at sT llli,"lt' U.IT '^ T^^ den.oralized body of hZ old heraldry, and te mere vie n{ 7 , f ' "" "'^ escutcheon of the" The Oneidal; siding llT^::^Z:l/t'MT' ^'1^' ""«^ -"' anjong the farmers, and often located t tl 3^^^ "^^ ''^' "''' '""^'J' oldScotm house. It was on such 1 • *')*' ^^'"^ kitchens of the quarreling, one of theurs. w?ckcd that he"''"' 'n^ '^^ ^"^"''^^^ Graves he other with a tomahawk up 7fli' . .t If .al^s '" h^ «f"»t Nj^k, chased fortunately missed both Mrs. .Sande s and hi" T . ^^^f'^'j^ i"«trument One.das fidelity of intention by the deen -tsh in'^."' ^t '^''"'^ '^'^ a lair drew much attention at the thne hL^ M > '^ ^' "'^'''- ^'''^^ the savage to be punished, and t .i Tncid 1 m .'^^ '''i'^ "^^ ^'l^vv pioneers of this beautiful and romantio v I '""^""^^^.^ that the early trange associates." »omantic valley sometimes had rather {ieJl^Sd^X'il^Lf S:;:^;;;;^^ f rth the horrid erue,- I'ehruary, the which I did compose 1 'tni'hf ''t' "^ ""^ ^'^^ «^' '^«t and am now writing, the morn 1,^- TV " i" ^''" **P'^^'»^ «*' «ne hour; this interesting reirc\,faZ;;i;yV' ^^'^' ^""'^ ^^^^^ 1690," give.^ Anduithac.,m|,a„ieofho;se 1 jjullDjied away. ! "^Win'm';; ^"""'^ ^^>« ^'••'^"''h were gone l.ul th..ir«-r..atb..„t.ve; ^ And th.nth.3,r trail wo did -pursue, ! A.s was our trill! dutye And killed twenty-tivo • 1 liey took scarce oue afive. "Andherelendtholongbaiia,!, I wii ; "•'' y"" J"^"t have ri'dde • I wish that u may stay on earth Long after I am dead » Wn i 1 ,, . . '« "'" r 1 am den I '^ e trnlv "reiniVfl *i,„f „, . I thedescendants^f'^. ^.r .^'Ij^-^-^-V^-i ^eel proud of Dutchmen," for with I nients and wonderful acts of b latitude and that we are h ancestry, enga<'ed groat cfjuanimity in chivalric ach '-ver,i„ae,™diT,,r«;;-'™™~^- u've- os. 16 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. with the liberty to worship God. We perceive that the shadows have all passed away, and the liuiiiuous track they have left behind them, has lost none of its brilliancy. Filial affection incites iiie to record, as a just ini;- morial of their innate heroism, virtue and intellij^ence, that amidst all the various trying? vicissitudes of " soul stirrinji times," they have undoubtedly deserved the hij^hest plaudits of honor and respect. In this chronicle of past days, the brave deeds and calm fortitude dis- played by our " honored dead," in their heroic achievements and trying exigencies of almost daily occurrence, you cannot but notice that their services were of a marked character. Also in what a very remarkable manner God smiled upon, and prospered our army and fleet; emancipating from thralMom those who were willing to encounter the troubles incident to that fearful struggle, thus proving the American people would "never consent to a semblance of monarchical government but only to be governed by just law." A generation and more has passed away since those thrilling events midst scenes of peril during the revolutionary war, and war with England ; and thousands who could boast of a venerable aggregate of years, and were cognizant of the very important services rendered by our " loved ones," have also become tenants of the silent tomb. " It is time that the reminiscences of the pioneers were gathered together, before the last of them shall have passed away, for one by one the landmarks are falling and the records of memory are fast being obliterated, leaving little enough to be gleaned at the present time. Much that transpired in the American revolution -n the great struggle with England for American nationality when the halter and not the laurel was the promised meed of patriotic daring, are already lost and forgotten in the quiet graves of their authors. Time is leaving sad and mournful testimonies of the havoc which death is making in the old generation. Much valuable information relating to the ' time-yellowed documents ' and early chronicles of old Albany and its ancient families could only be obtained from ' those honored relics of the past,' and with their decease will inevitably perish every memorial, tradition, reminiscence, and important historic facts connected in a tender veneration with the colonial chronicles of the country and the ancestral records of families." Therefore " let us garner up our notices of past ages, and preserve them in the archives of the country : we shall please and instruct ourselves by so doing, and make posterity lastingly indebted to us for the deed." These details, however, even when " penned under the most favorable auspices," are not always satisfactory. " What pleases one will not always please another, and that which some readers would be most desirous to retain would possibly bt the first rejected by others; portions may be too prolix tosuitfastidioustastes." But" UcijmtHms 710)1 est diqnUtnulum," so we will decidedly give the precedency to a few antiquated family letters, a relic of the " genuine Knickerbockers," they will serve to reunite the thread of generations, which has been deeply buried in the rubbish of years. I prefer to transcribe the literal speci- mens out of a host of correspondence — so intensely intercistiiig as to be difficult to make a selection — without correction though frequently abbio- viated. Since that time orthography has undergone^ great revisions and superfluous letters have been discarded. Dividing sentences by points or pauses was but little understood, while capital letters were constantly in- troduced to make the meaning more effective, yet in a couple of centuries, our present lexicons may seem very antiquated, and our orthograpliy quite as obsolete. The venerable patriarch on our maternal side, Robert Sanders, was , '^" '"' wii nvo ga watt. Kecd by me, Joh Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 17 born in Schenectady July 15th 170^ it to Elizabeth Schuyler dau<.hter' oVoor P """' T"'^'^ '^^"""7 10, 1747 of Albany. Colonel Pete Schuvle r w^f? ^T'''^''' ^^e fir.t'uuyor' 1 h.l.p Schuyler. He was called ji" J b,^t r'^r'''''^''''^''' «^' ^«»- which they could not pronounce • ''h t i.H^ "*^""'' "'«''^'»J ^i' J^'^ter, whatever he recommended or^is.Jl^i^^^'^rr.^'-f'^^"' was so great ;u.os ot unusual danger, or cases n wE J'oth Fn r 'r'f. ^'"^ ^'^ tions were interested, Peter Schuyler whn 1 »'"'' ^'"^ ''>« ^''ve na- and great moderation, conduc d'counciswlSh" T\'^f''''^^-'^''^'-^^^ " L.eut Robert Sanders, a member of the Albanl P ^"^!'"' "* ^^^^""y- official body m the province, was coriander orjiVi""^"'''"' '^'' ^"='^««^ and rue knowledge oflndiancharacterhVd P. n ^ ^ "^ ^'";'''' Hs sagacity Sanders was one of those hi-.hly trus ^d .1; ^"" *' ''^^^ °ffi«°- l^^bert speed to Onondaga, that erpeil I're ,E?£''?r' ^'^'^ "'' P«^^-ble Indmn s General Council at Ononda'i^hatflh '""'u '" ^'^''^ '» ^he to treat and speak with all sorts of ^eon ' and ^'"^ '' ?' P''^^^^^ house peace or cession with the French S bV ^n t f" '"''" ''"^^ '« '"''^ke du.gn to make a breach in the s iVer covenanu.?^ ^Vf ^'''''^' ^^o years been kept inyiolable with the 11? "''''"' '^^''^'^ has so many companied Lieut. Sanders "Mr SanTrt'"'' ^"^«»* ^^'^'•»«li«e ac! man had broader sympathies, or coufd hTvP k' ' "'''" Philanthropist; no terestsof his distracted country' H s enerl " T' '^'"'"'''^ '« ^'^^ in. justment of abstruse points, together vkh hh ll'r l'°' ""^ •'"^'<^'»»« «d- in the labors of his eyery day life. J^lZyl! '"^^^^."f "^^f vity, was seen I and we reverence him for his efforf, H 7 ^'"'' '''at gave him birth , " December, 1069 llober sTn , '^'^'.f ^'^e interests of the laid ' dollars] for the use'of te g'eattn':;^^ '^ f '-" C^b- "-r Wendell. I„ April, 1682, llob rfsande s's ^^1'' '"'^T''''' Maria 9cans Canary wine for sacramental use in fh. ,7^P^»^ ^6 gilders for G. Schaats. The acting deacon in (m f f. "''' ''^urch of Dominie In 1693 Hendrick Vao^Itrn Saer otlatd a,T" "?f ^^'^'- S«t"jler. sadv^or collection bag." Sentembfr in 17^^ '^'"'^ round the kerk :,Tl''l'- fi-' child^as SS^L' ,h i !' S^.l"i--> Journal If I n 'y^"""- j^Jio jasc iservii lor Her funeral in the Old Church mi» ™ "on"" "'" '"'"'''''i cii«i was Sept. 1805." A funeral appear dn^'reHtp.T.-^Vf^' ^ '"""ths i„ puiture of the dead; it wLthe cus nm / ^f ''^"'' '^an the solemn se- apractice which continued nvo'uef.^ nVT"^^ refreshments at funl as 1825. J^oekjes (small sweeSes T ""'^- 'f ^'"'■«' ^"^ ^^en as late lar«e baskets. %iL wa.^'caS out hail? ^"''".^ V"".'"^ ^' «"«h timest ?o home from a funeral drunk. TreV^.s^oufhrir ^ '^'^''^^ '''^ ^"=^"7 woulS an s were sparsedlysettled over a lar- e erdto. v ""7 -^'^^Vh^'^. i's iuhabit- Idistance to attend funerals ' Smokimr '.'''"'•''^^'and many had to go a creat [nsbabit as the following ordtt^afcoT'Drclultifr^L: f'''"^ •' Monday, 27th 31ay, I770. 'Sir: jJellL's Fonda, '"'' wii pioase to charge me. To 31ai'r 8 18 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. " It is notorious that men did not always write their own names correctly in these early times and they knew nothing in reference to philology." An Order given 128 years since to return the money advanced hy Robert Sanders. Exchange for £91. 3. 4 sterling. l^ostr 17 day Dec, 1747. At Thirty days Sight (or as soon aj Money '.hall be raised IJy the Par- lianientto nay the Officers & Soldiers raised for the 'Late Intended i]xpedition against Canada.') Be Pleased to pay this my Fourth Bill (first, Second & Third of the same Tenor and Date not Paid) Unto Messrs Storke & Champion, or order the sum of Ninety-one Pounds, Three Shillings, & four pence. Subject to the usual Stoppage or Deduction made at the pay office, Value lleceived of Hobeht Sanders, it Being my full pay as an Ensign of foot in Col. Joseph Dwights Regiment for the Expedition afores^ as certificate on the other side may more fully appear. To The Right IIonW«-- the Stephen Kinu. Paymaster General of his Majesties Forces. Colony of New England, Pursuant to Ilis Majesty's Commands, signified to us dated the 30th July, 1847, to defray the expenses of the Troops raised for the Lnte In- tended Expedition cnjainst Canada, and settling the Pay due to tneoi. We do hereby Certify the Right Honorable the Paymaster General of His Majesty's Forces, That Stephen King Gentlem" was an Ensign of Foot in Colonel Joseph Dwight's Regiment, raised within the Province of the Massachusets Bay for the said Expedition ; and, that there is due to him for his Pay ninety-one pounds, three shillings & four pence Sterg for which we have given him this Certificate, till Money shall be raised by Parliament for pnying of the Officers and Soldiers levied for the said Expedition, and defraying all other Expenses thereof : Which Certificate is to Entitle him to the full Sum above Specified. Subject to the Usual Stoppages or Deductions made. Given under Our Hands this 17th day of November, 1747. (Wen) Shirley. ^^^^- Knowles. In Apr'l 1748 the war was ended by the treaty of peace sign( la-Chapelle " by which restitution was made, on both sides, of led at Aix- , of all places! taken during the hostilities, and the colony enjoyed a period of general tranquillity. The inhabitants vigorously pursued the arts of peace, and by industry, economy and enterprise, repaired, in a great measure, the! losses sustained in the preceding war. But no sooner was peace con- cluded, than the English parliament resumed the plan of taxin" the colo- nies; and to justify their attempts, said, that the money to be r;i -^cd was! that the colonies might erect fortifications, raise troops, etc., with power! to draw on the British treasury to defray the expense of the same, theichkX idtimatelij to he reimbursed hy a tax from the mother country on the colonial This plan was objected to by the sagacious Franklin who said the Ame-I rieans would never submit to a tax that would render them servile. h\ 17r)0, the entries at New York were two hundred and thirty-two, and thel clearances two hundred and eighty-six. Above six thousand tons of pio[ vii-.ions, chiefly flour, were expurted, besides large quantities of <'rain, bull unforrusritply tho flour for the present wcmed to rank among the wuitiii less treasures owing to stringent restraints." " Peace was made encroachi; succeeded. Tin the natives and I which soon broli were undertaken ful- In 1755, ( iu penetrating tli a total defeat an flight under the and other equallj America exposed Fort Edward was a military post ol I-yiuan in honor ( September 8th, t\ tlie provincial tro diuns under ITendi diaiisand Indians. Iparties. Hendricl ,'■'"!:' Tut these t one, and you will h sticks saved the pa [June 9, 1756, wai called the Seven J [money to carry on We select the fo counts, together wi sire, RoBEBT Sand [items of this early ] , " Kecd this Gth J pino Boards for the ;s correctly ilology." srt Sanders. n., 1747. y the Par- 1 Intended ourth Bill nto Messrs ids, Three Deduction Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ' t, 19 ^enry G. Bogart to Rohert Sanders. ""i^ur Thirty-two Barrels ml^T^^ ''"^^'"' '' ^^^°'^^' ^^^^• with.l receiv'dprCapt Tl oma?H^ P'«««'d to address me come toa Deplorable Marke U L' - ^^^ ^'" ^"^ '' acquaintyou a^o of my first Cargo on hJ/,tZZ7rtZf'^^^^^^^^^ fear will be oblig'd to Stav HpI .K u-^^^ ""^ Markett risin- so thaf T " Humble Servfc, " Fine Flour 1 7s 6d to on. n . " ^^^^^^ ^- I^ooaut. " ^' ^^'- ^^'^''' Senders, Esq. I„ Albany." I ''^^''•''^ «^as of short duration Th<> Fr« u Nade encroachments upon the En-^lith nn, • P°'''''°^ Canada and succeeded. They took'pains to s^ fhTSTv"^ '""^"^J '"'"ncs the natives and by their measures elliZ ! f ^['""^^.'^'P and assistance of wh.ch soon broke forth in open war ^The^rJr^ '" tl>e English nation were undertaken in America'ngai::;\hf^^^^^^^^^^^^ im- in 1755, (Jenera Braddonk n,..r»K j • "^' ^^""s not success- lu penetrating through the tildeteTs he f 1?^"?'' ^'''' ^« Quesne, but a total defeat and ht^ was klUeT A.Jfo^^^^^ fl'ght under the conduct of Col Geor<.ewfl ^^ '/''"?' ^^''^ S'^ved by and other equally disastrous en terS ,!^t l'°1.°"-,. J'^'^ '^^ «««ee««^ F ;r.n 'T'''^ "^ 'J^^ depredatCsof both V",^'''^^^"'«'"«»ts in tort Edward was built this tear and fiOnO. '^e French and Indians a military post of considerabL imnorJln^ T '^"'^^^ ^^ere; it was Lyman in honor of General Lym^w?"^ '"'^ ""'' ^t first called iS epteiuber 8th, the eelebrateX ^of 2^"*'"^'^ ''' ''''''^<^^- On the provincial troops under Majo Gen Tn '°'^'. ^"^ ^'^"^'^t between Juns under Ilendrick, the Mol twk Thieflin'''",' '"'M '^^ ^ ^^^y of In Jdians and Indians. Gen John* n *^'^'^"^'"' 'ind a body of French C-m^ parties. Hcndrick took'th r2Ss"SVr'^^'^? hi'forces Tnt ^Ce" C ' "' '''"^^ ^"^'^^''^r, and you ih ' tSTlf them together, said o and you will break th^u eai^yV 'Ke hS^s "^'//'^^ ''''^•" «»« by |j ae TT-'^ P^''^^' ^"^ *be Indian warrtr HenT^"^ Hendrick's -.ey to carry on TwL Vut^ttS" t"^'"' -PP'-^rmea a"d^ J We select the following record of fn i T """^ ^J'owed." Icounts, together with e^rract from letter^'l'^'^^^ ^"^"'^^ the military ac- I re, RoBEHT Sanders, bein- 110 v! m ™^ '"aternal great .4„d litems .f ... .„_... .. ' .be-, m^yeai. old; they contain ^ntereC iD ^ 1 . •' *"="'^" ana indian w lpin(3 Boards "'"^-•„^'JKLS:^Ss7!rtJ5^:'» ' i>ANi Hill P' M( 20 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 11" 11 1 > Mobert tfc Richard Rmj to Robert Sanders. " Dear Sir. " New York Jany. 25, 1757. ''Your always asreable favour of the 12 Instant pr : Mr. Tenbroeck we Duly Kecd as also one hundred pounds in Cash which you sent dowo pr : him for which we have given him a Receipt and have Credited you therefore : we have not been able yet to find a bill Exch : of £3G- or i:40. bterf,' : or should have purchased it to send to Mr. Bonbonous as you de- sired : we have now in the harbour Capt : Garrisons' .Snow and a packet who will both Sail for London in about three weeks: in which time We shall endeavour to get such a bill : but if it should fail : shall then send one ot A50- hter g as we Cji j always have them of that Sum : unless you should in the mean-time order the Contrary that fifty pound would be more than you would Chuse : but we think ten pound more Could not be T'^V in ^^"^ ^^^"^ of wine formerly mentioned to you we have Boughf at i.L6: 10: pr: pipe and we lioaly think them as good as them sent you last fall, observe what you Say in llespect to your Pork: and that, you would not have «ough. it had you known of the prohibition laid on provis: from home which we well believe: and are Sorry yov medled i with it_: we gave you Notice of the prohibition as soon as we knew it: but as jt IS now so it Can't be helped: and as you now give us order toi barter sd: pork for Rum &c : you may depend on our best endeavour therewith: the same as though you were here yourself to do it: unless you should order it to Antigua as we Recommended you in our lust pr: the post ; at present here is little or no business done, no provisions bought j or sold : that Cannot at present Inform you of any price, observe what you Say in Regard to Mr. Spencer : JJepend when anv thing Can be done in that Affair shall take Care not to neglect it : are 'Very Sorry to hear yourlnither [Harent Sanders] and my Elsie's Father Continues poorly LRichard Ray married Elsie Sanders"! hope the Lord will support him in us Sickness and give him an Easy and happy change : the letters Inclos'J for Mr. li ranks etc., shall be duly forwarded. As your Brother John and you have a great many goods with us in Store : please to let us know by who you would have them sent in the Spring. We are now to Inform i you that a few days ago we have unexpectedly Ingaged in Common with be?cn Merchants to purchase a Vessel for a Certain Voyage and have I agreed to put on board ^5U0 : ster:g Cargo each owner ; the Vessjl is already bought: this Resolution we Could not have so Suddenly under-, taken had it not been for a dependance on you for great part of the money : and this dependance we fixed on you from yours of the 7th Sepf : which Accompanied your Chest now in our house : in which you Say was a lar-e feum of Money and desired us to put some out to good hands at 6 per'-: as such we sha.l now want from you Eight hundred pounds Currency say Abm: — :— bo we desire you will send down the key of S'l Chest bv the Return of the post : and we will joyntly give and send you our obli- gation for the above Sum: and will Re-ay you the money any time ou three months Notice. You may Depend vour Money is quite Safe in our hands : as we are determined to Insure our whole Interest as Such large Sums are frequently let out here at 5 p ci ; pr ; Annum: we leave that to you to say whether it must be 5 or 6 pc : hope you wi'l not Disappoint us in sending the key by the post : as we have made Intire dependance on youf tor the money, if you should be any ways Doubtful we Can give yuu further Security. & .? Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 2I 18 tukon by the frcnch : lueky^v'^u nor wn T ^ '^' '"i" ^^'' '"«'■«'•""*« liave within iew duys nast LS ? ., ^'^ """^ ""'^^^ «^>"'»'d- We Iroh.nd with ab.:S E each ont'st '^^ ^""^1^^^' «'''?« ^'"O"' powder and the Sutherland ^^ofWarr'o°■ So'r ""'^'/'^^''-t ^'^'' Difficulty got in the harbour th ou ^h the ll aL^'!"- "^''^ "^'^ ' ^''■'' afrround and in danger of bein- los • TJr ^"'"^' ''^"«'"'^' *''"«« Men of Warr and «ome S^ore^hln T.i "'T '''''"•^P^'-ts : 2 Move pected: the Soldier^tLt Je Ar.? d '''"" *" ''"; ^ame fleet daily ex- and are all hearty welltoki^..^ M •. "aKts^' ""^ ll" ^'^''"^'^'"^^ •' feail a few weeks after these with <> or < M , . / ""^'th^r fleet was to of men of Warr : it appear, fin nth . ^V '""^ ^^''^^^^ ""^ - Number to Strike a blow : butlC th "u ^a ^^lolh^ ^'^ Jetern.ined wont do „,ueh : every thi .1 seJn^^o ho i^" "T \\'' '' ^' ^^'^^ they cresy : Lord Loudon is •'. fe to J3„ t..!' f;""'^"?^^*^ ''«'•« with great Se- th'.t these transport SMpfare to " h rl ni'%^"'"'''''''^ ^^'^'''''^ »'«'•« the Soldiers elswere : wlmt all this wi ^P""- '"'^ ^'"^" ^''-"^Port last I wrote you I was ndii, K '"■" """^ '" = time will tell : in my health : we Coneludrad re Sth."' ' ''^"f, «"J vve are all in good S' : Your Affect^ : k|,1" e„ °''''"'' ^^'^-'"'^ *» Self and iamily. " ^« ^"^^rt Sanders Esq^ : Merchant in Albany/' "' ^ ^^ ^'^'"'' ^'^^• N:t;;tS in ns:!;: r xt;: ^''^';^" ^'^^ ^^-^^^'^ ^-s m of no energy of ehara t r !nd Ihv !«" • °^,^""S'!:'^'- "'^ w«« a man nnhtary leader. He was recalled .iLTr , a '"^ '" '^'^ requisites for a l>u>ing this year August 9 1 757 fho" f '"'''^:.^^-^Pointed in his place." ti>o fearful nissaere by the td ans' creat^T "'.: 1 ^ "' '^^^"•■='°' "^'^ "" ^ ern states. " The Viinoh l i .. ''^''^ sensation in all the north his character." -^ ^^'^ "^J ^"^ *' 'eft a deep stain upon Hoberi Sanders to likhard Wibird. "Dear Sir: „ y]^. t h^ed to Trouble you to convev Z r? 1^ ""7,' '"^ ^'^^* ^ '^"^ «^'"i" ob- ei-gefor£117fG:!rsri Vo^Ge^^^^^^^ ^^«1« Bill ^of Ex- vanced him to Enable his Re.riu,e„t t '"a, , I ^''^'' "'""^-^ ^3^ ">« Ad- Orders to him on the 4th S ^L tt^obl l"ed t'"^"? 1 ^ Generals Hoop not yet heard of, tho' this Evenin' \ rrjVlF t '^'^ ^ ^"^' * his «ire you to get Sd. George Jeftey'IS iJu fv ^ '""'"^ '^''''^'^'^ ^^- or my Order in London Ibr the "'d^'lt?, sed Bi? t JP ^ P"^'^'*^ ^'^ ^^ ;::::iUis^:;f?;Cs^^^^^^^ to rJn a ihu^T"..:' M^^ST^ 'tifli -Mi M 22 Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. " My Wifo Joins me in lovo to Mad'm Wibird, be pleased to accept the same yourself from your uffectioaato Kinsman & most Obodt. " Ilble. Servant, " The Hon'ble Rich'd Wibird." " Robert SANDEas. Richard Wibird was "one of the Commissioners from New Hampshire, appointed to nicet in the grand council or convention, to be held iu Albiiny Juno 19, 1754. It was composed of committees from the several colonial assemblies for a renewal of treaties with the Six Nations." The forces that left ].iake George were for the expedition against Carillon (Ticonderoga) and Crown Point; they met the enemy but the engagement resulted in the total defeat of General Abcrcrombie, before Ticonderoga on July 8, 17r)8, and the death of Lord IIowo. " When the preparations were making for the assault, the troops were marched from Albany in detachments j)ast the Flats. The road was in front of the house and followed the margin of the river. Kach detachment quartered for a night on the common or in the offices. The Flats was a fertile and beautiful plain on the banks of the river, the residence of Colonel Schuyler's widow. iMadam, or as she was called Aunt Schuyler, was distinguished by her dignity and many virtues, and her hospitality during many years to the officers of the JJritish armies sent to contend with the French on the northern frontier. She was the friend and benefactress of the army. Lord Howe slept at this celebrated mansion when on his way to Ticon- deroga. Only a few diiy.s after Lord Howe's departure, in the afternoon, a man was seen coming on horseback from the north, galloping violently, without his hat. The man rode express and galloped on, crying out that Lord Howe was killed. It was too true; two thousand men were killed, wounded or taken on this disastrous day. General Abcrcrombie saw the fruitless waste of blood that was every hour increasing and after the troops had been standing four hours under a constant discharge of cannon and musketry, he ordered a retreat. On the next day, those most dangerously wounded were sent forward in boats and reached the Flats before evening. Aunt Schuyler had her barn instantly fitted up into a temporary hospital, and a room in her house allotted for the surgeon who attended the patients. She tore up her sheets and table-linen for bandages; and she together with her nieces were constantly employed in attending and cheering the wounded, while all her domestics were busied in preparing food and every thing necessary for those unhappy suflorers. One of the officers swore in a vehement manner, that he was sure there would be a place reserved for Madam in Heaven, even though no other woman should be there." Robert Sanders to Sir WilUmn Johnson. " Honoured Sir : . " Albany July 27th, 1758. " I hope this will find you with all yours in Perfect health & yourself some what at your Ease after a Tedious Journey. I Embrace this opp'v to send you here in your Acco' Cur' with me, whereby you will find I chargd you for the freight of your goods Brought up & down by Cup' Jacob Van lienthuysen in the years of 1754: 1755 & 1756 which fell to my Share when we Settled & Broke otF Sijoping In Conjunction, the Acco' of the particulars thereof I am not able to send you Now, as he has The Sloop Hook with him to Collect some small Debts in at New York, But will send them you as soon as he comes up, which wont be Long E believe. Hy the Bailance of the Inciosed Acco' is due to me from you Leo.cy of Historical Gleamnos. «. X130 : 4 : 10* for y!<-u gum T J).u: to l;e Kxa,ni„;d .t if free " oV ^ j;"',^^;-^^ New. wC please order iouUn-mky with one in y Ji„ok n.rFsM ? "'"''"' '^ '« ^^ ^oted in -U . ,ou ana all .our^ ..,,« ^. t^r^iil^ri; nl^'^l^-^X^- " ^' ^^""^ ^"end & am Ke.spectfully S'J^'mo.st Hum. Serv " To Sir W-n Johnson Bar'." 0" a large traffic with them sunnlvin ,i, '"'^/^""'' '»nf,'uaj,e he carr^o.I return beaver and other Sr'^i'tlonn T'''^ ^"°'^''' «"d ^eeelvfr „ Krand meet.n-,. of the Six Na ons at On^ . '' '" '^^"^' ''« attended a ^"^ ^^'^ «^' -'^T' ' " ^heir x:::^ZeZj:^:!:t. " ^^-^^"^ ^uh Jiobert Sanders to Thomas Iluhhard. " Sir : " I have reed your VMoorr^.A r " ^^^'"'^'' ^'^P'" ^8, 1758. r Ke.jue«t theiin i 1 in ven Tk' ',V^« ^th Current & a. eeable t. -uey on r xU-eot for w"f / ^are Debhtr'" '^'"'^ Shillin,,'^: f^ sum to Carry him homp i /" "'^'^, debited or we ,Jud<.ed it ■. 'Cffi . be he wont Be ablp tn K-Ji •/ ^^""'"^s, he seemed verv w,...t ^, '. Itliis fall on p=zr^up^--K^^ U ..-. """'^«'^^^-o«tObed. hum .-Servant 'To Thom« Hubbard Esqr."° " iiouERx Sanders. fOi^ti. Ill America. In l7-i« <- i ,, , one of the stron-'esf n.n.-f t./* {ill] 24 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. liobcrl Senders to Mo»e» Emerson. „ ^ Q. "Albany, Sept. 29,1 7r)8. " Dear Sir : „ * * * "Col. John Ikoailstrcct with 3000 men hath Taken 1' rontonac and br«)U}.'ht Considerable IJooty there you must Doubtless have heard the particulars by the papers tlierct'oro Desist must only add that wo Kx- pect they will make another attack on fort Carillon | Ticonderoj^'a] this full wish them better Success as last Spring I fear that they will meet the Strength of Canada there at this Season for I Cunt think they Can bo under any apprehension of our fleet Coming up to Cubec [Quebec,] this fall. My Espouse & Children Join me in Love to yourself, Mrs. Emerson & young Mr. Enier.son who T hope may grow up Hi. bo a better mau than Ever'hiH father was before him. I remain with Respect Sir, " Y' Ileal friend & obed' Servant " Mr. Moses Emerson." " Hobert Sandkrs. Robert Sanders to Moses Franks. " Albany, Octob' 11, 1758. * " We have been this past Summer pretty successful here we have Taken Louisburgh, and fort Frontenac, & would herein give you some particulars Thereof, but believe you will have them fully ere this Reaches your hands, our forces I believe will soon go into Winter Quarters, there was a talk a few days ago that they Were going to make a Second Attempt on Ticonderoga, But heresay they wont go there this fall, from Ohio we hear Little or Nothing here, only that they had a Small Skirmish with the Enemy there wherein we lost & missing somewhat Better than one hundred as is said, the loss the Enemy then Sustained j We have not yet learnt. * * * "Sir Y' Obedt Servt, « Mr. Moses Franks." " Robert Sanders. The French general, Montcalm, occupied Ticonderoga and Crown Point till the next year. " Sir : CHArXER II. Colonial History. To The Hon''!'' Hohert Sanders to Sir William Johnson. .. Honoured Sir : " Albany Octor 23rd 1758, I rec'i of y 21 Instant yesterday by Mr. Jacobus Clement, the apologi you therein make ab..ut not answering my Letter of the 27th July busj I believe to be true But am astonished to see you therein say that ■ Doubtless must have heard that the Assembly only Allowed Ten ShilliUfij Lk/acv up IIisTon.cAi, QiBANmas. u •"•''" your own pocket, But I 1 oZ t vou / i ' '"v^' ^'" ^"" '" P'^^ ««« what you hada^roe.i o pay Z hi {P ; " "'° ^^^^^ think othorwiHo-, Since tV") ^ S' ^^T""^' '^ '"'^ «"ul'l I well H-|U-t & our the,. Sfu ua cZr ^.T ^^'^ "'"' » ^""t at you Senled Aeco^s with you illwirthltlndr""^^^ ''''^" «''»- '^"^ Co.n,mny, .t you Never ,„„„tio .ed ,"o s f. " I'^'T''" '^^' ^^'^'''^ '" your you I bei.eve «till will llo.nemb r f ? I " f ■ ^u"'^ ^" '"° ^^^^'^^t it & nen.ityof the AH^emld;.!!^::,/ /J^^^ "^ '"> -"euns «o on the or adv.«e n.e to ,.o on their nmrriS '* T ^T' *"."'^ ""' ''"^'-' ^^ a Certain sum of niouev & tl... . f . '^ ^''" ^^«««'»lily had Allowed Cap- I'etrus Douw ^0^^},^ p r i'T.: v"" ^"••','/" ^'^'-•- '^ '•-» pay me accordinj^ly, «h [ think you til JIT Tlf """•°" ^''»» '"" ^^ -;)U, I not only Settled that \Z 2u \ "^ ^'" «" ^^^^ 13 Sept' (before John IJapti.t Van Kp t'liZlj''' ^""^'•» .^» ^'^ «"« I thiSk "ie. & you did that day -ivrnrv,, f;"'' r"'^"''^ Acco- with on Denm,d for the iJullr/ce due ^n e Cn" '"l^ *^' {""'' °^" "-o''l we Settled ull Aceo'^ "etween u a 1 n & v.frf^ "" ''"^ ^^ ^^"■-" ^752 "le then your note of hand on ()«„"/ ^^" "* y"""" "^" "ccord .^uve ^t in 1754 May 28t^ it^C^'Z^ti: '''' v'"" "^"'"-« '^-^ to" Je «o,netMne after Came to my Lu J & ' S 1 '"^ ;"«»'. ^^"^ia^t you & you say & kept mute all that dino Wh .. ' "" "^ '"^'"" " 'l^'foH I wav J-^t I Came to «end you Z- Ic t {- " ""^ "'■"^*^ '"« ^^ «" the 27 Ju^ Affair which ha. been^SeUlel o 5^ n ,"'''"'"ir "*^"'^' '" '"'''"tion Now an - knew I had no.hin;^ o do wir rh;'°X '^n"" "'^r" ^ ^"^'"^ ^^^^'^^ or cl. apply to them foru^y p^-T pe 1 -.; iTn /.T \'^''^-- ^"^-'l^J Ki.uhtly of my Journey Si'vLSn,- ,V • '"''^ ''^^ Ac(|uainted them , -ul;i have Allowed m^ nio^ Z^:Z''1''''' '.'"""f'^ '" ^hioR th^y" I hud applied to then. I must ow ^ ' L ^7 ""?''. '''"^ '^'^^ - ^^"t if PU well & that r have hithert: Kn «■ v ^d "'l ^.' ""''' "'^^ ''"^« "^^^^ I WLsn you with all yonrs h,...lrl, !"""'^*'"'^'"Vo do Ac hope so to (Jonrinue " '''" '-fl'e Hon"' Sir W". Jol,„»„„ n„,... " "'"'''"' Sandbbs. |P;S3jt^:;:,:i: — :,^^^^^^ -/•- -enservice^ valuable tract of land, one hu .d 1 th^ T" '"''l"'^^*^ '^ "^ all. ^^ .ll;am Johnson, was ^hu^U f^Z'^L^'^I^LrT "'"'"' /'^ «'^ lie Mo lawk .uit.on in the followin.- m-im... ' ^''^- ^''^'"f chief of Use (I^rtJoh,,son) the sachem obsVvp ^^ '>"?:' '^f the baronet's w.th ,old lace, whicli the fo rr it ded for"! '"''' '"'"'''^ embroidered I "tormg his p,usence after a ni.-htTr stj ' 1' "T P'^'''^'^" = ""d on I !ea>ued last night.' ' Indeed,'",es no ded fh ", ''""' ' "'■•'^■"^'•. "^e W '"y red brother drea.u ? ' '< Me ^ ,m - -^ 7"\''-''T^ ' ^""^ ^^at |tl;'.>i cat be mine ! ' ' Then ' s-mM IL '• \ "'^ '^'""^ » ''eply, ' that Iwhioh you are welcome 'So a afttttS"'^ •^'"^'^!";- ' ^' ^'/""- '« I •; KUost\s visit, and on meetin" in i I " !7'.''"^' ^^!^ ^^i^''^'" ^<^^^rned pJ.va.ned last night!' • Vyi.at':]!;! ^ " !V;.:e 'dT"'!'^ ^^^'"'' ' '^'•«"^''^'-. t.^.d the sachem. ' ^ breamed/ s^/^s-;:::^,^^r[^:t-[o;S 26 Legacy of IItstorical Gleanings. was all my own !' The chief replied, ' Brother, the land is yours, but you must not dream again ! ' It was a check-mate." Robert Sanders to Col. Jacob Wendell. " Dear Sir " Albany Nov 3, 1758. " I Hec I yr'* of the 10 Ultimo, with the Inclosed Letter To Mr. Humphry Chadbourn which T forwarded to him & have since Deliveiod him A<;ree- able to y Desire Ten Dollars & have taken his Bill therefor on his Broth- er Mr. Benj. Chadbourn which you have Here Inclosed Endorsed by me to Debit y Acco' therefor Your Regem' are all come down & major part on tiieir way home I (Jan't but acquaint you that they have Cut a great Deal of wood for the service on y Land at the Jser Berg, & as Every body suflFers from Cutting wood here on their Land for the service I Daren't speak a word, must therefore Desire to let me Know your Senti- ments thereabout. Here is a Town Talk thift General Abercrombie is Superseded by General Amherst & we have News that the King of Prus- sia g "ned a Victory over the Russians, the Express came Last night & says . ^^Mcket is arrived at New York. I hear Nothing as yet ab' Col. Pete Schu; sr & our other Prisoners that were to Come in Lieu of Them that X. '"iv t fort Frontenac when I do I shall Enquire & write Mr John Mice ji. ' . ab' the Gentlemen He gave me In Charge of, w'' please to acquai.,t him as I have no time now to write him. I Ne"or Kxpected our Prisoners Before the Armies of Both sides went Into Winter quarters as X know Frc^ \ Policy too well, altho our people here are very Uneasy & Expect they wont come. But I think we shall now soon hear from them. I hope this will find you with all y^* as this Leaves me with all mine & friends here entirely well. " My Espouse Joins me in Duty to y self, Mad'" Wendell all y Child- ren & friends with you. Believe me to be Sincerely Dear S^ Your Affec- tionate Kinsman. "The Houi"^ Jacob WenJ 11. " Robert Sanders. Elihu Lyman's Bill. " 1758 The Colony of Connecticut p^ Elihu Lyman 1 Dr. For yf forces Under Ala] : General Abercrombie f June 25. To 1 p-- Blankets '. £12 : : Do. 28. To 3 pr Do @ £ 12 p-" : & 1 Single Blanket 16s ... 36 : 16 Albany Novr : 6th, 1758, ^^"ors Excepted, £48: 16: Robert Sanders. " Gentlemen, "Please to pay the vVbove Acco' of forty Eight pounds Sixteen Shil- lings New York Currency Unto General Lyman or his order k his Re- ceipt Shall be to you a good A: Sufficient Discharge & you will very much oblige, Gent Y^ most hum : &most " Obed' Servant, Robert Sanders. « Sir : " I Beg the fa our of you to Obtain & receipt the Above Acco' of £48 : 16 : for me k on Receipt thereof please to Deduct thereout for your Trouble what is Reasonable as also the Charges you should Be at & Re- mit to me here the Remainder, & if you should have No opp'V for this place you may then send it to New York to Mess'^ Robert & Richard liuy Merch'S there, Near the Old Dutch Church & if I Can be of Service here Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 27 bo Assured that on Receinf nP ,re p„ , ^ tl.e.u to the UtmoJ of ^.P4l{H,^7™;?d« I will Endeavour to Execute Houi^'e Sir. ^ ''^'"^^ ^"^«"'" I am with profound Esteem " To General P. Lyman." " ^' """"^ ''""' •" '^ «^«'J' Servant ■ " Robert Sanders. roc.vel^lS^t'l.^ lllt^:£ T^^-^f -"' y^^ -^t unjustly he battle of Crown l^int in 175^ u wTf ^'''''^^^y ^^s due. '' At the bun for five consecutive houVs ^itfgrlat'ililT^^"""^"^' "^^ ^"•'^^«^«d by iil«>6er« ^a«^e,.« to Genera. Lyman. "Dear Sir. uaiu xt ■• I .Tu^t „„„ l,o„j f„„, J. „, , , „^"'»"J' November 7th 1758. « To r.n PI • r " ■^' '"°'* ^""^ •■ ^*'^ "bdt Servt Uen. Phmeas Lyman at Green Bush." " Robert Sanders. Jo"5:org;oXti8^"55 "" L"fhd'" ^^ ^/'^^rated battle of Heudnek, the noted Mohawk chipff.,;n -1 'V'V^y ""^ ^^^ -^^oodu Pond and ndians assisted the ;;ovl i t ' ' i^^^ «f French Cal^dian , Sir U liham Johnson. Gen. Johns nJf ?i ^^^J'^''-S««<^ral, afterwards rece.vcd a flesh wound in S s thHr^„''d\t r;/rr'r"*«^"''^^ ^attb Lyman then took command, and continued i^^^ ^"t'^ ^" ^'^- •^<^"era Nonnot willing to divide thetno r«f tL even?°.''? '^'^°"' ^ h'« report the name of General Lyluther.n'^"''^ ^^^" ^^«tioa It was immediately after the h.^fll h T '• , ^^"^ '*^'»*^^f '« the victorv e changed the na^me f itt L nm to t C \- r'^^l.^'^'^'^^^^ «f Can,' 1'^^ government, elated by th Ctorv c ' Lp 1 r '' ^^"'■•^- '^''»« J^^»g- and gave him $L^0,000." ^' "^''^'*^ ^««- Jobnson a baronet /Mtr^ *Srt/i(?era to sent h,s Bill on you to Richi Wibi^d J?snf / ""^^ ^'"' ^'" ^ ^^^^ to give your Hills for said sum of ^31?^ U^'"'!"'" ^"" ^'" be pleased order in London. oi Adu . 14 gt^rl. p^^^.jbie ^^ ^jj^^^. ^^^ our firing one Cannon"aga nst it ad /h T' P^T^'"'" ^^'^^ ^8, without an Express come in T'-orfr 'm Nia t/ltt^^ o'olo.^..^. we had News that the Portress is also in m r P '"■'"»' "'^ ^'^e agreeable 1500 french and Indians n." by the si? 1^"" -l' r "^ ]^^^ -^^ Ottowawa to assist the fort of wen n" ,1' • ^""^ ''"^"^ ^'^'ho & Genl. Prideaux (the latter was kirdWCnl ''T' ""^•^•- •^•^^"««" '^nd taken prisoners 17 officers. Af er s attip /» f" /^' ''""'^ ^^^ * ^^^^^ of war & in a flew days we Cect in T 'l?? ^"''' Surrendered prisoners ^^00 Scalps: & this mornin/we had an 7 ^''°'" /^ere 700 prisoners & ; ef-eneh had Abandoned" C>ownpo„t^r'''^°"J'"^'"'^^'-«^'^' '^^^^ Jiurnt all that would Burn there bvalltc, ^""''"'^ "? "" t''^>' ^'^"Jd & fleet ,s at Quebec, they left Ciwn p „T JV'? P'""'^ ''' ^''^^ «»^ Niagara the 25 Ultimo. I give vou .illT lu u ^"'^""^ '^ ^^ took onntt Communicating it to you ^I am 1^7.^ V*^' "'"^^ ""^ ^""Id not "p ," ^"^" t"6 Greatest lle-^ards " To Rich. Wibird Daniel Wa^nt ) ^ """'' ^^""^ \fT'''' " ' tv Henry Sherburne, Esq'." f Kobert Sanders. atI!^.:^i:S^?^J-;-^ofthe.„?„ lli""^' ^l^^.^^^ ^^e purpose burue was killed in 1777 at the B.^nl f n ''"'^- ^^^"J^^ Henry Slier- sent by Arnold from Montreal „m^^^^^ Germantown. In 177G he wa« enforce the garrLson atTeda. R^Jids'"' A""?',^'' and forty men to re! whole of Foster's (En^Wish) iL!T. ^t*"? ^^^ '" ^^e evening the cade and fell upon\he r pubLl tL'v ^''T ^"''^^ f'"'™ «» -^^^s- ='" I'our and a half, when^the I dfans n^ 1' ' ^''''^ '^'^^^"^'^ f'^'" "early a g.rdle around tliem, a, d a , 'e"" i"""^^'" ^r\^*'^ ^"P^"^'-. for-^ed band,and infuriated by the ob'tin.Vp,!-^"' l^'f^'"'^ "P"" the devoted "-■•ly all. T, e fortress of n: '^^f ""^ «^ ^'^ Americans butchered , ^"Kli^h as it was at the mouth otlieXi-t".'"^'" "'''"' acquisition for the (general Prideaux invested NiaLnra but t^ -n'f, ^" "^"'^ ^5, 1769, n-ortar, before the surrender of the French 'M^f ^^ ""^ ^"'-^''"fe' «f ^ tureJ by Sir William Johnson, who succeeded hi." "' ^''' '^^^•^^^•«''' ^''P" was continued more than a f^' ,tr-md ,1 ^^ ^ '^''^^«eige Pamug of succor, surrendered la, 'e'^ii^ be eague,.ed garrison, des- I ^«" -0 their hands. The capti^'feLTri:^;:^^;.;^;;;;;^^^-- ^ ^^ i?o6fr# Sanders to Jacob Wendell. 80 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. would not buy it, and it is Some Years Since when you sold it to your Kinsman at Albany for £1200 York money <*lr, you Esteem it at Least worth now ,tl500 York money & if Canady wj-s taken as you Expected it soon would rise more and by my last to you &, by your all ways agree- able to me of the 12tii (We had agreeable news on the 13th pi" an Express from Oswego, that they had taken 8 french prisoners who say that the City of Quebec Surrendered on the 18 Sepf^ to the English. General Amhurst went off from (Jrown point last week Thursday with 4500 forces without Countg the Marines.) It is Confirmed that the City of Quebec is through God's Blessing in our Possession, and believe & hope soon to hear all Canada to be, So give you Joy therewith, So that you Think it is worth more now than £1500 :— : — I hope you will bo able to sell it at that price if you ever Intend to sell it. Hut I have as great lieason to believe you wont sell it by Valuing of it as you believe I wont buy it, 1 must own that I wont buy it at £1500 this money nor Nobody Else I believe as I have Hetore wrote you the reason & my sole Inducemi-* I would have Bought it & if you & yours intend to keep it I am Content. I am glad to see by yours that you Intend once more to Come & see your friends here when please God We may live to see Each other we shall talk further together. In mean Time if you can sell it for £1500 I would Advise you so to do it if you Intend to sell it, for I Can Assure you that I have never hitherto seen the man yet here, (Except Abraham Ooms sons) that would give so much for it as they offered you. All our friends here are well and I am very glad to hear that you & your good Espouse also Continue to mend Dayley, I hope you both may Enjoy your perfect health again. With my Espouse & owa best regards to you both & service to all friends I conclude I am D' S' Y' LovM Cousin & Obed' Scrv' ,, „ "Col. Jacob Wendell." "Robert Sanders. Robert Sanders to Thovi' Huhhard, " Dear Sir : '" Albany, Oct. 28, 1759. " I have by the Courier yesterday y'' Elxceeding kind favour of the 22 & thank you for the Trouble you took to write me the Agreeable News it Contained. _ In my Turn must let you Understand hereby, that General Amhurst with his Army Returned to Crown Point, without doing more then I wrote p' the last Corrier ; and Sir Wm. Johnson, Bart, is come home so that we Expect Nothing will be Done more this fall, unless the Articles of Capitulation made at Quebec Induces the Inhabitants of Canada in order to keep their estates to give the south part of Canada over, as we are possessed of the North part I can't but think they will Surrender it. I believe the General will keep the Provincials as Long as the weather will permitt them to work at the forts & then By what 1 can hear yours will go home by the way of No. 4. iMons' Vaudreuil the governor general in my oppinion will take care Not to be taken for he is^as well Governour of Mesisipfe as of Canada. The hhd Cloth '^' 3Ir. Woodbridge brought in store seemed wet I therefore got a Cooper this morning, he took it out & found it much worse than I thought it was, had it Dryed & put up again otherwise it soon would have been Rotten. I think your Government sends every year too much clothing. My Sincere Regards to you and all friends. With you I am with Profound Respect, '• lloni'i'- Sir y most Obliged Hum Servant " Honbie Thomas Hubbard Esq." " l^o^^Ri' Sanders. " Gens. A engjigciuien ts was the only Gen, Wolfe ^ The French trenched car General Woli rise, Septemb Abrahiini thre the English U liad of the re; hours for the ; Wolfe ordered fire until the ] obeyed and die ceived his thin lie was taken t be/ore he expin I»onald Campbe and on whose si The dying hero give way e very w his last words ; also received a i Montcalm were ive troops. Fivi passed into the I minated French "Dear Sir, J "The bearer for the small-pox Jwnteyou these fe I '^'"••^ Joii forwarde I ton and he to m. Iwhichlwasalittl Jliegimeut Coming l<-arr_y them home i land as they Could 1 l-ltathor then to Del jtlie Government, J If'aye for the above Ibili here Inclosed F'Jre to obtain for Jlonunittee 2 Setts F'^1 ■■ n : Str. pa3 f'Jjou possibly can. K*Jansion-house and T'^^d. I Doubt not .Pt tlie time of it. \ ^«'^' 1 am Dear Sir 'ToTheHonblcR Legacy op irTSTnPTn.T r. -liihTORicAL Gleanings, c,-, " Gens. Anilierst and Wolfe h-,r1 ha. eugngvmoutH .gainst the Frclh .. l 7'.''^ successful this year in their was .,. on], place of consider!; L'i:;Vt:: i't" ""'^^ «^ ''''' ^-^ The"' S^roVn-errsfcf ''' ^^^ !o^:^zz::,:!: tr'- trenched ca„,p as"Lf,ta l^T^^aT"^"' ''^ th^^Ton!. ; t' General Wolfe had his arn/y of five/i 'V^."^' S^''''''^"" in the civ nse Sepfernber 13. irSD^T^^f ;it"-;^ ^^^itish troops before suJ Ab.ahan. three hundred feet above tLsrr ""^J upon the plains of He was taken to the rear while hi .rn *'^^Sround mortally wounded be/ore he expired rallying T- ,n'? ^'^''"P^ continued to charZ\^ a""^ y°"'' ' '°°'''°- "'"M- Wibird, Esq." '• ito™,r SAmm,. 82 Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. " In the summer of this year as Qenoral IJradstreet was ridinj:; by the Flats one day, and propusinj- to call on Madam Schuyler, lie saw her silting in a great chair under the little avenue of cherry-trees that led from lujr ^M j house to the road. All the way as he approached he had seeu smoke, and at last llames, bursting out from the top of her house. He waa afraid to alarm her suddenly ; but when he told her, she heard it with the utmost composure; pointed out the likeliest means to check the fire; and ordered the neighbors to be summoned, and the most valuable goods iiist removed, without over attempting to go over to the house herself, where she knew she could b« of no service; but with the most admirable presence of mind, she sat still with a placid countenance, regulating and ordering every thing in the most judicious manner and with as much composure as if she had nothing to lop vVhon evening came, of that once happy mansion, not a singlti beam w < oft, and the scorched brick walls were all that re- mained to mark whcie it had stood. Madam could not be said to be left without a dwelling, having a house in Albany rather larger than the one thus destroyed. But she was fondly attached to the spot which had been the scene of so much felicity, and was rendered more dear to her by retaining within its bounds the remains of her beloved partner [Colonel Philip Schuyler who died in 1757]. She removed to her brother's house for the night. The news of what had happened spread every where, and the next day people came from all quarters to condole, and ask her direc- tions where and how she would choose to have another house built. And in a few days the ground was covered with bricks, timber and other materials, brought there by her friends in voluntary kindness. General Bradstreet sent some of the king's workmen to assist in building, and the j house commenced in Auiiiist was ready for her by the early winter. Aunt j Schuyler was very fond of birds and to make them .secure nosts procured the skeleton heads of horses and cattle, in great numbers, and stuck theiu j on high poles much to the delight of the feathered warblers.'' In my mother's note-book is an entry. " Aunt Schuyler at the Flats! died on Monday December 6th, 18U2. Buried Thursday 9th." The old road after crossing the Patroon's creek, passed down to the river, over itj marched all the armies for the North. liohert S(t7i(lcrs to Richard Wibird. "Dear Sir: " Albany Dec. 3, 1759. " I have y Esteemed fav"" of the 3 Instant p' y Carrier & note y' Con- tents, that you would honour the Drafts on you in favour of Messf- Leej & Clarke & that you Apprehended there would be no need for me to seiidl in a petition to y Court as you trusted Mr Woodbridge would attend.! But if you Judge it Necessary or Best to petition the Court I must begl of you to do it in my Jiehalf & you will very much oblige me. Inclo.seJj you have a receipt of Mr. Sim n Leaking I had no time to take a Dupli-j cate of him therefore send you his original for the p' shoes & money Ij have Debited the Governm' The other things therein Mentioned arel of your Governm' Clothing Pickt Last Spring by Mr. Woodbridge sol not of the best. At foot you have what I Deliv ' for the use of }i Sick, the Sugar Chocolade &c I took out of my own store, as I did uutj chuse to open y''' In store, shall replace it when you open or Recall y''- inj store as I hear no further of the Sick, I have ordered the Cask ruisinij that I opened in Store to be headed up again I suppose Ebeuz Cox Ujj my Advise hnd them Carried in wagons to Sheffield, but have as yet noil seen his draft ( at Kindorhook the first Instan 10 then (Jrosse i'cw of his Offi. lie is of good i elude with best " Honi'i^ Richd "D^Sr: " Yesterday 1 I with s'l ]}lodgct' you had Shipi t I but the goods n( stall & Hoar at Cloth!? & that I j Ashley In the n [hiiu. I thought I Medicine Chests jthe other bed pa j Green Bush to J Idelphia so says C I "I see by you jJacob Wendell I Ion the IG Instan Jmyself nor any of Ifamily About hir iJIansion then het ■prepare us all for "Ih; " Thomas Hubl 'Gent: " My last to yoi Sell Via Boston i Balb'^ thereof in n [lew, also Col. Gof 'Iso Col. Gors on hot but met with d pave Voritably hen pates herin again. ping down to New bed yesterday to i f;cn to pay & Bear m to Enlist & p;, ['•dor to him to fori fcroportion to llema Suing wcii I knew ^ Legacy of Historical L .aninqs. gg seen his draft on me, I sunnose \t ..fill f« k at Kinderhook. General T, I st ih n ^'T,"? T^ '^ "»'• ^'^''"^^rs file first Instant tarrycd hero to t ho ^ f! "I ^"•- '^'"'^ ^"""^^ *" ^-^vvr. 1.0 then (Jrossed the lUvJTZ^^J^ n v" v ''"J" '"'' ^'"'''^ «-«r. few of his Officers, he Ca>ne dow„ / } I- ^ '""f '" '"^'"P'''"^ ^i^'' « I.C is of ,ood K.au,ple to Offic Js & «« Ji -," '""I ^'^' *^ """««" ^'^^^ ciude with best regards. D^ S "y^^^ LtilrrjberSe"^^^ " ^«"" " ^^""' ^•'^^' Wibird Esq." " ROBERX SANPP.RS. Hobert Sanders to Thomas Huhhard. " ^ itterday I reca your f. .o„r nf ,^. ir t ^'^""^' ^'P" ^^ = ^^^l" with si I5iod.fctf / lecein for nL P ' ^ Vn?'""* P^ ^^'•- Sami Blod^ett you had Ship"i tomZiClZl^^^^^^ Clothing* twohha. hats wo): but the good's not Vet^Ld^ed I £0 tli.V """'''^ " '^'^ '^^''b"- 8ti.ll& Hoar at Crown noin v/..?'^^" "/Y ^"-o'e up to Col : Salston- Clotl..& that I woTd fe "Id^o-XTr o'r'^l "'? ""' 1''^ ^^"-^' "^ ^'^ Ashley In the meantime Should come for .?' ""W'^r^ b"* if Major >im. I thought to have senryou bv th. V ^^ ^'^u ^'^'''' ^^em to Medicine Chests, yet in my store of\ " °^ l^'' ^^^^«" two old the other bed pan I DeHv7ed last fairf^T'"'"'"'/ '''' ''^^ B^^-pan, Green Bush to"^ Doctr Mather bu th! P ^° "'? '^ *^'° ^ick soldiers u delphia so says Can't take them ^"^ '' ^''°^ ^''"^ here to Phila- IJalob WeniflTpaTtettMs^L^^^^ 'K '"^ ^^— ^ Uncle Col : on the U Instant to my great GrLTr ®'"? *^ '^'' ^' ^^« Juried Welf nor any of his Se^rs StlL? r'"' Astonished that Neither family About \im. I Tke^o £b t bu Xt r^'''^ ^^ ^'"^ "^'^'^ piansion then here, & I know it bothl\. p ,^ ? ^^''^ *° '^ ^^etter |prepare us all for the Like Change! ^ '^ '" ^''''' *^ ^ P""^^ <>«d to " I haye the Honour°to be with profound Esteem i)' Sr Y^ most hum : & Obed' Servant " Thomas Hubbard, Esqr., Boston." " ^^'"''^^'^ Sanders. lioberi Sanders to Richard Wibird &e ''-Col. GofFs on you fn" "y u??^^"^^'"^ sf 7 '^"^^ P^'^' ^ lot but met with due honour I hoie von Jl\ if ''°^ ""''''" ^ ^oubt 'ave Voritably heard it was yr handHh ' ^^'° * ^^ ^^■" ^eferr, 'ates herin again. Col. Jn > Goffe is Come T)T"' T " ^""'^ ^^^^^ Dupli! ;0..n. down to New Fork to the Ge„Sr^^^^^^^ P-"^ ir. Abraham J. Lansing." " Kobert Sanders. In 1703, the celebrated controversy with New FT.,» i • boundaries commenced. The disnnfL Vn v • ^^^'^P^^^^'e, respecting A ne disputed territory ,s now called Vermont Robert Sanders to John M. Wendell. "D'^arSir, <(aiv, * T )• 1 •, Albany Auf'i 15 17fi^ l>«crip. Le. you kno/.U.T = S .l';."'".? .Lf J """"" ^^^ <" ii feiver To my Oreat Grief and '^nrr .r f tt , ^""'^'"''"''^'y ^"^'ck of it hath Pleased the Grea llXr of alT .hf"'' t""'^^ ^'' ^^"^ l^"^^^ T''»t or 10 Days Sickness on Tnlvio ""^^'^'"S^. f« '^^^ to himself after 9 [Eli^abeth^augliterof of lLfsch'uy?e??''"'l'^ ''V'' '''' ^^^^^ which Great Loss is most heth o it it; .1',:? ^'"'"r '^'""^''^ 1' ^^^o] 't some what from me & that G^d w I nTn ? T ^ P'^^ ^"^ ^^^ ^^ke I Unavoidable Change, itus^ you will hT""' ?r ^" ? '^" ^^'^ ^''<^ ^^i^e T is. uy great Grief and Jot Lour na/.M' "^^"r^'j l'^ communicate pVibirdct his Kspouseif You Invp ol '."'''""' "e^ds with you & to Mr. write much you can VVell Tl nk t^o' ?f T V^'''' '' '^•™- ^ «="'t «« yet lefhiie Sitting with 5 clidrenoLtnlT'T ^T." ''V°'''' '^'' Zanders going in her U Year [Wife of PIU i" 'Vtn R° '7 "'? P^"^^^ '^^""•>*«'- J'au.hter going i„ her 18 nonthV i^, t l^<^»«se aer] & the Youngest I l..te„decf to have cin e Tsee vou tM "^' ^"n^'u"'' ^''' '^''^''^- ^ed. ;;. your part Next montlflutNo^w give 0^07^11 tf"'f^ '7-'^"^^ ^'^'^ iBelyon Everyman's Ilonestv 11.7 El xr ^'^«"ohts of it and must [hut r am with kind SSL to m V"' ^ •^.- ^ ''''" '"''' «"'^ ^'^'l (Affected Cousin. ^'''"''^^•«"« '« ^H friends with you Dear Sir, Your " Mr John Mico Wendell Boston. " Robert Sanders lnr<,jnio of H,o». . . " , '., '^ '^"'^ some ot our five Nat on Indim^. "nr M j -".e of them commit daily murders on our People in our Gal WK^^^^^^ 86 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. liobert Sanders to Sir William Johnxon, " Hon^e Sir : " Albany Noveni" : 16, 1701. " I have Just Now Kec" your favour of tlie 8 Cur' Noted you would take up the Bond w<^^i' you Kxeeuted Jointly & .severully with Mr. Wells to rue on the 7 Juno 1762 for X70() : — : — Two Years & 4 nionth.s Interest thereon due the 8 June (a)i)h P' C lOG : 3 : 4— Amounts in the whole to the 7 Instant to £800 : 3 : 4 which sum you or they Can pay & Di,schar},'e when you please But as I have at present no Occa.sion at New York fbr iti would Chuse to Receive it here In New York Money — Jersey Money I find Good Deal of Trouble into pass it liere Among our farmers As you Doubtless will with me Daily Experience. I have Labored above Two years under a Malady which Rendered me Spring and Summer past In- capable to write much or hardly at all But It seems I mend something Dayly at Least I think so &, thank the (ireat Ruler & Disposer of Heaven & Earth for it and am In Great htjpes of ISccoveriiig my Former State of health again. I Cant At this time Enlarge Shull only Add that I am with Greatest Regards Dear Sir — Your hum, & most Obd' friend k well wisher " Sir William Johnson, Bart." " Robert Sanders. Robert Sanders to Messrs Champion <& Uayley. •'Gentlemen, " Albany April 13, 1765. " The Enclosed Memorandum I Confirm to be Copy of my Last to you This Serves purely to hand you the 2o hero unto H"no our Lieutenant Go/elr. &c!| &c * * S;^^^^alladkr Coldkn Piiiup was tho second son of Pol Kv ,r " ^'^'^'"^•" Ar.,.ant,e Schuyler. !„ the Td familv T? ?"t Y"" Hen.ssolaer and gnuKl ather's own writin, these nod ces^ ^'^'"'^^ ^ ""'^ '» "^ '"aternal ,,J^^7 May 19th Now Style was I.Philip y,„ Ron.sso,aer born i„ fanders and Elizabeth Schuyler hv?). ^^''°'^«? .f »• ffetronf, met Maria i , * 'f ! wwai;.j,;^-»J ClIEltRY PIlLL. Built by Philip Vail Rensselaer, in 1768. •™y, llo wa, a,> upright a, n°eoXl : f"'""- '"PPli" for I' ^Ml^ 88 Leoacy of Historical Oleaninos. rivor and oommnndiii!^ ii fine extended viow. Ho never recovered perfect heultli. In tlii.M niuri.sioii, Idiilt by hiniselt' the year of his in;irriiij,'e, ho died. The followinf^ notice cut from v nowspiipor was panfod in fjrandrna's Hcrap book: "Died, on Saturday last (March 3, I7DM), Philip Van llenHMolaor, I<]Hqr., af,'od 51 yearn, at his Scut n* (!horry Hill. His funeral rites wore suleiunizod cm VVediicHday." Ho loft u larj^'o and valuable pro- perty to his wife, and ehihlron, six zoom and three dot'i/tern, only seven of whom survived their father. The conversation of my >,'rundparcnts was conduetcdl prineipaliy in Dutch. Yved at a rope walk. The former was supported by his cojurades, the latter by the ropeniakers, till several on both sides wore involved in the conse- (jucnces. This ((uarrel was renewed by the citizens on the evening; of the filth when a more droudful scene was presented. A part of Captain I'roston's company when under arms were pressed upon, insulted and pelted by the mob with sru wballs covering stones. They were also dared to fire, which they finally d.d, killing,' three of the multitude and woundinj^ five others. The town was immediately in commotion. The rinj^ing of bells, the beating of drums, and the shout fo armn ! by the people, soon brought together thousands of citizens. A body of troops sent in the meantime to rescue Preston's men, would doubtless have been massacred, had not Governor Hutchinson and some of the leading citizens, among whom was Samuel Adams interfered. The result of the trial reflected great honor on John Adams, and Josiah Quiiicy, Esqrs., the council fur the prisoners ; and also on the integrity of the jury, who ventured to give an upright verdict, in defiance of popular opinion. Three days after the ina,ssa:l.>J-two chests of te l"hen the intelligenc Was condemned by t , ' '^'''" abov(f Coat of r'lu motto •■i-nt7«a«(ZZ, Legacy of IIi.touical Gleanings. ^ 'i-Ne att Mr. LudJow«. ^ ' " ^^'"'"^"^ "^ ^^'•- «''"w;, thin day f a,!, Kt'laer, at Albany." ^ tt.^ui> y^An^-^^-ey/gj^ fao^H ...ore or less \-^V^n.nin:'^Z±Tf^^^^^^^^ ^«" "« oC exa.speratcd with all their fencvances the taxation .sy.sten, was obnoxious' ""'I ""ri.id observance of then ' lyrtafon resolves "was enforce' ll.epo,,ularvoicedecidedthatwhne fen.y/./,„,„^teawa»n.aintained i? I'nuM not be landed. In New York ''•■',"J-l'>l H were circulated, thre t -J wuh ruin those wh; sh'u prl not to conduct ships into that port la.len with the article. The ^nncsp.r.t pervaded the people from Acw Hampshire to Geor.4/ In the I !° t ^^ofJ^ternnned werethe people not to a,,,,, the tea to be Ian led return to <.ugland. The tea shins M«'^'S»edfor the supply of BostoK were consigned to the son coS ;»J particular friends of (ovrnor utelunson. On Decen.bor ^rma (tl.e^lint.sh Governor Hutch'iilon' J>'i^i^ad]:ta?:a;^:,rr;n^7""!^^^ ^^--'« ^aden with tea f'e pllory of the assen bly oom aflW '"' ' '^r'^. ""^'^ ^^e v^ar Jlpt l''";ned to the wharves ; /henT^arty of L„t^'' *'"^ "°"^'' "^ P-P « Itlie ; 'f f""'"'"^' P'-«^«'''«'i b/tUs-Lds o-ov'"''"" P«'-«""«>dres.sed I I'e ve.ssels, broke open and enu.tied Tl^n '"'"""''' ^"' «''0''e. boarded !>' y-^.v> chests of tia into the ocfn ^^T' f "'"•- /'""'''•-' 'S ri'tn- the intelhVence of this s^m nV^ "^ 'T""^' ^' P''''-«""'tl injury I 1,,,, ■ ■ . •' '-'""""•tJ. ihoyine- I ilii; abov(, Coat of Arms ofTZT, ' : " ■ —~ Van Hensselaek Coat of Arms.' 40 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. naced our province with the most exemplary vengeance because their government was deprived of a revenue from this (juarter, and formed a scheme still to introduce tea under cover of the East India Company. The American people, however, would not be imposed upon and they firmly adhered to the resolutions not to import or consume tea at all. In consequence of this step, the parliament passed the Boston Port Bill to discontinue the landing of goods at Boston. The flrst of June, 1774, was kept as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer asking Divine direc- tion and aid." General Schuyler to Pldlip Van Rensselaer. „ gjp . " Saratoga, Nov. 18th, 1774, " Please to bring for me from New York five Dozen Mill Saw files, atd 2 Barrs Nails 2 Barrels 20^1 nails & 2 Barrels 10'' nails. I would have get them from Henry White, Esqr., If he has them and get the Bill of parcels that 1 may settle It with him or from whom you get them. " Please to ask Philip Livingston, Esqr., for the Bell he was so good as to promise for the Saratoga Church. I wish you a good passage and am Sir Your most Obci Servant C^Xc/^ " To Capt. Ph : Van Rensselaer." Robert Ray to Philip Van Rensselaer. „ gl^ . " New Xork, May 6th, 1775. " My last to you was 21 Ult. to which refer. Since rec' none from you. The Gentlemen concerned in Hogestrassers Bond are anxious for the £300 1 which you received for them ; they say they would long ago have drawn on you for the Money according to your Order ; they would have drawn on you by Mr. Seagrove but they were fearful it might be taken you tea Nonpluss, which they chose to avoid. Cousins Deborah & Betsey (who are the Bearers of this) arrived in a troublesome Time, the particulars of which,. I shall not enter into, as you have had them long since in tbe Newspapers, as such I could not advise Cousin Betsey to stay here, I have had thoughts to have sent my Wife, Sister & Caty to your place for safety, and some of my principal Efi'ects ; but I am entirely at a Loss I what to do ; however 1 have taken the Liberty to sond pr. Mr. Vanburenl twelve hhds II. S. Rum, which I desire you will store for me, and if ;oa[ can dispose of them at 2s. "id. pr. Gn. for the Cash, or 2s. 8r/. for three orl four Months Oedt. in good Hands would have yo i do it. Whether yo'jrl place or ours will be the safest against our unnatural Enemie.4 I canuotl now well determine. We have chose a new Committee hereof 100 ofl ■ the principal Inhabitants, of which Number I have the Honor to be one;l we are invested with largo Powers j wo have met every Day for a Week|[ sometimes twice a Day. We long to see the provincial Convention con-i vened. We are become unanimous here to a Man, as you will see by tliel inclosed x\ssociasion j which is generally signed by all Ranks of PeopleJ Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 4, If it should so hannen tlmf xm., tu- 1 own, I have HouTlTalT eZftZfT f"'^^ "^^'^ *^- ^-r Service. It being 12 O'CJock Z7; ulP ^''^^"'■ ^•'"'" l^''*'"''! at your to write. We have had u^ost of hJ^ ^ "•" "^'"««* ^«« 'Bueh conned bridge tc, and part of ol CW i te^'T" 7""'^ '^^^ 'J«vvn to Ki gs upon the Ground where to buird Srit | t? '"£ '^'^ ^^> '^ P'^^''' fence, we are in good Spirits thou/^h b 's it.L 'nT'"'' ^'" ^^' J^«- bj thoia or 18 of this Month, aKu Wt wi,M ""^ ^« «^Pect tinental Congress, all the Vessels "n our H J. '"'"u' "^ ^^>^ ^'"^ ^'«"- can to get away by that timp tTl v "arbour are hurryi,,,. all thov time, I believe^t^w n £ thetV,/r''" ''''' ^^"^ ^^^heatiw^ ' ^ & peH.aps ™ore ; after th!^ ^^7:'^^!::^^'^ t ^ P^" ^^^'^^ you havelnvo. for the 12 hhds 0^1^,0 n 'm\"'''''' ^"'''"^ed shewed me your letter to b^r . t ? i • *^""^- 'Deborah Just now Wife, Sister'sallylS Ca y ^ Co;:'e^o'y?:rT'^ '"V^'^^ '^^^^ ^ome times I am much obliged to you ^ZITVI f''''''^ '^'^^ble- your Family and All Priendt I am sTr Ym.r • ^'^^^'^''^^ f™m us to "Mr Ph.-I,-,, V , ^'*™ ^"^' ••^ our Loving Cousin Mr. Phihp Vanranslear, Mercht., Albany." " Kobert Ray ifZ^e^r^'Zt'^:;^^^-^^^^ May 22, 1775, measures fortifications at Kin..'s BridZ JZf a 7^'^ authorized to be raised • , Highland fortified."" At hf bllnTn f ^"^ '^' «"d«°° P«««es in the people were very much e. sperat?d S 1 ' ^'''•^^^^' ^'^^ ^•"-'«- Britain and universally " expressed Inn ^--''^^r' '"'"^'^'•^^ °^' G-'eat exercised by officers of the cC„ " T" .T f '"P' ?": ^" '•°3^«' '^"'hority the Canadians to take up arms against the febir ''''?^ ^'^' '' >"d"«« Johnson succeeded to the titles and estate of S Tvfr''"''.!''- ^''' '^'^'^ "exerted his influence in the British cause " T. ^'''''", ^'^ ^^'^''«'- ««d Ipedit.on was arranged bv ti.P A.., • • ^* """'^ ^t this time an ex- stone to which, wS boldly st «"«".' '"^1^' ^^"^'^^' '^e stepping- Ticonderoga, on May 10 I775 LT'^'r^J'^^,?^'''^^^' capture of I'hthe name ofthlGreatjJ^^^^^^^^ ^"«" who demanded it ==ealous divine in his pulpit prayed « W ^f •".•"'"'"^ Congress." A |us let them have fightin..^enou„h T '. ^"■"^'f .''«^«°^"^ies will fight Jliither, sink them Lor"d u f\ } '°'?. '°''^'''"« ^''^ on their way fponJed Amen, let th^e, Jt/at \lt glnTugh"''^ "^' ^^^^^ "^^^^ - Z.«;i^ !'■„„ ^^^,„ to Philip Van Renmlaer. ..T.?'J- " ^^"^ York, 8th August 1775 ^^p^^r^^::z^- ^T ^---' --He Nr hundred and fifty Harrel^fPoTs^^^^^ I'T'' ^""^"^^d that f Connecticut, their 'ordert e ve it1;71?{^^^y^-7,?-"bl« [ N. York, August 8th, 1775. Oi de'-ed that ^r l^'-ovincial Congress huested and he is hereby reouestedbv Jl" n '""*"■ -^'""'"l^^le be " ^ ^'■"^ ^'opy from the Minutes " John McKesson, Secry." 42 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. " I have takf-n and sciul you A List of What is on Board as Near As I can ic(;ollcct, you'll bo good enough to ceep our Salt Separate as it lays in the Sloop. * * * ^, Your Friend and Humble Servant, «' Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Albany." Leon" V. Buren. Leonard Van ^uren to PJiilip Van Rensselaer. c< Dear Sir, " ^ew York Aug 25th 1775. " After sending home our Sloop, I left New York on my Journey to Governor Trumbull in Chonectukitt, and in going inquired about Pork found it very Kcarsc, it being allmost all bought up by their Commisserys, which I Inform'd the Governor, he gave me a permitt to buy pork, but said could give me no order on the Commissery for one Barrel pork, but ho give me a Letter to one of his Chieff Commisserys, for him to use his pleasure, that Commissery told me it was not in bis power to give me a Barrel of that which was brought, but would send an Express Immediately back to Gov. Trumbull, which he did, and desired me In the meantime to go to Dunberry to one Jno. McClean to buy as much as possible and he would there let me know at Dauberry. I waited one day for tlie Commessarys Express & Bought upwards of Two hundred Barrels pork & left Eleven hundred pounds in Cash Lawfull money with Jno. McClean for him to Buy the four hundred & fifty barrels and Pay it in full & it | should be Repaid by us. the pork he was to have sent by water to New York. I proceeded my Journey to N. York and could not Learn onel word of our Sloop. I sitt Sail With Capt. Clutt on Intent to meet our Sloop or find her at Albany but coming in Maver-straw mett peter Bradt About sunsett who Informed me that our Sloop was then behind him about 2 hours Sailing, I being Afraid to pass her in the Night Stept on Boord of peter Bradts and Arrived again In N. York the 24 Instant where now wait very Impatiently for our Sloop not knowing what can be the Matter with our Sloop. Mr. Robert Yates and Mr. Jacob Cuyler now Inform me that the Express sent by the aforesaid Commissery to Governor Jonathan Trumbull was from there sent to General Washington for his orders, and he has sent Express that Pork must be had Immediately the full Quantitjj you desired and sent to the North River by Land and not by Water whicii[ I Judge Will be some where in the high Lands, but will be farther In[ formed by the next post. " On my Arrivall from haver Straw in N. York I was Informed of tliel unhappyAfFair of the Yorkers and Captain Vanderpott, the Citizens beinji on the Battery to take away the Cannon, and the Capt. of the Asia \d\ had Information that Afternoon of some Bad person, placed his boat nii,'li the Shore to give him a Signall as he Afterwards had wrote himself to the! 31ayor of the City, the Boat fyred one gun, One Company of ours madel thought they fyred ou them and gave the Boat a full Volley and onlyj killed one, the Captain then began to fire with Cannon, he then woundeiil 3 of our men very slightly, hit in several houses. No more now ft'l want of Room and time. ., Leon^ Van Buren. " Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq. Albany." "The Committee of One Hundred, guided by the popular will and perl ceiving a resort to arms to be inevitable ordered Col. John Lamb, wlil was then a captain of artillery, to remove the canuous from the iriaufl ! ; Legacy of Historical Gleanings. battery and the fort, and take the 43 to tho'Lattery at nin J^.llonT^^^^^^^ He proceeded accompanied by a bo3y o ei zens fn l"^' '^" twcnty-third of August, Vandeputofthe^^ infLneToffi ^'''?!}''''^ '"' '^''''"»- ^^^'^p"'^^'" filled w'ith armed t;' to wS th ^ Sf'^^J?^^'"?*' ^"^ « ^-go musket ball was indiscreetly so t nn,.? J r ^ ''^" ^'""^ appeared, a sons on the barge, ir^^-r^d^'u ^^ ^^^JT----'!-^ ^7" bar-e hastened to the Asia be'irin.-- /ounl i T -f, , '^•^' ^^''<^" *^ho That v„,„el opened her .K^ao^ 'S., To ,S '£ b"all' T"'''' ||«,.k ,„ecc8.,e„. I,a,„b onicrca 'the Jru,„. to b„'t „ °°m ,1 „ I'r" T V 177Pi' T „ II "j^"''i„uorca walls on the mciiiorab e Decpmhpp of smoke as Beeoy u a ■ Juml ebud "Ld'^ ; ie „«„w ?" .""f " ,"'' " tattle „v„ for o„. !a:," l"'" 'd „ iEon"" 1 S "="" "?'"■""' t:i» - :t' .^tn,tr ■:? t- :r £ S^^^^^^ scenes preceding and attending the battle and The subseauont 1. "§ foreboding that pervaded the counfrv " „f /L • i."^?^^"'^"'^, S^oom and the rigors"of thaf cold cl dian wSert mr^f";',""""'^ ^''^'^T' -A wa, the :S"i,,'rh 't'war etrbv°Ge„"7''f """e''^ °"f « il 44 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. brniiirlit to Now York fov ititonncnt, Cols. Nicholjis Van Kensaclaer and •' I II A >M li« I wore IniiKiri'd j/all-beiirers. Tlie Ibllowinjj letters to my iiKitliei'.s Intl. or — I'liilip Vjin Jvensselnor — descriptive of the capture of St. Johns, Chanibly and Montreal are interesting not "iily from recording these events, but they show the peculiar style of writing in those early days, one hundred years ago. These records of the past "are dingy and discolored by age and the letters almost undistinguishable from the accumulated dust of years." James Van Rensselaer to. Philip Van Remselaer. " Pear Sir, " Ticonderoga, Aug. 29, 1775. " I arrived this morning and should liave gone on across the Lake, but tlie ]5ad Wt-ather has prevented us. I can inlorm, that of our Army a large part is Already pushed on past Crown-point and we shall follow with the greatest haste. I expect to be in sight of St. John's in Less then Ten Days ;Vom this time we shall not wait for the Troops at Albany, their De- lay will be too Long for us to Wait for them. I believe any things you will have for me will be in Vain to send. You must not expect to hear from me before the reduction of that place. My Compliments to All Friends. And I remain Dear Sir, " Very Affectionately Yours, „ ^, . "James Van Kensselaer. " For Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany." James Van Rensselaer to Philip Van Pumsclaer. " Dear Sir, " Isle Aux Noix, 14 Septr., 1775. " You no doubt have heard of our attempt to attack Saint Johns, on the sixth we landed within Cannon shot of the Fort under a brisk Fire without the least hurt from them. We found ourselves in a Thick swampy woods where our advanced purty Commanded l)y Major Hubby and Cant, iMead were attacked by about 100 Indians Commanded by Capt Tice which lasted a Considerable time : our loss is 5 killed and eight wounded 6 ot which are since dead. Major Hobby and Captain Mead are among the wounded, by certain accounts the Loss of the Enemy is six killed and numbers wounded. Capt. Tice is among the wounded. Since which General Montgomery has made a second attempt with 800 men. On their Landing they killed one Frenchman & Two Indians; but the behaviour ot our J roops on the discharge of a Few Dooms of the Enemy is such that I should Blush to name it, they lletired with the greatest Confusion, lo day we received a Letter from Mr. James Livingston by which we Learn that he with a number of Canadians have had an lugagement witli Ills [erased by tune and the mice.] Twelve of them, upon which it was this day Reso ved in the Council of War to send off one Hundred men with about riurty Canadians that were here to Join Livingston, when General Montgomery with the remainder of the Army about 1100 Stron" IS to proceed down to-morrow to Saint Johns. I hope we shall succeed I but it I am«to Judge from the behaviour of our Troops on the Two Late attacks, I have but Little hopes of entire success. Your Brother Nicholas is well and in very high spirits _ Friday 11 oclock at nnjlu, in haste. General s'chuyler's" state of Health IS such as I behove will be attended with Great Danger, he leaves to- Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 45 morrow for Ticonderoga which is a f.rp,.f n- (Vnnplimeut. to your"Fa,„il^ a^d "inZ'^r^^'^'T' JV^" ^^^ '''"'^ and am yours &c &o. "" -^'lU'ring l^r.ends. Adieu Dear Sir "To Mr Philip Van Rensselaer at Albany/"'^ " lo the care of Mr. Walter Livin/Jw JAiMEs V. Rensselaer. " Ocneral Schuyler had issuprl .. o,,;^ vi St. Johns was garrisoned by the whnlo rl 1 i," ■ '"'«rmed that with the excep^on of onl/fifty ,Ln ' ? ^' • -''' ^'''' '" ^'""^^^^ CMeton, but all this proved to be untrie In '" ^^""''"•^'^^ ^^ «^»«'--l health General Schuyler was obliged to rH In " ^^'"1"'"''' «^ '^''^^^^ iH Montgcuory. After'his return to T LVn "2,? 1'^' ''""""'^ ^"^ ^-'-^^ in- re-enforcements to Isle Aux Nniv ^ ^ '. • '^'" ^^^'^^ '» forward- devoted >.i"-li;zcalousi;rothe mana .;„T:ntTf LVa^^ 'T ^'''^-- departments. It was, indeed fortin'.r? 1 ^^^ ""^''''^ >" ^'e northern turned to Ticondero.; at that S ' rj? • /''"'^ '^"' ^«''"^'«r »•«" with the forwarding'of prov s Ins in th ['^ '^''^ *'''"^' connected on the way by neglect or Fnd nee -' Mr T ' V ^'T/'^^'' ^"'^ <^<^^-i°ed 746 and died in mO. He mar'ried 1 ;/? If ^'" J^^ns^elaer was bora KIsie Schuyler. ''"''''^ ^'^^ Catharine Van Gortlandt, 2d Jamea Van Henssdaer to PMlip Van Renmlaer. " m"; ^'"'"^ = " ^^"'P before St. Johns^e Octr 177^ huv me I -i;por.on"r;;;;et^: E S CYm ""'T 'Y'- ^^y^ «- tii; .^■Klitoutofmind maybe tueTwr"^"' '''" ''''^ «^i''"^' out of that St. Luke La Co^e I ^De "r d rCon?" "'^ P'f «"- '"form you Pnncipal Gentlen.en of MontrethpfrM /-■""'" V'^' "« '» behalf of M-pnirie. WehaveDispuc dt; Sl,p^^^"^' - ^° '^'" "^^'"''"^ ^ w.tli them on our part. We honl 1^ V '"" «" J^'-^J^r Rrown to Treat jvncethe ('anadian' that we a^ ^Jus^^^^^^^^ will be a means to con 'I'^'-r Ju.st rights and Libertie The G ,r Ln f"lf '^'r'? ''''''' ^bem to •surrounded, the Canadians ar?Entrenchin 'r.f 1 " '^"S"'^ '^ completely oppo,site to the Fort where thov-^ V ^^ m''' ^^''^ ^^'•^e of the River f"-7'.« Ve..els Col: Bedo Iht' N ^ ^ ^^.o "^m" "^ /« "--3^ ^be J^aprame and the General on the Soutlf W A Vi ^^'}' '*^'"'"^'- ^' nco of Fnendship from the CauVhnawa..a 1^, 1^'' ^u^ " ^ """^ber Assur- I'ave a 13 inch Mortar playing o"rt"eS/v'"''p ''''''^- ^« «ball Plonty of provisions wi have^he e of" .H kLk^"" ^?"?.' ^'^"^'^^'^'^ ^Imt >:'^'> way to support our Army Your rI h'"'"' • '"• ^""*'^'^"^ '» '^e UareDaylyin J^^xpectution of aReenfiro^lf %'!nn" f^'^''' ''ealth. -■•oga, when shall muster 2000 w^e^^^T.f.^^^^'" ^'•«'" l'«"»- P^nomy out off their hold. Re assured H,; -uu'' ^^ ^^le to force our un Cssyou write me and .^ive L a oml """ ^^ ^'^'' better to you P'nends and particularly tfyou Spote. nd?''n ^^^^.Co'"Pli".ents to^aS regard Your most Obd[ Humble C^'nt ''''^"'' ^'^'^ ^''e greatest "To Mr. Philip V. Rensselaer." " '^''''^^ ^- Rensselaer. 46 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. James Van Rensselaer to Philip Van Rensselaer. " Dear Sir " ^'''"P ^^^^"^^ St. Johns, 23 Octr., 1775. " The Enclosed is a list of the Gentlemen Taken at Chaniblie. I hope you will show them all the kindness in your power. Major Gansevoort [Peter Gansevoort], is still very weak. I hope to Leave this by the fir3t of next month altho : the Army may Take up their Winter Quarters ia Canada. My Compts to all Friends. " I am Dr. Sir yours &c., " James V. Rensselaer. " To Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq., at Albany, " In favour of Major Stopi'ord." " A List of Officer's names, jirivafes &c. — Major Stopford, Capt. Price, Oapt. Godwin, Lt. Ilauier, Lt. Harrison, A Sur<^eon, Lt. Shettleworth, Capt. Alye of the Schooner, Comniis. McColough. 76 privates. " Spoils taken at Chambliefhe IS th Inst. — 80 Bar. of flour, 11 of Rice, 7 peas, 6 Butter, 134 Bar. of Pork, 7 do Dam, 124 Bar. Gunpowder or 6 Ton, 300 Swivel shot, 1 Box of Musket shot, cartridges, 150 French Arms, 3 Royal mortars, 61 Shells, 500 Hand Grenades, 8' tand of Royal Fusileers, 83 Accouterments of do, A Large Quantity aval Stores, &c. &c., for 3 vessels, 5 French prisoners Taken at Longueuil." James Van Rensselaer, Esq., was aid-de.camp of General Montgomery. When General Carleton was informed of the capture of Fort Chauibly, he immediately left Montreal with a strong re-enforcenient for the garri- 1 son of St. Johns. With energetic power he embarked upon the river St. Lawrence in bateaux and flat boats, and attempted to land at Longueil, a mile and a half below the city. Colonel Seth Warner, with j three hundred Green mountain boys, was on the alert in the neighbor- hood, and lay in covert near the spot where Carleton was about to land, He allowed the boats to get very near the shore, when he opened a j terrible storm of grape shot upon them from a four pound cannon, which drove them accross the river. The Canadians were greatly alarmed at allj the warlike preparations before St. Johns, and many fled, but a declara- tion was sent assuring them that the Americans intended to act only I against the British forts, and not to interfere with the people or their religion. Fort Ciiambly. General Montgomery had been informed by some of the Canadianj gcov.ts, th; we have of Capt. Ogden a Gentle- man from the Jerseys, who attended Col. Arnold. I hope you will Treat General Prescott with Disdain for his Barbarous Treatrient of our friends in this Town. And also to poor Col. Ethan Allen who is shipped for England and Loaded with Irons. Your Brother is in good health and will attend the Army. My Compliments to all friends, and I remain Dr. Sir, your most obt. Hum. Servt, " Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Albany. " '^^^^^ ^ ^^ Kensselaeu. •' Col. Ethan Allen had been sent a few weeks before the taking of St. Johns by Gen. Montgomery to arouse the Canadians in favor of the re- bellion. He was induced to make an attack upon Montreal but was captured with thirty-eight of his Green-mountain boys, and sent to Eng- land in irons. Allen deserved his fate for his rashness and disobedience of orders. Still, he was very near capturing Montreal with the small party he had led in advance, as was subsequently admitted by one of the British officers. When Colonel Prescott learned by conversation with Allen, that he was the same man who had captured Ticonderoga, he was greatly enraged, threatened him with a halter, and ordered him to be bound hand and foot in chains with an iron bar attached. A body of troops commanded by General Arnold was ordered to march to Canada, by the river Kennebec, and through the unexplored forest. Aftt suffer- ing every hardship, and the most distressing hunger while in the wilder- ness, the whole army that remained arrived, on November 9th, at Point Levi opposite Quebec, after one of the most wonderful niarehes on record during the space of two months, and was soon joined by General Mont- gomery. Quebec, which was commanded by Governor Carloton, was im- mediately besieged. But there being little hope of taking the town by siege, it was determined to storm it on the last day of the year, December 31st, by attacking Quebec on opposite sides. At 5 o'clock in the morn- ing. General Montgomery advanced against the lower town. He passed the first barrier, and was just opening to attack the second, when the dis- charge of a wall-piece from a neighboring house stretched Montgomery lifeless on the bloody snow, together with his aid-de-camp, Captain Mc- Pherson. The death of Montgomery was deeply lamented, he left on the rock of Quebec his blood, and to his country the legacy of his fame. Arnold also was completely disabled by a musket-wound and retired about three miles from the town ; after the arrival of General Wooster he re- turned to Montreal. Meanwhile Gen. Carleton, being re-inforced from England by troops under General Burgoyne, the Americans were obliged to make a hasty retreat, pursued by Burgoyne, and the whole army by July 1st were finally driven out of Canada." Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 49 Jame, Van Ile>.selaer to PkUip Van EensseU^r. Dear Fr.end Head Quarters, Montreal, Jau\ 27th 177fi Wooster, that I was desirous of^olrd^^rT? i ^"''^^ "" ^^"^'•'^l Lameness sent xMr. LockwooH hw y " . ^"* 'i*^ liad during mv Quebec and Insisted oT mylJ -"nU Shlf' ^"1 '« ^'^^ ^-^al du! not Arrive but two days befme^h 77 "'^ f' ^^ returned j iho General. Since which time^ the tusi': ^f''"'- '^"^ ^^''^^ of our brave to the Canadians of the Several pariZs^hodl d ^""l^r ^^^^'-'-ions has employed our time so Effectuallv 517^ ''°"' "'*^"' *^«^" Officers, moment to ourselves. Which I can -.«« ' ''Y' ""' ''"^ ^^«'«»re for a the Canadians in order To secure tlir"' ^'" '^"•^ " '^'^ ««"J ^ff'^ct oa t e Cunning Artifice of thePie f nd "orL'"'"'"'- ^«^^'^h«^anding Merchants in this Town who have ointlv dc^^ S P^'-t'cularly the Scott^ excue the Country to take up A^s a - us'^'J^ ''1'"^' ' V^^^"" P^^^'' f fu.sed the people who are our fWends th^ri.,/ ^"i"^ ^uve absolutely re- spirits of our Distressed Army is leltlv rl^ ".f '\^'' ^^'''^^- The I l^'TTJ''"^ ^''^--huseti gott'un"^ Trll'/ '^' \''"^^' «^ ««»^« I f the 3hhtary Chest by Capt. Erandlr ^k' "^!? ^^ '^' ^"'^"1 have sent about 250 men to tL .«i.f .• ° ''*''^'' <^entlemen. We day or two the remainder of he ZTZI'IT ^""'^ "' ^"^bec, i^a sisting of about lUO men who are n nnJ ^'"''''■' ""'^ *« Uiarch, Con- there. They are Determined to hi. ""'"''• ""^^ ""^^ ""^^PPy Affair efore they Quit the Ground they no^ ZZT^" ■ \' '^?-'^- perish you or any men in our Country to con.i^vlTh '^Jardly possible for dergo. They are obligd to be on Tan . ^'u '^ Hardships they «„' Continually Laying on^he'- Arms.^ The St^i; "'^l^^ ^^^ ^'^^y «"« very severe and what's still worse the stitZ f n""u ^ ^"''' ^^^^^^^ gold or silver will answer herr rTnl ^ ''^ ^""'^ «« nothing, but Q-rter should underSe tTbrin"!." TrOu^ntir; t".^^^"^" ^--V" aud take Continental Currency in pavLnt I ! ^ ;^''"''' ""'^ ^'««d«, and Bfother Harry should undert S^^^^ thought that if yo J very sure that you would make vnnt f /^ "° ^^ *''^ '^'^d that I am good Liquors to be had here Snintsnf'nT '" V^'"^ ^^^ort time. To h -^'^ shillings. Rum from 10 to '^ t T "'"' ^"''"^^ ^« ^^'^ ^^om 16 ;« your parts can afford to Contey ^ot "s t Z.'^ '"^ ^''^^ °« P^r««« ranta-e and w th greater i^o,'u,-\tJ S ? P''*^^ '» so great an ad Jnight ago this day As T ..m .. • j ,, ^' ^i^ebec, wh ch is a fnrf ICauadal am ordered at soon -^ ??"' ^^"''''' ^^^'**^'^'" '« thi« W i^- h" to Quebec whi:hri bVt ^irs:^ ''"^'p^ ''^- ^-^"-" Jwill not hear from me for some ti.no n f **"' "^^^herefore you Ijour Lady and the ynnm/T T .' P'°'''^ *^ P'^^'sent my Comnt/f. Ireturn T h-. ^oung Ladies and to a I friends Tf .„ ''^ i ,? '" In 7" ^ nope our Brave friends will hi "^'"?^- ^^ we should ever |Cutte. I am Dear Sir Tours &c ''^'''^'^- ^ ^ave reed the Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. Albnnv n'^^''^^ ^- Rlnsselaeh. Albany 60 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. " As soon as the news of Ooncrul Montjj;oiiiery'8 death reached Congress, resolutions of condolence witli his family for their bereavement, and ex- prcsHive of their grateful remembrance and rcwpect were adopted." " In England his name was mentioned in Parliament with singular respect. The minister acknowledged his worth saying : ' Curse on his virtues, they have undone his country.' " The following letters to my mother's father, Philip Van Rensselaer, commissary of military stores of the Northern Department, show that the citizens of Albany were engaged in transporting provisions and other articles, and that " Hum was one of the principal items of tratfic not only with the Indians on the frontiers of New York" but also to the army. Teunia 2* Van Vechten to Philip Van Reumlaer. " Dear Sir : " Montreal 9th Feb : 1776. I arrived hero this Morning safe with all my Cargo, but find the price of Hum much different from what we heard it was. I find on encjuiry that N. York Rum sells at G.s. and w. j. at 10s. per Gallon. Mr. Walter Liv- ingston advises me if I have a chance of selling the whole, at that price, to take it by all means, upon which I have been to General Woster aud Gave him the offer of the whole, the N. York at 7s and the W. Indes at 1 l.s, upon which he has promised to give me an answer to Morrow. Goods I find so high here, that I doubt whether 1 shall purchase any only trifles that was sent for, Chocolate, brown Sugar, and Madaire Wines, I tiiid very high hero. The former sells from 5.s to G.s. by the Rox,but I doubt whether it will answer to send any of those articles up, as there are some Merchants from this place gone down, who I make no doubt will bring up a great quantity before you can send any up, however you must do as you think best, I have no time to enlarge at present, but shall give you a Chapter by the next Slays and am in haste. " Your Most Hble Servt., Teunis T»Van VECUTtN. " To Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Merchi : Albany. Teunia T» Van Vechten to Philip Van Rensselaer. " Dear Sir : Montreal 11th Febv : 1776. " In my last I wrote you that Rum was much cheaper here then we ex- 1 pected, and that I had given General Woster the offer of the whole we have here at 7 & lis. and Yesterday I waited upon him at his own request I to know whether it would answer for him to take it, he seem'd to have an inclination to take it, but had some objections to the price of the lis, and said if I would let him have it at 9,s. 4^/. he would take the whole. I then told him I would take 10 & 7s. which he seem'd to have no ob-l jections to, but desir'd I would go with him to Price & Ilaywoods whom he had appointed Contractor for the Army which I did and after some discour.se upon the Subject, they appear'd to be glad of the offer, and intimated as much, as that they would be glad to take the whole at the price the General offer'd, which I meant to have taken up with, if he would give no more, but before I left the House, the General, 3Ir. Price & Haywood were called out of the room one after the other, and when [ they came in again, the General told me if I would take 6s. for the N. York he would take it, but the lis. he did not want. I told him I would I not take less than 7s. & 10s. and so left them. It appears very clear to me that there is a Combination amongst the Merchants of this place Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. gj (in which some others may be coneern'd^ nr.f * ;!- v.ow „r,nttinK it at their own prL\ut I ar'^ T '"m 7'"' ^'^'^ tiiko no advantage of mo and nip..n .. * 7 "'" a«tormin'd they shall J'irok Swart corner up^^^d J^l i" ;Ll?"f^;''^"''''"'^" ''-/""'il' '.oth.n,,' down by the Slays for wa t of ^ .Z ' t '" '1""^ ^ l^-'vo sent ,, „i ■!• ir ^"'^"""■'^ ai» Vours, &c., ° ^- 1 Inlip VaD Rensselaer at Albany." " '^^^ma T" Van Vkchten." 1770, February 12 — Mr Pl.;i;», it- « 3 Muskets at 7^ ^^" ""'^^^'-' «' ^^ Henry Oothout. 4 do & 3 cunHdye Box;;;;;.::;::::: ^le • ^^ XT ry , £26 : 10 ilfr. liobert Ray to Philip Van Renmlaer. iis soon as he Comes to town T i 7 ^Livingston's Hum for you • that article in 2 or 3 weeks thpn?'° '"' o'"'^ '^^ P"«« "mentioned of I less shall purchase for you 'nt Sm'i T' "' ^*"- ''^^ '^ ''^ ^'" ^ake that or Joe^ed up'this 2 montL ; ;n7l'd ' 'tTn;" Tf' " 1' ^''\^r ^^^^ b-» town : howevpr sli-ill v.. • , Know it there be a hhd in 9i.M ;„ 1 If I find ^^y I ^^si -;:::::: ^^' ^^^'^^^j^, ofDehvering it at Albany, for S^a e in d.il ^^ .'" ' '"'^'^ ^'^^ ^^'^ue C..y knocked down and burned by tLe Me; i^f Jf^^'^'^t'^" »^' having our are moved out of town : and at least half tZf n V" ' """'^ "'^ ''^^ ^^^^'^^^ p.ng HO that we are a Complete rrwL? '^' 'Y' ««"« ""d others Jere from Connecticut and £'« C ''" ' ^ ^'V' ^500 Soldiers hrom Connecticut are at KinS^e I T ^''o ^^^^ "ore troops ICounK-« ,>„.„„i,:^_. , ... ^'"osonage and many Company's from the |yo« n.y Judg^o^-cii^^iin^,;;;^;^;;-;^' -;th to jSl[;:rrs 'ou.se for me and would lay Vn^sone wood .°''^'"'%7«» ''^ve Secured a Ifreeinly oblige to you I SlioL M c7 ^^ "'^ = ^"'' ^'^ich I am ex- %i". wiirnieetiith good Sh;^fZr^'^^^-«'-- first in tl'e J«'ver. observe Cousin J^et^evq^n "J f"?'^' ^"^ ^'^""'vs up the (pare us all for the like Chan'', f '' '^''^ "^° ^^"''^ -' ''^P^ will pre- h^V Uall : which is?g3e. "thlVpaVM: d' f ""'^ V ^--''' I't lie Chuses to take it here ^^^ • ^^"^ker.son the Money l^'roM Connecticnrnrr """ ."^'-'^eys : Just now hear ] ISOOO troops- T wll V • '^ ^'^"1 ^3^ Saturday ni-1 k'n' Lee bre-isTro. "//""t''^ '"'' '' i'^^' P'^ee •• to bo« nK;^^^?":^^^...^':'^--'^ fro- -?th to Ea, nni 62 Leoacy of Historical Gleanings. dolo with liiin in tlio Iosh of \m I)au>;liter. I bog you will piiBh John lloft' (MoHC to get tliiit order paid. " I am Respectfully Sir V Most Ilumbl.' Servt. "Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer." " ^^""'^' ^^'^^• liiekard Yatct to Philip Van Iten»»elaer. iigjp "New York, the 16 February, 1776. " I have already wrote you p' thiH Post, since which I aiu favoured with yours of the 23 Ultimo by w' [ observe you had sold four Chests of Tea 80 as to f'-'ut 4 ». G, p' pd and that you should be able to gett me hard money for the whole wch I take very kind. I observe you expected it would be all Sold in a few Day.s, that Article is now bccoiiu! very Scarce here and the price is Risen. I havea Parcell on Hand wch I will dispose of whenever I can obtain a Suitable Price, if the price advances with you lett me know and I can Supply you either from here, K; opus. Red Hook or Pougbkeepsy. I have no other Jjiquor for Sale than Madeira Wine, you may have as much as you want, on the Terms mentioned in the other Jjctter. If you want any Sweet Oylc I can supply you, it is (!hoice jjood, if you Can Sell any for me 1 will .«end you as many dozen Quart liottlcs as you please. 1 now inclose you Robert Iloaksleys order for P^leven Tons of the first Quality of Pearle Ash w'' I desire you'l receive and keep it till further orders, pray Inform me the Price of Pearle & Pott Ash. I would barter any thing I have gott for those Articles provided the price is Moderate. Can any quantity of Reeze Wax be gott and at what Rate. I have a few hbds. of Red Wine in the Hands of Mr. Morvin. I should be glad you could help him to a Purchasor, lett me hear from you p"" first Post or other Good Conveyance, and keep all the money untill further orders. " To Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. " Your most hum' Servt " Richard Yates. Abraham P. Lott to Philip Van Rcnnsclaer. u Sir . " New York, Feby 16th, 1776. * * * «. or tali.y, thoj wore for a onrtiu e n ^T^t '! vff \^ unexampled nlor- Tim, toothomiHfbrtunowLh hTdtakL^' '•\''V'*''J'' "*' dc«poration. ."iles above Montreal, a pit occu Jifd bv^r ^ "t the Cedars, about forty In,li,M.,s were led l-y ThCiS n^« K ! "^'"^ ^"'- ^'"rloton's exortodhimsdttocontrKe "Zn/ T^ ''""^^- ^"P*"'" ^^rant prisoners. Amon,. thl JaUor w^ (W ^""''t"/ *»'«/" '"'■^^"'•« «^' ^ho McKinstry of Liv'in,«to: m" no.rwho^tnTlnli" a' o"^'"^''^' ('?'• occasion and was rescued from torturfl bv .?° l"'*7^d » fuipany on that The very nameof this celebrlTeh ofaVnn" '"'^.'"''''''^'""''^ «^ ^^"'»t- the country into confusion lMb;«\? "'"V""/^ """' '^"""S^ *« t'lrow don,inatin/lunj.ua.^ Z torriLd fr'/'^^" f^e Z?«^cA was the pre- certained t^nt the CrVof brani^ b" 1 ""'V^^'^'W'-'/ ^h«" ^hey^s- breakinj, out of /ire cL UrTn . ?.! ' ''"'i^ '"dicated the accidental and atrocities of that^i ^ nmrd ^'oft^'V"^ «*'' ^^e/oul murders execution of which the ToriosTere morn t f'l V*""™."" ^"'""^' "' "'« whom were dispatched and scIp I H " "' *''"" **'" ■'"^^«f''««. «" of years' captivity of youm^ (iroi of S, if ^«^"ffe°t'"K, story of the thirty Au incident, however, '^.ccurrdaf 531?'^^; «^^«/\'J "^.^ributed to him^ credit. After the en^uy had denart!? ""' ""''"'^ '' ^''^^''^ ^^ »^i« I'usband and several ot^er Lmbers of'.hTT" ?"" '" '^'' ^''''' ^h»«« was in an a^ony of .'rief rPnrlS ^ '*'"''^ ^^'"'^ missing. She which had been^t'tc&l'thera^^^^ ''y!'' ^«" "*' ''^ '"^-^ l-e officers at Gen. Kobert vl Rensseh'er'. ^ V ' "^^* '"«"'ing. while fast, a young Indian warrior oLk- • ''""J^"''""'"'*"''^ «'«''e at break- in.' in L anns an inS and l^^"';"'!'"^' '"^1 ''''^ ''T '"^^ ^ «^«- l'«="- -"din.M.ficerofthorebd ruy,: "eS oi ii,y runners, the child which ho w II ^ r i^"* ' ^^^n^^^ou by one whatever others may do I do not m-S '' '^'"' ^°" '"'''^ know that am sorry to say that I have thot p^ / "»?? ^'"''" """^ '^''^''^'-en- I are more savagLhan the L^ger he'S;'s '^'^mX ! ^'^ ""'^^' ^'^ approaching a crisis • thp «n;t;f '''''"^^'^^^- Matters were now rap dly flame; a da^rk and bloody clTud washo:r- '"'"^ ^'l^^^ fanned into a question was soon to be deeirM »• I "^u"""'' ^^"^ •^»'^' ""'^ the great ■uen, whether the r names srouldLni.''' '^^- T"'"^ ^^ «'^^«« ««• ^ree- or banded down to jre u is th^ ''^ '"^^ Capt. Wilkinson Waracdvein 1^,0^7.7 '^, * "" Tu'''^' ^Mle Canada he was 'suddenly struck d.rwnK . f '^"x-^"' "^^'« «^»tion in hvi"' f?'eat violence, aid swept off Zro^? ^^ ' ^'^ ' "'^''^ ^'''-'^^'^ "As soon as I could bear the^ltion of '"' '''""f "'^ '^^^ «"'' ^'•^"P^- 54 Legacy op IIidTORicAL Gleanings. Ilubhard Drown to Philip Van RcnMelaer. »«gir^ " Ticoiul()i()j!;ii Murdi 5th 177(5. " I hiivo this Instiint received yours of the 24th of February, shall take the fust opportunity to Seiiu all the arms both at this and Crown Toiut with the Casks and barrels of Wnm according; to your Order. '• I urn Sir, your Humble h' )rvt, «' To Mr. Philip Van Renssehier. llunnAUi) UiioWN." Uuhhard lirotm to Philip Van ItciicMdaei'. "Dear Sir, Tioouderoga March 6th 177(5. " 1 happened to be at Mr. Adam's when I received your letter. Made Immediate intjui.y for your Rum, found it safe, hired Mr. Adams to Put it on his Slay and Carry it to My Store, think myself happy that it lays in my Power to oblif:;e you. " 1 am dear Sir, at any Time, Yours to Command, " lIllUnAUD IhlOVVN." Abraham P. Lott to Philip Van ReuMelaer. «( Sir: "New York March 7, 1776. " Whereas I have Partly Aj^roed to Supply the Army here. Shall be in want of a Quantity of Peas. Which you will Pleas to Purchas about live or si.K hundred bussells, on my Act. '. itt them be good boylin-j; peas, and Send two hundred bussell by the first Oppertu.iity. liOtt the Capt: Land them at the North River. What Teas you have on hand of mine you Will not Sell lioss then 5,s. pr lb as it Sells here for that Prise by the Chest. Mrs. Lott, Miss Phelu is Well ct Desire to bo Remembred to your Wife it Aunt Kj,'borts family, they are in tho Garyes [Jerseys ] Sir, I llemain your friend to Serve, " Aiiivi. P. Lott." " Mr. Philip Van lienssolaer. Merchant in Albany. liichard Varick to Philip Van Rensselaer. " Sir : " Head Quarters Albany March 28. 177G. "You will be pleased to deliver to the IJearcr hereof Mr William McGea of Capt Peter's Company of IJatteauxmen, three Hogsheads of Oakham, twenty Barrels of Pitch and all the Rope you have "n Board belongiii!; to the Public to i)c carried up to this Place Immediately. "1 am sir Your Humble Servant «' By Order of General Schuyler." CiA^ct^ This Order was sent by Philip Van Rensselaer To the officer on Board of the Ves.sel in which the Public Stores are ladeu who has the| same in Charge from New York to Albany." lleceived Froai on Board of the Sloop l*eggy & Betsey. Daniel Fur- gerson Master. March 29. 1776, 20 Barrels Pitch. | do Cap. Peters j do pr Capt. Clute 1 Turpentine ) Barrels Pitch do " k a parcel of loose Oaknm. GlilliUTT J. LANiriNiili, t';ipt " 31, (( 15 «« 31, ti 34 k 4 :)ril 1 ii 12 5 u 10 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 55 " Richard Varick was a nolonol nf Mm V»„*.i„ t> ox-n a«torIi„f,. patriot, lie admirJd A „« d ^ tt ^'"^l^'i" i" 1777 and war. as l.i,s roording Hccrot r^ O^ \ ^/ ."'^x''"''' ''^^ "'"^« o'' t'>e elctod president of tlfo Au c S mlt ■^T'\f '/•"'"' '^"^^ ''« ^"« July, 1H;{1." ^"I'-'ic.in JJ.blo hocioty. He diod on tho 30th of 00^. soon kftor they an "v^d l^^^ .k^;;?:." .^I^^ ^hI' irt^''^" «'^ " Deiivor'd to r\>ll Ti i . « ," ^''■"^" PO'nt April 2r)th 1776 " Natiii liuEti, Asst. D.Q. M. Goncrd.' ^"'f.f": "Saratuaa 20 May 1770 , account of General Schuyler- when vZt V • i ^ "P^ ^'^"' ^"^ i sendiu. you three or ^^^^1^:^ ^^l' 7jt r'"' "'^"^"•" \'"^P"«« .uch oblige .0 by inquiring Ll^/L'i^lVCeTr'retSrrn.'^" ^'" " I am with respect Sir " Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. "^""' '''^ "^'f ^ervt J^AN : Hale. JiohertBoydtoPJulipVatiRensKelaer. lyou clliLhSKS:: :[S;;5 n"" ."'^"^^ "^r^^^ ^^^^^ r now send |which wi«h sate to Irnd ifd fn ^^d o'dr '^"""^"^ ''" ^^^^ ^-"i- I am Sir, your most Obedt. Hum. Servt., P«3 Tk- -n , . , lioM'. BoVD, Junr. f !»'2. .. a,.„ u,o .„i^r;rs,iti::',,- tiff :'; s;r jTef ^SiM,"/;:"'"- ™ °°° '"'"'" '^'^''^Salos .0 tho firat Continental . <''o»iil'oint26May 1770_I!,™i„,) f r' t • -, P^... o.e. „,■ .„i/p,„„ J-^pt^^z^t:£iiz:^ 66 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Pork, Eleven Muskets, Two Blunderbushes, one forth of a Barrel of Oat Meal, Ten Gallons Molasses, Two Iron Pots, one Ax, one Barrel Salt Together with a number of Towls, Lately taken from the Ruins of the Fort, such as Pistols, Guns & French Spades, Crow-Bars Bill-Hooks Stone-Augers, & Stone-Hammers, the above Kec hear this day if I am to forward them Stores & to whom & if any Person that has wheight of them. I have no Battoes as yet but Can get them. " I am in haste Dear Sir, Your most Hum' Servt. " Philip Van Rensselaer, Esq." " Henri; Glen. In New York, the leaden statue of George III was taken down and converted into bullets for the use of the Continental Troops. On the Ath of July, 1776, upon the report of the Committee, the 13 confederate colonies dissolved their allegiance to the British crown and bo dly declared themselves Free and Imlcpemhnt under the name of the i Thirteen United States of America. The declaration of independence was signed by 56 brave men. Christoplier Yates to Philip Van Rensse'aer. " Sir, ' " Wood Cri-ek, July 15th, 1776. " I Just now Receiv'i the Iron works for the Inglish saw-Mill havint-l rece'i that of the Duch some time ago. I am in want for four Duch Mills saw-files and four Inglish &c. which you may Probably have a Chance of sending with the Iron work for the Barracks and the Store House. wht t,i •,• Tr ^ , "I am Sir, your Hum. Servt Mr. Phihp Van Rensselaer." « Ciiuis- Yates. Tho mills were situated near the cascade on Wood creek. The mouth of the creek is a cascade and ditficult for canoes to outer. Wood creek j rises in Warren county, and flowing by Fort Ann in a deep and slu""ish stream, receives the waters of the Pawlet, and falls into Lake Chanrpfain | at W hitehall or Skeaesborough. Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 67 " The Independant States of New York To 1 Anchor Weighs Sqtr^G'i^ wid,"s?'' ? ?°m' P'^"'" ^'- 1^76, Aug. 2. To lllu..„er.. Tackle Vye4;tLt!^^,G^^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^= « To 1 Cable m Length 50 Fathom & 2J Foot 300 '^ } 406i @ 6d W: 3: 3 Received Albany 231 Nov"" of P Vnr. w 1 ,, ' ^*' ^ Su. of Twenty three pounds, L T^/^^fSr' " ^'''' ^''^'' '^' Cornelius Douvv. „ gjj. Orders to the Armorer. " Mr. John James Bleecker is in want of 3 Guns . « g'.^'o Mr. P. Schujler." John N. Bleecker. his'ii:!::'!^..?:::^'"'" James Bleeeker with three Guns he giving , The Officers of the PuovivrrAr P ^'' Thorn, Lieut. I-ingstonaspreside t;VolS7t)ourvr ^'''' ^'^ ^^-.^ I audllobert Benson, secretaries. ' ^''''■^••^^'^'^^"t; John 3IcKi,ssoa C'«i;<. TFrn. IluU to Andveio Adams. " Dear Sir : rp , ^ J recruited a few days of a f.,tim, 7 \ . . Success. After we had if our Wi„dings)^::i: V^S -n^J^^ t^J- f ^ Miles (tll^ ciu.ped for Action. On the EveniiM^of th.> ^r'/ rn .'?.^^ ^""^'^ ^^y we were Ordered to 3Iarch to a for I'ni.P f n'' ^'^•^°' -5' 177(5) liles iron. Trenton, wher was L eJ ^e';. 7 ' S'^'^^ about 'twelvi As violent a Storm ensued of H „l t i r ""^ J''«»«and Hessians and Infantry all were ^1' ^l^ZZ tX'o' , '?^ ^'•'"'-^ of only twenty one hundred principally Npw i5 ,^,n '''''''' consisting Violent Storm we marched oT^^T^"" ^^t ^^^^'^^ ^" ^'"^ ing we gained all the Itoads le.di n- ?. t ^ '^'«''^ '" ^''^ Morn- (».'ders that every OfficerrW.teh J " H T ^''l"'''"- '"^'''^ <>enl. .,ave of Attack was filed Ju.t at t^ft ^' ''^^ ^^ '''«' ^"'^ ^he 3Io,Ct which fired upon us and ot^ ted ' ' LT T' '? '^"^^ «»^ <^- J -:' Ketreat of the Guards^:! .im od t , ^> r.^ "..'' '\ ^'r^^^^'^ |li"i our Infantry. This contir.n .,1 1 ,^f t 5^^^ ^''"'' ""r i nl ''"' \^T ^'^'■'"■^- ^hi me t e highest Sensation of 'l^sun Co^ i"',''^ iJ«fe^ulariety gave katuhited the Men on next dav i , r I \ V "''""^''^^» I'iuhlycon- ■ g ' ""■- »"Waj3 perceived 68 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. some Misbehaviour in some individuals, but in that Action he saw none, Peuusylvaiiia itsell' is ubli<;ed to aclvnowledge the Bravery of xS^ew Eng'd Troops. 1 have a List from Head Quarters of the killed and taken, which was taken the day after the Action, since which many more have been brought in : I Col. wounded since dead, 2 Lieut. Col", taken, 3 Majors, 4 Capts., 8 Lieuts., 12 Ens'ns, 92 Serj'ts, 9 3Iusicians, 12 Drums, 25 Servants, S42 Privates, 2 Capt's killed, 2 Lieuts. killed 50 privates Six Brass Field Pieces, One Mortar, and about 1500 Stands ot Arms. A large Number of Horses and a vast Quantity of Plunder of every kind. And this, Sir, I will assure you with only the Loss of Six or seven on our Side, this is no Exaggeration but simple fact, 'tis impossible to discribe the Scene to you as it appeared. We immediately retreated across the lliver [Delaware] and did not get to our Tents till next Morning — two Nights and one day in as violent a Storm as I ever felt. What can't Men do when engaged in so noble a Cause. Our Mens Time expired Yester- day, they have generally engaged to tarry six weeks longer. My Com- pany almost to a man. Orders have now come for us to march for Princetown. We have a Humor that it was burned last night by the Enemy, who we suppose are about retreating. Compliments to Miss Adams & Children. Adieu and believe me to be sincerely yours, " Andrew Adams, Litchfield Connecticut." Captain Hull, the writer of this letter, was the Maj. Gen. William Hull who subsequently, August IG, 1812, surrendered the American army at Detroit to the British General Brock. " General Washington, far from being discouraged by the loss of General Lee, had taken a stand on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware. He collected his scattered forces and on the night of the 25th of December (1776) when the enemy were I lulled into .security by the idea of his weakness, and the inclemency of the night, which was remarkably boi.stcrous, as well as by the fumes of a Christmas eve, ho crossed the river, and at breaking of day, marched down to Trenton, and so completely surprised them, that the greater part of the detachment which were stationed at this place, surrendered altera short resistance. Gen. Washington was equally successful in his attack on Princeton and pursued Gen. Cornwullis for some distance. CIIArTER III. Surrender of Burgoyne. My paternal grandfiuhcr. General Hendkick or IIknry K., thecldesti son of Col. Kiliaen Van Rensselaer and Ariaantie Schuyler, was borii[ July 25, 1744. " He was a brave officer, who fought with great .ird and distinction in the revolutionary war. He was in several engage'l meuts during which he uniformly displayed great coolness and courage is j Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 59 trying' scenes." The earlipsf Pvi.lonn^ „ri ■ d fn.lepo„de„ce is a leSr^tf t Co i;^^^ 's.Vr "" ^"'"^"'^ supplies of different kinds for the -^arrisoTn 1. ) '^^' \''i^''^"'S the forts on the Hudson river He did no i • '"'"'"'"^' "' ""'^ «^' enemy while stationed there -but soon ,fV. ' '" contact with the which, though of no very u.lrir" „ '' """'"''^ '" '^ Httle affair. well ti.ned gallantry of a f^vo ^ l.-? r'''''^"*^'^ ^^ ^''"■^'^"'ate the in connection withLs 1 e por^n t^^vie^rn^V'''''"^^ and therefore in- notice: While out with T^.n .?• ' P^'''''P' '"^'^ "'^"fc ^ P^iss- below West Point i'waTd scried t"! !^' "' "^''itia some distLce cavalry, which pursued hira s wt- i VetTr ^^"^ °"^"^'«^ the shelter of a neighboring lo-. hut when th.?v ^ /'•"' '"^ S^^"^ fused to con,pIy wifh the s'unnao s [o ur o dS '^wrerth' '' ''^':^- ..ounte and advanced on foot to com^e hi'mt do so '° w\.^'" iipproached, however f)nnf-iin V..„ t?^ i . ^°- ^^^ they thJ door, and at the pro,S '^0,00,." threwt^'' '"l^'"^ l^t^ "^'^^ '^PP^^i^^ to fire. The order ;v^is iblved wi . Ifi T/'" ^/"ff '^' ^''*'* ^'^« ^^rd the rest fled in disni^raSou-Tit to n ^ ? " •'' 'j;'" «f t'^<^ '^«eiuy fell, their turn now followeVso c oS^h . t^^^^^^^^^^ ^"^ «"'• ^r^^''^ '"«» i" their horses and trust to tLir £ f r V r"/ ''''" '^''°''^ *° "^^^^ J«« in getting away, all the st we^ he S; , ,^"'^ '^^^r "^"'^ '''''''^''^ captain's own particular lb eclin the ol .^ ' .''"""'^"'^ ',' '^'^'^"- '^^^ onheenemy's^leader; it3Lu"st,t e t ;^^^^^^ ^'- P--"^ shot him down after a Ion- run TI.p nV;.. ' i^ ^" "'*^"' ^'^^ all curried to the Americano" n vf V ' p' '^^T' ^"'^ '^""^ ""^'^ fusee to hiu,.elf, W he captTed w? n " ^^'j'f ^''"^r ^ropriated a thi. victory in e;ery subs^iS^expedUr " "' '"^ '^ ^^ ^ ^^P"^^ «f the:Xu'ix,^tsSi";S^j^t^^d ^-n— ^ of General St. Chiir had tho n,nl,lK •^' ■^'.^""deroga, &c, and Major the first scene to the grelt h 'rand .f er ^ 1 / / f ^'"f on had opened all were ready for the w^n wl 1 i the.Av.s^ blood had been spilled Pire. In July\T76 on .resltbli hed'tl '^TT ^''"' '^'' ^'^^^^ ^-^- aiid this great event S.l'urii ' declaration of Independence the -ee^id:;; ;'"ort,/e i;^ if^^ ^'^'-SS\^oa both'sides for preparing for tie recepti n o t^^^",^ /J^i^'" "^-^ T^'^^^^ ^^ ti'um local and nrovin-ial cnntw. t 7r . P", '" '"'"d was turned contest now fiorj ; " /"^f Jj' ilf/p "^ Ti^"^''^ '' '''' ^''-^^t j;-chiefof the E^iish ::^;ny'n'ca: la £^!:;:^t^?r;"'""'^"'^^ Which ^.^>l^y ;;^H^^^^ .^-s ^ it... a matter of surprise to many of the present d,fv ,„]..„:„:. .... peratii I scene previously ibrtified by any one of th pnrtant eh'Vation had never been e occupants of this ancient forti 'ess. 60 Legacy op Histouio/l Gleanings. and indeed, a nej^'loet of the kind uoir ' ,,iid be considered unpardonalle. Hut when the wihl state of the country, the entire want of roads, difficulty of access and the obstacles opposed to sudi ji measure from the broken nature of the fjround, are taken into consideration, the oversie" 0" this oeca.s.on. tho^", i'tU J ; . «f Pfi^'-'^cd no loss of posed situation of the eno, v th -t t^ ^""V'^' ^''""' ^''« "lore ex- i^iout. Col. Hill with heU V^; Let'i ""'T ''"? f "«"«^«d severely, ^vliile the other British relinS; " "" ^'^ptched after Col. Long, about the country to increase thp.nh'^.l'^'? '" ''?'=""^'° detachments Ticonderoga and by the dcff^t o ■(-; 11?^' ^ occasioned by the loss of ton. Col. Long was consdou? l^at ih i 'nrc "r/^"" ^^"^^"••d. troops and that therefor, u. "ctio ti h hi' even seized his own with o.,ual forces • but wif , L;. ' • ' P"''s»ers was impolitic even defeat !vas mor iVcm in vlt th '"r'. ""'"^'^ '''"^ "rde/ of troops a charge,tothearm7"en;enL„tlv„;bl-";'^ j:^^^..at thatL nob,rs^K^:^rt^::^Tr^-; ^i^S^aSS^Sm;;;;.^^ :^r^^^ -^ e promptly when every soldier in his c„mm md II, I f " ' '^'^"''^ ^°'' "^^'^'stance, r' -^ --'t day break o Ju k "''l 77 bi' T'' 1 '". '""''^"'Pf "^ ''''"• 1^'-^ loud din of war" was heard in 'the ^h'.,^ ""^ T^ proceeded far " ere the I'ong's jeopar.ly. \\^ h ed ub^V no"^/'"^ ''"•'"^'^ them of the brave '"areh a„d\vere soon c vi.ced bv the i, ^ •"''"*" ^«^^^P»«'-^ their y the occasional whiz of Ibu let ti f f '""'"^"^'"S ''«" «f ^re arms, and -V nunuont's halt then satisfied Co V iF '"'? ''''"' '^' '''^' "f' ^^attle. • oHhc contending part cad o? his di ^'r'^-'!^'^^}^^-rehti.o position "o^v prevailing enemy. Tl it' se 7 f ^'"'"' " ""'^'''^ '^'^^^' the hj'"^re the foe stood thickes tL, f ""V''' '^^^ °^" ^'«'- J^o«^^^ "'i»"«-l their ranks ,nc,rL..i^''^ ''" ^^"'^'^ among them ^■« li»- tl.e l™k .,r.,„„„u„i "o, ,1 i, m , '""-;'' ""PoJ'ent to pres, (hen,, i™'">;"«i. " The o„o„;r;;i'i;iV!r.,."t'"':":"""'?> '■'"''• ''°™ i """"""=• "'"" »"'■ — "- bob, e.p:,ia:™3 :vi';:/;f"i:'' 62 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. dlans arrivinj; and sotting up the war-whoop, this bein<^ followed by three cheers from the English, the Aiuericims were induced to give way and retreat." As it was, our chief object was obtained, the timely and vigor- ous onset of Col. Van Rensselaer enabled Col. Jiong to move off with his invalids and part of the baggage which were subsequently delivered over to Gen. Schuyler at Fort Kilward. " Our army was in very deploralile circumstances, actually deficient in ammunition" and every neee.s.sary article to render it efficient against the veteran and well supplied invaders. The following extract of a letter from the secretary of Gen. Schuyler, written about this time, proves the want of one of the indispensable articles in our army, viz. bullets, and even of the material to make them. It also affords a criterion to estimate the value of Colonel Long's charge, as that was one of the principal items among the articles saved from the conflagration and enemy's hand : " The citizens of Albany only can supply our immediate exigencies ; recourse must therefore be had to the committee, begging their interposi- tion to collect such lead as is in the city : the lead from windows and weights may perhaps afford a supply for the present. As soon as it is collected, Mr. Rensselaer [Philip Van Ron.sselaer Esq. commissary of military stores and member of the Commitee of Safety, the father of iMrs, Solomon Van llensselaer, and proprietor of the old Cherry Hill estate near the city of Albany] will have it made into ball, and send it up without a moment's delay. Should a wagon be sent off with one box, as soon as it is ready it must be pushed off; also all the buck shot. " I3y order of Major general Schuyler, " J. Lansing, Jun., Secretary." Mr. Lansing was afterwards chancellor of the state of New York. It may be gratifying to learn that this requisition was in every particular complied with ; lead was taken from the windows and shops at Albany and soon moulded into bullets. The contributions from onr patriotic an- cestors in lead, and pewter mugs, cups, teapots and platters, not only enabled the commissary to answer the call for the then " immediate em- ergencies" but to supply a few extra balls for the equipment of some of I the crowd, then constantly flocking for the defense of their country 'j liberty and rights. During the most sevc o part of the conflict, on July 8th " near the narrow pass between some high rocks and the river " in close proximity to the old Fort Ann, Colonel Van Rensselaer in following up | the advantage he had gained over the enemy was desperately wounded tiie efi'ects of which he severely felt through the remainder of his lil'e. lie received a musket-ball in his leg as he was in the act of stepping over a fallen tree. Ti.s ball entered his thigh, broke the bone and glanced up to the hip joint where it lodged and remained for nearly forty years in I his person and could not be traced till after his death. It was then ex- tracted, and found flattened out to the diameter of near an inch, by striking | the thigh bone ; it was almost entirely covered with a white ossified sub- stance. This bullet is still a relic of 1777 in possession of our family. Such a fearful wound, of course, put a stop to his further personal parti- cipation in tlie fight, and threw him on his back behind the mouldurin;; log. Nothwithstanding the agony he suffered now, his country was still uppermost in his thoughts, and perceiving the consternation of the men round him at his fall he called out : " Don't mind me, my brave fellows leave me and charge the enemy, Charge ! charge ! i say." The soUliei.-j Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 63 tiroly mustered on the Vnn Jlen sSr „ ''"""•«'"."'<''" who were en- over'son-cof the finest tro ps of ot rj^^^ T Th^r" IYY "'.^""''-""^ hM ]]ur,op,o in cheek an^nthe . ' a d ".".bled (o^ S^'^'^^^ *^^ move art ery and stores frnm P,.r/o ^°"^''^'' ^'^^- ^''chuyler to re- never occupied the place in the h"storv o ' fl.../ "'f^'^'-'f^''^ action has entitles it to. It occurred a shorim/nr ^"' ^'^'''^' '^' nnpoHnnce resulted in the defeat Ind su'reLV^? T;''"' '" '\^T' ^""'^ ^'"«h toga, and was swallowed u, a"! fb^oetenr^^^^^^ "V' 't^if^ ''^■'''^"■ importance of that '« substantially considered as an indh-ect admSon bv tL p' ''"" fP'''' ^"^ "^'^^ ^-^ But as it was the first chLk heh hftl!,. '"^'»3^,«^ ^heu- discomfiture, with, they were loath to ckLwled4 it ^ nl'''''''^r' P™^'''^^^ ^'"^ "'^^ quent retreat of our men to ForT pft- J ^i 'n ^'"'''' '''"'^ ^'^^ «»l^«e- I'ead quarters, gave tTem a„\nl f ' ""i'"'' ^'"- ^''''»^'«'- f'<^ld his in^' extract of tli ex n i"a on ^of Snt'ain' M '"" ^' I"'"'^" '^''^ ^''^"«w- of the British army, befo,; t L coZi "e of'thT','"'^^- T'''' "'"^^^•' 'nvostigute the causes of Gen Bu < i^es f r"' '"'"'""^"^ *« opniionof theEn-dishofiicers n ..I -^ . '■^' '"'^"^'•'es the real f-'ccasion : Qn^l^^^::i:f^J:'J'^ -"';»<^^ or our n.en on , feeptcmber ?" Ans. <' T was '' ^O .Sf " tV • i '"''"' °^ *^^' ^•'^'' "^ I field that day with obstinacy ?" Ans " lliev did n' aTI ^''^'''' ^''" J ^J-us. incy did, and the fire was much 64 Legacy op IIistouical Gleanings. 'il;! heavier than I ever Hiiw it any where uiihjHH ;it the ajfulr of Fort Attn." (Jen. iJiir^oyne previdii.s to leaving;- Kn^liind •• iniJ v:iuntin;,'ly declaroil iti the Hi'itisl< purliunient that his army (which had one of tiiu he^t trains ut' artillery ever neeii in America) shouM he led hy him from Maine to (ieorjria, and that ho would make an ea.sy con((ueat of the whole colony uf New York." The gallant leader at Fort Ann refused every proffer of aHnislaiiCi' lifter receiving his wound, and persisted in the advance of f(// hi^t men nllor the retiring ioe. In conHccjuenee he was soon left alone; but his anxiety to calculate the result of the onset, induced him ever and anon to brave the pangs of a movement to overlook the obstructing lo;,'. When satisfied hy the still receding noise of contention, lie sought again his more comfortable position on the level earth. At the expiration ut' those seemingly unending hours, the noise was hut indistinctly heard afar oil', when the souml of approaching footsteps among the rustling leaves, drew hiai on''i moic to u reconnoitering attitude, and he found it occii. sioned by a young rustic, whose soiled garments, together with sundry circular impressions upon his lips, evidently made i'rom a foul gun barrel, proclaimed him late from the scene of action. Whether his prowess liail been exerted in favor of /,•///// or rcbil was not known to the colonel, To ascertain it he hailed him. "Who comes there 'r"' "Holloa!" ejaculated the startled youth, and catching a glim[)se of the head from which the unexpected demand had issued, ami of tlie I'usee in the act uf being levelled at hiui over the log, he (|uickly made an obli(iuc s])riiig and was safely ensconced behind the projecting trunk of a ueiiihboring tree. Here the instinctive operation of loading his piece was speedily perfonned, when feeling and expressing himself " on a I'ooting" with his suppu.Ncd j antagonist he declared himself "a continental soldier," and asked " who j the devil are you 'i " " I am Coloi.el Van Jlen.'sselaer," was the reply, upon which the brave fellow lel't his hiding place and soon collected a few I of his comrades with whose assistance he bore tlie drooping cripple to fort. In his latter days, the colonel often mentioned the manly conduct of this soldier with pleasure. At Fort Ann, Col. V. ll's wound was hastily dressed, and as the evacuation of the post was decided upon, lie was again raised upon the shoulders of his devoted men and borne fifteen | miles to Fort Edward, from whence he was put on a boat, with Capt, 31ontgomery and another prisoner of war, and floated down to Albiiny. I He was too ill to be taken to his residence at (jreeiibush, so both the wounded officers in the same dwelling submitted the task of healing tlieir wounds to Mie skillful hands of Dr. Samuel Stringer (surgeon general ot'| the forces under (ien. Schuyler and a man of great eminence in the medi- cal profession, and ranked among the first practitioners of his day, who I died in 1818). That of Capt Montgomery assumed a favorable aspect, and niaugre his boding prediction, that our "sharp shooters had ruiueJ his d — d fine legs," he was soon in condition to accept the invitation Iroiii his kinsman's relict (the widow of General Richard 31outgouiery) anJ left the city to pay her a visit at lihincbeck on the Hudson river. The | citizens of Albany were in momentary expectation of liurgoyne's ap- proach ; all who could leave, fled from the city. Colonel Van Kensse- laer's younger brother, I'liilip, commissary of military stores, kept a I sloop at the dock, prepared to remove his suffering relative at the sliglitejt[ alarm. The colonel's case long bid defiance to all the arts of surgery. The position of the ball rendered its extraction impossible without al xuauifost danger to his life, and the frasrmenfs of clothin" which liiiJj Legacv op nrsTourcAL Gi.EAmms. 65 been forced in with it, kopfc . soro fill.i m w,..inam„,sf„,,uHeou.sHtMto . .vov!m-vI^'''. '"'"""'' '*•" "'° ^'"""1 rii-cd constitution, ho .surnmunto.l in '. , "•"•^^'"I'ttin.fcaro an.l a was no, a.ai„ i„ condition Tor o ' ll ""V'' ^''". ',""«'"•, thou.M. ho re.s,,an,si>de offices; hut ho a Cs su ' l''''''""' T^ ''' "" •'*«^«'-"' "thor Lis wound. Hove'ral tin.os it K^.^o < u i '' II V ''"• ^'■"'" ^''« •'«'"«^'* "^ ;;■! o. So,.on.her . !«., o.utuan/^^r; 'Vi: Jr^';;;- :f:l™- |..:^;Stt Kd^^ ^^/^p.^^? •-['- - ^^e n.unlor of killed and ^calpod l^/a ^Iky' I ,'. ] r,' ,'" , "'Y^-'yo'.^ urn.y: Sifo w ]hitiHhcampthoIo4,Jio V'u" w ^''"" '''°^ ••"•rived at the |con.h.nnod throughout th^cont^'u^^^^^ ''''="•'" ' '"^ ^^ '"'""y Vn.s. upon tho (fonoraKs St S/;^ ^^ Nlity vvas l,id .p,,. „„ la ;;,,", 'Y"-;^^ '-• •»-•> o^t^o ros"pon,s- flu.' northorn departmont. This di. wl . " C'""'".tndor-iu.chief of fccivod too niucn credence tht'vL I ".''"^ ''""i^'y reported and re- Part of traitor, to thei oo^ntrv Z^it ir''^'"'" "'^ ?': ^''^^ acted tho h the enemy in silorr ^ K ^"^/'^^l of September and October 7 |.oud army. Tl e l' t " to t h''" '^^ir^f ^'"^ ^'^'^ "^ <^-^»- Hur'.,y Jj l""urable to our armv si noo tC ,.. ^"""''' ^^^ttlo,and the most f.s completely ro;:i od "everr Z;""".' ^^^^f '^'^ T'- --my as also many o'theroffior-l^i^/h;^^^ ^'T" "^"- ^^-- P file (jnarters uf Baroness llio,h.^,.7 ,V^ ^ "" ' ^ '"■^^"r "'''^'^ carried ^'•"•■0 bis death, he r "rested iVu'/l^"'''''"''^' °"^^^ f should like to be buri it, iVclotkih ""'''/ ^'''^''' '*> I'luatam, in a c^roat redoubt wh-^h. I the o enin- on the top of a f corpse was carried up i t t h T ^'"'V u"^" About^sunset H '''View of both armies 'f.'"'"' "^ ^'^ "^" ^'''-P^ ^"J t^ themselves in the Z blo^ "^of ''^'S- r'^'l'^^r' '^'«'^^-' ■^tlie adjutant general, Cnl. Kin st^ o2,.« ;^''""'"'". ^'^ the .statement «^'ed,tl.olo.ssoftho2,Jth A ini'.i^^^^^ committee above men- |o'e,outofll00monwl.n .'" J- ■ /^'"''"""^^ ^l'>"c "'as 500 or ht;^40. Yot .^, ' '\7''".-'i\»ff only 00 „r 60 effective men out of h Ann un/HlmiSlie ::a2: "h ' m^"'? "^"^^""^ '" ^'^ -^- ^ f''- ^wo. I. proved,'::^ aU :t K^u'L':: ^^^^HVl '"'^^^ ^^^^^ , -1 a luj.-,!, ,^..,,e!ieial tuudeuoy to our u! • '!] 66 TiKdACY OP IIlSTOUlCAI, Gt.KANINGS. k cause. The illnmon oC tlic iiiviiicihlonoHs of our invaders was dis ipatoil, l*imic jiiive way tn eiiiilitlt'iiee, ami every sucfceiliiij,' battle in the North Btreiij,'tiieii(Ml it to sueii a iK'<:ree that the vauiitiii-: 15mp>yne was event- ually coiiiiH-lie.l to yiel.l to its eiTects on tlie lielils of Saratoj^'u. The battle ol' Saiato;;a is universally aeknowled^ied tti have been one of the seven >;'■*'»'' decisive battles in the liistory ol" the world. The defeat of ]Jur;-oyne settled the (|uestion ol" the existeneo of this republie. The result of tlio revolutionary war depended upon that day, and that day WHS won by the valor of the Continental army. That tield bolon^'cd to the whole nation, we all gbnied in it ; here the IJritish lion j;ot down on his knees before the .\nieriean ea;;le. wiiiK aneedoto was told by Jaeob Van Alstyne, who was at the taking of Hurp)yne. lie was then adjutant of a ref;iniont nf Kensselaer eounty militia, under Col. Stephen .1. Sehuyler. Lieut. Col, Henry K. Van Kensselaer aeted in tlie two-lold eapaeity of adjutant miJ quarter-master. Col. Sehuyler was a brother of (len. I'hilip Sehuyler, and haviiifi the oldest eonimission amonj^ the colonels on that station, lie netod as hn;.'adier f,'eneral in the latter part of the eanipaitrii. A (iernian, iiauu>d .lohn Tillman, a portly gentleman who resided at Albany after the war, acted as (iermaii interpreter for General Gates, and was requested by the latter to select a proper person to go into the British camp nsi aju/ ; the object of whose mission was to drrii/aff Ifttns amntiij the IM si'aii wldici-H, to induce them to desert, and to bring on an cntragemeiit in such a manner as Gf.tes desired. Tillman selected (Christopher Fisher, aj private in V.o\. Sehuyler's regiment, a siirewd fellow and always readjf with an answer to smy tpiestion thai might be asked him ; ho was a witlj man, true as steel. Never at a loss for a reply, bo it (|UCfition, fun, oi joke, his Hashes ba< k would eome with jolly good cheer, for he was briraJ ful of good nature and well educated. "fisJier being well acciuaintcd witk] Van Alstyne, visited him ttt ask his advice in the hazardous undcrtukin; naming the reward olVered. The latter told him what the consci had destroyed all hif ',ropcrty but one >!« virion mn (o war, ..loudin- uIho th • . .. . 1 . 7 ' ''''^''" l""''^"'"'"'' '"' uvor- ch,«o, an.i ombmco.) tf o J! i., '''.'' '^'•\''' ^''" ^'••""P wl.cu I.e ch(«o,an.ioi..bn,co.ltr..H,,;,;.tu;;i,Vwi!iiry'' "''\'''^''" *-■•""? w!.c» i.e w:.s, however, ,ul,„Mod .-' ' n Sn o 1 ''■"' ^'''•^"""'W-'d- flo u.m.u.,,.10 , UH a fronuirio royalist, and hoini; .'al lioiirs With tI...o I •'■ '."""""""« di.si Gil allnw.d to nnn^^ic h «<- , ral hours wfM "^ "'^■. "^" "'"^ ''"'"« (lischiir^^ed the duti- , of hi, " ■ Z ..,7. m "''"'. "''"'"' <^"''"""'. ''« Gat.,s. "a party .i" Xi Vr Z r /''" ■^'.'."r''""'"" '^Hion^ral 10 is tho 1841, a,,cd ■H.arl, nitric ;cr.ry''- ^'^" ^''" ^^'"^^^"^ ^''^^ '» ^^^"y l^<.-..>y.e drew li "I::;^ n,/ :;",!" r^T "' ^^'^ -.'-. wisliiaj.' to tt-.rravuto th., ....ii.c,,! J"','!'^""-'^ ''■/" Oonoral Gates. Not |«li«S li.eir nrai» aiij iirlillcrv « 1), , I „.„ "".'"•"»,"'" JusraJing act of tii.'i' ..w„ „ir,„,,. A " , J„; CO ,n. ; , r"'-;','"'- ;" ""■ "»"""»'"' »f '»"t, "!■ "■- li- ..I' .'I^rii^t ..:„'■,! ;r';i:,7^««j,';'' -J rendi'r Ook i) aco near tho «t.,,f ,wi, ,. .1 , "*"* "•" i^n^'land. Ih.e sur- rc»djj l„r ,.„ cx„au«). A, l,i, l.o«o ™S,l V ftl iLt i'^.|,°"'J lend, of the pole wo^e used to turn i ^ V l' " ^""\ '^' P^^^'^^J^'^^'^ ^^ the hl'icl., beneath the ox a fire wa "n ulo W V'' '^"^' "' '^' ^"'''^'"d' '» Mlt-wi-ter were at tm 1 to h ■ . "'? «o"'^"'?<. several pails of f"n.in, WlLf rt te'd i w"''' r ''''\'''''^'V^ '^^'^P the .nelt from I^ept up during the day. ''"' '"'^'^ "^ ^'"^'^''^ry was " Tlio aired mot witli joy of lieart „^/i'l'" youthfn] met with frleo • ' While little children played their part, Ihe huppieat of the three." t !ie 68 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. "In the eveninp: almost every dwelling in the city was illuminated, A large pyramid of pine fagots which had been collected for the occasion, in the centre of which stood a liberty-pole supporting on its top a barrel of tar, was set itol on dre on Pinkster hill, whereon tho state capitol now reposes, near the city early in the evening. When the fire reached the tar. it not only illuminated every part of the city, but sent its ominous light for many miles around, presenting a most imposing cflFect. The capture of Bu.goyne and his army inspired Americans with confidence as to their final triumph." In the severe battle of the 7th of October, Gen, liurgoyne himself, had a hair-breadth escape, having one bullet pasR through his hat and another tore his waistcoat. At one time a part of General Gates 's army was exposed to innninent danger. "He had re- ceived what he supposed to be certain intelligence that the main body of Burgoync's army had marched off for Fort Kdward, and that a rearguard only was left in the camp. On this it was concluded to advance and attack the camp in half an hour ; unknown to the Americans, Eurgoyne had a line formed behind a parcel of brushwood to support the post of artillery where the attack was to be made. A British soldier, a deserter, communicated the very important fact, that the whole British army were in their encampment. Gen. Wilkinson too, discovered the British at their post, through a thick fog while his horse halted to drink in fording the creek, and he instantly arrested the march ol our troops. The intelligence was conveyed to General Gates, who countermanded his orders for the assault, and called back his troops and thereby saved them from destruc- tion, but they sustained some loss from the British artillery. It is knoffii that Burgoyne has fre(juently expressed hi.' extreme disappointment that he was bafiied in this stratagem, and Americans should be most thankful." " Fort Edward, in Camp 8th July 1777. " Received of Capt. Huyck 283 Bullets Received By me " John 0. Ten Broeck, of the Continental Troops." In October, 1777, Sir Henry Clinton with the British fleet proceeded up the Hudson to Kingston intending to cut his way through and join Burgoyne at Saratoga, which fortunately was frustrated by Burgoyne's surrender. While at Kingston or Esopus he demolished the place and burnt almost every house ; among which was the fine family residence, dear Hattie, of your paternal grandfather, Peter E. Elmendorf, then a lad of 12 years. " Saratoga 19 April 1777. " Rcc' from iMi John Joans Fifteen Hundred & fifteen Oars for the Service of the United States of America, "Ei'iii" Van Veoiiten Asst, D.Q, M. General." John Tyson to Governor Lewis. Peekskill, April 23rd 1777. Sir : The Bearer Mr. Israel Levano has 15 Cwt. of Round Shot, sent here by Order of General Knox of the Artillery, & by his desire forwarded to Albany. As we don't know who is the Coniu 'ssary of Ordnance with you, have addressed it to you & beg you will put it in the proper Channel, On behalf of W. Huirhs D.Q. M, . «• ^^ ,,, ' ^ 1 am Sir lour hble Servt. Morgan Lewis, Esq. j^o. Tyson. Please to dclii Legacy op Historical Gleanings. r . n 69 Invoice of Ordnanop Sfnma «„.»*. j. < u wa.dccl With all po^ibeW^^ \' ^f^'" t^^^e for- lOtl,. ]5tb, & IGth r. r the feCd ^^^^^^^^^ ^^"J' «'^"' Schuyler July ^^^ ir77. v.: tThe li. wastt/;^^;^^ ^^^i;!^- ^-ip^ Received into the Public Store of C^r.^^^^^n'"' August 6th 1777. Livingstons Kegi.ent of Mili^^rTnlSS'^ SSj.^l^^f ^"^^^^ Jasple Maud'e 01^]^^^^ Conduct. Tennis T' Van Veckteu to PMlip Van Uensselacr. ''"iLr .1 .. Albany Sepf 12th 1777 ByordcrofGenl. Schuyler. Please to deliver the above. "^""^ Jmnsing Jun Secy. To the 1). Quarter Master S^S llTf^^^^^^ t^JSf ; «on. l.cl!L/c:Si:„yi;;,,!:;'-C^f ;,^^^--^ of the cou„ty of Mo„t.o.ery tI.o battle fin- the r 1 fof l ".r s't^'w-' '''{P'^' F^^*^^^''^'^ Vis.scher ?„' our nn-Iitia were checked .nil"''" )^''' ^'"^ ^''' detachment of found necessary to S'e t e n hlf l"""'^'': '""'"''^y ^"""^'^d, it was ordered to falli^oka'dlotS T ci'd"l/;^/T''" to prevent the sava-es from t.,L-;„ j '''""^'''f by a deep bushy ravine then, in the rear>?he ™r it„ ';?^^^^^ were to have sallied out'ani ?o hivp tb^ k^^ ' ^""^'""'^ understanding, of the relievin.^ partv unon h.n • ^^7^^ ''^■'*'^'^ ''' diversion in favor the fort, of the-ae^t r^ revered i't"fn,n' ^U f''l ^"' *''« ^^^^^^ ^ firing and the enen.y rHuirsunp, s"„'^"Tb ' p"' 'Vr ^''''''' '« ^^'^'^ ^^e to relieve the fort, sJnt a dX hE ^^u i'l to 'n ' "^'"'^'"-.^'^ ^^ject was iipto;.'ards Vol Wao,,„or nroto, 1 n . . *""■ '^''^ ^^^^ '" con.in- relieved and eontirm'ere /ee^ in./ttll o! "^ '■"^""!1;^ ^^"'^ ^''^' ?-ri«o'n by their cries steppin.. out ofln-rn t "^^ ' """• , :^ '^'^ ^"'•^"'^' ''"•^'''•'•"f was .seized by theS an7l i?. • ^^^^"^ T^'^^'' ^'-"ds, within the.r three-fold lines • bu notbim. J " ff .*^'''''''" "" P'-'«""er fon, he called out to his .nei. in Gem. " ^ T ^ '" ^""^eroussitua- enemy boys, don't nn'nd n^ but fi .^111' tT T '-"^T/" " ^^ '« ^''« r>-o...ptly obey J and the enemy see n^thoi !•'''. ^''^ "'■'^^•- ^^'-^^ determinaticn ot their nri.onPrn,V.-" /. i^"*" ^''"strated by the Watts, Capt. Hare Hod "ni J , "sf-* T"" ^■"^^ '^'''' ^ffieers, Major and fled without firin-. 7'4n Thf ^,""7'^,?" wounded, they turned tl'o fire of his own „,c"n bu e;cano^ Iff;' 'T- ^^"^'''"" "«' ""'jWi f e.npt after but soon ";t'!4ed^ 'iw';: h'scaptor.s, who made no other five colors were taken by S Col V ii. I "^^ provisions, with fort, who had accide.,tal y discove? d tl t^ l'7i''-" '"-'^ '^ "^'^ ^■''«"' ^'^e state of the enemy's can/p Shin4etl w " '"i '''"' '^'' defenceless to Hoheneetady where he^ren.a ed „ -n v n' "'T'^^ ''""'^^'^^ ^"^^ -'"-'-i^d *«-iy recovered, he ^^^^^ :z:^i2:.r::!:^^^ ^ fro m a 1 -...wii^ij lilt; bayonet which pas.scd thro ■ by a ball, and in tl ugh back of the lie neck windpipe and by a til occasioned rust 70 liiKlACY <»K lIlHTOlllCAI, (5 l,KANI N(IH. HUcIi !ui olViisiiMi iil'MiMiil M.M 111 iiiiliio(t nut (inly liini, liiil. Iiis oiipldi'H fo rii(liii:; liiiii Iwn oi' tliroi< iiiil(>s) lliiil. Ik* iiitisr die in coiino. quonoo. lie lioKifcii his ciiiitorN tn kill hint, llit«v rcl'iivrd iind \v\l liliii l.y 1 1 10 Nil io i.r '!iin niiili-r llio sliiulo nl' h Inlils't", wliorc lio VVtlH liMIIH (>ll lll,S« (wo iliiyn "uliso(|iionlly I'ovorotl willi lly Mowm, ImiI .slill iilivtt. Ilo was honio liy nonio Indiims lu Solionooludy wlioi'o ho loiiiuiiiotl uiilil .siillioionlly rooovoiod lo t>ndiiro u voyiii;t> lo i']n!;liind, whoi(> lio wum oi'lon iil'lor hi lini|iiii|^; til>oul ('l)ol.soM liosiiidtl. 'I'lio siisli Inkoii IVoni him i .-ilil! in | HOMsioh id' Iho Snnd(>r.M lainily. l! w.'is uluml lliis tinio lliiil ('ol. \V"ni|ilo oC Sohonooljidy hnviiiL', iiMoovliiiiiod iIimI m Iiitilo loroo ol" n'liijjooM nnd lorios had oolloolod ,il IJoiivor ihun, lor llio |nir|ioMo ol' doslioviii;; Mlmny or Hi'lionoiMMiiy ill llio !i1isoim'o ol' llio inililiii who hud h(>oii soul oil In loliiivo l'"orl Slmiwix, oolloolod llio r.iiiiif>fs, ! u similar hand, who had loiii; hoon a lorror to llio iiihahilaiils hy ihoir lookloss doprodalinn and inarandini; propon.silios, al'lor rohhint; llio lavorii; and odior dwidlinns on iho liinipiko holwocii Alhany and Sohonoolad;, drank midi a lar;;o (|iianlily ol' li(|iior at. I ho half-way lioiiso, thai llioy woro innipolh'd lo roliro into tlio pino Ini.shoH, a .short di,>;lanoo, wlioro al'lor .slulionini!, a sentry thoy Toll ;islo(>p. Ono o' llio innialos oi' iho tavorn osoapod I'nnn llio window dcstilnto of ololhiin,' savo his shirt, oarriod tlio wmd lo |)orp, wlion llio !;ood lniri;'or,s with patrioiio ardor lraoi>d llio piiindorors l>y ihoir Iraidvs in lht> sjind. Tim pliindor was all rooovorod and tlio inarandors most sovoroly punishod, " 'I'ho ohjool ," ami soon al'lor diod o\' his wounds. Tht* ooininainhM' did not, howovor, dosp.iir illWlX I'or 1 1 us pnrposo ho soni in a la" ho nwiralivc, ori;oltiiiii possossion of l-'mM S doinandiiii;- a surrondor, (\»lonol (Jansovoorl noldy ropliod in tl hoiiii^ dolorniinod to dorond iho I'orl at ovorv ha/.anl. .Vwaro, howovor, of his perilous situation ho found moans of sondiiij;- lo (ionoral Solin at Stillwator for VltM- 1 It lanoo. (ionoral .\rnold Wiis now dispaloliod will hrij;atlo o\' troops to atlaok Iho hosioirors. Do his way ln> oaptnrod a notorious t>ny spy, ll.in Yost Soluiylor, whom li<> soiitoiiood lo li(> liiiii". Tho frionds of tlio lory applied to .\riiold to spare his lilo. i|i oxorahlo. hiil w.as prevailed upon hy >Itijor Hrooks to use llu' lory I their advantiic.o. If ho t'ailod in tho plan jnoposi'd, his hrolhor, who Is; ooiisontod to roniaiii as ;• hostaue. was lo ' i^raoi- tho same iiooso wliii an ni- or lii.'h liad hoon prepared for Han Yost." 'rin> hfo o\' his hrolhor hold il.in Yost true to his ploduv Sevor.il of the Oneida Indians of his aeijnaiii- (anoo, fell in with and readily eimauod in furtluMiiii; his design. Il.m Yost was aeijnainiod with many of St. l,emM*s Indians, and on arriving; at their eamp told a sad story of his e.apliire and eseape. When askcil as to the luimher of nun .Vniold had. ho shook his head myslorioiislv and pointed to the leaves o\' the troos. Soon ono of llio Oiioidas in tlio lit irm eorot arrived, pieseiitlv another droppinj; into tiio oainp as if by aoeid( spoke of tho ,;rreat iimnhors oi' warriors iiiarohiiiij ugainst them. .\l and OiMisieriiation pervaded the whole body and they resolved on imiiii'- diate tUi:ht. The t>iieid.i Indian had a spioe of tl 10 waj; m his ooinposi- tion. for he followed in tho iv.ar and oeoa.-'ioiially raised iho or (D-t. com III,, th r 'iiij fj/ (»)•( t-oniiihf . li tho iiitolligenoo of (ho approaoh of (lon. Arnolds ooinmand and all w in \ o,»l soon uavo (uMieral (Jansovoorl ore " Iiivoioo of iStorc Keeper ;it • is Muxes (if No Tare ol lloxes,,, Total Weight, t; Tlio cafaslropl lo I'lory active i liopeinioiico. *' iiij: of ooinpaiii*? m'ce,s.sary to t-nol lii'l'l of iialllo. '■I' ■■'"'•li niootiiiM ill tlio ;;. ; (,f ,..xi, Wil!; nil .'ohn.soii ,j;ri imJ wii!-, hi.s where he siiippod '"'If'- Tho oapt .V'Hlintlu. |.|iM,L- O 'iioiii, ;;ir," was t X- "y 1 Iawav.y ov IffHTonrcMi, (JMMNnvns. 71 Ziu:^',!:!'""' ' "" "'"«""' ™-'' «' •■■ I" y <>n„rc., for «' wri... (o 'vou to know wl.,: 1 , , , | • ''"^' "''"', '"'"'•':'( '<'-f,..l of ,„„ "I'....".. w„,H, .„• ,.ow in, wl.,„„ you w,.H („ C.Vult <'. 1 1- ^«...v K..,....' a( AlLany by Onl... .,r (;,.n.,'l kI.^xT;!;; ^ l ""'• '"''''« .'>S i{i.x.>M.,rN,.w iMn.skH, Mall Wciohi,,., iiiic (il MoxcH.... "^ '-" Si Sir I 'Wl 'ir. 11). :{-^ I: 24 2: 0: Total Wci-li(, (JroHs :{0: 1: 2(1: Till! cataslropht? a(. LcxiinHon •,m.;i \^ i7t i .. Ai-iii aiKi mil lai V iKlur wm iimih (nut/.,) i ^i ""■'-'"' '• ■•'"••« of mil.Ma in ovory so,- i„ "' , ' ''^""' '"^'«'' 72 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. that he drew his pistols, and leveling them at the captain, he declared that if he did not " disperse the d — d rebels, I will blow your brains out." The words were scarcely out of Sir John's mouth, before h^ saw one of the men bring over his gun and take deliberate aim at him. The ex- ample was followed by all tlie rest, when, not willing to risk the threatened consequence of shootiiig the captain, Sir John put up his pistols and rode out of the field muttering " curses upon the contumacious rebels." The spirit there developed caused him very shortly after to leave his ill-gotten possessions and to abandon such a dangerous neighborhood. Capt. Visscher's promotion after this was rapid, so was that of every officer of merit in those times. The panic occasioned among our exposed frontier inhabitants subsequently, in consequence of Gen. JJurgoyne's .signal suc- cess from Canada at the beginning of his expedition, together with a well founded apprehension of an attack from his ferocious Indian allies, induced many to send tlieir families to a place of better security than that afforded by their own dwellings. Others, from whatever cause, more dilatory than the rest, were destined to quaff deeply from that bitter cup of affliction .so incidental to barbarian warfare. The recollections of some such instances weighed upon the hearts of the few surviving participators like an incubus, and their na. rations were truly well calculated to excite the most thrilling interest. Colonel Frederick Visscher, of Caughnawaga, was second iu command of the expedition sent for the relief of Fort "Stanwix (or Fort Schuyler where the village of Home now stands), against St. Leger and Sir John Johnson. When the gallant but ill-fated Gen. Herkimer fell, the command devolved upon him, and the success with which he brought off the remnant of his force from that disastrous field proved him possessed of as much military talent as of energy. Subsecjueutiy, having received tidings of the enemy's career, immediately dispatched his wife and children to Schenectady, and while occupied with arrangements for the removal of his mother and two sisters, his mansion was attacked in the night by about a dozen savages. They were greeted, however, with so warm a fire from the colonel and his two brothers, that they were obliged to retreat as suddenly as they had made the assault. At dawn of day they returned again with an overwhelming reinforcement and breaking through every barrier drope the family before them from room to room, and from floor to floor, until they reached the garret, where they closed with the gallant brothers. In the desperate struggle which then ensued the ladies made an attempt to escape down the darkson)e stairway. The mother being intercepttid by an Indian was soon knocked down senseless with a heavy blow from the butt end of his fire-lock, while the two young ladies without hindrance gained the door yard. There one of them was seized by a" huge painted Indian" who after tearing the bonnet from hei head, and the shawl from her shoulders, uttered in a smothered tone the t*ingle word, marcliez, and released her. Of course she required no further bidding, but thank- ful for the unexpected permission, bounded off and secreted liersclf in an oven near the dwelling. Her flying sister escaped to the willow shaded rivulet in the adjoining meadow, where concealed by the thick foliage, they shortly after, each from her respective hiding placC; saw the savages issuing in a body from the house. A .solitary one reentered immediateiy and alter a short interval returned to his companions, when all tramped oft' togetiier in a north-easterly direction up the deep, rocky ravine, which not yet ceased to reverberate with their tremendous whoops of exultation when the sisters saw that the mansion was in flames, and then every rem- Legacy op Historical Gleanings. na,. c^ hope for the existence of .other or brothers^v^iiished fro. the^ se|e:isSc^S:Lf^cr.s:;ei^^^ -^- -« of h,s scalp (The Indian n.ode of sea ninf fT P'^"^ ^^^ '^'^''^^^ a k„,fe they make a circular cut fCiJ! f-l,"'" '/'''"' ^' '^''^ = ^'^^ above the ears, then takirx' hold offh??' . ''^*"' '\<^»d. quite round, just tl.e whole hairy scalp u. an itan w tlT ""iV'f ''''^^ '^'y ^^^^ off carefully dry a'nd p4crvc a a "ITv HJ'^r ? ^'"^f"'^" '^^i. they of his various wounds he became ouSk- sIS'l ''''"'^"'" '^'' ''''''^'y d.ca,nent and of the continued proxi mit? Tu^^' ''^'''" «^ '''^ «w. pre- deceive then, with a neiublauce o "Kll h 'T'"."\""** determined have been inflicted upon him At firs h^ ''''"'^ ^^'y «"PP^««d to satisfaction of hearinf^ them desfenS i uo tirV''"'"' ""'^ ''^^ ^^e Anxiety to ascertain the fate oriii f> S • 7"' ^'^ «^' 'he house, upon his elbow, but the .ou Ldt' botsten o^„ 'iT'^ ''''" ^'^^" ^« -^^ h.s f rmer position. This motL o ^ Sh s tTl"'*^ T"^^ ''^ '^'^ near being conducive to a fatal end It h., fh. l'"^'^.««"d't'on came degree of" nervous irritability t h t he h d „ 'fn '^f' °^ ""''^''"S «»«'> a framfi,andthemonster,whoime toass ; i" . f' '""''''' "^'^'" ^is was complete attracted by tl e twi tchi " h !"''' '^'''' ^''^ ^^'"^y ^^rk by cutting the sufferer's tlrMtSt^.^^^^^ '^ «^«P ^« it across it, and seeing the red iLd tnir i", ^V '\' ''''' ''' '^"'^^ twice -vered folds of the black silk ot' In ""fwr'ff^''-' •^'"•""°'^ ^1- |mag,ne-l -accomplishment of his info n cie 'n Tl ?"",'"» '" ^'^^ ''^v-: <.. ed no other inju.7 from lis l-t; ° h ' '°^''"''' '"^^^^«'-' o>;e :w<. .nimportant fle h fvouiids wl V P' "P."" '^'^ '''"«: ^h^'" «' '^•^ 'he departure of hervtes TT "''•''''. ^^ "'^ ■•«««'ii"S volume, of smoke that the holse Tsfn fin 1 l"'V"" '^^ '''" incroasu^ I ising u| from his bed of gore he^ercoiv ' u""^. '" ''''''^^ '^' P"««ible! the other leaped from a wf.idow bu ^s 'ih '1' ^T''"^[ '^'"^ '^-"' '» '^i"'- corpse out of the reach of the T.mclTv s t ti"! '"''P'^- }^' ^''•'^■^' "^« he executed it, as also the rescue of h s d i ' I 1 '"'''T-'' ^'"'^''""^ but !".s .ocredible exertions and Uof' blood c n ll "' ''""^' •""^''"•- ^ but 111 which 3Irs. Visscher xvw .„ , i , J"^"""^ ''im to faint. The chair Jwas preserved St J 3 r'' it :v;^'r " 7^ ^'^t '^"^^ --" ^ : Visscher, his mother and two si ers we.7t". '''? ^'''^''''' ^^'^'' ^^"J where the mother and the C(Xnc^l' l.;/" m ''""''« ^"benectady, 3Iauj years after this trag c^l ^t . Jo of' .r"'i''''^ 'f'''"^ '« health '" 'f, while travelin.. witi a m,'/v nt '' '^""'"'"' ^'"-''''"S enga-^ed «tood that Col. Vissc^e" ad ^ fv d 1:17^ ^ ^''"/^ ^^^•"" -d-' ouesaid he had both scab d uui A .h's wounds, would not believe if Col. Visscher could wtf^iffit'^t;: .''"'^' ''r' "^"^^^ ^" «- bin : "'.^' wretches. An intimatil wi ^.-^ Lr,?!'''''^;' ■' ^'^'^^'^ ''^ ^^^'-ia^^e ;v'«ely departed never to retmn to fl? "^ "'" '"''^"^'•^" ^"^ they .('" 17«7J appointed by GoTjeol rHnt''"'r' •'^^''"'^'' ^^^-^ber was ' county. He Ji-J Jvne 1) lS() murder the entire family, but fortunately all were absent; the people occupying the house were killed; many of her own loved neighbors were instantly slain and scalped. About the same time her mother's house was assaulted. She was then a young girl living with her mother and sister ilebecca together with two brothers, her brother Frederick's family being safe from all trouble in Schenectady, he wis staying with them. Alter her wonderful escape from the Indian she secreted herself in a large Dutch oven, built a short distance from the hou.se, where with the most indescribable agony she could hear the wiiJ yells of demoniac triumph, and knew her own " loved ones" were the un- fortunate victims. "General Washington, while at Albany in the summer of 1782, was invited by the citizens to visit Schenectady (overthepines). He :u- cepted the invitation, and in company with Gen Schuyler, rode therein a carriage from Albany on the XOthof June; where be was received with no little formality by the civil and military authorities and escorted mm Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 75 (Jen. Braddock, then kept a tlvem i^So ?p^TT'' '''. '^T"'"^-'"'- ""^er lie dinner was given. Havi„t plvir n r^ '^"?^.'"'^ "^ ^''' ^ouse a pub- thefirstpersonsVasI in"to„ i^^uS T'^ '^'';' "'^ ^''' Bufferings, one of who was then residing n the pC IjT """" ^'^T^ *>ederick Visscher, colonel had not beenlnvi d t7,neet iuZ^^ ""if '"'"P"^^ ^^^^ '^^ messenger was sent for hiui. L wa '"'man T''?'' '« ^^'^ request a an.l retiring in his habits. On this occasiorL I ""f '"T^' ^"' '''''^''' barn, which, under the circumstances hiJ ^fj^"" ^ *^ ^^''^ '" '"« kindly greeted by the illustrruTS ^^ '^^^ .J' »? "-^'^^tance, but was At the dinner table were a semblfd f J Tu '"'" '^''^^'^ attention, among whom was Gen Schuyt ' wSlfn '' """^'Z ''' S«"^'-"«" his own to Col. Visscher. Tlfir^as in'S? ««?'g»ed the seat next While Gen. Washington wastll gf ;:b'li?re' il^'co" ""'' ""-"[P- rei^pectable citizen, an old ne-rrn wliPHrTn^- . , J" company with a to bini: the grea't ooZTn^ llZZtZ'' 7^ '^^^l^'' '""^ ^'^^^^ The citizen expressed much surS Int his n"'"''^ •^' compliment, this descendant of Ishmael observ^nrjf ' f.u ™P^"'*'" ^h'^s noticed to notice slaves. ' / cannot hr/Z^ v ^'' "°* ^^' '"''«'» "f *''« country reply as thoy procee ? Itl d '' Wa r V'' ^'^^.''^ -"« ^-^--^4 three different occasions, the first was^fl " "° ^^ '" Schenectady on inentof the war, he staid wfth John Glenfq.^u'l.'^"^'^ '^' ''«"^'"«»°- Cornelius Ray to PMip Van Rensselaer. ^T-^''- ^ . ^^"l^delphia, Dec. 18th 1780 c:;>;^Shri-s£^iS T ?= ' - -= by Brig. Active, and 8d by Shin SliHa Iv I ^ "P/"" ' ^>' J-^^i^h' 2nd Goods ordered by you forim ^'s e ^'j^Zt ^^fr^' «^«'"«ive of the plus in liohea & Laval Linnen Vut some Lr ^ '"-"^ "^ ''"? ^'^« «^er- very plenty & cheap, I have this d ivZ!; 7 ' ^''"° '^^^'^ °^^de Tea me a larger quanti^i of Laval ifZns % '"^ V "*^ '' ^'"P y«» ^"d some pieces Nankeens if to be procured* t'""' ^'''"?' ''''' «'««' '^"d part of them will be out earlv in Z tV ^^T ' ^' ^"""^^ «r some '"av please to send respec'in f thei «^l ^ '"^ ^"•■"^'^'' '^'''^''^i^ns Jou I have hud one s-imll Tir vaff or'An ^ ..?' ^"''i"^"^ ^"'"P"*^^ ^^^h. Please to make my best re7pec to vo, .^ tf' '".'^ """^ ''•^'" ^'O^ent. Estfiem Dear Sir ^ T "'"''^ ^^""'^ '^"d believe me with Your most Obedt. Servt, ihilip Van Kensselaer, Esq., Albany. ^ ' The late war, which brought threw our commercial affairs' in in the old congress to collect a and domestic debt, our credit rassed Before the revolution to the tra^ie of her American •"-'ne, from that country was so ="'" and silver by the British. about our .separation from Great Britain groat confusion. Through want of pow"; revenue for the discharge of our fo^relt was destroyed, and trade greatly S" Great Bnta n claimed an exclusive H^ colonies The importation of dry goods great that our merchants were draiueTof 76 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Cm'nclius Ray to rhilip Vdii liensselaer. Dear Sir: Philadelphia, May 15, 1781. I did myself the pleasure to write you last week by Col. Liviniistou, and now am to inform you of the arrival of tho Ship Ann, Capt. Josiah, from L'Orient, but throu^}ZnZ::2!^r?^]^ K-s^klakh, the fifth patroon of 17S2. ;'as left an orp u. bV it do a?e n •' V.l "'"^"-^ ^"'^'^"'^^ '» an.I of course cun.e into th/ fS possesion ofhis "'' f " '^^^ ^''"'^ i'«' of twenty-one. That ever.t wis pXk. ? ? i P'"'"««ly estate at the aue of llenB/elaerswyck, by 'rlTio lin ?.! ^ '" '-''""^'^ ""^ '^^ '--'"""^^y f?.tlin^, and all^he d^r^SlZ ' F l^ltcliriT; ?' ^f"^ ''"'"« '^ fbllowins anecdote will nerve to show fl.i . '"':" ^"' t' . '^udal times. The the troops under Gen. ( a es were opDu^rn!?''-^'" '* '^'' P"^--""" = VVhea Ton Hrocck. ^l.o was the 'u^d an Tt o"ntr^''^"'; "'"'. ^''''''S^' ^''"' visited son,e of his neplK^w^CtJ^^arL tf iTld ? '" f '"'""'•''^' then, to take all the prnvi-sions and .^17. J^ '^'^'J,Y^<^'--,and requested bare eon.pe,ency for ^heir fan.ili: TJ ' t^rir; trZ' " t'T' ^ tied their granaries, pork barrels r-Kfl,. «f..li j • .•'^' Several emp- their effects to the comn issary epar ten t'^^^^^ '"'^ ^^'''^--d usual reward fbr so doin- IZIJI i^aratoga, not expectin- any patroon invited tl'sf t'^-ntst'l C/'L::; ^I 'S TT'^ ''l ^"-"' ti//r, to (h'lr hnuh. Such was one ,11},^! ^'"^'""^''^ ^^'«»* '«"'* ^'a/u? ^li.^ti".uished through l^b his testvan^ h"'' '' '^"' """^ '»»"' wife of General Stephen Van Tni 'er w^M,. "'!"'f""'; ^'^'^ ^''^ en Philip Schuyler^ who when a " ^u ^g" r^^^c^^^^ tiick on the 8chuvler np)iisinn\ u^.t^ ^ ■ '^^'^^*^^ i'lt the time of an at- James Cochran 0^0.." I"" Vh" ^^^ "iir' "'^r''[''^ "'^^ "^" ^^'«J- ot' stairs, snatched the st'iilsleeDn.inZ *^« Ai-^ts safely, just as a sharp t 1 a7k ^; J J IdT/ ""t' ?^ ^•^''^ '^"^ roomjitslightlyiniuredhi iri, wtl r '?' "' "'"' ^^^ from the A .reat de-il of troub wa c ea^^d br^fh^p"''''^'' '^''^^ infant's head." early part of the revo uSa™ Wa not dT""^\''^' S"*"^^^' i" ^he attempt to ensnare him was conrinn.Mv l.?t J' ^^''' '^'^"^'''^ ^very in 'lie capacity of a pv lie re XL j'^: '^'"' '^' ^''^ of Albany . ul'iq"ityUut'wherev'c^:,soirh tw/n eTfound T"? '''' f^^^'^ ^^ pressed he crawled under the old market in Nn'rl. Z iTl ^'^?, ''°''^ way). Upon another occasion, bein hred at bl li! '' "''''■' ^^'''"^• n-Mht, when paddling from them in cnn p hi ..^ . .P"''^"^'-^' '" a dark as if mortally \vound^.d , 1 '" ;'f"'^^' "^^ t'^rew himself into theriver '•>e ^avoring^r :^l(m:;t^^^£ :^e^; :;;;s. ui: f"" 'f r^ i''^ ^«- was a scene also laid i.. A IK... ",^'^""° ^^^^^ **>' the lover of batt e fields " ■oyalists to dampen t ^ vSti: rr'; TrSTtf ^^^^--■^^d ^^ ^y the "aturallysupposednothinrw?, 1 1^ '''''''' 'adversaries. They ''"dby'carry'in.MhemToctadf tZw '^i T f ^"''"*^'^''"^ rebels ^f exchange 'they woul hive acc.m/n i h/" 'j*' t^'^«'" ^'<^>- the purpose the benefirof their r,X vl . ' ' ' " ^''''^'^"^ achievement for ;-..he,- „,ei„p» »nd „ oil,' Mr„t ;•: uTr;;; ° '."" ■'"''*''"' -"■-<' ilill to the citv Tl,« K 11 .. T.imiJy from his seat at Cherrv .Sciiuyler wh was u oft "V'\ ''"' ""'^'^ "" Ool.Gansevoort. Ge7 i^y onus' .Sdl^r Xw u bfir " >"' ^'^'"''"^ ^'^^'^ 'he v^": ""ocessary to remove 'rheiS T ^ P'-«tect,on, did not deem J tmove. iht fancied security was, however, of little avail. 78 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. One of the parties alluded to, in tiie ehuructer of friend, jjjuincd admission into the kitchen; when the manner and pressing desire forthwith to seo the general, excited the suspicions of a domestic. She, with admirable presence of mind, directed them to a wrong room for the ohject of their search, and then ran to the right one to inform him of his jeopardy. Dart- ing through a secret slide in the wainscot work, the general gained im upper room and fastened himself in. The firing of his guns of distress, brought the citizens quickly to his rescue. C^"M '\f ,.» „„.i j- 1 clon.e,s« of heart and social vir ies than (or n^ T'f^ ormorahty, ten- titu,Ie, Wit & Vivacity It is s" co I i" /he ZZ fr'"''- ^'""'^ ^'''^ to paint a Scene more truly n.ovin« han th!f TVli "«"",'"'"S*"»''«° in,, their departure from this Workl who to "^^^ '«""^«'"de»t witness- lelnre his Eye., for thaf .clief which he 11^"''^"'' T '''•"^'^'""^ cnouf:h to do in perfornu,,.. the hard tW 1. ^"'f' ^ P*^*"**"" ''»« without any in.pediuient fr"om it 1 « .rr-'^ '"^^ "i ' ^'^'"'--« '''« this isaLso afainl, that can lave If I. ^'T "" ^^^^y but when .uo,sta,rceablf delights. MysiCtiint «^«» ^h« very a,.eeable, and^happy woul7 Ihrctld T hn f f"''^'' ^''' ''"« ^'''■'>» Disorder has arisen from a 8ea!ntry life "h^ h,T T l,'* "' '^""T"*" ^^^^ at j.resent but little time I arm-onn-n 1 't « I "^ '''"' ""^ ""'' therefore ^pon' in ridin. Walking & 8lS . ''h? .^^w"? '"?"'^ ''""" « '^•'^ '« spend in perlormin, Co£,e ex^in^s.^Iy ^ t b"ij 'S'r ''f ^ '*? yuu may judge what it brings n)e to for vm, J "*^ ^^'■''"** ""'^ two years ago. Phil .t Dick .ire will / \^"f .^^P^nenced it about tl-. I expj'cted. La:' T;:u'rsry"fl r. I r^^ Nil H^'^^f'^ T' ''''^' Town a prisoner offlon--Island L J II I ^ 1- ? ' brought in this for homi, as he has already ff'ct^d.rL'elnr ^''^'^f '" /'- ^^--g ren,cn.ber'd to Col. Mamikon and Col T o.n f f ' 'T^'^ '"^ ^« latter was a Classma, -,f his'n in York (Z7' t^ ''''', ^'^'' ^■«»' '»'« then, each a letter ii ...e Tuld ll^ 'admi t'd mTi' 'T' "'■'"^" you make in my goiu . to Cambrid.rp in T Z' objections would ;''oir Degree, k, |,e„ wrUrS xpeet/7ron? ^^ .^^"--.^"''e ^mn an answer back I should willin-lv LT ? • ^ ^"^'^ W""*^" n^e, he has written me a^Z Ty "s erZs V>".?^^f IT ^""''^ ^'''"'* bare my expense provided I woJ^l/l . 7- "'*" ^'^''^ ^^ ^^uld freely ^^..angci to^is i>e^zt^^iZ^^'::;^r'uYt' ^°;'''^>' ^ -" - liow m seeing him take his leavo S.i do sacnhce some time College, it mi^ht be a maUer i uld '.Vref .^ t ^!--)H-iV'erd no i^.ys at present i\,v a ride mv DoefnrTll t hereafter greatly & Cambridge\vith ack wherhj ,^ n ^^ , '"^ ^- "'?* ''^' ^^''ethe? to tniue. Commeneen,ent t amb e ; tJe I'th'Tl'? ^°"t ".'"^^ '^^^^- you will write me bv next S-itnnl^f. n, c 8 • ^ "^ '^"'^- ^ '''^" ^^P'^ct do for [ have not heard from ilb^v'^r ^ "'^°'''", "'' ^°^^ '"J' <«•*-'" J« WrLee calls for mv letters. ^ "'' ""'' '^^^ J"""^''/ Adieu Col. Philip Van'ltensselaer Albany. ^-^iLLrAN K. Van Rensselaer. J«« in the city councils, a fd ,Z„t 800 h^'' "" "'r?'' f"'' ""«"' Sir, p. Van Rensselaer to Col. Marinus Willet. Albany, 19th July, 1782. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) &. 1.0 u 1.25 ISO 1""^' 2.2 ■UUu 1.8 U IIIIII.6 6" P /2 '^ ■) ^? ifli 'm '/A ■'/ Hiot)graphic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN S' jIEET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 <^ % 80 Legacy op Historical GLEANiNas. from fish Kill which have been ordered by his Excellency to this place for your Regt. on the Arrival of them no time will be lest in forwarding them to you, by Dear 3ir, v ht . /m. j- . rr o •' ' -^ ' Your Most Obedient Hum. Servt. MarinuB Willett, Esqr. Col. Com. ^- ^^^ Rensselaer. No 5059, I ceruty, that there is due from the United States to Arent W. Slingerlandt the Sum of Six dollars and a Quarter, Viz : For Ten Loada of Wood at five Shillings pr Load, $6|, Which J«um of Six Dollars and a Quarter .shall be paid to the said Arent W. Slingerlandt or Ordei, in Specie, or other current Money equivalent, by the Tenth Day of Octo- ber next; and if not then paid, the same shall afterwards bear an Interest of Six per Cent per Annum, until paid. Witness my Hand, this Twenty Seventh Day of September, A.D., 1782. Countersigned In behalf of the Public ) Tim. Pickering, Nicholas Quackenbu.bh, D. Lott, | Quarter Master General. Colonel Timothy Pickering was a member of the board of war. In 1780 h« succeeded General Green as quarter master general. In 1791 he was appointed post master general by Gen. Washington, which office he held nearly four years, when on the resignation of General Knox, iie was ap- pointed secretary of war. In 1795 Washington made him his secretary of state, which position he held until 180U, when he was removed by President Adams un political grounds. He was a United States senator in 1803 and again in 1805, and in 1814 was elected a member of the United States house of representatives. He died in Salem, Jan. 29, 1829." William Pollard to Philip Van Rensselaer. I^eai- Sir : Pliilad., Mar. 26th, 1783. Your Esteemed Favour of the 23'i Feb) is now before me & in conse- quence thereof your Accounts shall be gone into immediately ; I have the pleasure to acquaint you that you have another small adventure arrived, the Goods arrived from Baltimore last Week they consist of Buttons for Cloaths amounting to 1044 lb : 9 oz : 9 dr & I fear will be very unsaleable, but you may depend I will do with them as I wou'd for myself. It is with great pleasure I acquaint you that at last we have rec' the agreeable Ace'^ of Peace, a French Sloop of War called the Triumph was despatched from Breast with the News of the Preliminaries of Pease being signed the 20'!' Jan> by all the contending Parties, she was sent to Couiit D'Estaing at Cadiz to stop the sailing of the Combined Fleets, & he has thought proper to ssnd her out here to inform the French Minister thereof, & said Minister & Congress have Letters confirming the same from the Marquis La Fayette, but we have no Official Accounts from France, but we apprehend there cannot be a possibility of a Doubt, re- specting the Matter. I beg leave to refer you to the News Papers for the Heads of the Terms, we are in hourly expectations of a Confirmation either from France or England. I am with great Respect. Dear Sir, Your most obed' Serv. Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer. ^M. Pollard. A provi.sional treaty of peace was signed January 20, 1783, and " after protracted negotiations " the articles were raified by a definitive treaty i'j--.f''rtldfi'>'r'r^ ^-t^T^'TP'T^^ Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 81 September 3, 1783. " This peace was n3f?otiated on the part of the United Sates by John Adam., John Jay, and Jienjumin FrLkiin Esouires Qen. Oansevoort to Philip ¥■>■ !: ;icli ver Lieut. Ford Ann- hnodred Wui^lu of i^> w^tr S^use ..H.UU ou the day the Procianutioaof i>eac.«huil bo llLZi uiued. Gutis and. Cartridge Fapor. "rumocea f . Fhi): V .u Hensselaer, St e Keeper. ' »*"»*««»• n. 1-«th, the commander-in-chief thus addressed the unnv on -0 7 WiliUes. '' The commander-in-chief orders the cessation s httiw^en the United States of America and the king of Great • J ■*iicl> proclaimed to-morrow at twelve o'clock, at the Now ' 'uit the prociamatiou which will be communicated here- ' ' .'•'T'^ T'r^u ^^ u^^ ^"^'^ ^*' «"«^> '«gi"'«"t. and • '.A,' ""?''' ^h ^f^'-'P''^'''^. with the several brigades -n*H to Alm.ghty God for all his mercies, particularly for' ■■ wrath of man, to his own glory, and causing the rage .iwmi the nations." ° ° v„;pSetion of eight years from the memorable battle of Lex- . ;*u.atiou of the congress for a cessation of hostilities was ..- door of the public building, followed by tl , huzzas- . ' ^n ayer was oflered to the Al.nighty Ruler of the world, and ^. r-orformed by yoi-'-es and instruments. Though the pro- ■•->i* only to the prohibition of lia^tiiities. and not to the • * general peace, it »ive-i sHticrf. .sHti-sfartioa." f'hUip VanReimdacr to Timot/i,/ I'ickerinff. . J , Albatiy 13th Oecober. 1783. .■^*haude^tomeUiiHd«^ Bs «i,..!: ■ your tkmijy »*'iug tor One Anchor and 0150 Ooil . ..;i di'livered Soon after I had received ti,. .^rtkies I requested ' ' f;' uf":!* ^'"''P' "^ '^^ Highlands, an.l Lost my Anchor * <.uble for which I have had his promise fj return me . ! never accomplish it fur lie .stood in need of them I u,y pay tor the Service of the Sloop, and wish that the . iii.rged to Major (^lackenboss as parr, of payment to me • ■ >>loop and lioss of my Anchor and (.'able. ■ ttnpect and Esteem I am Sir, ycur Most Obedt. Humble Servt. . ,v „ «• • ., I'HiL'i' Van Rensselaer. * I unothy Pickering, Ksq., Q. iMa^tcr General, Fishkill. ^••ops had gone home on furlough and this year General -i'.g leisure, proceeded up the Hudson with Governor nnrrr ^'""^ ^'"^ P'"""i>:'! fi<'l'iH of military op.Tation^ at the norta. .^e passeu over the battle ground at Stillwafei.with Geuei^s 11 tl ^m September 3, 1 States by Joh The itidepende foreinrn doiuini liiJVitthar- Sir: Please delive of firirif^' Can no and proclaimed To Mr. Phili On April 18 the cessation of of h )at.ilities, be Britiiiii, to be pi Building; and with, be read t corps of the am will reader than his overruling tl ot war to cease i " On the com; ington, the proci published at the after which, a pi an anthem was j claiuation extend aunuuciation of; Sir: An Account w of«e?5: 11. Be to me in May lasl Major Quackenbc thefallof 1781 tc and part of a new again. But coulc Iiave not received Account may be c for the use of the With r The Honble. Ti Many of the tro Washington, havir George Clinton to north. He passed Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 81 September 3 1783 " This peace was negotiated on the part of the Unit.d States by John Adams, John Jay, and ]ienjamin FrS'/kH , J^ ref rhe independence of the United States was then acknowled-'ed by ill he foreign dominions. "ii-ugcu uy mi me Om. Qatmwon to Philip Van Rensselaer. "Please deliver Lieut Ford four hundred ^N'^^o'Z^!:tT... of firuiK Cannon on the day the Proclamation of Peace shall be announced and proclaimed. Guns and Cartridge Paper. announced Tn ATr Pi.;i- ir B , ^ Peter Gansevoort B. Genl. lo Mr. Philip Van Rensselaer, Store Keeper. On April 18th, the commander-in-chief thus addressed the army on the cessation of hostilities : u The commander-in-chief orders the cesSion of . fines, between the United States of America and the king oT^ r> :.,, to be publicly proclaimed to-morrow at twelve o'clock, at the New wiTh h?; '3 /''"' "'' proclamation which will be communicated here- with, be read to-morrow evening, at the head of every regiment and corps of the army ; after which, the chaplains, with the LerTbrldes will render thanks to Almighty God for all his mercies, particSffor' h.s overruling the wrath of man, to his own glory, and causint he ra'e of war to cease among the nations." i-iusin^ tne rage "On the completion of eight years from the memorable battle of Lex- ington the proclamation of the congress for a cessation of hostilities was pubhshed at the door of the public building, followed by three huzzl^ after wh.ch, a prayer was oflered to the Almighty Ruler of the world and an anthem was performed by yoices and inst^ruments. ThouTt e pro clamation extends only to the prohibition of hostilities, and no to U,e aunuucation of a general peace, it gives sincere satisfaction.'' PhUip Van Reimelaer to Timothy Pickering. "a' a ^ , , , Albany, 13th October, 1783. An Account was handed to me this day Ry a Gentleman of your family ot i. -D . 11. Being ror One Anchor and one Coil of Riggin^ delivered me in May h^t. Soon after I had received the articfes f requested Major Quackenboss to Settle for the Same, as he had Taken my sC in the fall of 1781 to go With Troops to the Highlands, and Lost my Anchor " io'"r t'^M ^^^''^ '" which I have had his 'promise to rLura me I :r;„f i "''''' ^'^^'^■'^P''^'^ >t fur he stood in need of them. I ^ave not received any pay for the Service of the Sloop, and wish thrt the Account may be charged to Major Quackenboss as par of payment to me for the use of the Sloop and Loss of my Anchor and Cable ^ With respect and Esteem I am Sir, your Most Obedt. Humble Servt. Ti,o u ui m- 1 T^- , . Philip Van Rensselaer. The Honble. Timothy Pickering, Esq., Q. Master General, Fishkill. Many of the troops had gone home on furlough and this year General GeTrrfTV''"'""-'''^".'''' P^^'^^^dedup the ^iudson wifhGoveTnor Wge Clinton to visit the principal fields of military operations at the aoith. He passed over the battle ground at Stillwafer, with Generals 11 82 LEaACY OF Historical Gleanings. Pcluiyk- and Gnnsevoort. and extended his journey as far northwiird as Ticdiiderofja and Ciown Point, and westward to Fort Schuyler (now Home) on the 3Iohawk, being absent nineteen days. Philip Van ItensHclucr to Cin-ncUus Ray. I*ear Sir : New York, 15 November, 1783. Misfortune seems to attend us that we may not have the pleasure of Meeting and spending a few days with e:'.ch other. I have now been here 14 Days, in hopes to see you every day to return, but to my greiit Disappointment, will not have that pleasure. And for the want of your Good Advice and assistance I have Jiost Considerable by it; the articles which I wanted to purchase have risen dayly since I came to this place, I have purchased this day of Mr. Governeur 40 Hhds : Hum and some Dry Goods ; but he cannot deliver nie more than 30 Hhds : the re- mainder which he has is Spirits in which he informs me you are Con- cerned in, and cannot Deliver me until you return. Which you will please to Consider, and if you approve of it you will plea.se to send me 10 IJhds : and a IJox of your fine Sugar, and one Tierce of Kice. I have Keceived of Mr. Governeur to the amount of £8U2 : 15 in Rum andi:i45: II : 1 in Dry Goods, together £1008 : 6: 1. And of Mr. 13. Swarthout to the amount of — which I must Trouble you to Settle for me as soon as money Comes to your hands Belonging to me, and Take receipts for the eame, which you will please to transmit to me. Inclosed you have an order on M'. Jacob Cuyier, and he is expected to pay you the Sum of £31: 14: 5 in Now York Currency. And an order on Mr. Williara Pollard of Philadelphia, to pay to you or your order the Sum of £513: 16 : 11. ^ Penn. Currency. And I have in the hands of Mr. Martin, At- torney at Law at Boston a Considerable Sum which will in my opinion amount to about £820, or more which I hav, requested him to remit to you as Soon as possible. Which when received you will first pay Mr. Swarthout the Sum of£— ; and Mr. Governeur £1008: 6: 1 and die remainder you will please to pay yourself with for such articles as you may send me. And should you not send me any, you will please to keep the money in your hands until my further orders. I have a Quantity of Barr Iron at Clavcraek Landing and will have fifteen or twenty Tons by next Spring. If you will send good India Bum at the New York price and allow me the price for the Iron as it Sells when delivered, you will please to send it by the Bearer Leonard Van Buren, and you will greatly oblige Dear Sir, your sincere friend and Humble Servt. Mr. Cornelius Hay, New York. ^- ^^^ Rensselaer. " New York city at this time was esteemed the most eligible situation for commerce in the United States. It has at all seasons of the year, a short and easy access to the ocean, and with respect to foreign markets, has decidedly the preference to any of the states. The exports to tlie "\\ est Indies are constantly going on quite largely." This certificate issued from the treasury : I Do Hereby Certify, That Daniel Jones Capt., or his Assigns, are en- titled to receive out of the Treasury of the State of New York, the Sum of Twenty-five pounds two shilling & four pence Current Lawful Money ot the said State, with Interest at Five per cent per Annum, from the twentieth Day of December One thousand seven hundred and eighty, lii Legacy of Historical Gleaninqs. gs pursuanfctr, the Direction of a Uw entitled " An Act for the Settlement of ho uy of the Le ves and M.litia, for their Sorvices in the late WaH and f.rotlw^r Purposes therein mentioned " passed the 27th Day of April' 1784. "" ■ "' ■ Ueuaud Banckeu, Treusurec. During the war, vast sums of paper currency had been emitted bv on.Tess, and large quantities of specie had been introduced to^ardl the close ot the war by the French arn.y a,.d the Spanish trade Th a plen.y of money enabed the states to comply with the first requisitions of congress; so that during two or three years, the federal trea u y w^sia some nioasuro supplied But when the danger of war had oeaLd a, d lie vast impor^Uions of foreign goods had lessened the qu ntity o circu at, ng specie, the officers .ind soldiers of the late army, and tL e who farnishe-l supplies for public exigencies, were obliged to rece ve for wages cer -.ficates or promissory notes, which passed at a fifth or even a teatli of their nominal value. * This is to Certify that Mr. Abraham G. Lansingh has due to him from the United .States the Sum of Ninety-Eight pounds, Sixteen Shilfn. in November 1777 and in Feby. 1779, and the Sum of One Thousand nn« hujulrod and sixty Dollars, in Transporting Military S^es froTspnag lield to this place for public use in June 1777. "^pnaj,. P. Van Rensselaer, Public Storekeeper mrk done for the use of the Indians, by the request of the GommissioneSs of Indians to me :n 1779-1780. v^u'umissioners Albany 20th, Sept. 1784. ^- ^^^ Rensselaer,, Public Storekeeper. A WeMing Imitation 90 years ago - J dies Fonda to John Sanders. „. -. _ . Sincere frinde and Hmnhlo S»,7i To 3Ir. John Sanders, Scotia, Sincere frinde and Humble SeV. Jelles Fon- When Sir John Johnson Logan a devastating march up the Mohawk .1 ey, among the many suflFerers on October 18, 1780, was Maj^r JelTes onda, from whom the present village of Fonda, near old CauXnaw.ia IX. ^STV ,"' r '^^-»^^-'» home^t the time, atlendint^'^ mcctmg of the state legislature, of which he was a member, then in session Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county. His mansion was a a place caed e Nose, m the town of Palatine. His wife escaped under cover of a tlHck fog, and on foot made her way to Schenectadv. The house was burned together with property valued at $60,000. "The veo ab e o d SiUo " h7"' ^'^'f • "'^ '''Y^ ^^ ^" ^"^^^'" P-^^ attached to the xpedition.he was cut in several parts of his head with a tomahawk I ;'• 5,"°Ja^ was a citizen of great respectability, eighty years of a-e aman wliohir W.lham Johnson said, was like a fafher^to him when he'setUed n -Johnstown and Kiugsborough, yet his son, Sir John Johnson, w ied a uel wa^ against him and his neighbors, robbing them of propertv and ^'aj.ng prisoners. Weddings in those days were%elebrated dSntly 84 Leoacy op Historical Gleanings. from whnt thoy now are. The liiw then required the pubHshin utmost and there was no fear of criticism, gossip or backbiting to mar the full flow of friendliness. Modern fashionable calls and tea-parties, frcm the very hollowness of the preten- sions made, suffer much in comparison with the noble friendship developed amid untold trials. The inhabitants, however, generally were endowed with physical health, strength, and activity, and also were engaged in busy scenes of general usefulness. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 95 Lancinp Assembly. Stn. V. Rensfieluer. 1 r r»,. 11 nr 1 > Ju.o.Fairlio, 'I Managers. S^V^C„S SanderH La„«u.g, f ( John V flen^. As regards the customs of our ancestral patriarchy, their habits and n>odeH ot enjoying then.selves, and how they differ from the resent time 18 always entertaining and aff-ords rare amusement ■ wl 1« U « ' tcnng stores.' As population multiplied, and demands oJa social nafu; iDcreased parties of pleasure sweetened the days of toil. Ari a ^rnoo„.« visit, perhaps a bee of some nature, the ouiltinc bees Ln ! • bees, spinning bees, wool picking, w'ere all W iLs 'raTe'fur"'}? a^ay be a huskmg is planned, to which the young ladies for many milp« are invited, the young men in the evening coming i„ on horseback to snem! a remaining festive hours, bringing a violinisF with tSe party Ifter the work, to bark corn, was accomplished, the gay dance and warn sunnor would be the sequel to the pleasant gathering In earlier dJ-nf .'^^P^ iiines Albany would presenf the gayfty of a Colonial court Ta'l Zues Washington divided his time into the four grand departments of «1^Pn devotion, recreation and business. On the hours of bTstneTs whetherfn \wZ\Z " """"^'^'^ ^^^'°«' ^' ^«"'d allow noth n7 to in • in'4 . no co„?rr'T"^ '•"'^"^'^^ '""^^'••«"«' "« P'e««ures howeve ele gaiit no conversation however asrreeable, could prevail on him fin! i . hold nf fw! I i • .*^^^'"^' by some extraordinary luck cot'en havin-turned ff7Cl I -T'le officers were thunderstruck, but wliVf": n • , glasses, rose up, one and all to go "Hev Hpv! what s all this, gentlemen, what's all th ,s ?" " Why did not von Jr;?^n!^ repos or good ni.'ht?" << VVliof t ;„ fi .\i. " 'Vi/na not you drink bon " Wr.Il th A ^ I- ^' • '^ ^'^^^ *h« meaning of it ?" " Yes Sir " Wlshinln" '" tV^"'' '^"^ ''^' y^"'- «^»t« «Sain, for by the lift of Washington, you shan't stir a peg, till we have started every drop of our 86 Legacy of TTrsToRicAi. Gleaninos. ! exfollont drink, bo Hontod, bo seated Koritlcmen." [n a <^'bu9H case at tlio rooiiiH of the ffiHtoriciil liibrary in I'liila, ii/'iais of ^1. W. It was used by Genera! Wayne in the rovobuion, and presented to the society by a pon- tlonian of that city, together with a small brass camp kettle, belonging to the same notable officer, both of which had seen much service. At Mrs. Washington's levoi! the visitors were seated, then tea and coffee were handed, with plain and plum cake. The company was expected to retire early. " The general retires at nine, and I usually precede him," the lady would si.y. At the presidential receptions Washint'ton wore his hair powdered and gathered behind in a silk bag. His coat and breeches were of a plain black velvet; he wore a white or pearl colored vest and yellow gloves, and had a cocked hat in his hand, with silver kneo and shoe buckles and a long sword with a finely-wrought and glit- tering stetl hilt. The coat was worn over this and its scabbard of"po. Ushed white leather. He never sliook hands at tl\ose receptions, even with his most intimate friends, but all his visitors were received with a dignified bow, and passed on. At jMrs. Washington's levees the president appeared simply as a private gen' eman, with neither hat nor sword, he was constantly engaged in conve. ation, without restraint and most gene- rally with the ladies, adorned by all tliio graces of true courtesy. At cue of her lady.ship's Friday evening drawing-rooms, owing to the en- trome lowness of the ceiling, the ostrioh feathers in the head-dress "a most di.stinguished belle in New York city, unfortunately took fire iroin the chandelier, to the general confusion and alarm. Major Jackson, aid- de-camp to the President Washington, flew to the rescue, and, clappin-' the burning plumes between his hands, extinguished them. This lady" who was Miss Mary McEvors, married Edward Livingston, the minister to France. 3Irs. Washington as a belle at the colonial court in V/illianis- burg, as a beautiful young widow (Mrs. Custis) reigning among the chivalrous Virginians, as the wife of the commander in chief and prcsi- dont of the new nation, was a general favorite and her benign aspect is familiar to all. She was accustomed to join Gen. VVashingiou in camp, traveling with postillions in white and scarlet liveri'^s. Every thing about her house had an air of simplicity ; the table good, but not osten"- tatious, and no deviation was seen from regularity and domestic economy. She superintended the whole and joined to the qualities of an excellent housewife the simple dignity which ought to characterize a woman whose husband has acted the greatest part on the theatre of human affairs. The subject of the president's title had caused much discussion in society. General Muhlenberg, who had once been an earnest clergyman but had in 1775 espoused his country's cause, thought General Washing- ton wo-'ld like the title hi(jhmi«htincss, used by the stadtholder of Holland. The general, dining with Washington, observed on the subject : "If the office could always be held by men as large as yourself or Wynkoop, it would be very appropriate ; but if by chance a president as stnall as niy opposite neighbor were elected it would be truly ridiculous." He therefore voted against any title. When Rev. Mr. Muhlenburg enlisted his regi- ment, he entered his pulpit with his sword and cockade and preached his farewell sermon. Leo ACT OP Historical Gleanings. 87 Union College Committee to Hon. Philip Schuyler. V 1 1. , , , SchcnoctadyOtli Jnnuv. 179? you have DoubtloHs been informcu t; m tl.o Citizens of ,Sci-„ootady have hud .t ,n cnten.plation for a nnn.bor of years to obtain a hH Scnonaryof heurnu..M„ thin Town. In the /oar 1780 or 81 prCS W..T n,ado on the.r part to the Lo«i«lature then Setting at AvLX to Kndow a College .f innt tuted in thin ph.co. with an Estate of ten tCand ..(•X pr Annum fe-nco that period and after the paHsing of the rneversitj Law, they have been prevented from publiekly'purHuinK the obll b^ he evval ot an Anc.ent Law Di.pute which eomprehended the p olej kstato and on which huhorto no decision had been obtained, thi. however ksnot made them Lose Si^ht of the buMness. A eonvi tioihTthe DKjtauce of h.s part of the Stato with the charges Attending a residence eMher at Columbm or .ts noiKhbouring Colleges cannot but operate usa very great d.scouragen.ent of moderate tho' comfortable Circumsta cc to devote the.r Cludren to a regular course of Education Leads them o persevere And .f we Add to these considerations tho amazing incr™ e population, the well known Centrality and Cheapness of bo^d n « low., the Comparatively few fashionable Vices with o her advantages winch are obvious we flatter ourselves every disinterest C .tlenian of be- n unce and Lebirality within this State will afford us ti..ir friend l^n "d Aid in the persecution. We conceive a Cri.es to offe.^ at present iavourable to our views at Liast if we can have the happines. of meeS mh the approbation and Countenance of the Legislature.^ Di- k V In. 'en K^.,rofth.s place with others having obtained a Leas fo, the Term"of tne treaty of , H8 the Residue of their reservation, bus with his AssociatoM ?m7rr ^^^1?^/5a60 Acres there of for the purpose of rouudinJfZ feu por ing A College in the Town of Schenectadv^eservin.' an Annual r n of two hundred and fifty Dollars for the benifet'of said ndian. The H Slel ''^l' ^'"'"^'oi' ^^'""f''^ P""'^^^ '"^-^^'^J i-to the lands of lie Ge.itlemen acting as Trustees of the Academy in this Town these in^'; '?Wrr "'T/'''^'""i'" ^"'•■^•^"'^ •" its proceeds and trmr,:; in )ts Na ure have determined to petition the Legislature for a Law to resen'tiof t" tts' D T ^^^^^-^ '' ^^^^^^^^ ^""^ "'^ I"di:ns die restr\..tion to this Donation. This petition supported by a Number of he u^st respectable Characters in the City and CoLty of Albany wi I be laid before the Legislature at an Early Stage of the season We cannot or,» .,„ doubt of its propriety. Instead of injuring the interests of'tl^e tt 'id" '^iZLtr'^ '3 Tf'' '' ''''''. '''' -"^^^ Sub'tntidTdt:: ag e Idea ot supporting and Educating a few of their young Man has been brown out to some of their principal Chiefs who appeared o be exceed gly pleased and Expressed their Wishes that we niight Succeed besdes" ter deducting the above Quantity they retain in their llesrvlttnm^^^^^^ tl-en two hundred and fifty thousand Acres to be CuItivatTrylbouron! hundred families And it must be obvums that such instUutioVwou d Se the greatest advantage to Society & the Stat.. But Sever Tacts Z ■sons may be plead in behalf of the Subject we are conSs thft Z er to succeed we need the interest and iid of friom s in he L gi |a- t 'the iloi^^'T'^"' ''^''■''"''° °^' y«"r candour and liberalYty I t-^l^e the Liberty humbly to request your Council and Assistance in fhe ' -11 88 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. business at Least as far as you shall Conceive Consistant and beg further to Suggest that We wish you to make such use of this Letter as you shall think conducive to promote our wishes. We are Sir, Your very Humble Serv*8, Abr" Ogtiiout. Mynd' S. Ten Eyck, Nicholas Veeder. John Glen, Cornelia.:* N. Van Slyck. Honorable Philip Schuyler, Esqr., Membei of the Senate, New York, Philip Van, Rensselaer to Gov. George Clinton. Dear Sir, Albany 1 Febr, 1792. I take the Liberty to inform your Excellency, that I have not been so Successful as to have my .\ccoi adjusted by the Gentlemen Appointed by Law for my Service during the Late war, and for which I have your Excel- lency's promise that I should be well Rewarded, this will be Delivered to your Excellency by Capt. Mathew Trotter by whom I wish to Receive a Line from the Governor with Advice what Steps I must Take in order to obtain my Just Right. I have Requested Gol" Varick to call on your Excellency on this Business. With Este'jLi I am your Excellency's Real and Sincere friend a ad Humbie Serv'. His Excellency Governor George Clinton. ^'«'^'^ ^^^ Rensselaer. Philip Van Bensselaer to Richard Varick, Dear Colonel : I take the Liberty to trouble you to call on the Governor to know what Steps I must take to obtain my pay for my Service during the Late War, for which I have his promise that I should be well Rewarded, his Ex- cellency's oppinion, together with your good advice, will be my Guide on this head, which you will pleuse to Communicate to me by a Line with the Return of the Bearer Captain Trotter. I am yours Sincerely. The Worshipful Richard Varick, Esq., New York.^' ^- I^^'Nsselaer. " In 1792 a sort of stage was established to run from Albany to Whites- town, near Utica, which performed the route once a fortnight. Some enterprising persons residing in the Genesee county, which was the great west of that day established another to meet the one at Whitestown, The next year a stage undertook to carry passengers from Albany to Coopers town." Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 89 CHAPTER IV. General Wayne's Campaign. Under the authority of the act of congress 1791, Arthur ?t Clair governor of the north western territory? had been appointed S general and commander ,n chief Every exertion ^vas^ mlde to ra ie an army and provide provisions and arms for it after whioh i^ u ^ at Fort Washington. On the 17th day of Sep^^^^^^^^^ left Fort Washington, and cut a road through ^ewderne; to ^^.1 Iam.lton now stands. Here a fort was erected, and c Jl fForTHfJltor father due north he established Another' miliry prScSi. ^^^ Jefferson More than two thousand warriors had been watchin. St Cllir's movements for several days, all night long the sentinels Td^been fi ,,. upon prowling Indians, and the men, by order of the Pnm, o. i '" ral had slept upon their arms. Alaj'or Z.tatu.ad T t:p^,Si"c:i w 1 1 a sufficient force to bring back about sixty men who had de e tod n a ody a„d the main army, only fourteen hundred strong moved fo' ward .0 where afterwards Fort llecovery was erected wi h n ViL r .' ot Mercer omintv 'VU^ *,. i i l "^ , ^"^^'^^'^) witnin the limits or luercer county I he troops had been early mustered and dismi.*,.^ fecrs exorled themselves, to the uttnast, l„ restore onle hat ?„ ,2- , however, d,d tho.r duty bravely, „„d were shot dow„ „ Rrea, mm 2' \ . '"'""•>'' S'" '"'' " ""■■« «"'' '■»"'l "im «t them The I ,di .„, 7d± " I"" f u ''• ^''°'"'' **' «l"!'- "" »° wor„ down bySo '"S^xrt^°"£i;t:ts-:5r^::nis£ SF , --.I .ir,.„u!ne .Miller, lived in Cmciuuati till lier death in 1838. 90 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. .'1 This woman ran ahead of the whole army, in their flin;ht from the field of battle. Jler larp;c (luantity of long red iiiiir, floated in the breeze, which the soldiers followed through the woods, as their avant courier that moved rapidly onward, to the place of their ultimate destination. Many of tlie prisoners taken were by the Indians roasted alive by a slow tire. This defeat of Oeneral Arthur St. Clair had produced the greatest alarm among all the settlers in the West, and it cast a gloom over society in all parts of the Union, and checked for a short time the tide of emigration in tliC direction of Ohio. St. Clair was condemned in unmeasured terms by men of all classes and parties, and the indignation of President Washington was exceeding hot. Although naturally of a mild disposition, Waslutm. ton had a temper which was vehement and almost irresistible. The sad news had greatly excited the general ; he walked slowly backward and forward in silence, he seemed much agitated, and broke out suddenly; •' It's all over, St. Clair is defeated, routed, the officers nearly all killed, the men by wholesale. The rout is complete, and a surprise in the bargain!" All this was said with great vehemence; then pausing, he again paced the floor in silence, violently agitated. When near the door he stopped short, stood for a moment, and then there was another terrible explosion of wrath, " Yes," he exclaimed, "on this very spot I took leave of him ; I said, Be- ware of a surprise. You know how the Indians fight us, I repeated' Beware of a surprise. He went off with this warning in his ears, and yet to suffer the army to be butchered by a surprise, the very thing I guarded him against. Oh, God ! Oh, God !" lie threw up his hand, and while his frame sliook heekclaimed : " He is worse than a murderer. How can he answer itto his country ? The curse of widows and orphans is upon him," The president's private secretary, Tobias Lear, was present and reuiaiued speechless till the paroxysm passed away. He was charged by the general never to divulge his display of temper, and that he was in a passion. Gen, Washington, however, was both generous and just, and St. Clair found in him a most faithful friend ; his case was investigated by a committee of the hou.se of repiesentatives and he was honorably acquitted, having no court martial to try him. General Anthony Wayne was appointed to fill his place. Congress authorized an increase of the regular army to a little over five thousand men, and a part of it, the Legion, was assigned to him, For many years the Indians had been very troublesome on our north- western frontier, and were ever on " the old war path." The first settlers there were constantly armed; they always went to their work with their guns near them, and had sentinels posted also close by, on some high stump of a tree. All males capable of bearing arms, were orJercI in the con- se^iiient confldence inspired by success, their blood thirsty propensity know no bounds. _ Almost every settler north of the Ohio, and west of the Alle-Iiany, were either carried into captivity or cruelly murdered, for " the torch ot war was kindled." In auf,^menting the army at this crisis, the wisdom oi President Washingtuu, most judiciously, directed him to the intrepid Wayne or ' Mad Anthony" (a title gained him for the im- potuos.ty exhibited during the old war for independence), as the proper oihcer to crush the grow.ngev. and to compel the savages to cease their depredations. He was destined in his victorious career to achieve noace and penuanent security to a dreaded wilderness. It was, however very difficult to enhst soldiers for that hazardous service, and now a new champion for his country's rights appears on the military field Solomon the fourth child of Major General Henry R. Van Rensselaer and A Ida Bradt, was born August 6, 1774, het oroenhasch orGreenbush opposite Albany, in what was subsequently called the old Genet mansion.' "'^ '■^'«.ffJ his Illustrious father's military disposition; and in the jw 1^92, before he was eighteen, told his sire, who was a man of posi- tion and influence that he must Secy, of War.' U-iUifliah KodgerSjJwght Dragoons. WHt^'rford, 10 miles above Albany, State of New York. - iiH' I*i!h of June, 1775, the day before the battle of Bunker's V. un;; American patriot, Henry Knox, escaped from Boston in ■ n, was accompanied by his wife, and she had quilted into the ' her fioak a sword, for whi.h it was expected, there would be i uo use He made his way to the headquarters of the American .! < umbridge ; he was employed, and that sword was a busy one '>- St oight years. The commission is decorated with the \meri. •• holding the olive branch in one talon, and a bundle of thirteen Hthe other, while his beak holds a scroll with the motto i7 < ««m, in the centre at the head of the parchment; with the ot the United States Board of War and Ordnknce -^«;ai ,^. Washington President of the United States op Ame- hioa. lo all who shall see these Presents Greeting : • Vk, That reposinp; special Trust and confidence in the Patriot- :ur fidelity and Abilities of Solomon Van Rknbseimer I .. Mmted and by and with the Advic, a„d ConHont of the Senate ■< Inrna Lieutenant ot' Lnuii Dragoons, iu the Service of ^ KO bTATEs : To take Rank from the Eighteenth of September usand seven hundred & ninety-two. He i^ therefore carefully nt y to discharge, the Duty of J.ieutknant, by doing and per- d Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And I do Stnctlv ^'.d require all Officers and Soldiers under his (Jommand, to be ■ ro his Orders as Lieutenant. And he is toobserve-and Follow ' .i.M> and Directions from time to time, as he shall receive from "k luture I'resident of the United States, or the General or ^i.^nor Oftcers set over him, according to the Rules and Disci- . vv ar. Ihis Commission to continue in Force during the Pleasure 'rusulent of the United States for the Time bou..- V ,»ader my Hand, at Philadelphia this Nineteenth day of March Y iir ot our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Three •he .Seventeenth Year of the Independence of the United States. 1 /• .1 T> ., G°: Washington "iMi.d of the President of the United ) ■'e* of America. i H. Knox, Secretary of War. -sU f ■*•■ AT' «,;.■ J &„«/.;•-"-"' -"^ JffVfo^yfLj. As soon OS Urunswi'3k, ] coiniuence yc You will £ bafrj:age of ; Hunt will aci Ilia. At Reii transportatioi Let lue hei Capt. Jededic Water On the 16i hill, a youug disguise. He lining of her immediate us( general at Cai i'or the next e can eagle hole arrows in the Flnrihus Unii\ great seal of tl "George W^ RICA Know Ye, ism, Valour, 1 have nominate do appoint him the United Si one thousand and diligently i forming all Ma charge and req obedient to his such Orders an me, or the futu other superior pline of War. of the Presiden Given undei in the Year of ( and in the Seve % Command o States of A 111 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 93 As soon as the clothing arrives and which is now on the road to New l^runsw.ck, I request that after clothing your men, you will immo.liately cuinmence your march agreeably to the orders which are enclosed iou will apply to Mr Bray to furnish you a waggon to transport the baggage of your detachment from Brunswick to Trenton, where Mr Hunt w.ll accomodate you in the same manner to Reading in Pennsylva llspltn'^^PuXrg'^"'"^' ^^^^^'^"' P--- y'- ^^— ' of Let me hear from you by every opportunity while on the march I am Sir, Your humble Servant, n * T J J- I, r> J 1 . , ^ ^^- Knox, Scey. of War. Capt Jedediah Rodgers, Light Dragoons. ^ Waterford, 10 miles above Albany, State of New York. On the 16th of June, 1775, the day before the battle of Bunker's h.ll, a young American patriot, IIenrv Knox, esnaped from Boston in d..gu.se He was accompanied by his wife, and she had quiUed into the h.m.g of her cloak a sword for which it was expected, there would be .n.n,ed>ate use He made his way to the headquarters 'of the American ir^o nt^ri^'^"'' ^'^u '^"'P'^y^'^' '""^ '^■'' «^«rd was a busy one ior the next eight years The commission is decorated with the \mTri. can eagle holding the olive branch in one talon, and abundle of thirteen arrows in the other, while his beak holds a Ull with the motto 1 l.nhuslm.m, in the centre at the head of the parchment, wTh the great seal of the United States Board of War and Ordnance. ''George Washinoton President of the United States oe Ame- RICA. To all who shall ,^^ these Presents Greeting : Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and confidence in the Patriot ism, Valour, Fidelity and .ibilities of Solomon Van Renssfp aIp t ave nominated and by and with the Advice and Consen of the Senate do appoint him a Lieutenant op Light Dragoons, in the Service of the United States : To take Rank from the Eic.hteenth oTZZlTu one thousand seven hundred & ninety-two. ^^^PrisTerelfSu^ and diligently to discharge the Duty of Lieutenant hv7Zl °L ^ f riningall Manner of Things thereunto beEng ' ZndTi Stri^r charge and require all Officers and Soldiers undef his Command t?l^ sth'orV'' h-Ordersas Lieutenant. Andret^oobs'e ve and Fo i'^ such Orders and Directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me r the future President of the United States, or the General 0^ ne of^'waT Vj^T "' ''" 'r™' ''-''''''^ ^'^ *^« Rules and Disci- pine ot War. 1 his Commission to continue in Force durin- the PleasnrP of the President of the United States for the Time being in mIJv f' "^^r ^^f .1' '* P^^'adelphia this Nineteenth day of March in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninetv Thrp! and in the Seventeenth Year of the Independence of the UniLd States! 13y Command of the President of the United ) ^" '' ^^^^^^^'^o^' otates of America. r H. Knox, Secretary of War. 04 Leoacy op Historical Gleanings. AhftraH of Sumlrie»froin the Quarter Afimter'H Hook. Invoick of Ci.otiiino remuining in Hoxes No. 2 & 3 for Cupt. Rogers " " ^ No. 3. Box No 2 10 Vests 9 Coats I Frock 45 P' L. Breeches, 108 Shirts 5 Linen ovorulls 1(5 P' Stockinjjjs, 8 Stocks 9 Valceces 52 J ' Shoes Keccivcfl 10 Caps, 45 V Boots 11 Swords & Bolts 9 Slings 10 Blankets. puper, hulf The Size IloLr,, bein'j; a Descriptive list o." Recruits inlisted in the Company of Capt. Jedodiah Rogers. Containing Names, Age, Size, in feet and in'jhes. Complexion, Hair, Eyes, Trade, Where Kulisted, and for what number of years, What Town, What State was Bora, What County and Town, in which he was Born. Place of Residence, What State, County and Town, Remarks. The oldest man of the troop was 32 years of age, and the youngest was 19 years, the average age was 23. The recruits were enlisted for three years ; each recruit received a bounty of eight dollars ; each recruit wa.s over five feet and five inches in height, without shoes, one was 5 feet lOJ inches. The clothing, arms and accoutrements were furnished the re- cruits; also with rations, barracks, barrack utensils, straw, fuel and such necesary medical assistance as they might requiie. Invoice of Equipments furnished Sergt. Major Breck. 1 Cap, 1 Coat, 1 Stock, 1 Cloak, 1 P' Leather Breeches, 1 P' Boots, 1 P' Shoes, 1 P' Boot Buckles, 1 P Spurs, 1 P' Spur Leathers, 2 P'^Stock- ings, 1 Vaieece, 1 Saddle, 1 Bridle, 1 Halter, 1 Nose Bag, 1 P' PistoU, 1 Cartouch Box, 1 Stable frock, 1 Sword Belt & sliug, IP' Brushes & Black Ball. Received the above articles. Fort Washington, December 10, 1792. '^^ ^R^ck, S. Major. Fort Hamilton, May 11th, 1793. Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., One Cap, one Coat, one pair Leather Breeches, one Pair Linen Overalls, four shirts, two Pair Stockings, two Pr. Boots, two Pr. Shoes, one Pr. boot bucklers, one S^ock, one clasp, one Stable frock, and one Pair Spurs for the use of a Sei^eant Major in Capt. Henry Bowyer's Troop. ^ Covington, Lieut. L.D. Fort Hamilton, May 16th, 1793. Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., Eleven dozen pistol Cartridges for the use of a detachment of Dragoons for Command. Geo. H. Dunn, Cornet, L.D. Hobson's Choice,' June 1st, 1793. Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., Ten Swords and Scabbards for the use of my Troop. Robert Ms. Campbell, Capt. 2nd T.L.D. Hobson's Choice, June 1st, 1793. Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer Qr. Mr. L. D., Thirty-six horse brushes and thirty-six main Combs for the use of Capt. Winston's Troop, J. Webb, Jr., Cornet L. Dragoons. ' The low grounds near Fort Washington. Books of Han the u.se of my Received oi Antimony, tw cofipuniM, ten ianl, ten yards one old camp In the sumi dians, and Fo ajiainst New C scut out, in su of truce, medi peace with the as soon as thej sent by them, who slew the I of a gentlemat Washington's General Wuyn but all in vain efforts to make prepare for a v of General Wt the nation wei attention on th had turned the object and at t draw our natioi expedition ' on object being n( failure, but noi etlects upon the ington, in conif Indians of Wes savages, and to as they had don were present at Received at I late Qr. Master Revived of ] Shoes for the usi Fort Ilamiltoi Leqaoy op IltsTORioAL Qleaninqs. 85 i> • J i-T- . ir ., Hobson's Choice, June 6th, 1793 Heceivcd of L.eut Van HcnHHclaer Q. M.L.I)., One quire o wrkln^ puptr, Imif a pupor of mlc powder, five quilLs, half a box of wafer., fbur Jirurlfliirivoot" ' '""^"^'""^ "''' """ ^''^''y »-«'' f- W. A. Lee, Capt. Ist. Troop, L.D. 1, • 1 ry . ir ,. Hf'l'son's Choice, June 1 1th, 1793 1 cce.vod of Lieut Van RensselncT ten pounds BHuKstone. five pounds An.nnony two p..»nd8 salt-petre, ten pounds CuHtiel Soap, five pound' coppenis, ten pounds tobacco, ten pound, bees-wax, twenty pounds S i«nl, en yards t.ek hn« burgh, four gallons tar, twelve fathom rope and one old cau.p kettle for the use of the Squadron under my eonunand 11. Ms. Cami'Bkll, Capt. Couinian. L. Dragoons. In the summer of 1793, General Wayne tried to treat ^ith the In d.a„s, and Fort Massae was built under him, to prevent an expedit on aoa.nst New Orleans, which Citizen Genet wL planning. Gen. W vne «cu out, .n Huccess.on, Colonel Hardin, and Major Tru^man with a flag of truce medals, talks and presents to the Indians in order to make a peace w.th hem. These messengers of peace were killed in suersion as soon as they arrived among the savages. Their medals, and speecTes' sent by them and all they had with them, were taken by theTndia„s who slew the bearers of them. These n.edals were made at the exnense of a gent eman of Philadelphia and by him sent as a token'of Gene a \UHh,ngton s friendship to the Indians. Every other effort was made by G ne a Wayne, that summer, to bring about a peace with the Tva^es^ but 11 in vain, and worse than in vain. But notwithstanding a 1 ufe efforts to make a peace, yet, nothing was omitted that could be done o prepare for a vigorous war against them. Notwithstanding all theefforts General Washington, ,n favor of this bleeding frontier, congress and the nation were too much engaged with other objects to' bestow t"eh attention on his war in the distant far West. The French revolution had turned tie heads of many members of congress towards that datw object and at this time Genet was busily engaged in his endeavors to dn.w our nation into the vortex of European pditics. His 'filibuster n' expedition on an extended scale, against the Spanish domi ion hf e t;^n? ^Z-W'- '\'''''''' '' l^^'^'-'^^ -^ ^- Orleans was a lailu e, but not, until his schemes of conouest bad produced annovimt effects upon the national government. Early in this ye.'r Srd W^ sh' jngton, in company with Colonel Timothy pikering,^m d^ a ^urlo the" 1 dians of Western New York. This visit was mad^ to conci Lte thl su ges, and to prevent their joining in the war, with the British ndins as they had done all along before this period. Many New York Indiana were present at St. Clair's defeat, and some fought agaS Gen Wayne laffSr^MasJer^rD^""'''"' "^^If ^^^^ ^^^^' "^ ^^'^"*- ^^ «^»««elaer late yr. iVJaster L. D. one pair of boots for my own use. Heucules Whaley, Sergt. 4th Troop. Received of Lieut. Van Rensselaer, Q. M. L. D. Six Setts of HorsP Shoes for the use of a detachment of Light Dragoons under my Command! Fort Hamilton, July 24th, 1793. Jon. Taylor, Lieut, of L. D. 9e Legacy op Historical Gleaninqs. \W 1 ) " Fort Hamilton" was built by General Arthur St Clair, governor Nortli Western Territory. On the 17th day of September, 17!)1, my left Fort \\''ashinf,'ton, and cut a road through the wilderness' Heooivod at Fort Hamilton, Oritobor i)th, 1793, of Captain Van llonsHe- laer four Saddles and four pistols oomplete, which I promise to deliver him when called for. F. Salandkr, Asst. Qr. Master. Greene Villo, October 29th 1793. Received of Capt. Solomon Van UonHsclaor Seven pounds, Sever. Shillings & Kight pence in full on Troop Account. . ,, A. Hunt & Co. Received of Captain Van Rensselaer Hve pack Horses and three pack Saddles which I am to Deliver to Captain Hcnhem, from whom they were rect 3d. Danikl Touhky, Cornet & U. Mr. L. 1). Nov. Ist, 1793. Received of Cornet John Posey, One Damaged Horseman's Tent. Robert Lee, Pay k Qr. Master of the 4th Sub Legion. Camp 11th November, 1793. The of the the army to where Hamilton now stands. Hero a fort was erected, and called Fort Hamilton. It was on the east bank of the Great Miami river, about twenty mile's within the present limits of this state. Capt. R. Ms. Camjibell to Capt. Van Renmlaer. My Dear Rensselaer, Fort Washington, Jany 29th, 1794. Here I am and shall bo untill tomorrow, when I shall set out with Genl. Wilkinson for Greenville, in a sleigh. There is a fine Snow on the ground! There is no great news here to inform you of. My family connections all broke up, tho' the Dulcinia is still on the ground. I am anxious to Return to Camp, I fear I shall not be able to ace you so soon as I contemplated. I fear Capt. Lee's Tryal will be Tedious But I shall press my Return as soon as possible. I am to take on the army papers to Head Quarters. I hope I shall be able to Bring on Some Money for the Corps. Let me hear from you by Every opportunity. Make my compliments to the "en- tlemen of the Corps, tell Posey I shall write him from Head Quarters, and that he must not be oflFended at the fatherly Liberty I have taken in my Severe letter to him, if he find." himself able to Read it. I love the young man for his amiable Disposition, therefore cannot Refrain from giving my advice. I wish to have something to Say with Posey before he accepts finally of tho Staff appointment he is about to have Conferred on him. What a pitty it is that all men are Born to be Slaves, but as this misfortune^pervades the universe of Mankind, be my situation what- soever it may, T am determined to possess a happy mind ; that's enough for me or for any soldier. Indeed it's victuals, drink and clot'.iiv to Jl men who possess it, give me health of Body, Peace of Mind, a JVtty Girl, a clean shirt, and a Guinea, and I'm Rich and happy. ..i r'., fi.e time my Dear Rensselaer to look forward to great and Brilliant actions in the East, it is now said that a War with Great Britain is inevitable, though not actually declared. I am my Dear Rensselaer your friend &c. Capt. Sol. V. Rensselaer of Dragons. Bellipherontia, Kentucky. ^ ^ ■ ^i-O^-y.yf^f'^-^--'^^^ W"<""« ("I'milroit e/Llrt}it n„,^„„„_ ■ ,/ a' ■ /> , yf)"t -'-r -"i'y^' »//#i« »v/^/^<. .„i£ General W; in preparing f tnifc into the army and esta viilaj,'e ot'Gret mciJt and wint the g-ound wi where he erect We copy a father's packai^ Dear Van, I will thank is probable we to me. If you Dolhirs to Hoot chasing one abc not object, at i If wlien you t bring mo eithei suppose would 1 be procured anu you and pay the Have your Tr To Capt. 8. V Dear Van : I must trouble have left before uiulcr his charge have the ciiar^e ( of him I could w an expn..ss we are quently threatan( " to IS probable we may make an expedition shortly.^lvhe'K w 1 be of en- ce tome. ^Ityo" can swap him and obtain a better, by gTvin' W 19 Dollars to Hoot I should 1 ke it. By sellin-' him fnr h.% 1 .iT j cha,si„g one about 45 or 50 Dollars^hT i^^ejual to th'-t ^m Ti^^, not o,,eet,at any rate bring him or unotherlh y ; arTordered Jli^ISer Z^^ S,^ ■ k^yt'X ^^J^^ Huppose would be acceptable, ata reasonable rate^hieh I u, derst-L^.!^ Yours, EdW D. Turner. Have your Troop in good order or I shall give you larry ! To Cupt. S. Van Rensselaer, Kentucky. ^- ^- Vissciier. ^'^i't- 'J-'wncr to Vapt. Van Rensselaer. r \1 II l^'^'"'' ^^'"shington, March .^0 17Q4 och3 no good t. the Army, wnat the final Issue of theToSt do iber^tits t^'S^r^Ti' ''r^' ^''"J«^^--«' ^'^« knowing on s si; he I I; tt T n^r"^ '' '^' ^^'T-^ '' '' "°^ «'^' '« inJifferent1-o'me Cant «! V,'.. T> I rr^ ^our I riend and Servant ' Upt. S, Van Rensselaer, Kentucky. Edward D. Turner. I.o'r!!Hj''i"l''' "^ Kentucky was healthy and delightful, the extremes of J ..id cola were not experienced. The winter, which be-Wns To.^f good pasturage '" ^ ""' "''" '"'''■'^*^ ''''^' S^^^' ^^^ '-^'^^d 13 I 98 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. General Washington was beset on all sides and the oppopition to the present constitution hiid hold of everything within their reach to render the president unpopular. They pretended to fear so large a standing army of five thousand four hundred men ! The efforts of Citizen Genet and other considerations operated on the mind of Gen. Washington to make this a very trying period to him. " The difficulties of tran.^porta- tiou in these gloomy times arc almost inconceivable. The roads were wretched, with many swamps ; the pack-horses sank to their knees, and wagon-wheels to their hub in mud." Received at Belepherontia, April 20th, 1794, of Capt. Van Rensselaer six pounds, twelve Shillings & nine pence in full for keeping one black horse 4 weeks @ 6 .s i;1.4.lj To keeping 1 horse 15 weeks, 4.10,0 To 23 bus. Oats, O.l^g iE6.12.9 N. SiiAW, Asst: Quarter Master, Fort Washington, May 3rd, 1794. Received about the 6th April, of a Mr. Sanders a Sorrel horse belontrin" to the Sorrel Troop commanded by Captain Van Rensselaer, Totally unfit for any kind of service and which was sold at vendue on the 2Gth April. Jno. Belli D. Q. M. G. Green Ville, July 17, 1794. Received of Capt. Van Rensselaer, five Dragoon Horses, unfit for Service, also one Pack Horse. John Posey, Cornet & Qr. Mr, T. Light Dragoon. Received Greenville, July 25th. 1794, of Capt. Sol. A^an Rensselaer fifteen pounds, four Shillings and two pence, in lull to this date, beini'a balance due on His Mess also three ,e on His Mess account with Cornet Torry and Cornet Posey, Dollars in full for an order drawn in favor of Will. Gorman, a Private in Captain W. A. Lee's Troop. Jas. Macconnel. Received at Greenville, July 25, 1794, of Capt. Sol. Vau Rensselaer payment in full of hisaccount of Sundries, £22.5 8. O. Ormsuy. Green Ville, 25 July, 1794. Received from Captain Van Rensselaer of the 4th Sub Legion, Three privates Shirts, two pairs of Linen Over- halls, Three pairs of Boots. Jonathan Taylor, Lieut. Pay & Qr. Mr. of 4th Sub Legion. Received of Captain S. Van Rensselaer two Dragoon horses on August 4, 1794. R. liENHAM, Capt. Troop, L.D. Lieut. Nanning L Visscher to Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Dear Van Munickhovsm: Cincinnati, Gth April, 1794 Your Letter of the 2d Inst, was handed to mc yesterday, by a Dragoon, I am surprised that my Letter of the 20th Ult. (sent by Cap, Earnest) had not reached you at that time, in which 1 requested you to send uiy Horse to this place. I do not mean that you shou'd send him in the Let- ter, I only wish'd you to forward liim to this place by the first opportunity. I think a Band-box wou'd be a convenient piece of Furniture to put him in. You doubtless must have rec'd mine by Cap. Ernest bel'ore this, LEaACY OP Historical Gleanings. 99 sinne which, T have written you by a Soldier who was directed to brin.. a lew ot the Paymasters horses to this phice, viz Turners, Lee's and my o^^n. I expect to see him momently. I have nothing very new for you save that we have taken quarters at Munson's Tavern, where we live ia Clover, and even this, I expect is not better living than your Horses have. but we poor Infantry boys are glad to take up with this, and think wo are up u\\ amost any capers. We shall leave this for Head Quarters ia about SIX days ; on. or before which time, I order that you will now repair to th,s place with your Troop of Snorters, for the express purpose of escort- ,>,^^ nie to that place. I close with this my order to you, and request that you 11 write me on the rec't. Dear Munic, Yrs. etc., Cap. Van Rensselaer, Bellipherontia, Kentucky. N. 1. ViSSCHER. f '• « the troop was quartered at this place for purpose of organization and dnli.ng, the officer-like deportment of Capt. Van Rensselaer gained the favorable notice oth.s supc-iors and paved his way to promotion 1 hough extremely rigid as a disciplinarian he was ever attentive to the wants of his soldiers and an unbending supporter of their ri-hts Thus he gained their respect, confidence and good will, but it led" him some- times to unpleasant dilemmas with others. Upon one occasion he stopped wo ofh.s troop who had been ordered off by an officer, contrary to instruc- tions from head quarters, upon express duty. A threat of arrest was thrown out fur the act, but he laughed at it and defied. It was not carried into execution, nor was any attempt afterwards made to force either his men or h.s horses upon this injurious service ; consequently he was ena- bled to keep them in admirable condition for any sudden emerc^ency Qhore were four troops of dragoons attached to the army, the sorrefs the greys, the chestnuts, and the bays, and because this kind of force 'had never been used against the Indians, it was hoped that they would prove very efficient in the contemplated action which occurred on Au-ust 20 hJi. To th.send.care was taken to exercise them upon every des'cription of service, whether cleared or wooded, broken or smooth, and they were taught never to consider any obstacle impassible without a fliir trial llie youthful officer was very energetic in the instruction of his men and encouraged them in all things appertaining to their vocation An anecdote was frequently related, to elucidate the proficiency of UCoV\v!'r ' '"'''''^ "''"P ^" '^'' P'^-ticular, with great gusto by (xen. Wilkinson in more recent times. Once when the troop was p^. .ding near his quarters on the Wabash river, General Wilk nson wislimg to test the metal of his youthful officer, vvaited till they were re"'' <.W Z'M i "''"'-^ --rroun^^A his fine garden, and then gJve the orau daujP. ! Supposing, of course, that they necessarily would ston -it high inclosure ; but far from it. Capt. Solomon clapped tlie spu s Ms fine y strung horse that stood with his neck proudly Arched, hi immense nosr.l dilated his teeth impatiently champe' the heavy cavalry b^ withaflymg leap the result of a muscular energy that wouu/un eat a c rcless ruler, handsomoly cleared the stone wall followed by allof lis cav ary; some had struck it down but all scampered over the fine vegetables" rt'i to S7"-T '^r- '" ^'--,P'.-f-- Having prompted thi^Su w K ; "^ ■''' ^"i''""'' ^^•■'^ ^■'^'^ ""'^'- destruction of his garden It? h ";}TT-'^^ ?"fi r^^ ^''f S'-^^'ity of a stoic brought the uZJhTol nakeis back t,. tho,. „,., .t^nd. Though as an offset for the spoiling I 1] ers back to their original 100 Legacy of Historical Gleanings, » i| of his cherished garden, after a few more manoeuvres, when they were facin«: the river, again came the order, " chart/c" ! At the word of com- maud, under full speed in a sweeping gallop, tiie dauntless captain with his well disciplined troop dashed down the steep bank into the river and plunged headlong in the deep water before they could be countermanded. Unmoved by danger the nerve and bearing of the leader inspired courage. If the chagrin of die general had been great before, it all evaporated now in apprehension for the safety of the obedient, reckless troop. He watched their motions in silent agony. One of them, a cornet, he saw separated from his own steed, in imminent danger of being killed by the struggles of other ones, but grappled in time and taken in tow by the vigilant captain, who.se cheering voice was heard now and then above the uproar, all the gallant fellows ascended the opposite bank in triumph, then General Wilkinson felt as if released from the burden of Atlas. He expressed himself quite satisfied with the result, and never afterwards thought it expedient to try any more experiments with that troop, and from that time they were his particular favorites. General Wayne was not idle, but urged forward all his measures vigor- ously, prudently, and in the end effectually. The reiterated attempts which had been made to effect a pacification with the Indians, had issued only in new and outrageous proofs of per.severing hostility on the part of the tribes, with whom we were at war. The only basis they would allow to the proposed armistice, was, that the United States should withdraw their troops from the western side of the Ohio river. Nothing could be more explicit, than thib ultimatum of the Indians. Their sine qua non, was the Ohio for the boundary. To this proposition, the commissioners would never assent, and tliey accordingly wrote to the chiefs and warriors of the council, at tha rapids of the iMiami, on the 13th day of August, 1793, that, " the negotiation was at an end." The council fire was "hen put out. General Wayne was compelled to wait until late in the summer of 1794 before he felt strong enough to move forward. Meantime the Indians appeared in force. On the 30th of June, about a thousand of them, accompanied by a number of JJritish soldiers and French Canadian volunteers, made their appearance before Fort Ilecovery(so called in com- memoration of the fact that they had recovered the territory lost by St Clair, as well as all but one of the cannon which he was compelled to leave behind), and during the day assailed the garrison .several times, During these assaults the Americans lost fifty-seven men in killed, wounded and missing and two hundred and twenty-one horses. The In- dians lost more than in their battle with St Clair. Less than a month after this engagement, Wayne moved forward with his whole force toward the RIaumee. Admonished by the fate of St Clair, he marched cautiously and slowly, so slowly and stealthily that the Indians called him the Blacksnake. Little Turtle was again upon the alert, with two thou- sand warriors of his own, and neighboring tribes within call. The vigilant Wayne well knew this. He had faithful and competent scouts and guides, and by unfrequented ways and with perplexing feints, he moved steadily onward, leaving strength and security in his rear. At Fort Recovery a company of artillery and also of riflemen were left there as a garrison under the command of Lieut N. I. Visscher. On the 8th of August Gen. Wayne with his army reached the mouth of the Auglaize, a tributary of the Maumee, forty-five miles or more below Fort VVajfue. LEaACY OP Historical Gleanings. iqi Here, in the forks of these rivers he pr^ot^A a =t,„ -i-. Fort Defiance it was called. ' ^ '*'°"^ ""'^'^^'y ^«rk. Lieut. JSr. I. Visscher to Capt. Van Rensselaer. ; ^This le"tter you'll receive by a Militia ma'n w^'"-^ "l-^"'' ^ ^^^4- quarters (with dispatches) where he'll arrive Ss J-f" ^'' T ^'.'^^"•^- be any letters for me fron. hou'e I wish vnnfn f '"/°f ' '^"''^ '^^^« opportunity, and to inform r^htWyrhave'vIttr '" ''' '"* of slashing with temporary advantages • ?f not f £ opportunity that you may even be honorably killed' To heJrTf ^'" "T T^^ ^°^ beagoodstoryformetocarryhome .ndwou'dsow!?! 1 ^"""n ^^^'^ ^""''^ Keufember nfe for the lastC ^ T.ltrTrrnef few '^^^^^^^ other young fellows should they be Hvl^^g wTe^V u1Seti,%tT however is very improbable. Excuse this scrawl the bearer awdts' Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Head Quarter^'"""' ^^ ^^ ^^««'^"^^- General Wayne fully informed himself of .hp <.frpn.,tK\,P ^u wanted war, not peace, and havinc^^^en Toitd Tv^^'^^jj^ ^ on July 27th, with ele'ven hundred weU i^ou„ted niel iT "^'T'v ^'''\l him from Kentucky he leff Fnrf rvlfi "^''""*^" ni^n, whom he had with and at once rnarcS down hf Maume^^^ l'.\'-^'^ ^""^ '' ^"S"«^ river. On the 19th he wL a thXad of th^ ?- "H "^ '"'''''^ ^^ '^' porary works to protect his baggagj and to recoZte thf "° """^ *^"" called Fort Deposit, and here on the lOth Wnvnp?1l / ' ""^J'^' ^'^^ and adopted a plan of march and o b ittle'sibm^i^ted bv 1 ' '"""'"^ ^-^/f"' camp, Lieutenant William H Harrison Su^ »hs young aid-de- in good fighting condi^lfotTwayL'^uTd'oS'tr"^'^^^ aga.nst the enemy, who by' this time had col ected 111^.*^''^'^'"^ »V. had been Sed'lJ To's p ir'^^en r'lV '"= ^"=--' Ml have been better orotoete,! ih.n ,1 !.' "^ """""J """'"i force as Wayne'" '^,^71,^1^. ^ ^ were from sueh a nionntad river, and bjl i ,d ZlZTZt'l'^, '•'''' ""' °''"'° tap nun,be,- of broken birnchercatd La ,„nLi",™'r '",?' """ «»"". i. ««.e5, „„nv:r^ A;t,f;nr*-,r4&£'si;Lt 102 Legacy op Historical GLEANI^ds, 1 they wore obliged to yield to the superior prowess of the novel force wl 'oh pressed the enemy so closely as not to give him time to reload his guns. The strong adversary was broken, routed and slain, or driven two miles in one hour, through this windfall and thicket, until they "rero within pistol shot of the British garrison. Their killed and wounded and that of their painted Canadian allies in this last great battle in the north against the United States was immense; but our loss was almost equalK great, particularly in officers. Of the four dragoon captains, only one left the field unhurt. This campaign (ranquilized the whole Indian fron- tier from Florida to the northern lakes. The Indians were just on the point of making one general war, when this timely, great and decisive victory saved the United States from it, as all the natives who lived any where near our frontier lines, between us and Canada and between us and Spain were pledged to unite in concerted action against our nation. It was in this notable battle at the foot of the rapids of the Miami or Maumee on August 20, 1794, as a boy of twenty summers that Captain Van Itensselaer particularly signalized himself at the head of his cavalry, in one of the most brilliant and eft'ective charges ever made against the savages of that region. While in the midst of hard fighting, he saw by the manoeuvering that the enemy was trying to turn our left flank, the order was given to " charge," and in that terrible battle, while in the act of cutting down an Indian who was aiming at the troop from behind a tree, he was shot through the lungs, being struck in the center of the breast-bone by a rifle bullet which passed out transversely near the right shoulder. But with the blood rushing from his breast, mouth and nose, maugre the dangerous wound, refused to be dismounted from his charger, but maintained his seat in his saddle until the enemy were efiiectually routed, when, and not till then, would he consent to be lifted oflF. General Wilkinson found " the youthful soldier," after the action, sitting against a tree, " smiling with complacency while the blood was oozing from his lungs." The wound was at first considered by the surgeons to be mortal, but youthful vigor and a fine constitution enabled him to resist the effects of the wound and recover his health. An order for the battle, stained with the blood of the gallant soldier, was found in his breast coat-pocket and is still preserved as a precious relic. Captain Robert Ms. Campbell of the cavalry, in that action was wounded in the same manner, in the first charge. He bequeathed his sword to my father and it is among his effects in the old domicile. An Extract from the will of Capt. Robert Ms. Campbell. " Green Ville, July 25th, 1794. * * * " My Silver Hilted Sword I give to my beloved friend Capt, Soln. Van Rensselaer in confidence that ho will never disgrace it, this Sword and Belt is at Mr. Hunts." At the close of the action, two litters were brought out for the convey- ance of the two similarly wounded captains back to Fort Deposit, into one of which Capt. Campbell was placed ; but Capt. Van Rensselaer re- fused to be laid on a litter to go from a victorious batt'efield. Genl. Wayne said, " You young dog ! how then are you going '( " " I am an officer of the cavalry, and shall go on horseback," was the reply. " You will drop by the way." " If I do, just cover me up and let mo lie there," was the unflincliing response of the brave soldier. At his solicitation, he was mounted on his own charger, and one of his dragoons on either side Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 103 supported the suffering officer on the horse. As the army moved those five or 8U milGHata slow pace the jjen tie action on his^ystem, while go.n. up and down hill was ,ery beneficial, and the blooa or pus was by he motion thrown up. Thus that decided refusal to dismount saved Ms hte, as the blood was prevented from conf,^ealing. The best surgeons in the army attended him ; we have their certificates regarding his dangerois wound, and it was a matter of surprise to them that he ever recovered Neither of these gentlemen believed, on the day of the battle, that h^ could survive, st.l each exerted himself to afford what relief mi..h be given to the youthful captain ; and each said, after his recovery thit not one of a thousand lived after such wound. ' They attrirutcH; ent lely to his upright position, which facilitated the escape of the putrefying blood, and the action impacted by the motion of the horse which kepthi^ wound in a cleanly state General Wayne directed his aid, the Eoble Harrison my father's early friend, to have him carried to th^ command- orsown tent where the poor invalid was nursed as a son by the kTnd general and ks friends Although Capt. Van Rensselaer was actually sensible of he effects of this severe wound to his last day. yet he wag enabled wituin a few months to proceed homeward, and at thJexpiratTon of wo years to report himself again fit for duty. Poor Captain clmTn had not sufficient strength to rally, the blood clogged on his breaTand he "passed away," on the route, from suffocation. Some years after when Dr. John F Carmichael, surgeon of U. S. troops, Js ofa vis ai our house, my father had ordered a new pair of boots which were bio ulh home; trying them on, and finding them too tight, he damned the boots My mother reproved him for so doing, when Dr. Carmichrel who was in an adjoining room called out; " Oh ! my dear madam, do not clsu e your husband for using that word, it once saved his life." He then re- la ed, that when he in company with the other surgeons, Dr. Scotrand Dr. Heyward came to Captain Van Rensselaer, after the terrific battle of August 20th, they all thought him dead. He had, however fainted f^roin lossof blood; the handling of him, roused him' to consciousness Just hen one of them remarked, " this poor fellow is too frrTne „o u attending to h.m," and were passing on to the other sufferers when a ^^damn you dress me," startled tham, and they quickly decided that such a plucky one who had so much energy, shodd bewared for and wiri'w.'T.'^ .''"• ^''''^' '^"••^'^' the distinguished M.am ichief w d he Indian forces, a few years subsequent toNhose stirring scenes 1 the late IJarent Sanders of Albany, then a merchant at Detroit whea onversing of that battle and Captain Van Rensselaer, " The little flllow had given him so much trouble, that he ordered a do en of hi t„.i to watch for him and shoot him down ; but he was too active for them thev oukl not harm him till just at the close of the action." General Wilk/ a "00"; TndJl 7T" '" ^™V"°^'' '"^ ^••'^^••«' as a cornet of ara„oons and at the tender age was distinguished for his coolne s and r^lo'lifti" "'•'^"- "i^ !'''r ^"' ^^'-^^^ - ^ lieutenant 1 ela t e eyolutonary war, and fought and bled for his country in the affai^ nrl-'^^' -'d'fferwith toniiiidccncy Rising by regular promotion to a troop he was narrim, iariy noticed by General Washington, and raised toThe command of a" 104 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. squadron. The friendships of those days were pure and distinterested ; and no small portion of the true and ancient friendships was ever pre- served not only by the old settlors but their posterity." Capt. Van lienaaelaer to Lieut. Vmcher. My dear Van Munickhousen. ^^""^ ^^P°«'*' ^"-- ^2, HW. Your letter of the 1st Inst., was handed me by a Militia man; there were no letters with the dispatches for Headquarters for you or me from our friend? at Albany. I have been at a place where I might have slashed with temporary advautaj^es, had not a Rifle Ball from an Indiaa of the " Charley's " slashed through my lungs on the 2Uth Inst. The wound is considered very dangerous by the Surgeons, but has not taken away appetite or Spirits, nor shall it till the last moment. If you write home don't make my friends at all uneasy by letting them know that I am in danger until there is a certainty of its proving my dissolution ; and even then I do hope they will not repine at my lot, as I will die in the arms of victory and in a glorious cause. The gallant Campbell is no more; perhaps I shall soon lay with him in the grave. My aged Parents will grieve. Adieu, Adieu my dear Visscher, may you be well and happy is the wish (and perhaps the last one) of your sincere friend oi ^r t» Solomon Van Rensselaer. For Lieut. Nanning I. Visscher, at Fort Recovery. The germ of discipline unfolded, and the laboring mind is shown in the delicate manner in which the suffering soldier speaks of his services, and most zealous in doing justice to the merits of others. General Wayne who was well inured to hardships was so ill, two days before the engage- ment, that it took four men to mount and dismount him, yet the brave old warrior fought that wonderful battle with all his usual energetic boldness, but received no thanks. Having thoroughly accomplished his work, General Wayne returned with his army to Fort Defiance, while the Indians, utterly defeated and disheartened, retired to the borders of Maumee bay, in the vicinity of Toledo, to brood over their misfortunes and ponder upon the future. On the opening of the next session of congress, General Washington in his speech, before congress, mentioned Wayne's operations with well merited applause, but congre.«s in their reply, refused even to allude to them and no mention was made of Wayne, nor of his meritorious services by that body. Next summer VVayne held a council with all the Indians living in this territory, and on the third day of August 1795, at Green- ville, he purchased all the territory, not before ceded, within certain limits, comprehending in all, about four fifths of the present state of Ohio. The line is called to this day, the Greenville line. After all these great, splendid and meritorious services of General Wayne, congress took no notice of him. On his way home, in Pennsyl- vania, he was seized with the gout, and died at a wretched hovel ' an inn, in the then paltry village of Presque Isle, in December, 1796, a^'cd fifty-one years. He was buried, at his own request, under the flag-.awn at present would not keep body & soul together, was it not for the Vegitables, that we ob- tain when l^oraging and even these, we have to bring from the Deserted lowns twelve miles above our Encampment, up the River Miami It w!l be serious & alarming times, with us shou'd Gen. Todd's Escort fail ij the prevailing opinion is that He will surdi/ be attacked. If He fails' the consequence is obvious. The Whole must move, but God Knows wha-e, I should suppose for Green Ville. The Autumnal Equinox is ni-h at hand, & we may expect a long continuance of bad Weather. I heartOv coMgiut:ilateyou on yourescape from this inclement, inhospitable Country hut do most sincerely condole with you on the cuuse. Our friend Lieut Smith mends very fast & is now in Camp. We have heard notning of the Savages since you left us, which leads me to suppose ha hey are either collecting their force, to give us battle once again "or that they have Drawn off, determined to force us from their Countrv'bv cutting up our Escorts with Provisions. This last is certainly their nios effectual mode of Warfare, for fight us when & where they will we shall always beat them. I yesterday took out the Squadron, & ventured elds' f^P ''^P '^""'-i ^ ^'""^^ T"-'^ J^^""<^^ ^^ ^'^'^ ^^^ Tn PI ' ^«^"toes, beans, peas, ic Poinpions, than those Destroyed on tne u Lrlaize. I believe it is now Determined that our Rout will bu up 14 106 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. this River to the Maumi Villngo, where wo are to fortify & Winter, Kx- cej)t the Dragoons, who will I bolieve return to Kentucky, & when there I suppose, wo wont cut mmc /ootinh CajierH, no not at all! ! If we reach Kentucky once more, you shall hear of some rare Doings, Courting, Gallanting, Balls & Assemblies. You will wish to be with us. I have but little Expectations of a furlough & shall therefore not apply. Our Wounded are fust recovering k will all do well, Except poor Jones L.Ij.D whose wounded mind, or entrails Laudanum alone can heal. He has been several times Distracted, See the Effect of Hard Drink ! It cannot bo long, if the Savages mean to fight us again, before you will hear of a hard fought field, for if they try once more it will be with all tlicir allied Strength. Prepare then to hear of noble Deeds. If I out live that Day, I think I may without fear of a Denial ask for a greater Commission than I now bear. Two Epaulets at least, and then Girls have at you all! But as it is we must wait the call of imperious Commanders k when we Do our Duty well, if they but smile, we must think ourselves overpaid altho: they found their fame upon our Merits. There still exists in the Legion the same Seism, only a little more extended. Out of 14 swnrds of the Kill'd & wounded only one can be found & a quantity of other Equipments gone, no one knows how. 1 wish to, I cou'd be call'd to the Command of the Troop that now must shortly fall to my Lott. Our Horses are going fast, I think your Troop at pfeseno much the best, hav- ing but one Horse unfit for Duty, whilst the Troop that is to fall to mo is twice as strong & Musters two Horses Less. The Commander-in-Chief this day inform'd me that it wou'd be sometime before we shou'd make out forage returns k that we shou'd pass through innumerable Prairies as we progress'd up the River Miami of the Lakes. I wish He may not have been wofully Deeeiv'd in his information for if we are to pass throu"h a Country bare of Grass all will soon be over wiih our Horses. I am writing without a Conveyance k am only preparing for the first oppor- tunity as we generally have but short notice, shall therefore fold but not seal this as many things may turn up between this k the next Express, Adieu my Dear fellow, may you be well & happy is the wish of your Sincere, Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer, Green Ville. J. Wkbb, Junr. Lieut. Wm. K. Blue to Capt. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Capt : Camp near Fort Defiance Sept. 6, 1794. I take the liberty of enclosing to you a letter to my father who I hope you k Capt. Slough will call and see as you pass through Virginia. I would have wrote more but have not time as we to day was reviewed k had then to go off at least five 3Iiles for plunder, it was nearly run down when we returned, I was then told that an Express was going to iiij^bt. I beg you will be particular in delivering the letter I committed to your Charge in a private manner, observing at the same time that you could contrive to send me a letter privately, and safely at least not letting it be known who it was from. Silver lace for a Coat would be a good thing to wear in Lexington amongst the Ladys. I am D"" Sir your friend k most Obt: Svt. Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Green Ville. ^- ^' '^^'^^' Legacy op IIisTourcAL Gleanings. 107 Capt. Turner to Lieut. Vmcher Do:>v Viischor, o,,„j (5,^;^^^ j^ - om the Accounts we have received respecting V/."r ^""'^ nf ^"^^y ^'"°« «-h accidents in Ohio we e le Sers n the'?n"f "V' T'^"^' "''"■^' '^"''"^ '^^'^ "'^'^'^ I^"- ^a^ lie settlers in the infant colony, kept constant y on the alert from fo.i. woods and it any Indians were discovered to give the alarm a crun w.^ then red at the fort, and every person hastened into the j^lTni''" """" Ihe following letter was received at Philadelphia on November 8th. ^ ^ Killian K. Van Rensselaer to Capt. Van Rensselaer. W ^'«V r''''' ""^ *''^ 'i^'"^'^'- ^ "'i'it^'7 life would sub ect vou to bTvom-f tts ""'"^ r r^"^''' '''''' Commission hapJiSsJ^ouS itls whri '' ";j"''"'"«t^"f d y^\ "ade your election. I must confess nave .0 leason to regret, even under your present danc^erous wound- for ^hould your dissolution be the result of it' you certainly h'vTal/.-oJ •nore jibry at your time of life than number's of Generals haye found 2 108 Legacy of Historical Gleaninos. i i half a Century, atlded to the service you hiive rendered your (Country, This, Sir, will preserve your reputation and you will live beyond the Knive, therefore exert your usual fortituiie, and snow human wisdom in mif re- pininjj; at what you cannot help. In this ('ountry aH in all other civilizcil (jovernnients, the Military profession is the true way to reputation which is generally accompanied by Wealth ; that you may enjoy both, to the bounds of your wishes, no person is more anxious about than your uncle. Should you survive your wound, and not disabled, I think u Major it 1/ will follow, and after that all is pavi'd ko. Your friends are all very solicitous about hearing from you, and you will do well to drop a lino often. Kven Juiigo Yates appeared as desirous to hear of your fat" as well as all those who knew you, ecpial with your friends. And \ jiray you may reap laurels in the field in abundance without loss of any more blood. I believe this ('ampaign will settle all, either John Jai/ will settle by negotiation, or formal War will be proclaimed, and the fountain he.id Lower Canada will be formidably attacked, and the nature of your .service will bo altered. We find the French still continue drubbing the Allies or combined powers, and this will do every purpose for us. Mr. Henry Cuylcr I mentioned in my last, supposed dead, is now actually a prisoner in Franco, and was one out of two .saved in a large Garrison ; his parents and family were all in mourning and winh. Mr. John Vi.sscher [father of Lieut. N. I. Visscher], is still alive, and we all pray that the news of your death, which we have heard, will be u foreboding that you are now alive, and recovering very fast. I assure you our Pap.s-knee and (jreen Bush lads cut no small figure in the conflicting scenes in Europe and America. Friends are all well. Your brother Killian [liieut, in the Navy] has sailed for Holland. My eldest son John S. is a counterpart to you, and I hope to see him under your Command and direction in the Army as I used to have you in my office. Jo.seph Yates has declined serving in the Army, and chooses to fight by proxy as Militia men often do. Greet Visscher and tell him I have not with-held my interest to either of your promotions, and that I will continue to do all I can. Tell him I was glad to hear he was out the fighting department, leu.st he might have beea complimented with a ball, and been made to salute the ground with an ill grace. Our city is altered very much, and I assure you very elegant houses have arose out of the late flames. I hope you will not be too ven- turesome and misgive too much either in exercise, duty or anything else before your health is restored. N.IJ. Old black Cretki dropped a tear for you. Pray what occasions all the Duels in your army ? * * * Your Aunt joins with me in wishing you a speedy recovery. Yours &c., -u- tr IT i> n X • o 1 ^T i> . \ K. K. VAN Hensselaer. Captain Solomon Van Iteusselaer, Light Dragoons, Fort Recovery, Ohio. Leuacy of Historical Gleanings. 109 CHAPTER V. European Tkip in 1795. Lieut. Visseher to CapL Van Jletrndaei: My .loar Van, Port Uocovery the 18th of Noyr nni Since your departure from this T have only boon favTod 'with ^ne Lefter from you dated Lexuijrt,,,, one day previous to your leavin-^ that Alter your departure from this, and after deeply run.inating "„ the . I.fforent situations m which we are ph-ced for the ensuin." winter itrecalU to my memory with the moat poignant regret how happy you nnist inevitably pass the time, whilst I am doomed to con emrite amongst the sylvan shades. I do not regret the happiner you wm experience, but that [ am not permitted to participate with you. L alas! ,t appears that I must content myself with the little limits of a -arrison, secluded from the society I will ever hold dear. How oft in he dear and heartfelt enjoyments of my Melancholy walks, have ioa Romantic groves witnessed my narrative of love ; and when the drear light appears, I retire to my Room, where in a state of ehao« the oughts of home and a thousand other things rush on my mind I ke a torrent. I generally take up Thompson's description of a Winter Seasoa or some other book, on which I muse till sleep overcomes me ThTl ani apt to cry with Sancho" A blessing on his heart who first invented sleep, On looking back, I find that I have been going on like a person in love, do excuse me, howevo^ improper it may be for the pen of a Sol- ler It flows unstudied from the effusions of a heart too susceptible of uch foibles^ Let me then rouse from this indignation, and nroceed ^o he affairs of the Army, on which I shall expatiate but very supXally no that in my opinion such information woild not be interesti'^to yo^' but nothing material has happened since your departure. Save tl.e death of our worthy Contractor Mr. Robery Kfliott, a!.d Lieut. Isaac K a Y u ghusband; the former was killed near Fort Hamilton, by the tinn r t , T''"^^ Gent" 1 dare say will be much regretted by you the on.3 for his benevo ence and amiable disposition; and the other^Jb; h peculiar abilities which would have recommended him in any part of e world. I however trust that the jjentle breezes of the West^er^n Ter Zl t^^^.^^lV"''?" ""'^"'-'^ '"^ ^'^''^ '^''''' ■^^'^'^ to Heaven, enough of tZZJTL ^!^«,A™y,-7:«J.atGreeneville about the 3rd Inst."afte erecting (exclusively of the Garrisons in which you have been a sharer^ is "t ZT "" '\ '^^I'-^jr'^^on of I Joseph's and Miam luvers. lo the Command of this Garrison was left Colonel Hamtramc wUhsixCompan.es, vizt Captains Porter, Kingsbury, Sparks P '' K"w" ne^' '^'''' ^"""" '' """'^'^ in\ono?'of ^;L Lee fielVrd 'ihn?'''l'^ °-*''' resignations of Major Hews, Ensigns Dainger- J -duno„r.eii, ihere aru uuw uctweea mo aud a Captaincy only k restou, cellency f- ^1. ■\ 1 I * - no Legacy of Historical Gleanings. four Officers, after they are out of the way I shall enjoy a tranquil niinJ. Before this I expect you have reached Albany, and, by this time you must have dispatched a Letter to me, giving me the particuhirs of your arrival at that place, what reception you met with by our Dutch country men, not a very hospitable one, I dare say, for the Character gi''en them by Historians does not give them a viist deal of eulogy. Nov. 26th. xVfter a considerable lapse of time, I again resume my pen. The prospects of luy visiting the place of my nativity, are not so gloomy at present as I have stated them in the former part of this Letter we have received in- telligence from Greenevllle that we are to be relieved shortly. Then I think it probable that I shall be sent to Philadelphia to settle my accounts. It strikes me most seriously that I shall return home without ever having heard the noise of guns : this however cannot throw an odium on nie. Yet I doubt not, ' ut I would stand higher in the opinion of the Million for having barely heard the noise of guns in an Action. Tho' this senti- ment is no more than the dust in the balance with men of real judgment who form a true estimate oi *he meritorious. I again resume my sad iii -^v poor Father r" I hope his imbecility I mir ' ire somewhat alleviated, alas ! what '> . memory, how oft in some of my -ou^.ics of him steal from me unobserved a pathetic tear, and when I draw a similitude between his present and his former situation, I am like Niobe all tears. I find I am yet in a melancholy strain. I must omit conoiLidiug this till some convivial moment seizes me. Adieu for the present. But again my dear Van, before I close, let me remind you of r. circumstance which you are not a stranger to, I mean, the important article of knowledge, if I may so call it. Your rank in the Army and your prospects of preferment are great ; it therefore becomes you to devote many of your leisure moments to the attainment of useful knowledge. This Letter I have penned at diflferent times merely as the ideas revolved in my mind, any inaccuracies I may have falleu into, you will 1 hope pardon. Mention me friendly to your Father, and so on, Ad infinitum to the whole family, and to all your relatives that inquire after me. Write me frequently, the postage of Letters you know is no consideration to me. God bless you in all your worthy pursuits. j^ j VissciiER Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer. Green Bush, near Albany, State of New York, narrative. Pray how did yo of body, and the troubles of ' a gloomy visitor is subjec melancholy moments, do the I Fort Wayne was completed on October 22d, and was immediately garri- soned with infantry and artillery, under Colonel John F. namtranick, a most faithful and useful officer. Col. Hamtramck was one of the honored few, named by General Wayne, in his dispatch to the secretary of war, whose services demanded special mention, viz :" Wilkinson and Hamtramck; his aids-de-camp, Deliutt, Lewis, and Harrison ; Mills, Covington ; of the cavalry, Webb, Slough, Prior, Smith, ^'^an liensselaer, llavlins, McKen- ney, Brook, ajid Duncan. After Fort Wayne was completed, the remain- der of the troops left, some for Fort Wnshington, to be discharged from the service, and the others for Fort Greenville, where Wayne made his head quarters for the winter. m\ LmACY OF Historical Gleanings. Ill Lieut. John Posey to Cax)t. Van Reiisselaer. My Dear Captain, Green Villc, Nov. 27, 1794, I have now set down again with a view of giving you the news of our Utle Army. I make no doubt but before you left the Country you heard ot our safe arrival at the Miami Villages after a march of 3 Days & with- out so much as hearing or seeing of the Enemy. Indeed the only diffi- cuty that we labored under during our progress was the extreme inability and deiheiency of Pack-Horses to Transport our Ba—a^e and I bel pvp the loss those kind of animals was considerable andTmlnt of rettd n" our March in a great degree, and with pain do I add that several of our Dnujoon Horses were obliged to be left on the Road. On the 18th Genl Barbey arrived with a large Supply of Provisions which enabled the Poor UuiHjar}, feoldier once more to Draw his whole Ration. On the 21st the foundation of a Large fortification was laid (August 21) & Nature never formed a more Beautiful Spot for the purpose, a high & commanding sit- uat.ou on the south side of the Miami and immediately at the Confluence the Ilivers St Mane k St. Joseph which form the Miami. Thi.liiJer aiords an abundance of Fish and wild Fowl. This was formerly the Grand Lmpormm of the Western Savages but were obliged to withdraw in consequence of the approach of old Genl. Harmar who destroyed the r lowns some years ago in the execution of which several Brave Heroes fell. Here we remained for the space of one Month, in which a lar<^e & rong fortification was erected, called after Our Old Chief, Fort Wayne Garrisoned by old Col. Hamtramak and four Companies, woofwhidlare R.fle one Artillery & the other light infantry. There ;as a small Fleet te out ,. fiew Days be ore we left it consisting of one large Kentu ky Boat one Skiff and one Canoe, for the Means of transporting Provisions f om hence to Fort Defiance. A fiew Days also before we marched the Jrench 1 risone Lassell, that we took in the Action was Ransomed by Ii.s Brother, who brought in three Prisoners in exchange for Him two t whom were men who had been taken in poor Lowry's'' Defeat. (llZ Lowry and fourteen men were killed by Little Turtle' near Fort St Cliir l^'"^",], '^'he third was a sm^ll girl that had "een taken ^ om the frontiers of Kentucky. Some time subsequent to this the Voluntee^ we discharged, poor fellows ! I believe they were Heartily tired otL Can paigmng ; a number of them died at Green Ville Prior to their be nf- luSe :^? '^1 ^'"'"' ^ '^f-'^'^C-ardly disposition) been eft a't that 1 lace and not accustomed to the many Hardships & fatL^ues of a feoKliers life took sick and died for Spite. Well, on the I7th of October our louts and prepare for a Move we knew not whither. * * * u^l we learnt that the Old Cock had the Old Piujue Towns in view as he had .e reasons to expect a Bickering at this point. * * * 1 owe er a . a disagreeable March of 4 days we arrived late in the evenin-^ * * * tr nl'v^ " " tl^ ^' '"""''"'^ •'"'■ ^^'■''''^' ''"^ ^^'^^r =' '"ost tedious & ex- I IvhT'^'I ^^^''r 'l"'''"^''' '^'' D-dist Swamps in the to fd wiiitei. Ihere is no end to the Toils, privations and danoers that we h'lvP IT""^/: '" '''-ff Western Wilds. '* * * Since Th.^l^tho^^^^^^^^^^ ami Tn" ^''"^I'H"'^ "^^.^'^ ^''^'' ^ ^^^^l' of lost sheep. Capts. Taylor, Webb a-'J Jones are at Fort Hamilton shouldering their Firelocks. Webb dont 112 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. sware at all T suppose, no ! not at all. Major Winston is at Lexinc^ton on his Death Bed. * * * Adieu my dear Captain & may Heaven be Propitious to you is the Prayer of your sincere & affectionate friend ^ „ . ,^ „ , John Posey Cornet. Capt. Sol. van Kensselaer. Robert 8. Van Rensselaer to Col. Philip Van Rensselaer. Dear Papa, New York Dec 2, 1791. I arrived here safe from Philadelphia on Saturday, having remained there two days longer than I intended, dancing attendance on Mr. Aaron liurr and Madison. I breakfasted with Mr. Burr on Thursday previous to my leaving Philadelphia, he gave me two letters to N. York for Mr. David Gelston and Col. William S. Smith, who both very politely invited me to come and see them, and they would give me letters to their friends in Amsterdam. Mr Smith I am to spend this evening with, and to wait on Mr Gelston for his letterSj having informed them I intended to sail from Philadelphia, and to leave this to-morrow. This, however, will not take place ; the Captain of the Ship I intended to have sailed in, has had the candor to inform me (although possitive orders from the Owners to the contrary) that, although she clears out for Hamburg, should there be but few Crui- sers in the Channel, she will go to France. This no doubt to you as well as myself is pleasng intelligence. I will write to Mr. Burr, to direct his letters to mo at New York, and also to Madison, requestin^u him to forward his ',. . adiately for this place. Doctor John H. Livingston will be of grea. ocrvice to me, more then I had reason to expect ; he gives me letters to Several of his most intimate acquaintances while he resided in Holland and correspondents in that place. I was obliged to inform him I intended to take the tour through Europe before I returned, as he was very inquisi- tive to know my particular business in Amsterdam. He gives me a letter to Anthony Van Kensselaer and also Jan Jacob Van Rensselaer both he corresponds with. Mr Ray I dined with on Sunday and he also is to furnish me with a letter or two. Mr. Varick wrote by the First Stage on his receiving your letter, to what accident it is owing we did not receive it I cannot tell. Tlu; post-masters on the road, were very careless indeed on opening the Mail, throwing the letters on the floor in the same room we were in. I have Visited Capt. Anthony Rutgers, gave the letter I had i'or him and at the same time told him wlio I was. He very cordially took me by the hand and told me any thing in his power, he could do for me he would, being very well acquainted with you. He says he will not only give me letters himself, but see and get several from the House of Jacob Loroy k. Co. and other friends. He has advised me to Sail for London (it being only 90 miles from vVmsterdara and Packets sail from there almost every day) on board the Ship Sauips^on, Capt: John Smith, who is an American, and the Ship an American bot- tom and a constant trader, and whom he can particularly recommend to me as a good Ship and a very agreeable Captain. On board this Ship, Greenleave is to sail for London on his way to Amsterdam, having given up the Idea of .sailing in the Ship he has chartered at Philadelphia: and also two or three more passengers together with myself The (iuvernor [George Clinton] promises me letters and gives me a Certificate certifying my Citizenship and a particular recommendation besides. This Ship willuot Sail in less than a month from this, but then certainly, the Captain says per- niglit we lost sighi Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 113 haps a few days Sooner shall write you particularly in the course of this week when will cortainly Sail. I have inquired at every place for Hides but those' who have advertised them for sale, have Sold all they have immediately on uidmg; they all expect a large quantity in with the first Vessels and then I my have the refusal of any quantity I like. Those that have had. so d at 10c/ pr H I have inclosed a number of papers and Accounts wijich I wish you to save for me. There being no more accounts Pana will want to Settle with the Heirs of A. Pennel.'' Your Accounts amoJg the number drawn from the books before I left Cherry Hill With reTnVcf to Fennel's affairs, I shall write at another time, as alo a Power of Zor ney and other little trifles. My best love and compliments to Til friends - brothers and sisters, but particularly Mama, am extremely obli-ed to her for her letter. I received yours on my return and which through the Urace of Divine Providence I mean strictly to abide by. Confident that under his protection any misfortunes I am liable to, and which may hap- pen, will come easy and lightly if not forsaken by him and for whose Jo- Sr 'fS '^^^^"'^ ''-'■ ' --^'^ 'u^JTiZ'^'^^' «- -^ pu;i- ^r T, i t^ ^, -KOBT. b, VAN KeNSSELAER. Phihp Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Cherry Hill, Albany. At this time the commerce of the United States had suffered much by the constant depredations of French cruisers and the mercantile classes were greatly exasperated^ as at one time no less than sixty privateers were a prey on American traffic. ^ F^^vaiBurs were BobertS. Van Rensselaer to Jiia Sister. 'iLtgil 'r pleasure I have in advising'yt^^n^my li^i'l?^, sate arrival, and the dangerous storms w. ha^ve'^xperienSd in o^r voyage^ an ace unt of which I shall give as nearly as I can recollect, the paS being 00 rough to keep a daily account of events durin^. Tr crossC^ha Atlantic. We left New York with a fine, fair wind, and by even n/los? s.ght of the land, the next day we had a fine pleasant breeze and a Clear Sky and I began to be a little sea-sick. Nothing material happened a glorious prospect before us, all water and every moment sailingTrfher om land^ On the fourth day my Sickness had arrived a TtLreates hgh and although it was fine, pleasant weather and fair W nd I wisS g^elf on land having scarcely eaten a mouthful for the first four days Capt, Smith was exceedingly attentive and obliging to me and endeavored console and make me cheerful, which was not in the power of mar for I was very sick indeed; on the fifth I began to grow Teerful and re cruued fast owing to the great attention I experfenc^d from he Cant" al armed t ^nT^ ?' ^^''' ^-''''y'^ ^ ^^« '^» ^^ «hase 0^ us whTch fIh hn i^'. ""JT''. P'^'-ticularly some of the passengers wl ^were i-nglishmen and dreaded the Idea of a French Privateer In thp Xr rr—r: in ''''f^' ^^^ «^^«"^ ^^-^ «'«•-"«?« came up wh u,itpioved a Hudson Brig out fifty days and had been a fortniK nn wro e ZZ ^ . f t'^em, they were bound for New York, oir Captain ]^^„k% . x)""'^; ^f, the Seventh d.., out, we struck soundinis on the ^^nk. of .uw loundlaud lu torty fath ins water ; this was highly flutter! 15 114 Legacy of Hisiorical Gleanings. I ing as we were then better than one-third of our passage, all in high spirits and in great hopes of making land in 18 days. The winds still favorable and plenty, so as to admit our carrying all the Sails she b-^ On the ninth day about twelve at night, all our fine hopes and prospects vanished j the wind began to blow from another quarter directly ahead and increased very fast. In the morning when we arose, there was quite a gale and we were obliged to sail before it, although contrary to out course, only with one sail set. On the January 14th, the Capt. gave orders for them to come to, and tried to weather the Storm which still increased. (They have a peculiar method of doing this, the Vessel lay. ing broadside to the wind and not going above two miles an hour, in the hardest gale it will admit of their doing this.) It was attended with quite serious consequences ; we had not been in this Situation tossing mount- ains high, above three hours before our Camboose, kettles, frying-pans and chief of our cooking utensils ; our pigs ; a sheep; and the Quarter-railin" were swept overboard into the sea. Fortunately at this time our Seamen were in the Steerage and the helm lashed, which preserved their lives, for had they been on deck they must have been washed overboard. This was not a very pleasing prospect, the Steerage was half filled with water, and the men in it thinking the ship foundering. We in the Cabin were not much better ofi^, for the Sea broke in the Sky light, and for a minute rushed like a torrent down into the cabin. This startled even the Captain, who declared in crossing the Atlantic for fifty times, he had never expe- rienced such severe weather. The men were obliged to be lashed to tbe pump, and pump regularly every hour, dreadful times I and no great prospect of better, for on the 25th, we fell in with a Ship newly wrecked. The Capt. supposed she had been lost in the present storm as all her masts were cut away and not a soul on board. The wind had somewhat abated and we could remain on deck to behold this dreadful sight, for it was the most trying one, I ever experienced. In the Situation we were in ourselves fortunately it was not our lot, but a number of Vessels were lost in this gale which continued for a number of days. On the 26th v, Lad once more flattering and pleasing prospects ; our danger forgotten, having a fine, brisk wind in our favor, and praising our good fortune in the escape of the last tremendous Storm. The 29th the wind changed Suddenly and blew very hard though not directly averse j the sky seemed lowering, and we were visited with plenty of falling water while at the same lime wind increasing and every sailor employed taking in sail; a heavy sea and high wind.s with rain continued with nothing remarkable until the 1st February when to our great joy, surprise and pleasure, the Mate discovered the Scilly Light House, at eleven o'clock at night, which is about three hundred miles from the Downs. We all went upon deck and with eager eyes gazed on the glorious light which appeared be- fore us and for once the gods favored us, having now a fine clear moon shining night, with gentle winds to glide us slowly to our long wished for port, and on the 2nd, we discovered land which exhilarated us still more. The day was very fine and in view upward of three thousand Sail of dift'erent Vessels large and small being now in the British Channel. On the fourth of February we hove to, after a passage of 41 days, op- posite a small villainous sea-port town named Deal, where to our great joy we landed and took different routs for this City. The first night I put up at a place called Sittingbourn, a pleasant country village and an excellent Inn where we put up at; fortunately for us we arrived before Miss Arriefct ^ Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 115 dark, for a gentleman who left Deal before us, bat dined on the road was robbed ot his money and watch before he could get to us at Slttin-burn It being about 8 clock when he arrived. On the 5th I arrived here after being once upset and thrown out of the post chaise, without any acc.den or_ hurting myself in the fall, although one Gentleman who hap- pened to sit on the side the carriage fell, was a little bruised. We nut up at the Eagle m the Strand, it being about seven o'clock when we ar- nyed owing to the roads being very bad, and in the City so heaped up with mud and snow as to render them almost impassable. A description of the Country and some part of this place I shall give you, at another time. M' Smith when he sails, is the gentleman who takes this, goes to Gravesend this afternoon to embark for that delightful Country where peace, liberty and plenty resides without the grievance of taxing windows powdered heads &c. My best Love to all friends who enquire after me' 1 conclude dear cjister, your affectionate brother till death. Ar- A • .. Tr T, , ^. Robert S. Van Rensselaer. Miss Arriett Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany N. Y. Robert 8. Van Rensselasr to hia Sister. Dear Arriett, L,„d^„ 26th Feby, 1795. In coming to this City we passed a number of Country Seats and Villages, none of more note or Elegance than the Greenwich Hospital which IS situated on a beautiful eminence surrounded with a fine b • ck wan and a number of Trees ; from this Hospital to the City are a number of Villages, the houses are so closely connected that a stranger w^uM suppose himself in the City which is at least six miles distant. The buildings in general are very ancient, mostly three stories, some four and five,- a 1 have a heavy smoky appearance, they look quite black and verv much in want of paint. The City streets are all well paved^^but Sarro7 ;7' ^'i^-f t. f |'!"««. impassable. Mrs. John C. Church [a dauS of Gen. Schuyler] IS uncommonly polite and attentive to me, has¥vea mean offer which I sometimes embrace of. going to the Drury line Theatre whenever I feel disposed, they have a private Box. This e venin ' lam going with her ladyship and Miss Church, who is a fine handsomf girl, but not till the play is half over, it being unfashionable goinrbefor D ury. aue is one of the finest buildings of the kind I ever beheld! tS wil no a present admit my giving you a full description of i but I hall shortly, it contains the small number of five thousand peop e and I have seen It several times so filled that they sent several persCfinto the Pit, so as to make room for others. Next week I embafk for Hdknd here is now a truce in this City who come to demand their Vessels and if It s possible to get under their care, I shall do it, they beino^ the onlv people can get to Holland with in a decent way. Direct letter for ml Lo dL'^Hon mTc, ^'T ''l.'",^ "" l^».'ns,%Iorchants,' STan" LonUon. Hon Mr. Church wished me to change my quarters to his end h town. I being distant from him about three miles, whchhthe C urt end, and there reside all men of quality or Lords, L you pk^e B tS°? M ' .«%"^^'1'^«»^« I «l^o»ld have been introduced a^nd vSd' t this, I think I most judiciously thanked him for, informing him a?o e'Tck Unt: ""7 f ^^^Yf ' ^^^^^« ^'^ -- «^' b--ess 3 ffir 1,.,^ I T • . . ..1.!....,,!!.!, raj puiae lu tnis ueteniiiiiaLion f"r had I gone, I might in a few days have sung to a tune I should have 116 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. been obliged to set myself, Oh ! my Guineas; my Guineas &c., the family are all in good health and desired to be remembered to all at Cherry Hill. I am heartily Sick of this noisy, unhealthy, bnstling City, not a fair day have I seen since my arrival, all is darkness by four in the afternoon. Things are remarkably high, only think. Potatoes selling at five shilliDps a hundred, and fowls at four and five and still on the rise. Any way I shall leave this on Thursday next, either with the Commissioners, if I can obtain leave to go with them, or embark in an American Ship for France, as there is one going to Sail in about that time. The next you will hear from me either at Amsterdam or Paris. Do not forget to write me, direct them as I have written you, for England, as not one letter you may write me immediately for Amsterdam would arrive. Seal your letters well, as they are badly treated on board the Ships i- "nugh weather, being all de- posited in one large bag. God bless you, V';'^ u My best love to Mama and all the family, to Sister Betsey and I Vj Elmendorf, Esqr., par- ticularly in the interim, I remain your affectionate brother, /^C(Wy(^ ^/fyin ^yyt^e^ GA. Miss Arriet Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany, State of New York, America. John C. Church came to this country from England under the name of Carter and married Angelica, the eldest daughter of General Schuyler, in 1777, against the wishes of her father. He appears to have been a man of large wealth and good social standing in England. He was a member of parliament and was intimate with the prince of Wales and his party friends. Mrs. Church in describing a ball given at her house in London, mentions the prince regent and all notabilities were present. After some years Mr. and Mrs. Church returned to New York, where they lived in grand style for those days. There Mrs. Church died, and her husband returned to England. Gen. Schuyler in a letter to William Duer says : " Carter and my eldest daughter ran off and married on the 23d inst. (July). Unacquainted with his family, his connections and situation in life, the match was ex- ceedingly disagreeable to me, and I had signified it to him." But he forgave, and called them home." James Guyler to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir : New York 9 March 1795. Your kind favor of 27 Ult I received wherein you make enquiries of your Brother Killian, he arrived here about a fortnight since in the ship Minerva, Capt. Annom. He has now purchased part of the Brig Pejrgy and has sailed thi3 morning, as Master and part owner of the Brig and Cargo to France, the port he has gone to is Havre de Grace, barring accidents and I think he will make a very Great Voyage, he was very happy to see me, asked a great many questions respecting you and the Family, he regretted Very much he had it not in his power to spare time to go up to see you all and now is again gone ploughing the main. I have made many enqmr Lbgaoy op Historical Gleanings. 117 many enquiries respecting your trunk from Fort Recovery and can hear nothing of it. remember me to your family and I remain Your old Friend Capt. Solomon V. Rensselaer, Green Bush. James Cuyler. Our vessels were often menaced and frequently captured. As early as 1776 congress had fitted out vessels, whose avowed object was to intercept British transports having supplies for the royal army in America In tins service they were very efficient, and a larger portion of ammunition, good arms and military stores were thus obtained by the patriots during the first three years of the war. They expected to be remunerated tenfold tor all the spoliations inflicted on their commerce, and thus compel the British government to act justly and respectful)-. Secretary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. ^''' .J , „ War Office, April 17, 1796. I received your letter of the 2d inst. The effect of your wounds as represented by you, entitles you to the indulgence you request, of remain- mg longer on furlough. It is true that the military establishment is con- tinued : but the President, on his discretion, was to raise, or forbear to raise any part of it. The pacific overtures of the Western Indians and the adjustment of our differences with Great Britain seem to render it unnecessary to complete the Cavalry of the Legion. The Infantry it will be very desirable to increase, at least to recruit, to supply the places of the men whose times of service are daily expiring. The numerous garrisons we must maintain will require a considerable force. If indeed you could enlist a company in the expectation that they most probably will be called to serve as dismounted dragoons, according to the provision of the law, I should be extremely glad. Of this you can judge, from ycur knowledge of the country where you would attempt to recruit On this head you will be pleased to give me information. Should the pros- pect be good, instructions & money shall be furnished. I am, respectfully, Sir, Your obt. Servt. Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. Timothy Pickering. While Captain Van Rensselaer was at Albany recruiting from the eflects of his severe wound his mother, the wife of General Henry K Van Rensselaer was taken sick and died. " The sharp points of our grief when the mission of our loved ones to the world is finished, are that Ifter a time we should cease to weep, and then only think of them at intervals and bnally be apparently as much interested in the world and as cheerful as ever. "It is also pleasant from our outlooks to glance back upon these early times with the discriminations of distance, for we can better understand the full advantage which accrued to American society after the one all-absorbing struggle for liberty had been victorious. For many years our ancestors had been going to school to great human rights; and now, with the naarch of improvement, we all are, or should be, attending school to great human duties and striving to improve our social org.- a- tions by proper mental ballast proving that God's love is the magnet."^ Robert 8. Van Rensselaer to his Sister. mt7'fl\ . T .. Amsterdam, April 25, 1795. nr^T^jc ' C \ "" ^ ^^^ amidst ihc! noise ana bustle of English crowds, where the roaring of the Carriages and the London cries blended 118 Lbqacy op Historical Gleanings. prevented one from sleeping till accustomed to the noise. I left London and Mrs. Church's family and friends in good health on March 1st for Harwich, and went on board an English packet for Yarmouth, where I arrived on the ninth. I took passage on board the Dolphin packet bound for Cookahaven, a harbor on the river Elbe, with an assortment of jovial companions. Christians, Jews, French, English and Dutch, having fine favourable winds. A French frigate coming in sight, made the Captain crowd all the sails ho had to outsail her, this liked to have done us all over, for the wind increasing we carried so much sail that the water came into the Cabin, however, we arrived the 12th Inst, without any material accident. The weather being very stormy prevented our landing till the 14th when to our unspeakable felicity we once more had terra firnid under our feet. Cookshaven is a miserable dirty village, the inhabitants all Germans ; their houses one story with sharp peaked roofs, and the floors large flat stones. The Women dress very singularly, they have Caps with large wings on each side as if they were preparing for a flying jaunt, they wore about Six petticoats (if one may judge by their appearance) reaching within a foot of their ancles, and wore wooden -shoes. A Gentleman, who came passenger with us and who had been in Ger- many before, took the precaution of bringing his Carriage with him, and as he was going to Hamburg he politely offered me a seat in his carriage, which I accepted with pleasure, otherwise I should have been obliged to have gone in an open Wagon and travel all night for better then one hundred and twenty miles. Although the dwellings are indifferent, the land is finely cultivated and that by the women, as the present War has thinned out their men for them, there being very few but old men and children. We left this place and arrived at Otterindorf where my Com- panion being an Englishman, requested he might pass for my servant, if the French were there ; fortunately for him they were not. This is an old fashioned town much like our old houses in Albany ; the people with the Cookshaven dress are ignorant, impolite and very inquisitive. On our arrival, scarcely ever having seen a handsome English carriage before this, they flocked round us that it was with some difficulty we got out into the house where our servant had informed them we were English officers, which made t'lem very polite, for they left our room which they had filled with s^noke issuing in clouds from their large horn pipes. There is no Character like a Military one, to travel in Germany, it makes them at once obedient and submissive. After dinner we left and rode all night, passing through a number of fine Country villages and arrived at Stad, a fortified Town. It being about four in the morning we were closely questioned by the guard, we passed for officers going to the Army, they politely escorted us to the first Hotel. Soon after I retired, after having five feather beds taken from off the one I was to sleep on, and still I had three under and one above me ; they use no blankets, they have also (a fortunate thing) a Cord made fast to the floor above, in order to draw yourself up by in the morning when yoa rise. We at last arrived at Harburg where we remained two days, the ice in the Elbe not per- mitting us to cross, on the third day we crossed and arrived safely at Hamburg. This is an old fashioned place, very commodious for Com- merce having Canals running through the City in every direction ; it has a few good houses in it, and I believe very few good people, chiefly Jews. I received a great deal of Civility from some of the Gentlemen to whom I had letters. It is not a very large place, though when i was there it con- Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 119 tainod twenty thousand Strangers, French Emigrants, eto. I left Ham- burjih on the 26th for ^n Island in the North Sea, culled Schcrmercoe in a fisliing boat as all ommunication with Holland was prohibited ; and after five days with very unpleasant and narrow escapes from English privateers, I am thank the Supreme of the Universe safely arrived in Amsterdam This ,s a fine, clean, pleasing City; having Canals in every direction and fine arge trees to walk under along side of the canals. Our friends here are all W3ll and request to be particularly remembered to all friends; their names you will find in Papa's letter. They were very happy at my arrival and happy to learn their friends across the Atlantic """•^r ii .1 ^^ t"'^ "'•'^ ,T'°S ^"'' "'y betters. My best love to our amiable Mother ; Letsy and Peter Elmendorf with little Sally ; and all our family smal and large, and all friends who enquire after me. My respects to Mr. & Mrs. Kane, Mrs. Fonda alias Miss Beekman ; and rest assured 1 remain with every Sentiment of respect your afl-ectionate Brother and Sincere friend K. S. Van Rensselaer. Miss Arriet Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany, N. Y. Lieut. ViascJwr to Capt. Van Eenmlaer. Dear Van: Greenville May 16, 1796. I wrot« r n a few days ago by Capt. Turner at which time I gave you the news tk ^as then in circulation, since which I have been favoured wjth your letter of the 10th of March. I mentioned that a number of r.„r% m" ^T T ^"'•'«»?''' '^•"^"g wh«i" are Majors Haskill, Buell, Capts. Tillton, Andrews, Covington, Price, Lieuts. Posey, Taylor, Tn4 1 ^- T ™'' ?'^* ^"^ y^" "°''""g «f consequence has transpired save the discharge ot Capt. Sullivan by the sentence of a Court martial He was tryed for being intoxicated on a General Court Martial. This day Lieut Hastings Marks has been arrested by the officer of the day (Maior ITZ^- 7 ^-'"^ '"*'^^'«^'« his fate you may conjecture. oSrAT '" '' TT' '^"'* ""^ ""^^''^™ ^" *>•« d"ty, aud shines among ou first Majors, why do you not write to him ? I am sorry to find by you? letter that you have got overwhelmed in love, and sincerely sorry to hear you hint of matrimony if you are serious in this I shall make no other remark than this " look well before you leap" It strikes me that you Tn^thJ^S rT' ''^''"'^^' ^ ^'^ y^"'^ •^^"''«' I "^^'^^ ^ft^'- travel. ing the world a little more and gaining a little more experience ; however we are not all actuated by similar principles. I hope you ha^e not T oITr ifT ?' '^.r''^^ ^" 'r «-"tr/t»^^t I am s'tyled the handsome oflicer if you have there must be a few hearts palpitating for me. Priy two"! i .'^ """f ^'°P ^ ''^"^ ^"'^ ^'^ ^^'^''- <^'^« n^y respects to two or three ladies, and to no other persons whatever ; let me hear from you twice a month Your ever Sincere tapt. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. N. I. Visscher. The translation of a letter written in the Dutch lanc^ua^e 73 vearo since to my mother's mother from Holland. ^^^^^^''^^ ^^ jeara Mrs. Jan Jacob Van Rensselaer to Mrs. Philip Van Rensselaer. tL^"1!*^ ■ • , Amsterdam, 4th July, 1795. Ihough unacQuainted with vqh t will .^of ipt t-,-,- W^ ' • your bon Robert is gcing to America to send a letter. I can assure you, I 120 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Hlki > -II that, his unexpected visit has given us a groat deal of pleasure, and we have been with our hearts much attached to him. We felt sorry that his Stay here was so limited, and that I could not pay more attention to him, considering the condition wherein I found myself then. Doubtless you have been aware how sad a trial I have had, by the Sudden death of my dear Husband, Jan Jacob van Rensselaer; after suffering during eight days with Typhoid fever, and I then being enceinte. In the midst of all this, I have kept up, and hope to become in a short time " Mother ; " and when I remember how well your Son has been educated, then I know his mother must be very tender hearted, and I do not doubt she will Sympathize in my Sorrow as I was very happy in iny marriage. May the Lord keep you and Spare you and your dear onea for you do experience how happy they are where love dwells. It will not be neceesary to enter into particulars about the family, while the bearer of this letter can do this better than I could do it in writing. I wish you would be so good to communicate to your Brother-in-law Kilian K. van Rensselaer, the death of my beloved husband, and that I have received his letter, and that I hope, that the death of my beloved Rensselaer may not be the cause that I should hear no more from his family. If the life of my child should be preserved, may then the same friend- ship continue, which our friends in North America have manifested to- ward my husband. Our Cousin Kilian H. van Rensselaer has given you doubtlc'^s information about the useful life of my dear deceased. May the Lord grant that my child may follow his footsteps. Believe me that I recommend myself to your affections, and that I will always feel very happy to hear much good of you all, and from my Cousin Robert to whom we have fully given our affections. God grant to you, as a Mother of such a large family, to be a Support to them many years yet. Be so kind to aGaiire all our North American friends of my affections and friendship, and that I remain Your Niece. S. C. Beeldsnydeb Widow of Jan Jacob van Rensselaer. Mrs. Philip Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill near Albany, New York. How comforting, how soothing the reflection that Christians, I'hen they die, become angels, and that angels take an active interest in tae affairs of this world. Though unseen, unheard, unfelt, they move around, they hover over the loved home circle. By God's appointment, no doubt they are the guardian angels to watch over the bereaved ones they loved while on earth, and to protect them till cgain united in the skies. God tenderly allows no angel revelations, yet we know our " loved ones" are " minister- ing spirits" to U3. Cd. Pickering, Sec. of War, to Capt Van Rensselaer. Sir, War Office, Sept. 12, 1795. I received your letter of the 4th desiring to retain the public horse in your hands until the Spring, at your own expense ; or to pay for him at his value. I think the latter most eligible. The price may be settled with Mr. Houdin, and adjusted by means of your pay. I am Sir, your Obt. Servt. Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer. Timothy Pickering. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 121 lit- was a lar^'e ele-ant, lii-h-3pirited parade war horso of a vory Hohhv sorrd culor, that kept step and pranced gayly with the martial luuHil? It mm>.d keen refjrct and seemed almost sacrilegious, to the brave soldier to part with his splendid cnarger that had borne the dauntless i-idor through so many terrific scenes. The purchase was made ; and I well re- nicinbcr, when Poppet was fully caparisoned, what a noble appearance ho made, for he was remarkable both for elegance of form and -allunt carnajre. At the whistle of his master, the intelligent animal would como prancing from one end of the pasture, with neck so proudly arched, and whinnying with delight as ho bounded with springy step to meet him at the bars. He would then eat apples out of little hands, for we children made a great ado with, and dearly loved the petted horso. In old a^re this favorite charger, exempt from all duty, was boarded out in the country and had the best of care till he died. In one of the battles, General Wayne rode his gallant roan, and in charging the enemy his horse received a wound in his head, and fell and was supposed dead Two days a(t«r the roan returned to the American camp, not materially injured and was again fit for service. ^ J «> CapL Webb to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Dear Rensselaer, Greenville, October 8, 1795. I am still here with little Expectation of leaving this for the Winter There IS but l^tle Harmony in our Corps. Taylor grumbles as well as myself, to see Officers not half our time in service daily obtaining fur- lou<:hs, whilst our applications are thrown neglected by. Blue has"once forced me to arrest him, having kept the Officers of the Corps in one con- ^nuul 1-erment Indeed we are out at the Elbows on all sides. The Commandcr-in-Ghiet, Gen. Wayne, this day leaves us with Eight Com- panics Uis Destination unknown, hut thought, that he intends to build a small Garrison at Lareimies Store or at Girty's Town, Destroy Fort Adams & remove the Troops at that place to this new built Port. He will then It >s thought visit Forts Wayne and Defiance. Green Ville is very sickly we have 600 men now in Hospital (and since this Detachment was orl dcred) but three Captains for Duty including myself. Thus you find that whilst you, Covington and Posey are cutting Capers, I am wheeling Z T^^^fXT''^ ^"''^^' '' '^' ^"""^ ^'^ P^^^^"*^ «f ^«^« nights ^rai m bid. What Dashes you must have made in and about Albany I wish from my soul I could spend Ten or fifteen days with you, that I might 8hew you a few Virginia Capers with a Tip ovtwo of Eli. Your w^und IS 1 hope no inore troublesome, at least I conclude so from hearin- that you were, not Long since in Philadelphia and from whence I have i« vain to voTsin?"" '}t ^ '^""'.^ ^'""l ''T ^^"- ^^'^ •« ^^ Sixteenth let" r to you since you left me, and in the Course of thirteen months I have re- Awf '"""/ir ^"''- ^''"^ ^° ^^^ "^'"^ «^t'^« three Furies, Tissiphone Alecto, and Megara can you be at ? An Elegant City close to your Door sur- rounded by every Pastoral amusement, an easy Forf me at Coinmand and still you can not even take up your pen to tell your old Brother Officer that you a e happy. Had ,t been my Lot to have left you here, I should rather fiave pestered you with Letters than have remained Idle, and when I had pyed a Pleasure or a Gratification, I should again enjoy iTas I gave you the Relation. But my Dear Fellow, what think you my bein<. politely married ? It ,s even so. Do for Heavens sake, write .nniey have been this day. I suppose you must have heard that Mr. ana Irs. Douw Fonda passed through Schenectady on Sunday, it was in consequence of a letter that his presence was necessary the following day at Caughnawaga, they do not return until the last of next week. You know last year Mr! Fonda together with Henry Fonda commenced to build a number of houses on the Caughnawaga flats and the Coffin is now quite a little hamlet. Your Sister intended to have accompanied them, but at that time was at Cherry Hill ; she says when yon have made your visit and return home, she will go up with your Father and Mother. Adieu my Lovely Harriot would to Heavens I could see you now and repeat the garden scene, how happy would be your unfeigned & unalterable c, ^r ^ Miss Harriot Van Rensselaer, Scotia. ^°^' ^^^ Rensselaer. ^ A large black stone, resembling a co^'/i, in the Mohawk river, originated the name. The translation of a letter written in the Dutch language. J O. Van Staphorst to Robert S. van Rensselaer. New York den 2 Sept : 1796. Mynheer ! The inclosed, I have received from Madame van Rensselaer from Amsterdam, requesting to hand it to you, being informed that you reside for the present at Albany, I take the liberty to fo-^ard it to you. If my affairs and health did permit me. I would have given it to you per- sonally, in order to have had the pleasure to become personally acquainted with you. You will permit me Sir, to explain to you, the cause, why this letter, which had been intrusted to mo, is received by you in Such a Condition. On the 3d day of April I Sailed from the port of Texel, in the American Ship Minerva, Captain Glarkson, and was taken the 10th day of May by the English in Halifax, and pronounced a prisoner, and robbed of all my papers and letters. The 4th day of July being discharged on parole, I requested for my papers, and received thehi in a miserable condition, and all opened. After receiving them, I have all sealed them, and this accounts for the bad condition in which you have received this letter. I am Sorry indeed that I could not perform my commission better. Bo so kind when you meet Madame van Rensselaer to assure her of my esteem. Remaining Sir ! Your obedient Servt. J. G. van Stai'iioust. Den Heer R. S. Van Rensselaer, m Albany, New York. Robert S. Van Rensselaer to his Sister. Dear Arriett, _ London, September 10, 1796. I hope ere this you have received some intelligence from me of my safe Arrival in this City after a very moderate and pleasant passage of about thirty days until we arrived at Graves-End where we left the Ship and fi.-.!!iH lip hy !;ind through ;i delightful and euhivatod Country to Louduii. We had two J^ady passengeis, one of whom, a Miss Nugent, came out to LEGAcr OF Historical Gleanings. 127 be married to an American Gentleman, Mr. Broom from New York she beinj< a wellbred woman, added not a little to our pleasure. Mr. Church resule.s now about Light miles from the City, in a very neat Country hou.e,to which place I frequently resort to retire from the noisp and bu«tle of a City life, which becomes almost insupportable. Walkin- bein- very fashionable and it suiting an American purse, I generally trSdge i't on foot, anticipating the pleasures I shall enjoy when I arrive; they bein^ happy in seeing me, and treat me with every politeness imaginable The difference between Mrs Church and the other members of Gen. Schuv- ler s family, near us in Albany, is inconceivable. She all affectionate and poll e, endeavoring to please those around her, while the others, first kin to the fa len Angsl are swelling with pride and pomposity. At times I scarcely know what line of distinction to draw between the family ; certain I am there can be no comparison of the worth and amiable disposition of this One and he avaricious minds of those in America, though I hope as our Climate changes, ,t may effect their minds and mould them at leas? to Civih y and render them more acceptable generally to Society Time hanging heavy and not much to attend to, I took a rid« to Oxford about Eighty miles from this, visited the different Colleges -enty-one in number, and then went to view Blenheim House, the Seat 0. the Duke of Malborough. 1 his ,s without Exception one of the most pleasant situations I ever beheld, it is a paradise ; in imagination you would thTnk yourself in a land of fanes to behold the inside. I shall endeavour to give you a slight description, being confident I am not able to recollect very Scene I beheld there. In this Country, all the famous Seats go by the appellation of Cast es ; this one is situated about seven miles from Oxford iTfTr / *i^''"^'^ n 'I''"'"'"' P°''^' «^"th« Corinthian order of rdntecture, from whence a fine view opens of the noble Castle, brid4 ake and many other beautiful Scenes of the Park, which is stocked with JJeer, Sheep, and Birds of various kinds. The Front of the House from wing to wing IS three hundred and forty-eight feet, and on the South front on tne pediment towards the garden, is a bust larger than life of Louis t e fourteenth taken in battle from Tournay in Frtnce. On the Top of he house IS a large Reservoir which supplies the Castle with water ffom an artificial made river. I entered the Hall, which is really maonificenT be.ng the height of the house and of proportionable breadtrsWoS by Corinthian Pillars. Over the door is the Bust of the first' nZSr S' *; .%?^ Malboro' and a number of other beautiful busts.^ On the Nv nh'lf! ir T'^'i ""','/''' '""""f' ^"^^ '^'^ ^^<^^"«"t Statues of a iNyi iph and a Bacchanal. The painted Ceiling allegorically representino- JtKp'iil"",'"^' '^'\''f Malborou.h, and '^pointing to^X of ^^ fiat le of Blenheim. I then entered the Bow-window Room and bein^ ooit whiT;,;!Tr'" V''^ iuquisitive, I inquired the use &c. of the at iXl^ i servant very innocently replied, was intended to look at. Its W ndow nnnininnHin.r o «„. ..!,„.. „i' _i . , . Sisi'^'v ^r J'"'^^ i>-ssingroom-comain;i7,;;m;;r;;j Scoic of others There were in this room some paintings particularly surv . nn nV ''' ' " ^^""^ pou-port &c. The rest of the unneces- sary appendages were contained in his dressing-room, which was small I 128 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. but very neat indeed. The Drawing-Room has also a number of fine Paintings : the Holy Family ; the Marchioness de Harvre ; Mary de Mcdices by the famous painter Van Dyke; the portrait of William the Third; an Annunciation ; Lady Chesterfield ; Philip of Spain ; Andromeda chained to a rock ; a French Camp ; the Spencer family &o. This Drawing, room is furnished with crimson damask. The Grand Cabinet contains more pictures, and is also furnished with crimson damask. The Paintings •were particularly Striking and 1 took out my pencil to minute them: first, a Holy Family by Rubens ; a Madona standing on a Globe, surrounded by Angels ; the oflering of the Magi by Rubens ; our Saviour blessing the Children ; Filial affection exemplified in the Roman daughter; Return of our Saviour from Egypt; Lot's departure from Sodom ; a Virgin, her head encircled .vith Stars, supposed the Miraculous Conception ; a female Penitent &c., with a column of others. The Blue Drawing-room is only distinguished by its blue colour damask, with Elegant Paintings, Statuary &c. The Winter-room has a representation of the Cardinal Virtues &c. The other rooms which are numerous, are distinguished as abounding with very Elegant Tapestry and Paintings representing the Battles of the Duke of Malbro', who to be sure was very famed in History, for his Courage and many glorious Contests he had with the Enemy. The Rooms shewn to us were, the Dining-room ; the Saloon ; Green Drawing- room ; State-room ; State Bed-Chamber and the Library. The last is an Elegant room of about two hundred feet in length , the Window frames and surrounding basement of blush marble ; and the Ceiling stuccoed in a most Elegant manner. It contains about twenty-four thousand Volumes, besides several thousands of Manuscripts. At one end of the room stands a highly finished Statue of Queen Ann, who presented John, Duke of Malbro' with this Seat, for the many glorious Deeds he had done in the French Wars. The Chapel is in one of the Wings, and a very fine one it is, having a beautiful Monument to the first Duke and Duchess. The Altar-piece was our Saviour taken down from the Cross. The Park is Eleven miles in circumference and contains many delightful Scenes ; the love of rural variety may be entertained here with every circumstance of beauty which can be Expected from diversified nature in hills, valleys, water, woods &c. There are not less than five or six Ships arrived here since my arrival, and to my very great disappointment have not received a single line from any of the family. This I cannot Account for, how- ever hope you will shortly make up for it and I shall have the pleasure of hearing from you all that you Enjoy the same good health I do at present. My best Respects to Mama, Papa and all the dear family large and small, with Sentiments of true Esteem, I remain your very affectionate brother. R. S. Van Rensselaer. Miss Arrietta Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. " The Duke of Marlborough's magnificent residence is one hour's dis- tance by carriage from the town of ancient Woodstock. This earthly paradise was erected du"ing the reign of Queen Anne, and presented by the British nation to the great Duke of Marlborough after his glorious victory, parliament voting $2,500,000 for that purpose. The park, con- sisting of 2,700 acres, is filled with flocks of sheep and herds of deer, and is considered the most glorious domain the sun ever shone upon. The immediate grouuda surroundi'iir the palace, which is situated near the borders of a lovely lake, are filled with trees, plants, and flowers from To Miss Van Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 129 every quarter of the Klobe the whole embellished with lovely walks fountains and water falls. In the centre of the lawn stands a Oorinthiau p,l ar 130 feet h,gh, surmounted by a statue of the duke. On the pede" stal are inscribed his public services, written by Lord Bolin-broke T' principal front of the building is 350 feet long. The interior is magn.a. ceutly finished and contains a fine collection of sculptures and paintfn^^s • among the latter are some of Tit an's and Ruben.'s' masterpieces The library ,s 200 feet long and contans nearly 18,000 volumes. ^ Woodstock was the birth place of the illustrious Black Prince. How different too now IS London the metropolis of the United Kingdom of Great Britian and the most wealthy city in the world with its population of 3,000 000 the aspect it presented in those early times. Before the conflagration in 1666, London was totally inelegant, inconvenient, and unhealthy, of which latter misfortune many melancholy proofs are authenticated in hi tory and which no doubt proceeded from the narrowness of the street^^ a?d the unaccountable projections of the buildings, that confined the putrid air and joined with other circumstances, such as the want of water, rendered the city seldom free from pestilential devastation. The fire which con A Wedding Imitation for 1776. Maria Gansevoort's Compliments to Miss Van Rensselaer and requests the honor of her Company to morrow evening at Six O'Clock ^"°^' To Miss Van Renssel.sr, Cherry Hill. Wednesday Morning. in»^it^t'0« the follow- ing. This was an invitation to a wedding September 22nd 1776 Thursday evening Mana Gansevoort was married to Abraham Hun just 7 clock. N.B^ the gentleman stood on the left ! There was a v^o en gust of wind with thunder, lightning and rain." These werrthe parente of our respected kinsman, Thomas Hun, M D parents nia?famiir* %lT\^ ^' r'^'"" '°''°^^ ^^'^ ^iven by one of the Vroo- man family^ When the enhvener was announced as ready, the oartv gathered about the round table upon which stood not a mo sel of ant^ cup. Ihe true ancient Dutch custom always placed a lump of su-ar be- e each cup. In doing the honors of a tea table, the queL'on S .oj htc_ or stirf was always propounded. The tea was served out of a majestic delft tea-pot, ornamented with paintings of fat lUtle Dutch . pnerds and shepherdesses tending pigs,'with bloats sailing in the dr and houses built in the clouds. The olikoekjes, small round cakes wTth ruisins in the centre and fried in lard, were nJt forgotten -nor the k^^^ e^, small sweet cakes. Sometimes the company ot°eight or ten persons ^^ould be seated around the old fashioned genial board each with II^Z -ting from a single dish of supaan enriJlied brS/ster milk Tt prim, ive banquetings the utmost propriety and dignity S^ d;po7t went prevailed. No flirting nor coquettting. The youn- ladies seS wX'ru-'""^'^" *'""• -«h b!)ttomed%hairs, Tdk^ their own win stockings, nor ever opened their lips except to an.swer any qur. t a was asked them. As to the gentlemc, each of them trauq^u" ly ■smoke,! hi. pipe and studied the blue and white tiles around the lire-plaee " 17 ^ 130 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Capt, Wm. Mackea to Capt. Van lienaselaer. Dear Sir, Alexandria, 12th January 1797. It is now eight days since I arrived at this place, which time I have employed much to my eatisfaction, and was surprised at not finding a few lines from you as I had wrote you from New York. The evening before I left Philadelphia we heard of Genl. Wayne's death, [In December 1796,] this will certainly make an alteration in Affairs. You are in Mourning I suppose agreeable to the Genl. Orders. Let me know if you have heard from Visscher and when and how he is. I would say more but it is near post time of departure. j ^^ ^.^^ your very Obedt Servant. Capt. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Wm. Mackea. CHAPTER VI. Cumberland Line. Ariantie or Harriet, my mother, was the fifth child of Col. Philip Van Rensselaer and Maria Sanders, born at Cherry Hill September 3d, 1775, She was lovely in disposition, and retained a freshness and youthfulness of heart even in old age. In her elevated social position she had every wordly advantage obtainable in those '' soul stirring times," was accus- tomed to the luxuries of wealth and fully appreciated the amenities of her childhood's home. While she did not by any means ignore the gayety and pleasures of life, she served God with a pure and unselfish heart, and always seemed " to walk worthy of the vocation " to which she was called. Gifted with a lively temperament, ever joyous and happy, with pleasing manners, and a general favorite with old as well as young persons, it was not surprising she had many suitors. One wealthy burgher seemed the chosen son-in-law selected by my august grandmother. The good lady was well aware of her daughter's preference for her cousin Solomon, and that his love was incalculably more precious, than the worthy burgher's glittering gold and guilders j but that could not be countenanced. Her gentle and delicate daughter marry a poor soldier cousin ! no indeed. She well knew that cousin was a noble minded gentleman, but it nuittered not; and with a twinkling expression of triumph and satisfaction in my grandmother's eye which even her spectacles could not conceal, and an ominous shake of her head, would say, " I will prevent such an unwise step." Grandpapa De Heer Philip however fully appreciated the soldiers worth ; he was proud of his nephew ; and all his sympathies were freely enlisted ou his much loved daughter's side, and occasionally a uierry twinkle was perceptible in his benignant eye as he quietly took a survey of the tender surveillance of his stately dame. Even in olden times the phlcgmutic Dutehiijen suuju times indul^^ed in a little veiuance; n^r was it surprising that De Ileer Philip decided that for once the " course of Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 131 !T"'iio7 fu""^"^ T '"°°*^^'y-" So one cold frosty afternoon January 17, 1797, the good vrouw was enjoying her siesta and dozin- on the Bota by a nioe warm fire, while magnificent black Pompey, with hi^ crisped woolly head and shining negro face, his large mouth grinning from ear to ear displaying a set of beautiful white teeth ; with a proud and con- tented mien had mounted guard at the door of a certain room. Then Captain Solomon Van Rensselaer was, with the full consent and approba- r • . vf ?r' ^'^'l\ ""T^- '",."'' ^''"^^ «^ matrimony to his loved Harriet by the venerable Domine Van Vranken of Fishkill, in the pres- ence of her father and two of her brothers. After the happy ceremony, the domine and the trumphanfc bridegroom climbed out the back window and the good old dame was none the wiser. She did not know the -allant and handsome Solomon was her son, till so informed a fortnight after bv her good spouse. Then like a sensible woman as she was, with perhaps a shade of disappointment crossing her bright and good humored face that her cherished plans were thus unwittingly thwai-ted, made the best of what was inevitable and was fully reconciled to the event. She was one who in disappointments, or indeed " in every emergency turned to God IS her helper and could say : " Bless-^d is he whorwhen the waves of •ow or temptation are sweeping over him, is able to find the hand of V .a, and calmly to rest in his infinite strength." In after years when her own excellent husband was numbered with the dead, she made her home with this same daughter, receiving every care and warmest love from both of her dear children. It certainly was rather mysterious and M seem hke a preconcerted scheme, how the good domine happened to b. on hand that special afternoon ; but he frequently was a welcome guest at the hospitable mansion, and most domines then as now, were never averse to a substantial meal. That day the clever, quizzical Cornale sur- passed herself in her particular forte, exquisite cookery, and the -rand en- tertainment gave great satisfaction to the unsuspectingamiable vrouw The joyful news however, found ita way to the kitchen, causing aflutter of ex- citement. The grinning sable dignitaries (with all of whom, the Hester /cmt Miss Harriet, was a great favorite), loving a frolic, were entirely unanimous in the opinion that dust had been thrown in grandma's eyes. They reioiccd that their lynx-eyed old missus had for once been outwitted, while they alhrmed the face of the honnie bride now wore a bright and cheery look I he humorous jokes of the loquacious darkies who were all " woolly-headed" and as black as the ace of spades " was the broadest farce of that eventful day. After judicious consultation between the mi/nheer and his amiable rrowc a marriage portion was given to their beloved daughter, of a fine tract of land which they called Mount Horn. This beautiful site then in the country, in Hethlehem two miles from the town, was a thick forest • many of the majestic trees were felled, the ground cleared and a spacious garden laid out with very wide walks; the culture of this farm was an occupation of great delight to my father who had an enthusiasfic love for agneultural pursuits, and to this Mount Hope he was brought prostrate and suflering from the battle ground of 1812. Cherry Hill, the ancient homestead, was left by my '^randoarent^ heir son Philip P., who was a most estimable a,/d up^riirZ W unfortunate y became involved, and after the death of that |entleman in i»-7, tlie place was to be 3old at public auction. A friend of the family \\^l.,^^ '^^^1 '"'"r^*"' -"^ *'''^'''''' ""''" ^^ -'■^'*^*3^ surprised to know the fact, and at the solicitation of my mother, who could not endure the 132 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. thought of its going out of the family, he purchased the old mansion with its grounds. Subsequently he sold Mount Hope to Ezra Prentice, Esq., its present occupant and proprietor, who revels in its luxuriance of beauty. After only a brief honey-moon, the groom. Captain Van llensse- laer, in March, 1797, went to Philadelphia with the intention of resigning his commission, as ho very naturally desired to retire to private life and enjoy the happiness of his own cherished home. The beauty of such a placid life did not however seem at that time to be in store for him. At the war office he met General Wilkinson, and when, with the high prin- ciple of honor which he possessed, he informed his ci-devant commander that he was there with a view to resign, General Wilkinson and Secretary McHenry laid an embargo on that proceeding. They interposed a stren- uous opposition on the ground that his valued services were required for a delicate, perhaps dangerous duty which they were aware he would faithfully perform ; to aid and protect the commissioners running the Cumberland line. A blank furlough was given him, with the power to fill it at his own discretion. Though far from well, he would not refuse; such a mark of confidence induced him to consent, and the heroic, self- denying soldier returned to bid his bride farewell for a season, and re- linquished all the true endearments of home, while he promptly responded to his country's call for further arduous duties in her service. The noble-minded wife, forgetting self, bade him " God speed;" his arrange- ments were soon made and he en route to the army. Secretary of War to Capt. Van Bensxelaer. Sir, War Office, March 2d, 1797. The necessity of the service requiring your immediate presence, with your company, you will be pleased, without delay, to repair hither, where you will receive further orders. I am, Sir, with esteem, Your obed' Serv' James McHenry. I have before me a large bundle of valuable letters from which I make a few extracts. After a sad parting from his loved bride, he went with his body servant to New York on board of one of the North river sloops ; it was in those days a voyage of a week from Albany, then by stages to Philadelphia. He says : " The roads are exceedingly bad ; myself, Jake and the horses are nearly worn out." The following is part of a letter penned seventy-eight years ago. My Dear Harriet, On Friday last I pression of spirits. Capt. Van Eensselaer to Ids Wife. Philadelphia, April 17, 1797. reached this place in tolerable health, but great de- I have been advised by disinterested persons not to go on, they fear my delicate constitution cannot endure the hardships. I leave tomorrow and expect to arrive at Pittsburgh in about nine days, if the riding is not too much. The Secretary of War has advised me to take my own time, and not to travel in wet weather ; this however I shall not much attend to ; the quicker I go on, the sooner I shall return to my lovely wife. I shall be obliged to stay at Fort Washington longer than I expected to wait for necessary articles to equip ray Troop. I have been pleasingly coufiued since I came here, in sitting twice a day to have ffij Miniature taken by Stuart, a masterly artist ; it was finished this evening Mrs. Solom Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 188 and will follow this letter on Thursday, with a request that it may bo for- warded to you, by a careful Albany skipper. The price for painting was fifty Dollars, althou{i;h it is extravagant, yet with much satisfaction did I pay for it, as it was intended to give you pleasure. The likeness is not as striking a one, as ho took for President Washington and Gen. Wilkin- son, in my eyes. Farewell my love ; this time tomorrow I will bo a much greater distance from you and that must be so for some time to come. Farewell, a sad word, but it must be so, God preserve you, and may every happiness attend you. Farewell my dear, lovely wife look forward with patience to our happy meeting in October or Sooner, once more with you, never, never will I leave you more again, adieu, good night my dearest Harriet. I 186 Leqacy op Historical QLEAirmas. much in depending on it. I have written to ray Father and others. May much huppincH.s attend you pruys your affectioniito husbund, Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. ^o^' ^^""^ It^^NSSELAKR. Extracts from Captain Van Rcntnelner'a Note Book. The country about Pittsburgh is very hilly, and a few miles from hero is the Hattle-ground of General Hraddock, where ho was defeated in 1755, A French Fort called Du Quesne was then standing on the Pittsburg's site. I continued in this place till Saturday 29th ; the afternoon of which day at 3 o'clock I embarked, to navigate the Ohio river, which is one of the most beautiful in the world, -^ith a gentle current and easy of navi- gation, in a large Kentucky keei-boat [had a flat bottom, but no sails,] loaded with Dragoon equipments and the Chickasaw annuity for this year, with only three Soldiers and a Quarter Master's man. In this weak state of defence I commenced a really dangerous and very difficult route dowo the picturesque and extensive Ohio, with a head wind and rain to comfort me, but the water in pretty good order and wo floated quietly all night without any alarm from Indian foes. Early in the morning of May 1st just before daylight passed Wheeling 96 miles from Pittsburg. This day nothing of note happened as wo passed along in sight of a number of huts on each bank and a small town. On the morning of 2d May at 9 o'clock landed at Muskingum (Marietta) a large and beautiful Settlement of New Englanders. Here I remained half an hour and took on board a Mr. Lowder, a printer from New York and at 12 o'clock landed him on Belpree Island twelve miles from Marietta. Here I was introduced to a Mr. Bachus and his wife from New London, and was not a little astonished to find so accomplished a woman in these desert wilds. Being frustrated in my intention of procuring forage for my horses at this place, I hoisted my wooden Sails and at 1 o'clock P.M. again came too, at the lower end of the Island, three miles and succeeded in getting hay by paying at the rate of 50 cts. per Hundred. Opposite this Island aad a little above it, are the three Settlements of Belpree, each village 3 miles apart. Two Turkeys were on the right or Indian beach for the first time since we left Pittsburg, the wind continually ahead. 3d. The wind from the South accompanyed with rain which much re- tarded our progress, a few huts were to be seen on each Bank. At 1 o'clock p. M., passed the Great Canawha river, the Town is called Poiut Pleasant, a name well adapted to the situation. Here was formerly a Garrison built of the Inhabitants of Virginia called together by General Andrew Lewis, it was some years since in 1774 attacked by the Indians, who unfortunately killed Col. Charles Lewis, but could not carry the Fort which was strongly fortified with logs and entrenchments. At half past one, passed a French settlement on the Indian Bank called Gallipolice three miles from the last river and 100 miles from Muskingum which we came in 14 hour- The Country on each side of the River was beautiful beyond conception with its wild scenery, tall grasses and trees. 4th. The early part of last night was clear and the moon shone bright until about 11 o'clock, when a violent rain and thunderstorm came on which lasted until near four in the morning, with so much violence as to put us in danger of being drove on shore. The water being hi^h it was with difficulty we could proceed, ami to make land it was impossible with- out infinite danger from the Indians. No material injury however happened. At 2 p. M., passed the mouth of the big Sciota river on the Leoaoy of IlrsTORroAL Gleanings. 187 N. W. of the Ohio. The lands nre very rich and the ( 'onntry level. The he,i.l water. .,th.H nver m near the hake and is Navigable tbr boats liUO nnl.H the w.d h ot , IS about I 50 yards. Four mile« below this Inland at a friend h Major Hdl.os on Turkey Creek, the ol.l Ikchelor treated me with Kreat politeness. After viewing his plantation (which is really beautiful) I again started at s.x o'clock. 8otuo distance below this, passed the three Islands in the ni-ht, the River serene and pleasant .)th In the morning it rained quite fast, and the wind ahead, passed Limestone at 7 o oloek A M., the Kentucky landing place 60 mi osTom Lexin.^ton and the like distance from (Cincinnati, a number of houses oa each bank were to be seen. [Limestone is upon Limestone Creek and is now called Maysville.] 1 "^i^^A I'T'! ,^"'"»'^''' '^* «'"'"°'' '" ^^^ "««•»">?.' and at 5 o'clock landed at I^or Washington .„ good order, where I at once reported my. self to General Wilkinson^ [In those early times it was a ver/ hazardms busine,ss to navigate the Ohio river. Often were the boats taken by the enemy, and every one on board, destroyed by the Indians. And if the settlers attempted to clear new fields, they did it at the peril of their Zfi^n"" T i7L''"'""b '^"1 ^'^"J''""' ^heir arms, they hoed their corn fields. In 1791, some French immigrants settled on the Uliio rivej at a place, which they appropriately called Gallipolis. They had been swindled out of about one hundred thousand croins in silver b y a .C arch knaves who. v.s.t.ng Paris, pretended to own a large tract of land im- mediately adjoining on the west side of ' the Ohio company's land.' The"^ people lived at Gall.pohs during the old Indian waV, and suffered son o from the Indians as well as from sickness, and many privations in IZ wilderness. Columbia was near the mouth of the LiUle Miami river] Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife \?TTxJ^'f-' ^^'^ Washington, May 7. 1797 JvIZ- ^^'f '""?^«» f ^ry week there is a Mail to and from hat place ad likewise at Knoxville, therefore I shall with anxiety attend reKularlv hZ fr', '''^iT''- ^...Thursday next you will no doubt re euTmy etter from P.t sburg informing you of my safe arrival there, and the time Pilt 'I'estl: "" ''"l''^' '{ ^'" '^'^ * ^^"'''^ 1^^-' D" Q- "»e. " sal wifh „T 7 ''■T^ T' ^^' *""'• ^° ''»« ''^'«'-»««n or that day I set sail with a head wind and raining very fast. Dr. Carmichael and the officers advised me not to proceed on my journey with the smaU fo ce n:fh"^„?:r'"'',""':;'"^' ^^ three'liifantrj soId,ers\nd l^red Eiw fnHi ^ Y^' ^'^t«q«'P'"'^"ts for my Troop, and the valuable w very evidZ f "I '^t ^'''''- ?^ '^''^'^'' ^ ^''^^ ^« ^''''^"nter were very evident to me, but knowing how tedious it would be to wait raZeler^'T' ^^''^-^.^^e company who wished to det^nm ovealTrLr. 'iT "."''i.'"" ''''^'""'^'^•^ "^ '^^^^ ""^ attention, and alth.fi; 5 ^°"'' '^''"^ shortening my absence from a place, v^here cit for m^ r .'"'"■''i'"" '^ "]'J" '^'' ^'^' •« fi^^d' were\easons too had n.v ISi, '^'''.'-^'^ r^'-y difficulty. Of this you may be assured had my full share; in the five hundred miles I only stopped three times «f we'he'rti' ?""/;• '^^^ '''' ^'^^^ ««-^ '^ air'tlLs fi Tnd Sno disro^itiS r 7' "'r '•'^'^P""«'^i"^y ^- intensely felt and I inm eso-C? ' -^ ' n«^'l'f,"^>nce to try military achievements on nmtesot the many wigwams ever insight. Without any marvelous 18 I 138 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. adventures I reached this place at 5 o'clock on the morning of yesterday, all in good order. It could hardly be credited that I had come in so short a time under so many disadvantngeous circumstances ; but there was no need of an affidavit all saw for themselves. My pleasing expecta- tions of dispatch were quickly blasted on being told that the horses and men had not all arrived. This is the case to my sorrow, nor will they be here in less than a fortnight contrary to the expectations of the General. He is much pleased with my punctuality and shows every mark of friend- ship, with a wish to make me satisfied with my situation. May Wth. General Wilkinson insisted upon my living with him in his family, which I have agreed to do while I remain here. Save my dear Harriot, I have every thing I can desire and Jake is a <^ood boy, he takes good care of me. I sh 11 be busily employed the ensuing week to get every thing in perfect readiness to mount the men, as soon as they arrive from Fort Defiance. The Sad-'.les &c. will all want repairing, and after this is dene and the horses a little accustomed to firing, I shall cross the Ohio on my route to the Cumberland in Tennessee. The General has invited me to take a ride with him to the big Miami tomorrow, thirty miles below this. To day we all dine with the Lieut. Governor of this place, I will soon have to prepare for the occasion, I suppose they will be pretty Uue, but for my part I declare off. Nine o'clock P. jM. We have my dear Harriot just returned from the feast, all pretty merry and one or two e "ittle beyond it. The afternoon was pleasantly passed, and the Dinner in great elegance displayed, nearly as well as the Dutchmen of Albany could have done it, making allowances for his being a Bachelor, it was better. The General showed me your Father's letter, it was couched in very strong terms, he wished me to continue in service and told the General to keep me in it, you was very much opposed to it, for which they could i^ike al- loicanccs on account of your situation. I had rather he had been silent on that business * * * Adieu, Adieu. May God bless you and keep you perfectly well and happy. y^^^ g.^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany. lit fl£:^ Captain Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My Dear Harriot: Lexington, Kentucky 18th May, 1797. * * * * Since writing to you by the last mail from Fort Washington, I have been ordered to this place to Inspect and expedite the completion of the purchase of the horses for my Troop, which I have accomplished, they are fine horses. I sent on all those the Quarter Master purchased save three that I condemned, they would not pass muster ; yesterday they left this, and I shall follow them in the afternoon. I have given the Quarter Master directions to move very slow with them, that they may be in good order when I receive them. I shall get at Fort Washington two days before them and have every thing in readiness to mount the men immediately on their arrival ; after this is accomplished and the horses a little nuuineuvred I shall commence my wished for march through this place to the Cumbeiland. Then arounu about way of some six hund- red miles to Knoxville, Tennessee, where you shall again hear from me, and likewise Leibro I leave this place on my return here. The people are very kind and friendly in Lesington, c-v<.'ry day since my arrival I h;iv? dined out, and am engaged for a week if I was to stay, but how very Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 139 differently am I inclined towards them now to what I was three years since. Now all company is rather un incumbrance than a pleasure to me • no society can I enjoy until [ return to Cherry Hill, there and only there can I be happy, but alas, this period is too far distant. How many uneasy moments must I pass away before I can possess a tranquil mind, never did I know how sincerely I loved you until this cruel separation. I have injured you more than ever I can make compensation for, I should not have married until after I left the Army ; but ray dear Harriot, you know 1 naJ no thoughts of leaving you at that time. And when I was unex- pectedly called upon, I could not retire with cred't. In your present delicate situation, you stand in need of the tender care and sympathy of a husband who has no other ambition but to make you happy, but this unhappily is denyed him at present, but you know it is not through his choice. Therefore keep up your spirits and let us meet with for"itudo the misfortunes allotted to each in this life, of which we must expect our share, but very little can I boast of when I reflect on you. Write to Knoxville immediately on the receipt of this I shall be , ere about the last of next month ; give me all the news of the day. Has the fever left your bather ? I am sorry to hear of the misfortune of my brother Killiau, I saw the account in a paper before I left Philadelphia that he had been captured. My mother's letter to him says : Your Father has been to New York, since his return your brother was brou'^'ht • in on April 23d by the Schr Betsey, master C. N. Mole in 24 days. ° [" Capt. Killian H. Van Rensselaer, late of the schooner Two Friends of New York port, and belonging to Thomas White, merchant of this city, came passenger in the Betsey. He sailed from Wilmington, N. C, on the 15th of February bound to Martioico, and on the 6th of March in lilt. 26, long. 58, he was captured by a French privateer schooner, called La Voitisseur, commanded by Lombar. They took Capt. Van Rensselaer on board the privateer, ho was put in irons, and deprived of much ; they robbed his chest of all his papers and great part of his clothing. They likewise robbed the mate and crew ; then sent a prize master and^six men on board the schooner and ordered her for Curracoa, detaining the captain, mate and 2 seamen onboard the privateer. On the 8th°they spoke the sloop Industry, Capt. Lovell from Charleston, and carried into Jaquemel."] "Disagreeable news is furnished with wings and Killian's misfortune adds greatly to our uneasiness on my brother Robert's account, he too may share the same fate and I fear his want of fortitude in that case. On Iriday Papa went to attend the funeral of the Patroon's only dau-'hter she died suddenly of the colic. The first you write after rocei via "this do inclose me a lock of your hair, I will have it put in the Back of°your Miniature with some of mine, like sheaves of wheat. Far be it from me to beg you to return one moment sooner, than is consistent with honor or duty." Capt. V. R., continues, " I earnestly pray your brother Robert may not share the same fate, should he be so unfortunate, let me be" of ;ou not to take it too much to heart, it can answer no good purpose. " A Brother is near, but recollect a fond husband is nearer. If your two brothers Peter and Robert have arrived, tell them I am one of their best wishers. I am now in great haste to get oflF, Your aflfectionate Husband, ., „ , ,, Solomon Van Rlnsslaer. J>lrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany. 140 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Extrfuts from Capt. V. li's Note Book. May 11, 1797. At Fort Washington dined in Company with the Gen- eral and other oflBcers at the Lieut. Governors. At Fort Washington I found the men of my old troop dismounted. I had not seen the fine fellows since the great battle in -which they bore a distinguished part. The meeting was as unexpected as gratifying. I immediately, on the 12th passed over to Lexington, Ky., to facilitate, superintend and expedite the purchase of horses to mount my men, and in a few days reported myself and troop ready for duty : having arrived at Lexington on the morning of the 14th and left in the afternoon of the 18th and reached Georgetown 12 miles after having forwarded the horses for my Troop, and on the 20th reached Fort Washington through a continual rain for 30 miles. 21st. The horses arrived at the river, Lieut. Ball with thirty Dragoons went over and took charge of them. I crossed with him and receipted for them. 22nd. They were crossed in tolerable order and without confusion. The two or three following days, the Blacksmiths were employed in Shoe- ing of them, and the Tarrier in trimming and Phyaicing them, whilst myself closely engaged in getting every thing in readiness for the March &c. 25th. Assorted the horses to their Riders and on the 26th, were for the first lime mounted, and after being inspected by the Commander-io-Chief crossed the Ohio and encamped on its bank oppop'' - Cincinnati, to prevent the frequent cases of drunkenness in the Troop. his day Captain Isaac Guion received orders to descend the River to Natchez in Mississippi, but did not go until the day after. Captain Ford's company also received orders this day and the General descended the River to the mouth of the Miami to the Camp of the 4th Regiment under the command of Col- onel Butler intended for Knoxville, and returned on the day followino; when Captain Guion Sailed for the post of Natchez. In compliance with my orders received to day, I am exercising my Troop and in a few days will be ready to start. [" The equivocal conduct of the Spanish authori- ties of Louisiana in relation to the treaty of limits &c. induced General Wilkinson to reinforce our military posts on the Mississippi river ; and for this service he selected Captain Isaac Guion, an officer of tried confidence and approved intelligence, who had served with General Montgomery before Quebec, and possessed great energy of character."] General Wilkinson to Capt. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Head Quarters. Fort Washington, May 26, 1797. You ^ re, this day, to cross the Ohio river, with your troop, and to commence your march for Knoxville, in the state of Tennessee, without one moments unnecessary delay. You will proceed by easy marches, on the most convenient road for Fort Blount, on the Cumberland river. Should you discover on your approach to, or .arrival at this place, that the Indians are hostilely disposed, you are to fall back, either to Nashville, or take some intermediate secure position, where your cavalry can be well subsisted, and wait the arrival of Lieut. Col. Commandant Butler, whose orders you are to receive. But should you find the Indians in a state of tranquility, you will proceed on to Knoxville, with due military precau- tion and on your arrival there, will report tj the senior officer on thaC Station, and require quarters and subsistence for your men and horses, Legacy op Historical Gleanin 'ia. 141 wliere you are to wait the arrival of Col. Butler, unless otherwise disposed of under the authority of the President. Wishio{< you an agreeable tour I remain with much friendship your obedient se'rvant ' : me^. <:>UA-^ Captain Van Eensselaer. General Wilkinson was appointed deputy adjutant general by Gen. Gates, and, after the surrender of Burgoyne, congress made him a briga- dier general by brevet. Congress was so overjoyed at the surrender, they allowed Col. Wilkinson, the messenger of the glad tidings, to stand upon their floor and announce the fact. Extracts from Capt. V. -B's I^ote Book. June 4th. Remained until this day in the family of the General Lieut. Ball with the Troop on duty. The General, Inspectors and other Officers visited our camp and reviewed the Troop ; in the evening I returned with them and remained until the afternoon of the 5th When I received my Orders to march, and took leave of the General and others. This morning we commenced our march and reachf -i Reads on the Dike Ridge the 20 Miles, Seven of the men were drunk and one lost his sword, for which he received thirty Lashes, and another Six for his carelessness in losing his canteen, 6th. In the morning commenced our March and reached Little Station at 4 oclock P.M. without any accident happening, here Lieut. Ball joined me with Dispatches from the Commander-in-Chief for Knoxville &c, went to day 20 Miles. 7th. Left the Troop under the Command of Lt, Ball and proceeded onward with my Servant and one Dragoon to Lexington 40 miles, with a view to forward him on express if a Citizen of confidence could not be had, and reached that Town about sunset, and proceeded to accomplish the business. 8th. Dispatched the Dragoon Express, and then was employed in Scour- ing the Country to form our Encampment &c. 9th. The Troop arriveJ and took possession of a beautiful spot two miles from Lexington. Several of the men intoxicated and three did not join this day which will be all the wonse for them. 10th. The men joined. Corporal Joiney I reduced to the ranks and or- dered him to receive 25 Lashes for disobedience of orders. Maynard, Culin and Jackson received 50 Lashes each for leaving the Troop and getting drunk. 11th & 12th. Dined with the citizens who are very attentive and friendly to the officers. There are frequent parties visiting our Camp. The Saddlers and Blacksmiths are employed constantly in the necessary re- pairs of the Troop. 13th. The Volunteer Troop of horse, gives us a grand and pleasant liarbecue; theirs is a pretty Scarlet with Black and Silver lace. The social eiitertuiument in the open air gave a day spent in harmony and 142 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. shall The been 14fch Mr. Brown, brother to a Senator in Con<]jress, with his Wife and a number of fine agreeable young ladies honored us with a pleasant visit. 15th. A Ball was given in honour of the Cloth, but not feeliu" much inclined for suah amusements I declined going but I requested Lieut. Ball to attend, which he did, Capt. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My Lovely Harriot, Dragoon Camp, Lexington, Ky., June 14, 1797. * * * I have taken possession of a beautiful piece of ground in a sequestered spot two miles from Lexington, and hat^e formed a pretty Camp. The Ladies and gentlemen of the City pay us frequent visits, a large party are to be out to day. It is 9 o'clock a. m,, I have ordered the Trumpeter to sound for Roll call. I must attend. While I lived with General Wilkinson in his family at Fort Washington, as an evidence of his confidence, not one single order was given me for the Police or discipline of my Troop. I was left to make such a disposition as I thought proper, it gives me pleasure that my little experience has placed me beyond the unpleasant reflection of inadequacy. Since I have been here, I have received letters from the General, amongst other things he says, " Deliver the enclosed to Col. Butler when you meet, and send forward the letter for Knoxville in such a way as your discretion direct, it is of importance. Life and Laurels my dear Buy to you." letter I have forwarded by a confidential sergeant. 5 o'clock p. M. The expected party, my lovely Harriot, have here, they were quite agreeable, and I did the honors to the best of my skill. JuDP 15th. This morning it rained a little which prevented my moving, but it has now cleared oflF, and have given directions to have every thing in readiness for that purpose in the morning, a little more time can I only devote to you. evening in consequence of the rain. tions for the occasion, but for my part, I am ofiF; the perusal of your affectionate letter will, by far, give me more pleasure. I have an elegant pair of bays, these with a fine sleigh and then what pleasure will I have with my Harriot. Jake takes good care of them and behaves well, he is a fine boy and makes an excellent body servant, you will hardly know him. I draw provisions for him by order of the General. I wrote this letter at different times as I could find opportunity, or be spared from the duty of the Troop, it is written on my knee, I need not make any apology for inaccuracy in it. Mr. Ball is just going to Town and I must close, with the cruel word Adieu. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, Albany. Extracts from GapL Van Eensselatr's Note Book. June 16th. Every thing being again ready for a march, the tents were struck and baggage packed. At ton oclock commenced our move throu^'h Lexington on the head waters of Elkhorn river, with about 900 inhabitants. Our cavalry passed on in handsome order ; the streets were crowded with gaping citizens expressing their entire approbation " at the beautiful sight," as they were pleased to term it. The full uniform and dragooner's heavy sword always carry their peculiar charm; perhaps it is owing to the satis- faction felt in knowing how nicely they can slash through the wily In- dian skull, just like cutting into a ruutid ripe pumpkin in successful war- fare ! After a walker of 20 Miles encamped at a hot headed Democrats. The Ball is Postponed until this Lieut. Ball is now making prepara- fcpring grove Leqacy of Historical Gleanings. 143 17th. Reached Danville twenty miles more after crossing the Kentucky and Dicks Kiver; a heavy rain accompanied us this day The hi<'h rocks or precipices being 400 feet high of Dick river are wonderful • some of tlie banks are of lime stone and other of white marble ; they are covered with large groves of red cedar, the banks high on both sides. 18th. It rained fast all day ; our clothes being wet, we continued in camp and were treated with much Civility by the Citizens. wmV- ^^^ P^''^ HP"^^, ^^""^ missing and could not be found : proceeded to Uilliam bhaws, found a fine meadow for our horses. 23rd. Having procured provisions arJ forage we left Shurmans, and after two miles passed through the small town of Greensburgh and 12 miles further brought us to the little Barren river, thence to the Blue Spring grove where we encamped. The streams from some of these springs are quite as brinish as ocean water ; the deer and other animals come to these icks to lap up the salt. The land here for eight miles at least may be called very barren in every sense of the word ; the Soil is stony, the grass IS long and coarse affording but little subsistence for cattle. Save smal scopes of timber in a few places, nothing but scrubby oaks are visible. Ihe extent of this piece of most extraordinary lan<^ is 100 miles each way, it is extremely unpleasant in warm weather and even dangerous to travelers. There are many curious caves of miles in length with sin- gular pillars and arches; there was also a spring on Green "iver the water ot which was very much like oil and burnt with a fine light 24th. Encamped at Sinking Creek; for 13 miles the water was very bad, nauseous with sulphur and the land same as yesterday with verv singular cavities ; the Creek dis>iopears for some miles. 26th. Found the 4th Regiment under Col. Butler encamped at the Jjuip asunder the t^ndercst ties of mnmwjmnitu, affinity and friendship witn me. ii riendship when once rooted in my breast is not like the plant 01 a temperate clime when removed to a torrid zone, where the leaf' be- comes withered, the blossom no more expands and the plant enervates and aies under the influence of the scorching sun. But with me it never eu- 19 n 146 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. I ervatcB, it is as impenetrable to infection as the castle which is improsna- hlo, is impenetrable to the sword of the open invader. You have lieard before tliis of my appointment to the command of this place. Pray when have you seen Miss Sanders ? I wish she would prove friendly in assistini' nie to choose a partner like the turtle of the vale. I am too apprehensive of a rebuif, or I should request you to present my warmest esteem to her. I sincerely wish that my acquaintance with her was of an earlier period but permit me to drop a subject which admits of so much doubt in its at- tainment to my happiness. This goes by Col. Smith my particular ac- quaintance who goes in a Boat that carries your Trunk from Fort Wash- ington to Schenectady. I have given a certificate on Mr. Glen Agent for transportation, for the carriage. Present my friendship to Mrs. V. R. I hope you are made happy ere this by an increase of family, but muin on this score. Adieu, Yours. Capt. Sol. Van Kensselaer, Albany, N. I. Visscher. After remaining more than a year at Fort Oswego, Lieutenant Nanning I. Visscher of the Artillery, was appointed to the command of the gar- rison at that place. This fort was of great military importance during the colonial wars. The London Mdijaztiic, for the year 1757 gives an account of the investment and surrender of the place, it was reduced by the French under Gen. Montcalm. The works at Oswego at this time consisted of three forts, viz.. the old fort on the west side of the river, and two forts on the east side, situated on two eminences, which latter were commenced the year previous, and were in an unfinished state. These works were very weak, and the walls of insufiicient strength to resist heavy artillery. The English relied for a defense upon having a superior naval force upon the lake but it was incomplete. The French were the victors and after the capitulation immediately dismantled the forts. Bichard Varick to Philip Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir : New York, Nov. 28, 1797. I have the Honor of acknowledging the lleceipt of Mrs. Rensselaer's favor without date accompanied by two Cheeses and a Bag of Aragrietties for Mrs. Benson and myself, I should long ere now have forwarded an Answer with a Remittance of perishable articles, consisting of mos. oxcel- lent Carolina potatoes, Oranges and a pot of Brandy peaches, wli.ch are boxed up and have been at the Wliarf and remanded on account of the extreme Cold Weather, and our hearing of your River being frozen up so as to Stop the Navigation to Kinderhook. I hope the river will open again, or both of us will be disappointed. While we congratulate you on the Birth of another Grand Daughter, a^if' wish you and Mrs. Rensselaer as well as Arrietta and her dear Spouse [iSolonion Van Rensselaer] every Blessing on the Occasion, we hear with extreme Concern the continued Indisposition of Mrs. Elmendorf, and t\v,\t you are far from being well, Our best wishes attend you both and may a beneficent Heaven preserve our friends ; to his Care and protection we cheerfully commit them, assureJ that there alone they can Icel themselves safe and happy. With regret 1 mention to you the Death of Mr. Martin Hoffman of Mount Ross in Dutchess County (wli so lady you saw with us). He died on Tuesday last between 10 and 11, after about 24 or 2(3 Hours Illness of a Cholic. So we drop oil' one after another, and who knows the ne.\t Pas- gcngcr in that Journey. Mrs. Benson joius Mrs. Varick and Miss Laidlie Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. 147 and myself in thanks to you and Mrs. Rensselaer for your present and in our best wishes for your Health and Thut of our other friends of your family, to All whom We pray to be affectionately remembered. Accent the best sentiments of Respect and Affection from your Friend Cwho is called to Court in Haste) Kichard Variok. 3Ir. rhihp Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill, near Albany. Secretary of War to Capt. Van Rensselaer. '""',1;. o • • • .War department, 25 April, 1798. Ihc Service requirinn; your immediate presence with your Company you will be pleased to join it with all convenient Speed. I am Sir with regard Your most obedt Serv. Capt. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. James McHenry. C I Eodgdon to Capt. Van Rensselaer. ^tT'^p' 1 w u- r. P^'la'^clphia, 26th November, 1798. The Generals Washington, Hamilton and Pinckney are here makin- with the Assistance of the Secretaries an arrangement for briu^e of evincin-' how insiijiiljkant u man, and comparatively speakinf, ' have been loft goniething in the same way, that Juno left Ixion, fully convinced of the truth, that "at twenty man puspects himself a fool, knows it at 30, and at 40 " &c., thus have I in my searches arrived at the second stage, tuo well impressed with my deficiency of education, " and the thou- sand natural shocks that flesh is heir to," ;»rieved to death that I am not capacitated to act a more shining part. I am sorry to inform you that my religious tenets have under- gone some change, but on this 1 must for the present be silent, and request the same of you to this point. I find that 1 have in this Letter been quite au egotist, but I write to you as an old friend and compa- triot, and with smch, strict formula is therefore not neces- sary. I have lately met with a rebuff in application to Gene- I shall to-day write my ultimatum to N. I, V18SCUEB. ral Hamilton for leave of absence ^ „,,,„ ui^imaiuiu lo the General on that score, for I am determined no longer to serve under the auspices of this Frenchman, it will not be till sometime in the winter that I can expect to leave this, till then, I remain as usual, your aflfectioniito Major Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mr. Visscher returned to Albany and subsequently we read : "Married, on Thursday Jan. 8, 1807 at Albany, by the Rev. John M. iradford, Mr. Nanning I. Visscher, Merchant, to Miss Catharine Glen Van Rensselaer, daughter of Colonel John I. Van Rensselaer, both of ureenbush." Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis, British West Indies He was of Scottish descent by his father ; French by his mother. i*ort iNiagara was under the supervi.sion of Gen. Hamilton. . In 1798, when an invasion was apprehended from the French, and a provisional urniy hnd been called into the Sold, President Adams had oSoied 160 Legacy of Historical Qleaninqs. tho chief command of this army to Oen. Washinj^ton, who consented to accept in case llaiuilton sliould be chosen second in command, with the title of inspector general. He succeeded in bringing the organizatiuu and discipline of the army to a high degree of excellenoe. Tho chief com- mand devolved on him at the death of Washington in 1790. CHAPTER VII. Tkoublous Times. President John Adams transmitted to the congress of tho United States a letter received from Tobias Lear, Esq., private secretary to General Washington, communicating the sad intelligence that: " On the 14th duy of December 1799, General Georoe Wasiiinoton breathed his last at Mount Vernon in the 69th year of his age." House- of Representatives, Dec. 18, 1799, Philadelphia. Mr. Marshall rose and addressed the Speaker in the following words : " Information, Sir, has just been received that our illustrious fellow citizen, tho commander-in-chief of the Americao army, and late President of the United States, Our Washington is no more ! the hero, the sage, and the patiot of Amrrica, the man on whom in times of danger every eye was turned, and a!! hopes were placed, lives now only in his own great actions, and in the hearts of an aflFectionate and afflicted people." " Philadelphia December 20. In consequence of the afflicting intelligence of the death of General Washington, Mrs. Adams's drawing room is de- ferred to Friday the 27th, when the Ladies are respectfully requested to wear white, trimmed with black ribbon, black gloves and fan, as a token of respect to the memory of the late President of the United States. The Ladies of the officers of the general government will please to wear black." " Washington is no more ! How shall we express our grief on this dis- tressing event ; with what language shall we give vent to the full feelings of our hearts. It is true, he had reached the summit of human honor, and was ripe for immortal Glory, It is true, he had retired, in a degree, from public office, to the walks of rural life. It is true, the government of our country has devolved on wise and faithful men ; Yet Washiiif/tun was still our guardian, our pride and our defence. His reputation was a bulwark, and a shield, under whoso broad and protecting shade America reposed with unbounded confidence. He led our armies amidst the perils of revolution to victory. His virtues, his wisdom hushed to peace the voice of discord, and consolidated these states under one firm government. Heaven lent him to us, to make us a nation, and to render us prosperous, powerful and happy. Having accomplished his high errand, he is now recalled and tve are overwhelmed with grief He was taken ill on Friday. An intimate friend asked him if he wished to have anything done on the Legacy of IltsTonicAL Gleanings. 151 nrninpoment of his temporal affairs; he shook his head and replied ' no 1 th.iiiK you, tor my books are al! posted to Tuesday '" ' ■The Com.non Couneil of Albany N. Y., on honriDf,^ the n.ol.u.eholy ti.linjrs of the death of Gknkhal WAHaiNOXON, came to the foilowin- resolution : ° " liKsoLVED, That the Bells of this City 5 .... J from three to five clock this afternoon ; [Dec. 23d] and H „ ,!,« Members of this Board wear Crape round the left arm for the s^.w-e of .x weeks, as a testimony ot respect to the memory of Lieut. Gf.n. '..' • ■ noton, deceased " During the tolling of the bells, minute ., ,. . re fired by the corps of U. '^- Art.llery stationed in this city, undc , . comma.fd of Captain John McClallen The churches in thi ■ city -ere dressed in Mourning on biibhath, and appropriate discourses dp!!\, dU. Funeral Procession in Albany. Thursday, January 9th, 1800, was devoted by the citizens of Albany to the performance of military and civil honors in memory of the beloved and venerated Washington. The concourse of citizens, and inhabitants of the vicinity was uncommonly numerous. A deep and mournful silence hun^' over all ranks, and gave the most impressive testimony of a pervad- ing heart-felt grief at the irreparable loss of a character uniting such un. e.xamplcd virtue and public worth. The artillerists of the Unfted Stales be..,n the .solemnities at daybreak, by firing sixteen guns in quick sue- cession, and continued firing a gun every half hour until the sitrnal was given by three guns for the procession to form. At ten ocloek, the military paraded in Watervliet street, under the command of iMajor Solomon Van 1 KNSSELAER of the army of the United States, as Marshal. Capt. McClr- len as oflBcer of the day, assisted by Adj. Wendell and Licit. Ireat directed the procession. [In Juno 1799, we find regarding Hearses: " It is in contemplation to bury on hearses, instead of bearing on the shoulders. This certainly will be an exce lent substitute for bearers, who are inevitably exposed to the putrid exhalations of dead bodies, with which they are almost in livin- contact. It IS to be hoped that no ancient prejudices in favor of an old custom will prevail against propriety and expedience, for the life of no man ought to be endangered if it can be avoided "] The Her was received on the left of the line, drawn up in open ranks with arms presented, the officers, colors, and music saluting.^ Minute Kuns nnng at a distance, during the procession. At 11 o'clock by asi-nal ot two guns in immediate succession, the procession moved in the folTow- nij^ order: Cavalry with swords reversed, Drums muffled, colors reversed Id HI mourning Band of Music, instruments dressed in crare Pall fearers were : Col. Lush, Col. Wendell, Genls. Ten Broeck, Van Horne ,n t-H' ^r.r^««'•^ General's Horse, led by 2 black m;n in mourn n with white turbans. Military Associations in uniform and full hXTf-- ^7 ??''?7 ,«f y«""S gentlemen wearing crape, with J^s trimmed with back ribbon; their president in full n ournin.^ Hng arrived at the North Dutch Church, the procession halted, th^e 2 formed in ^wo lines, with open ranks; the whole body of mil tary Jeaning on their arms reversed. The bier, 'preceded by the officers of . I. of the church. The officers of the army, the corporation of the city aj_ uie respective corporations then followed, succeeded by the several M. 152 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. I: societies in reversed order, the citizens following. As the bier ^as enter- ing the church, a solemn chaunt, with accompaniments was sung by Miss Lilly. The walls, pulpit and the stage erected for the orator, were dnipcd with black cloth. The solemnities in church were opened with prayer by the Rev. John Bassett. Funeral Oration by Wm. P. Beers, Esq. Concluding Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Nott. Anthem in full chorus. The vocai accompanied by instrumental music was very fine. The bier was then removed in front of the church where the last military honors were paid to the memory of the deceased. While the procession was moving the bells of the respective churches were tolled, they all had been pre- viously muffled. The military prasented a splendid appearance. On Saturday, February 22d 1800, Washington's birthday, a sermon was preached by the Rev. John 13. Johnson (at the request of the legisla- ture of the state) on the death of Washington. The text was from 1st Chronicles, 29th chapter, 28th verse : " And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour." The church also at this time was draped with black. In the afternoon an oration was delivered in the court-house, Our beloved Washington is no more ! He has descended to the house ap. pointed for all living, followed by the tears of a nation. General Hamilton to the Secretary of War. Dear Sir, Now York, August 8th, 1800. 31ajor Rensselaer, who was eldest captain of dragoons before the late augmentation of the army, was under that augmentation promoted to a major. He has some time since devoted himself to military aifairs, as a profession for life, and is unwilling to quit. For my parti have conceived there was a discretion in the president on this subject, which may be ex- ercised in favour of the major. A field officer for the cavalry appears to me in every view proper. For the character of Major Van Rensselaer, as an officer, I refer you to Gen, Wilkinson, with whom he served. The inquiry I know will result greatly in his favour, and as a man, there is none more worthy : he is a kinsman of Mrs. Hamilton. With esteem and regard The Hon. Samuel Dexter, Secretary of War. Oen. UamUton to Gen. Wilki7ison. Dear Sir : I have received your letter from Washington, my wishes in every thing accord with yours. I shall be glad of every opportunity of brightening the charm. As soon as possible I will send you the information you desire, A change of office has deranged my Military papers and will occasion some delay. Major Rensselaer unwilling to quit goes to ascertain the possibility of remaining. I am of opinion that the thing is still in the discretion of the President. You I know are his friend. Yours trulv To General Wilkinson. A. H. General Hamilton was a noble man, quick to do justice to others \i in his power. In speaking of General Washington, between whom ami him self a coolness had taken place towards the closo of the var, and the colonel had left (Jcneral Washington's family, he says, "all appointments to office, wherein he was especially culled to exorcise his own judgment, he nobly divested himself of syi>;pathy or antipathy, and made what he con- sidered the fitness of the agent to the office the ground of his choice. ;! I ' n Legacy op Historical Gleanings. UZ There had been ''or sometime such a standing, or misunderstanding, be- tween us, that I had no more expectation of office, than I had of being appointed pope's ni-ncio, when I received the invitation to take charge of the treasury department."' The coolnoBS was caused by the foUowin"' mnhipropos casualty. The army was encamped in New Jersey, General Washington was just mounting his horse, to visit his advanced post, when he reeollectod a letter he had recently received from the British com- mander, which it occurred to him ho might have occasion for whilst at the lines. He called Colonel Hamilton, and requested him, to hand the letter to him. The colonel returned to the office, but not being able to place his hand on it, reported, that it was mislaid. The genera? replied, " I must have it." Search was again made without eflfect, and Colonel Hamilton returning, repeated that the letter had been mislaid, and ex- pressed his sorrow at not being able to find it. The general rejoined with warmth, " Sir, you shall find it." Hamilton was astonished, but replied promptly, " I shall find it, sir, but must let you know, that in addressing' me, you do not speak to a menial." The occasion was honorable to the parties; it furnished General Washington an occasion for the display of his magnanimity, and Col. Hamilton an opportunity to assert his personal dignity and independence of mind. Colonel Hamilton retired from head quarters, but was appointed to the command of a battalion in the elite corps, at the head of which he stormed a redoubt during the soige of New York uefore the surrender of Cornwallis. Whilst secretary of the treasury, he was ex officio one of the cabinet counselors of President Washington • and such was the confidence repo.sed by that great man in his integrity and ability, that he rarely ventured upon any executive act of moment without his concurrence. There had been serious divisions in the federal party oa account of President Adams's course in the appointment of diplomatic agents for the negotiations with the French government before that government had officially signified its willingness to receive them. Timothy Pickering and James McHenry were in Adams's cabinet but opposed to him. Mc- Henry was desired to resign, which he did, and Samuel Dexter had been chosen secretary of war. The event caused much excitement, bitter animosities prevailed, while criminations and recriminations ensued. The alien and sedition laws w-^re used adroitly by the democrats to excite the people against Adams's administration and the federal party. Burr, the most unscrupulous intriguer of the day, worked incessantly , the result was, the triumph of the democratic party over the federalists. Exti'uct of a Letter from Gen. T. llkinson to tlie Secretary of War. ^ ^ tlity oi Washington, August 9th, 1800. . General Hamilton warmly recommends the retention of -Hajor \ an Ren.sselaer in service; but I fear the ground he takes is not tenable though the circumstance is undoubtedly essential to the service, and IS devoutly to be desired, as the major is a gem worthy preservation! A squadron of cavalry without a leader, is an uu.seemly thing ; and not unlikL^ a body without a head, from which much good cannot be expected. _lr. V an llensselaer's pretensions to patronage arc peculiarly strong. On t le JJth August, 1704, ho rocoivod a shot through his lungs, at the head ^'1 l>e troop. At the reduction of the then army, ho continued in .service, and on the levy of the late contingent force ho was taken from his troop auu promoted to a majority. The disbanding this force has, I fear, 20 154 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. thrown him out of service, unless you may judge proper to retain him on the ground of expediency, until the president or legislature may be con- suited. Certain it is, he is essential to the formation and discipline of the squadron, which, without a chief, presents an original spectacle, But he was among the disbanded at the reduction of 1800; and after that period, although anxious for a military appointment to which he would have done honour, his politics, as a good federalist, opposed an in- superable bar to his applications. The strong party feeling between federalists and democrats was strongly developed. Governor Jay to the Secretary of War. Sir, _ Albany, 19t' Nov., 1800. Whether a major for the cavalry of United States should be retained in service, is a quest' on on which it would not be proper for me to make any remarks. But il ^t should be deemed expedient, that such an officer should be retained, I take the liberty of informing you, that, from what I have heard and know of Major Solomon Van Rensselaer, who wishes to devote himself to the military profession, I really think he merits the at- tention of government. His qualifications and conduct as an officer have probably been made known to you by Gen. "Wilkinson and others. His character here as a citizen and a gentleman attracts general esteem j and ior my own part, I consider him as one of the most valuable and promising young men that I know. I have the honour to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient servant, John Jay. The Honourable Samuel Dexter, Esq., Secretary at War. Governor Jay, perceiving it was the policy of the democratic party or those in power, not to accede to his suggestions, subsequently gave to Major Van Rensselaer the best office in his gift, adjutant general of New York state. Regarding which, Gen, V. R. says j " Soon after, I re- ceived the appointment of Adjutant General of the militia of this state, under that great and good man Gov. Jay. This appointment I held during the respective administrations of his successors Governors George Clinton and Lewis ; for nine years during Governor Tompkins's administration, and, though subsequent to the events on which the mention of these facts is intended to bear, for nearly the whole period of Governor DeWitt Clinton's." Q'hese marks of consideration and (tf confidence were from such high sources, and justly obtained. After the completion of John Jay's mission to England to obtain the evacuation of the torts which that power still held on the frontiers of the United States contrary to the treaty of 1783; compensation for losses suffered by American merchants from the seizure of their vessels, having cargoes for France &c., he was elected to the gubernatorial chair for the second time in 171)5, two days before he landed at New York. He was the first governor who set the beautiful example of proclaiming a day of public thanksgiving in this state. In 1815, he was appointed president of the Westchester Bible Society, and in the ensuing year, one of the vice presidents of the American Bible Society ; in 1821, he became prcsiilciit of this society, which office he held till 1828, when he resiirncd on account of the infirmities of age. lie died at Bedford May 17, l^-^i aged 84 years. Mrs. Jay accouipaiiieil her husband to Europe and od leaving Paris in 1784, among the souvenirs presented by Madame de la Eayette to her, were two armchairs, embroidered by her own hands. The Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 166 Jay treaty at that time was universally applauded, Hamilton wrote to him " The New England people talk of makinj, you an annual fish-offering." Oen. Wilkinson to Maj. Van ReMselaer. My dear Van, Pittsburgh, Deo. 29, 1800. Your letter enclosing the testimonials of Governor Jay, soon reached me here and I immediately transmitted them to the Secretary of War T 7n^ U "^Af '°" te- ^'"'' ^"''^''' C^^'^'^" H.] will be appointed beyond Doubt. Mrs. Wilkinson is with me, and in Good Health I hope J.'3 may find you and your fireside comfortable and happy. Visscher IS on the Wing and I have one Moment only in which to assure you of my unalterable attachment. ^ Major Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. '^^^- Wilkinson. * * * Kihan H. Van Rensselaer was a very active and enter- prising man and particularly as a seaman was capable, very able and accomplished. We have good reason for saying this much, as by his extraordinary exertions on board a vessel in which we were lar-ely in- terested in a very severe gale of wind and a violent storm, the crew bein- nearly all frozen, it was by his exertions alone that the ve..sel was saved and brought into port We do therefore recommend him as a seaman well quahted f( ■ any Station he may engage in. XT ir I T^ ,,- , David Gilston. New York, Deer. 17th, 1798. Nathn : G. Inqraiiam. Kilian Henry Van Rensselaer was the second child of Major General Henry K. Van Rensselaer and Alida Rradt, was born at Greenbush, Rensselaer county, February 17 1769. He was a remarkably fine lookin ^ stately gentleman and much beloved by all. ° Secretary of War to KUian U. Van Rensselaer. ^\. P -^ . u J . , T^^"" Department, 18th February 1801. Ihe President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate has appointed you a Lieutenant in the first Regiment of Artillerists and En- gineers in the Service of the United States You will be pleased to notify me of your acceptance or non-acceptance immediately on receipt hereof; and should you accept, at the same tie re- port youns. .f to Major Thomas H. Cushing/lnspector,'city of Wasl^i" tou Kilian H. \ an Rensselaer Esq., Spring Hill near Albany. ■'Kilian Van Rensselaer, Esq. of Greenbush is promoted to command the beorge Washington, of 32 guns and 85(» • .ea, now lyiu-^ at Newport w ere se arrived on the 12th inst Oa,.un Van R^nssela^r i;rissed tZuTh Ae^vlork on fea urday December lt.':'0 on his way from the Seat of Government to take charge of the ^..v. rrig^.e. Ho is to proceed with all possible dispatch to the WcFt India ..ation." before Sr^^^Il ^?" Hou.sselaer was making .n effort for this appointment, le V, \? S'lT" '"'" t^'' '" ^ ^''''' *" 1"^ brother'uie major hou S l. ? ^"^^'y '"' ^''''^^y ''^ ^^^'" observed to me, thatlie hou id be very happy to se-. on. .? .,,r Name in the U. S. Navy he also en .o,ed that he should be ve-y happ, :o see me conduct m/Ze If, in m^ ^tT- ^T' '''■'■'"' ^'''' ^''"'^^" y'""''- »« P=^«sed a number of 1. &m^t^"m:;:;r" ^"'' ^--^ Conduct and abilities which 156 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 't:| Kilian II. Van Rensselaer was a licutonant in the navy, a very brave and proud spirited man who aimed at a high position in life. Alter hia promotioij he sailed for, and arrived at the West Indies in safety, but fell in a duel at Cape Francis in Hispaniola at the early aj^e of '62 years on Tuesday March 17th, 1801, with an English naval officer on that station. The cause of this duel was an insult to our country and its officers, which the patriotic scion of the Van Rensselaer family would not submit to, and a challenge was the sad consequence. In maintaining the dignity due to our " Star Spangled Banner" he believed in resorting to coercive mea- sures if necessary, and evinced the same nobleness of spirit, that was sub- sequently nianifesied by General John A. Dix when he issued his famous order, January 29, 1861. " If itiiy one oUrmpts to haul doion the. Ameri- can Jf(t(/, SHOOT II I M ON THE si>OT." This noble officer was another victim to that mistaken code of honor, which has so frequently sent brave hearts prematurely to the silent grave, sacrifice to a fahso view of laws. He now rests in a far off sunny land, beneath the moss-covered stone, under the massive branches of stately trees, shielded by the luxuriance of tropical foliage and glittering blossoms. A younger brother writes: " Kilian being of a magnanimous and forgiving disposition, having by lot the first shot, fired his pistol in the air. The English officer, more bull- dog like, took deliberate aim and shot him down ; for which act, my and his flvthcr, and his other brother, your father, never forgave the English nation. The old hate keeps good in the blood of the family. I have dur- ing life hoped for an opportunity to test it on one of the English race, but now I am fast passing away." In 1021, the first (hid'm New England was fouirht with sword and da2;Ker between two servants. Both were wounded, and they were sentenced to have their heads and feet tied together and so to be 24 hours. The People of the State of New York by the Grace of God Free& Independent. To Solomon Van Rensselaer l^^squire Greeting. We reposing especial trust and confidence as well in your patriotism, conduct and loyalty as your Valour and readiness to do us good and faith- ful Service, Have appointed and constituted and by these presents I>o appoint and constitute you the said Solomon Van Rensselaer Adjutant General of the Militia of our said State : You are therefore to take the said Militia into your charge and care as Adjutant General thereof and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of the .said Militia in Anus who are hereby (Commanded to obey you as their Adjutant General and you are also to observe and follow such orders and directions as you shuH from time to time receive from our General & Commander-in Chief of the Jliii- tia of our Said State or any othei your superior Officer according to the Rules and discipline of War and to do & perform all other acts and duties to the said office of Adjutant General by l^aw appertaining in pursuance of the trust reposed in yuu and for so doing this shall be your Comniii-.sion, for and during our good j)leasure to be signified by our Vmincil of Appomtmnit. In Testi.mony whereof, We have caused our Seal for Military (Join- missions to he hereunto affixed, Witness our trusty & well [excelsior] beloved John Jai Esquire Governor of our said State Gen- eral and Commander in Chief of all the Militia and Admin.1 of the Navy of the same by and with the advice and consent of our said Coun- cilof Appointment, at our (!ity of Albany the twenty-third day ol' January in the Year of our liord One thousand eight hundred and one, and in tliotwcii- ty-fifth Year of our Independrnc . Daniel Hale, ScO, I'assed the Bocrelary's Ullice the 2*7 th January l.sul. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. my was disbanded, Major "V 167 When the army was disbanded, Major Van Rensaelt pursuits, but, after the death of Adj. Gen. Van Home, was called by that great and good man, Governor John Jay, to the responsible position of adjutant general of New York state on January 23, 1801 His com- mission is signed by John Jay, governor, and Daniel Hale, secretary, which office he retained, notwithstanding the high political excitement which agi- tated the state, for twenty-two years. This was during the succeedinf-- ad- ministrations of Governors George Clinton, Morgan Lewis, Tompkiu8'"'and for nearly the whole of that of Gov, DcWitt Clinton ; the latter was.'sub- sequent to the lime he rendered such important and brilliant service in Lis country's behalf, in the war of 1812. At this period the gallant major was appointed an officer in the North Dutch ohurch. The first time he went around at the close of the sermon as an acting deacon, with the plate for alms, he was closely observed by his companions. Durin<' the collection, on handing it to our greatly beloved Dr. William IJay" since deceased, who was seated at the head of his pew, his patience was sorely tested. The fun loving doctor, with a twinkle of his merry eye for some moments fumbled in his vest pocket to find his money, thinkin*' thus to cmbar-ass the church officer. With imperturbable gravity, the young deacon waited a suitable time, and then, with inimitable composure put his hand in his own pocket, and taking out a penny, lianded it to tho' miscliioyous, conscience stricken physician. I have heard Dr. Bay relate this incident with great glee, and say the tables were completely turned, that all the mortification was his own; for it made a little sensation in the church, causing the r-" ' " *'vculties of .lot a few of the devout wor- shipers to be exercised lie ;;enious device of the young soldier. " It is with deep regre ^ announce tho death of the" Hon. MAJOft General Philip Sciil .«, at Albany on Sunday evening Nov 18 1804 m the 71st year of his life. A man eminent for his useful labors, in the military, and civil affairs of our country. Gen. Schuyler was born in Albany on Nov. 22, 17:53. In the dim galleries of the past, where now hang the portraits which commemorate the good, the gifted, and the brave, wlio pledged their lives, thei.- fortunes, and their honor to the cause of liberty in the stormiest days of the revolution, no one more deservedly challenges admiration than does Gen. Schuyler. Among all those grand actors in tlio heroic history of our country, whose shadowy outlines are now but faintly visible through the smoke of revolution and the haze of an intervening century, surely none should be more proudly recognized than General Philip Schuyler, especially by the citizens of Albany. At an early age he l)egan to display his active mind and military »bint and was a captain at Fort Edward in the year 1775. He was with Lord Howe when he fell by the fire of the enemy at the north end of Lake George in the summer of 1758 ; and he was appointed to convey the body of^that young ;-nd lamented nobleman to Albany where he was buried, with ap- propriiife ceremonies in the Episcopal church. He was a practical, not a theoretical statesman ; an active, not a visionary patriot. He was wise in devising, enterprising and perse, an:; in the (-eeution of plans of great and public utility. The death oi sr. i. a man is truly a subject of private andot public sorrow. On Wednesday his remains; were interred with iiiilitary honors, in the family vault of the Hon. Abr-haiu Ton Broejk. llie military under command of Major S. Lansing wore drawn up in Wasli- iiiKtu" street; and on the appearance of the corpse it was received by tiic line with presented arms, saluted by the officers and by the standard, 158 Lbqaoy op Historical Gleanings. 11^ whicli was enshrouded with orape, and with melancholy music by the band. The military then preceded the bier in open column and inverted orde' with arms reversed, the hand playing a dead march. The pall was sup. ported by Chancellor Lansing, Stephen Lush Esq., Abraham Van Vechten Esq., Peter W. Yates Esq., Col. Van Vechten, John V. Henry Esq,' Mr. James Caldwell and Mr. Barent Bleeoker. On the top of the coffin was the General's hat and sword, with boots and spurs reversed across the horse. His grey horse was led by two black servants dressed in black with white turbans. The streets were lined with people, doors and windows were filled, and even the house tops were not without spectators to behold the melancholy procession, and to pay their last oflSces of respect to the deceased. During the procession's advance, there was a regular dis- charge of minute guns from Prospect Hill, by a detachment of the artillery." Subsequently his remains were removed to the Albany Rural Oemet "-y. In 1871, Mrs. Mary R. Miller, a grand-daughter of General Schuyler, erected, at her own expense, a costly granite monument over his remains, in one of the finest plots on the domain given by the trustees of the cemetery. It is eminently fitting that this beautiful city of the dead, so near to the home where he dwelt while living, and where slumber the descendants of friends and neighbors who stood, shoulder to shoulder in the contest of the past, should furnish for his remains a resting place. " Gather him to his grave again And solemnly and softly lay, Beneath the verdure of the plain, The warrior's scattered bones away." June 16, 1806. Monday at 11 o'clock A. M., there was a total Eclipse of the Sun ; the stars appeared and it was dark as at night for 3 J minutes, Thursday July 3, 1806. A shock of Earthquake was sensibly felt at 10 o'clock which caused much alarm but no disastrous effects from the occurrence. Judge Van Neas to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Hudson, 18th March, 1807. Ever since my arrival I have been engaged in making arrangements relative to the election. This morning I returned from Cats-Kill, I find 01 r friends in this Country languid though united. In this place the leading federalists are firm and determined, some of our friends, however, have as yet not made up their isinds. Mr. C — 1 talks reasonably and I believe without disguise, many things might be stated which would satisfy you that great ardor and great zeal could not be expected from him. I have every reason to believe that with some trouble he will be induced to alter his tone, and to act promptly and decidedly in conjunction with his party. I however may be disappointed and I therefore am induced to add that no great expectations are intended to be excited. I am most thorouglily and completely satisfied that Mr. C — 1 is not a Clinton man, on this I wuuld hazard ui}' existence. The Govr. has his doubts on this subject. He stated to me a conversation with a Clintonian, relative to Mr. C — 1 which I confess alarmed me. When at Catskill I satisfied my- self that Mackay, not Harry C — 1 was the person alluded to by the gentleman with whom Governor Lewis conversed. Mackay edits the Recorder. I will explain this at another time. The federalists at Cats- kill are not opposed to Gov. Lewis, Benton, Haxtun, and one or two of their dependants excepted. But they arc not yet active or zealous measures have been taken to awaken thciu, never did you know sutli Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 159 exertions as are made by the Clintonians here and in Green Could it have been so ordered as to have roused our friends, all their exertions would have been counteracted, much can and will yet be done But it requires more than one man to set a whole party in motion, why should we exert ourselves ? ,s a question daily put to me ! I answer it as well as I can, my friends listen to me but they are not all satisfied. However I flatter myself we shall do pretty well both here and in Green. But how much better we might have done if a proper course hi-d been pursued 1 never, never have I ^nown so glorious a prospect for the triumph of good men and good principles so strangely and unaccountably trifled with The policy which has been pursued was doubtless conceived to be the true policv I have been for some time and am daily becoming more and more satisfied hat if we lose the election it is because the temper and views of our parv have been entirely misunderstood and wantonly sported with bv the Council. I yesterday received a line from our friend Foot He is ex- tremely wroth and is nominated as a Candidate for the Senate The appointment of the Sheriff i^n Delaware has excited great uneasiness there Jn" TilllZ."" wr^"7 ^^i^ IT^^ ^'V"" ''• ^^'^^ *«"« °^« he has written to Ti lotso.1. When I left Albany I mentioned to the Gov- that it was best to postpone the appointment of the officers of the independant com- pany proposed to be raised here until I might ascertain the state of things here u little better. It is essential that the appointments should be made as soon as may be, at the same time, I do not mean that these appoint- ments should preceJe all others of a military kind. We had a meeting here last evening respecting Charter officers, never did I see our party in this City more animated as it respects the support of federal candid'itoq about 170 voters attended. We appointed a'^Sommittee for our Coulty meeting, which will be about the 10th April, I am one of the ComiSee he rest are good men. I hardly know what I have written, I Tm eon. tt '""^^.^r" ?'' T"'""^ ^^ ^^S^" *'°'« '^"^^ yesterday by a smaJt tever. Do let me hear from you soon. „• Sincerely and truly yours. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Adjt. General, AYbaiS^; ^'''' ^^^^' fedmS ''Z;w''\rV ^T '*''"SS'' ^«*"«^" the democrats and ledeniiists. William W. Van Ness was one of the most eminent leaders mong the latter. On June 9, 1807, by the Hon. the council of appoint fc^tu L7n'PP v"''.*^ '"' "'' '^/ •'"^'•''^^ «^ '^' '^"P^e'"^ Court Tiu dicatureof New York state, and took the place of Judge Livingston No appointment which has been made gives greater sSsfailion S reflects great credit on Governor Lewis. He was\ man of most wonder "n t Srf —V^^J^."- every thing that was necessary tratan Zr .".. "'• ^"^*''"" ^.' "^'^ ^^'^ °^ ^'^ seemed to cost him any effort yet there was a power and astrength in his intellectual movement! which every body felt who witnessed them. He was a brilliant Tnd a SeXoTo^or '" '''''' ^"^ ^" p-p- - '^ - ^^^ i" hi: Ihese were troublous times, dating as far back as 1792 " When th^ rroc!a,uat,on of the French repuhlic^as made knowi^i: AmeTica aid hip of Holland during our own revolution seemed to be for-n^tten for ney were bl.nd to the tot*l difference between their own revolution and 160 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. :■ n |nB,i-,^ .-jejwi Mi that in France. In honor of this pjrcat change there was a grand f6to, held in IJoston, January 24, 1793. An ox was roasted whole. It was then decorated with ribbons, and placed upon a car drawn by sixteen horses. The flags of the United States and France wore dis- played from the horns of the ox. It was paraded through the streets, followed by carts bearing sixteen hundred loaves of bread and two hogsheads of punch. These were distributed among the people, and at the same time, a party of three hundred, with Samuel Adams, lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, at their head, assisted by the French consul, sat down to a dinner in Faneuil Hall. To the children of all schools who were paraded in the streets, cakes were presented, stamped with the words Liberty and Equality. By public subscription, the sums owed by prisoners in the jail for debt were paid, and the victims of that barbarous law were set free. These de- monstrations were soon followed by the arrival of Citizen Genet, as he was styled, as minister of the French republic to the United States. He came in a frigate, and was landed at Charleston, South Carolina. His reception was all that his ambition could have demanded, and his journey from there to Philiadelphia, the national capital, was a continued ovation. He was a man of culture and tact, spoke the English language fluently, was frank, lively and communicative. He was precisely the man for his peculiar mission. He mingled familiarly with the people, proclaimed wild and stirring doctrines, scorned all diplomatic art and reserve, and assured the citizens of the United States of the unbounded afiection of his countrymen for the Americans. The republican leaders hailed his advent with delight; and a large portion of the people were favorable to immediate and active participation by their government with France in its impending struggle against armed Europe. Many in the wild enthu- siasm of the moment, forgetting the diff'erence between American and French liberty, would not have hesitated an instant in precipitating their country into a war that might have proved its utter ruin. If our citizens have not already been shedding each others' blood, it is not owing to the moderation of Mr. Genet but to the forbearance of the government." It was fortunate for the country that a man like Washington, and his wise counselors were at the helm and halliards of the vessel of state at that time, and endowed with courage sufficient to meet the dan- gerous popular gale. The unwarrantable conduct of Mr. Genet from the moment he landed in Charlc^on, until the date of his letter on the sub- ject of the negotiation, was sufficient to excite caution in the American government. He had there violated the sovereignty of the United States by enlisting men and giving them commissions to commit hostilities on nations at peace with us. The president issued a proclamation of neu- trality, warning citizens of the United States not to take part in the kind- ling war. At the same time it was agreed that the minister of the French republic should be received. The wisdom, and timeliness of Washington's proclamation of neutrality was soon made manifest. There were written proofs that Genet was truly engaged in villainous machinations against our peace and friendship, in endeavors to excite discord and distrust be- tween our citizens and those wiiom they had entrusted with their govern- ment. He had secret instructions in his pocket also to foment disturbance between the United States and Great Britain, and to set the American government at defiance, if necessary, in the execution of his designs. The executive department however, unawed by the storm of passion that beat i Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 161 upon it, went steadily forward in the path of rmht and duty Theaa measures greatly .rr.tatcd the French minister and his American nartizans Mr. (Tcne assumed a new and bolder line of conduct: ho en-a^ed in L correspondence with our government which on his part was repfete with insults .11 fanally the government instructed our minister at Paris to desire Mr Genet s recal because he was offensive to that of the United htates Hewas recalled, but never returned to France as a chan<.e of faction had taken place in his country, and ho thought it not prudent to do so Mr. Genet often spoke ,n after days of the wisdom of Washington and his administration ; the folly of his own countrymen at that time and heir admirers in America, and rejoiced that the proclamation of neutrality defeated his wild scheme. "«uiiuiii,jf (Mr Genet married a daughter of Gov. George Clinton. His dau-hter married a son of Col. Nicholas Van Rensselaer of Greenbush : and his second son married Magdalena Witbeck a grand-daughter of Col. Nicholas Van Kensseluer who fought at Quebec in 1775. Mr. Genet was buried in 8.4. in the grave yard of the Reformed Dutch church at Greenbush and smce then his eldest son has been laid by his side) The failure of Citizen Genet's mission put an end to these unhallowed schemes ot conquest, not however, until they had produced annoying effects upon the nationa government A spirit of intolerance hud been continued ail this time, and still existed even in 1806, beyond the control of sober men, ot either party; there were more than ordinary causes for this : the lufluence of the French revolution upon the people of this country re! mined with great power; the annunciation of liberty restored in France atter a dark night of centuries, gave an impulse, that caused a delirium m the public mind, especially among the masses. It was enough that the ham was broken and the Bastile destroyed; the Marseillaise and othe? famous national hymns of the French revolution were chanted in our ? nn?;-''"T V**'^"g'',^ occurred, whether here were materials to lay the foundation of rational liberty ; whether the French character, at all times silv excited, light, frivolous and changeable, ignorant of the first prlnci! pies of tree government, did not require a long training, to prevent its wl icH ,T If /"'""'''^J "%^- •^^^P"^'^"^ °»»>-e oppressive, than that from wh ch they had escaped. Many in the ardor of their feelings, were ready e fiSr^T" '{ '^' best friends of liberty, if they expres'sed fears o^f he final result An individual who was not prepared to hurra for the French, would have but little influence at elections with a portion of the epublican party. On the other hand, the prevailing temper of the tnn o^v'/T"!' ''■f'-'^fr 't"^''' ?P^"^"^«' ^' i'^^°«b Jacobins, ready t pprove the atrocities of the French revolution then apparent. In this tTnl.-'Tl ^i"*'? J^a^'^-es the admission, that the republican party ZoTl TfZ'Vf r"'' 1 ^''^ ^^''""'^ democracy, than their IZIZ ■ T , ^^^^r^'''^'^ having the power of the state in their hands, t e nif.J S. • ! f^'""^ P""!"^^ """'^ '" ^^^«'' «^' 'he Constitution of t in w tl, ! f '• "''^ the republican party generally opposed to it. adop- t n without certain amendments, and in consequence called anti-federal- wSch hadir'! K "^'' °^' ^'''"f' "" °" '^'■' S^-o^^d a«d prejudices betw e in.lL-f ^'"•''"'"r'^' '^T ^'^ ^^'"^ "''''^ P^^««»^' hostility es hi "^ arising from real or imaginary wrongs, those gave ■^tenness to the edge ot political warfare. 21 r- i. 1 [- \: 162 Legacy op Historical Qleaninqs. r ) The politicul elements were in violent commotion and extended to Albany, ut which place Mr. Genet now rcaidcti. The deniociutie party were nearly all in raptures and sympathized with Citizen Genet; not so my paternal grandfather, General Henry K. Van llensselaer. Althouj;}ia Htronj^ democrat, the old Holdier had shed his blood too freely for our inde- pendence to see it now bartered away so easily ; he still carried in his thij^h a constant remembrancer in the shape of British lead, and exerted himself to stay the torrent of a misguided community. He gave his opi- nion freely, stating insolent declarations and menaces regarding America, which Genet liad made to him, in the pre.sence of his son the adjutant general and others. He was contradicted and told it yiaa false; and tins was more fully expressed at a public meeting of democrats, of which Elisha Jenkins was secretary, by means of the adverse resolutions, re- garding a federal meeting, which were unanimously adopted. His son Solomon, was justly incensed that his own untarnished integrity was thus maligned ; and though opposed to his father in politics, being a strong Federalist, would not hear of such an insult to his venerable and de- crepit sire without notice. It was the law of a soldier's nature which prompts him to repel a base attack on the reputation of the briivc and the deserving, in the same spirit which he would meet an assault on a military post or position, which had been committed to his oww spe- cial keeping. He flies irresistibly to the rescue of his comrade, when in danger, and he is always ready to thrust himself in, to receive any blow which he sees aimed at the one whom he would save. Elisha Jenkins (secretary of state) being the author of the resolutions, adopted at the republican meeting that questioned Gen. Van Rensselaer's veracity, was held responsible. The sequence of a well merited chastisement inflicted on the secretary as a base traducer, was the occasion of a disgracel'ul po- litical row, the crafty handiwork of democraiic demagogues showing " the good old times of their boyhood," which resulted in serious injury to the intrepid and high minded son. The first brand thrown into the fire consisted of an affidavit by Colonel Nicholas Staats, of the county of Rensselaer, charging Adjutant General Van Rensselaer with what was characterized as •' Corrupt Influence," to favor the re-election of Governor Lewis. This was followed by an affidavit from Gen. Solomon Van Kens- sclaer and his father. Gen. H. K. Van llonsselaer, denying the whole charge, together with other affidavits and letters. The allusions to Mr. Genet in these documents called the minister of France to his feet, In consequence of which he published a lengthy statement as a counter debate, for the opposers of Governor Lewis in order to defeat his re- election and in)plicate the reputation of the adjutant general had fabri- cated an affidavit which was the occasion of much trouble. E. C. Oenet's Cotmter Statement, Prospect Hill, April 7th, 1807. Among the shafts which unknown hands dart incessantly at me through the poisoned channel of the papers devoted to the most virulent faction, 1 have noted one whose authors have had at least the honesty to give their names. I will accordingly answer them in the same way, excepting the ceremony of an oath, which I do not consider as necessary to streugthen my declarations. The affidavits of Messrs. Henry K., and Solomon Van Rensselaer might require on my part several remarks ; but as the public are very Leqaoy of Historical Gleanings. 168 little interefltcd to know the minuto particulars of my conversation with thorn, I will lueroly state, that the motivos which induced mo t.) obtain Iron. Mr. Nicholas Staats, at the request of several of my friends in Albany, a testimonial proof of certain facts which that t^entleman had frequently divulged, were grounded on public good and equal justice An attempt made to seduce the honor of that reproxintative of the'peoplo and entice him to deviate from the path of faitii fulness to constituents' was a very alarming precedent, if true, or a very slanderous report if unsupported by evidence. The ca^o is now before the tribunal of the pMbhe, and I am satisfied to have done my duty as a citizen, in oxposin'' it there. '^ ° I wonder how private opinions, totally unconnected with the transac tion above mentioned, have been introduced in the nfrulavits of the said gentlemen. It appears to have been done with an iiitontiou to hurt mo • but as passion is very often blind, her blows seldom bear I could also -0 to a justice of ihe peace and swear on the Holy Book, that I never have said to the best of my recollection, that after Napoleon the Ist had dispatched Lngland in " case the government of the United States did not jonduct towards him with more civility and friendship than thoy had hitherto done, they would next be attacked and subjugated to him "— but by the use or abuse which has been lately made of affidavits I confess that I am a stranger to the point in dispute, -vould have very little effoot upon my mmd. I prefer to demonstrate, b\ plain reasoning, that I have not that I could not have asserted that su.U an event should take place with those degrading circumstances, or (' ,t F have been grossly misuu- derstood. Ihe great object of the editors, co-operators and suppliers of t he f,uid papers is, to make the people believe that I am hero, at Prospect lliU the agent, the emissary, the factotum of Bonaparte ! Is it prob.djie It 1 had accepted that important embassy, after having abjured my alle- giance to France, when France ceased to be free, that I should be im- prudent enough to disclose, in that delicate situation, the ambitious views otmy employer? Is it probable that I should ba ignorant that he does not complain of our general administraf .a? Is it probable that I should Jiave oflered for the service of this country, as I can prove I have done memorials on the use, organization and tactics of the flotillas and plans' or the defense of our coasts and harbors V Is it probable, that knowin- the principles of the present form of government in France, I should bupport here, by all the means in my power, the cause of liberty v No certainly not. The idea of a French invasion to take place after the con- qucst ;s accomplished, has for several years been held up amoiv the people, but I have always considered and represented it publicly" and private y as a more folly, if it was sincere, or as a trick of the En-lish ana federal alarmists if it was not; and 1 never have thought that the conquest of the United States could be an object of glory, ambition or H toro.st for I ranee. What glory would there be for those veteran legions WHO have annihilated the renowned legions of Austria, Prussia, Russia ana so many other powers, to cross the ocean for the purpose of attacking a militia valorous ^ut not yet equally disciplined ? In what would the ambition of Irancc be gratified by crushing down, at an immense ex- r-u;|e, a government which owes to her in a great measure its existence '' Aim What advantage would there bo for her to paralyze by despotism the wonderful activity and enterprise of a people so useful to her manufacto- ries, to her trade, to her colonies, and whom she has lately treated with mm % ^ T-^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. 1.0 Si^ I.I 1^ 1^ 2.5 21 1 2.0 1.8 L25 1.4 p.6 ^ 6" ► V] >> ? w '/ Photographic Sciences Corporation # ^^ \ « \\ "O^ r^^ r. WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 A'4* fe '^ I i^'IK Q 164 Legacy op Histokical Gleanings. 80 mucli magnanimity, in excluding them from the severity of the decree of Berlin ? It is absurd, it is deleterious to admit the possibility of such an unnatural event, unless that spirit of experience, reason, good sense and patriotism, which has occasioned the downfall of federalism, should ab'-ndon our fellow-citizens, and raise up a new English faction, ready to .alt, outrage, provoke, and even declare war against the most powerful nation on earth. But in case the judgment shculd be pr.ssed on us by heaven, then would we see whether the quids or the republicans would be the first to shed their blood for the defence of their country, and to perish rather than be conquered and subjugated. v o r' The state of excitement was such, after the letter of Mr. Genet was published, that an indignation meeting of the federalists was held at the City Hall, on the 14th of April, 1807, at which among many other resolu- tions the following were adopted : * * * * And whereas this meeting has understood that a certain emi- grant from France, formerly minister of the French Republic in the United States, and notorious for his intrigues during the administration of President Washington, is now zealously interfering in the elections of this state, and has declared to one of our fellow-citizens : " That in case the Government of the United States did not conduct towards the Emperor of France with more friendship and civility than it had hitherto done, they would next he attacked and subjii(/ated hy him." Resolved, As the sense of this meeting, that the said declaration is an unjustifiable attempt to alarm the fears of our citizens, to violate the free- dom of suffrage, and to overawe the ensuing election by the menace of foreign powers. And it is further Resolved, That the renewal, at this critical juncture, of the intrigues of the above mentioned French emigrant, after so long an interval of obscur- ity, viewed in connection with the late turbulent attempt of the above said Irish emigrant, [Thomas Addis Emmet in an attempt made in the Hibernian Society of Yew York to iiJame the passions of foreigners] contrary to his professed intention of taking no active part in political and party questions, affords strong grounds of suspicion and be lief that a great effort is now making, by a certain party in our state, to accomplish party purposes by the united force of a dangerous foreign influence. They considered the influence of intriguing and turbulent foreigners as dangerous to the peace and safety of our. country. Sol. Van Rensselaer to E. G. Genet. Cherry Hill, 15th April, 1807. In your statement of the 7th instant, you ssem to consider General Van Rensselaer's and my aflidavits as violent attacks upon you. Had you reflected one moment, it would have occurred to you that you was the first assailant. Your officiousness in procuring the affidavit of a weak and intemperate man to fix a stigma on my character, for the pur- pose of implicating the Governors, and of which I warned you to desist before that affidavit was published, rendered a defence highly proper. In making that defence I deemed it right to submit to the public every circumstance that might serve to develop your views, oi to designate your secret prompters. I do not, however, mean this explanation by way of apology for anything contained either in the Generals or my own affi- da"ifc, to such an apology y^u are not entitled, because by assuming the Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 165 humble employment of an affidavit hunter, to subserve the basest partv purposes, you have forfeited the consideration of every respectable citizen Whatever the abuse may be which has been actually made of affidavits It cannot exonerate jou from the imputation of having made the foolish and unwarrantable assertions stated in the affidavits first alluded to But est rny object in this disclosure may be misapprehended, I now tell vou that It was not because I gave credence to your assertions or thought hem wise ; but because I conceived that they evinced your real disposi- tion in relation to the relative interests of this Country and France, for in that view. It is of little moment how absurd and preposterous soever the assertions are when an adopted citizen (as you call yourself) utters senti- meats which denote that he has not abjured his alien propensities, with he renunciation of his first allegiance, it shows that the work of abiura- tion IS not perfected. That such a man, whatever his professions may be, IS still an alien at heart, and not to be trusted in case of a coniflct between his adopted and native country. I shall take no further notice of your statement., nor of the obligations which you seem inclined to impose on the United States toward France "/or their political existence, and themaa. nammity of Bonaparte m excluding them from the severity of the decree o/Berlm, than by observing, that whatever those obligations may be they were due to your murdered Sovereign, and not to the Usurper' whose magnanimity and heroism you on all occasions delight to 3xtol.' Jut that the public may be more fully apprised that your confessed conviction of the absurdity of your assertions relative to Bonaparte's subjugation of this Country, does not restrain or regulate your ton-ue I fZ T^n *''' """^f '^'^'"''l'- ^'"^'^ '' ^»" "PP«^r that ther'e are tour affidavits opposed to your bare assertion on this subject. Go then to a justice of the peace and swear on the Holy Book " that you never made useof the expressions stated in those affidavits, and then let an impartial public decide where the falsehood lies. '"jpartiai With respect to your affidavit maker, Sta-^ts, I only remark, that while he stands convicted m essential points by two credible witnesses, besides myself, and is a convicted liar^ of many years standing, and was seen ^2 home intoxicated on Saturday the' 11th inst., wh^'n his Sdavlt ccompanying your statement was taken, J deem it unnecessary to bestow Ihli^St' '"'"'''" '" ^""^ ^^''' ^y exhibiting that conviction anew to ^^' P"^''°- Sol. Van Hensselaer. in^'o?thfutr'^'''*'f"M™"^'. K^ *^' ^'•^''■""^*^ '^ *^^''- »"dignation meet- 7r Rut 4^ (allowed by a mass meeting of democrats, at which loridl '^' T "^'",* "^'"''*''' ""^ ^^' United States at the court of London, came in for a large share of censure, while Mr. Emmet whs satLSf'''P'"J'- ."' ^''''''''^ '^ *'^^"'^«- They viewed wTthiveiy satisfaction die bright prospect of triumph for their cause." ^ at tht Albn"rr ff ""'n'"^ '^ republican electors, held pursuant to notice, chant ohl,! w x^^T'^ •'" ^ '■'^'*^' ^'^'^ ^P"'' 1807, George Mer- chant, chairman, Elisha Jenkins, secretary. The meeting proceeded to M^ papSaWl^n.-^'ff^''" 1798, caused a publication to be made in the public 1en struck Van Rensselaer while down with their canes, and Cooper also kicked him, Van Rensselaer bein- raised up by two persons and greatly disabled, walked ofif with their as"- sistance, Bloodgood pursued him, and while he was led oflP, struck him two severe blows with the thick end of his cane, held as before, Van Rensselaer being then unarmed. "le, vdu While Judge Tayler and Mr. Van Rensselaer were engaged, and iusfc before the Brst mentioned blow from Mr. Bloodgood, Henr°y Yates iun bilTT "P ^" V"''/^''''^ ""''^ ^'- ^^° Rensselaer but being disabled hmself by a stroke from a person unknown retired. The Governor [Morgan Lewis took hold of Tayler and told him it was a shame Tayler ephed, My dear Governor, I could not help it, are we to be mu dered for expressing our sentiments,] who happened to be near at the time of the amay, exerted himself to the utmost, in quelling the tumult and the Mayor of the city [Philip S. Van Rensselaer] and other Ma^Sates were very active in the discharge of their dutyi" The Adjutant General Z^::7^t''Tr''''}'' "t^ ^^"»^^- Toprevent'erroneousim E enol^hn^K '''k'^°*-'°, ""^""y^ mentioned, and to contradict the ts to nLw ^' ''°'° industriously circulated, by our political oppo- net to answ.r party purposes, we publish the above statement, from actual testimony, and from a full conviction of its truth. Bu oderZ hileral R>'puhUcan Committee of Albany, ^ ^ Tfitni* V XT V o '^^"^ ^- Wendell, Chairman. iEUNJs Van Vechten, Secretary Albany^ 27th April, 1807. 22 > i li I : ■ gM nn Wk ■ 1 1 ■ ■ 1 1 m li H 1 i: 1 170 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. t' ill CHAPTER YHI. Speech of Hon. Elisiia Williams. The afiFray gave rise to more law, ill feeling and vindictiveuess than any occurrence tliat ever took place iu Albany. For this murderous attack, Gea. Van Itensselaer subsequently had all the parties arrested, and those concerned in the several encounters went to law about their grieviiuces. [The difficulty which caused these suits took place at Albany, on the 2lRt day of April, 1807, a few days previous to the general elec- tion, at which time the republican candidate Daniel D. Tompkins was elected over Morgan Lewis of the federal party.] The actions were com- menced in the Supreme Court, and, by consent of parties, referred to Simeon De Witt, Esq., Mr. James Kane and Mr. John Van Schaack, as arbitrators, and was tried at Albany in Aug. 1808. Abraham Van Vechten and John Woodworth, Esqs., were associated with Eusiu Williams, as counsel for Mr. Van Kensselaer, and Thomas R. Gold, Ebenezer Foote and John Chami'LAin, Esqs., were opposed. Speech OF Hon. Elisha Williams in the causes of Elisha Jenkins t;s. Sol. Van Eenssehier. Solomon Van Rensselaer vs. John Tayler. The same ts. Charles D. Cooper. The same vs. Francis Bloodgood. " The great importance of these controversies to my client, as they re- spect his feelings, his property and his c+iaracter, is the only apology I shall offer to you, gentlemen, for the observations I am about to submit, The high confidence reposed in you (who are selected by the parties them- selves) may be more finely expressed by the opposite counsel, but cannot be more sincerely felt than by ourselves. Nor, gentlemen, can a more sure and ample pledge of your ability, candor, and integrity, be required, than that which you have furnished in the patience and impartiality you have displayed through the tedious details of this unprecedented investi- gation. These considerations, inspire a confidence that the few observations I shall now submit to you, will be attentively heard and duly appreciated, "The opposing counsel have confined their observations to the transactions of that unfortunate day, when, on the one hand insolence and insult were justly chastised, and when on the other, unbridled rage and brutal violence finally triumphed in the destruction of a patriot and a soldier. They iiave described General Van Rensselaer as the baleful star, which arose in the morning, and produced and justified all the fatal excesses and crimes per- petrated throughout the day. Upon this theme, they have poured forth torrents of declamation, and evinced all the fiction, all the ' melancholy madness/ if not the inspiratit n of poetry. "But, gentlemen, I must beg the favor of you to travel back with me to an earlier period, to examine the causes, which produced the misfor- tunes of that unhappy day. And if, in this examination, we find that the political elements were in violent commotion, prior to that lamented day, if we find that the machinations of the evil genius of our country, had prepared all things for an explosion, if in fine, we find ' the hand of ^apo• Icon even in this thing,' let us bear no more of ' the baleful morning star, Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 171 and itH baleful mid-day infiuenco. Rather let the guilty authors of those orr.d transachons those incer.dia.ies, who, to .ratify an unholy am btio„ ared to a tack and sti,.>rnat>ze the fair fame of a soldier, to torture his boDorable feel.n,.s w.th the most unfounded calumnies, until at Ten-' h hey compe led h,m to raise h.s arm in defense of his injured cha acter et these calumniators be dra-,pd before the public, and let them feel demerits '' ^''"''''"^''' '^' punishment which their dastardly con- ''What, then, ie the real cause of all these outrages, where and when did they commence, and by «rhose hand was the fatal apple of contention thrown among these parties ? ^ "* vumi^ijuon "It had pleased Mr. Edmund C. Genet, by some means, to procure from a Mr. Nicholas Staats, an affidavit, deeply i^npugning the character and conduct of the adjutant general. [Said to be a" bribe to vo?e ?o ftov Lewis.] The adjutant general, then, not suspecting the dark and exte,!.' s.ve system which had been planned for the destruction of his character accompanied by his aged father, called on Staats for an explanat on of his affidavit He was referred to Genet, whose bureau, itVeem had now become the grand arsenal, whence were to be drawn all the poiitica 1 weapons and democratic ammunition which the approachin ' ZaZ migh reriuire. Staats, acknowledging the errors which his affidavit wa a culated to propagate, declared to the general that he had Ion 'rl usS bu finally w^ prevailed upon to swear by the incessant and pressi johcitations of Genet; and, at the same time, referred him to the^cl S or an inspection of h.s oath. The General and his father then repaired to he house of Gene there it was that the offensive observaLn? were maJe which are detailed in the affidavit of those gentlemen There 't was, tna this Frenchman painted the power, the designs "nd the inten IDS of the Corsica., tyrant : Bonaparte, he said, had now disposed of al h Luropean enemies, excepting England and Russia. Theyroa would fall before his power; and then, if America did not treat him whh mo e respect she must expect that chastisement which his imperid mast r had never failed to inflict upon national insolence and national impudence focishly styled national independence. These, gentlemen were X' bseryations which my client and his aged fathor felt Tt theirsolemn duty to submit, under their oaths to their fellow .tizens 11.;^ ;ii:ri.edSe/'Nj 'T ^"^ '%''^-'^'' -rprtnci ^o^^ir in cms procedu.e.^ No. It was a public conversation, nor with a sem a ce of truth, can it be said, that any confidence was v da^d NaT gent emeo had they concealed it, had they failed to give it every de ^ree public.y in their power, then iudeed might thfy justly have been tKt Zt '"."" '"""^; *'" independence of thL' co7nt " Who hX Cd n.th f •"'" '•'"f" who, from birth, from educatfon from au 'nfhi^- "P'',^™"" principle, was well calculated to subserve the r^l? 1 l:d'i::i?^^^ a Frenchman, by birth, by educaUoa c; J ^''"^J^*^"^ '« all the mysteries of no itica ntriP°''''i ""»">«'""0W stood forth the ooQimandet in Slf, ?,"''"?'"""" f"™' of '■>« no'lhern dopatlmeat. To awe tha snaa tailed, he now, as the dernier resort, brandishes over thoir "eads the powers and the vengeance of his impedal master 172 Legacy of IIistortcal Gleanings. " Gentlemen, conduct like this is not new in the annals of the French nation, for the last twenty years. Look at all those miserable countries which France has deceived, betrayed, revolutionized and conquered, and you will find the same means in full operation. Not a nation but has been first corrupted by the emisKuries of the tyrants of the terrible republic. And if patriots have resisted the ruin of their liberties, if they have de- tected and exposed the delusions, the deceptions of their enemy, then have they invariably been menaced with the vengeance of the tyrants of the world. But, gentlemen, these emissaries, who in every form, spread like locusts through every country, have always been, able to delude and lead astray the majority of the people. They corrupt the presses, the very sources of information. They flatter the ignorance, the prejudices of their intended victims, they wrap around them the glittering robe of liberty, which veils a thousand deformities, they become the friends of universal liberty, the genuine defenders of the rights of man, they represent France as engaged in the great cause of philanthropy and liberty. They con- stantly, and through a thousand channels, pour upon the people vphole floods of high sounding terms and metaphysical jargon, and thus they succeed in bewildering the judgment, and corrupting the integrity of mil- lions. In this seductive form, they have constantly proflFered their accursed principles to the world; and on the eastern continent, nation after nation have 'drunken the medicated draught, nor dreamed of the lurking poison, until, racked by convulsions, they awoke.to expire!' " Gentlemen, are not these facts established beyond the power of con- troversy ? Do you not already perceive, even in this our native country, that this sentiment, which, when first expressed by Genet, was deemed so infamous as to call forth its condemnation from the united suffrage of the party, is now heard with approbation ? Yes, it now passes current for sound republican doctrine j and the very thoughts and sentiments then first broached by Genet, are daily ushered into public, through the columns of the Boston Chronicle, the Baltimore Whig, and even Col. Duane's Au- rora, with the silence, at least, if not with the approbation of the republi- can party. With a full knowledge of all these circumstances, gentlemen, let me now ask to whom wero these insolent menaces uttered ? To Gen. Van Rensselaer, an old and faithful servant of his country, an officer of the revolutionary army, who had little left but his honor and his wounds, to entitle him to the notice of his country; and to his son, the first mili- tary officer of the state. These American officers heard this language from a Frenchman, with that indignant spirit which should ever inspire the defenders of our country. They were bound by every principle of honor and virtuous patriotism, to caution their fellow citizens against the in- trigues and principles of a man, dangerous from his connections and influ- ence. They feU the full force of the obligation, and their affidavits came before the public, supported by the oaths of M'Donald and llockwell, in whose presence Genet had made similar declarations. " The federal meeting, referring to the affidavit, and extracting the par- agraph, express of Genet, his sentiments, and hib political com^uct, their warmest abhorrence. In the estimation of certain gentlemen, who styled themselves republicans, it became important to clear their northern manager from the imputation of sentiments and designs so detestable, and then so unpopular. But how was this to be effected ? Two American patriots, two gentlemen of unblemished character, had, by their oaths, convinced the public of their truth. To remove that conviction, the most violent and Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 173 imposinj? measures ninst be adopted. First, Genet must bo called on to deny thv nswortion of tbnse gentlemen. lie, however, declines niakin<>' his affidavit. He surveys liimself with all the complacency and pride ol" conscious frreatneas, and asks 'shall I, who but yesterday a great minister of the terrible republic; who assisted in the production of a revolution which has wholly overthrown the land marks of civil society, shall I who with impunity, attacked the character of the god-like Washington • who appealed from the constituted authorities of this country, to the populace and shook to the very center the government and constitution of this re- puhiic. shall I, who sanctioned in my own country all those principles which finally mingled in one mighty ruin the throne and the altar, shall 1, who even now bask in the dazzling glory, and greatness of Bonaparte, l' who am m^.W/ a Frenchman shall 1, stoop to kiss tha Gospels of Cod to sanction what I publish? No. Two American officers haves orn to a fact. Sin- gular indeed must be the state of the republican luind, and all my efforts and intrigues must have wholly failed of their wonted buccees, if the very troops 7, command, are not yet prepared, upon mt/ word of honor to pronounce those officers guilty of perjury. ' Gentlemen, was he mistaken ? Not nt all. As though inspired by h!» genius, a republican meeting was called at the seat of government : a ci-devant republican secretary of 'state descended to the rank of a republican secretary of this electioneering con' vention. This universal secretary, introduces to this meeting, a resolution substantially adopting the assertion of his manager, as truth, and substan- tially declaring that General Van Rensselaer was guilty of perjury. Yes gentlemen, an officer of our government, dependent upon his superiors, if not upon Genet for a future salary, thus descends from his high station to become the propagator of the basest slander. But he did not stop here' Not contented with this private blow at the character of the general, he steps forth into the gazettes of the day, and sanctions by his name und his 'offi- cial character, the basest slander that ever transpired. That this name gave a charactor, weight and deadly influence to this calumny, which it never would have derived from ten thousand anonymous publications ia not to be disguised. ' _ " Much has been said of the character, the exalted stanuing, the exten- sive influence of the secretary. Wo admit them all. But surely in pro- portion 10 that character, standing, and influence, when he gave his name to the propagation of the slander, he inflicted a wound upon Gen. Van liensselaer's character more deep and deadly. And in the same proportion was the injury he inflicted and the crime he perpetrated, more aggravated more destructive. And here, gentlemen, let it be remembered,' that Gen. Van Kensselaer was not a volunteer before the public. He was drawn out in self-defense against the foul aspersions of Sf,aats, upon whom Genet has prevailed to swear to conversations implicating the general's reputation He was not the first ' to cheapen oaths,' by making voluntary affidavits. Wo, this very Citizen Genet, who afterwards disdained to swear to a sus- picious statement, he was the man, that first induced the attack in the lorm ot an affidavit. How, then, can his advocates indulge in declamation against Gen. Van Rensselaer, for the course he adopted '( Away with all this l*rench-mummery —thissqueamishness of ' cheapening oaths.' They are Observations which should blister the mouths of the advocates of the man Who imposed the painful duty on my client of repelling with his oath a base and in.sidious slander, to which Staats had been made to swear. L" ine federal republican cause, founded on the basis of the common 4V' it 174 Lbqacy of Historical Gleaninqs. good, and havlnj^ for its objoots the prn.sorvafcion of sociul order and the protection of >;eneral liberty, in a, cominnn oauHo, in wbich tho interuu of troe citizens in general arc concerned : That it is a oomnioi: duty uf federal rcpublicimH without rej^arding local distinctions, to support tlmt cause wherever it is (|uostionod, to assert and maintain its priuciplt-s wherever they are assailed, and to defend the reputations of our uiuKt virtuous and distinguishbd patriots whensoever, and by whomsoever they are calumniated."] " But it is now denied that Mr. Jenkins referred at all to the aif duvit of Gen. Van Uonsselaer. He referred, say his counsel, only to the reso- lutions of tlie federal meeting. Qentlemen, if those resolutions were be- fore him, the marks of quotaciou therein used, clearly demonstrate from whom the extract was made. If the public papers of the oity were before him the affidavit itself was under his eye. If ia short the denial, tho word of honor of Genet was before him, then he was referred to tho affidavit, and then all pretense of not referring to the general's affidavit, while he cites its language with such scrupulous exactness, taust appear a hollow pretense iud a puerile evasion. I disdain to i-pend another moment in cxposi ^ this weak subtei fuge of conscious guilt. VVhat grounds then, gentlemen, had Jenkins to publish to the world a charge of perjury against Gen. Van llensseluer ? Is his veracity questionable 1' Is the story improbable '( Is there any opposite testimony '{ On the •contrary, he is fully supported by throe witnesses of unimpoac .ole verac^y. Yet, says Mr. Jenkins, I believe these gentlemen guilty of perjury, because Mr. Genet denies the charge. I believe his naked assertion though op- posed to the ouths of four American citizens, characters above suspicioD. J3ut why believe Genet? Because ' this meeting have incontestible evi- dence of his attachment to this country.' And where is that evidence ? Is it to be found in the calumuies which he heaped upon the immortal Washington '/ Is it to be found in his early attempts to drag this country into tho wars of Europe; in his efforts to involve us in all the horrors of the French revolution i* In tho insults which he profusely dealt out to our firmest patriots ? Or is it to be fou id in those wretched remnants of jacobin clubs which a la mode de Paris he scattered through the con- tinent ? Whore is it to be found ? What exploit for American inde- pendence exists of which he is the author '{ \/hat monument of patviotisiu, of bravery or of wisdom will remain to tell posterity even that hp ever existed ? You search in vain ! Not so my honorable client and his venerable father ! The one even in youth a veteran. The other long a faithful servant of his country both in the cabinet, and in tho field. Let them bare their scars, those honorable testimonials of their long and faith- ful services to their native country; and to them let this adopted citizen boast of his warm attachmect to our republic. "But the meeting further say Genet had married into a respectable family, that he has several children, that he had been naturalized and, was the purchaser of real estate. I dispute not the respectability of the family with which he is connected. But if this consideration is to affect the question, I ask, from what family has my client descended ? Search the annals of the state, and you will find from its earliest settlement that family has never ceased to be honorable. The children of Mr. Genet, I grant, are conclusive evidence of the soundness of his constitution; but by what species of necromancy the secretary could drag them in to bolster the veracity of their father, is wholly uukuown to me; nor can I perceive Legacy op Hihtorical Gleanings. 175 in wlint maimer liis naturalization and property can bo applied, either to conhrintlic denial of Genet, or to prove the perj.iry of Van Ilensselaer. " ft Mr. Uenet F^ - naturalized, I admit he was entitled to all the m.liti- cal priyilcf^'es whicl. ise directors of this ' aHylum ofopprcHBcd huroanifv' mvc determined to extend to emigrants from Europe. But I w.-uld humbly submit, whether the citizen, or any other emiirrant, has any cliiim to a credit superior fo that of tho native citizens of our republic Gentlemen, all these pretenses are straws at which counsel will ever grasp, when sinking in a flood of absurdity, and behold no chance of escupe. il-id they not been dwelt upon in the resolutians, and supported by the very respectable counselor, in opposition, I sjiould have deemed tluiiii scarcely worth a comment. " Gentlemen, you wiH perceive that I have treated the resolutions of the deuiocratie meeting implicating Gen, Van Kenssplaer's character, as the act o Mr. Jenkins. We do not deny to any man or number of men the privilege of canvassing on the eve of an election. liut we deny that any pohtical club 18 justified in greater liberties with individual aructer than IS permitted to individuals of that club. We deny that any indi- vidual ol the meeting who promoted the circulation of the slander, is to be at all protected because others joined with him in p-irpetratinc tht outrage. And, above all, we deny, th ,t a man who gives his name to the publicin support of a ca.umny, who, hereby, gives it force, and form, and durability, can skulk from the responsibility, behind that portion oi he populace whom he might prevail upon to sanction the transaction. Wherever, then, the vile tale originated, whether in the wily brain of a foreigner, or whethei in a motley .concourse of electioneering dependents Jenkins adopted it as his own. He placed H on a lasting record. Ho attempted to hand the name of my client and his aged father down to their posterity, covered with the deepest infailiy. Is he not then answer, able for his conduct f As a gentleman, can he wish to avoid rcsponsi- bility ( Does he attempt to shield himself from responsibilitv behind the political puppets, whom he collected and danced before the public in Albany ? 1^ or his own honor, gentlemen, let him disavow attempts, so weak, so degrading Let him step boldly forth, and in the character of a man, tell you, ' HI have injured General Van Ilensselaer, here I am to answer him. Let him disdain longer to keep a position so humble, so disgraceful, as is that in which his counsel have placed him. It is stron-lv in«ii.uated however that, as a soldier, General Van Rensselaer wi^ bound by the code of honor to call his antagonist into the field, and wash awa3 the injury with blood. Gentlemen, he might have called him : and so might he have ' called spirits from the vasty deep.' Not that I would insinuate aught against the persona! bravery of Mr. Jenkins. But this IS certainly true, that Van Ilensselaer. who had sought a personal inter- view the preceding day, could hardly expect that this gentleman, who hd promised to see him, and had falsified his promise, would uJw re- proaca him with any violations of the rules of honor. And here rentle- nien permit ine to correct the opposing counsel, who seems to suppose hat Schernierhorn was directed by Van Rensselaer to conceal his name on Jonkin.. Ho did not. The measure was adopted by Schermerhorn, as he says, because he believed it the only course to procure a pergonal ntuview between the parties. That Jenkins knew the person who Zi- '"'Tiir tT ^.""o^'^" liensselaer, is perfectly obvious, by tuc testimony of Mr. John C. Spencer. Why then did not Jenkins com- 176 Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. ply with his promise to Schermerhorn. This he mij^ht have done ia the presence of his friends. And if he was unconscious of havinjj; inflicted intentional injury, he could have feared no personal violence. Gentlemen, if Jenkins could have uttered the language which his counsel now utter for him, would he not have met the general and hove said to him, ' It was not my intention to question your veracity, I did not allude at all to your aflSdavit. I only referred to thp proceedings of the federal meeting.' Such an explanation (if founded in truth), would as readily have been oifered as accepted as satisfactory by any man of honor. This, gentlemen, Jenkins did not do. With truth he could not do it. No, he well knew that ho had inflicted upon Van Rensselaer a wound which apoiogies could not heal. He had declared to the world that the general and his father had incurred the moral guilt of perjury, that they had severed the chain which bound their consciences to truth and to heaven, and had become richly entitled to temporal and eternal infamy and wretchedness. What, then, could General Van Rensselaer do ? Insulted in the grossest manner, wounded in the tenderest point, and doubly wounded by the attack upoa his aged and defenseless father; denied the possibility of access to Jen- kins; goaded almost to madness by the conduct of his adversary, he de- termined to chactise and disgrace the man who had wantonly and in cool Mood aimed the dagger at his reputation ; and who when called on for a personal interview had promised it, but had basely forfeited his promise. " Q'his he did. And now gentlemen let me ask, was the chastisement dis- proportionate to the oflFense ? I do not coutend that the provocation, high and aggravated as it is, furnishes a legal justification of the assault and battery. But it must reduce the damages to a point, merely nominal. " That Jenkins expected (as he knew he merited) the chastisement be received, is evident from his language to Spencer, that he knew of the attack, is f t'ident from the testimony of Miss Steele, of Eaton, and of several other witnesses ; for when he beheld the man he had injured in pursuit 01 hir.>, could he doubt his object ? It is also evident from the con- versation that succeeded the affray. When Van Rensselaer declared that he had given him notice prior to the blow, he did not at all deny the truth of the assertion. But above all it is evident from the character of the as- sailant. Strong and conclusive, gentlemen, must be the evidence to con- vince any one, that a man of acknowledged honor, bravery and humanity, like Gen. Van Rensselaer, could act so contrary to all his principles and his habits. " There cannot be a doubt then, gentlemen, that Jenkins beheld Van Rensselaer in pursuit of him, heard his call, and expected the attack. That Van Rensselaer was his superior, both in activity and resolution, and that he easily inflicted the chastisement he intended, we admit. And if we are to give any credit to the towering flights of the counsel, a scene followed in which more blood was spilt than flowed at the battle of Tra- falgar. If the counsel are correct, poor Mr. Jenkins was beaten to a very mummy, his joints were dislocated, his bones broken, his features all disfigured, and he exhibited to the astonished citizens a spectacle to dissolve the marble heart of the veriest savage. This, gentlemen, is a doleful picture ; but unfortunately it has no original. What is the evi- dence? While Jenkins was down and in Van Rensselaer's power, he did to be sure inflict several blows ; but in a part where most it wound his honor and least endangered his life or limbs. He thou voluntarily re- treated, and Jenkins rose and retired. Van Rensselaer did not pursue Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 177 him He chose the manner best calculated to disgrace him, to punish him for his insulting and injurious conduct to himself and his father lou, gentlemen as men of honor, who know and duly estimate the value of reputation, who can feel the situation of a man unjustly and vilely calumniated, you will fully examine the offense and the provocation and you will say, whether Jenkins did not merit the slight chastisement he received trom the man he had wantonly injured "I come now to the causes in which General Van Rensselaer is plaintiff And, gentlemen m the very threshold we are met by a sort of justifica: tion interposed by the defendants, generally, not a little singular. " The argument of the opposing counsel is in substance this. To mv cient they say, 'you sir, in the morning, broke in pieces the shield of .he law You therefore demolished all legal protection, and became an ou law through the day. Upon you as upon Cain of old, was fixed a mark and any that found you might kill you.' Really, gentlemen, I am dis! posed to allow much for the difficulties with which the counsel are forced to struggle. And much for that peculiar horror which their in-enious minds must have experienced when they were forced to enter u?on the justification of a transaction so savage and flagif lous. But this is a s.roke .^0 bold so utterly at random, as to surpass the bounds of charity itself. It (general Van Rensselaer had committed a breach of the peace in the morning it might well operate as a warning against all similar excesses for he day. Rut by what principle of common sense, reason or law it could JUS ify or extenuate subsequent outrages, outrages, too, so enormous and bloody, is who ly beyond my power to conceive Nor can I devise any legal or rational connection between the morning chastisement and the savage excesses in the afternoon. "But by what authority did these defendants become the aven-ers of Mr. Jenkins s wrongs ? What connection exists between them and Jen- \Z: h.T ^'^^^.^^"f "S'^'^ity which, among savages, entitles to vengeance. N n but a political connection has been disclosed. And has it come to this f If, insulted and injured in tiie grossest manner by a man who refuses me every other satisfaction, I chastise and disgrace the insolent poltroon ; and ,f he happens to be a republican, has every membsr of that Lternit; li use grasp the cudgel, feel himself injured, and offer me personal ^ ui and violence in the street. Gentlemen seem to suppose that when Van K nsselaer presumed justly to punish a man be..ring the ..acred name ot republican,_it was viardejure with the whole tribe of democracy Nay not content with this they declare it a war of extermination, a wa? which Tnt" /r^;-'"^!"'*^"-!" '^' vilest attempts at assas'sination If. gentlemen, this triumphant tribe have arisen superior to the law as well as e constitution; if to gratify their passions, a^l the sacred JLciple of u t ce equity and law esteemed so sacred and inviolable by oSr ancestors are to be rampled under foot, then this high claim may have some foundal jOQ. Rut if we are ' brethren of the same family,' and law and justice me superior to the political squabbles and clubs of the day, then a Weaker or more ridiculous extenuation of an outrage, never was a^Iempted. alonp TJ ""^'Sentlemen, to call your attention to the case of Tayler with Je, kin^'v ■ 1'^""^^ ^ ""'^^ ''^'''■'^' "^'"^^^- l'''-^^ ^fte-- the affray bvra wlfr'., T 1^^"«««1''«^ ''r^'^'^fl^ walked the streets; went to the !!" r'_7 •",^, 'f ^"^ ^^«>,f"d to the post-office for his letters. And I^v, wayahuulu he uuL walk the streets? After caning a man who 23 178 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. J i. . richly merited it who but a tyrant would attempt to prevent it, and who but a madman would question his right. " Again, it is said he sought Tayler. This is not true ; for, had he sought him J when in full view of Lewis's Tavern he stood upon the side walk on the direct course to the post oflSce, would Van Rensselaer have passed to the opposite side of the street, and on his return have entered upon the south side walk below him ? 'Tis incredible. But he did not run, when Tayler called him d d rascal and assassin. No, he did not run from Tayler. He never did turn his back upon an adversary, and I trust in God he never will. These, gentlemen, are not the general's habits, His conscience and his feelings never taught him this resort of cowardice. " This Judge Tayler is a grave, wealthy, senatorial father of the city, whose presence might arrest the arm of the pugilist, quell a mob, or hush a riot; whose staff, like the trident of Neptune, could in an instant settle all the waves of commotion, and preserve order even among the elements of an- archy. Mr. Hutton, in the true character of a Christian, wnich he ever sustains, exhorted Judge Tayler to use his influence to prevent any further excess. This gravely and repeatedly he promised. While yet these promises are upon his lips, a messenger arrives at his door. The judge is no rude man ; yet, sans cir^monie, he leaves his friends. What powerful motive impelled him ? Possibly he heard that General Van Rensselaer was insolently walking the street. Vengeance ran rasping through every vein. The grave mentor, the venerable father of the city, grasping a bludgeon in his hand, while his eyes beamed meekness and complacency on his friends remaining within his own walls, rushed forth to gratify his malice, and to wallow in revenge. " The age of Tayler may have dimmed his sight ; but, when the name of Van Rensselaer is pronounced by Mr. Rodgers, he instantly drops the arm of his friend. Even the frozen blood of the grave old senator boiled like Etna's crater ; and the first words that issued from those lips that so lately, sweetly promised peace, were ' you d — d rascal why did you, like an ossass/n, attack Jenkins?' In what ^ code oi politeness' do the opposite counsel find a warrant for the venerable judge for the use of this language ? Tayler, with cane uplifted, rushed to the conflict, and my client did not run. ' Ergo (say the gentlemen), they fought by mutual consent.' Let me not disturb this logical conclusion, but frankly admit, that my client never would have troubled you with this suit against Tayler, had he not reason to believe that by his procurement, the mob was drawn to the scene of action, with intention to permit the adjutant general to depart with his life, and with that only. " What is the evidence of preconcert ? Taylor's house happens to be the rendezvous of many of his friends. Tayler repairs to the market to pur- chase provisions, which he happened to forget to bring or order home. He whispered to the Cassidys. One of them immediately after Tayler left the market, with a club drawn, from some republican arsenal, happened to appear at the scene of action. The younger Cassidy invites his companion to go up to State street to ' see the scrape.' How did it happen that these Cassidys were so wonderfully correct if not previously iflformed ? When Gen. Van Rensselaer passed up to Lewis's, Cassidy said, ' now the d — d rascal (the watchword of their chieftain) will pay lor it.' At the moment of the conflict, it hapjjcncd that Cooper, Bloodgood, the Cassidys, Tayler's tenant, and about seventy of his political friends, all appeared. This may indeed be accident ; but much it savors of pre- Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 179 concert, and of deep design. The battle soon commences; and while victory IS suspended in equal balance, Couper appears, not to rescue his wife from danger ; she was of minor consequence, and committed to the protection of another [Mrs. CJooper ran out of the house and took hold of Tayler her father] Not to defend Tayler from imminent danger, for his friends think he had the better 3f the battle, and stood in no need of assistance ; but Cooper appears, crying ' knock the d— d rascal down ' He passed Van Rensselaer and took hold of him or his cane, probably the latter; for the small end of his cane being arrested behind would bring the large end forward against Tayler's breast, as described by the witnesses and the force of the blow being spent, the cane easily be arrested from Mr. Van Rensselaer's hand. Cooper not only thus asslted to disarm Van Rensselaer, but, as one witness declares, struck him And when bleeding and defenseless, he lay prostrate upon the earth, ho kicked him on the side; that side, in which great and continued pain Ion- re- mained, without any other cause that has or can appear. This conduct cruel and savage as it is, does not prevent his counsel from attempting to ^m ? iT ^'u '" *?' "'f ''.'^"'' '^ ^ peace-maker. A peace-mak"er ! What, that man who, when the battle was raging, mingled in the conflict, who disarmed and presented my client as a defenseless victim to the bludgeon of h|s adversary, v/ho, constantly cried havoc, and gave his full assistance to the production of the catastrophe, he a peace-maker ! Gentle- men, 'I'f^^be the conduct of peace-makers, let the blessing pronounced upon them be blotted from the holy record. "It is worthy of remark, that while Tayler was surrounded by about seventy of his personal and political friends, Van Rensselaer contended with a host alone. But, 'tis said ' Schermerhorn was there.' Yes Scher- merhorn who, as one of the witnesses swears, commanded almost the ele- ments; he that day was there. This giant, this Hercules, this Orlando Fun so, was there. But that he raised his hand against kny one, until Van Rensselaer was nearly murdered by the joint attacks of Tayler, Blood- good, and Cooper, is not pretended by any mortal rnon!r''%f r?r'"' ^"^ -^^^ ?'?'* applicable to the oases of Tayler and Uoper. That they participated in the outrage, that they gave their full sistance to the destruction of my client, is" beyond a doubt. That by s alIo"otr' if ^'^' '^' '"'^ ^"^ ''^^''''^ ^""^ '^' catastrophe produced^ merits. '""'"'' ^°" *' '"^ ""^^^ punishment theii- conduct "Passing over the causes of Tayler and Cooper, aggravating and dis- K'^ "'l^^"^''^} '"^^''''^ «"« «f ^ ^«^y Siff^re'n^ comple^xion one which neither friend or foe can examine without extreme pain Such a he honor of human nature, I trust such a case will never agai , appear or judicial investigation. I am not an enemy of Mr. Bloodgood -Tutl ave gen 1 sacred duty to perform ;'and if in thelSari nd st Iw .^ h'*" naked before himself, if I paint his conduct loathsome tlvL f ^ I humanity, he and his friends will be pleased to remember me to^hu'l^f'^ !•" ^'T''^^' ^"?r'- "'^ h^« P'^ittcj M.is cau e to he 1 Lnf T '"' ^here the silence of counsel would be treason to conduct" T Mi ' •'*'.""""^"^- •" '" =^Pology or cimense set up fur this man's conduct. It IS comprised in this : ' He was in a frenzy of passion; and 'i'ji 180 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. thought his friend, Judge Tayler, in imminent danger.' Judge Tayler who had grown gray in the study of the pugilistic art ; whose dexterity and experience in the use of the cane, could not be unknown to those who were bound to him by a ' triple cord ;' Judge Tayler, whose herculean stature speaks his prowess ; who, with the assistance of his hopeful son- in-law, had disarmed his adversary, and who, surrounded by seventy de- pendents armed with bludgeons, was in contest with a single man ; this same Judge Tayler, thus situated, was in such imminent danger, as to justify Bloodgood in the murder of his adversary ! That Mr. Blood- good was frantic with rage, is certainly undeniable. But why was he so ? Had General Van Rensselaer ever, from his infancy, performed one act, or uttered one syllable that could justly kindle all his malignant passions into a conflagration so uncontrollable? Had he injured Bloodgood? On the contrary was not this man one of that very meeting which originated the vile slander against the general ? Had he been in any way attacked for his participation in this outrage ? Not at all. What then is the force of this paltry attempt in his justification ? Without the slightest provo- cation, he tramples on justice, discharges his reason and bis judgment, gives himself up to the control of his malice and his passion, and then pleads that very passion in excuse for the consequences of its violence. Now, gentlemen, examine the conduct of this man. While the contest continued between the general and Tayler, and none of the spectators thought proper to interfere, Bloodgood, whether from Robison's corner, or from the site of the old church, or from Tayler's house, is wholly im- material, rushes into the street, crying " kill the damned rascal ;" an ex- pression used as a watchword by every member of the party, from Tayler to Cassidy. He then rushed behind Van Rensselaer, and with the butt of his bludgeon (the smaller end being grasped by both his hands) he aimed a blow which brought his victim to the ground. Gentlemen, what language can be found to express the deep infamy of this act ? While engaged with Tayler in front, Bloodgood, like a man abandoned by every feeling of honor, of courage, and even of manhood, strikes a blow from behind with a violence which nothing could withstand. Attacked inthis assassin-like manner, Van Rensselaer falls. At this, Tayler gave way, and, as though indignant at the infamous conduct of his coadjutor, left the ground. And even Cooper, having kicked his victim while wallowing in his gore, also retired and left the scene clear to the humane assassin who had brought him to the ground. Partially recovering from the effects of the blow. Van Rensselaer attempts to rise. But before he can recover, another blow from Bloodgood again brings him nearly to the ground. At this moment the crowd rush forward. Pale, bleeding, feeble, Van Rens- selaer now totters from the fatal spot. Still frantic with rage, Bloodgood, as though nothing but the expiring groans of his defenseless victim could satisfy his mighty malice, still rushes upon him. Yes, gentlemen, a de- fenseless victim he truly was. His wandering eyes, his death like visage, spoke his disordered senses. Instinct taught him to strive for the pre- servation of his life; and, therefore, he raised his feeble guard against, he knew not what or whom. Bloodgood, still unsatisfied, still thirsting for blood, unmoved by this spectacle of weakness and wounds, beats down his guard, and continues the savage attack. Blow succeeds blow, and wound succeeds wound, unul the indignant spirit of the soldier, tempered with the faith of an expiring Christian, exclaims in agony, ' Oh my Jesus !' At this moment, as if forsaken by his God, as if given up to the Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 181 perpetration of a crime at which his soul must still shudder; at this moment.when his mutilated victim could findprotection from no human arm and when, seemingly in vain, he cried to the God of mercy, this frantic man again drew his fell weapon in both his hands, raised himself as if to superadd the weight of his body to the strength of his arm, and seemed to aim he final blow at his feeble, bloody, and almost expiring adversary. Instant y Mr. William James, as a rescuing angel, rushed forward and arrested the arm of this infuriated, this forsaken man. To him alone is It owing that this trial is permitted to be had. But for his instantaneous presence the fatal blow would have fallen; a blow which would have widowed two families and left their children orphans: a blow which must have sent to its long account the soul of a patriot and a soldier and have drawn down the vengeance of justice and of heaven upon its bloody author. Let that unhappy man join in devoutly thanking the great dis- poser of events, that this was not permitted. " This, gentlemen, is a correct portrait of this bloody scene. That it is a picture compounded by the blackest shades, without one tint of bright- ness; that It exhibits a creature of earth in all the naked deformity of corrupted human nature; that it displays all the vile passions and quali- ties which can reduce ' social man to a civilized savage,' is unhapnilv wholly undeniable. And upon a full view of this infernal transaction it IS now your duty to mete out to General Van Rensselaer, the damages which his sufferings and his present ruined situation require at your hands from whom are these damages to be taken ? From men, wallowin- in wealth; basking in the sunshine of political favor; monopolizing alMhe emoluments of the treasury, and enjoying the most lucrative offices in the state, As to one of them, it is, beyond all doubt, the first in point of emol- ument, of any in this state Xo small sum will reach their feelin-s Award against them but a few thousand dollars, and they will, laughingly, assi-n a portion of their income, for a few months, to pay the award ° f/fi^u ' ;.\^'\o"'/^«"e these damages to be given ? To a soldier, who, in the field of battle, has proved his patriotism and his bravery, and has eniphatically, learned that mutual dependence is the strong cord which binds ingenuous souls together; that the only proper use of wealth is to render ourselves and friends happy. To a soldier, who is a brother to the whole human race; whose heart pants to find the object of charity, and whose hand has never withheld from a friend in want even the price of his blood and his wounds. To a soldier, in whom, even while a youth his country reposed the most unbounded confidence, and towards whom' thevetenmsof our land cast a partial eye, and destined him for hi..h military glory. To a soldier, who, by this cruel, this dastardly, this b barous outrage IS compelled to drag out a life of pain and wretched- nm bhoukl he be permitted to retain his present office, while there te nrJdoT^- "^T ^"*'f/" ^e discharged ; yet his activity is gone, and th pride of h.9 office and fame is vanished for ever. But should war, IZnft Z T r '^"^'^ threatened, actually visit us, conscious of the abindnn^ .' ^'''^^T ^^^ "'■•^"""^ ^""^'^^ «^' li'« office, he must merctofarpuX"'' " '''^ ^'' ^'™"^ "P°" '^' ''''^'' bpplTu ^ P""'*"" "!■ Pf ° .^^ ^^ "°^ ^^'^""^^ endured. What agony has dtont 7" T" '"' ^T''^V ^^'^"'^ ^"™ ••«'"^"^ the circumstances of that affray fairly before the public; and I pressed him to know the determination of the Council This application I repeated on a subsequent day, as I apprehended my removal might lay over until after the determination of the suits before mentioned. He told me that if I requested it, he would urge the deci- sion of the Council. A day or two afterwards I called on him again and he then informed me, that the Council had no intention of removing me at their then session, but what they would do at their meeting in June they declined saying. 1 mentioned to Governor Tompkins tl.at I under- stood the thing perfectly, and that under such circumstances, I should not let my farm, which I intended to do, if I remained in office He observed in answer, ' I don't know but it is best.' "On Tuesday of last week I called on the Governor upon business: after finishing it, and as I was about to leave the room, he called me back and told iiie that my removal had been agitated in the Council the day be'fore that he had put it off until he could see me, on account of the promise he made me last winter, to give me notice whenever such an event was re- solved upon; and ihat he believed it would now be accomplished as a member of the Council had pressed it. I observed to the Governor that I was much obliged to him for his information, but that I had nothing to say on the subject, except I requested of him, that if there were any char<^e3 against me, he would give me an opportunity of meeting and repellfne them ; to which he answered, that there were no chorr/es agalmt me and that he was satisfied that none could be brought against my official conduct • that my removal would be on account of my politics and the affray I have now a word or two to say about a trio of precious spirits, to whose dastardly malice and persecuting villainy, I have, in all probability, fallen a sacrifice. ■" "The first in order, as in the attack on me, is John Tayler, a grave benator of this state. I had supposed that his vindictive spirit had been lully glutted, by seeing me at death's door, in consequence of the joint and cowardly attack made upon me by himself and his assassin-like asso- ciates, Bloodgood and Cooper, in the ruin of my health, and, perhaps my future prospects in life; and that he would not, still further to gratify his malice have connived at, and encouraged the taking of bread from a much it.„ured and unoffending family. If he panted to revenge to a still more savage extent the merited chastisement which I inflicted on Mr. Jenkins (.uud ot which the same Jonn Tayler was the cause, hv urcHnr, n.j,l n.u.^ i^aliug the base slander against mt which produced it, and which he knew £ L . 190 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. at the time lo be false) why did he not call on me like a man of honor? I had hoped, that the alarm which he felt during my hopeless illness, oc- casioned by the wounds and bruises which he and his coadjutors had in- flicted upon mo that the remorse he felt, (if he is capable of feeling) for the death of the most enlightened citizen of this state, [Gen. Alexander Hamilton] of which he, as I verily believe, was the ocoasion, by a base disclosure of a confidential conversation, would have secured me against the further effects of his boundless malignity. " As for Francis Bloodgood, the clerk of the Supreme Court, no lan- guage is strong enough to express my abhorrence of him, or convey an adequate idea of his dark, malignant, cowardly, assassin-like villainy. His very looks are an index of the malignity of his heart j he is a disgrace to human nature ; and I derive some consolation from the reflection, that he has incurred what he deserves, the detestation of every liberal and honorable t-ian. " My resentment against Charles D. Cooper, is not great. He is too con- temptible to excite my indignation. From this humble dependent on Tayler's bounty, who is looking with anxious eyes for the period when he will succeed to the greatest share of his property, little else than what has happened could be expected. " If tins language is deemed harsh and grating, let it be recollected, that the persons to whom it relates cannot be justly represented in any other. It is not in my nature to glory over a fallen and disgraced enemy. I can therefore say nothing more about Mr. Jenkins, the Secretary of State, than that I equally p% and despise him. „ g^^^^ y^^ Rensselaer." " In one respect he was even victorious, for he challenged hip opponents upon an issue which they could only meet by evasion and artitice. If either of the political parties would claim no more for themselves than they are willing to g'"e, the right of being free and independent, and not be enslaved by a majority, it would be far better for the nation." We love to study the letters of ancient times ; we see men and things at their full length, and we generally see them through a medium which is less partial, when presented in history, than that of experience. We see the system of politics on the sure and false foundations and human nature in man* garbs, but we collect general principles and view certain rules of conduct with an unbiased judgment. Solomon Van Rensselaer to William Simmons. Dear Sir, Albany, January 28th, 1811. The Attorney of the United S tates for this District of New York, having presented an account against me for money due to the United States, it becomes necessary that I should know what balance, if any, is found against me, and with that view I transmit my account and beg you to fill up the blanks, which can be ascertained from the Books in your olEce. If I mistake not, in that Examination it will be found, that there is pay, forage and subsistence due me as Major of Cavalry, besides two months Pay, &c., allowed by Law as a gratuity to the disbanded officers of th!) Army. The vouchers for the expense of moving my Troop from Fort Washington to Knoxville, I left with Col. Hodgeden on my return from the latter place in October, 1797. The reason why I did not settle with him then was, that the army papers for that year had not come on. The papers marked No. 1 & 2 are copies Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 19i of those receipts, taken by one of his olerks, duplicates of which I have .nu.y possession & will forward them if necessary, whenever a privale occasion offers, which cannot be done convenientl/ by the Zi\ Tleh as those of my Expenditures for the Recruiting service ag eeable to Staenio t No. 3. I regret sincerely that the distance i too gfeat for 1^*^ to a ter.; in person to this business, and that the .ame reason has p^e vented me heretofore, but I am induced to believe from your former friendly conduct and the Statement of my accounts *hat thprl „;n k difficulty in striking the Balance. As MrsSrd'the 1) ti^:t A^te^' 18 now here, [Nathan Sanford la membprnf f>,^ t «„; i ■^'°''"^'' •^'■^orney Accountant »f the ?Var Department, Washington" '""'^^-"'^•'- Mon. John P. Van Jfess to Judge Van Mss. Tourl'nf thA 98H, TTif • Washington, Feb. 16, 1811. Yours ot the 28th Ult. accompanying the papers in the case of Adit Genl, So omon Van Rensselaer were all handed to me by Mr Knieker backer [Herman Knickerbacker] some days aeo I i'mmodin;.!; n i on the Accountant of the War iepartmen^ wTh them for tt^rp^^^^ an investigation &c. He propo.sed that the papers should be left with him fo a few days for examination &c. I replied that as the case anperred asiniple one perhaps we might conveniently dispatch it ?mmedfatev but being informed, by him, that the other Was the usL S)urse and that Mr V. R. had not taken the advice which he fthe AccountantXrf repeatedly given him heretofore, to have his account settled&c 5 W days afterwards the papers were sent by him to my house wiVh in f t.on referring me to the Controller's ^offictnaltdiieTe^i^^^^^^^ Knickerbacker yesterday. The Controller referred them back lain to the Accountant's office. We teft them there. Last EveninfMr Sim mons.n formed me generally that he had examined :he al oin^ &c • a^d" th.tithe received the papers which it appeared xVlr V R h „7„ K- Wha.e an opportnnit; of co-operating with vole i' tnJthTAfe"'? bolt:'irr,VL\rt'L'seT,!i"«,r''" ''" °^' r'"''^' «»•■". "^ '^ « "o iiiuic so, as the bession of Congress is drawintr to o r-lAa^ m nf'.in ^„4. ■' . ■^ ''j'^iea, iii luiation lo foreiiru affairs Tlio i.u,^ 01 an extra session is gaining ground. The Bank^uesti^n is laboring 192 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. very hard in the Senate. Its fate there is admitted, on all hands, to be very doubtful. There are one or two Mutes in that house, on the subject, whose noses (strange as it may seem) cannot be found by the calculators, in consequence of the loss of their tongues. Upon the whole taking into view both houses, the advanced period of the session, and the accumulated mass of business, I think two to one, against the Bank, a fair calculation. I had no idea that my brother [William P. Van Ness] had the Secre- tary's office in view, if indeed he had any. I have not had a line from him since he left New York. There appears to be a flood tide again in the political affairs of a part of your state that was lately ebbing ; and it seems, the Bark drives on with a prosperous gale. Does the storm lately gathered in the City of N. York, menace with its thunders the northern and interior parts of the State ? By all accounts Cornelius [Cornelius P. Van Ness] is ery successful in both business and consequence in Ver- mont. It gives me great pleasure. Mi/ Mrs. V. Ness begs to be kindly remembered to i/our Mrs. V. Ness. Yours very sincerely, John P. Van Ness. Hon. Wm, W. Van Ness Esqr., State of New York, Albany. Gen. Van Ifess to Sol. Van Rensselaer, Dear Sir, Washington, March 13, 1811. Yours of the 26th Ult., reached me in course. I was extremely sorry to hear of your Indisposition and hope by this time you are restored. Your account of the War Department is, as Mr. Simmons informed me he would advise you, finally closed. The balance against you $24 or 25. Simmons sent the Account up to the Comptroller, with whom I am well acquainted, and with whom I have had two or three conversations relative to your business. He will forward to the District Attorney instructions conformable to your wishes. Were the case my own, I would, as you doubtless will, immediately pay the trifle remaining due. I believe ycur wishes have been fully met in the whole arrangement. I am extremely happy to have had it in my power to give you a little aid in this business ; but, Sir, my services have been trifling, as the case required no more ; and the^ have much less claim to the polite acknowledgments you are so good as to make me, than my good wishes have. Should any other case occur in which I can serve you, be assured of my disposition to do so, and believe me with consideration Your obedt & hble Servant, Adjt. Genl. Solomon Van Eensselaer. John P. Va Ness. '' John P. Van Ness was a cousin of the noble hearted and truly brilliant William W. Van Ness. He was born in Claverack,in the county of Columbia in the year 1770, and died at the city of Washington, March, 1846, at the age of seventy-six years. He was educated at Columbia College, in the city of New York, and studied law in that city, in the office of Brockholdst Livingston. At the age of about twenty-two he commenced the practice of law in Columbia county. " In the year 1801, he was elected to congress from the district com- posed of the counties of Columbia and Rensselaer. In 18U2 he was married to a very interesting, accomplished and wealthy lady of the city of Washington, and as her fortune consisted principally of real estate in th.it fiit" h',^, fixed his residence there until his deaths He w>!s appointed by President Jefl'erson, brigadier general of the militia of the district of Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 193 Ci)Iumbia,and was afterwards promoted by President Madison to the rank of major n-onerul, wh.cii oiface he held for many years. He was for severa successive years elected mayor of the city of Washington, when he declined a reelection. Throu-^h his influence the Bank of the Metio polls in the city Washington was established ; he was the first president of that institution, and remained so until the t^ime of his death P'"''''*"' " He possessed a high order of talents, and was a man of great personal iDfluence. For the las forty years of his life he was exten"sivel/knowa and celebrated for his liberality and hospitality, many of the churchls and the temperance hall in the city of Washington wserec^doa grounds given by him for that purpose. During his long residencettha? city he had formed numerous acquaintances. Few men had more devoted friends, and his death wa.s greatly deplored by the people of the Americaa capital, his friends and his country. •> f f o .ciiucntaa ; l^' \!^° Ness family, viz : John P. Van Ness, William P. Van Ness and Cornelius P. Van Ness, is one of the most distinguished and talented families in this country nnd are sons of Peter Van Ness. Willian P Van Ness was the second to Aaron Burr in his fatal duel with General Hamilton. He was a man of transcendent talents; he died of apoplexy in New York on September 6, 182G." '»popiexy Albany, July 2, 1812, Died. " This morning Bri-adier General P^tPr Gansevoort of the United States Army, after a%ery1istrsSr lines of several months, aged 62 years, 11 mos. 16 days. ^ General Orders. Ti r. 1 -^^^^ Quarters, New York, July 6, 1812 The General announces to the troops in the City and harbor of New York the aeath of Brigadier General Gansevoort at Albany on the lM bstanT In testimony of respect to the defender of Fort Schuyler in 1777 of an offic r of intelligence, bravery and distinguished military merit du ing the revo utionary war, the colors will be hoisted half staff high for the day and the officers wear the usual badge of mourning for 1 month ^' By order, K. H. MacPherson, Aid-de-Camp. Colonel Peter Gansevoort commanded Fort Stanwix during its me- morable seige, and conducted its defense with a vigor and succfss whTch crowned his name with distinguished honor, and fo? which he received a pecia vote of thanks from congress. In 1809, he received the commis* sion of brigadier-general in the army of the United States. He was a man of noble presence, and fearless and magnanimous spirit- t I; fl '^r "'' '"*^ "'f'"'^'^ '"^^Srity. His public life was Si out a blot while his private character was of unimpeachable moralitv and voot was with Gen. Mont^^ mery in his attack on Canada in 1775 in one of the early letters, mention is made of his illness when at Isle AuxNoix! 26 i 194 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. CHAPTER IX. vi Declaration of War in 1812. Upon the declaration of war, in 1812, by the United States againsit Great Britain', " Major Gen. Henry Dearborn had in February, been phiced in the conimand of the northern frontier, with views to the inva- sion of Canada. Lake Chaniplain presented the great military highway to the centre of the enemy's province, and the American settlements at the foot of that lake were remote and exposed ; the general therefore judiciously determined to take his first position with the regular recruits in that quarter." In the progress of the campaign, tlie western frontier of the state of New York was in danger; and in defect of regular troops, a requisition having been made by the general government, for a body of New York militia, it was the pleasure of Gov. Tompkins to appoint General Stei'IIKn Van Kensselaep. to take command of the forces, which should be raised for the deliense of the northern and western front- iers of this state, in answer to that requisition. Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, as also the adjutant general, Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, were greatly opposed to the policy of the war, and both difl'cred in politics from Governor Tompkins. General Stephen Van Rensselaer nnd Gov. Tompkins were rival candidates for the govern- ment of the state. When General Van Renss^elaer was selected to com- mand the troops, it was considered by every one as rather an ambiguous compliment ;, and it was fully supposed that under existing circumstances he would refuse it, and thus injure his popularity, but for once the inter- ested intriguers were baflBed. When the noble man saw his courtry in danger, with true, elevated patriotism, all minor considerations were im- mediately laid aside, and he promptly responded to the summons. At the solicitation of General Stephen Van Rensselaer, my father took a position on his staff and joined the army for the frontier. " That officer entered upon his command on the 13th of July, 1812, having done me the honor to request my services as his aid. 1 was anxious to serve my country in the contest in which she was engaged, and I did not hesitate, therefore, to take the situation thus offered me." The benetits of that war have not yet been fully realized but are beginning to be seen. It taught the world whether on sea or land, American arms were invincible. The bravery displayed in that war commanded the respect and adniiratioa of the world. It taught England that the country whose freedom and free institutions were born in blood, would not shrink from baptizinj; them iu the same element. " Government asked for the soldier's blood, it was freely given. It told the patriot to sever all the domestic ties, he cut them asunder at its bid- ding. It told him to take the last look of his children, and away to the tented field. He looked, oflered one prayer for their safety, and turned his back on his home. Such sacrifices demand consideration and remu- neration. Those veterans served their country in her weakness, she sb(!nl(l icnienslier them iu her strenu'tli I'ud ulurv-. Thnt struggle dutended our honor at home and gave us a lustrous name abroad. It developed :i?-i Legacy op Historical GLEANiNas 196 the prowess of American arms as a whole and furnished some of the most striking instancea of individual bravery, the world ever saw \ truly brilliant catalogue of names was added to the world's list of heroes Many who served in the first struggle for independence, capped the climax oftheir glory in the war of 1812." Albany, July 13, 1812, General Van Rensselaer and suite set off this morning for Niagara, where a la.ge body of troops are now assembling but whether for offensive or defensive measures we are not able to say They are principally volunteers and militia. Herkimer, July 16. On Tuesday last Major Gen. Van Rensselaer his aid and private secretary passed through this village on their way to Niagara. We understand he is to take command of all the forces t)n the frontiers. The citizens of this village being apprized the preceding day ot his approach came to the determination of escorting him into town Accordingly about twelve o'clock a number of citizens accompanied by several officers of merit, formed a cavalcade under the direction of Captain Myers as marshall of the day, and moved on the village of Little Falls where they were joined by a number of gentlemen from that villa.-e who were desirous of shov.ing this meritorious officer the intended tribute ot respect. The cavalcade then proceeded about three miles below the talis where Gen. Van Rensselaer was received by them in a most cordial manner. They then moved back to the Falls, where the company partook ot anexcellent.dinner provided in a sumptuous manner by Major Mor 'an After the cloth was removed a number of appropriate toasts were drlink all broathing the true spirit of American liberty, that spirit which ani- mated the breasts of our fore-fathers in the glorious struggle of seventy-six Ihe general was then escorted to the village by the cavalcade who observed the utmost regularity where he was received with expressions M°/' ^I^u *"'^^^ announced by a federal salute from the artillery Ihe following are a few specimens of the toasts at the dinner Ry Un Van Rensselaer. The Citizens of Herkimer. May their patriotism m the present struggle of our country, equal their valor in the revolu- tionary war. Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer. A speedy and dorious termination of the present war. Mr. Lovett. The example of our fathers. Trusting in God they achieved our independence; following their example, we may preserve the inheritance. ^ After a short tarry, the general proceeded on his way, and thenceforth his name was identified with the military glory of his country. A mere narration ot facts within my knowledge would not be sufficiently interest- ing; something might be written of the incidents and romance of history as connected with this campaign, calculated both to instruct and amuse ; tor the recorded events will never pass into oblivion, though they have been but summarily despatched. There are many transactions, many ex- cung incidents relating to the war of 1812, which are more than fancy Sketches, yet have to the present time remained unwritten. There were many divisions and heart-burnings, throughout the political masses, wl.ich culminated into bitterness of feeling and alienation, on the part of he initiated few, and now the selection of Gen. Van llensselaer, " consider- in- the adverse state of his political relations to Governor Tompkins, was it'developed ■ y!!T '''' "'1"^";°*^;'^ ^?' *^". tJi« ?-rt of the commander in chief of New it Ueveiopi H loik. Although the situation of Gen. V. R. was exceedingly embarrasa- m I il 196 Legacy of Hisi-jhical Gleanings. ing, yot he had one on h is staff who had signalized himself by his undaunted bravery." " Hon. John Lovett, of facetious memory, was a lawyer, a man of genius, and possessed great versfitility of talent. He frequently wrote fugitive pieces of poetry full of wit and keen satire; he always had at couinianda great variety of anecdotes, ready for use, wliatever might he the subject of conversation. He was remarkably pleasant, and his sparkling wit and flashes of merriment would set the table in a roar. Although possessed of fine talents, he nevor relished the dry study of law ; skillful in the manage- ment of a cause before a jury, he never excelled in the argument of a ques- tion of law, and did not obtain that distinction as a counselor, which was in his power, by applying himself more closely to judicial studies. One of the errors of his life was a passion for change of employment, not often the road to distinction or success. "In the war of 1812 he accompanied Generals Stephen and Solomon Van llensselaer to Niagara, as secretary of the former, and honorably ac- quited himself in that campaign. When invited by Gen. Van Rensselaer to become his military aid and secretary Mr. Lovett said, 'I am not a soldier,' the answer, ' It is not your sword, but your^ew that I want,' de- cided the point. He afterwards represented the county of Albany in con- gress with much reputation. He purchased a tract of land on the Mau- mee, and commenced a settlement which he named Perrysburg, in honor of the gallant hero of Lake Erie. He died of the prevailing fever of the country at Fort Meigs in Ohio, in August 1818 aged fitty-two years." The following letter is descriptive of the journey from Albany. Jo7m Lovett to Joseph Alexander. My dear Sir, Ogdensburgh July 20, 1812. If flying through air, water, mud, brush, over hills, dales, meadows, swamps : on wheels or horseback, and getting a man's ears gnawed off with musquitoes and gallinippers make a Soldier, then have I seen service for — one week. I certainly intended before now to have written you, but I assure you I have very little leisure, and I think you will soon be convinced of it : Let our tracks speak for themselves. It was about 11 oclock before Gov. Tompkins gave us our orders, the next evening we were at Utica ; having fought our way again and again through Cavalry, Artillery etc. Tts hearty and cordial respect paid to our General every- where, is really pleasing. As we approached the Little Falls, we were met by a grand Troop, Carriages &c. At the Inn a superb Baud saluted the General and played delightfully, while a very large company sat with us at an elegant Dinner. 'Ihe escort proceeded with us to Herkimer; then a Salute was fired as we entered the Town, and a thousand compli- ments &c. &c. Before we got to Utica the olreet was thronged with Patriots: Genl. Piatt's Cards for Dinner the next day &c. Poor souls they did not know that We tcere a// Soldikrs ! ! Utica was full of dread- ful News. Sacketts Harbor was blockaded. The Oneida dismantled, her Guns landed, and much more of the same sort: All believed it. Our General, therefore, thought it his duty to abandon his route to Niagara and visit Sacketts Harbor : so away we flew, and found all we hau heard was false. Could I see you, I might fa/k much ; but I shall write little of Sacketts Harbor. There are about 200 Militia at the harbor, not a word of them. The Oneida was there still. Woolsey invited our General on board, the yards were manned in the twinkling of an eye, three cheers Leqacy op Historical Gleaninqs. 197 fronyi truly hearty Crew, then " Starboard, Fire," " Port, FIro," " Star- board, iMre, ' " Port, F.re," and so on, about as fast as you will read it • until all w.. blue. Then the Crew were exercised in all possible shaVeV aruly,truly .nstye; but this another time for I see f sha soonTe called ofiF. Now will not your heart aehe when I tell you that this liZ can be burnt at any hour the British ehoose to do it"^ They have tit Royal George of superior force the Earl Maria 14 Guns, Prince Recent 10 or 12 Guns and one more Duke of Gloucester. Woolsey is trying L mount a 32 pounder in a Schooner, and 6- 9 pounders on board a sloop both vessels now lying in the harbor »a«oop, Woolsey is alno with th. assistance of the Militia, erecting a small Bat- tery on the harbor to secure, if possible, the retreat of the Oneida if hard pressed by superior force. Can you conceive how important Lake OntaHo aNd the St. Lawrence are to us? if so, pray answer me : Why have we nolo Gun Boats there^ That force, at presellit, would a„s;er us^ slekett Acheu. Sad tidings from the County of St Lawrence; the Inhabitants are p:>n,c struck, and flying off in shoals? To quiet them, to give th a confadenceand constancy to keep their homes, secure their crops, &c. &c our General deemed an object :vc rthy his attention. Therefore down we canie to Watertown and on to this place about 80 miles of the most horrTd road I ever saw, in a great part of it, two miles an hour is quick riding Th luhabiants have fled like foolish children, from just such d"n "er" elf .dl r? U r ^''''f,r' '° ^" ^^y y'^'^'^-y- Now afterC' have put all right here, we shall return to Sackett's Harbor, and if no bones are broken, we shall then go on to Oswego, and from thence to Nhl ^a, whore in about two weeks I hope to lie lik^ a Sold^e o„ my ow" Blankets free from the infernal bugs which have already gnawed aw^v te per cent of my whole fi-ame, legs inclusive. When I Vt encamped I will icntc you ; at present I can only s/retch. ^-^"iptJu i All 1 shall here say of my General is, that Albany may justly be proud that she has such a citizen. Solomon was born for war. We all Lvel as harmoniously as heart can wish; and you may depend on it we have e ough to do, go where we will. On the Frontiers, our General ilhailed almost as a new Washington. * * * "auea, h,l}T ^''a ^ '''""!'' ""•' ^''^ "P ^''^' ^ '^^'^ 3^°" t^"^' I l>»ve perfect health; and as much activity as is necessary; I believe I mi-^ht sav as a most any man of my age. I shall say a word of this pi ce t r Ttve looked about a httle : this is only bringing up my iournal a little T \Zt ;: ST "'''" Y^'"' r'^ ^''^'^^'"^ whoi^irudi sh:.'rb:-toi ,td undo stood, heaven and earth must stand amazed. Write me the news t T:rUvT"\ "'^-'-.-''yknowshow or when nhallretu": houlrl n ^ warranted in saying that, it was altogether desirable that A to n V m!l ^r T "T^ ^''''' '^"^ ^ !''' y'' ^'11 "«t be able to read. uflH^ wr '''''\1''fP"P^"'^ cheer them: I trust they will not s with n r^ T- I ^^^ ^'"/f ■' J"'' ^''"* I ^^ '''''^- «»J he who trav- a 11 V ' »'.»^^\V'^f. " f?«"d horse or not keep up. I have not rubbed i'.m of! Imu in all this heat and dreadful rain.. 22d. I have looked it :S :l "f '' '■''''I "" *'?f ^^J-«burgh is one of the mo^t c W li r. ^iT'./" ^^^^'-'J-. l^^""cy could hardly mend it, and the L stl "Vf ■' "? P'^'^ ^'"y "- Cards, Tea i^artJes and all in ele- l%',\ vi 'f$ tut style. G oriuus times for S..,!dior8. Good night, io Jlr. Joseph Alexander, Alb any. John Lovett. 198 Legacy of Historical Gleanings, Solomon Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriet, ^ Ogdensburgh, July 22, 1812. This night I shall be engaged in a most desperate enterprise, to board a British armed vessel lying in the St. Lawrence oiF this Harbor. I have only Militia to accompany me on this important service ; of course I shall be compelled to expose myself in a high degree as an example to them to do their duty. I will succeed or fall. If the latter, let me beg of you to meet the event with fortitude, and do not unnecessarily repine at my loss. Kiss Adeline, Elizabeth, Matilda and our dear little Margaretta for me. Rensselaer I presume is before this at school in Middletown, Conn., where the Patroon will keep him. When you see Rensselaer give him a kiss for me, and tell him to be a good boy, and attend to his studies, but where is our dear little Van Vechten? in Heaven I hope, where sooner or later I trust we all will join him. I have written to the Patroon and Abraham Van Vechten about you and the family, and likewise about my back pay, which I presume can be got for you. The Certificates of the Surgeons of Wayne's Army are to be found among my papers, and they will attend to them. 1 have much more to say to you, but time is pressing hard on me. I must again repeat how anxious and interested, I feel on your and our dear little ones' account. Give them an aifectionate embrace for me, and think kindly of me as you ever did, for you possess my warmest affec- tions. Forget the past and believe me to be your affectionate and unalter- able friend and Husband. Adieu. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope, Albany. Upon reaching Ogdensburgh, information having been obtained which induced a belief, that a descent was meditated upon that place, temporary breastworks ofcordwood, &c., were hastily thrown up, and two old guns mounted to repel it. The belief was confirmed while the work was in progress, by the appearance of two vessels of war which sailed out of the lake and came to at the wharf opposite the village. It was supposed that such palpable indications of being greeted with a warm reception, were the reasons why the intention was abandoned. The si<^ht of these vessels so near him was enough, however, to excite the resolute spirit of Colonel Van Rensselaer, and he forthwith projected a handsome enterprise, (which failed through the want of a few regular troops,) against an armed vessel of the ctiemy, which lay along side a wharf adjoining the British maga- zines at Prescott on the opposite shore. The tocsin of war still continues to ring. Colonel Van llenss-jlaer proposed with one hundred and twenty men, to ascend the St Lawrence four or five miles, after night, cross the river, down under the 'Janada shore, take possession of the buildings and carry the vessel, boarding her by land and water at the same time. Vol- unteers from the militia, turned for the enterprise at evening roll call, but at midnight, they had changed their minds, and as they believed there existed no competent authority to order them '.eyond the limits of the state, this feasible project was abandoned. A sinnlur occasion never again offered, as the next morning the two vessels sa.led back to the lake. It was subsequently ascertained, that there was no other fcrce at the place to contend with, but the crews of the two vessels. Legacy op Historical Qlbaninqs. 199 SSELAER. Major General Van liensselaer to Gmemor To.apkini. ^"' .. ., Ogdensburj-h, July 23'^, 1812, 8 o'clock, P.M. On receiving information that Sackett's Harbour was menaced by the enemy, 1 deemed it expedient that General Brown should repair there • and accordingly he departed from this place early yesterday morning One reason lor my remaining a day or two longer at this post was to await, and possibly improve the success which might attend a projected attack upon a ten-gun British schooner which has for several days been Ijin- at the dock in Prescott, opposite to this place. The proposed attack mis concerted by my aid-de-comp. Col. Van Rensselaer, and Col. Benedict who commauds at this post. Yesterday was spent in preparations. The boarding-boats were ready at 1 o'clock, last night, and the attack was to have been 'uade by land and water, at 3 in the morning. But when every thing was prepared m such marner as to promise complete success it was discovered with infinite chagrin and mortification, that only sixuAix men would vo unteer for the service ! This number being by no uieans competent. Cols. Van Rensselaer and Bendedict, who would certainly have led the men to action with the most cool and determined bravery were compelled to abandon an entcrprize honourable in itself, and upon the result of which might have depended the whole command of the Lake and river. This promising project having been blasted, and as nothing further of consequence appeared to demand my longer stay here, I was on the eve ot my departure at five o'clock this afternoon, when a large armed shin was dhscoyered coming down the river. She anchored close on shore on the opposite side of the river, near to the schooner, and appears to be a fourteen-gun ship. Considerable solicitude prevails in this place. It is generally believed that the vessels in the harbour are the object of the enemy Ihe ownera of the vessels are preparing to scuttle them, or re- move them as far out of the reach of the enen, as may be. The troops are busy constructing a fort of timber north of Parish's store, on the best ground or the purpose. But, sir, our very great misfortune is, that we have only two s>x pounders. If this harbour is to be protected, it is abso- lutely necessary that I should be immediately furnished with cannon of competent calibre, for the probably approaching emergency. I shall wait your answer by the return of the express, and govern myself accordingly. „. „ ,, I ^ave the honor, &c.^ His hxcellency Gov. Tompkins. Stephen Van Rensselaer. _ Jo7m Iiovett to Joseph Alexander. '^ '!!'■' . ^ Ogdensburgh, July 23, 1812. liy hrow.ng off my flannel, and being a little too much in the rain, I uugh a horrid cold which laid me up yesterday. And as we quit here tills atternoon, 1 must soon close my wretched scrawl. We have here say tour hundred troops, well armed, pretty well disciplined. Three Field pieces, a little amuuition, no works. *-« nem Last Saturday a ten Gun British Schooner came down from the narrows a a anchored at Prescott opposite this place. We have been squintin- b n;'v'h.r?.'f V° i"""^ ^^r' '"' '•''■• ^"''' ^^«""'« it ^"« determined ,• ,"{ !!"^:'^ < "1. Solomon Van Rensselaer and Col. JJonedict to attack iiti at oo clock this morning, the uight has been spent in .-.r-tivitv ^x- wi;iient Loats aud all things were in readiness at o o'clock. The'"m~cn 200 Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. P Tirero paraded, and out of four hundrrd, all clamorous for attack, jn'^t m'xti/. three men wore willing to go ! Of course, at daylight, the expedition was abandoned. Never did I see a man more mortified and disappointed thao is Col. Van Rensselaer. Never did any man see a soldier more eajjer for attack. I am now, more than over before, satisfied of the awful stuiF for battle which he carries in his pluck. He was to have led the van, and I believe he would willingly have given a Quit Claim to all lie possesses io the world, could he have but persuaded the men to go with him and stick by him. I may hereafter give you a number of amusing anecdotes of lust night ; yet as Thorn was present with us, and will soon be with you, I refer to him. Oiut word. Aa I write you any how, you are never to publish anything I write : you know what I moan ; the facts I state you may publish as you please when deemed expedient, but now this 8inf,'le fact of the Men's refusing to volunteer, if published, would raise a bobbery, From Sackett/S Harbor wo learn that the British Squadron looked ia there a day or two ago, gave and received a few long shots and retired. There are here eiglit or ten fine Schooners, which if armed, would give us command of the Lake and Uiver. How came all this '/ Although no blow is yet struck in these parts, it does appear to me impoiisible that the thing can continue so long The command of the water is every thing : the Ikitish now have it ; but I think tiiero will yet, in some shape, be a struggle for it; there must be, for our little force must be subdued or increased, What has become of our Salt water Fleet? Tell my good wife, I have not another moment to write, that I am neither homesick, crop-sick, war-sick, nor sick of my Wife. Tell her also that we are in point blank shot of 31r. Honeywood. When you are up all night, and the devil about among IJoatsand Militia, you will write nearly as bad as I do. With one foot in the stirrup and good pluck for Niagara. Good bye to you. Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. John Lovett. There were many hardships and deprivations to be encountered in the early part of this, as in every campaign. On one occasion Gen. Van Rensselaer accompanied by Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer and Major Lovett were traveling on horseback on a four of inspection " along the frontier from Sackett's Ilarbor to learn the con- dition of troops and the means of oftcnsive or delensive operations aloug the lake and St. Lawrence. Sending our horses by land, we took two sailors, a sergeant and eight soldiers and started in an open boat, pre- pared to fight a little and run a good deal, and escape any lurking boats of the enemy. Until nearly night wo had no wind ; then a breeze sprung up and increased to a gale, the night was cold. I had no outer garment but my flannel night gown, God bless my good wife, she made me bring it. We all were cliilly, it was dark, the sea ran high and much to our vexation, were overtaken by a severe thunder storm. It was a wild and boisterous night, the rain came down in torrents and the lightning flashed in bright sheets of light from the heavy thunder clouds. Our pilot got bewildered, wo run the lord knows where, but we struck on the rocks near the mouth of little Salmon river in Mexico bay, the guard hailed us, and gave us directions how to get oif, we did soon get oil' and ■were glad to seek shelter ia a deserted house from which its frightened Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 201 inrnntes had previously flo.l, leaving only a table and wash bench. Being JoHt.tute of evcrytbu.g noceHHHry fi.r tboir comfort, ibov were obli.a.! t? go supperlcHS to bed. It wan half pant twelve and we ^ou^I.t needed re. pose Wo placed our general on tbe table about four and orur.half feet LI crooked up h.8 legs borrowed a thick blanket of a .soldier and covered him up (,u.te comfortably. The patience with which this man endures privl" .on.s a.s we 1 as hardships, can only be known by thoro who certifrthe fact. But as to he rest. Col. Van llenssoiaer got two boards and laJd huusclf down in h.s great coat, while poor Major Lovett had el oice of a filthy floor or the large Dutch oven, lie selected the latter as ^o more Csin. le couch and '' the thought struck me it would be my sa?e Uetreat from the vermin. But how under heaven to get in I knew not. I got a wide board placed an end in the mouth of the monstrous oven, la d^my! sel on he board, then bade the sergeant of the guard raise up the other end and push me into the oven, in I went, like a pig on wooden shovel y s and there I sta.d and had one of the loveliost night's rest of my life "' Makmg the bes of present circumstances, the jocular major, duHn.. the uight, hearing from their conversation, that his friends were sadly tor- ujeated with bats and vermin ; boasted, much to the anno^an e of the ohenyof h,8 nic-e snug chamber; and early in the morning greeted em with the vociferous nfbrmation, that he never slept moreWorta- by, "such a lovely u.gut's rest." His dubious, but amused comrades allowed he gallant and contented major to rest long without any Srt nee, in his so styled pleasant quarters, till at last, endurance was unsup- stand re ha f birr" '''\''^^^ Pretty tough times, we all are about X and one-half hours on our horses among.st the most infernal set of fleas ha ever graced a man's ears. I find the war is considered, in hi par of the country unpopular and indeed intolerable." ^ Major Lovett to Josejyh Alexander. My Dear Sir, Ogdensburgh July 29 1812 .li,iT ° considered It a given point that those who Jj aothin<^ ar. mv own r "5v * '"^rl"^ ''u ^" "''y '^'"^' °'^«- N«^ this is very n^early my own condition : although we effect nothing, we are all the whUebusy II . •emus be a redoubt thrown up; some Tents pitched yonder- thTs Schooner hauled this way, and that, that way. And the cursedT'^Lrof Truce bother our souls out. Scarcely a day passes, but some scamp 3s a anoe, sticks up a pole, and such part of his shirt as he can Is spafe^afte? having v^-ashed ,t so long that he can venture his soul and body o^ £ But ZrJ^'^il"' ^'^^oe-O'^ '" Pl'^i" truth, to reconnoitre .is. IJut our General has a bait put on and to all this stufi". Thus and thus passe, our time: stop, though, there is one good job -^oinc/on An oW ^^l^lZ rir'^'^^'r^'r^] the^Gral^pla^Hiufeyt since lie year 1758, told our Soldiers where lay an 8 Gun Vessel sunk At t the poor devils went ; several days ago they dreio ,«, one ' ood la".e eCin' '' ""f^' they grabbed another : we have stfainedtwihl twoT °^^ stands; this day the Boys say they shall hlye up Sr V ^V'.^'"' ""^''^ ^'^^ ^•^"^^■'*' ^""^ State Governments are sS "oistuig old Ireuch Pieces from the bottom of the bay. Now, Sir 1 will 2G '■ 202 Leoacy op IIibtorical Gleanings. i^ relate to you a little expedition which, (Jod knows, wuh huziirdouH enoujih. At, lluniilton V'illiigo, twenty niilcH helow this, we have a lew troopM, umJ the HritiHli are throwing up .-soniu works. Our (iencrul hud an inciinutiuu to visit that place. lie ordered our UorHcs down by land and the Qeneritl the grtmt Mr. Purirth, a Mr. Kainhoart, Col. Van UenHnelaer and niyHelf made up the rafscngers. Three Hoatmon conducted us. Our boat was 80 BUiall, that Hcvcral gentlemen were alarmed when wo started and at- tempted to have uh called back, but without Huccess. We went on very well eight DiileH; then appeared a Hapid which, to me, lookoil jyokirinfn-nmi/h but I am not timid on water, the boatmen run into the very worst place the boat plunged bows under. Co'. Van Kensselaer was with mo iu the bow, and the old goldier, who tears nothing on /iitt(/, admits he was horridly scared oii water. Our boatmen turned pale, and gave up, the bout wal- loping in the breakers; we shipped such quantities of water that the General and Mr. Kainheart got their breeches full. Mr. I'arish his coat- pockets lull. Col. \ . 11. and myself our boots full. My pistols were afloat. I'eople saw us from the shore and gave us up, for without another boat, salvation was very distant, liut wo all kept steady, and that saved all; we got our bout ushore, baled out, and tried it again. I am not very fond of relating hair-breadth escapes, but 1 am to tell you the truth; and you may be assured this is just such a scrape as wo (foii't mean to attempt again. We returned here last evening. 1 do not recollect where my war narrative left off. We have been all mortified, almost to death, by the failure of the expedition against the Schooner. Had she fallen, the Earl Maria which came down the next day, must have inevitably followed the example, and this bobbing, as it may look to you, would have led to the command of the waters, and the want of that command will distrcBS us incalculably. W^e sent up to Woolsey to concert a plan for attacking both; and last night the concert began to be matured; and now, to renew our vexation, while I am writing, both the Ship and the Schooner arc under way, with a very feeble breeze, going up the Kiver. As far as I can learn their object here has been to wait for arms and stores from Moutreal, 2 Brigades of Canada Boats, that is 24 of them have been several dajs below this coming up, each boat manned a small Piece, but we had pretty much detei mined to attack them, but the citizens discouraged the idea for fear of a retaliating Bombardment, as we have no guus for the Ship and Schooner; and now they will be up the River again. As long as John Bull travels by water and the rest of the world by Land, he will tucker all out. 1 have seen letters from Sackett's Harbor, giving a dreadful account of the attack there, all froth; barely a few long shots. If any man wants to see folly triumphant, let him come here, let him view friends by friends stretched for hundreds of miles on these two shores, all loving and be- loved ; all desirous of harmony ; all wounded by being coerced, by a hand unseen, to cut throats. The People must waken, they will wake from such destructive lethargy and stupor. The Troops here are very steady, respectful, obedient, healthy. It is certainly a great compliment to the morality of the Country, that hereon the lines, among a collection oi' every thing, there is no noise, disturbance, bad language nur uproar. Soldiers without pay or Blankets as dutiful as children. What might not the good spirit of this great People effect, if properly directed. His- tory while recording our folly, will dress her pages in mourning, the UMi Leoaoy op Historical Gleaninos. 208 Hhowern of PostorUy'H toar« will full in vain ; for fho Hpon^o of ti.no can ncvor wipo h... blot from M.o Anu-ri,..,, X-nno. Wo arc a\\ ^mU^t^Z ansha. , an,l brown as In.l.anH; well wo may, for, wo aro noldon. iVbo »cre than five out of twon.y-four l^ourn, but' wo aro hoarty and t -oatcJ with tho hiK'hest rosnoct Thursday Morning, 80th Julv, I into, dod to h«vewr.tten more, [ut Ia«t ni^ht our Mxpre^ss returnod fro u Albany w. hou any answer, and as wo have dono all that can bo dono hero w tnl out Ordnance wo must leave tho pb.co to its fate, and take upour lino of nmrch to day for Sackott h Harbor. Cwe^o and Niagara, ^ho^ro you may apa,,. hear trom me. and let mo hear fron. you, particularly a^to tho symptoms of awakomn^. an,on« tho People. May AimiKhty^Uod rouso them, for this War ,s tho Ominous (JathcinK of folly ami madness a" d so every one must know who comes in sifjht of it "'"uness, ana '''wf ""'nu^°*^''',7'J T"" ^'*' "•'^ «entleman yesterday well. Comfort S! a day ''' " ""'^ ''" ^»'^^''Stewar't I attend oTurch You have seen General Hull's Proclamation, Matter and manner all speak onr laniTuago. I am not tinnd. but my f lend, mv faith bo"ins to qu.ver. The People must rouse quickly, or we'shall in'ovitlbly bo crushed nf T 1^ . . , Yours very truly, , , Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. J. Lovett. Mqjar Lovett to Joseph Alexander My dear Friend, ^swe^^o .5eh August 1812 J'M^r^ -i: ^r.s Vnj^r rr^ii^ s moment (J at night) concluded the Division Orders to Col. Flemmini. who command J at this J>ost. There are hero, 525 as fine V ii ^ ' >" could w>sh to see, under the command of an old Revolutit .^Vet^^^^^^^ who was m every ^.eneral action during the las' ;var. The wholo service IS to hiui, as familiar as hou.sekeepin" ° JVt ()swego is really deserve.ily "the admiration of every one The et '■ tt like' th!"" 1 '''' ^""^..'"^ '''■^'''''''> '-- ««- 1" «^% to St chnrm Ih K 1 F'""' 'T'""^'^'"" ^'^'^' "^ ^ handsome woman, they Btchaim the beholder, at tho same time exciting admiration softened SSfd^Xyr. ^'••'^'^"' '''' ""^ '^^"=" -- - perrrtuM Rive'l't'tl'^V ^'?r' '%'" * P'-r'"°*«'"y °» ^ho east side of Oswego d 'Here thfS '!'^- ^'''. ^'^" '^^ "'^"""^ «^""'"«nJ f''« «ii?'; '-^nipline, which always characterizes raw militia j and some idea maj bo for-' i of the condition of our army. The c /"i ' rthe forces on the opposite bank of the river, was in contrast v, i o^.a in every particular. There was a well appointed, and well found army, under the most exact discipline, and coii;manded by skillful and experienced officers. Every important post, from Fort Erie to Fort George, o-s in a defensible state, and the enemy had possessed himself of a very commanding position on the heights of Queenstown, which he was rendering every day more secure and formidable. He had, moreover, the mastery of the lakes, and was at that moment industriously employed in using that advantage to increase his numbers, and add to his supplies at Niagara. Expresses had been sent by Gen. Van llens>( laer to Albany, to represent this stiitn of things, and to urge on the necessary supplies, which in time arrived ui Sackett's Harbor, the nearest depot on the lake : but as the rendezvous of the army was now established hetieecn the two lakes, on the Niagara river, owing to the impossibilities of trans- porting those indispensable articles by land, it became necessary to resort to diplomacy, in order to secure their safe passage through the waters under the control of the enemy. Fortunately an opportunity of a trial of this act soon occurred. An armistice was in course of negotiation. Major General Dearborn wrote that, " Our government had received despatches from England of a conciliatory nature ; to the proposition on the part of Sir George Provost, for a mutual cessation of hostilities on the frontiers, he would comply so far, as to agree to direct the respective conimandinj; officers, to confine their operations to defensive measures for the present." Oen. Van Bensselaer to Oovernor Tompkins. Sir, Buffalo, August 11th, 1812. I have to advise your Excellency that I arrived here last evening, and various consideratiois induced me to "idopt measures for obtaining the most satisfactory information respecting the situation of General Hull Accordingly, I this morning sent my aid-de-canip to Black Rock, having beard that Judge Porter, brother of the Quarter Master General, had lately returned from Detroit. Col. Van Rensselaer has returned, having had a coufuruiicc wiili the Qu;ii'icf Mazier General, and Judge Porter. 'niC amount of information obtained is substantially this. That J udge Porter li ctii river, was in Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 205 left Detroit on the 29th ult., General Hull was entrenching himself on pos|te to Detroit; Fort Maiden was not taken as has been reLr^d GeS eral Hull s force was eight hundred. At Brown's Town, beirw Detroit are fifteen hundred hostile Indians. Quarter Master Gen'eral Po er Sas lately sent several boats with provisions for General Hull: burunforti! nate ly, one boat has been taken by the enemy, and unfavourable annre hensions are entertained for the other boats, if is here geulral f bel eved tha detachments of troops have been sent from Fort George,^ elieve Fort Maiden ; tho nau.ber remaining behind, I have not "bUn able lo ascertain, but shall endeavour to make this an object of early inliry }? 18 said that the enemy abound on the opposite shore, with ordnance and every munition of war. We are, here, as indeed a all of our posts ?a mentably deficien in ordnance. The situation of Ogdensbur"hCd the necessity of supp ying it with heavy ordnance, I have befo estald to your Excellency in my letter by. express from 'that place. Every coj sideration connected with the success of any operations in this quarts urges me to solicit tho earliest possible supply of heavy ordnan^ce and some rkillful engineers and p.tillerists. Without such aid and sunpHes lean hardly conceive how it will be possible for us to achieve anvthn^ f impor ance, or even defend our posts in case of attacks frorjhe^nem? shall, tomorrow, proceed on to Black Rock and Lewiston and mS further communications of every incident of moment the messenger of peace and ^^S^, ^g^ ^ ^ - bespeaks of Fort Maiden as beino- foLpn^'^ t\ • ^^^r^o^""' i" which atiion the subject astha^tre obt:rn;d' 'nSlZeZZ^ iT"^' To His Excellency Governor Tompkins. *° Cornplanter, the venerable Seneca chief did all in liJa r,-.^ . i is race neutral. At the request of the Unired State 'o erZont he?n' duced their influential chiefs, to visit the Indians on thl cITa • talk with them about remaining neutral and brin^ Ko\ ""^ 'Z^^' authorities of the United Stal uTed eve"y efe^l^^^ Jhe ^<^or Loveti to Jouph Atemn/ler. M, dear Friend, Niagara Falls, A«-a,l U 181.> I liopo I may never cease to praise God for lii, LimTln, -n i, , «t'a.ge kind of ,ome,h!„!, whioh'ho was plea ed i^ mer™ ? ^ . ■^. *" e.a,p„si,ion wbioh still co.tinaes to ZuinTe 1^031 aoK,'".""^ 206 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. struck ; which she has continued for ages and ages; and which will pro- bably continue until tliat dreadful moment wlien she will swell it a note louder and expire. Here I have slept, in state with our baggage, on the floor for two nights ; and this makes the third and last. I say in atate, because I have a sentinel the outsid^ my door, and a Cask of Wine the inside ; but I can have no intercourse with either ; for etiquette forbids the former, and the want of a gimlet the latter * * * I now and then get a peep at your Papers, and the most abominable lies which are thrown out are producing such mischief, that I willingly rob myself of sleep to give you the truth, for what I write you may depend on as fact. I wrote to Van Vechten by the last mail the situation of General Hull, I am in- clined to think he is not in a very eligible situation. General Dearborn believes Fort Maiden is taken, he writes so, but it is not true. Now in justification of the movements of our General, who God knows would serve his Country if he could (I made a little sketch of the country &c. where and how Hull is situated, in my letter to Van Vechten, read that and you will see what condition we are in), but how is that possible in our present condition. We have eleven cannon for all our extensive lines, no works of any consequence, except old Fort Niagara, and that, though once a master piece, is all going to decay. From Buffalo to Niagara both inclusive we have not 1000 Militia, Capt. Leonard, of the Garrison at Niagara told me this afternoon, that our Regulars are 360 and no more Wait another sentence, although Gen. Van Rensselaer is inces- santly pressing the Commander-in-Chief ith the indispensable necessity of a competent supply of heavy ordance ; for Engineers ; Artillerists; still a noble company of 106 Artillerists, at Niagara, are in two or three days to take up their line of march for Albany ! This, Capt. Leonard told me this day. After all that you have heard, you will not, you cannot believe nie, but hear me, and wait until the next mail when we shall send the Commander-in-Chief our Inspection Returns of all the Posts. Now as to the enemy : Although they have .sent oflF large detachments. General Wadsworth, who commands at Lewiston told me to day, 1000 from Niagara to reinforce Fort Maiden, yet they appear to be awake all along the lines,'yet exceeding civil, and still with ordnance, of every description, and all the munitions of war they abound. Every three or four miles, on every prominent point or eminence, there you see a snug Battery thrown up, and " the last " saucy arguments of King^ poking their white noses, and round black nostrils right up ia your face, ready to spit fire, ball and brimstone in your very teeth if you even oifcr to turn Squatter on John Bull's land. Niagara, on the British side, or as it is called sometimes, New Ark ; I mean at Lake Ontario, looks wicked every where. It is a charming, fertile, broad village, but all a camp, fortified at every point. Capt. Leonard was this afternoon, in my presence, asked seriously, for his professional answer, as an able, gallant, and experienced officer, What number of Troops would be competent to promise success in an attack upon Fort George, that is, their main work ? I heard the answer " Not less than 2,000 well disciplined Troops. Those who know Leonard will believe, for they must respect his opinion. No sooner did we approach with our cavalcade, than away ran expresses, on the opposite shore at full speed. Here, again I saw our old Friend, the Earl of Moria. While we were reconnoitering the works, the Prince Regent Up sails and stood off North. Now let the reasonable part of the world judge why Gen. Van Rensselaer cannot act. er IS inces- Legacy of Iistorical Gleanings. 207 To-morrow I take our Bagpage to Lewiston, where we shall establish Mr. Jo.eph Alexander. Albany. ^'""' ''"TZ^tt. Journal of the Campaign continued. Sunday, August 16, 1812. n j n . The oftener I get a peep at your Papers, t^^ZtrfTm]^ryT; to give you the correct history of every occurrence which can Dossiblv h« tortured into a he; hut as I must of necessity write in Lat has f Li ing, as It were the time : writin.r on mv knZ m^w ^ f ' ^*®^'' will of course excuse 10,000 bhinder7 bufV^ ' "^ '"y.^"^' ^"'^ hadjomelj a»igaed ».,, that he UpeCed I «a In'Vo'A'r." ■" "'J the open land, a soldier catching his bieath ran un tn n,« T '' ^" *'' "i, two that w^enl Lar eilough^o l.Ye J gH„ cjl V R "^'"^ plaudiof o^c&llw "1 '''^'"'" ^^ ^""^'"^'- ^""^^ amidst%he 208 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. guards had been fired on. And I have just had the honor of answering his letter, to say that 2 men appeared near the American shore under suspicious circumstances, they hailed the opposite shor , and soon a Boat appeared, presumed to be for the object of transporting the two men over; and she was therefore fired upon and the fire returned. Col. Van Rensse- laer decorated with all the pomp of war, as the best sample we could give Canada, has just been over with the letter and returned, that's all. Now one civil question, and your answer to it if you please. Did you ever expect to see me encamped on the Field of Mars, in my own Horseman's Tent, with my board slaw-bunk, 2 blankets, 1 trunk, a brace of Pistols, my valise stuflFed with hay for a pillow, a large tin box at my feet and li round of cartridges for my pistols ? Just so is the fact. Col. V. 11., is on my right and the 2 black boys directly in our rear, and to-morrow we rear the general's Marquee in the centre. I am hearty, eat my allowance, do my duty, am first up, and last in bed. I am happy and respect myself, but the Lord only knows what will become of home. I have not received a cent from any quarter. The General is now going to concentrate all our forces at this place, and order in more. We must soon hear from Hull and Albany, and afi^airs will by and by assume some further cha- racter. Everything is so uncertain that I can say but little. One '^hing I can with great truth say ; nothing but Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer's having the command of this campaign could have saved the service from confusion ; the State from disgrace, and the cause from perdition ; and nothing could have been more fortunate for the General than the man he has at his elbow, for Solomon in /act and truth does know everything which appertains to the economy of a camp — Stop : — Away we must all march, at beat of drum, and hear an old Irish clergyman preach to us. Amen. I have become a perfect machine ; go just where I'm ordered. 9, at night. Huzza ! Huzza ! and tantivy ! we have been all day making out and dispatching orders to Oswego for a Rifle Battalion ; Cayuga for a Troop of Horse ; to Ontario for Bloom's Regiment &c. and now, since dark, comes a memorandum from Capt. Dox, at Albany, of the road full of Troops, Flying Artillery, Infantry &c. and all the Uniformed Companies in the State ! ! ! An express from the Governor General of Canada to Gen. Dear- born proposing au Armistice ! ! ! ! Very well : I've got my Tent, and no one but a better fellow than myself shall oust me. I have, also, just got lib. of Candles ; stuck up one of them in a little 3 cornered kind of a pig- yoke and begin to feel proud. The old Preacher today gave us the whole history of David's battle with Goliath, under what zeal he pushed across the river to Goliah, and told us we should bring his marrow-bones to the ground if we only had faith. We believe he was right, but at the same time, we should like some ordnance heavier than 6 Pounders, otherwise we shall hardly be able to knock off Goliah's armor. Monday Aug. 17th, 3 P.M. Mr. Dickson, a gentleman of respectability from Queenstown, op- posite this, is this moment over with a Flag of Truce. We asked him the News on the Canada shore ? He says, that all the Re-inforcements going from Ohio to General Hull are cut off and destroyed by the Indians from Browns Town, Since writing the above, Peter B. Porter tells me that from information he before possessed, he has no doubt of the fact stated by Mr. Dickson. You have seen me tart, seen me sweet, so I am now. Van Rensselaer or myself been off our legs since I all in motion concentrating, there Not a moment has Col 5 o'clock this morning. is everything to do. \j\xT j.roopH are i ^' ro men over ; Legacy op HisTORrcAL Gleanings. See that my Wife ami chiMron do not droop. It was right for )me, and I cannot thmk of returnin,^ u.uil sJinethl,., comes out c '"T" Wnh a'; "^''^''^Z^ ^^''^^^t'^rlo know how and whore we are Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. j^ Lovktt, come, 209 me to of this r ^ ' nffi^ J'^u ^J!'^ ^^"^"^ midnight, I heard a whoop " Officer of the Guard ! Officer of the Guard !" Out I ran : for to tell the canSruth I have about done with sleep. Reveille, Tattoo, " who comes there ? » '' A friend ''Friend advance and ^ive the countersign," and the d- knows what al , has broke up all the little regularity I eve; had. I am a peJ^ec piece of machinery^ I feel no more like John Lovett than I doHkeGat Van Wie. Wei , this was an express with letters from Gen. Dearborn in: closm. a sort of three legged armistice between some sort of an Adjutant General in behal of the governor general of Canada and the said Gen Dearborn. Also letters to Lt. Col. Myers commanding at For George' In he morning we sent down to Niagara, seven miles,°sent a fla. acrS w h the letters &c. There i« nothing but flag after flag, lettr after letter. Gen. Brock gone, somewhere. Lt. Col. Myers not at h J ^nS "hla^ elH" tT-- ''"^^' '°^">^^^^ ^' Boston'"(br"othef of /aS fcheaffe tell my wife) is now commanding at Fort George. Our General often has to act when responsibility is very hi-h wp c^n rlu council but our little famify : in wLt shl/e th^es^ lets may L" "o another day, I know not : for this reason, if I live, I am deSineTthat the whys and wherefores of all these acts shall remdn on record 'As is work try it who wi From four in the morning until nine or ten at s;air:grtr ""• ' '- '-' '-'-^ ^^- -^ - ^ ^^^r:^ Those who only know Solomon Van Rensselaer in civil life know but more and more the favorite of the whole Camp. Fivf Stes Jo wl returned through the lines, a man had fallen in^a fit: the Gen ral SoklS and felt of him called one of his Mess to go directly with him to his Mar th:i^To?^C:T ''" Pri""' ^ *""'^'^^ ^^ '^-^ Scamp ntTn All ^.t I the soldiers, and being every hour in their view pleases all All the boats which Porter has sent to Gen. Hull are undoubted vcS nff Tfor n! K I T^ ' ^'™'^' ''"'^ bequeathed with their dyin- breath hel r ?f ^"' '\' "r^ ^'"^" "^' ^"••'i^k soup which is poSc oa our' ences, they are not worth mentioning. But for a voice of thunrflr Ir. rouse my sleeping Countrymen. Tell my Wife I love her like a true soldier! Iruly your friend, J. Lovbtt. n arm!.st.!ce had becii concluded between Gen Dearhnrn nnri t^^^ g...r»or gcaeral of Ca„ad» d Gen. Van Ken«laer .aw iUecame ne! 27 ' i"jj i I 210 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. cessary to settle with the commander of the l^iiti^h forces opposite to them, terms of an anaugement for the government of the armies on the Niujjara, during the continuance of the ainiistice. The performance of this duty •was assigned to Col. Van Rensselaer; and at his suggestion he received the authority of Gen. Van Rensselaer to secure if possible the waters of Lake Ontario as a common highway for the purpose of transportation. " The following clause, proposed and insisted on, on the part of the British general, will serve to show how wide of each other were our respc tive views and interests. ' It is moreover to be distinctly understood, that there is not any thing in the foregoing articles, to be construed into granting facilities for the forwnrding of troops, stores, &c., which did not exist before the declaration of the armistice, farther than they are to pass unmolested as therein pr .lOd, in the mode and by the routes assigned to them prior to the cci a^';aof hostilities.' My interview with Gen. Sheaffc, on this mission, y,%L jne full of interest. As was anticipated, the terms proposed by me were met not only with objections, but at first by an unequivocal refusal to accede to them." The result of a protracted discussion, however, was an agreement which confined the restrictions to the movements of troops, stores, &c., to the country above Fort Erie, and left such movements elsewhere, entirely unshackled and free. Before leaving the tent of General Van Rensselaer, my father observed that, *' Our situation is critical and embarrassing, something must be done, we must have the cannon and military stores from Oswego, I shall make a powerful effort to procure the use of the waters, and shali take such ground as will make it impossible for me to recede. If I do not succeed, then Lovett must cross over and carry Gen. Dearborn's order into effect." General Van Rensselaer gave his cordial consent ; but Major Lovett said, " Van, you may as well give that up, you will not succeed." His answer was, " If I do not, it will not be my fault." The colonel in his full military dress, mounted his charger, for the British head quarters, and with the flag of truce crossed the river. He was of course courteously received. He met Gen. SheafFe : Col. Myers and Major Evans of the British army were present at the interview. To the proposition, that no troops should move from that district to join Gen. Brock, Gen. Sheaffe readily agreed ; but when ray father pro- posed to him, the use of the navigable waters as a public highway in common with themselves, as was expected, he replied, " It was inadmissi- ble." Col. Van Rensselaer insisted upon i)is terms which were unequivo- cally refused. He then said to Gen. Sheaffe, '■ There can be no armistice, our negotiation is at an end. General Van Rensselaer will take the re- sponsibility on himself to prevent your detaching troops from this district." The officers all rose upon their feet. General >heaffe clapped his hand upon the hilt of his sword, and in an hostile attitude said, " Sir, you take high ground!" The colonel rose upon his feet, and put himself in a like position and replied, " I do sir, and will maintain it." Then addressing himself decidedly to General Sheaffe, " You dare not detach the troop!" Not another word was uttered. After walking the room for a few mo- ments the general said, " Be seated, and excuse me." He then with liis two aids withdrew to an adjoining room. Shortly after he returned and said, " Sir, from amicable considerations, I grant you the use of the waters." Here the interview closed, perhaps, in polite enmity ! Thus, by the decided tone and judicious management of Col. V. li., the only passage to all the Leqacy of Historical G ^anings. 211 wants of the army was opened contrary to the expectations of even the commander in chief. Major Samuel S, Forman of Syracuse and Jacob Ten Eyck of Cazenovia were lu the camp at Lewiaton, when the express arrived from Gen Dear- born, with the mtelli-ence that an armistice hud been agreed on betweoa him and bir George Provost ; it caused quite an excitement Major Forman wrote : " I happened to be on a visit among our people I saw your gallant father, the finest looking officer I ever beheld, mount his Buchephalus ; then he was in the prime of life, in full court cc.tame and indeed, he made a most martial appearance as he went over to the JJritish side. We all watched for his return with the greatest anxiety • and when at length he came, full speed on his way to head ouarters I met him. ~ ' " He courteously made short halt. I hailed him with, ' Well colonel what success? His reply was, laying his hand on his breast, with a happy aaimated expression, ' To my heart's content, come to head quarters, and i will tell you all about it.' Your father then dispatched messeni^^ers to Sacketts Harbor. The necessary cannon and war implements were put on board of bateaux, and sent on the lake and landed safely at the four mile creek from Fort Niagara, thence to the camp ground without the knowledge of the enemy. What a saving of time and expense to the United btates by this wise and judicious management is incalculable, they could have laid ^yaste miles of our country and returned in safety to their own dominion ! ! ! This most extraordinary manoeuvre and its consequent ettected by the young dragoon (the result of stern discipline and firmness acquired on "the dark and "bloody ground,") was not intended by his political enemies to be known, and has scarcely ever, even at this late day, now sixty-two years, had more than cursory notice, yet his services were ot a peculiarly marked character. Col. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. V^T ^r"?K' u . Lewiston, Niagara, Aug. 21, 1812. VV hat under the Heavens is the reason you do not write to me, I have written from almost every place I have been at, without r«ceivin- a line irom you The only person I have had a letter from is Robert which was dated at Utica, but which gratified me much as I heard from you. and that Rensselaer was safe with Rev. Mr. Huntingdon. Major Forman and Jacob fen Lyck reached this today, the latter informed me he Lad seen you about a fortnight since and that you were all well ; it is unnecessary or me to say how happy it made me. I had only one moment to speak to I im but I shall see him when I have finished this which goes by the mail this evening. When they reached Camp I was mounted on my horse to go over to the British side to conclude an Armistice in which I nave be ,n engaged for three days in conformity to an arrangement made at Albany between Gen. Dearborn and the British Adjutant General I have succeeded to the astonishment and admiration of all ; and until we S hrR^l "^ nffi"' ^^ P'f ' "^l'^ "'''■ °«'Sht,or.<. in my intercourse wi h the British Officers ou the subject of the armistice and from other TZIT r ^''." •nf'J'-med, and I have no doubt of the correctness oUhe information, of an action fought between Gen. Hull and the British at Detroi i„ which our Troops suffered severely. From all wo can learn, u.h euncr been taken, or compeilod to re-cross the river; but in mv negotiations with Major Geu. Sheaffe, Colonel Myers and Major Evans I 212 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. kept up such a hold front that althoutrh General Dearborn's Instructions were confined to their not sending; re-inf'orcenients to act against Ihll I succeeded in getting the use of the waters of tlie Rivers and Lalies. This to the Army and the Merchants is of incalculable value lor future operations ; and this was eifected by a proper disposition of our snuill iorces, and holding out to them moderate but strong language. The Troops before we came here, were scattered along the frontiers, we have concentrated them and are now getting in fine order. They did nothing before, they are pleased in the change, but in making that change I assure you I have my hands full ; we have now eleven Hundred only above Oswego, instead of Tompkins's Jive thousand ; but 1500 more are on the inarch. I am everything to all, and as for my General, he is much pleased with me. The Tatroon at.d Lovctt are well. We all live in our tents, are up at the firing of the morning gun at day break. It is getting too dark to add more, take good care of yourself. Kiss the children for me. God bless you my dear Harriot. Your affectionate Husband, Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope, [" General Brock crossed the Detroit river on the 9th of August, with white and Indian troops, and demanded the surrender of Detroit and Hull's army, at the same time intimating that, in the event of a refusal, the savages would have free rein in the exercise of their bloody method of warfare. Hull was cautious and humane. An intercepted letter as- sured him that a large force of Indians might be expected from Mackinaw. This letter was written at Maiden, as if from' a British agent, and so con- veyed as to fall into the hands of Hull, who was completely deceived by it. Doubtful of his ability to sustain a siege with his limited supplien, and desirous of saving the people in the fort, Hull surrendered, August 16, 1812, the town, garrison, stores, and the Michigan territory, into ihe hands of the British."] In a letter written by Colonel Van Rensselaer to General Wilkinson in reference to the difficulties of their situation, he tells of the negotiations with General Sheaffe. In Gen. Dearborn's instructions was " that no troops shoidd move from the British Niagara district to aid against General Hull, they surrendered to me this important point &c. &c. This armis- tice is most important and highly favorable to us ; and is as much es- teemed as we could desire as securing advantages to our state and the country at large, and our posterity will reap the benefit of our judicious management in this effort." The importance of this arrangement has never been sufficiently appreciated. The immediate and pressing neces- sity for this step on our part, was, that without it, the ordnance and supplies intended for our army, having been collected at Oswego, were not likely ever to reach us; the roads were impassible, especially for heavy cannon, and the highway of the lake was beset by a triumphant enemy. As soon as the negotiation was successfully completed, an ex- press was despatched to Col. Fenwick at Oswego, to move on with his Bunplies with all possible expedition. But General Van Rensselaer was enabled to use this advantage for another purpose, of great importance to the service. No sooner was the way open, than an express was sent to Ogdensburgh vviili an order for the removal of nine vessels from that place to Sackett's Harbor. To this movement was Commodore Chauncey in- debted for the ascendancy which ho ibr a time was enabled to maintain on Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 213 the lake, nnd without which the subsequent descent at Little York coald not Irive been attempted. "-"me i unt coaia Major General Van Itenmlaer to Major General Dearborn. t' I jt. • H^''*^ Quarters, Lewiston, August 21 1819 expected in your letter, have been nbfninoH Ti.J "vumuuie man tnose ..,»t,.rr,ved here, Ih.,ee„„™„„iea£d mjMeaiof ehe fair eo„«rTo non rf Ihe Agreeuiea. and be „ill act i:-„ed4=ly for relUiog Ge"e"i a. V AN KENSBJiLAER. CHAPTER X. Critical Situation op the United States Army. General Orders. It is painful to the Majof Gen?"aTfo"indThl?°' ^"^"'* f 'u^^^^' are so regardless of their duty as o di ^ob y tte ord^Ts'i ^'"'.1 '^' ''''P' ing scattering f -i„g in and ab!,ut the cani.^ This da„t ""us t. d'dl'"'"*' ful practice is once more, and for the las? time prohEd f ^ "" of the line (the guards and sentinels except d) s^hall a W th; T^ T'^ his fire-arms without ordprw, li« ™ill u "^ .^''^*^>' .s"»". a"er this discharge less otherwise Jrde^d aid i^npr^^^^^^^ A^" "* "'«'^' '" '^''' '«"*«, un- S55t:sll3pEH£r meistir'ToVoJrowTirih^^^hh'i^ ''''^'^'"^' ^^^ -^-i^^ve their pieces until M.rZ ''^.^ ^^ n^'*'?^^''' ^}^ S^^'^' will not discharge By order of Mnjor General Van Rensselaer, boL. Van Hensselaeb, Aid-de-Camp. 214 LEOAcy OP Historical Gleanings. General Dearborn to Gen. Van Rentitelaer. Sir, Head Quarters, Greenbush, Aug. 25, 1812. As soon as practicable after the receipt of this, you will please to have the enclosed letter directed to the ComraandinK Officer of the Britinh forces at Fort George, at Niagara, conveyed to him by a flag; and the letter directed to Gon. Hull, you will please to have forwarded to hiiu by express, with as great despatch as practicable ; and at the expiration of four days after the letter is delivered to the British Commanding Officer at Fort George, you will consider the temporary conditional agreement for suspending offensi/o operations between the forces under your com. mand, and the British forces in your vicinity, as no longer binding on either side; and you will act^accordingly ; and you will make every exer- tion in your power for annoying the enemy, as well as to guard against any attack from him. Considerable reinforcements have been sent on from Montreal to strengthen their positions in Upper Canada; and I trust you will very soon receive such additional force from this State, and from Pennsylvania, as will enable you to pass into Canada with safety and effect. A large reinforcement is on its march under Brig. Gen. Dodge, for Sacketts Harbour and Ogdeusburgh, as well as for Plattsburgh. I have ordered thirty bateaux to Niagara, and an equal number to Sacketts Har- bour, and have directed the building of proper scows for the transporta- tion of ordnance. If the enemy should have detached from Fort Georjje, it may afford you an opportunity to strike a blow. I have the honour, &c, P. S. Sir, it will be advisable to wait until the arrival of Lt. Col. Fen- wick with the cannon, and stores shall be rendered certain, within four days, before you send the enclosed letter to Fort George. I presume he must arrive before this reaches you; but it may be otherwise. (Signed) H. Dearborn. Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. M(^or General Van Rensselaer to Major General Sheaffe. Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, August 25, 1812. I have learnt, with regret, that last night a subaltern officer with a few soldiers and citizens, contrary to my orders, passed over from the Ameri- can shore, and on Buckhorn Island, surpritf^d and brought off a sergeant and five men, with a boat. Early this morning, I ordered the ser-eant and men released, and the boat restored to them. I have the honour, &c. Major General Sheaffe, Commanding, &c. S. Van Rensselaer. Major General Isaac Brock to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Head Quarters, Fort George, 25th August, 1812. Major General Sheaffe having communicated to me your letter of this date, addressed to him, I seize upon the first moment to express my thanL for the measures you have adopted to prevent the possibility of any mis- understanding which might have arisen in consequence of the unautho- rized act of one of your subaltern officers. It was not until my arrival at Fort Erie, late in the evening of the 23d instant that I learnt that a ces- sation of hostilities had been agreed upon, between General Dearborn and Sir George Provost ; and I, in consequence, despatched early yesterday Trinming. an express to Amherstburgh, ordering a cessation of all offensive operations against the United States, in that quarter ; and likewise to Leoacy of Historical Gleanings. 215 X^Sll '""""'' '" '"''""""« '^' '"'^'""« ''^-" committing any acts The fortune of war having put me in possession of Detroit and its de- pendenc.es a «mali garrison has been ordered to occupy the Fort the chief jhject wh.ch was to afford protection to the inhabitants of t^e IWo^i^y LiToLln'r"^' " ''''''-' ' -P^ of a Proclamation which I issue":;:^; 1 nave the honour, Ac, Major General Van Rensselaer, commanding Lewiston^'"'''" ^^''''''' Oen. Van Renmelaer to General Dearborn. ^"t'i *i, 1. ^''^«> >■ ^ot but be proud of his handsome looks and manly bJaJIng; tiie ufmistice, we could 216 TjEaACY OP Historical Gleanings. n 1 1 !:| Ml •• When IIuH's army was inarehoil past \in, thoro worn insinuations that Gen. Van Rcnssoiaer would do the like, but notwitliHtandin^ m11 the reports, (lol. Van Rensselaer kept the troops every day ut close drill and field duty, ho was constantly amonj; them. Homo of thefluspoctcd otlieers discovered that his ea^lo eye was upon iheni ; ho wo'. generully feared aud lovod ; and it was owin<^ to his unflinching firmness that there was not a mutiny in camp, and that the militia did not disband themselves and go homo, as was the case after ho was wounded. The disastrous fortune of Hull, together with several other reverses to our arms, up to this time, had a very dispiritin^i effect ;:pon the army collected at Lewiston. Beside this, it was ascertaine < that there were persons in the camp, busily en- gaged, either from political or selfish motives, exciting this discontent and in promulgating doctrines which had the tendency of producing coiiscien- tiom scruplcif among the men, against crossing into Canada. " When (Jen. Brock with all the force ho could draw from the upper country arrived, he intended to take Fort Niagara, but the cannon and military stores had arrived and been judiciously disposed of, we showed a bold front, and no attack was made. Yet their ditficulties were many, for the great deficiency of all the necessary munitions for war curtailed their movements. There were about fifty or sixty Schenectady boats loaded with heavy cannon and stores at Oswego not wishing to enter further on the lake for fear of the British ships but after the cessation of arms, they all passed safely -in, as also the vessels with which General Dearborn and the lamented Pike made the attack upon York. If Gen. John Armstrong or i>ny man of the same political clique, in favor with the government, had commanded at Queenston, he would have been promptly and pro- perly supplied with all necessary articles for use and defense, but with the present officer, every thing had been curtailed. The agreement re- garding the armistice and use of the waters of the lake, as a common course, was signed on the 21st of August; this important service which was only gaineo ^" the firmness of the soldier's friend, gave us the com- mand of Lake Onf : o, and by the safe arrival of the cannon and military stores enabled us tv maintain our position. " It was supposed that Gen, Hull was in possession of Maiden, when the lamentable news arrived of Gen. Hull's treachery and the capture of his army. This indeed was a groat damper to the United States troops, and what added to the mortification, on the 25th of the same month General IJrock at the head of his British troops had been seen, on the opposite side of the river, within a quarter of a mile of us, conducting along the heights of Queenston Gen. Hull and his American army ; marching these prisoners of war triumphantly along in full view of the United States troops laying at Lewiston !! " Never did I see such vehement excitement and distrust on the part of our troops, the idea spread through the camp that Hull had sold thearmj. No doubt but this had some efi'ect upon the militia of the United States declining to reinforce their brothers in the battle on the 13th of October. " After the disgraceful fall of Detroit and surrender of Gen. Hull, there were strong symptoms of distrust among the troops, and it was used by political leaders as a fire-brand to inflame passions and undermine the influence of General Van Rensselaer. The chaplain fr ^uently noticed such reports in his sermons, and would advise them nc i ♦car, and pledged his life to the troops that they would never be hu.ml, but the unlortuniite im- pression was not removed, and great alarm was felt by the inbaL' -snts. Legacy of ilrsToiiiOAL GLEANiNoa 217 A letter receivo.1 from Albany Htnto-l : " I ,„uMt toll you a ridiculous r^- port IM cn-euh.t.un, ;„„! very u.uel. cuHlitcl, which Mu.luine Uui.mr says , 'f'«..rrsri':r>l,L'-?l'i!r'*''--Ji t'o havi,.- «eou Mr. Lovott run to av.^d :l,Xl^T!:^^l,'^?n^^^^^tr Ht'" ''^"^'"'^'"'J/I'tM. from (JrcKory'H, which IngatC'apo . „j ^„,„ wiOi tho new Htoainer T. srKaxtoti'f.'Ir I Ali-xaudrln Bay. "*'"" '""^ ij and lurormation apply to WErtLEY ED J. W. MOAl^, Oen/supt ■, Otm'I Ticket Xgrnt. ^ St . , , ■ '""" 'J»i'-^'"iy N, wnici .v" piitroon lias (loHurted hi» post and is con- •'you here with uh ! Mr. Van Vechteu .says: DUHkod about it!' " «lonH8eIaer acted on the certain knowledge and Albany Railroad. ■"""''" " ^'eseent unon (innmiii ..f fv... „..„i:„.4 Pa«s«ngor Nov. 1st, 1875. [ Moni.uv, - . I IfavB tm follows. ,, Ixvn-m Train, WaKuor'o Col,>brat..d mhfs Bttoehed, ttopping at Chatliam, Iw ,Sprlnfrfl«!d. KprlnKfleUr i.^im,.rrw IW.irci'dter, Hoiith Frnnilu(?haui, arriVo In |i«A. u. TljiH train wtU nui daJlV WayTmIn, stopping at all Stations, ar- |on at .).30 p. t(. ^ ""^ :iprcM Train, Wagner Parlor Drawlua i;„fn^u! f?^^hS i** KInderhook, Rttiint-lcl, HIiKidalH, Chester, Huntlnirtmi SpringllHd, Palmer, West Brt, 1 06, 2. A ^.SM and 10.45 p. m. J>om ,Ja.ii. Albany, Nov 1, 1875 W^^J'h Suporliitendent, SprlnirfleW stmako a descent upon Canada at tho earliest t neither the ^'overniuent nor tho country Dh defensive nioaauros .nly. Notwithstand- D^iid of hi,s nosition, after he reached the B,hat notliinj,' could bo attempted, at leas, sooed hi,s own condition was critical in the n,to defend himself in case of attack was , "lor of this entire district, hal been ordered I S'lnHtructions of the 1st of A ist, to make taill, at Niagara. There was .reparation sjtt Ins order. Hefore Gen. \ ■, Rensselaer rtpk was on his way, with a competent force abe Niagara, to moot Gen. Hull, leavin- be- B^ndantly sufficient, with the reinforcements 8ve protection of tho posts he had left, against B,i>een made on them on our part; sufficient ^';o8siblo to carry the war to the American yospect of advantage and success, j^cceoded the disgraceful fall of Detroit and Mudition and prospects of the army were, on wi^ Ihcro was, in nearly all this time, every ^.very thing indicated great activity on the L, , r — •"•• eoorsome signal blow. In the condition of " ■ ■?AteL'^vir,Vl?'*'^"" '""^ a* ^''P''''' '•'"' ^""•'^ ^'^ the first object. It IS bol.everfffl!lVd>l attach J. .'nly prevented by tho shoiv of defense which wa set up. The mess house w... unroofed and mounted with cannon and a ba tery was planted on the bank of the river above the fort, while' in case of a hostile attempt, the safety of the troops wa8 attempted to be rCr> d^'rei" """' '""^ '"' '''"'""^ ^'"^ ''''^''' ' distance' from the mJ^' "'T'^' """f "Pf" '.'^f. ^'•'^P' ""^'^'' ^'' co»i"iand to make every cfto t in per ecting that du.cipline on which they must rely for their own wl^ilig!'' ''"'^ """''^' '^"^"^''"^ ''''' ^"--^-^ -ybeTt Major General Brock's Proclamation. llZ'^t'Tf"'' ^-'^ t'^D ^'"'''^ *^''l' '^^^J'^'- C^e^eral commanding his Ma esty s forces in the Province of Upper Canada, &c., &c ^ jyhrrea, the Territory of Michigan was this day by capitulation c<.rlp.J r e^i-ir t '" f '■'""''^ '^"J^n^ without any o'the'r conditio t^^^ pro eetion of private property; and wishing to give an earlv nron ',.?*? ijoderation and justice of the govornment,^ do he oby aimo'unc to al! the inhabitants of the said Territory, that the law. heret^oforeL eSstlce 28 UB lae cum- ^h , .. — _ and military ■fa[8 ano Kudsofl Canal Co. 216 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. " When Hull's army was inarched past us, there were insinuations that Gen. Van Rensselaer would do the like, but notwithstanding all the reports. Col. Van Rensselaer kept the troops every day at close drill and field duty, he was constantly among them. ono Hundredth Birthday, discovered that his eagle eye was upon thei Mrs. Gen. Hendrick Van Rensselaer, for loved ; and it was owing to his unflinchin; of this city, celebrated her one hundredth bii mutiny in camp, and that the militia did at Randolph, Cattaraugus county, a few home, as was the case after he was wound since. The interesting celebration of Mn Hull, together with several other reverses Rensselaer's Centennial birthday tookplj had a ve'ry dispiriting effect upon the army the residence of her son, Dr. D. 8. Vp , this, it was ascertained that there were p laer, with whom she has resided fortho— gaged, either from political or selfish motiv, y^^- ^- Van ^^^^ is now in W in promulgating doctrines which had the t year. Many hundred friends andacq, . ' ^ .1 ■ i „„„„, from far and near paid thoir respects t ttous scruple^ ^mon?: the men, against cros. ^^^^ recipient of anuXo " When Gen Brock with all the force „,^,„toes. including an elegantly bol. country arrived, he intended to take l^ort «xhree Score and Beyond," andanili, military stores had arrived and been judicK j^^^^ ^^ one end of which was a larg«, bold front, and no attack was made. Yet t surrounded with lilies of the valley the great deficiency of all the necessary mi from those flowers and creeping over movements. There were about fifty or a were the various cereals in all stages o( with heavy cannon and stores at Oswego n and the words, "As are thy days, so the lake for fear of the British ships but al strength bo." Among those present at all passed safely on, as also the vessels with bration from this city were Mrs. C. v. r, the lamented Pike made the attack upon Y Miss Lansing and Mr. K. V. R, Lansii or any man of the same political clique, reception began at ten in thomomiiig had commanded at Queenston, he would not close untU ten at night. In the era parly supplied with all necessary articles f Edwards, of Chamberlahi Institute, the present officer, every thing had been (P^^oP^^tefddress, in which he recomtd garding the armistice and use of the wat^"'^ ^^^'^""^ ^^^'^^^ f^^f^^ * . ^ ° . , *u oi * „f A „ „.,„(.. Bensselaor had possed. At the conelusioo course was signed on the 21st of August ,^^ "Old Hundred" wassungand was only gained by the farmnes-s of the s«^%^y dinpersod with a benediction, i< maud of Lake Ontaiio, and by the sate arri'^ •' . stores enabled us to maintain our position. rpj^g city p^^j,, " It was supposed that Gen, Hull was in pv,>.BcoBiun ui luaiuen, wnen tne lamentable news arrived of Gen. Hull's treachery and the capture of his a-my. This indeed was a great damper to the United States troops, and what added to the mortification, on the 25th of the same month (ieneral Brock at the head of his British troops had been seen, on the opposite side of the river, within a quarter of a mile of us, conducting along the heights of Queenston Gen. Hull and his American army ; marching these prisoners of war triumphantly along in full view of the United States troops laying at Lewiston !! "Never did I see such vehement excitement and di;4rust on the part ot our troops, the idea spread through the camp that Hull had sold the army. No doubt but this had some effect upon the militia of the United ^States declining to reinforce their brothers in the battle on the VMh of October. '' After the disgraceful fall of Detroit and surrender of Gen, Hull, there were strong symptoms of distrust among the troops, and it was used by political leaders as a fire-brand to inflame passions and undermine the influence of General Van Ren.sseiaer. The chaplain freciuontly noticed such reports in his sermons, and would advise them not to fear, and pledged his life to the troops that they would never be Jful,'r' "'« benediction. / <. Legacy of Historical GiEANiNGa 217 A letter received from Albany stated : " I must tell you a ridiculous re pon in circulation, and very much credited, which Madame Rumor savs the governor has propa-ated ; he having seen xAIr. Lovctt run to avoid meeting his excellency, first from Lewis's and then from Gre-ory's which induces ma.iy to believe that the patroon has deserted his pos"t aud'is con- cealed safely at bis home, and you here with us ! Mr. Van Vechten savs- 'it is no joke, I am frequently asked about it!'" ' From the first. Gen Van Rensselaer acted on the certain knowled-e that It was expected of him to make a descent upon Canada at the earliest possible period, he knew that neither the government nor the country was prepared to be satisfied with defensive measures only. Notwithstand iDg this, the first_ glance he had of his position, after he reached the frontier, showed him at once, that nothing could be attempted, at least for a considerable period Indeed his own condition was critical in the extreme, and even his ability to defend himself in case of attack, was more than doubtful. ' Gen. Dearborn, the commander of this entire district, had been ordered by the secretary of war, in his instructions of the 1st of Au-ust to make a diversion in favor of Gen Hull, at Niagara. There was no preparation to do anything efi-ectual under this order. Before Gen. Van Rensselaer reached the frontier. Gen. Brock was on his way, with a competent force withdrawn from his posts on the Niagara, to meet Gen. Hull, leavin- be- hind him, however, a force abundantly sufficient, with the reinforcements they were then receiving, for the protection of the posts he had left a-ainst any attempt which could have been made on them on our part • sufficient even to have made it quite possible to carry the war to the' American side of the river, with every prospect of advantage and success. During the month which succeeded the disgraceful fall of Detroit and surrender of Gen. Hull, the condition and prospects of the army were, on the whole, but little improved. There was, in nearly all this time everv reason to expect an attack. Every thing indicated great activity on the Bri i..h side, and preparation for some signal blow. In the condition of J^ort jNiagara, it was natural to suppose that would be the first object It IS believed that an attack was only prevented by the shoio of defense which was set up. The mess house was unroofed and mounted with cannon and a battery was planted on 'Jie bank of the river above the fort while' m case of a hostile att..mpt, the safety of the troops was attempted to be provided for, by a new road cut through the woods at a distance from the river, in the rear. " The general calls upon the troops under his command to make everv effort in perfecting that discipline on which they must rely for their own safety and for their country s honour, in that crisis which may be last approaching." ■' Major General Brock's Proclamation. ^l°f 'rf^on h>/ Isaac Brock, Esq., Major General commanding his Majesty s forces in the Province of Upper Canada, &c., &c "^ f/imm the Tevntory of Michigan was this day by capitulation cedp.l anus of his Britannic Majesty without any othi co^EThanlhe p oection of private property ; and wishing to give an early proof of the moderation and justice of the government. I do herobv unnun„.« I A^ tlio innabitauts of the said Territory, that the laws heretofore iu existence 28 218 Legacy op IIistorical Gleanings, shall continue in force until his Majesty's pleasure be known ; or so long as the peace and safety of the said Territory will admit thereof; and I do hereby also declare and make known to the said inhabitants, that they shall be protected in the full exercise and enjoyment of their religion : of which all persons, both civil and military will take notice, and govern themselves accordingly. All persons having in their possession, or hav- ing knowledge of any public p nerty, shall forthwith deliver in the same, or give notice thereof to t'u iicer commanding, or Lt. Col. Nichol who are hereby authorized to receive and give proper receipts for the same. OflScers of militia will be held responsible that all arms in posses- sion of militia men, be immediately delivered up; and all individuals whatever, who have in their possession arms of any kind, will deliver them up without delay. Given under my hand at Detroit, this sixteenth day of August, 1812 and in the fifty-second year of his Majesty's reign. ' ' (Signed) Isaac Brock, T „ ^A true copy. Major General. J. Mac Donell, Lt, Col, Militia, P. A. D. C, Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. Dear Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, August 26, 1812 Yesterday I wrote you, Mr. Van Vechten and Col. Westerlo, but what I wrote I cannot say : it was a day of turmoil, mortification and humilia- tion through our Camp. Such a flood as the consequences of Gen. Hull's surrender poured in upon us that it required considerable nerve to meet every thing: and unluckily. Col. Van Rensselaer had gone to Buffalo to make some arrangements with Swift's Regiment which is getting down fast with sickness, and I might say too great a want of discipline. Yes- terday, the first we saw was a guard of about 50 men passing with some waggons on the opposite shore : it was the victorious Brock "returning to Fort George. He sent over Col. McDonald, his Aid-de-Camp, and Major Evans, two strapping lads in scarlet, gold and arms, to make a Communi- cation to General Van Rensselaer. I went to meet them at an Inn near the shore to learn their pleasure; but finding it was general and verbal-, It could not be received. They were, however, very modest, very respect- ful ; and altho' I constantly barred any communication, they still kept bow- ing and saying that "Gen. Brock only wished to acquaint Gen. Van Rens- selaer " of this, and that, and that &c. &c. In this way they convinced nie that Brock had not learnt any thing of the Armistice until he arrived in this Neighbourhood. That but a very small force was left behind, that Brock, learning the Armistice felt very friendly disposition «&c. I made my best bow, and scraped as fast as I could ; but a poor j9maediately to Detroft That^bou?" 000 K-^ & des.rous of marching im- to re-entorce Genl. Hul & it wa honed^hT iT ^n'"" '^'''' "'"^^ of Indians under Tecumseh Jho if L.« ^ ^°"'^. ^"" '° ^'^^ » P^^ty had left J)etroit to take F^rt Wav;e Mr BetT'^V'""' '''' P"^ '"^^«' ... M^orCuylerhas taC th J S^.S ^^ ^^^Iji-r St Maj. Genl. Van Rensselaer. ^'"'^ '"P\^;!)i"^ « , i'h'Vm B. POKTER. (?e«. Van Rensselaer to Governor Tompkins. ^Presuming that the surrendfr'ofV^er/rH^?'''""' ^"^^ ^^' ^812. announced to your Exce ency thr«^^^^^^^^^ has been otBcially enter into my Ltaiirupon the ev^^^^^^^ pr«per channel, I shall not consequence must be XveryVhere but 'h-''"' '" «»•• country : its upon these frontier., both toYe^Tizent nl^^e^t^ S tr'"^ coraniand. A arm nervadp*) tlio /.^n„» j i- '^'^'^ "nder my They are ineessanVpressin^fbr furChs'n*^/ ''"■''' """"^"S the troops! Ma/y are without iL TZ.^^ZtrZ T^ possible pretenk regin,ent at Black Bock are about one fourtK.r^J^^ "''tT''- ^^"^'^ Doctor Brown to associate Doctor Ch pin w^th^h^maTd to ^'"''.'''^^'^ sefving the health ^Z^^^:"::^:!''^^^^^^ P- performmg. -^"'^ uuty they are now While we are thus growing daily weaker m,r «»-.»„ • They hold a very commanding poIitTon on tU if- t^ " ^?^'°" «*''°°Ker. town, and they are daily s renSeninrti i^^ ^' •'""'^ '^^^^^ Q"e«°«- ord.anu.. Indeed, they are fort i?v,f ^^''"'«'^cs ,n it, with men and tron.rortErie,toFortGeorle A?n?p/'r'' ''''^ P''^"''''^"* point, but should hostilities t rec;;Letlrri:t [rl"^^^^^ the armirtice po«.t,o„. I receive no reinforcement of tneT no orTn^n!^ '^'"^'-"'-^ the,.rLn,atNiaglrandteTrsr/kn^^^^^^^^^ ■- ^^^ to camp. Being satisfied that they were AmerTcnn oT ^^ "''! •'" "^ gence, and some standing in sociPtv T r,^ •!! / *."'^"'' '"^'^ "^ 'itelli- orders to report themseh-fs^VyrCCr' ^" '^ ^"^ ^"' "^'^ ^eJ:::::^:n:5^;;^Si^tf ^ t---^ with my ot General Hull's army who marohpThv ^ ' ^''^ »»^«'-t"nate soldiers Canada, are very destil^te of TotS 'e y^"?, ^-V*"" ^"^ ^« ^«-- tbatsoo^e attention should be paid Jo' theirco'ditJ^f ''''''" ^''"^'^ ""-g^ His Excellency Governor Tomp^'i'r ''""" ^''•' " "? 1 224 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. The Captain Jenninj^s mentioned in the above letter " made himself famous, at one time, for his poetical order on Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins, ■which has been related as follows : The officers had met to prepare a re- quisition letter to the governor, for two field pieces. " While discussing the form in which to address so distinguished a man, one of the judges, at that time doing duty on the bench, made a bantering wager with Capt Jennings that the ordnance could be procured on an order, the form of which should be dictated by him. The judge walked up to the desk, seized the pen and forthwith produced the following. ' Great Daniel D., we send to thee For two great guns and tiimmings : Send them to hand, or you'll be d — d. By order of Capt. Jennings.' " This of course created a good deal of amusement; and though it was not officially sent to the governor, as the ordnance was obtained through a regular order, the story was too good to be kept ; the governor, who was fond of a good joke, in some way learned of the incident, and was also av;are that his friend the judge, had a hand in it. Some of the oflBcers in this company were rewarded for gallant services in the war, by promo- tion, and they, with others, sent to Albany for their commissions. On calling for them at the proper office, the judge learned that they we reull made out and lacked only the signature of the governor. To facilitate the business he offered to take them himself to his excellency, who, on receiving them, placed his autograph to the documents, one after the other, till coming to one belonging to Capt. Jennings's company, he stopped and very gravely inquired : ' Is this by order of Capt. Jennings.' " " The company lately under the command of Captain Jennings, in Lieut. Col. Swift's regiment, had become so clamorous for pay, and con- tended so strenuously that their time had expired, that I have ordered them to be dismissed, in the opinion that this would meet your excellency'' spprobation. I was strengthened by learning from Brigadier General Brown, that Lieut. Col. Bellinger's regiment, who were on the same standing in service, at Sackett's Harbour, have been discharged by your order." Col. Van Rensselaer to his icife. Dear Harriet, Lewiston 1st September, 1812. I wrote you yesterday from this place by the mail, in which letter I gave you an account of all that was passing here, this day we received an Express from Genl. Dearborn that the Armistice was at an end. But at the time he was despatched from Green Bush they knew nothing of the Surrender of General Hull and his Army, and what effect that informa- tion will have on the measures of a weak and despicable General and Government, time only will determine. We shall at all evento go on and make all the arrangements in our power to meet the Crisis which in all probability is approaching. If nothing is done it will not be our fault, but that of Government; by Express and by almost every IMail the Governor and Genl Dearborn have been informed of our situation * * * The express Lt. Smith returns immediately to Albany by whom I send this, I could not let him leave this without again expressing my anxiety for your health and h!i])piness. I am all solicitude on your account and wish Kincerely T was with you until thiit oertuiu e cut wasovor. but keep up your spirits and think of your children and me. I hope happier and r, the form of Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 225 more comfortable times will attend us. Our General is more than fond of me, he leaves everytlung to me and has not on any occasion found fault; he is very amiable and I can truly say of him, what he has on many occasions said ot me that " I did not know the man." Lovett and myself \m like Brothers, and ,f I could be but informed of your true situation I should be happy as far as tho late unhappy event at home would suffer me to be, but the Clover-lot is ever before mo. Kiss the children for me and attend to your health, llemember me to ali friends and believe me in whatever situation I am placed, I am ever the same to you, your affec- tionate & sincere '' ' •' Mrs. Van llensselaer. Mount Hope. ^^^' ^^^ Renssklaeb. On September 1st four or five vessels arrived at Fort George with troops from Montreal and the enemy, flushed with victorv, were every moment on the alert. '• They hold a very commanding position over abovi us in Queenstown, and are strengthening it with men and cannon In- deed every prominent point from Fort Erie to Fort George looks saucy." Colonel Fenwick had not arrived, when orders were received from Gen Dearborn, to put an end to the armistice. He was, however, as it turned out, then approaching hn I am placed, 1 am your affectionate and Sincere friend. lion. Abraham Van Vechten, Esq., Albany, N. Y. Mrs. Van Hensselaer to Iter Husband. My Dear Solomon, Mount Hope, Sept. 6th, 1812. ihe enclosed first effort of a letter by our dear boy Rensselaer, is so expressive of the child's feelings, I must copy it and say as he does " I know not what to write." I am much pleased with this first production of his pen, and had better send it for your gratification. bamuel says, he was well satisfied to stay at school and that Rev. Mr wuntington had a great opinion of his abilities, which he thought had not b en sufficiently improved, but was sure that after awhile he would be wfj.?- u7''u- Ho^ cheering for a moment to my poor afflicted neart, which has been so excessively oppressed, has had no comfort since mat tiding hour when the most awful of nil nyxv rn«p" /.oln^jf;.,. v^e^u US, ana then your departure with great anxiety on your account gives an 228 Legacy of Historical Qleaninos. til additional weight. The innumerable porplexities in which your absence at this season involves me, with t!ie fiirnj work, ciuinot in Hpite of every effort banish from my mind's eye, the iiwful, the (liHtressing Hil« ZSZT-- P^" Pr ?"^"« «'« patient,Vtriotic and ex edTngt 1 real truth th^'^'^'i'; they swear //e can't be bribed, and to toll /ou ZL w ' ^", ^«">^^^« >8 all that saves us from every sort of dis- w can^BuVc d' «f "^''^^^l' "'^^ '^^'-"'"-d ^o act a^s no-ir ^t^ s we can. But God only knows how wo shall come out, A "reat fever ^^ com.ng on, I understand, but no pay, no shoes, no any thbg': afternoon'" Thlr ^'w' ''. ^^'-^ " T'*"^ ^'*'^ '^« Tuscarora Tribe this n 1? w ^ Armistice terminated at 12 o'clock, and no movement is •"ade. We are all well, Don't be alarmed. Wo shall never d^^'race oul- 280 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. selves, Albany or our Country. Don't let my Wife get alarmed, I shall eat my New Year's Dinner with her if she is not starved out. Yours truly, Abraham Van Vechten, Esq., Albany. John Lovett. Hon. AbraJiam Va7i Vechten to Solomon Van Eensscl T,er. Dear Sir, Albany Septembtr 10, 1812. I saw Harriet on Sunday. She & Adaline dined with us. Sanders Bays the Family are all in good health. Harriet will write you. The depression of her Spirits is not removed, tho' I trust considerably allevi- ated. Her fortitude does not fail her, and her avocations occupy every moment of her time. She wishes you to send me a line for Rensselaer. Your Situation is I fear critical. At least so we apprehend here. But it is attributed to the true cause, and the result, if disastrous, will be charged to the acct. of those who ought to answer for it. Remember my Friend that the honor of a Soldier is not to be maintained in battle only. Sound discretion is an essential part of true valor; when more real good is to be attained by a timely & safe retreat than by fighting every consideration of military duty requires that the former course should be adopted. Beware of being HuU'd is the admonition of all your Friends, but I add, do net forget that an unequal & disadvantageous conflict may involve equal dis- grace, because it may draw upon you the imputation of rashness. Should it eventuate in a severe defeat the consequences 'ill be more extensively calamitous. Your troops want every thing, except I hope personal Cour- age, to cope with the force amassing against you want of discipline will make a defeat dreadful, because it cuts oiF every hope of rallying. We hope no news beyond what the papers which the bearer takes and my letters to Lovett contain. Yours Sincerely. Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Head Quarters Lewiston. Capt. 1. Whistler to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, Presque Isle 11th Sept., 1812. On the 8th inst. I arrived at this place with my family, myself in a bad state of health, at present I feel much better and tomorrow shall pro- ceed on my journey for Pittsburgh. Please accept of my warmest thanks for the civilities I have received from you. On my arrival at Black Reck I made application to Genl. Porter for a waggon j he made every effort to procure me one but failed. He then sent the same one you sent with me; and I must confess the driver is the best man I had ever known in the public service, a human man, he treated my family with every attention, he left here on his return on the ninth. This moment I have seen a letter from Genl. Wadsworth jf the State of Ohio to Genl. Keler of this Post, in which he mentioned the capture of Fort Dearborn at Chigkaga, and nearly all the Garrison put to the sword, and the enemy are now erecting a Garrison at the rapids of the Miamy, and a large Force of Indians are on their way against Fort Wayne and Vincennes in great expectation ot success. The enemy have left four of the 24 Pounders at Maiden ; the other 5 24 pounders they have shipped to Fort George this is all the News I have Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 231 at present to communicate, the latter I expect you ou^ht to be made ac qua.nted w.th. I tluuk from the large body of" Indiana wWc have Ue to ttit oojonel an. all the Gentlemen of your Army & believe me &c &c. n . -iTT-i • , ^- Whistler. Capt. Whistler was an old revolutionary officer, was taken with fipn Hull, paroled landed with wife and six children at'Porfc Niagara Gen v' R^entapubhc wagon w.th him to Black Rock he was bound for Pitrs: M ^'IJ^^l^'''''''''''' '" (^^^^ralLevns- Gloomy State of Affairs at L/ npon the hack of that disaster which has befallen the one at Detroit, icould stamp a stigma ujion the national character which time coidd never wipe aioay. I shall therefore try to hold out against superior force and every disadvantage, until I shall be rein- forced. I am happy to learn that the money to pay off the troops is at hand. The information cheers our ^^amp. I announced it in orders this morning ; I hope they will soon realize their expectations, for in truth their wants are many. I have the honour, &c. His Excellency Governor Tompkins. Major Lovctt to Joseph Alexander. Dear Alexander, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 22d Sept., 1812. I have lately received two letters from you, and thank you kindly for them : in our situation, letters from friends, come like the cooling stream to a famishing Pilgrim in a desert of sand. General Van Rensselaer is well aware of the critical situation he is in : it has been announced to him from all quarters; from the highest to the lowest authority: he sees it, feels it every hour. But, after all, having taken into consideration the incalculable consequences which must result from falling back from his present position, he has determined to risk events. In the last general deliberation which was had upon the subject, he sat and heard all that was said, then rising up he said " No, what loiU the world think ice are made of? No : I'll DIE before I'll quit this (jround, and there's no more to k said about it." And there has been no more said about it. The enemy appear to be in a state of preparedness to give, or receive an attack. Every day or two they make some movement which indicates dispositions to attack us immediately. Night before last every ship they have on Lake Ontario came into the mouth of Niagara River, then, to be sure, we thought it time to look out for breakers. But yesterday when Col. Van Rensselaer went over with a Flag to Fort George, there was not a Ship in sight, nor a General Officer there, where gone, we know not. Not- withtitanding the most positive orders un both sides, our Sentinels have kept up almost a constant warfare for a month past. Ou the Bank of the River Musket Balls are about as thick as Whippowills in a summer's evening. A wretch tired the othei' evening, at Judge Barten and niyselt Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 237 as we wore settinj; upon our horses on the bank the shot came in a cor- rect hno but fell 30 rods short, in the Ri v,;r. Last Saturday mornin-' one ol' our lads returned the Compliment : and put his ball so quick th'^-o' a lad's head un the other side that he fell dead without even winkine Over came Lieut. Col. Myers with whom I had the honor of an hour's confe- rence on the bank, both talked it largely uuJ returned good i, 'lows In short we are all fire and powder on both sides the lliver, and every day that passes without blood seems to iie m .o and more strange. We have made the best possible dispositions of the force we have to meet an attack if )t comes, I am very certain there will he some old fashioned fi.rhtin-' we can t help it ; for in truth, we can't run mva>/ vfhhontjiffhtmquud "l beheve this is the best way to post an army of raw Troops. It is now about eleven days we have lain in this situation. It has become as much a matter of course to fix my papers and prime my Pistols when I go to bed, as it is to pull off my Roots. Aud after all, T annot tell whether they tciU attack us or not- but if they do not they iue certa.iily governod by some considerations of policy which they may consider of more importance than cutting up a little 2 000 Army. Time must det mine. We are promised reinforcements by com- panies, Battalions, Regiments, Brigades, and I might almost say Armies • but not a single v m has joined us in some weeks. Besides, our men here are getting down very fast within liirce or four days. This mornin" Report of Sick was 149. Wo have lately had the most tremendous storm of cold rains and wind that i ever saw at this season of the year it was eno' to make an Ox quake. The wind was terrible, hail, li.'h'tenin.' thunder and the whole array of terrors seemed pressed into requisition' Many tents blew up and over; the Generals Marquee was deluded bed and all drenched. My Tent hooks gave away ; I jumped out of my Blanket, in quick time, t( iive my Papers, stood in my shirt-tail for half an hour, holding the sides together, until I had not a dry thread to bra" of; and when I went to my Blankets, they were as wet us myself how^ ever, I made the best of them thro' the night. 0, the glorious life and the innumerable comforts of Soldiers ! ' Give Mrs. Lovett the enclosed, it contains an impression of General Brock's Seal, with his most appropriate Motto, " //e tvho c/uards, never iileeps." The Campaign will wind up with some very interesting occur- rences I think, I begin to see how the crisis is forming. We shall invade C««(u/«. Come what may you may be assured we shall not disgrace Albany. Do write often. 1 entirely agree in opinion with Gen V R who on reading your last letter made this observation " He writes more like a Gentleman than any of them " and added " I had no idea he was such a man !" there's for ye : and no man knows better, or more hi'^hiy appreciates the character of u true bred Gentleman than that same General I had no idea of his perfect finish in Etiquette. I am your friend, John Lovett. I 288 Lbqaoy of Historical Gleaninqs. i\fi CHAPTER XI. Battle on Quebnston Heights. Cd. Marinus Willett to Maj. Oen. Van Rensselaer. I>ear Sir, New York, 25th Sept., 181?. I should before this have offered my services to you, had I not been apprehensive that the infirujities of age, which cause me to fear I mi"ht be burdensome, prevented me; but tho' I cannot enjoy that satisfaction I trust you will not be displeased with my addressing you with a few ob- servations on the subject of Indian warfare. In the summer of the year 1763, soon after the disbanding of the army, General Washington visited the frontiers of our State : on this occasion I accompanied him ; and as we were traveling along the Mohawk River, the devastations that had taken place there introduced the subject of Indian Warfare. I signified to the General my disapproval of the Virginia mode of fighting Indians by the men taking to trees, and fighting the Indians in their own way, which would continue for a number of hours, with no great advantage on either side. It was remarked that the Indians, who were generally furious in their onset, depended much on the noise of th-;= -cation, as well as his subsequeat evasive behav^iorVrs merely a maUer % 240 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. of conjecture. It might have proceeded from disappointment in not ob- tnining full command on this frontier, or it mij^ht have been because lijg fastidiousness could not be reconciled to the idea of being under the com. mand of a militia geiieriil. lie it as it may, he was highly censured by all who were aware of his conduct. The 8ea,son vma now rapidly drawiu^' to a close, and as Gen. V. 11. was urged by his instructions to effect flomething dcMFivo before he went into winter quarters, his situation was ontj of t^xtrenie delicacy. He did not wish to be drawn from the object Iio h:>«i ;•' view by a controversy with Gen. Smyth, particularly so, as ho knew that the forces which by this time had collected in his own immediate vicinity, were amply sufficient for his purpose. Gen Van Rensselaer, however, true gentleman as he was, quietly rebuked the im- pertinence " of Gen. Smyth in the following letter : Major Gen. Van Rensselaer to Bngadier Oen. Alexander Smyth. Sir, Head Quarters, Lcwiston, 30th Sept., 1812. On my return, this moment, from Niagara, I received your letter of yesterday, advising me of your arrival at Buffalo, and the encampment, there, of the United States troops, in consequence of the conclusions you have drawn that offensive operations against Upper Canada ought to be attempted between Fort Krie and Chippewa. Nothing could be more unpleasant to me than a difference of opinion as to the p/ace of commenc- ing those operations in which our own characters, the fate of the :irmy, and the deepest interests of our country are concerned. But, however willing I may be, as a citizen soldier, to surrender my opinion to a pro- fessional one, I can only make such surrender to an opinion deliberately formed upon a view of the whole ground. ♦- * * For many years, I have had a general knowledge of the banks of Niagara river, and of the adjacent country on the Canada shore. I have now, attentively explored the American side with the view of military operations; combining at the same time, a great variety of circumstances and considerations intimately connected, in my opinion, with our object. So various are the opinions, and such the influence of personal and local interests in this vicinity, that many circumstances are to be carefully balanced before any correct con- clusions can be drawn. My decision has been made with due regard to all these things, and to the important consequences connected with it. All my past measures have been calculated for one point ; and I now only wait for a competent force ; as the season of the year and every considera- tion urges me to act with promptness, I cannot hastily listen to a change of position, necessa.ily connected with a new system of measures, and the very great inconvenience of the troops. I will not say that no considerations shall induce me to change my plans of operation, but to this I cannot yield, without very weighty reasons ; conclusions drawn, at least, from an attentive examination of the banks of the Niagara river, and all other cir- cumstances connected with a successful result of the campaign. I hope soon to have the pleasure of seeing you here ; and perhaps after conference and thorough examination of the river and country, your opinion and mine, as to the plans of operations may coincide. I trust we are both open to conviction, and we have but one object, the best interest of the service. I am, sir, with consideration and respect &e. Brigadier Gen. Alexander Smyth of the United States forces, Buffalo. Gen. Alexander Smyth the second in command was not willing to obey a leading feder.ali.st, hi,s manner was offensive to the utmost limit, so Leoaoy op Historical Gleanings. 241 that Oon. Van Rensselaer beca , dissustod with the jealousies of some of the regular .^cers, uud the ir Sordination of the inlitia. This dTs- cjuie ing party foelmg was carriea to the extreme length by his opposcts ,roatly to the detnment of his usefulness as an offieer. Ge. Smyth' hough very dogmatical and pompous, yet hh designs wore supposed to he patnot.e; but hjs ardor obseured his judgment^aking hrmore i^. discreet than culpable." Oen. Van Rensselaer had expected to melt his pnnc.pal officers m a council of war, but Gen. Smyth was so dilatory that many were of opinion that coercive measures should be resorted to to brmg h.m to a sense of his duty ; and perhaps if General V uVlZ Zft^r"^ "" "^ """""' ^'"'^ '" the frontier, it is fornot pursuTg Gen y R had written to General Dearborn and explained to him the pan which he intended to have submitted to the council in que ion Major Gen. Van liensselaer to Colonel WUlett. ^^" ^i""' ^ , ., Head Quarters, Lewiston Oct. 3. 1812 n due course of the mail I have been favored with your ^ery kind and seasonable letter of the 25th ulto. For your personal friendsL ex pressed to me as well as for the valuable instructions furn bed fo? the service I beg lo.ve to tonderyou my cordial thanks. In a cSike the present, when we are called, again, to meet our enemies in the field no ae more sincerely than myself can regret that the infirmities usually' a^ tending the age to which you have arrived (73 years), shouM deprive our Country of that invaluable store of practical military knowledge whLh you have acquired in a long and honorable course of service ^ Nothing IS more certain than that the strength of a State greatly consists the personal bravery, and Military knowledge of its citizens. A natrnal character founded on such basis becomes terrible to surroundin<^ foes and iruc i%f ^P^'"' '^rt in preventing wars. Such was'^the pCd character of Americans at the close of the Revolutionary War and the tr dMu '"f^ "°; ^'\''^'^- ^^'^"^' '^' Nations of Europe war is a trade its system reduced to a science; and the library of the Soldier is St ed with volumes o instructions drawn from long experience Bu rote h'l r '"''' ^"d,'"--"- «f Military operations sanctioned in Ku! a?d i 1 " ^PP f \to warfare with Savages in America, slau^h er add have usually been the unfortunate r°esult. As war with Indi au s of a specific kind, reduced to system amon- the Tribes who know :io"trui'r'a\S''f 'f'-!"' ''^'''' among^henlfJ,v:s7and th^ WHO acquire a knowledge of it, must gain t, as you have bv lon P^^^ipl'^ which°you approve Vi.iuicetodko ^'^h bavat-es imperiously demands three things: wl e XV T T- '"•'"'■" *'^'^ '"■"' ^^"^'^'^ •" approaching them : and whe, they are found instant dispatch to kill or rout them. ^liuil remember your counsel with gratitude and p!ea.s«rc ; ns a preeious 31 m 842 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. m legacy from a Soldier of prent oxporienco ; and Hhould occnsion coll me to UHu it in tluH caniiiuign, 1 hIiuII adopt and practicu your Hysteiu uh i'ur um niy ability, and tho means I may command will onable me. I urn, Dear Sir, with great rcHpeot and ConBideration &c., Col. Marinus VVillott. S. V. Kenshklakr. During the inveHtment of Fort Stanwix in August 1777, by St. Leger with a body of regulars, Indians, and tories, he was second in command. •' Such was the impetuosity of Willett's movements, that Sir John Johnson and his regiment, who lay near the fort with his Indian allies, sought .safety in flight. The amount of spoil found in the enemy's camp filled twenty wagon loads. For this brilliant exploit, congress voted him an ele>'aut Bword. " ° General Van llenstelaer to lirigndier General Smyth. Sir, IJead Quarters, J.ewistou, 5th Oct., 1812. Helioving that an early consultation of general officers, commandants of regiments, and corps on this frontier will promote the interest of the eer- vice, I have to reijuest that you will be pleased to confer with Maj. Gen. Hall on the subject, and agree with him upon the earliest day posHible, consistent with the business of the court martial, and other indispensable duties, when I can have the pleasure of seeing you at Fort Niagara for the purpose above proposed. Of the day agreed upon, you will please to give me early notice. J am, &c. P. S. I have written to Maj. Gen. Hall to the same purport. Brig. Gen. Smyth, of the U. S. forces. Oen. Van Eenaselaer to Gen. Smyth. Sir, Head-Quarters, Lewiston, 6th Oct., 1812. Apprehending that my 1 -.ter of yesterday, on the subject of the pro- posed conference at Niagara, may not have been sufficiently explicit, I deem it necessary to add, that my intention was, that Major General Hall, yourself, and the Commandants of *hc several rpyiments of the United States troops, should attend the conference. You will please to make the necessary communications to -'le gentlemen intended. Brigadier General Smyth, of the U. S. forces. ^ '^^> *"• «' Although politely requested, by Gen. V. R. several times, to name a day for a council of officers. Gen. Smyth neglected to do so. Day after day passed, and Smyth made no definite reply, could not tell the day." Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. D«nr Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston Oct. 6, 1812. * * * * General Van Rcn8.selaer is in good health, firm as Atlas, ac- tively engaged from dawn till dark, and often in the night. My health is perfect : but you may judge of my condition when I tell you that which no one but yourself and my wife must know : poor Solomon is sick. About two weeks ago he was seized pretty violently. He quit his Tent and went to a hut about half a mile from Camp, after close attention of the Surgeon six or seven days, he came down to camp again, in the day time, overdid himself, and relap,sed wcr.se than at first with the fever. We bled bim, and for three day.s filled him half full of salts, jalap, Castor-oil,Caloniel &c., &c., his whole .nstem resisted medicine so obstinatelv that for a little while Leoaot of nrsTORicAL Gleanings. 248 m ha-IfltroriK foars that his siokneHs would bo severe H„f l,;- k • has atluMt operated well, hn unw walks hi. r,. , . T • * i^ ^^^''° .%«/.. in getting better' fast. a^dTh^ve' V^ bt": ll'lo'ro^rek'r :'i ;: :ro:?;'?or tiirretr-^::" '"T'' ? -^i '-^ ^-^ ^^^^ all co„.ors;„d ^oe^s know"" -o. " 7u i^ iTk '• '"j'th:''^'" ""'""l ""^ «.A.VA ./ the two it i.. . , . you I now h.t i ^^^^ J^-^y ""^ know a,nm,l Van llonssol' ■ <, . I"?.) 1 Solomon is often called cither the OeneXor , V vi«n T^k"^"'' ^'"'^'I ^'^"^7 ^ "''"■°» explain the matte; : a, . . . , n^otl'^Z 7' '''' ^''"'".f "^^ ""'^ ju.t UH I state. I hM-o no.' ^ Sohmmn il' ►' ;)'•"" "'^, ^^"«^'''' '^ '« ill«e„i but no^ choer" urt-iJ k„ been much worried . I Solomon's cold o„o„,.h ;„ makZ „' So Vr°; ""' J" '"'l """I"""' >"■' " » Jour days ago the lloyal George cut out a Vessel thll .^M T"^' the mouth of GenesPP T^vor^^p "/^. "'' ** /^^sei, the Lady Murray, from .o.s.arUfwT.hr;EeiridL^cIL^^^^^^^ °n 1' i"'°"""«»" I>o work. ^^aaada. 1 tell you we are going to Mr. J<„eph Alexander, Albany. "'""Z'^ ^^^^ r, „. ^'^'^ ^ovett to Joseph Alexander On the ni-ht of the 5th fh« a.r, i Quarters, Oct, 8, 1812. He returned wthinforuation^fhiT) T'"™*^ " ™/" '' '''''' '^' '''^'^■ were uotuallyT ued to nut L T • "^ warranted an attack. Orders cussions up7n Tques io J wl^bh [T nTfT^' . ^"' '^"""" ««'"« ^^^'■ inforcetnentsof K'! '^'"''^.M"' ^"^^ ^^ '»^erty to mention, the re- better, the Genera" fn VerT.*; T Zl '^"' f " ^'^'"•"'^" '« ""^^ getting William Lush"h:rus\\S\t'V?„'i:L!;Tarb" ^ ^^"""^^ - . an K.D==.}aur was i\iaeipal, and John Lovett 2nd, and Peter IIM^ ii^ 244 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 11' III B. Porter, Principal and Doctor Wilson 2ncl, you are to give me tlic earliest notice. The publication of P. U. P., as a " limcal, I'oltrvon and Coward" is only suspended at present for prudential reasons. Our General is brave, but still prudent : his conduct yet is unclouded, and I trust in heaven it will continue and end so. One month will chiiiii;« things much for the better or worse. My love to all, and God bless you. Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany. J. Lovett. Gen. Van Rensselaer to Oen. JDearharn. Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, Oct. 8th. 1812. It is now nearly three months since, in obedience to the call of my country. T. took the field to form and discipline an army, and to shape and direct a campaign on the very extensive frontiers of this state. This serv- ice, even iu prospect, presented innumerable difficulties and embarrasis- ments. Thus far I have met them in that manner which my own mind justifies and I trust my country will approve. After a general review of our frontiers, my own judgment did not sutler me to doubt that the Niagara river must be the scene of our decisive operations, and I selected this neighbourhood as the place best adapted to our measures, and here en- camped. Well knowing that tie duties of the station you hold were complicated and embarrassing, I have patiently endured much, that the affairs of n)y department might embarrass you less. The crisis throufrh •which I have passed for the last month has been trying indeed ; piirticu- lars upon this occasion are annecessi;ry ; but the result has justified my measures and I am satisfied. Yet I am well aware that any merit which may be attached to this negative service, will not satisfy the expectaticns of my country : to have barely escaped disaster, will not be thought enough ; the object of the war remains unaccomplished, a new crisis is opening, and as in it, you, sir, as well as I, have a deep stake of responsi- bility, I shall with great freedom, state to you a number of facts, submit- ting my opinions connected with them, and with deference leave the general conclusion to your own judgment j and as the honor and interests of the United States, your own charaoter and mine, are most intimately connected in the subject of deliberation, I hope and trust it may receive all the attentirn which its importance merits. The United States declarea the war. One army has surrendered in disgrace, and another has but little more than escaped the reiteration of the blow. The National character is degraded and the disgrace will re- main corroding the public feeling and spirit, until another campaign; unless it be instantly wiped away by a brilliant close of this. A detail of particulars is needless: you, sir, know service. Our best troops are raw; nuiny of them dejected by the distress their families suffer by their absence, and many have not necessary clothing : we are in a cold country, the season is far advanced, and unusually inclement ; we are half the time deluged with rain. The blow must be struck soon, or all the toil and expense of the campaign go for nothing or worse than nothing, for the whole will be tinged witii dishonour. With my present force, it would be rash to attempt offensive operations I have only seven- teen hundred effective men [His reinforcements had not then arrived] of the militia on this whole line. The regular troops have nearly all arrived iu the vicinity of l)uffalo, except Schuyler's regiment. The bateaux have not arrived and 1 learn they very narrowly escaped the lloyal (jicurgo, at the mouth of Genesee river, where she had juat cut out the schooner Lady Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 245 Murray, and a Revenue Gutter I arrived syl svlvaniii ti ■oops But two or three companies of the Penn- at Buffalo, when I received my hist advice from thence I'lider these circumstances and the impressions necessarily resultin" from them, I am adoptin- decisive measures for closing the fall campaign" but shall wait your approbation of the plan, and the arrival of a eompet"ent force to execute it. I have summoned Maj. Gen. Hall, Bri.r. Gen Smyth and the commandants of the United States Regiments, to" meet me on a consultation; and I am well aware that some opinions entitled to great respect, will be offered for crossing the Niagara a little below Fort Erie and pursuing the march down the river. I think this plan liable to many objections. J he enemy have works at almost every point, and even an interior force might hoh; us in check and render our march slow • by takiiiirup the bridges at Chippewa, they might greatly embarrass us ;' the cleared country is but a mile or two wide ; one flank would be constantly habie to be galled by indians from the swamps; for a considerable dis- tance, the rapidity of the current, and the height of the banks render transportation across the river impracticable; of course, our supplies must follow the line of march, with the trouble and hazard of them every d-.y increasing; and should the enemy retreat from Gen. Ilarri.son. they would have a double object in intercepting our supplies; and by falling on our rear and catting off our communication, we might experience the fate of I ulls ariny. Besides these, and many other objections, there is no object on that side, until we should arrive at the commandin<- hei<-hts of Queenstown, which are opposite my camp. ^ " The proposal which I shall submit to the Council will be, that we im- mediately concentrate the regular force in the neighborhood of Nia-^ara and themihtia here, make the best possible dispo.sitions, and, at the mme (im>; the rn/iilars shaN pa>i>! from the Four-miJc Creek to a point in the rear of the works of Fort George, and take it b^ storm : J ivill pass the river here, and carry the heights of Oucenstoivn. Should vve succeed, we shall effect a great discomfiture of the enemy by bre;;king their line of communication, driving their shippin- from the mouth of this river, leaving them no rallying point in this part of the country, appalling the minds of the Canadians, and opening a wide and safe communication for our supplies. We shall save our own land wipe away part of the score of our past disgrace, get excellent barracks and winter (,uarters, and at the least be prepared for an early campai-rn an- other year. As soon as the result of the Cmncil shall be known, I shall advise you of it. I have received your letter of the 29tli ultimo, and sia 1 uc(iuaiut u' llarrisor. with your direction. I re-ret the slowness 01 tlio mail. 1 have furnished an escort for it from this to Buffalo. ,j ^^''tli f,'i'cat respect and consideration, &c. Hon. Major Gen. Dearborn. Stephen Van Rensselaer. " From this letter, it will appear to any professional man acquainted with he country, and the circumstances of the enemy at that time, that, altliough Gen. \ an Rensselaer was not a military man, he reasons very niucli like a soldier; the counter currents under the opposite shores and Worn"''' ''I- '^V'""'" ^*^"''^' '^•^"'^'■^'^ ••*"^^ fifty yards wide),' rcn- ,1./ ''^ P''«f';;"H'' ^'•"^^'■««; '"'J ^'« to the plan of the enterprise In'ltr /'T ^ 'Av..m,V,../ on, it was so simple and so perfect, that iu ot L,od alone could have prevented the success, which would have 246 LEGAcr OP Historical Gleanings. reflected honor on a master of the trade. The ground is so much elevated at Lewiston and Queenston, that it maybe called a mountain ; it is an immense platform which overlooks the plain below, until it is terminated by Lake Ontario. Of consequence, every movement from Port Georce would have been under the general's eye, as well as that of the officer at Fort Niagara. It was General Van Rensselaer's intention, to have marched General Smyth and one thousand five hundred regular troops, to the mouth of the Four-mile creek, by the new road cut for the f /poce, there to have been held in readine.is to embark at a minute's notice. Queenstown was then to be attacked ; and as it was guarded by two com- panies of the 49th regiment, with a party of militia and Indians only, it would have been carried with the battery on the heights, as afterwards happened. " "hese operations, within hearing of Fort George, could not fail to draw forth the garrison (o sustain the post of Queenston, and repel the in- vaders ; and as soon as the British column was discovered in motion, General Smyth would have embarked by a signal, and when it approached Queenstown he would have been ordered by a courier, to proceed to the attack of Fort George, which could not have been anticipated more than twenty minutes, and being deprived of its garrison, resistance would have been vain. That so feasible a plan, and one of such importance to the national honour and interests should have failed was to be deplored, and the occasion certainly presented a fair subject for inquiry ; because it could not have happened without some fault, which, for the good of the service, should have been ascertained, especially when General Van Rens- selaer defied investigation j but the crooked policy of a corrupt cabinet will not bear inquiry." Major Oeneral UaU to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Buffalo Oct 10. 1812. Yesterday morning, about three oclock, Lieut. Elliott, with two Boats, cut out of the harbour at Brie, two Brigs, Adams and Caladonia. But unfortunately they both grounded; the Adams on the west side of Squaw Island and the other directly opposite Swifts Barracks. Our first, and great misfortune was from a cannon ball fired from the enemy which struck Major Cuyler, and tore one hand, and went thro' his body, he fell dea' from his horse instantly. It was the first shot that was fired, he was riding on the beach a number of gentlemen near him. A number of American Prisoners, and some Citizens were on board and relieved, all of which got safe on shore unhurt. Our loss was very trifling three or four men were killed, and seven wounded two or three badly. The enemy kept up a brisk cannonading for some time, and continued firing thro' the day, occasionally. The Adams changed owners three times in the course of the day, our troops went on board just at evening,', took three pri.soners, and burnt the vessel. She was much shot to pieces, and it is said she had G Twenty four, and Eighteen Pounders in her hold, and some smaller ones. The Caledonia was loaded principally with Pork, about one half of which was unloaded yesterday. The 24 and 18 Pound- ers from the British Batteries, however, prevented our men from working, several balls were fired through the vessel in the course of the day — one man was killed. No officer, except Major Cnylor, has even been wounded. I have not yet had time, having no ready assistance, to get an exact return and list of the Prisoners named — the whole will exceed forty, two Captains Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 247 were taken. Will you give directions respectin<^ the Prison*.r« W. i but few troops here and Buffalo too isL Tnsa^ p^ e If" th^offi;^^^^^ s^h/^s::!)^^^ '^^ -'- '^ wouM :L^^i^^r(E Major General Van Rensselaer. T^^,^ ^ ^^^^ Gen. Van Rensselaer to Oen. Hall. u:-^%zT.r ""' '"'" ""' *° f'™-" '"'»'•>« '""^rior. I am &c. William Howe Cuyler was aid-de-camn to fon^.oi u n i- , b,a,c a "line noble fJlW, who LtXl,! dep/nd d ™ '^^ ""(^^fe ^ ?iXESi rfisi->- •■•''— "-~s Co/. Fa?t Rensselaer to 7ds Wife. y^S^^ be .he ta jo„ will recere'r.'!* Th li '?f „, redound ,„ luv Ho- or an, Mnl , , "''.""'"' *'"""""'• >' "i" l"se Oh • r I , M , ° ^°"" ""^ "'"' ''<""• ''«!« one's advan- n«l So wkhoul i , >' °°^ "■1"' °'="°""' »■"' "-'"uber they ean- ™rj;7: -r-'""^™ underL;".ffl'ro„' 's; "nSr'',,!: »»« 1 me V„;" ~; l'"/"™''-, i'-'-S.!.-!. and GanKevoo? >»uii. If .0 le r , :^- ^1 ; ^? "'^ '''""■ """■'°'' ""' "e™' SCO me »»..»red n,v d! ,vl.T/°V", ""•'"• '">■ '"" "i"' ''""""le; a^d bo f 248 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ii must prepare for the Assault. This letter will be put in the hanus of Mr. Lovett until the event is over. I have veritten to the Patroon about you and the children. Adieu, kiss all the children for me, mention me to all ; and may God bless and preserve you my dear lovely Harriot is the fervent prayer of your affeciionate and sincere Husband, Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. This is much blotted by the tears of the soldier's wife. Philip P. Van Rensselaer to Col. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Albany Oct. 13, 1812. Yesterday afternoon, yon was blessed with an addition to your family, of a fine young Son, large, fat and regular in all his limbs and features, Dr. Stearns says, Rethlehem cannot boast of a finer Boy. Yes, he is the image of your unfortunate son " Van Vechten," whose soul, I trust, is gone to yonder realms above, where all is joy, peace, harmony and love. Harriet is as well as can be expected. I saw her this morning, her joy is great, her gratitude inexpressible. Her Mother is with her, no language can adequately describe her feelings. * * * 'fhis morning I had hold of Mayor Philip V. R.'s hand in the street, say to the Patroon all are well. Yours with respect. Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Lewiston. Ph. P. Van Rensselaer. The enemy had moved some boats fr^nn the landing at Queenston, down the river, this excited alarm, and late that night a rumor ran through the camp, that the garrison was actually summoned to surrender. The clamor for active operations became so importunate that General Van Rensselaer, who had received intimations by letter from the commander-in-chief, that the invasion of Canada was expected, decided that the time for action hud arrived, and to make an immediate attack on Queenston and wipe out the disgrace of Hull's surrender. Resolved to gratify his own inclinations and those of his army, by commencing oS'ensive operations, he arranged with this view a plan to be .'submitted, and then summoned his principal oflficers to a council of war. It was very plain that Gen. Smyth, his second in command, had no cordial disposition to act in concert with him, and delayed specifying a time for holding the council, till General Van Rens- selaer seeing the prospect of a meeting was as remote as ever, cou'd no longer withhold his orders for offensive measures. The attack wiis to have been made on the 10th of October, accordingly, thirteen boats, capa- ble of transporting three hundred and forty men with their equipments, were brought down under cover of the night, upon wagons, from Gill creek, two miles above the falls, and launched in the river at the only practicable spot at the time, at the present, Jjowiston ferry. Lieut. Col. Fenwick's flying artillery were ordered to be up in season from Fort Niagara. Gen. Smyth was also directed to send down so muchofnis command as could be spared. Lieut. Col. Fenwick to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Lieut. Col. Christie is of opinion, after the ammunition and ordnance stores are removed, that a subaltern's guard will be sufficient for tbo pro- tection of tiie boats and the remaining stores; and that his offictits and men, full of ardour, and anxious to give their country a proof oi' their pa- triotism, by being engaged in the first expedition, induces me to wlicii, as a/avur, that you will allow him and his detachment to accompany me this :nsselaer. Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 249 nisbt. I think it essential, that, if a blow is sfmoL- if cl,«„u i upon such .round as .ill prevent 'the eneiuTfh.r" in^/^'a ol Lef "coT Chr.no. .|^UM- piac.n^, astron.guard, and invalid^, can ,ul ch wUh tinee luuijlred effeefves. As silence will be necessary on our marci; to Lewis on would you permit two cavalry to attend me, that the sen rie on the 5 luay be acquainted with our movements. I am To &c Oen. Van Rensselaer to Lieut. Col. Fenwick. Ti . -1 I^^ad-Quarters, Lewiston Oct 10 ISIq in the contemplated moveLnt uS^rrd Ph ' ' '^•^P'«««. *« «hare guard ror the Idnance storetl rl^^^.^yt::^Sr:^^tl .tw,llbenecessaryforhimtomarchby n o'clJck this iUTtrL ht Lieut. Col. Fenwick. ^ ^^ ^^- ^°- difenttuf "^ ''^ ^"^"^'^" '' '""^ ^"^•«^' '^^^ regiments left at '• The attack was to be made at three o'clock on the mornin- ofthr, 1 1 ,h by crossing over in boats from the old ferry onnositrfbp h„; t. m^ avoid any embarrassment in crossing the riv^'r f£ i • I "^ ' ^"^ agonizing dilemma stood officers and men X tlrtd not hi ^" '.^!f the who e canin. Colonol Vin Uonco^i ''^ " i """''^' ^^^ deluged detuchment. The soldier endu.edM.fi"" ""Z '' '^"'^ f •"•sanded ?he i.«i" J. f: : „'irk!,."'ti,r'rr •"■"'' "•"•p^ "-'j "'S This con retem " i u < w " / "'"'''""^ '"^ ''^"^^ ^'^^ «"^">Pt " wT 32 250 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Major J. R. Mtillany to Oen. Van Renst'elaer. Sir, Fort Niagara. It is with pain I am induced to complain at the neglect of exclutiiu" me from tlie command of the Infantry marched from iiere this mornJDg, Doubtless Sir, you arc aware I was the first Field Olficer, of the II. S. Army arrived on these lines, and might in justice expect to be employed on the first expedition. 1 cannot /et convince myself I am neglected; and trust you will honor me with a station in the expedition :,his night. I am, with esteem iind Respect Sir, Your most Obt. Svrt. J. R. MuLLANY, Major U. S. Infantry. Major Genl. Van Rensselaer. Gen Van liensselaer to Major MuUany. Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, 10th Oct., 1812. I should have ordered you to this place with the Detachment of Infantry just arrived from Fort Niagara, but it is necessary that you she aid cross in the course of the night at another point. When Col. Fenwick arrive?, with the United States Troops, you will receive your orders. Major J. R. Mullany. I am, &c. Major Oen. Brock to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Head Quarters, Fort George, 11th October 1812. Recent events having placed a few British officers and Soldiers at your disposal, as Prisoners of War, 1 have the honor to propose for your con- sideration an immediate exchange. Should there exist any difficulty in acceding to this arrangement, I entertain a well grounded hope that you will make no objection to allow the officers and men to return immediately on their parole. Major Evans, the bearer of this communication, is authorized to enter into any arrangement that you may feel disposed to make on the above subject. I have the honor to be with much respect Sir, Your Obt. humble Servant Isaac Rrock. Major General, Major Genl. V. Rensselaer, Commanding Lewiston. The above waa the last communication which Genl. Brock made to Gen. Van Rensselaer. He fell early on the 13th, while acting on foot at the head of two companies of the 49th, they had been broken, and he was attempting to rally them. "He was a native of the Isle of Wight, aged fifty-three years, full middling size, stout, muscular, brave, active, a real soldier and a great man. He fell at the head of his men, while cheering them on to action. It is stated that when leading on hi.s men, he laid his hand on his breast exclaiming, ' i/e/-e is a bn ad for your Yimkee halls, shoot me if yoa can.' " Hon. Abraham Van Vechten to Solomon Van Ilen»selaer. Dear Sir, Alb.iny, October 12, 1812. I have for five weeks past been constantly attending Court or travelling to & from them. This will account for my nut writing you. Harriet has commissioned me to be her Scribe. She & the Family are in good heaUh. The care of the Farm & her household occupy her whole time. She says that she trusts you will not be found backward when duty re- Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 251 r Yankee balk, you will not court qu.r^s you to fight but hopes at the same time that clanoxv- wantonly I„ this I concur sincerly. The situation and the General s reputation forbid rashness. To shun ti'e Enemv im' properly would be censurable, but to seek him unde^ mani 'est /isad" vantajires wou d be mudupss Vnn ^..» „„ -j j "'auiiesr aisaa- Couasdlor at Head Q.^'rr;, of^rursryo^'^U^" re" hf reZ' Vr?' of every Disaster. There are' men who S dtjo d to w't K"^ tun.ties to east imputations upon the General. He should therefore b^ OP h.s ,.uard against their Machinations. It would ill behove "m to jeopardize the Lves of the men under his command merely to renel Tniu no,.s and unfounded Surmises on the one hand, while oVjheTtheMt would be no less improper to screen them from danger, when he has a reasonable prospect of executing successfully a useful enTerpHse The Liieiny are no doubt well prepared for your receotion and 1. J!;! . vantage greatly in every esLnLl particular. If 'y u\l f & ^ beltt your force is of a descr ption not to be rail!p,1 TuT • prosc„. consideration, whi^h ie.>rr^iri:tlJy'ZrZ°''7Z:: ™;ii r„^u 1 • • 1 ^ ^^py- -leu Lovett his Fami v are wpII T Co,. S..on.„„ Van Ren.o.LTH3 Queers, I.>4L^" ^'""™' ^la.ura river being but about three hundred and fifty yardTwide -JVT. I :ee, a British sentinel was killed at his post by a s^hotfVum our side swioned tl ore and i^,o„ r,„ «°T' "'"'"""■• f'""'^! force to tk. h was nothing more than the war between senfinei;'' T i "».ler ,„ diric ^'o": ZtoZ^:'J%!'^ ' ,'" " '"f' "" """'° -.-« d,„, a,th„„«, ,e. .uZn "nlljji'^bt'lc.i'o"':! res 252 Leoacy op Historical Gleanings. i ■■ I had been confined to my bed until near the moment of being called out to lead the first intended expedition, I was conHtantly employed in per- sonally attendinfj to coniplote the arraniremeiits tor battle, and in instruct- ing the different partieipatorn in the particular duties to be assigned them; every preparation deemed essential was made under my own inspection. To render the success more certain, a large number of boats weru re- quired, to make another trial, directly in front of the enemies' works, as it was the only assailable place. Calculations were made for them, upon the promise of Gen. Smyth at Fort Niagara, lie was not only to seud the boats to licwistoii, but was to have crossed the river himself with part of his command of 700 regnlars and make an attack on Fort George at the concerted moment, but neither of these arrangements did he enrry into efi'ect. Mr. Cook, a highly respectable citizen of Lewiston, (father of the Hon. Bates Cook, lately a member of congress, who, with one or more brothers, volunteered his services for the occasion), was this time entrusted with the duty of procuring trustworthy boatmen, at whatever expense ; and they, with the boats, were put under his direction. To Mr. Lovett was committed the management of the fire from the eighteen-gun battery on the heights of Lcwiston. This was an important duty, as tlie balls from this battery were to pass over the l)eads of the assaulting party, in order to reach the enemy in the village of Quccnston. The duty in the result was satisfactorily performed, though at the expense of Major Lovett's hearing. " It being dark, he stooped close to the gun to observe its aim, when it was suddenly discharged, and the concussion so injured his ears " that he never recovered from the astounding eflPects of his own fire. Col. Van Konsselacr was obliged several times to visit the IJrilish head quarters on business, also to attend to the wants in clothing and other articles for the unfortunate prisoners of war in Gen. Hull's army. " On my last visit there, the very day before the action, while returning to my boat, accompanied by Col. McDonald, Major Evans and other officers, attracted by the appearance of a body of Indians a short dis- tance to our left, I expressed a desire to obtain a nearer view, as I might know some of them. This gallant and accomplished ofiicer im- mediately led the way. On our route we passed two beautiiui brass grass-hoppers, or howitzers, of a small size calculated to be carried on pack-horses, the wheels about as large as those of a wheelbarrow. I remarked, ' these at all events are old acquaintances of mine.' They had formv^rly belonged to Wayne's army, and were used against the Indians in 1794, in which battle he was engaged. After the defeat of the Indians, these pieces had been left at Detroit, where as Col. iMcDon- ald stated, they were taken by Gen. Brock and brought down, with a view of being sent to England, as a curiosity. I observed in a jocular manner that I felt partial to those pieces, and we must try to take them back. He replied in the same pleasant humor, that they must try to defend them, Little did he suspect that every thing was arranged to make that trial, or that the next day, he and his chivalrous chief were doomed to fall, and I to be grievously wounded." These brass howitzers were among the Bri- tish trophies of victory at Detroit on Hull's surrender. "• Colonel Solomon Van Reniselaer was appointed to the command of the invading force, an arrangement which seems to have given umbrage to some of the officers of the regular army on the frontier. Lieutenant Colonel Clirystie was exceedingly anxious to have the honor of chief in the enterprise, and pleaded his rank and experience, as compared with Jl Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. 253 that of the aid-de-camp of the general-in-chief, in favor of his claim. 5Mt(.c... Van Rensselaer would not change his gcueral arran-'oments It was usreed however that Colonel Van Rensselaer should lead .rcolu.nn ot three hundred m.ht.a, and Lieutenant Colonel Chrystie should lead another composed of the same number of resalars, so that each miS Phare.u the hazards and « ory of the expedition. Chrystie refused to waive h.8 rank ,„ favor of Van Rensselaer, but consented to reeeivo orders from him. tcv^civu J.t Col. Christie who had lately arrived with a reinforcement of near four hundred re;,ulars. havin^^ bef,-ed the honor of a comn.and in the cxpcd.fon, was acc..rd.nf,ly ordere.l up to Lewiston with three hundred ot Ins n.en. 1 ho ren.a.nder were left to guard the boats and stores wh ch lie had nought w.th lum, to the mouth of Four-mile creek. Three hun- J,ore llhZi 1 ^^'•,^"" Rensselaer had been the first man to sprin- ashore, on a large rock at the foot of the rapids, the identical stone is stifi 11 254 Legacy of Historical Gleaninos. to bo seen near to Suspension brulgo. Hnvin;j; landed, the boats were immediately sent baek, to cut off any chance of a retreat. 'J'liu tri>()|i>t were formed, " Now \vc are hero, we mu.sttiglit" were the cheering wonls from the gallant colonel as he charged up the bank, whoro they met the enemy. A short, but severe engagement took place, with heavy loss on both sides ; but we were victorious, and the enemy gave way, and fled towards tjueenston, on our right. The position we occupied cut off their retreat to their main battery on the heights. The plan tor thi.' brilliant but unlbrtunate battle was simple and soldier-like, and if it had been carried out iii full, would have resulted in a most effective and decisive victory. " It commenced so auspiciously for the American arms by the gallant and daring Van Rensselaer, and ended so di.sa.strously by reason of the cowardice of the militia on the American side, who refused to cross the river and secure the victory which had been so bravely won." Col. Van llenselaer had made himself thoroughly ac(|iiainted with the condition of the enemy, while on official visits to the various posts, lie had been vigilant and observing. "He selected his points of attack with mas- terly judgment, because from its apparent difficulty, it was the least sus- pected. It is true, complete success did not ultimately crown this enter- prise; but two great ends were obtained for the country, it re-established the character of the American arms, and deprived the enemy by the death of Gen. Urock, one of the best officers that has headed their troops in Canada throughout the war, and with his loss put an end to their then brilliant career. The force under Col. Solomon Van Kons.'^ '/ Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 266 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. the militia ; Major Morrison, instead of leading his detachment across the river, suddenly found himself taken too uawell for the dutv; and thou.'h the dreaded fire on the ferry was now silenced by Major Lovett's battenr and the heights were captured, yet the panic had become so general, that but a small portion of our army could be prevailed on to cross. The re- mainder, to their eternal shame be it said, instead of lending their aid to sustain their gallant brethren in their victorious career, stood passivelv and saw them cut up, and captured in the end, by a force amounting to about one-third of their united number. At the period of Gen. Brock'a fall, and the flight of the enemy, the troops were still crossing, we had a prospect of a victorious termination of the enterprise, and no one then supposed the militia would change their minds ; of course, the idea of a retreat could not be entertained. Gen. V. R. crossed over about this time leaving directions for the militia to follow : but learning subsequently that he was not obeyed, he returned, with a view of ascertaining the causri and to expedite their movements It was then, for the first time, he founj them recreant to the promises which their late clamor for action implied. After trying all the means that human ingenuity could devise, to arouse them to a sense of their duty, he was obliged to give up the effort in de- spair, and despatched a note to General Wadsworth, informing him of the predicament. "We were successful in every important measure up to this time, but the large reinforcements of the enemy, under Gen. Sheaffe were near at hand, and very soon our little band of heroes were attacked, and after another obstinate fight, overpowered, but they were not crushed. Extract from the Official Letter of Gen. Van Rensselaer. Head Quarters, Lewiston. October 14th, 1812, * On the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me from all quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act might involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. Lieut. Col. Christie who had just arrived at the Four Mile Creek, had late in the night of the first contemplated attack, gallantly ofierod me his own and his men's services; but he got my pcrnnssion too late. He now again came for- ward, had a conference with Col. Van Rensselaer, and begged that he might have the honour of a command in the expedition. The arrange- ment was made. Col. Van Kensselaer was to command one co!umn°of three hundred militia, and Lieut. Col Christie a column of the sams number of regular troops. Every precaution was now adopted as to boats [" Having been confined to my bed," says Col. V. R., " previous to the first attempt, General Wadsworth, a brave and meritorious officer, was requested to superintend the movements of the boats. He procured as many as were required and Mr. Cook's deportment of them was well regulated ; and as long as the troops showed a disposition to cross, it was well conducted. If there was any irregularity afterward, the fault was not so much in his boatmen as in his passengers,"] and the most confidential and experienced men to manage them. At an early hour in the night Lieut. Col. Christie marched his detachment by the rear road from Niagara to camp. At 7 in the evening, Lieut. Col, Stranahan's regiment moved from Niagara Falls; at 8 o'clock Mead's, and at 9 Lieut, Col. Bloom's retriment, marched from the same place. All were in camp in good season. Agreeably to my orders issued upon this occasion, the two columns were to pass over togethci as soon as the heights should be carried. Lieut Sir, * I merit across the ty ; and though Lovett's battery, so general, that cross. The re- Hng their aid to stood passively, 6 amounting to )f Gen. Brock'a issing, we had a nd no one then e, the idea of a about this time, ibsequently that ning the cause, t time, he found action implied, evise, to arouse ;he effort in de- ling him of the asure up to this n. Sheaffe were B attacked, and lot crushed. '.laer. 14th, 1812. ssure upon me 1 to act might t. Col. Christie, lie night of the and bis mea's igain came for- >egged that he The arrange- one column of n of the sams : been confined empt, General to superintend e required and as long as the If there was bis boatmen as ienced meu to ristie marched At 7 in the gara Falls; at marched from • columns were irried. Lieut .( ' ' if 256 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. the militia; Major Morrison, instead of leading? his detachment across the river, suddenly found himself taken too unwell for the duty; and ihouirb the dreaded 6re on the ferry was now silenced by Major Lovett's batt-n- ani ihr: lieifrhts were captured, yet the panic had become so geurral, liv but, a Hmall portion of o'lr n'my oould be prevailed on to cross. Thi; f Piainder, to tliwir eternal shame be it said, instead of lending their aiii t , 8u.stain their gallant brethren in their victorious career, stood pai«8iv..!v and saw them cut up, and captured in the end, by a force amountiin; u. about one-third of their united number. At the period of Gen. Brook '« fall, and the flight of the enemy, the troops were still crossing, we hn-i n prospect of a victorious termination of the enterprise, and no one th m: supposed the militia would change their minds; of course, the ulv., retreat coald not be entertained. Gen. V. R. crossed over about this i mii. leaving directions for the militia to follow : but learning subsequeutly that ho was not obeyed, he returned, with a view of ascertaining the cum and to expedite their movements It was then, for the first time, he t'nuiiii them recreant to the promisefl which their late clamor for action m\Am\ After trying all the means that human ingenuity could devise, to arouw them to a sense of their duty, he was obliged to give up the effort ,1 .jt. apair, and despatched a note to General Wadsworth, informing him >. -y pr<'diyaui«nt. Wo were* Huiice-osful in every important measure uj' ! 1 time, but iIh? iBrire reinfoiwiunnts of the enemy, under Gen. t^heafi. ix.r. near at hand, and very muu otir littlo band of heroes were attackcl nod after another obstinate fight, overpowered, but they were not cru.»lu;!i. Extract fram the Official Letter of Oen. Van Benssekter. Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston, October 14th, 1>*12. * * * On the morning of the 12th, such was the pressure upon me from al' quarters, that I became satisfied that my refusal to act uiighi involve me in suspicion, and the service in disgrace. Lieut. €0'.. Chrijttio, who had just arrived at the Four Mile Creek, had late in the night of the first contemplated attack, gallantly offered me his own and his idbd'h services ; but he got my permission too late. He now again came for ward, had a conference with Col. Van ilensselaer, and begged tiiut he might have the honour of a command in the expedition. The arrange ment was made. Col. Van Kensselaer was to command one col urn n m three h^ndred militia, and Lieut. Col. Christie a column of the same number of regular troops. Every precaution was now adopted as to boats [" Having been confined to my bed," says Col. V. It., " previous to the first attempt, Generai Wadsworth, a brave and meritorious oiBcer, was requested to superintend the raovt.«i«ntb: nt the boats. He procured as many as were required ami Mr. C "Idlers Albaa,. ' " "" '■'"'" 'houlders from Buffalo all the way to 260 Legacy op Histcrical Gleanings. dotachmcnt under Onpt, Lawrence, and Col. Christie's return produced a must pcrniciouB effect on the militia, particularly as the party luadu no imniediute attempt to effect a passage. The natural reflection produced by this spectacle in the minds of the yeomanry was, ' if the regular troopg oannot cross the river, surely it cannot be expected of us.' Thousauds of spectators were lookiuj; on, and there cati bo no doubt that the incident staggered their resolution and inclined them to march home rather than against the enemy." CHAPTER Xn. Resignation of Major Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer. •' General Stephen Van Rensselaer was not a military man. He was possessed of great wealth, extensive social influence and was a leading federalist. His appointment was a stroke of policy to secure friends to the war among that party. It was only on condition that Solomon Van Rensselaer, the adjutant general who had been in military service, should accompany him, that he consented to take the post. It was well under- stood that Colonel Van Rensselaer would be the general, in a practical military point of view. Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott had arrived at Schlosser, two miles above the falls, at the head of his regiment when he was informed by Col. James Collier of the intended expedition against Queenston. He immediately mounted his horse and dashed toward head quarters as speedily as the horrid condition of the road would allow. He presented himself to the commanding general, and earnestly solicited the privilege of taking a part in the invasion with his command. ' The arrangements for the expedition are all completed, sir,' said General Van Rensselaer. ' Colonel Van Rensselaer is in chief command, Lieutenant Colonels Christie and Fenwick have waived their rank for the occasion, and you may join the expedition as a volunteer, if you will do the same.' Van Rensselaer wisely determined not to have a divided command. Scott was unwilling to yield his rank ; but he pressed his suit so warmly that it was agreed that he should bring on his regiment, take position on the heights of Lewiston with his cannon, and co-operate in the attack as cir- cumstances might warrant. Scott hastened back to Schlosser, put his regiment in motion, and by a forced march through the deep mud reached Lewiston at four o'clock in the morning of October 13th. Again he im- portuned for permission to participate di -ectly in the enterprise, but in vain. His rank would be equal, on the field, to that of Colonel Van Rensselaer, who had originated and planned the whole affair, and who the commanding general resolved should have the honor of winning the laurels to be obtained by leadership. " After Col. Van Rensselaer was returned to the American side dan- gerously wounded, the permission to cross the river, was given by Gen. NSSELAER. Legacy op Historical Gleaninos. 261 Van Ronsselner to Colonel Scott, and take comman.l of the troops on the he., h.H winch ho .lid, and fought bravely. (Jen. Wad.worth was ulrea J cm the ho d, having crossed without orders. The generous and p. r i " o Wudswurth promptly waived his rank, and said, 'You, sir know r X Bionally what ought to be done. I «m hero for the hoZJm^l^X and that of the New York militia.' Scott at once assumed 7e gene a I command expecting to be reinforced by the militia from the opposUe shore. He was doomed, however, to most profound mortification aKd dis' appomtment." Nmc-tnUhs of our forces a* Lewiston operated upon by 'conHc.ent.ous scruples' refused to listen to the expostulations^of the niajor general jo follow him to the support of their ga lant comrades who had commenced the day under such flattering prospects. Gon Wadsworh communicated Gon. Van Rensselaer's note to the ^eld officers Ke waj now .mpos.-.ble, and to fight longer was n. ;, only useless bu madnl aetcrminca upon. A flag was accordingly sent, with a proposition A ter waiting for some t me without any tidings Another warsEnt a ,d fterward yet another, neither of which returned, they had all been Mot y the Indians Scott therefore determined to go wi^h the fla' 1 imS lowson and Christie both resolved to accompany their command^ a white neck- tie taken from Capt. Towson's thro'at.las fixed on the poin? of Col. feeo t s sword which he bore aloft, being the tallest, shelterin.' them selves behind rocks^ <. Just as they gained' the road, ^o IndSi w "o" hud been aiming at Scott in the morning, the young and a-^ile chieTBr int and the more muscular Captain Jacobs, spran/ upon them like t^Lfom ewi"re'kin;:£eTm ?"'''' ^"'. "'"^ '"'^^' '""^ character^ Jl^rch ne Was seeking the iiritish commander, but to no purpose. The Indiana grappled with them fiercely, and Jacobs succeeded^in wrenchin. The sword from the colonel's hand. The blades of Towson and Christie instantly leaped from their scabbards, and the Indians were ratnV he r £:? "ft" \'''^'^\^^^Sor^-^ -shed forward hoariyeSmnT separated aid" C V ""^'^^::"« ^ g"'^;^ with him, the constants wer^e separated, and Colonel Scott was conducted to the presence of General Sh affe, to whom he proposed a surrender, and wit^ whom terms of ca^ tula, on were speedily arranged, the general at once sayi ^^hat the^ ve th:t Zti"''\"",?^ ''''''V "^'•- O--*^-^ we^e Cnnl^diate^ given that the firing should cease; but these orders were not nromntlv obeyed, which caused a remonstrance from Col. Scott, and finafy a^emZ tory demand to be conducted back to his troops. This prolotS fir« was from the Indians, whom Gen. Sheaffe admitted he could no^contfoT as hey were exceedingly exasperated at the amount of their loss but thev ZoTZt' "f7'"'J ''. i'^''^'- .^^^" "^'^ Scott under he pr?ec^ leS the ntli '' ^'^.^f'- "'^"^^'^'^ "'« *''^ ^^"'i«h cam? and com. pMed the preliminary capitulation, then Brigadier General Wndsworth ll'rllZZT'"' "'^"^ tV'""' surrendered, delivered histZA Irencrai Sheaffe in person. The ceremony of formal surrender occurred llar:;T'' ^t'" '\' P"^""^^^- -ffi^^rs and men were marched to"Se Se th o7"'^ '*, t' '^''''^ '^' '^' ^'''^■''^ "^«r the same evening Where the colonel and his two principal officers were quartered in a «n. Jl "ene a- oinl ^'i"' '^' ^"'^"["f .«" officer to conduct them to the more IrZ H ' T ^"" '"'"'j^' T'^''''^ ^^^^^^'y «P'"'«d ""^ eveu more startling than the scene with the two Indians by the road side |y f '^^*W"'"P iil a I ■I 2(J2 Leqaoy op IlrsTORrcAL Gleanings, Just at twilight, a little girl entered tlin parlor, with a incssiigo that Home- body in the hull dcsirod to see the ' tali oHicor.' ('olonol S>M>tt therenpdn stopped out of the piirlor, uiiiirino'■"■» "'-• ">« "«t"'e the it^'o a . ' ':/ 1 ri "^Zni;""'"."' "^'"p^"'" '^^^^ '' ^'-> b-«- standing a fle.sh wound Ld in "^° and carrying the heights, uotwith- and hi. aid. ThTnanies o^ t ip'^ffl ^' u ^'"'•' "^ ^'''^ ^'"''''^ ^^^ock selaeronthis ha dy eXn i rrM„T'%''^rr'"P""'^'^ ^«'- V«» ii«"«- sevoort, Lieut K„?hboneT^5«^Sr'l"u; ^!'?- ^""^"'P'' ''"^ Gan- Lieuts/Kearney Inmo' (W n" "' ^^««'; Armstrong, O^nlvie and was seen to court dan.^er in the b-ifHo nfSlnt y^T '^"^^..^^^^ ^ youth siege of Bethuno in K, ^ of Malph.quet, and afterwards at the of courti rf '?his drew A-.. P \^' '"'' «?"P"'"e"tod by the ^ribe acl.uomtion : 'u t^m^ilZ ^r'" ^^"'''"' '!'' ''"""^•"" wholesome paslesconfondre ir Tesl'nnnr^'"" ^''" P'"'' ^''''''''^ ^^'"« "« ^^vez uionare, car Jes connoisseura ne s'y meprondroat pas." \H 264 Legacy of Historical Glbaningr. Gen. Van Rensselaer to Major Oen. Brock. Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston 13th Oct., 1812. Humanity induces me to request your permission to send to Queens- town some Surgeons to attend the oflBcers and men who have had the mis- fortune to be wounded this day, and are prisoners at Queenstown. Agreeably to the proposition which I had this afternoon the honor to receive, as coming from yo. , I have agreed to a cessation of firing for three days, I have the honour, &c. Major General Isaac Brock. Major Oen. Sheaffc to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Fort George, 13th Oct., 1812. I lose not a moment in acknowledging the receipt of your letter of this date, and am pleased to learn, at the same time, that the officer command- ing at Queenstown, having opened it, had acceded to your proposal of sending surgeons to aid the wounded prisoners, without incurring the delay which would have been occasioned by a reference to me ; but, as our means of affording assistance to them, as well as to our own wounded may be inadequate, I beg leave to propose that the wounded prisoners, whose cases may admit of removal, should be sent over to you, on con- dition of not serving again, until regularly exchanged. Though the pro- position which I had the honour of making to you to day, did not go to the extent which, by some mistake, you were led to suppose, yet I readily concur with you in agreeing to a cessation of firing for three days, and I transmit orders to that effect to the officers commanding at the several posts on this line. 1 have the honour &c. Major General Van Kensselaer, commanding Lewiston. Major Oen. Sheaffe to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, ^ Fort George 13th Oct., 1812. Hj>ving delayed sending my accompanying letter to give General Wads- worth, and the otherofficers, who are prisoners, an opportunity of sending for some necessary articles, I have th-" honor, at the same time to propose an Exchange of Prisoners, including those who were taken some days ago in the two Vessels cut out from Fort Erie Harbour. I have further to pro- pose, Sin, that the Militia, taken prisoners, exceeding the number that may be exchange, shall be restored to their homes and families under i engagement not to serve against Great Britain, or her Allies, during the war, or until regularly exchanged. I have the honour &c. Major General Van Rensselaer. Oen. Van Rensselaer to Major Oen. Brock.' Sir, Head Quarters Lewiston 14th Oct., 1812. Agreeably to your permission, verbally communicated, last night, to Capt. Dox, I send Surgeons for the purpose proposed. And 1 have, now, to request, that an officer and Detachment of men, sufficient for the purpose, may be permitted to bring the Dead Bodies over the lliver in Boats. Also to send the officers, who are prisoners, tlieir Baggage and Cash. Mhjor General Isaac Brock. I have the honour &c. ' Although it was rciiortod and believed iliat the commander, General Brock, liad fallen, it was not yet officially known, and consequently the official despatches were still addressed to the dead hero. Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 265 ^•*^^- ^- ^«'^«*« to Oen. Van Rensselaer. 'i' am directed to inform you by M.^^TTlL^t'^ ?^''^T ^^^2- ofhuryingtbedeadwasorCd at.nii ^"^ ^^^'i^'* ^^« ^^''^^''e in consequence, I proce ded w t' It dX'lo ^JeS't^'^'""^^-' ^^^ hour this mornin/which wa9comnU.ti ^ I the fallen brave at an early in .he wo^, "he V„;t/rfrrra Jf^eV SrCl'„?X Excuse mrS "" u ^"'^ '^ ^""'*^ ^"^ '""^l^ fo'" their comfort have h iVT T'"^ anything further at this moment. I hope Ton to essinl^ '^': f f -"ting you again. I cannot conclude Soute^' ^^2ZC::trtlt^^^^^^ Sheaffe and M- Geu Tanlenssdaer" '""""" ^ ^^^^ *^^ '^-^ &«• 34 m 266 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. Dear Alexaiider, Evening of the 14th October, 1812. I told you the dreadful day of Battle was at hand. Yesterday was that day in good earnest. I lament that I am not in situation to detail all particulars. I can only sketch the outline. But first let me tell you that Gen. Van Bensselaer was placed in a situation where he had only the al- ternative of eternal disgrace upon his own Character, and the army, or to give the enemy Battle, this I can demonstrate to the world. Thus situated he decided for Battle. At 4 oclock yesterday morning our column of 800 Militia under the command of Col. Van Rensselaer; and one column of 300 Regulars, under the command of Lieut. Col. Christie embarked in Boats to dislodge the enemy from ihe Heights of Queenstown. opposite our camp. They were to land under cover of a Battery of 2 Eighteen Pounders, and two Sixes. As the fire from this Battery was all important and to be directed by very scant light ; and if illy directed would be fatal to ourselves, Gen. Van Rensselaer did me the very great honor to direct it. The River is rapid, and full of whirlpools and eddies; the movement was instantly discovered ; the shore was one incessant blaze from Musketry; three Batteries pelted upon the Boats. My Battery pelted alternately upon the liatteries, and upon Musketry on shore ; while a snug little mortar near by complimented my battery liberally with shells. In a word the scene was tremendous. The Boats were a little embarrassed. But Col. Van Rensselaer made good his landing in a perfect sheet of fire. He had advanced but a few steps when he received a shot through his right thigh, entering just back of the hip bone; h' still advanced with his van; re- ceived another shot through the same thigh ; he still advanced and re- ceived a third shot thro' the calf of his left leg; he still advanced, then a fourth shot contused his heel badly; he still advanced till he was really riddled by other balls through his legs and thigh. Thus bleeding at six holes, and very lame in his heel, he halted in fire, and with perfect pre- sence of mind, directed hisoflBcers of whom Stephen Lush was one, who is now with us unhurt [Lieut. Lush was subsequently dangerously wounded before Chippewa in October, 1814,] to rush forward and storm the first Battery. It was gallantly done. Both parties reinforced fast; every Battery played its best. The conflict spread wide and became general over the Heights. The enemy gave way, and fled in every direction. A large body of them got behind a stone Guard-House, in which was mounted apiece of heavy ordnance. 1 directed both 18-Pounders against it, we raked them severely ; and at the eighth shot tumbled up a heap of men, and 1 believe dismounted the Gun ; at any rate we silenced it. The k»quad then fled behind Judge Hamilton's stone house, our Eighteen's raked them from there, and what could, fled ; with our sixes we used grape as opportunity ofrered. By this time, about 10 o'clock the enemy's tire, ex- cept one Gun, cut of our reach, down the river, was silenced, victory Benicd complete. [The British forces were driven from the battery down the heights, and the rising sun shone upon the American flag on the Heujhts oj Queimston, 'piodaimiwj vktory. This gallant and brave act had re- deemed our young officers and soldiers from the charges which had been profuisely made of cowardice and treachery, but they were too few in number to retain the advantages they had so brilliantly ganed. This unrivaled eflbrt raised the character of the arjuy in the estimauuii LeOACT of fliSTOKIOAL QLEAKINOa 26T overto .he Heighi, bu, sent ,„e back t' uJeon^T/lSSf Itf? were passing over to suppw the t»o coIuiod" SoTn »?.„ .k'^r. 1 ...over and «B.akm|„ bi« of brelraL ohee e f Joho^S ri^S-i^i ro*a. ''['.IJhf^er/Z'rTeT. """l ° ''' ^ he moantod a borrowed horse and I r„li ,1 K™ """''"•'b them, .. the iroops, for „„, one ZTt o? .leL had ;l„d°o«7 ^"'Z '"^'''" rs rilro.rot'SS F?f -""? hat, and long sword with a broad wht^^^^^^^^^ ""'"'l ^^''^1 '''^'^ SizLr^Tt'rL%"eo?^r^^^^ wa" the best chock loZr ascend"! thpH^fV"? ' t'* '"'" ^T^ ^'''''y about one .ile. to put a.^r J;u?dt?Sl%l^:i"^Lt: 'S i::t= wXtr;ett"thro^bi^"?rf ' 't^ ^^^^^^ of the woods, fo Ld aTunctiJS Jith rrn? '^' "".^'' ^'"* '" ^»^° ''^' the attack. The An.™i"u Tof th In onThe'He.vf^^"'' '^ ^"^'^ pended, for thev had now fou-rht with Htl° ! • •= ^' ""? "^^'"'y «^- The General sent thersome suppU '^ wWcVfti^^^^^ '''''", 'r^" reached them, when at about hTlf n.Lf f , '^- scarcely have had waded hrou^Hlood to vLtor^ I'^^'a^'I '^' ^'"'^ ^'^'"°^« ^^o c.a£.hron/hle S^lJor^^Ktl^^'or ^1?^?^ s:ILr"^ ''' * ffcZ!!:„,E„V" 'r/'"' -f-l; dressing wol«™ bo.h r,e bfcrZSi ? -«~^^^ s late of A lh,^„ • j"l'"°"''^"'»«™ore is well, both here. Swonev ...».l=.i and aprislr 7;.pt.XL"l: iv^iV^/S^^ot-r 71::!^ ' 268 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. seen him, shot thro' the buttocks, but he behaved very well in action. Now mind this, young Smith, nephew of Walter Van Vechten, behiived well in action ; is prisoner at Fort George — well, he wrote me to day, he will be exchanged, on parole in a few days, as I expect all the Militia will. General SheaflFe has made that proposition to day. Major Mullany is prisoner unhurt. Col. Stranahan is prisoner, I believe wounded, but not badly. Grosvenor (brother of Tom) had his Rifle cap shot through and all round, but he is unhurt here. Lt. Col. Fenwick of the Light Artillery has severe wounds, he may recover, he was taken ; Grosvenor retook him, and then he was taken again. We have lost a number of brave officers. Solomon's wounds are severe ; but he is well taken care of, sleeping now by my side, and there is no doubt of his recovery. As for myself, I am exceedingly exhausted — two nights without a wink — 30 hours without a morsel. I have a little fatigue fever, but shall be well : indeed I do my duty now. I am a little learful that my hearing is hurt. I stood for hours between the two 18 Pounders, and they have strained my head too hard. The Shells I could shun by falling in the mud. Pray console my family, tell them to bless God that I am safe. I have preserved for them one cannon J5o/^ which passed my head by 20 inches, and I gave a soldier 50 cents to dig it up for me. In the end, you will find we had a hard fought day. Truly Yours, Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany, John Lovett. Col. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriot, Lewiston 15th October, 1812. The day before yesterday a little before day-break I crossed the river with a Detachment of Troops and opposite to this place, under a heavy fire of the enemy carried an important post on the Heights of Queenstown, which owing to my being wounded, was soon after retaken by the British. Had there been more men cool and deliberate with the officers, they would have maintained it with ease. Many were killed and wounded on both sides. Genl. Brock was killed and his Aid mortally wounded. I received Balls near my hip, in my thighs, leg and a contused heel. There are no bones broken, and neither of them dangerous, though very painful. The General and Lovett are well. Stephen Lush acted as my Aid, Gansevoort was also with me, they are not hurt. Adieu, keep up your spirits, and rest assured I am in no danger. Kiss the children for me and my love to all. I am my dear Harriot your sincere and affectionate Husband. n/r TT • i ^r D I ivr t TT Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Harriot Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. Oen. Van Rensselaer to Oen. Sheaffe. Sir, Head Quarters, Lewiston 15 Oct., 1812. Capt. Dox, whom I yesterday sent to Fort George to make the necessary arrangements for an Exchange of Prisoners, being assigned for other duty this day, I now send Col. Winder, to complete the business, and I flatter myself there will be no objection to this substitution. Col. Winder is further instructed to communicate to you my wishes upon several sub- jects, (a continuation of the Armistice) and by any stipulation which he may enter into respecting them I shall be governed. -, . ^ , ni ir I have the honour &e. Major General oheane. Legacy op Historical Gleanings. well in action, ichten, behiived te me to day, he t all the Militia Major Mullany 3 wounded, but p shot through k of the Light ten; Grosvenor •st a number of sare of, sleeping ^s for myself, I 50 hours without 1 : indeed I do rt. I stood for ed my head too 'ray console my served for them I gave a soldier i we had a hard fours, )HN LOVETT. ctober, 1812. ossed the river under a heavy of QueenstowD, I by the British. 3er8, they would unded on both led. I received There are no yr painful. The iid, Gansevoort 3ur spirits, and s and my love :e Husband. N Kensselaer. 5 Oct., 1812. ie the necessary igned for other business, and I 1. Col. Winder )on several sub- ation which he nour &e. 269 Agreement for the Exchange of Prisoners serve' dmW the ^I'r'*^ '''l\'' ^ort Niagara on their parole not to serve duiing the war; or until regularly exchanged Take Tanf Leonard s Receipt for the Number crossed over The officers to be exchanS from the hne, to be drawn by lot, or, by the direction of Mafor Gener„ Van Rensselaer. A Medical Person will be sent over tomorroi to sel'c from the wounded those individuals to be crossed over. ThlMedica Officer W.11, also, determi^ne the case of any wounded officer that itmav be advisable o have paroled. The British Prisoners, at Black Rock 'o be set at liberty as soon as possible ; and those at Lewiston, tomorrow mo'rnint The Commanding Officers at Port Erie and Queenstown, respectTvelv £ give Receipts for those who may be crossed over to those places ^' aliToTt S' XX- f ^'"^^«^--' ^« ^ -chan'ged for a Sub- as Miliiia Thirty-seven Voyagers to be considered exchanged ■«T ^.. Signed, at Newark. TK„. V B • , ,, ^™- Winder Col. 14 Reg. U.S. Armv Thee. Evans Brigade Major Kings Regt. a ^ ^. ^rmy. Colonel Winder wrote to Gen. Van Rensselaer that Maj. Gen. Sheaffe had mentioned to him an Indian chief in possession of Gen. V R as a prisoner. He was willing to exchange him for a major of militia The answer was m substance that Indian for Indian was the fair exchange Major General Sheaffe to Major General Van Rensselaer. ^'tKo^.i, a -xu Fort George, 16th Oct., 1812 7f fw! K Vu^ ^''^* '^^'^^ *^«* ^°'- ^^° Rensselaer is badly funded If there be any thing at my command, that your side of the rive7cannot furnish, which would be either useful or agreeable to him, I berthat vou will be so good as to have me apprised of Tt. ^ ^ I have the honour to be, sir, with much esteem, Your very devoted servant, R. H. Sheaffe. -^«i<^ Gen. Sheaffe to Gen. Tan Hen-mlaer. { .1. . , . Fort George, 16th Oct 1812 As the period assigned to the cessation of hostilities is drawin.^ to a ter minat.on; and the intended exchange of prisoners and sendrn>over the wounded and the militia will require much more time than remains of i^' and as, moreover part of this day is to be devoted to pavin- the last offices of humanity to the remains of my departed friend and General tel it S be my duty to propose a prolongation of the armistice to such a period as may be necessary for the complete execution of those humane rurnoses Lists are prepared for all the prisoners here, distinguishing thos^e of the nue from militia; and Brigade Major Evans, who has been appointed by me to arrange (he business with Capt. Dox, will be ready to proceed in it as soon as that officer comes over. I have the honour &c! ' Major General Van Rensselaer. Gen. Van Rensselaer to Gen. Sheaffe. t' I, .!.• , ^®"^ Quarters, Lewiston, Oct. 16th 1812 ...,L'i71*^'' T'"'''.^ ^'^ *j^«, ^°""»r t" receive your two letters of ihe ti«'fnr „ .•" ^ *",""' cneerfuiiy agree io extend the cessation of hostili- ties for a time amply sufficient to discharge all duties of humanity to the 270 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. brave who are wounded, or prisoners ; and the just tribute of respect to the gaUant dead. For these purposes I agree to the further cessation of hostilities, until 4 o'clock of the afternoon of the 19th instant. I shall order a salute for the funeral of General Brock to be fired here, and at Fort Niagara, this afternoon. You will please to accept, sir, the grateful acknowledgments of Col. Van Rensselaer and myself, for your kind oflFer of anything in your power which might contribute to his comfort. I do not know that he is at pre- sent destitute of anything essential. As this, sir, is probably the last communication T shall have the honour to make to you from this station, I avail myself of the opportunity to tender you the afsurance of my great esteem and consideration. Major General Sheaffe. I have the honour, &o. Captain N. Leonard to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Fort Niagara, Oct. 16th, 1812, 4 o'clock p. M. I have the honor to acknowledge * * * of this Instant. The Salute in honor of Gen. Brock will be fired at Sun-set. I delivered your letter to Col. Winder. I am, &o. Major General Van Rensselaer. Major Gen. Sfieaffe to Major Gen. Van Rensselaer, Sir, Fort George, 16th Oct., 1812. I feel too strongly the generous tribute which you propose to pay to my departed friend and chief, to be able to express the sense I entertain of it. Noble-minded as he was, so would he have done himself. I have directed th-j prolongation of the armistice until four o'clock in the afternoon of the 19th instant, to be communicated along this line. I feel a perfect confidence, sir, that nothing will be omitted on your part to ensure a strict execution of the agreement respecting the militia ofiicers and men, as well as any others not yet exchanged, who a^e re- leased from their captivity. Allow me. sir, to express a hope that the time is not far distant when the restoration of peace and amity between our respective countries, may afi'ord me an opportunity of assuring you, personally, of the respect and esteem with which I have the honour to be, sir. Your most obedient and devoted servant, „ . ^ 1 Tr T> I R- K. Sheafe, Maj. General, &c. Maj. General Van Rensselaer. ' •' ' The British Major General SheafFe was an American, he resided dur- ing the American revolution in Boston. Earl Percy was quartered in the house of young SheaflFe's widowed mother, at the time when Boston was in possession of the British. The earl became greatly interested in the boy of 15 years and desiring to take him to England, he was per- mitted to do so, giving him a military education and placing him in the British army. When young Sheaffe was a major general, at the com- mencement of the war of 1812, he was stationed in Canada; he did not wish to serve against the Americans and stated his objections and reluct- ance to do so, requesting to be transferred to some other country. His solicitation was not regarded. For his exploit in capturing Colonel Soott aijci his littic bufiu H,t T.jtiGeiiston rsiguts, iis was createu a baronstj sn.. ever afterward was known as Sir Roger Sheafi^e. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 271 " His sister Margaret SheaflFe married John 11. Livingston then a Boston merchant, in 1779 ; and died in Boston 1784, at the age of twenty- four. General La Fayette visited and jidmired her. He oiree said to her lover, ' Were I not a married man, I would try and cut you out.' After his return to France, the marquis sent her a ' satin cardinal, lined with ermine, and an elegant silk garment to wear under it.' The relic was long preserved." ''When General Sheaffe marched in triumph from Queenston to New- ark, he took with him the 'body of the slain General Brock, which had been concealed in a house near where he fell. The march had a two- fold aspect. It was a triumphal and a funeral procession. At Newark the body was placed in the government house, and there it lay in state three days, when it was buried, on October I6th, in a new cavalier bastion in tort George, whose erection he had superintended with great interest By the side of Brock's remains were laid those of his provincial aid-de- oamp. Lieutenant Colonel M'Donell. When the funeral ceremonies were over, the Americans at Fort Niagara and at Lewiston fired minute-euns as a mark of respect." ° Hon. Abraham Van Vechten to Sol. Van Renmlaer. ^^rfv. ''•■;, . ^ . , Albany, October 20th 1812. lhe/;asA has been made. I am relieved froui much painful appre- hension. Harriet bears the Shock with fortitude. Your letter & Dox'b information have quieted her mind. She & the child are in a fair way Take care of yourself. Do not irritate your wounds by fretting and premature exposure. In this Injunction I am not single, all those whose wishes & solicitude for your speedy recovery claim respect concur in it Lovett must keep you in good Spirits & a placid humour ; but refrain from every thing that may produce too great excitements. He will be a good nurse, if he does not present an old Gentleman with a white Sash m a certain moving attitude too early before you. Yours &c., ' n 1 o 1 -ir « , Tx , ^ ^^' ^^N Vechten. tol. boiomon Van Rensselaer, Head Quarters, Lewiston. Major Lovett to Hon. Abraham Van Vechten, ^^y,^''"' ^ Buffalo, 21st Oct., 1812. 1 know that you are anxious to hear from us, and I should have written you several days ago ; but really I could not command a single moment of time to do it : and besides the privations to which our late situation subjected us has worn me down a good deal. The preparations for the battle were extensive — the various emergences of the day called for f^reat effort ; the scenes of the night were trying, and the duties of the following day arduous. It is over; and as I have but little time now, I shall write but a word. The Battle was by no means a matter of choice, but absolute necessity with Genl. Van Rensse.aer — A flood of circumstances had con- vinced the Genl. as early as the beginning of this month that a blow must be struck. He was therefore maturing a plan to close the campai.'n in the most honorable way he could. But the impetuosity of not only men but his first ofiicers became such that. he was ab.solutely compelled to go to battle, or risk such consequences as no man could endure. * * * The ^^y are immensely attachedjo Genl. Van Rensselaer and Solomon : and t ey are almost frantic at their depurtufc. The Generui feels all the solicitude that a Patriot jealous of his honor can experience; but he .is i.il 272 Legacy of IIistorical Gleanings. U I b ' cheerful, and reposes himself on solid consciousness of having done all that man could do in his situation. * * * On the morning of the 18th I mounted Colonel Van Kensselaer on a cot, rigged with cross-bars and side poles and a Detachment of Major Mosely's Rifleaitn brought him by hand to Schlosser, where we tarried that night. As we passed the main Battery at Lewiston, they fired a sa lute of six guns and cheered the Hero heartily. On the 19th I embarked him on board a Boat, and arrived here at 8 oclock in the evening. The Genl. is here in perfect health, and will continue here till he can hear from Genl. Dearborn, and then I expect, he will return home. I shall not leave Solomon. He is badly shot to pieces : has one more ball in the thigh than what is stated in the official paper ; but he is in quiet quarters where he has every attcDdon. His wounds work well, he will recover and be a well man j but I fear he will never leave off fighting. Indulge no solicitude as to his recovery * * * Let Solomon's Wife know all about him, assure her 1 shall not leave Mm, but will return him safe to her. * * * I am Yours very truly, Abraham Van Vechten, Esq. John Lovett. Colonel Lovett furnished Col. V. R. with a pair of white-top boots, his own having been cut from his legs, filled with blood on the 13th, and his crutches were presented by a French gentleman. The first time the in- valid entered the common room, quite feeble, pale and thin, finding it very unpleasant to walk, Lovett while assisting him to do so, with a desire to make him laugh said : " Well Van, here we go, French fore legs, Dutch hini< legs, and Yankee boots." " The following report of Captain John E. Wool will put to rest several controverted points regarding the sequel of the afiair of Queenston, about which there has been so much misrepresentation. Captain Wool at this time waa only twenty-three years of age, he had never been under fire before that morning, and was already wounded. Elated with the order to capture the heights, young Wool almost forgot his bleeding wounds. He was light and lithe in person, full of ambition and enthusiasm. Copt. Wool to Colonel Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Buffalo Oct. 23, 1812 I have the honour to communicate to you the circumstances attending the storming of Queenstown battery on the 18th instant ; with those which happened previously you are already well acquainted. In pursuance of your order we proceeded round the point, and ascended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the battery. We took it without much resistance. I immediately formed the troops in the rear of the battery, and fronting the village, when I observed Gen. Brock with his troops formed, consisting of four companies of the 49th Regiment and a few Militia, marching for our left flank. I immediately detached a party of one hundred and fifty men, to take possession of the heights above Queenstown battery and to hold Gen. Brock in check, but in con- sequence of bis superior force they retreated. I sent a reinforcement, nothwithstanding which, the enemy drove us to the edge of the bank, when with the greatest exertion we brought the troops to a stand and ordered the o'^cers to bring their men to a charge as soon fi the ammu- nition was expended, which was executed with some confusion, and in a few minutes, the enemy retreated. We pursued them to the edge of the Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 278 to rally l.is forces was k jled wllT ™° ^f"" ^^''''^' '" 'Attempting tion. As soon as it was n Sicab l T ? ^"«'"^,^''^P°^««J '" every direc"- hci-^hts fronting he viCe n„5 f' /'"'? **?' ""''''P^ '" '^ "»« «" the whM. consisted of Captai^M:CleseTont '^"r^'"" ?"'- and Ensign Grosvenor with a smn II r/.! ''^^^'th Regiment, Lieut. Smith moment arrived 'Ttthrsame Timl T o'"l T -^ ^'J^'"^" ""^'"'^ ^^^ that Kandolph with a detachment ofTrf !!« T V-n "'• »^"««voortand Lieut. which Ld been prev otsTy ^kerl d?f dI^^^^^^^ ?'k" ''^'^'^^" P"""^^^ the village. The wounded and nrJ ^ f ^'j" ^^^'''"" '^ *« bear upon «enttothe guard h7u?e^/."i ET'"' ^ ^'t'^ '' be collected and four o'clock "in the Xrnoon I L nT'n''.^'"''- ^^^ ^''^'''^ ^'»^«« «"d command. He ordered TeaprrV^- ''"' ""'"^ '"'^ '"'^ *'»« I remained a sho?t time Our Tank n 'T 'l T."^^ ^«""^« ^'^'^'i' Indians, but Gen. Wadswo th aSSo hfr^n'ffi''^ ^'^ ■^^^" ^"^^" '» by the skirmish with them and thev retp f J Tr ''"^'""' ^' ^^^^^ ^ ^'^"rt officers engaged inTtorminl tL RnT ' ^"'^ n "''"'''"^ ^''^ "^«'-- The Lieuts. Kear°„ey, HutninUrranrI r' """'" %'• )^"^' ^"^ Og"^'^ ^ 1 nave the honour to be Your most obt. humble servt It, ,, , ^'^J'^ -^o^ett to Joseph Alexander. I IJear Alexander, a j n . I On the 23d, General Van T?Pn«.l " u^^ livening, Oct. 25th, 1812. Imand to Brig Gen Smvlh 0^?.''' ^y P''?^^''^^^, resigned his com- was my intention to ha^ve'stoienreTn^T'T" ^^^^^^.f"-" Albany. It letter stuffed with important trmhrK ?^ "^ ''^^' ^""'" ^^^ « '«"g fays past it has been nothing hn/ n ^ !^l' conveyance; but for three Ws of copies 'm 2brai^^^^^^^ despatches, and [nd&W.«byni<4t4arrdnwnT'*^^^^ These things by day, h not yet failed andltniT in P /.^ttj close to the old stuff which U leisJre to post up mv dav inn? " ^'" ""' ^'^ •"«• ^ ^^all now jng tabernacle iS orde?.%?hJn r 1 f^rf rT,".'' '"^ P"^ "^ ^^^^«'- tin as when Solomon will be able fnL ^°''„f' ^^"J^ ^^ J»«t as uncer- ?vere ; but he is heart^vhole and wHI 17 ' ^\' "'T-'^' ^'' «^«P «»d \ill not I hope he mnv n,nl " 7 ^"""y"" ~ ^^^^^ ^i"* I ^<-M, and W 10,000 op7n on oTtie Ta tle^ rr^'''- I ''"^^^ ^'^^^ ^ ^uzz' K is, don'l be hasVv in I ' •• """^ ''^^ ^'^ ^«" ^" this moment of |ound'yet, bu^ylHil^Vo^^^^P/.r- J- cannot view the whole l^er to he yielded, there was no middle coieR.tL ^'^ *"" ' """''^ N public disgrace was the alternX! n ■ V 7 ^' """ '^"^°' Personal, tth must ultimately prevail ThrHlt I ' ^ ^^"'7''' ''^^ *^"'h' ^^^ t'Ty at the close of tlK L • I / f '^ ''"^^ ''^''^ ^ ^''ote you in my I I then understood e f ' n -u 7'' "^^^'^btedly the truth as far [j^'thy con.munical„ to V ; vL Z ""h ^^' P^'-""««'«'^ forwarded a hetiou. But there.. . I' H st 1 Sind 7'^'''' f' ^' ""''^ '' ^'^' ' - - '^"^^ behind, resting ou documents, which it I 35 274 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. tho General has uot yec coiniuunicated to any one. In a word, be patient and leiirn the whole; and then you will have no occasion to complain. Wait a few weekH, and the Campatgn will disclose it» own /acts. I find not an officer, not a soldier who whh i'« tfu: bottle, but juHtifies tho whole indeed the complete success of the battle justifies itself; we carried all that we proposed, and held it from morn 'till night, and had double the force necessary to have retained it. Never were men braver than those engaged. Tho sevoral actions were sharp: but all the world was not killed nor wounded as some have represented. Exact truth upon this subject can never be known — it is inipos.sible — the aggregate rf our in- formation wouldabout warrantthis! Killed GO — wounded 170 — Prisoners, balance against us, say 720. As to mimhirn the slaughter was probably about even on both sides. But Characters diflfer. We lost no officer of higher rank than Captain. All Canada mourns her truly gallant Brock and Col. McDonald,' his Aid-do-Camp, was the Attorney General of the Province, their second Idol. I knew him. Two Indian Chief's fell — we took one. The Armistice v jich was agreed upon after the IJattle for three days, has been continued, and now exists : when it will end I cannot say. Since the Battle every thinfi; has been ccnductcd in that character which will forever honor civilized nations. The Salute which we fired at Brocks Funeral, almost over- whelmed General Sheaife. With sensibility which almost choked his ut- terance, ho exclaimed to an officer standing by him : " Nolle minded as General Brock ivaa, he would have orilcred the same had a like disaster hp/ullcn the Enemy." On hearing this Genl. V. R., was almost overwhelmed. My friend, the scenes of war are trying, and where, where in God's name, are they to end ? My soul is in agony while I review the situation of our Country. Governor Tompkins, by exceeding hard driving has so managed, and economized his time as to be able to be in season to get here too late. He arrived here this day. Why, or for what, It more than I can tell you. He has been closeted almost the whole day with the General ; but I can- not learn that he has any plan, or plan of a plan, or copy of a plan's, plan's plan. I know that which I wi'l not write, wait a little, I say, wait, do not descant, nor condemn until you know the real situation m which Gen. Van Rensselaer has had to act. At bottom you will find the friend — the Patriot, and the Soldier. — I fear my hearing is ruined : it is not much better now than the day after the battle — the Lord deliver me, I say, from the Music of 18 Pounders, with bombs for the rough Bass, and i^ixes for the treble. Tell my dear family all you know of us — and my love to all my old friends. Last of all, pay your General that Respect and attention which his toils, privations and Soldiership entitle him to. Your assured friend, Mr. Joseph Alexander, Albany, J. Lovett. " Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer found much that was offens- ive to his sensitive feelings in the absurd rivalry of the regular officers ' ' Lieutenant McDonell was a brilliant and promising young man, only twenty- five yi'ars of age. He was wounded in five places, one fiullet passing through his body, yet he survived twenty hours in great agony. During that time he con- stantly lamented the fall of his commander." LEOACf OP IlrsTORioAL Gleaninqs. 276 and the heartless conductor tho millfla tu; * i i- . to the action, ho well know innLo 12 h.iT 7^ ""'■""' H*"'' P''*^^!^"^ and now what a di.ssraceh.l chan^o TLr Z ' "'"°'^''' "°''""' rhSt^fc-/S;S They now appeared to^,av; nudo he teUrv u.at tre'co^lS"? "'r.' not rcc,u.ro thorn to go beyond the lin.^Vsortho i S S itthir than cross over to an enemu'a /.«.,„>,.. * u l '^'^ "'"" .'-'■ites- Kather b.i»B killed, or made orippL krml M,„v°h"V' "■'■ T'* ? '""'"°'' °f mon from Gov. ToZS to ref 1^.^ !!!' "".'^ ■''^^'"" °^'"'"«'^ P«'""i«- I • J 1 -^^"'P'^'ns to retire trow the station, on Oofohpr 9'^ iai'> by thecocunon comTciJomak. fh ,^ """■' ""' committee appointed ,, , „ . -^^yo^^ovett to Joseph Alexander. My dear Friend, tj «• i xr „, 'I'ing Is"; hat forth, fi^A^^^^ nion fought more like Devils than a"ny idle Ou of- fL L « ? *''" '""''' ^" resistance opposed was perfectlv when some Infantry and if "Ri?'""!: ^''^'''^' t>>^t i°o"e instance e"et"y, he counted S v Jj ^ ^ T ^""^ ^ "'"'' ^'« "P«" >" «atiad of the ^oldie^r^ on the Tine say thev n''^' ''' '".' ^^P" ^»deod\he olde.J 1^'enffick is nn nM « u^' ^^f^'^e^er saw such s/wrp */wo<.W. Lt (Jol ^"-S: u^hltttcJ'oVm'k^'^' '^«,^-%r^'^'''r ^'^^ an'nalsof wi of the enemy^ office" 1 Th ^'"'^"^hip- He says he was known to man; - ^^'' "oies m hi^ luti^ ci^a^-^;;;!;:;; tr^:;;i^-S^T:; m i1tm-i%s- g;M 276 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. brinf,' liis cont the other day. We found a niusket ball entered the cnpc, juHt under liis right cur, puHsod about thn^o inches, and out again ; under \m right wrist, a ball cut coat and lining through four inches ; and there re Boveral others thro' the skirt of his coat. The stocking which was on are the leg that was wounc'ed, besides the two holes where the bull went in and out, has no less than five holes across the shin. The shots in Gen. Wadsworth's clothes shew his escupc to have been next to miraculous. But these cotton and woolen stories arc too uiuny und too long to write ; they niuy do to talk about when we meet. The truth is, that altho' my spiritsare not depressed, I feel sober — the scenes of wur, to a thoughtful mind, are sobering. Ik'sides, I think I sco the finger of Heaven pointing, in a manner nottobemistuken,in thut poised sculcorsuccesswhichswungbeforeoureyes at the end of the battle. I am satisfied lor myself, and now, but not till now, I have a desire to return home. I call myself well ; but my health is not just as rugged us it was ; from the 1 1th Aug to the 26th October, I hud never touched any thing tikr a bed — been by no fire ; and nov , s'eepinj^ in a bed, and sitting by a warm tire, lets me down from the tone I 'lad acquired. IJosides the night of the first attack (as we intended) was one of the most trying I ever experienced — incessant storm ; ualf snow, half rain, the 12th wus all duty; the i:3lh all death ; and the subsequent scenes have been trying to body, and soul. But 1 shall stund it thro' and get home. The General is beibre this with you. I need not enlarge upon the general subject. I have only to churgc you all to stick to the man who has stuck to his country and command, until passing events tuughthim that his further efforts in commanding Militia, «s thiii(j>< iioiv ure, could only disgrace him, without serving his Country. The Colonel is doing as well as possible. and wo hujye, this day week, to start ibr Albany : but I am not without some fears that the wound where the ball is lodged, will yet give the Colonel some trouble. The Editor ol the Buffalo Gazette and your letter speak pretty much the same language. The hiss of Vipers grows feeble here. 1 can tell you nothing, ctrtain, of what Genl. Smyth intends to do, but I will tell you what 1 think he may attempt if, contrary to my opinion he attempts any thing. I think he may attempt to cross here, and the result I will show yon, when I return home, if Gen. Van Eensselaer will suffer publicity of an opinion which he long ago wrote Gen. Dearborn on that subject, the opinion is full and able. The world must and shall be convinced that this Campaign has been conducted with open eyes, directed by busy brains. Guard the Character of your General, his Papers will defend him. Col. Fenwick says, unreservedly that Gen. V. R. has done all that could k done. There was yesterday a severe Cannonade below, probably on Lake Ontario — we have no intelligence, possibly a Naval Brush on the Lake, Just now, Col. Parker, the most le^jtciabk. Officer in Smyth's brigade called to see us: he says the Fenmiilvnuia Militia wnl hot cross over to Canada. Let Gen. V. II. knov ■ - ' jmcuiately. Ool. Fenwick desires me in the most afl'ectionate manner to present him to the General, he is now next door to us. Do you tell the Genl. I wish he would write a short consoling line to Col. Fenwick. Yours, ever faithfully, Mr. Joseph Alexander. J- Lovett. At Buffalo, Colonel Van Rens.selaer wrote a letter to his wife, filled with expressions of gratitude toward General Van Rensselaer, and con- cluded by saying, " I cougrutulate you on the birth of our little boy. That Lboaci of IIisTOBioAr, Gmwnihos. 277 n 1 1 o 1 „ Buffalo Guzotte, Novenibor Urd 1819 Colonel So omon Van RensHnlnor «,1„.. » ^■'"vouiuor ora, IBI^. to..ivo knowledKo or .orvt'T^ll'^L^ltra S^ /h riLothlhe^-l^Ie c«n.r...,a. so „HM.uously devoted, as it were, \u^ very he rt„nd soul o orn. K dm.,p|,n.n,^ and manaKin^ the urn.y on th/Niu'ara that a to h ... tl.0 la«t whisper of party malice seemed hushed. lie was dlter mined that whenever a descent should be made unon (Vn .Hn fnTi '^'''^"""'''^ ma, «„», a„ officer, „, M.r aJuiittedTo he beJ.rofX Jrij .,,1.,,. o„„.^„e. of co,.ti',:',^:re.i*^rd iz^z::-;- -r:^ Jrf rt«.,™,,. 6'w. r.,mpU,„ „ever calk,/ on Col. Vm>]tcm.,her Tan Jlid (.on. .Si„,il, expect lo muse the people of the State of New V„^V endeared to the people- and unon r«?n "'''",,'"».' "laong us mo.-o ri^h^tzt 3S ^'^^^ ^--°-^^ ,, ... Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. oratit •" PeZ!i'at'rhiP"P^"'"/°^'^^ f ^f^" ^"«»'« ^" »^'« ^^^^brated in a row days of Ca^ ^1 Huil's con ueToH "Gutr^L^ S'""?'"'' A correspondent has handed us the followin- son- in his honnr Though not the neatest versification, it deserves attent?o^„ "or Us obj^.' A New Song, to the tune of Anacreon in Heaven. " ^Y\ °'"' """?" Prepar'd to capture Queenstown. A leader was chosen of pallant renown Prom an old fed'ral stock our liero was sprunir 1 was V^an Rensselaer, who never kn«w f^ar Aivvays louud in the Van, never seen in ih^'liear. m-^i t I m I I m mm 278 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. The Columns debark upon Canada's shore, (Far f'nni'd for heroic achievements of yore) JJot feariufj to combat tlie terribki Brocii, They soon gave the foe an impetuous aliock : 'Twas Van Rensselaer, to a soldier so dear, Who march'd in their Van — never found in their Sear — Brifrht glory now perches herself on his head, Tiio' base cowards censure, who dare not be bled, Tho.se Buifalo Chiefs, mere scarecrows in war, Who ne'er heard a cannon, unless from afar. With the heroes of Quoenstown they dare not to vie, For though mighty good Christians, they yet fear to die." This poetical effusion, written sixty-two years ago, adds to the value of our historical monument for the benefit of posterity. We have a proper regard for the preservation of worthy materials for history and oc'3asionaliy fane; such bright, cheery, and breezy words to enhance the historical value, as they are of special interest from their reference to military opera- tions during the war of 1812. Major Lovett to Joseph Alexander. Dear Alexander, Buffalo, 4th November, 1812. I have, somewhere, heard something said about " ALm's last iSperrhes and d^ini/ words" of Dr. Baxter — Again; I remember that stuttering Larrahe. wanted to speak a few words he/ore he he(jnn ; Now why may not I, upon some aniilogous principle, speak a few words after I have dime P In my last, I desired you not to write any more ; surely not because i did not wish to hear from Albany, for our solicitude is a perfect Rock. Even the humblest Satellites of Jupiter, could they reason, would never be in- different to the fate of the glorious luminary round which they revolve ; but must shudder at the very idea of an eternal eclipse of that body whose rays they once had the glory of reflecting. However, repoaing ourselves upon the consciousness of having faithfully discharged our duty to our Country, to our friends, and to ourselves, we shall meet with firmness whatever decision the world may make upon the conduct of General Van Rensselaer. We feel, and know that we are not destitute of common sense : we know that we have better knowledge of tlie Campaign than any other men ; and this enables us to speak with confidence as to the result of Genl. Van Rensselaer's command. Should his own irodesty, or perseverance in his determination of enduring everything himself, rather than to expose the folly, weakness and wickedness of others, cast a mist over him, for the present (which, by the bye, I neither expect, or believe;, the day is not far distant when the Sun of truth will burst thro' and dis- sipate the fogs of error, and the clouds of delusion. I repeat it, again, the CampahjH will r.iplain itself ; this you will see in 60 days ; and say that Genl. V. R. did all that could be done ; saved all that could be sam'l. Being, now, out of the Cabinet I know nothing that is in it. My chance is only that of a common spectator, and hardly that : for, with my Ear- blinders yet tight buckled down, I can only hear what people bawl, and, tho' Bawling is the order of the day. it becomes very necessary, now, I imagine, to " bawl," without " cri/imj aloud." I understand tliat General Smyth is getting together all the Boats he can [" General Van Rensselaer has been censured for not having boats enough. It w.is no fnnit, oi' liis. I'jiero were only thirteen, but tliia inadequate number of boats was owing to remissness in Quarter-master- the Boats lie Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 279 three days notice to curr/over lioo' •• I^HO 1 f'" f " i"""'' '' '^^ ««• for .ix ir seven hundr^ed were ordered buTL A^f ^"="^, ""°'ber thirteen at the appointed hour ''ITWm'd ^® ''^'^ forwarded only for with solicitude in shor^ J.^.^at the Pennsylvania Militia are looked that the descent upon Canada wiU sSv h". """"'a'- ^''^^^P^^'^tion hood. I have before advised vou tfn^ '•'"•''''^ '" '^'^ "eighbor- Experinient is the touchst e ofopinion "oeTT" T^"" ?''' f 'J^^^' opinion asto the best place for crossiCthpMin ^"'^/^^"f,^^'^' had his the result is known ; and Gen Cvrf i ^'"^'^'':'*' ''« ^«'«d his opinion - opinion that Gen V R had t;o h? n !?' \^'•''""'3^ the same right to his will be prepared to decide I h ve'but o^T ^''^ ''' '''''^ '^' ^^'''d case, which is for the best interest Ift^ »^ope-o"e prayer in either our anns and the greLesTwrrS^ oSr cZr/'-l Wt o^r' MiKt "^^ -^f cometolknownot — adarincriMutinvbrnkprnf/fl ^^7^°"'^ ^»'''t'a will Colonel Van Rensselaer hobbles on fwn P..„f„i prospects warrant a belief that we may leave S^^l^ « ' '^ ^'■^^*/*^'^- toyou I am all alive with solicitude ^1.1;. . '■ '^'^'- ^ ''""^''^ dential Election ; our Le!wslature theT.r ^i ' ?")?'« -the Presi- Country, my family • tEnnro ,.V. n I' the general disturbance of the Altho' your solicitude for our fle'h and borfp. ^h !"''' ^ '"" '""'^^'•• subsided ; yet 1 trust in heaven rh.,tn« f ' f ''''''; P"'^' '"^3^ have paign kjulyiable that caW er"'.^ if be m/t T ^ conduct of the Cam- thing remains ./.«i/>/ the arm .1 LX . 1 wfth'"'?-^ '"^ '^'^ '^'^^y beam until Justice shall have cast inTLl- u P''*^'"'"' ""PP^""^ 'he footed up the tally, and Tel my liead t^ H h! u' '""^i ^'"'^''^ '^'^^ ''^^« wind if there be not a u aninl^s verd ct of It \"'''^ "'^ T^ '' '^' man say we had not Boaf,^nT^L\ .\ ■ °"*'!' ""^^ Should any where ^he troops crS Id '300' ' ds":^';."f " '"" •' ^'^V'-^ '« -' made in five minutes - we h-ld 1-^n , . '• u P^'f','^^ '"'-^' ^^^'Ij be and li which would cari^y S^ifch ^ '.1 T'^ f '"^ ^^* '"^'^ '«°h, there had been a si?-ht t7J.mt • • ''" '''' "''°'^'' "^ Queenstown l>ave been over be ore 1 'oc S 'T ^'^V ""''' ''' '^' ^""^ °^i«ht The i7,..««/ Truth hth.t thl ."' u '^ ^/'"^'' «" '^'^'h sides, idle. to go over, tiSl, '^^ '"'" ^^'^ '^"^ solemnly pledged them'selves iii 280 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. fear the Lord and acknowledge his government. That the cord of my affection is stretched to the la^t; I will reel it up upon my heart a,s fast as possible, till she can reach, and roll it upon her own heart, and tliere let it continue until death knots off skeins to warp the woof of eternal happiness. Your ever true Mr. Joseph Alexander. John Lovett. Oen. Van Rensselaer to Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. My dear friend. Water AHiet Nov. 8, 1812. I cannot describe my feelings at the reception I met with in my journey home, if I had been a Victor, I could not have been more honored. Nothing was wanting but my two companions or dear friends, the partners of my toil and anxiety to have made me as happy as ever Man was. Our friends at Utica are determined to give you a reception, which all good men say you merit. I have visited your Wife, and friend Lovett's — found them well and inquiries innumerable on war, natural, which I faithfully answered sometimes a little embelished. I have visited Gen. Dearborn, nothing new. Gov. Lewis is extravagant in his encomiums, he says you are to have a Regiment, and if no vacancy occur, one will be raised. I have seen the official Letter of the British by the Adj. General, it differs i'rom mine considerably in point of fact. Who received the Flag that made the proposition for a cessation? They state that it come from me, you know to the contrary, indeed Gen. Sheaffe's Letter to me will establish the fact. Pray beg Lovett to write to me every mail. I have ordered the news- papers to be sent to you. Present my sincere respects to Lovett and believe me ever your friend. S. V. liEN;5SELAER. Col. Van Rensselaer, Buffalo. "Colonel Van Rensselaer remained in Buffalo until the 9th of November, and was then conveyed to his home at Mount Hope, near Albany, ac- companied as he had been since his removal from Lewiston by Mr. Lovett. They were met in the suburbs of Albany by a cavalcade of citizens, and Van Rensselaer was received with the honors of a victor." " It gives us the most sincere and heartfelt pleasure to be able to an- nounce to our fellow citizens, that Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer who was so severely wounded in the attack on Queenstown, has so far re- covered, as to be able to endure the long and fatiguicT journey, from Niagara to Albany, and is again restored to his amiable, and highly en- deared family : and is in a fair way of a speedy recovery from his wounds. He arrived in this city on Tuesday evening November 17th, accompanied by Major Lovett his friend and companion in arms, who has faithfully attended him from the moment lie was brought off' the field of action, until he was saie in the bosom of his family. It was a gay time pro- cession, flowers and all conceivable pleasures have been lovingly brought into requisition to contribute to the general rejoicing and they went home singing, 'No more I'll pant for glory's wreath.' Every thing connected with the joyful reception was mo.-.t satisfactory, to the invalid and disililed officer, for even the very atmosphere of home was invi^iioratiiig. The happy return on that occasion did not fail to evoke new gratitude in that peaceful mansion, with the lull measure of glad hearts, sacred to theex- pjcssiou of thtJ affectionate relations that make life lovely. The festivities i: i liJiill lered the uews- Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 281 were not saddened bv 'an nvM «nncr> ,j- . , ■, .^' "y -in aviui sense lA one iiiuto shadow watpliiti.r nil ' a.s. l,n,htp,on..o ol .eturn.n, health gave a buoyancy to -LTourE^^^ ^ Jna,e Vun.y.stoVol. Van Rensselaer -Tke" Soiaicr's Return." in a p'aper which I have just seen whif^St/a'prnT-'^^n -^^'f' I have with heartfelt satisfaction rj^^d ^ jl. v ,,n . ? '"• 'V J''"'"' own houne. As an old friend T mZ h ■ ^ T ''^^ '''''"^^' "^ J'our and your faruily upon the plelsi' X L^cT'SL^tf r '^^^^ of your many other friends th•.^ vn,, . 1 i!' ,-7 "^^ ^'^'^^^ '» *''ose ustLl health! sfxerVth nd usefXess \ou ^''^y J'^^'r' '' ^^'^^ probahly will suffer n.ore. I sfn n Zl JT ^'^' '"T""'? '""''^' ^^^ shall in the end be restor;d to tC^u o of vn T.T' ^''P^^' ^'^^ '^' :^«« sufllMin,. will be forgotten i. the W whfch suci ' "r^"' ^^"^ ^''' occasion. As soon as I have moved inrmv hp^ J ^^"^"•"'"^fon will hon>e, which will be in about a ZuXt rshal.oT'A Th'^ ''" '^'^'.l )'ou in person how much I rejoice that you are silTn hp1 T^^ .? f^ ing, and in the bosom of your family. ^ ^^ '''"'^ "^ ^^<^ ^'^■ With unabated affection and friendship, Yours &e Solomon Van llensselaer, Esq. '' '""'^^^ y^^ ^^^^ there was '' sunshine as weilas cloud.'' ■rn^'t'"''" '"•'^ ^' ^S'*'" ^"'^"d nusery and much eartSy bL ' '"^'^"^'"' '^^ ^^" ^« If the Weather and the State of Colonel Van Rin3.^'"-i!' ]^}^-.u penuit an Address is intended to be cl^^l e dVn w! 1 t Ha^ f V'" ro CW«. &;./«.;i F«/i Rensselaer and John Lovett. b-eatlemen, The deep interest which vour fellow Plfl^^ i orally manifested, with 'respect to your sJrvi es inl tffT T '" »?' a.st Ca.paig,, sufBcienti; indicates th7exdlk1ruSld ""':." estimation. Your brethren, the Members of fhp VvT^Jt "'"''^" ^''^T 'Ihe members of this Society, have ever had thp fnll«=f n « i tliepiudenceanddiscernmentofMajorJcn Van Ren?. ^"ifi^^^^^ i^ ;j. pu Gentlemen to important nr^\S:^;il:Sjt^^£^J;^:^^^^^- fforded an additional proof that, that confidence wa ^11 found l^T".' ie;i;r;r^.;r^^Lr:an:-;i:ts.;f ;^^^^^^^^ - pt any contrariety of opinion on these points y1 bre h ''n P/f "'"^'i- 11"8 was an organization opposed to the^ii^^^i^! 36 mi 4* : 282 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. the effects of") the Ignorance, the imbecility, the want of preparation and forcsijiht, the distraction, the dishonesty, the Jealousy, and the low in- trigues, of the Government, its Officers and Agents; and when you could not avoid anticipating the result, this state of things must necessarily pro- • duce ; the sacrifice of lives and property and the disgrace of the Country. The gallantry displayed by you. Colonel Van Rensselaer, in the Attack on Queenston, is the subject of public admiration and praise. It must have endeared you to such of your brother officers as are capable of duly appreciating this most noble trait in the Character of a Soldier; and in your present languishing condition, it constitutes at once the pride and the Solace of your friends. In those who were previously acquainted with the pupil of the Intrepid Wayne, this act of bravery occasioned no suprise. They were persuaded, that he would be found at the post of danger and that he possessed the Spirit, and the Skill to render essential Service to his Country. Your brethren cannot forbear to lament, that, that attack proved in the event, so disastrous to the Nation and to you; they however hope, that it may tend in some degree " to revive the fonjotten dujnity of the American name." The Wounds of a Soldier received in the Service of his Country, have ever been considered as presenting an almost irresistible claim to attention and respect. Two cases only are recollected in which this claim has been wholly disregarded. By the Mob at Baltimore, to whom the unfortunate Genl. Lingan opened his bosom, and they Stabbed him through the Scars of the Wounds he had received in fighting for the Liberty and Independ- ence of America ! By the Chief Magistrate of the State of New York, who formerly professed to be your personal friend, who is your fellow Towns- man and Neighbor. IJe came to the place where you lay, helpless, covered with wounds, many hundred of miles from your family and your home. These wounds too were received in battle in the course of a War, for which lie is a zealous advocate. He lodged beneath the same roof with you, a few inches only of lath and plaster separated you from each other, and he did not deign to speak to you, or to enquire into your situa- tion, or even to direct his eyes towards you. And yet this man is gene- rally reputed to be mild, humane, and aSable. The appearence too of his State Coach, every Sabbath at the door of the house of Worship, is calculated to induce a belief that he is pious also. But the Vail is now rent asunder. His hypocrisy is manifest, and he appears in his true Cha- racter, destitute of every generous and manly feeling, Vengeful, "' " nant, and Implacable. Malig- Colonel Lovett, From your acknowledged literary talents, independent mind, and experi- ence in life, your brethren expected with confidence, that in every trving situation, and in the discharge of the most arduous and difficult duties, you would promote the good of the Service and advance your own reputa- tion. They also looked to you in a great measure, to throw light on the transactions of the Campaign, or the State of the Army, and of the North western Frontier. Nor have they been disappointed in a single particular. Your conduct has been such, as fully to satisfy the highest e.xpectations of your warmest friends. When it had become public that General Van Ilensselaer had relinquished the command of the Army, it was supposed by some, (and your known attachment to your family rendered it probable) Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 283 that you would immediately return home lint th^ K.. other, you chose to remain with youHriend and Po .T """' '''. '''^' nor did you attempt to nass tho fl>,.»^^ln !• tompanion in Arms ; had dopasited the'^wounded Hero n tt h^^""' T." ^r'""- ""^" y"" possibli to avoid doinc. hoTn. 4 to a nmo H ''"'" ^^ ^' ^'""•'^' ^^ i« ''"■ ^ Fiually, Gentlemen your breuZ .? '" '" 'T'^ "'^^'^ '"^"^ ««"«™»«- sincere pleasure the^fow eon! a .d.r "' ^""' ''''*' '' '^ ""''^ ^»»« '"o^t spective families, an^ he con£« of /""^"^ '''"'" *' ^'°"'' ^«- bi;hoid you in this Hd^ inTh 'Ssfof ^T 'i^f :;h:t N^^ ^'^^ ^"^'^ the na„,e and prineiples of our beloved VVasSC^ '"" " """°^^ l.tr?and1ig.St ff,;;Sr\rtton T'^^W^^' ^^e superior tion, to be ever the objLt of en^'v 'n'^J'"' ^•^^«":^ *''« '•«='«h ofimita- his country. No other L ever disLv d sul.rr. ^'""'"'f '' ™"'''^ '^ of character, in divesting himself orrwert^?r'"''' r?*^ magnanimity object of ambition, and retirinrfrom tCohL? '^l'"^l"'«'"?S tbe highest to the state of a p ivate cSn '^ "^agistraey of a free people, CHAPTER XHI. Major John Lovett's Election to the 13th Congress. J. RoUnam to Col. Van Rensselaer. 'The result of the battle of Queenston was pain^fuf to a^l'Mn ^^^'• IS insufficient to paint the proceedings of Li P *« »"; but language attack upon Canada • his coutPmnHhl , ^^ ^^"' ®"^*'^ « pretended of every'officer, wt was a pSe^ i SLltT''''' '^?^^^^^^^^- heart a great soul would do groat thiZT- ISZT''' ' , ^^' l\ ^^^ '^"P^'i that «o. Hut as far superior nurDitTdeh-J^^ """f'' ^^^ ^'^ ' ^ulied ! to Michael the Arc^.-Angel LTieS'nesr"" ^"' ""^^'^^^' ^^ ^^^^ - ™en: and his boats would e rV^th eo' H.:'"' T\''T "^^ ^'^ousand ^ides eleven pieees oT'Ttil er7 wi h I' ""^ ""''' ^•^"'^dred men, be- forty.ei.ht horses : On u'e nth't of h.l °^ ^•""'"nition wagons 'and and .culars crossed the ver^ik da , /I.Tk^-' ^^''' '^""^'"^^ ^'^^'^ one prisoners, and returned To »? • ^''^^f'^'^h cannon, took thirty- Jf . re.iinent,'erossed trrfv'er, ad w rrli'w!,^^'; .^^l^' ^^ l^ritish ; by 12 oVlnok ..11 fi. , i V n-^,'^ "y ""O"'^ tbree hundred 284 Legacy . Historical Gleanings. opposition from the enemy, who in attempting to approach were driven back by the well directed fire from our batteries ; Notwithstandinj,' the ardor of the troops to pass the river, they were ordered ashore (to dTseui- bark and dine !) and a J'lag was sent to Canada ! ! Yesterday at three o'clock A. M. the troops were again ordered to embark, the American Flag was raised, with everything ready for a descent, when -! Lo! the Coward appeared — and — tho remuii.Jer cannot be described, but, by the fallen countenances of the officers and the fury of the privates! I, Sir have been anxious, since you»- departure from this, to hear of your sale arrival in the bosom of your family ; and that you have by this recovered of your wounds. lie assured Sir, that I feel much for your welfare. Lois Le Canteubx Esqr. presents his best respects to you. I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, Col. Solomon Van Kensselaer, Albany. Josiah Robinson. " The scruples of the Pennsylvania brigade had been overcome, and they would have invaded Canada cheerfully under other auspices. Hut distrust of their leader, had demoralized the whole army. They had luade so much noise in the embarkation that the startled enemy had somided his alarm bugle and discharged signal-guns. Smyth called a council of the rei^ular officers and soon an order was received, from the commanding general to General Porter, directing the whole army to debark and repair to quarters. This was accompanied by a declaration that the invasion of Canada was abandoned at present. The regulars were ordered into winter quarters, and the volunteers dismissed." Dr. Chapin to Col. Van Rensselaer — A Duel. De«y Sir, Buffiilo Dec. 13, 1812. This part of our country seems destined to be the theatre of events both strange and new. You will hardly believe me when I tell you that our two doughty Generals — Smyth and Porter, got into a boat yesterday with something like 20 men, and, with flying colors went over to Grand Island — burnt a charge of powder at each other, shook hands, and came " bock agen," without staining the ground with even one drop of their precious blood. The challenge was given by Gen. Smyth, who finding that no " ungathered laurels " were to be plucked on the Canadian shore this winter, even condescended to seek them on a little Island, the claim to which is in dispute between the two governments. The combatants were to have met between the hours of eleven and one; but it seems they were not willing or ready to quit this world, until about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when they met. The cause of this truly important and war- like movement, appeared in the Buffalo Gazette of last week ; I mean, Porter's letter to the Editors, in which he directly calls Smyth a coward, and indirectly a liar. The conqueror uf Canada, at first, took this in high dudgeon; but one shot from his antagonist, that just whistled over his head, completely satisfied him " that Gen. Porter was a man of honor, and had doubtless labored under some mistake, or misrepresentation, when he wrote the offensive paragraph." Captain Pitzgerald, of the 49th Regt. was over on Saturday after Gen. Smyth had taken Canada by his white flag, and told a number of our officers, who were collected round him, that the United States would never conquer Canada until some of their old Generals rose from their gruves Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 285 But when he hears how Gen. Smjth has the courage to be shot at he will no doubt, consider the situation of Canada as desperate. I remain dear Sir Pnl «?nlnm«„ V 1, , ^"'' ^'^ccre fricud and hble. Servant Col. Solomon Van Kensselaer Albany. CvRENiua Chapin " General Porter openly attributed the abandonment of the invasion .,f Canada to the cowardice of Smvfh a k;** V "'b evasion ot resulted in a challenge by he Serai t ^^rl^'V" '""'f^' '""^ ^"^" to test the courage of both by a duel Tn ^i 7 • 'f !'"°"^ 'u '^^""'""'^ of War, these superior officer^s of the arm? tuT V' . "° 1 '^' ^/'''^'' «ur,eons, put off^n boats from the sLre n'^.^ritck Rock'in fh""''' ""' of dieir troops at two o'clock in the afteraooi o hV 2 h'o "d eE" " .loet each other in rriortal combat on Grand Island. VLy e.cha„,:^ shots a twelve paces distance. Nobody was hurt. The expeyed t aSv proved to be a solemn comedy. The affair took the usual ridfcutus coSrse^ The seconds reconciled the belligerents the UnA nfLn^ • • .^ *,.i acd received ConSdenof X til :;\b ir„ro: '"smS tiniw;od ,„IJir;i """"f, °Pi"i°" 'I"" «l>i» writer h„» done tl.o diB. ,rv wi t "'""° ''" '"' »'»''« "■ • I'oro of his romance iirmt in .t QueSn 1„ ' .;{^i''*f " f- Tm P'°P''"' "P'"'" "'' C»P'«i» Wool -p... .he whoio .™n.e.ioo, a:dS'.i:k'r .be'rc;i;'i,,:f2i!; ipii I 286 LBaACY OP Historical Gleanings. bolonp^s to him. This expedition and enterprise was under my commanil and not under Oupt Wool's or any body else. I coniuianded the wliole' not a detuchment, and the whole were formed in order vn the hemh not on the plateau; and by my order the troops charged up the bank; tliey were not allowed to load their pieces. The enemy gave way; on the plateau the engagement took place, and as of course, the 13th were on the right, they suifered most. But I have some reason for knowing that this fight took place under my command, and not under Cant. Wool's and that I was not quite out of all danger during the engagement. At any rate the enemy hit me with six bullets in the course of the fight one of which I carry now in my body, by way of a remembrancer. The British party which had given us this brush retreated towards the village. But my men wer-^s still annoyed by some shots from the hi"h grounds, and I ordered them to fall back under cover of a bank. I now found myself so much riddled that it seemed quite impossible that I should be able to lead the troops in person, to any further enterprise: and I naturally looked about for Lieut. Col. Christie, who was my second in command. He was not to be found. In fact, as is well known, he had retreated without touching the British shore. The search for him occupied some time, and of course created considerable delay, as I was naturally dis- inclined to entrust the command to very young, and very inexperienced hands. But there were no others near me, and finally there was no other alternative. Capt. Wool was theseniorofiiceron theground, andhe received my orders. I myself arranged the order of the column for the ascent, and marked out its cour.se — directing ita movement to the left and by a point of rock, which would avoid exposure and bring it on the heights in the rear of the battery. I ordered Lt. John Gansevoort or the artillery, assisted by Lt. Randolph, at the head of forty picked artillery men ; to lead the column, and I placed Major Lush, one of my aids, in the rear, with strict orders to put the first man to death who should fall back. In this order, when all was ready, the troops filed off before mo, and it was not till they were fairly on their way, that my strength failed me, and I sank to the ground. During all the delay that had occurred, and the arrangements for storming the heights, I had not quitted my feet ; (except when the troops were screened under the bank) and I had borrowed from Major Lush a great coat which I wore the whole time on purpose to conceal the extent and number of my wounds. Capt. Wool's ojficiul ac- count of the matter to me, is in the Narrative, dated 23d Oct., 1812. " In pursuance of your order, we proceeded round the point, and as- cended the rocks, which brought us partly in rear of the battery. Wc took it without much resistance." 1 must not omit to say that the very advantage which I had sought to secure, by gi''ing the artillerists the position I had assigned them in this enterprise — ihat of turning the battery on the enemy as soon aS taken — was lost by the spiking of the cannon. Let me not be supposed to entertain a disposition to detract from the high merits of any brave brother. Wherever Capt. Wool was engaged on that trying occasion, he acquitted himself like a brave soldier, and a gallant man, and as such I have spoken of him and others in my book. But while ample justice is accorded to him, let no pretended historian distort facts to tbe prejudice of others who were his companions and rivals in arms that day, Lush, Gansevoort, and llandolph were among the number — and more il-iring or more enduring men uuver faced a foe. It was the conspicuous gallantry of liandolph oa Leoaoy op Historical Gleanings. 287 that occasion tUt attracted the attention of the enemy, and excited the iKiiiiiiutluii ot hiH brethren in nr.»a i „* i- i •'. ca».iita rne nan,e. and n.erits ot'ueh J„ "" '^Sol vlv "il '' '''' "" ^''« Albany, I'eb. 23, 1846. litN.ssKLAKR. C/.«;fc«^. from Peter B. Porter to Sol. Van Jienmlaer. A publication in the Columbian of the l-^th inllf I ^^'' ""^i' ^^^^ the tuHlc of making a statemen of farf« /,:?>. k.-" '"T/^ "P"" "'« c,ue.t a place for it'in your eoTumns ' P"^'"'' ""'^ ^ ^'^^•^ '« '•«- already so overwhelmed with nnblir. Tvl J ■'"^" "^"'""^ ^ "'»« PORTKU may seenrunmer fuf b ,^ execrations as .s General Peter B. and in justice to Lw/St^s^^^^^^^^ !f ''^ "'■*' ^^'""^'^ the public, ..an) I shall answT ^ ^ ''"''"''•^^ ''^^ ""''''' "f ''"J h"°orabIe Columbian to which I have ?eferre^ Vt, P"'?,"^ ' ^"'^'^^'^'^^ '» *^« sion 1 did declare to G e a'p L; that I would t "^"" ' ''^'"* ^•'^^- ma«k him to the world • and ^tthL \v .7''"'*^' «^ ^ Pi-op^r time, un- ^::^:l =;?/,°s zri- '-^ '"^"-" - .o-;^\fs^re: «.e.t of lict. iTs aurflJ'/I r "'.i«="''i''l'™ "" '"""'"g "»'<■- mm unfavcble t„ e J : :« ^he „i " '^" '■ T'*''''' ""^ '"^*- of the Nation, through the (^nmm.mrlnr .V.u "» ' 'J ^°^ the honor •cessation of hostilit?es and / 1? 1 n , ^' '^'"'y' ^''' P'^^S^d for the L^sued, Gene a Varilenstltr rcei?e^^^^ that purport°had been General Hall that a Br t shier 'earta^^^ ^''"^ ^^'^'' and taken at Buckhorn Island rwhp.M f ^IT^'' ^"""^ ^•^"° surpri.sed by a detachment of ColoneSwS? '^ '"'^^'" sometime stationed) quiry as to this breach of luh A ^^T"""*" ^ ^"« ^^'^^''^^d to make in- had been t7ken Th dutie o .r'.^ ^^ ^he place from whence they Black Rock TstoDnpdirl of tlm day called me from Lewiston to hopropo^d tollr;a1.;^J:^.Td wh leVe""'"^'. °"^ ^'^^"''^ ^^^^^^ ' over to Jud..e Porti^^wT/prf J i '''"'%?'',""- '•""'^y- ^ stepped whether ho knew who ;J Jivl nH / '^" ^■^^'^'''> ««d inquired ^^^ been made to him f.r a^b^at ^^^i!^ ^^Zl £ h^li J^^ 288 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. unless an order wus obtained from General Van llensselaer. I observed tbut he knew perfectly well, tbut no such order would have been fjrantcii • and that had he said one discouraj^injj; word, the enterprise would never have been ottenipted. I reminded him, that by stipulations entered into between General Van Rensselaer and General Siieaffe, wo had fortunateiv secured the naviuld meet at the a H hr.e above L E ^''^T" /^''"' *''"* ^'-''^ tromthoncetoGrandlluTtfekotai ^' ^'' '"^ P"""*^"^^ arrival at that place or, Wdav nr n T »""'" """^''^S- ^» *''«'«• wore made on tLpaJt of voir IHonTEr' '," ''Tr"'' ''•'' '"««''"» u.inewithouteor,8Sltin./mrmrwifhM /•?.""* ^" """'^'"^ ^^ ^^ 1 am &o. Peter B. Porter, Esq, Q Master Gen. M. 3.^n' Y^'''' K^nsselaer. ^ In this state of things my friend wrote to Dr. Wilson the foliowin. note • "■til nine, at the Svera od^sL W i H°°n."l" ""'"'"K ""^ '•«'"»i°»! lowing note : Deai IS'r, Lewiston, Gth September 1812 T '. id you a letter just delivered to me by Doet. Wilson from Quar- ;[ J,' jter General Porter. You will readily perceive its object. 1 used ifte epithet charged, I did declare that he bad been the means of bringing the inhabitants on the frontier into difficulty and then neglected his duty ''y not furnishing the necessary supplies to carry on the War ; and have agreed that :■ friend should meet Doct. Wilson at Judge Bartons at Seven this Evening. I have to request you will dome the favor to meet Doct. Wilson, punctually, at the tinie and place appointed, and act as exigencies may require. I am, very respectfully your friend, &c. John Lovett, Esq. SoL. Van IIensselaer, In the forenoon oC fie 7th, after General Van Rensselaer and Col. V.R, had left the camp for Fort Niagara, Mr. liarton called on me in amp, and said Gen. Porter was at his house and wished to see me. I went. He said he had ever entertained a high respect for Col. V. R. — never had any misunderstanding with him before, and much regretted it now. Dr. Wilson asked me if I did not thiak that he and I, bi/ actimj a magnani- mous part could 'preserve two valuahlc men for the Service! I told him the object of our meeting was single and definite : that I had no authority but to locate the place of meeting. From Tonawanda returned to camp and reported to Col. V. 11. the proposition for postponement. He in- stantly rejected it saying, " all the fellow wanted was to paddle off. " [Mr. Lovett's statement, which is quite lengthy, coincides in every par- ticular with Colonel Van Rensselaer's.] In conclusion he says " The fore- going statement is tested by very full notes taken at the time. To those who are acquainted with Colonel Van Rensselaer, it may appear superflu- ous to add, that through the whole aifair.his conduct perfectly comported with the character he has ever sustained, was such as might be expected from a gc \tleman — a man of honor — the Soldier. Albany, 28th Feb. 1813. John Lovett. " The Soldier's friend." Sir, Albany March 10, 1813. It has been asserted by an anonymous correspondent, through the medium of my paper, that while the brave but unfortunate Col. Van Kens- d haaded roe the .ppointed, and act vice ! I told him JOUN LOVETT. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 293 solaer by covered with wounds at a public house at Buffalo, His E.crllencv Guv. lo.upk,„s stopped at the san.e hou«e for several da s : and that af though he knew Col. Van Rensselaer to be in the house, and his iffl ead.njrered by h.s wouuds, received in the gallant affair of Queen town ye h s Excellency whose partisans represent him as " the 80^^^'' left tl e house wihout expressing a wish to see the Colonel, or L k t even the slightest enquiry after his health luaKing rJf'VT''uV'- '"i'^ «"d unfeeling on the part of the Commander in Chief of the M.htia should be discredited on anonymous testimony i Is honorable as it is natural to a brave and a generous people, anTi wa not therefore surprised to learn, that many of my readers disbelieved or doubted e Hf atement of my correspondent. As to myself, I had no doubts because the affair, as represented comported with what my own experience hd brought me of His Excellency's character, both as a man and a Magistrate It IS uiy wish, however, and indeed I owe it to the public as an edi or i duty, to place this affair in a true light, and havfn|unde stood tht vT„ wa.s t e constant companion of Col. Van RensselaerVh le he remai eJa" ]>uff,.lo and can satisfy ...y doubts that may exist on the subject of this conniiuuication, I take the liberty of appealing to you for TcSct stat" ^ O. bOUTHWICK. Major Lovett to Solomon Southmck. fiM • ' T . , Albany, March 10 ISIR Ihis morning I received your note requesting from me information ;tr, ^'T-ri^"?' of Governor Tompkins towards CoT Solomon Va^ Rensselaer while he lay wounded at Buffalo. I will very briefly sLet. you, Sir, what 1 know, and what I have understood. Such wTstL sever Ite On'tl'^'lSf ".'^.r""*^^' '''^' I -"'-^ not movl hiL irauy carriage. On the 18th of Oct. part of Major Mo^elv's Biflp \..l\ \^ generously offered to carry him on their sh^uldfr , wire r he S^ go. If to Albany. He wished to go to Buffalo. Those !4,e'ou so, d s under the comn.and of Ensign Grosvenor, carried him to S h osse! " there they got a boat on the 19th and rowed him to Bnft->ln '",^."'^^f"' at Landens. Several days after Gov. Tompkins a ;We"the - Vut'^up"? the same house. I dined three or four days at the same tableCith Uie elaer situation. I never saw him in our room, a,' d Col V.n Rensselaer ln.s often told me that the Governor never came near him nor dd^ send any message to him. ' "*" "® Solomon Southwick.lq'' '"^ "^^"''""^ '''''' ^^^i ^^'T'- ' ^' John Lovktt. Remarks, "After reading the above correspondence, the public will be nt nn U.^ t^r^rt ^^^i'-'^ ^«»Tf J"^^'«^ ^^« parSns of Ib excel en^^^^ i^atnel D. lompkins have styled him ' The Soldier's friend ' ^ 294 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. while on a professional military tour, turn with averted eye, without of- fering a word of consolation, or the smallest aid of any kind, in alleviation of the brave man's sufferings. We are aware that the tools of Tyburn may suggest as an apology for his excellency's conduct, that Col. Van Rensselaer is a political opponent of his excellency. Be it so. But is a mere political difference of >pinion to stifle the dictates of humanity, and render the commander in chief of an army callous to the sufferings of his brave, but unfortunate companions in arms ? Humanity is the brightest gem in the character of a soldier, and in vain shall he who does not possess It lay claim to that exalted character. Had not our public councils been guided by a mean and narrow party spirit, Col. Van Rensselaer would have had the command of a regiment in the regular army of the United States. He was recommended for that situation, previous to the declara- tion of war, by several republicans who thought him qualified for and en- titled to such command, but as we were then informed by a correspondent at Washington, his appointment was defeated by the petty tyrants of Tyburn hill, to whose remembrance of an old grudge may be attributed an interference, on that occasion, which deprived their country of the per- manent military services of one of the bravest and most experienced officers that ever wielded a sword in her defense. Such is the narrow spirit of faction which is ever brooding over imaginary distinctions, or indulging the spirit of malignity, to the sacrifice of the best interests of community. How much superior to that of our self-styled republican rulers, was the conduct of the Kmperor Napoleon on a similar occasion. He wanted an engineer and had fixed his eye upon a man well qualified for this purpose. But he had no sooner manifested his intention than some sycophants, like those that swarm about Ti/burn, or danele at the levees of Mr. Madison, admonished him not to appoint the man he had his eye upon, ' for your majesty,' said the toad-eater, 'may rest assured that he is a jacobin.' « It is an ENGINEER that I want,' replied Bonajmrte coolly, and thus rebuked the impertinence and intolerance of the sycophant, while he secured for his army the services of a skillful and meritowous officer. Let our brave militia-men reflect, that if Governor Tompkins should be re-elected he will continue to be at least their nomi- nal commander-in-chief. But as their suffrages will either elevate him once more to the pinnacle of executive power, or consign him to that pri- vate station, for which he is best fitted by nature, it behooves them to re- member his treatment of Ool. Van Rensselaer for the private soldier will seek m vain in his distresses for the sympathetic aid of the man who could thus coldly and inhumanly avoid the languid couch of the wounded officer. We have too much confidence in the generous feelings of our honest yeo- manry to believe, that any suggestions of private pique or the detestable influence of party spirit, will be received by them as an apology for con- duct, thus marked by every lineament, a feature of cold blooded cruelty. The testimony before them, is no longer that oi" rumor — it rests no longer upon the basis of anonymous authority. Mr. Lovett was the aid-de-camp of General Van Rensselaer, and the constant companion of his wounded friend and fellow-soldier. His testimony, therefore, is conclusive, it con- victs the commander-in-chief of a dereliction of humanity, the brightest ornament of valor — it fixes the seal of delinquency upon his moral Ts well as official character — and it now remains for the ballot boxes to punish the deliuqueut." LfQACT op HiSTOKIOAL GlKANINGS. 293 ^o&er< ifacmft to Solomon SoutAwick. 'observing that the conduct of Gov Tomnkin^. towar!f'r Vv' ^^i^' selaer, whilst at Buffalo has hoocZT^ tT^V I towards Col. Van Kens- your paper, I feel my elf com^^^^^^^ ZJ "^ T'^ animadversion in Jou the Lowing staXent of fS Vol T Tw\ ^''•'''' '' ^'*"'''"'* ^o iocompanied Gov. Tompk ns as Aid« 1 r ^^^ ^'^-l^-f*"" and myself frontie'rs; and in thiHClr wtatited ^"LIl^^ S-/^"[ '"^ ?« Excellency manifested great anxietv for flf^ K ^Y^ ^^^'^ ^'^ wounded at Queenston.S for Co7vt Ron,,?'' '"'" ^'"'^ ^'^ ^''^ whose situation he made inquiries of thonffi.'^ among others, about Stephen Van Rensselaer^^GrTl^^^ f ^ JeVS l.^^"" with propriety, wait nersonallvnn Pnl v t> \ ^* "® ''^u'd not tion, as 'here^'was every rea 00 to beipl "Jl^f "'''''''■' ^""«"* '^^ '"^i*^- Go». Tourakina, however nrrlcro,! r„l r; • ™"«*'°'' Van Kensselaer. on Col. Van Rensselaer! -Livingston was also ordered to call As the strictures which have been made on this suhi^nf «, ^. teadency to impute to Gov. Tompkins an unfeelirj ne"£ nf ^ ^"n" * Countryman who suffered at O.iPPncfntL unreeiing neglect of our gallant the character of Gov Tolkns need iT' " .°"^- ^'■'"'^^ '' ''"^''^ (^^ imuiediately after his aZal a BiZVl' '""r.'" '^!' ^«»«'-^) '^^' part.ent,L the use'rttlicktd'wtnTd^tui^rtntP'*^^ '^■ je.f and suit^ a^^s:::i^::f^^^T^i:^:^ori,ra: He did not retain a single article for himself ^ ^ ^'■''''''^''• Solomon SoutJwSSf ' '" P"'^'^" ^'"« "^"'^ '" ^"^ P^Pe- ' ^ ■ ROUERT xMacoMB. i-.»..ble effect, .o every honllVL^ptK Sr^"' ''°"' """ Sir, ,, give y„u the following detail puonsnea in the last Register, I The conduct of Governor Tompkins in not oallin. ,». .„„ .„u,. j . wouudcu u the same house where ho waa, when "at"" Buffalo; blme thj : ^i ! \ ! 296 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. topic of general conversation between the Citizens and OflBcera at that place. Mr. John McComb (who so gallantly diHtingulshed himself in assisting to cut out two British Sloops of Wt off Fort Erie) lodged in the same house, and shewed me much attention and friendship. He heard the observations made on this subject and I believe felt hurt that his relation, Col. Robert McComb, did not call upon me. He told me one afternoon that he would bring his Cousin Robert to see me if I had no objections. I replied that I had not any, accordingly they came in one evening, and remained a short time in my room. This visit was made the third or fourth day after the Grovernor's arrival, and I believe the very evening before he and Col. McComb left Buffalo for Albany. But I solemnly declare, that Col. McComb did not communicate to me any message from the Governor, nor did I receive one from him through any other channel whatever. And as for Col. Livingston, he never did call upon me, although he remained in the same house in which I was about a fortnight after the Governor had left it. While I am again very un- willingly drawn before the public, I deem it my duty to correct an error which many minds have been impressed with ; by some it has been sup- posed, that I was the brother of General Stephen Van Rensselaer, by others his nephew, &c. But the truth is, that the relationship b k expiess to at that time were at Greenbush, oppo^ile Al^b^n'^l e^f^^^^^^^^^^^^ Captam Noon was a man of great energy, and he perforLd the "orvic ' in an incredibly short space of time. He 'rode express all the way ehan . Dg his horses by impressing them when necessary, assuri^l the owneS f remuneration from government. He neither stpt on the wav nor asted food excepting what he ate on horseback. When he aS'ed a (.reenbush he was so much exhausted that he had to be lifted fom his horse, and he was compelled to remain in his bed severd days He r is d and equipped this volunteer company at Albany, almost entirelv-'iis ?rwTi^sttt"MiHtl""H^"T'^"^^^ f "^'j°^ - tL «S,;L • LieurnanrGotno me^f'vew Sk'^M " ^i""^' '^'^""''^^ '' Tod hfthe 1 sT" ^'"^ ^''" f'''^ a representative of the state of New 10 k in the 13th congress, and soon after proceeded on to Washington InTlTVV ''"^r't I^^''"'--y2b- 1813, preceding thi„a'u.u: n R ^V;, '''^''°"; ^''' thirteenth congress assembled on Mav 'A^th and Heury Clay was chosen speaker of the house." ^ ' Hon. John Lovett to Joseph Alexander. Sit,!;"" '"" -«r\;'- »-^ SS^i^l'Spi^f ..^ «n NewPyri S"' '"."-'"r'''" rrS and reposing WTre7 «, to New vLr ? ^ P»»et. Mr. l.sk having insinuated that Pomeroy produced the lliot by intemperate expressions respecting the war • unra this \Tr P. aniiiiadverts with some severitj. Motion Zt Eiti ie on U ""tS S:^or^' ™"'^" '- -^--- '^ «— C.r "ean-edn'; are^c^lSn '' ^J'^'J^rr"'"^"'"" disposed of, Mr. Webster's Resolutions are c.iUert up. Gen. Wright takes the floor. I hear his noise but und.^r stand ,m not, nor do I think he understands himself. I iv'e ,ust been across the house, out of curiosity to hear Wri.rhf ■ ..n,l T -'^i truth say, as th^honest German'did of Ihe'Im rjfThe PoleLr'^ S'l vas kood vays oflF I smell'd em mighde sdrong: ten I com s up ^C t>v e™ and py der dmis kite he sdankt so dat°I coud zme odin^ unt^er n . . . \^ ^^'■'•°^' ^'T'^ ^^'^'"" «"^- ^« Furnace men s.it"°/W raises 1 is quandom ministerial tone ; but, forgettin- that he has tIZZ e dc.k for a le,sU,tu:e Jloor, he makes a little^too free wUl Man's 1C^ Mr Speaker cal s h.m to order ! He concludes by motion for indefinite osponeuient. [Henry Clay was speaker.] Mr. OaL/zZmno7tlTt .'S;rl?d%tuhf il" "' ^'.'i H-- Gentleman Ln Mar^Lnd ^5 v^. n .1 ^^^?• f^'°"tle'"an has been considered as privileged ro4 i aXn to? *? ^''t' "««^^"^'--^» «^ -«-de the Housfis under more atentlonlTan M^ f 17"'' '". u ' ?i'°^ ^"^ ^"''^ listened to with handsomely ^^ ^^ ' ' " P^^"' "'^^"^"'^ ^^'^^'^''^ ^^^^ 11 M '."•e and more : Oakley lias both fr^.^l, and 5, i '" piompt, luminous, pointed. In the most shrewd and Occam, he is lu 'Sturiy. cuuninir 800 Le(jacy op IIisToiiiCAL Gleaninos. manner, lie assiiiln the 1* -.sidcnt, yot in such cuutious phraHooloresidenT] nd hi scS patterned old skele„n of a French liarber, Gerry [Flbridf,e Gerry V ce Pres.den ] off hand and n.ake Mr. Kin. factotuuf in all thin-^s' Li Z fortunately, I missed the General, in Philadelphia, and missed a single jne to Mr. K.nj, which I had intended to solicit. ' The plu n trutl hat fM.f. do not like to have you ^o into the Army : espe ia l as' h y calculate w ■ h moral certainty that the can.pai.n is to close with lefeut and total disgrace. One thing has .settled my n.ind as to the cou e I ouf,ht to pursue : ,t ,s a.ssorted, upon high authority, that WllhlnZt 80on to be here. Dearborn blunders in this Can.paiM. m.ticua vin su enng the little arn.y at Fort George to escape the;.!.; I y"" 'the fuu.Jut.on for the capture of Gens. Winder and Chandler „„ June 6th and leaving the way open for Proctor's Ketreat, and junction with the army at the head of the Lake, create great heart burnin-^s here • nd vou may rest assured I make the most of them - indeed smnes-w that mv part,cu .r knowledge of the country enabled me to begin In '' iu "J w.Il .nstant y say, " what can yon .say on the subject ? '' Wh y Sir peo^X re, love iW. so well that they eat Pu,.YoL: not a ma'n here will dspute a M.htary opinion advanced by a soldier who hasTe'rved '^1 mnth>^ under Genkral Van Kknssklakr and served as half a Second more than halfa Duel with Col Van Rensselaer ! Zounds Srthi is ouoht .,.,,,,, complete miliary Education at WashiuLSn Jiut to d 1 sure the Administration that there was not an Officer in the United 1 shall wai Wilkinson's arrival, and although I despise the wretch in my sou will try to use him. You know thar no caSl . ca^b m.^ e n n t r'""'"? 'f ■' '^" ^T''' '''"' ^'^••" *''« ^hole play is l'!un3er upon Blunder; and who can tell where a blunderer will ft.ll ? But from en appearances, I think it very probable that Wilkinson 'wni sup" the i\orth. you will doubtless, I think, go with him : and you wil I M i i i: 802 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. both : but T had better reserve my prophecy until I ... , sec you. At prosoiit, T will only (|iii(to the expressions of old Colonel Lewis, tlic St. Regis Chief! ^yi,e„ j^^^ winter with as; " Crookud war — crooked war — this is a DREAOFur, ciiooked war ! " Althou<,'h i/mi write me nothing, still I know your movements, on the 14th instant, in the morning, you and your Daughter left New London; and what do think the fools here say you went for ? Why, to>//t< Ad' uiirai Ili-rdy ! [of the Hritish Squadron.] " Ah, ha;" say they, '"' Hardy will have wit enough to keep ott' as long as Col. Van Ren.s8elaer, Decatur, and Huntington are there with Continental Troops." On the whole, if you were not, constitutionally, just as you are, absolutely insatiable' of military fame, I should most heartily advise you never again to step foot in the field of Mars; for you must have great good fortune ever to get a single peg higher ; to say nothing of the chances of falling lower. I think any niodest man ought to be satisfied with the place you hold in the Battle of Queenstown, as it is now exhibited in Boston. Do you know why they didn't put me in too ? Why, the poor stupid devils could find no Artist who knew how to represent a Diuif man ! Curse their stu- pidity : why, could not they have represented me as I sit in the House, here, with one hand behind my ear, with my neck twisted one way, and my eyes the other ? And, if that were not sufficiently intelligible, hang a Label upon my ear with a " this is the Z>t'r//old Soldier." IJut, to be serious: I bear something better than I did, but almost despair of my right ear coming to; at any rate, I would at a venture commute my left arm for it. I can assure you, Sir, that could I lay aside the solicitude inseparably connected with the deplorable state of our country I should find my situa- tion this summer very different from the last. I have located myself, by myself ; 1 mess with no one; have an excellent cool chamber; a never failing fountain of good wter at the foot of the piazza stairs; cold and warm bat-lis only twenty rods off at the moderate rate of $5 for the Session. The furniture of my chamber was the British Minister Jacksons; then used by Mr. Quincy and now mine. There are a number of Democrats who lodge under the same roof. I am .sociable with, but we neither eat nor drink together. Among them is old Gen Tannehill and Col. Piper of the Pennsylvania Militia who w^re at JJuffalo last fall; they possess the highest esteem for Gen. Van Rensselaer, and wonder h^w he ever got along so well as he did. Indeed I have never heard the tongue of man speak of the General here, but with great respect. The other day, when Stephen's presentation to the Empress of France was announced, they came all cack- ling round me to ask if he was not the Son of the General V. R General now of Pittsburgh, fomerly Quarter Master of Wayne's Army, wa,s lately hero, and chanjcd me to mention him to you. Let me hear from you. Colonel Solomon Van llensselaer, JoHN LovEXT. Adjutant General, Albany. John Lavett to Sol. Va.'i Rensselaer. My dear Sir, Washington, July 16, 1813. 1 have this moment received your letter of the 11th instant. I have buta single minute to answer it, nor am I in writing mood — after we had been steeped in Tax Rills for five hours, the doors were closed and we were boiled and rousted three hours longer ; almost to suffocation ; and ' at. Keyis was an Indian villayeon the ' Line 'attacked Oct. ISia. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 808 r'l.r'T'i''''' /"'•''?"? ^^'"^'"^ P<>Ppi"^'of the Scnfinels, through the n ,^1 t deprived ino oJ nlecp. V..,, k,.„w wc had war all d,.y ye.st .rday in the n.sr.ctof Colun.b.a: to day we have pretty peaceable d.VSiu As to he mun, point Wilkinson is constantly exjected here „T "e voice ot a here >8 that A. n.ust co.nn.and at ti.e North. I advocu e t provided that /%,/ and yo« will Herve under hin,, I can nmko a pTwer ful party for th.«, «h„uld Wilkinson arrive before I leave '.his ^ In a Democratic Paper published at Alexandria, to day, I saw from au U,\sh account the character of /i..W.— connne. ts on h nXiousTilb ami the .fespern^ valor of tho.r. u-ho mcvie thr. uUac/c. I can't a. ah fid the paper. I think wo shall adjourn in ten days ' " ' ^ on t you know that in the Panorama, at Boston, they have the Battle oMM.en.stown ; and the full length Portrait of YouuhklI- ( Zyl inder- Stop— Slap : here comes closed doors a-'ain at 4 oclock We shnll ,.11 ..nf thin at any rate, steeping 8 hours per day. ^ ^" "" °'*^ Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer. ^'"" ''''^ jlVVol'. JOUN JjOVETT. CHAPTER XIV. Interesting Letters prom Washington. John Zovett to Joseph Alexander. My dear Sir, rir i • . Toi, 11 '. 1 ,. Washinc'ton, Ju V 17 1S1?I I shall write you but a line to day. We have for sov, rfl / u bamboozled for 7 or 8 hours ner d-iv wiH nln I^ \ .1 '''"•^' ^^^^ 1 am not sirA; but so far from be nf the very Devil is vur luckr '■ V-, I H .iaaj 804 Leoacy op Historical Qlkaninos. Tlio (.'Imirnian of the Com. on Niivnl AtFiiirB has tliia morning introduoud a l{t'W)lution to hold out ntronj^ cncoma^dincnt to private aniiud Hhips : or Htript of (liM^'iiiso, to fiore ii holi' ihrniii/h thf Nun imi>oitii/iiin Lnw, /iin/i' riifnii//i III throw . o"te should it be necessary. Now, Sir, the enemy are all out of the Potom M Possibly before T close this letter, at evening, we may hear more 0. this subject. Iftho Dogs are coming at all, I hope it may be before adjournment, that we may at least get the honor of a peep at them. We shall probably adjourn the 2nd. of August. I think present appear- ances, in the movements of the enemy, rather warrant the conclusion, that they mean to harrass, weaken and wear down, rather than risk much in bold and hazzardous dashes ; they will try co tucker out the Anfient Dum- inion. I understand they have an excellent Rendezvous at the mouth of the Potomac, on an Island, where they have plenty of IJeevcs, Sheep &c. All accounts agree that they are recruiting rapidly from the Plantations; the Negroes desert in droves, and are kindly received, put in companies, uniform, armed and all. Possibly they will, by and by, be able to march a Regiment through some sections of the country collecting more Volunteers. At any rate there begins to be loud howling on this subject. You have seen Coleman's comments upon the present state of New London. I was going to say there is a deep game playing on this subject. But I have almost done imputing to the Heads of Departments any thing like ileep ert as to the preservation of their Popu- larity) all is blunder upon bli> ;d..'; the blind result of slieer iguurauce, Stupidity and total incapacity. LnoAcr of nisionicAi GLBAHtNos. 305 The prop,»,i„„ L;;;"iot"S.,, r " s".t ".t: sr s*°- , of the Navy _ ho "a ™oa IcTuq \1 1 1 . ",'"""" """""''"'S *« Soo. »ml on Iho moriiin.. oC the I4ih I'll iT .' '."i" C^uneil broke up ; ...1 ivushkoop,i«^i;7hore tic?i'.^;o"''a' f ""? '■" "■"• ^"'l^ Sm th. Now vou find that on .1,1 1 ; ^,1 ■ '^' ""'' "I""" '» Qon- orJereJ the c„«3r„K „fe/l°Nl''{ ,t ""V "'". ^eo. of War had ;;.a .1,.., too, while the'siTf uoi:. r. ;j,t.x"i:^^r:?' *"'"■" '• H«iio„ Tk "'"=';'=•' •>/. "" h"Uf ago, on their way So Sack™ •San /£;: s td idV'='" "'"tr '"' *»' t-™™ X uavo seoQ ana much less responsibility. »>-. Joseph Ateandor, Albany. ''"'"' jZX\.r.. T^„ ^ , , '^<'*" ^o^ett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. i^ear Colonel, w i.- . 806 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. of your years, interest, inclination, and every thing, to have the matter set- tied whether you shall be restored to the Army, or confine all your future views and arrangements to civil life. Vibrating between the two, has long injured you essentially, and will continue to injure you until settled. You may think me rash to attempt this affair alone, but after all is said and done, I am the only one ivho knows you, and that insatiable thirst /or Mili- tary Fame with which Nature has blest, or curst, (call it as you please) yow. What may be the influence of Tompkins, Spencer, and Jenkins here I know not; I shall try it. ' You will notice in the Intelligencer of yesterday. Gales aniir -^versions upon the conduct of the Democrats in the Senate, relative to Gallatin —this is a fire brand — they call Gales a d — d little mischief making " EngM- man." " Tha's na look about the oose," to day. Nelson and Epf as are by the ears — Nelson, as Chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs, has brought in a Bill for remitting duties on goods taken by " Private Armed Vessels." He thunders, and stamps, and slaps his desk, and tells us tht " spirit of Privateering is paralyzed, and nev< r will rise without geeat en- couracjement." Now all this is admitted. Alarm has blown over; our troops returned from below to day. We have passed the Bill authorizing another Loan of $7,500,000. As this bill sailed thro' the house it was raked fore and aft, until hardly a Democrat would stay at his quarters. Pitkin entered, at length, into the situation of our Finances. The awful tale made long faces. The poor, poor, poor devils do not know what to do. When pressed on every side with damning truths, the usual expedient is for some Bawler to rise, strain his eyes open, slap his desk, and in distracted Screams to appeal to us all to know if we will give up our rights — surrender our Independence, and become eternal slaves to Britain ? I think they will adopt the sentiment in Armstrong's toast : " Sink the Ship rather than give it up." Wilkinson will command the Northern Army. Chapin, I see, has made his escape with his company, Ac i ay tell us some truths. On a number of pretty important party questions lately decided, Taylor, Hashrook and Comstock, of our State — Durall, a fine spunky little fellow from Kentucky — Calhoun and some of their cyphers voted with us — nay they four/ht their brethren Black Snake and Crow. In one very important instance (no matter what or when) the Committee of Foreign llelations reported in the vei-y teeth of a Recommendation of the President! This was the d — 1. Mr Speaker stared — expressed his astonishment. So servile are the Majority, that the little booby at the palace, is as much a despot as the Dey of Algier.s^ Our House have this day agreed to the I the . among York : alias on De Witt Clinton. The News, confirmed, from Europe, re- lative to Armistice, you doubtless have. July 'Zith. " And all is bush, " Save the dull roar, which previous to the storm, " Rolls o'er the earth, disturbs the Hood, and shakes " The forest leaf without a single breath." So the sweet Bard, Thompson, sung of the Natural world : and so the Siqman-fed bard would this morning sing of the Military and Pohiid world. Nothing stirring. The Senate sat all day yesterday with closed doors — we are every moment expecting to hear from them. Legacy of HtsTORioAL Gleanings. 307 a l)ash ! go on Ilo o„ - o on ' , ^F"'' ^''^ ""'''-^ ^''' ««•"«« ST'iOOOnn ^^, 0° "" — sO on— aud borrow money— $16 000 000 iA»« was sentto Berlin — an OwftoriQH ]n • ,k! f r "•'"i" * ofSSOOO; and now while Ihrmm.?- , i. '',°''. '° ''"""'• »° ''«'>' al Russia at a JmotmOoZl f ""^ "^ * ^- '' '"""""j I"^" SWOO more I While hi! 11TwwV° ""i' '""■'' "'' O"":^' o' ie had a ,«»,■ o J/ „f SI 500 p'e iZ. W,T ''t ^•^"" »' «°"''"'' Minister to £,ij„„.. bia ftther OW 7„T *^»^'^'"S'»" "PPOinted himaa the destination of h s sin he s'e„?hwt' 1?°!' '■'">P^<". aod ohnnged «.«. was then added:: '2' UAmZZeX'i M^Z^'j Tf "° Sp.i., .0 adjust ;!t'h fS^nfa'rthY SiSnltt'h/ff'' •^"^'^> 'i »dS &"'L'r,l ""frit'/ H """'*"■, '"T"'^"' W'^inftSn ..d .,. news f;o. Zi^r^ terj dte„«r°' ''° """^ "^J™'"'' Cotrn?;f^1rn;:5J™ oaW^ .oved a Resolution for the Memorv of the H.m>. li i j ^i , tiaamt to bo conferred on - Pro J„n°\*Vm:do W Lr''Fa'Ss'''Lt'''' "V,* "■'"'"■•'■ voted all onr money away to buTpurn" nrofor Ur, Tr "^ ""'1'""'^ S.»for^. e. ^..welcfNeI.onVRr„;S„t'iVSr; ""' ^" Fear ye — hear ye — hear ye ! i. tllls'rTsUei^rLrntbi? '" '"" "T"^ "T ''"' "" *-' «™""y - . aeath,^a:ttt;'Xn sh- 'IKre-fr^^^^^^ Ita^^ "S SHoS^l;;r'^'''7 ''r "- '"- ^^^^^^^^^ •v..-, tell yo°u aid „r r„l atoat"trurin":'S'"" T"' "f' "■'• '■™- r.tli^'jzi'r" '- 'f 'r ?"'■ -- -^u'-i ItL^y-i?,: .^» «».o i.. ,v wi;,f;;„hibi::r.fe=:Li^7 any"r:;r X" 808 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. foreign port; except foreign vessels, with such cargoes as they had on board when notified of the act. was speedily followed by a supplement prohibiting exportations by land, whether of goods or specie"] has been killed, and the cursed substitute, Non Exportation Act strangled, in our house, Democrats do talk and act like men I assure you. Not another act for Commcreial Restriction can be carried. The Bow has been over- strained, and mark me will never carry again. Duvall, of Kentucky, one of the noblest fellow ' :y have, and Bibbs the Senator, agreed that it would not do to oppose Commerce any longer, and say that now, nine- tenths of the Western and Southern People will vote Navy and Commerce. General Wilkinson arrived here in the night of the 31st. On the mon- ing of the 1st (yesterday) I addressed him a note, getting no answer, I this morning addressed another note to him, I received the answer in- closed. [" Genl. Wilkinson will have the Honor to wait on Mr. Lovett in one Hour, or perhaps half an hour. 8 oclock, Monday Morning."] To show myself very gracious, instead of waiting his call, / called at his lodgings : met him at the door, on his way to my lodgings. He was, in a moment all gaiety, debonair, and polite, though pressed with com- pany, he excused himself and took me to a private room. He would hardly permit me to introduce you to him ; saying that I must permit him to say, he knew Colonel Van Rensselaer better than any other man. Par- ticulars are needless ; suffice it to say, he is head, heart and hand, most devotedly yours. He is making up his mind as to taking command of the Northern Army, considers the responsibility infinite, that he must con- quer or die ; lose all his fame, or acquire more ; that he will not under- take until he can be assured of the means to be put into his hands. He says thus, " If I am to assume that command I must have 1000 fine fellows mounted, with Muskets, and commanded by just such an Officer as Solomon Van Rensselaer." I hinted softli/, at some reasons why the administration had not called you to the field ; and expressed the sense you entertained of the General's regard for you while your pretensions were under con- sideration. He said he would avail himself of an early opportunity to inform me of the reason ichy you were not appointed. Mutual engage- ments parted us, he will call on me this evening. Now keep yourself cool, don't expect any thing, then all that's gotten will be clear gain. I regret that Wilkinson had not been here a day or two sooner, that we might have so modified the laws we have been passing authorizing more force, as to have embraced such a Corps as he contemplates ; but I believe we have an act that will substantially embrace it, with less stretching than is customary in these days. At any rate I have now got the subject fairly in hand, and I will not quit it until I have seen a fair trial of the influence of your friends, against that of Tyburn. I told you I would try it, and tried it shall be. As I may stay here yet several days, I leave it to you to explain the reason as far as you may think proper. It is impossible to write — ^^all is bustle. You and I have been e+'ten disappointed that once more, will be but once more, therefore keep quiet till you hear from me again— .Interim. Truly Yours, Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope, Albany. John Lovett. General Wilkinson while in command at New Orleans had received a letter from the Secretary of War, John Armstrong — to proceed with the least possible delay, to the head quarters of Major General ])earborn. Those are now at Sackett's Harbour, ou Lake Ontario, Gob. W. auys, 1 Mutual enga{^ keep yourself cool, Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 309 obeyed the order with complacency, and did not waste a moment in mv pre])aration, to take a long farewell. "Jomenr in my Qov. Tompkins to Sol. Van Rensselaer. The Adjutant General is requested to Si.n t»,f P ""^ -^'P*' ^' ^^^^• eral Orders organizing the EL'enf r?; r'^d^^^Zral Orde^^^f 31st July If the return for promotions in the ChenaLo TrSade rGenI Germans) are in his possession, the Commander in W 2 T V matter, there is always a shadowy ending beyond the endintn, I cause men may not always becrjn lilcp 1. K" • ? *'^<^ ending. Only be- ning, something tha't needs to be ic 7.'^^ "'' ^''^'"^ '^^ ^^S^"" And thus it was after the re-election of Governor TnmntJno e .1, nobly re^instated Solomon Van Rensselaer in ^old oS of 'aSiut nt general, being as he well knewan honest man of elevated and nLS i mr, h„e written by him is precious to H» chi dren thev couirnt'l," mproTed. These truths were iilie " household word, " I ^.W „ \ the war of 1812, and the services which he rendSafc tjl '* "'' ::XS^"^tir;':-sl-£'SS^^^^ jeven wounds he bore charactered ouirpWtuwhil.h" foid'"„f ,? SS^;^^^rSs:fdr:^i^-5;?J? souices and left him a poor man in his deolinin.. years The fiHnl ^« ^• OIadau■;lter thfit nrnmnfc *».;. I k """» y«'trH. X nc Dlial devotiOD cursory m ni^r tL^re2d n .1 k"' -• ^T -f^ P^^'^-^y'^g' even in this :e;A.„eut,;ttS^-rir^^^^^^^^^^ pari "rtre'SrSle",!';;'' ';° "'""""^ r.^ "atisfaotoril, e.ecutej are ™i so i^ii.d'diSed'rh.rT.r ■■;' 'iri'^' '!-' '°"f. '» -"■ »«^ t.m most, .or those uoblc.,uaUtie,-ofhead'aud t,^':ZJZ^ 310 Legacy op Hisiorical Gleanings. uously marked him in all his domestic relations : to his children, he was endeared by all the holiest and strongest affections of the human heart- his estimable private character and his worth as a man, they knew and appreciated. Our heroic Father's name stands f^ oond to none in self sacri- ficing true patriotism ; and in noble daring deeds, -vhich gave additiooal lustre to the renown and glory of our Arms; he was an illustrious scion of his most heroic Sire. His name will justly stand recorded on the pages of history as the virtuous, honorable, and valiant defender, or asserter of his country's rights; and posterity will read of his exploits with delight And it IS always well to remember that to transmit the honors of one age to another is our duty ; to neglect the merits of our fathers is a direful disgrace. Unfortunately, " the public good" required that this upri«'ht Pede- rahst should be sacrificed to the Democrats, being the dominanr party of the day, and to that party he became obnoxious because he defended those who were wronged, and consequently, justice has boen measured out with but a meagre hand. And he found more than one barrier to the accom- plishment of his wishes, because he held in utter abhorrence the intri-^ues of democracy and the spirit of mob government. His own words are" re- corded thus : " After the battle of Queenstown, General Dearborn, profess- ing to be satisfied and pleased with my conduct, told my friends General Lewis and Van Rensselaer, at Greenbush, that a separate corps would be organized for me, of which they informed me by letter while still confined with my wounds at Buffalo; but owing to the public defence, which as a man of honour, I found myself obliged to set up against the political attacks on the conduct and character of General Stephen Van Rensselaer, who then was a candidate for the governorship a rainst Governor Tompkins i became obnoxious to the dominant party of the day, and the intention was never carried into effect. Dr Eustis, before he resigned as secretary at war, entered my name upon the list for the appointment of Brigadier General. He afterward told me when in Congress together, that he was astonished that his successor General John Armstrong had not appointed me. The present venerable .Mayor of Baltimore, General Samuel Smith and the Hon. D. R. Williams, chairman of Commitee on Military Affairs in Congress, called together of their own accord, upon the Secretary of War, to urge my appointment in the army. General Harrison, with whom I had served in General Wayne's army, also solicited my appointment, as his second in command in the northwestern army. It will be recollected that I never resigned my commission in the regular service, but lost it when the army was curtailed; my claim to promotion, therefore, was valid still, whenever any augmentation took place. Beside this, the validity of such claims was admitted in the case of other oflScers of Wayne's army, and they were promoted accordingly. Harrison, who was a lieutenant when I commanded a troop, was commissioned a major-general ; Covington, a subaltern in our corps, a brigadier-general ; Ball, my cornet, a lieutenant colonel &c. &c. Yet, the above applications in my behalf — and they were certainly entitled to some consideration, on the score of the character of the applicants — were all superciliously denied, on the ground as alleged to Wilkinson and others — that 1 was too unpopular to raise a corps. Where 18 the evidence of this fact ^ Was Gov. Tompkins, with whom, unfortunately, I had been at political variance, aware of it when I accepted his invitation, as a member of iiis own family, to assist him in defending the city of New York from an expected invusioa i* [As Adjutant General, Solomon Van Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 3ii Rensselaer was superseded for a few months antecedent to and during the late War, but wi.eu D 1). Ton^pkins, Esqr. rea«cended the gubernaforial cha.r, he was re-.nstated in that office.] Was it indicated in the resolut km unammously passed by the council of appointment, to confirm nrbrevet as xMajor General, in the militia of this £ .„ ^ Copy. "The commander in chief having raised by brevet Solomon Van Rensse aer to the rank of major general in the militia of this state on accouSrof his d>stmgu.shed ga lantry and public spirit in the n.ilitary servTe o? his country and especially during the late war on the Niagara frnnt^lrtl, fore resolved, that the said Brevet be confirmed and tl^fcotSs^^^^^ issued to h.m as major-general accordingly, in the militia of t^Sate ,«• ,. „ Dkwitt Clinton, Governor. (Signed; Stephen Uarnum, ^ William Ross, George Rosecrantz, f Members." Stephen Bates, Or was my election to congress by ray neighbors, without opposition "in one uistance, and by a triumphant majority in another, any eWdence of It? No, 1 only existed in the brain of a calumniator ^ (xeneral Armstrong was at that time governed by the basest of f««l ings and motives, and in the antipathies Engendered" i^rtn 5 p" and by circumstances which should be forgotten, is to be found Swhole Z%tir '"""' P"'^"" '"^"^^^' ^'^^•^ *« ^--^1 VL Rensselat When the much persecuted and unfortunate General Wilkinson was rdered by General Armstrong, then Secretar, of War, fron/New OrleZ to take command of the Northern army he too ur,rpH mv „ ^^.^f'^^"^ but was refused. On his arrival at MLy\lZ7£irLlT^^^^^^ wished me to accompany him to the frontiers I rPnlipH 1V«V T ^j willingly do so, if I LJ thought he had ^he least itt TeLltt thing of consequence ; but knowing that the deficiency of almost everv necessary article, and the want of a proper organization i^ any iep tmenf d W^' """-'^r ^'ZT ^'' ^''''''' "P«" ^^""treal that^easin I de: hn d. When informed by me, of the state of his command he could ardly credit it, for General Armstrong, in reply to writTen queries nuUn Inm on the subject, had stated everything to be in compWe^ordTr ^ fl^ only as bad as 1 had represented, but much wor,e, it was a "wretZd ^tate m which he found the army in all its departments." Col. Van Rermelaer to Gen. Wilkinson. My Dear Friend. Mount Hope 3rd October 1813 I received your very interesting letter several days since and I bei you will do nie the justice to impute the delay of my answer to the truecl^L tis hard sitting in judgment when inclination^nd a sense of du v aro P s.ng advocates ; it requires time, and mature deliberation \£\Zl gratitude and respect for the repeated evidence of your friendshin Z,\ honorable notice, I will state that decision, nn.l th. X; je'a' ' P- ^ -ve entrained me to make it. A Soldier's canao7 willpaidou^ I 312 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. ■I fl frankness. After the most charitable review I can make of the relative discharge of duties between myself and Country, I find insuperable bar- riers against resuming my sword. You Sir, know the general history of my life ; I will spare you the trouble of minute detail and only glance at prominent points. The sufferings endured by my Father from wounds received in the Revolutionary war, was one of the first serious subjects of my puerile con- temptation and why it should have been so, Nature alone must tell ; but the more I witnessed his sufferings, the more I became enamored of arms, As I advanced in years, the charms of a Military life brightened upon my view, and at 18 years of age, I resolved on the Profession of a Soldier, and entered upon it. In the School of the gallant Way.ie and yourself I was happy. I found the camp was my home, my sword my companion, and my duty my pleasure ; particulars are unnecessary. At the close of that War, I was unfortunate and suffered much ; but a consciousness that the Sword, bequeathed me by the brave CumpheU vaxa sheathed untarnished; and that my Commissions which bore the sacred name of WashinytonhJi never been dishonored, bore me above all considerations of loss of property or blood. It is true, I received the necessary vouchers tr - atitle me to that re- muneration from my Country which, while disable / wounds was very necessary for the support of myself and growing family. But, intending to devote my life to my Country, in my profession, I disdained to ask for the pittance allowed. I have not done it. I loved service, but hated the Pension List. I wished only the restoration of my Rank when my Country might call for service. I confess I though. I had a right to ex- pect it, but in vain. "The Administration have called to the field, and honored with Colonel's and even Brigadier's Commissions, men who were not in service, and some who only ranked as Subalterns in the Army, when I was a Major of Cav- alry! In Silent mortification I witnessed the progress of events; at last, under the impression that the Administration might still have supposed me incapacitated for service by wounds, I took measures to have intimated to them both my ability and willingness to return to the Army. The result you know. I here too forbear particulars but too well cal- culated to add indignation to mortification. To have been long neglected was enough — but to be proscribed, and that too, at the instance of pri- vate pique, in men whose lives are but a tissue of baseness and intrigue is too much. Of the part I acted during the last Campaign in the capacity of Aid-de-Camp to Maj. Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, sufiice it to say that I yielded partly to the earnest request of a friend, whose wishes with me, could have no less influence than legitimate command ; and partly to the universal solicitation of the Soldiery who had long known me as their friend in the capacity of Adjutant General. Of that Campaign I will only say that after all the shameful mismanagement of those whose imbecility attempted to direct its operations, it would have been closed with a splen- did victory had I not, iii the hour of trial been deserted in the most das- tardly manner by wretches who had pledged every thing sacred to stand by uie while I was actini>- in obedience to their irresistible iniportunities to General Van Rensselaer. Indeed with the few brave lads who remained with me, I could have preserved the won victory but for the severe wounds which compelled me to quit the field. Although for the past year I have nursed my wounds in silence, yet 1 am assured through sources not Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 313 to be questioned, that the chiims to my own rank in tho Arn,,, 1 u ur<;ed upon the Adniinistnfinn K^ ,-,.«, V- . ■ , ^^^^ "^^^ ^^^^ poiiticaI^arties,7e thf S^ '"""' ^- '^"'^' distinction of though at the cioJe of the late Lh ion on^ r ^^^^^ ""rescinded, al- ally burned up with no^ninluon?^^' ThL ^^^ lirT!?" "'''^!,- statement of my situation • an<] fl,ofi.„f u : . j ' '^ ^ compressed ■"/."" '"'fr.\ 'T^ '"«»■'" I til Tade'' ■""" ' " '""""^'^' .ill destroy ,ha. pr„„fs"S\'r\ S^^^.S '2 V^Tfl^/"^''" .,™co o, aa oftco., a„d which aU. render. hi^ihletrTr^hl^'f iL?- m,,e( ,„j,srf/ "'^'MIOD towards me, that ,« tl,ar mice I cannot Jtts tZtrfort[f™Vpa,"?,.riorn'°^ ^°" ■'- ;r p' -^ Soldier whom the "oaeral voico „^- h„ I?' j I ' f°"'""' ''■»"" *e -..e.mpoto„t.oC%m,:.„drrirmres '"'' ^'*' '"" ■">" -i'"'"'-' P «? ivi.^ r,^* 1^- Solomon Van Rensselaer. i. .sit iV„ :'pC„'^'r G^otTf";"' °' '™ ^"'" ^««'» °f "-e aeet Uiverand carry Vorafmfhrtt'^il-^Vr "^ "°'"' ^''""^ '"» i>I.jor Geal. James VVikins„„, Commaodor in Chief of the N. A. jIj ^"'- yxmpK'u to Solomm Van Hmmlmr. I lave notiacd a meeting of the r„„„.ll'^'f'"'°^ '^""""^ '^' '*'*■ 4. 22nd Instant for the ^Srp^ f ^n^b .Mh'r'if tT'^V l"""^'^ I am Sir, yours .'"',0. Solomon Van Rensselaer Esq. Adjutant General. h ^''ew lor.. it uicc on the ord of .January, 1«14 General 40 •Si 814 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. in Dearborn was the president, and he was assisted by three brigadier pen- erals, four colonels, and five lieutenant colonels. General Hull was charged with treason, cowardice, and neglect of duty and unofEeer like conduct. After a session of eighty days, the court decided on March 2(5th that ho was not guilty of treason, from the evidence brought forward, but found hira guilty of all the other charges. He was sentenced to be shot doad, and his name to be struck from the rolls of the army. The presi- dent of the United States approved the sentence on the 25th of April. The court recommended him to the mercy of Mr. Madison who pardoned him." Uon, John Lovett to Solomon Van Rensselaer. My dear Colonel, Wa.shington, 28th Jany., 1814. Don't chide my silence, I do declare to you I never was so wholly buried up as I am at present. I have to aid Elarsou all I can : there are a number of the first members in the minority who really seem to think much more of my poor services than I can possibly think they are worth. Never did you see a finer corps of follows than our Minority, and the poor fellows are almost worried out. We are upon the Army Bill and pre- paration for a great campaign. Argument has for some days past assumed an almost unlimited range, and every one says pretty much what he pleases. The day before yesterday, Taylor, of Saratoga, attempted to prove the War in the State of New York ^aa popular, and he endeavored to prove it by the great partiality which had been manifested towards Gen. Vanllcnsselaer — yourself — and me. lie noticed the manner in which the General was received on his return ; your appointment to the office of Adjutant General ; and my election to Congress, Clerk's ofl5ce &c. This of course, drew collaterally the affair of Queenstown into debate. Taylor and Fisk slapped at it a little. You know I have for many reasons, been very desirous to keep silence on this subject. But the discussion now, assumed such shape that the duty I owed to the General, yourself and myself would no longer allow me to be silent. I refute all Taylor's arguments, and then touched, not minutely, but pretty generally at the occurrences of the Campaign which could in any shape invade character. Upon this occasion I availed myself of the opportunity to say a few words of your history, merits, wrongs and suflFerings. I perceived I was listened to with much attention both by the members and a vastly crowded gallery, I therefore ventured on a little further, and stated your removal by Tompkins ; the deaf ear of the Administration to all applications for your appointment — pointed out the real cause. But I must close : you may rest assured that the General and his Aids stand well on the floor; and as I took the liberty of throwing out some pretty bold menaces of telling ugly tales, I think they will be willing to let us alone and respect U8 in future. Augustus Porter tells me his Account is settled ; he has had a $7000 writ tucked on him here. I enclose you the Intelligencer — see the Generals and Colonels marked on the margin ; Also Armstrong's project for Conscription. Ever truly yours. Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer. John Lovett. Dear Colonel, I have not a moment to spare, enclosed is a Skeleton of what was said. No one attempted a lieply. Suffice to say, our friends here, are not only to debate. Taylor uany reasons, been Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. 815 sati8fiod hMi gratified. They are pleased to say it was delivered in fh« Col. Sol. Vau Eonsselaer. Albany. ^^^^ ^^^^^ tZLo W JTore. JolmLovctt to Solomon Van Rensselaer My dear Colonel, Washington, Feb, 20 1814 ha e el^esse7tE"hiT"'^'/''?-^^ "' '\' '^''^ ^' «- ^-nds t^. ha^e expressed the r h -h gratification at the matter and manner of the R,.fii,htmg oi the Battle of Queenstown, 1 needed nothi„<. more to nut u.y heart at rest, on that subject, but the approbation of the ^Z\" £ tary family. ; You g. ve me that ; saying that " the members of It til tiuon their side. My heart responds, Amen, I am satisfied You express your solicitude lost my " Speeeh and strktures on the War 111 such event. Ihank y3 ; In such event you shall be with me Lon.' ago I wrote our dear General that plunging in among a set of rap-scalUons wearing long swords was a very pokerish "kind of b^usiness j bJt th Hn c so ot emergeney my privilege would protect me until I could send for ^.fomo« do the J,jhtln;j. The truth is there is no milksop rSiddfe course left for us; the rascals in power must be ousted, ousteror we a a undone This is my sincere opinion, and under this conviction ThiJk speak and act. The Federalist that will not, now, keep the deck or mount the maintop, to give or receive shot, as'oeeas on mVoffer is'not worthy of his hammock on board. I have been threaten J hut \T 7 re.au undisturbed. The truth is that whatTs here 111 d''^t mZ), q>.M IS .omewhat dreaded. <^ Lichequln" has been slain, and soZ others deservedly, rwe wage no wanton war) been severed wounded And being a companion of yours, they all think I may fi.^ht like a vorv evil ! I„ short I do not apprehend anything serious : s^hould that happea you will know It of course. The nearest I have come to a squabble Jou may learn from a late letter I wrote the Mayor. I caoped itro«^jlS but he w 11 shew to you. You know little Lisban, of Batlv a tnd f / in htMh ' '"' '^'T'""' '""^^'"^ ^^"°^' ^"^ ^^^ knock poor Brisbau down, but they graciously spared me, and have fled, but I am pressin- measures to have them brought back pressing Augustus and Peter Belligerent Porter, are here. Au-^ustus is verv 1 r?' ^". ^r ^•'^""^^^ '' '^' «"'V Commander who ke^t hln /s "ou/cr upon the frontier. Peter B. I apprehend, keeps close. I have h o"ulZ' ■' ^'f^' '""t ''"l^ P^P^*-^ '« A"g"«^"« ba« had put uooa h shoulders since here. How they will come out I know not I have just received a line from Gen. Huntington, he says: " WhoTs the ZT^^o of Wallanisaek that dandled Solomon V. R. upoa\ s wounded kneef ? ZZAT^r'"'^ '^^^•" ^'''' "••"d, thats^usily rxpTainld-T in In S T- ''^^T''^^ y^^ ^^lorris S. Miller^s speech upon that ocia mirvin'^lrn^V"" fr '7 ^ ''T^^'^'''^ ^^^ ^^^ palfiotic efllts I aad aIrt,o.7c;eed tTufexpresseT"'"" "" """^ '"'^"'"-P"" '^'^ ! ii r| m ii 1:^1: if 816 Legacy of Historical Qleaninqs. " Thy apint, Indepondenco, lut me sharo, Lord of till) Lion's henrt, and Ea.g\u »iye, Tliy Btt']m I follow, with my bononi hare, Nor heed the etorm that howls alon^ the sky." llospects to the family and the Bethlehem Member of Assembly. John Lovett, Dear Colonel, Washington Feb. 23, 1814. You know I have been laboring all winter to get the Administration and their Generals to play a game of Billiards, and to use Jfeath for Bnlls, I have no doubt the game has commenced two hours ago. and that your old friend Wil/cinsun is the 6rst ball played at; but whether with intent to pocket him or to play for a cannon at Armstromj and llnrnpton, I know not. But, as I have but one moment, figures must bo dropt and I will speak plain. I do not understand what it means, but an Express left here, two hours ago, to arrest General Wilkinson ! 1 do verity bp.lkve it; I map be deceived, but I cannot believe I am. My Ariel who never has deceived me, assures me it is so. Tell our General what I say. 11 oclock p. M. — My dear Colonel, In mi/ way t have a little game blood as well as you : Yoti love powder, ball and steel : them 1 hate as poison ; but 1 love to play my pen, ink and paper battling with success. We both aim at the same victory. I dropped you a hasty line, to day, telling you what I believed: and late as the hour is, I will jog once more to the Post office to say that my opinion is every hour confirmed. Col. Hawkins has been with me this evening, he says I am right. And, now, one word more : liawkius has spent the winter here ; has generally, kept good Federal Company — wants to continue in service. lie says General Armstrong will have not au offi- cer under him, but lick-spittles and toad-eaters. He quits here in dis- gust—he has been much with Van Ness. I think Van Ness is disgusted too. I'll bring something out of my " Strictures " yet ! One word more, fori grow sleepy: Hawkins is your great friend — he expects you are going to raise 4 Regiments of State Troops. He wishes t/ou to Command them, and he wishes to serve under you — that's all. You have your cue. Can't /go Secretary, the old white Coat is good yet? Yours ever Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. John Lovett. John Lovett to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My dear Colonel, Washington, March 11, 1814. Should the State of New York raise the Foxir Regiments, I will never forgive it, if you are not appointed to command them, /am too old to go " Secretary " again, but I am authorized to promise you a much abler member in your military family, should you command that Division. You shall have, by your side, a scholar, a soldier, a statesman ; this I am fully authorized to promise you. The man will be Thomas P. Grosvenor- of this you may rest assured. 1^ you spend tlie ensuing season upon the frontiers, //; will spend the Campaign in your family, you cannot wish more. I write this at his request. (This never will be allowed. Two such Blood-hounds should never be trusted together. I am well, and ever yours. Col. Sol. Van llensaeiaer. J. Lovett. Leoacy op Historical Gleaninc ;. 317 George M. Bibb to John J. Crittenden Dear John Washington City, April 24, 1814 J e court-nmr ,al sentenced Hull to be cashiered an,/ Ihot, but recom- n.e,u ed \um to the mercy of the Prenident, [on account of his ago aThTs rcvolutH^nary services,] who I understand, intends to remit the sentence ot death. What weakness If cowardice such as Hull's, which surrendered a ortress an army, a terr tory without firing a gun, which surrend r was ol owed by such loss of lives and treasure, is not punished with de.-rth bu pardoned by the commander-in-chief, what ian we expect T No nnh.ary ofhcer hereafter can be punished by the loss of commi ion Z cuwuro ce A negotiation ks going on between an agent on ou pa t and .eneral Prevost, for an armistice. Prevost is willing to an armiS on and ; our government wishes it also by sea. The negotiation, , ay per- Laps erm.nate n. an armistice on the land, the lakes, and on our' sea- c..,st leavmg our coast to be blockaded, and the war upon tl'e ocea, to pru,Mess that .s o say, that no expedition on land, nJr any enterp i e against towns or or.s, shall be attempted, such an ;rmistico^o be C- t.nucMl for a limited tune, or until our negotiations at Gottenburg aJe broken of}, or until either party shall give reasonable notice that it slfall cea«e i speak of the probable i,ssue from what our government would agree to and what ,t may well be supposed the JJritish government would not a'ree e .nantime superiority of Or^.t Britain she will not yield bYa^i „ T T ri • , iour Irieud, as ever, Hon. J. J. Crittenden. q^^^^^ j^, ^^^^^ U. Col. Jno. R. Femoick to Col. Sol. Van Rensselaer My dear Colonel, ^^^ y^^^ ^, It would appear that the man, who draws his Sword for the 1 efenct of h,8 Country's honor and welfare is doomed to Suffer in l/ody Mind ind Fortune. I can Sm.le at Pain, created in the path of Glory I soS^ ?t was my duty I can submit without murmu; to the Sevie Dec.'Ves of Justice, bu I abhor Villainy, and Persecution. The Miscre^^uTwho during our \\ estern Campaign, in vain sat their Snares to entn P me pur- enie n.meven to the threshold of power ; and under th. ba e^lSeCe tleir Avarice are determined, since they cannot assail my KeputaUon attempt my llu.n by filching me of my property, to pay for Z^w "eh they never owned and if they did, I had never injured Secretlv but eSrZ'lw7 ^^'^^r-J'^^ '\''''' '''''' ^^'' ta\en postesTo '^f S eioct that liattery, which as you know not only .saved Nia-ara bnt nVn ueed the Destruction of Port George, that my'holding p^ s^ .^ion of ?1 is' Salt, produced to Mr. Augustus li. Porter a Loss of 1400 Dollars T u^ til r f " i"r''""fr "''^\^ ^^^''"'•"*'- '' ^he Departm at of ^t whifh he found he could not substantiate in a (>,,,t of Justice Youto e"'f„;:-;rd tf^-^""- T"" ''^"f-^'r^ ^"""^' '"« ^-m-and'^muS fh , / ^ Circumstances which relate to this Case. You will ceru ug the Salt of which so much has been said with so little truth from in cluie^s — thus these people impose upon honest Folks ' ^ mp n!" ^°? 1"'^ ^ ^'"^'""^ ^'''''™ °'^'" ^^•i ^"'^"d Wilkinson ? Pray write to mjoou. I beg you to accept the assurance of my Sincere loIteJm and Col. Solomou Van llensselaer, Albany. '^°'''' ^'- ^^^ '"''''■ 'I i 1 818 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. U h' " Gonoml Wilkinson, by an ordor from tho War Depiirtinont, on March 24, IMI4, wuM ruliovud of tlio coiupjuml of tho iirmy in tlio !X'|mrtnii!iit uf tho North, imd liiH comluot whilo in commuud of that district wum subso- uucntly couimitted to tlio Bccurin}^ of a court inartiul. IJo proved that during tho most imporUuit operations of tho diHastrous campaign, which ondod at French Mills, tho War Department^ in tho person of Minister Armstrong, was on the Northern frontier, and that he aotod under the Becrotury's inimodiiito instructions. These proofs being positive, Wilkinsoa was acquitted, and the public placed tho chief blamo, where it seemed to properly belonir, on the Wur Department. Jiiko Harrison, who had felt the janeful effects of the administration of that department, Wilkinson threw up his commission in disgust." General .John Armstrong was called, in an evil hour, to assist in tho administration of tho goveruuieDt, during the arduous and eventful period of our second war with Great IJritain. As the head of the war department, he I.ad it in his power to perpetrate the most extensive mi.schief, not only by his want of capiieity, but in the indulgence of an unhappy, restless, and malignant temper; a power which he did not spare to use, at first to the oppression of ail in. dividuals whom he honored with his enmity, and finally to tho disgrace and degradation of his country. His interference with tho plana of General Wilkinson may servo as a commentary on this text. General Wilkinson wished to attack Kingston, and there rest for the winter in good quarters, to organize the different departments of the army, build boats, &c., and carry Montreal early in the spring. This delay could not operate against us ; as the St. J^awrence opens between the two places before it does below, the attack could have been made before any reiuforce- ments could arrive from Europe. If Gen. Wilkinson had been suffered to take his cou.-se the IJritish fleet at Kingston would have fallen into his bands, and the millions of dollars afterwards expended in ship building for the two lakes would been saved the country; but the secretary was on the spot and manocuvered to defeat his plain. It was said he had an eye on the presidency, and if Montreal could be taken that season, it would facilitate his object, for if successful ho would have assumed all the credit; as it was, he managed to avoid the responsibility by throwing all the blame on poor Wilkinson. Our country was fated to purchase its release from the hand of this functionary, at no less a sacrifice than the overthrow and sacking of the national capital, by a feeble and insulting foe. Here justice did overtake him ; and, finding that no artifice could suflico to enable him to throw off the just responsibilities of the position he had occupied, he passed into retirement. The affair at Bladensburgh, August 24, 1814, occurred under General Armstrong's own immediate supervision as secretary of war. In this case, although an attack had been long apprehended, a much larger force, it is true, than absolutely required for the purpose of repelling it, was collected, but no organization or system of defense having been arranged, our army, composed of the regular cavalry, artillery, infantry, and a large body of militia, were disgracefully routed without a show of fight, except from the gallant Commodore Joshua Barney, by compara- tively a handful of British troops, who were exhausted by the fatigue of a long forced march. Near three weeks before the attack was made upon Washington, I received a letter from an officer of high rank in the army, who writes, " such is the want of preparation for acfense at this place, that three thousand men can destroy it." Can ifc be supposed for a moiucut Leoaoy op HrsToRroAL Qleaninqs. 819 that if (Ion. Arin^t rmi;,', tlio dispenser tii jf h .1 I 1 -I •,.'"'. .7 — ' ■ "•""""' "uiiurs and prnmotion^ in ho army, had .dent.faed himself with our tro„p«, they would have ro- reutcMl «„ the approach of the enemy ? No nevof ! yet he was an.on," the i.nt to net the cowardly exan.ple. If a n.ore manly oourne had been pursued, thouKh driven fron. the tirnt «tand, the road piing over a roll ,!« country skirted by woods, afforded many positions, er ually^s etro, « aid an admirably calculated for the most effcclivo disposilion Jf the dilrent kinds of troops emp byed, and they might have fallen back fromone poH.fon to another with equal advantage and have harranne.! even aTarZ or of the enemy, so that they never could have reached Washington u had every effort under this course failed, a f.^y hundred men hrown to the oap.tol would have saved the city. The six pounders used bj tl« enemy, could have made no in.prension upon the walls of this building wlalo a brjHk fire rem Us win.lows and from' the stone parapet surround- m^ .ts roof, would eflectually have arrested their progress^ The same defenses might have been made at the president's house: flanked as it w"s on the left. I he navy-yard was equally susceptible of defense. ^ Ihe ofiic.a report of Major-gc >eral Koss, the British commander says- 'J he enemy 8 army, amounting to eight or nine thousand men, with' tluee or four hundred cavalry, was under the command of Gene al Winder bong formed of troops drawn from Baltimore and Pennsylvania His aS lery, ten pieces of which fell into our hands, was commanded by Con modte Barney, who was wounded and taken prisoner. The artille^ry I d? eS be destroyed. Having halted the army for a short time, I deter inned to march upon VVashington, and reached that city at eight o'clock that n.^ t. Judging It of consequence to complete the destruction o the puS 1.C buddings with the least possible delay,%o that the army mtht re re mTJZ 1„c,"5'- *^^«j'^''--gb"il'ii4s were set fire to a'nd c"onsuS IheUpitol including the Senate House and House of llepresentatives Uie Arsenal, the Dock-yard, Treasury, War-Office, President's Pallce' B pe-walk, and the great Bridge across the Potowmack : in the dockyard a r^a e nearly ready to be launched, and a sloop of war, were eoLumed " in British destroyed the " barracks for almost three thousand tmors nd per ormed deeds worthy of barbarians ; after remaining till the ei eut of devastation was sufficient to satiate even their vandalism in their ovu time returned unmolested to their shipping." ""''"^«». i" t^^eir Johi; LoveU to Solomon Van Eemselaer My Dear Colonel, Washington Nov. 12 1814 -i r rpl'sEilT" 'h "' ''^^'■'"'■^ Gharacters, last winter - bear'them ihe pZ,i.t^ K . T^"""^ 'Jommenced, freely, with Majorku men, on that Sun i ^ ^' M •{"'' P"'"'"'^ "* ""^ ^^^^ '»«"••' 11 ^'^l^^'k Saturday Sight Suppose, on Monday next, a motion to dismiss from service Generals Dearborn, Wilkinson and Lewis &c. &c. ! ! ha ha- what thin i Tff.« yon know enough of all these wretched leeches — Adieu. John Lovett. I can. I want poor Erotic's SeaF— my Son has it. boloiiion Van Rensselaer, Adjutant General. "The invasion which resulted in the capture of Washinc-ton citv th« o'Akr'/'^ public buldings and nav/yard, the sur eiTd r a 7pl^|! aerot Alexandria was simnlu ^.!,rKnr,^.,o «^a „„..„.j .j . <. i"u|jiun and huniiliflftnn ^f *k a^"" •" .' '" ^""=^" "^t: profound regret humiliation of the American people. The slight resistance offered If s -1 i ■ '] 'i i 1 ' '^^Hj 1 ■■ ' B 'I ^B i^^^li !^H' ^ I^Bi r I^^Hj 'H i K' , Hi: n 320 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. to the invaders during their operations in the space of twelve days excited great surprise, alarm and indignation. The national honor re- quired an investigation, and early in the next session of congress a com- mittee for that purpose wns appointed by the house of representatives. Their report exculpated the president and Gentral Winder, but left con- gress and the people to form their own judgment from the facts pre- sented. The extent of devastation practiced by the ungenerous victors brought a heavy censure upon the British character, not only in America, but out the Continent of Europe, it was condemned in unmeasured terms," Intelligence of the capture of Washington city, reached New York on the 28th of August, three days after that sad occurrence. The zeal and patr riotism of the citizens were increased thereby. In General Orders, Dan- iel I). Tompkins, governor of the state of New York, who had been un- tiring in his exertions for the public good, called on the inhabitants tu send arms of every description to the State Arsenal, where all fit for ser- vice would be paid for. The call was promptly answered. New York was likewise fearfully excited by apprehensions of danger during the summer and autumn of 1814. The mayor of the city, De Witt Clinton, issued a stirring address to the people. He recomended the militia to hold them- selves in readiness for duty, and called upon the citizens to offer their personal services and means cheerfu''y to the United States officers in command there, to aid in the complei.on of the unfinished fortification around the city. Colonel Van Rensselaer was still suffering from his severe wounds, and had only been able to leave off using crutches a short time previous. He was not, however, placed in battle array against the enemy again at this place, as the expected invasion was not attempted, he therefore returned this time without any additional scars to his family. At the close of 1814 active war had ceased at the North but now its chief theatre of operations was in Louisiana and on the ocean. On the 11th of September, fciir George Prevost with an army of fourteen thousand men, made a descent upon Plattsburg and after a severe engagment was compelled to retire with great loss. The British fleet, under Commodore Downie, was capt- tured by Commodore Macdonough, on the same day. The war was ter- minated by the treaty of Ghent, signed by the commissioners of both countries, December 24th, 1814. 8ol. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriet. New York, 14th November 1864. The Governor is in his new quarters with all his suit ; we have an elegant establishment; live in perfect harmony, and in style; much to do and attend strictly to all duties. " Pouey " as you call him, got down safe, but was eight days on board in all that storm : he is the finest horse here, and much admired, as well as his rider I I wish our poor little Mag's broken arm was well kiss her for me. If there is no attack on this place this fall, (and none is expected) I shall be with you in a few weeks when the Governor will return to Albany. The Militia are sickly, and heartily tired of a military li.'e, desertions are frequent and furloughs asked for by doz- ens every day. We have visited the fortifications at the Hook, Narrows, this Island and on the 3rd while on this duty on Long Island the Gover- nor's horse fell with him in the ditch of Fort Greene a liight of ten feet, without much injury. Ho dislocated his thumb and otherwise is a little Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 321 bruised, but not so much as to prevent him from attending, to dutv hnf e ma< ea very narrow escape. He treats me very civMly and insistdthn I should take up niv nuartors whli 1,;.., ,. u- i / ,. , 'v' '"'^ '"•^••^tea that uiiue will be at the^Tb Ic expensranS ,L°/''' T'^ '^'=,''' ^^" ''' n.y time is taken up in my nrofess on T tt T-V '!5' '"'"'^^ *«• ^H General. All exprLs th^i^satisfrti^n ^ \-'^ 'u^ ""' '' ^^J"*^"* fideuce is placed in rr^eTvlfrnrK-f "^ ^ n"" 'i'''"' ^"^ ™"«'' ««"- tl:e Ilecorde'r Hoffmar^i ( a a/jfpt;.^;'^-^,^^." ^^.^ 6th I dmed with SoD-in-Lawof Mr.Rayand on thefthZul'n V n m ^''^^.^'^h King the that I command their Br^^ade T h..^ i^ R^S'«^ents on condition S-^ ?.txS Si' ? -?^?orr.T. at Utiea on account of the witt^s bei" "a t efch wTlkl^ ^ •" •'' e'en. Fare Rensselaer to his Wife. Ye^terdiv yr^r, A rr . „ ^^'^ ^'^'■'^> ^Oth November, 1814 Ivi'lAecni Lr^^'^'^S^^^^ ^'^' •» the Steam Boat for ^^tisa d wff;.^' ;i1 "^^^ «f ^'^f Governor, &e„ like a man, much '«lH.^ t stnd J'lfT'' '""^ ^''' ^1''^ -loternuned to attond'closely 51 41 juse were much pleased with him, he IS a ^r 322 Legacy op Historical Gleanings, fine boy. Kensselaer arrived here on the 24th and was delighted with the Parade, he staid with us at Head quarters and on the 26th went down with the Governor and his son (who are very civil to him) to Staten Island to see the fortifications ; and I took him to see every thin"' worth seeing on his return. On the 25th we had a splendid day ; ten thousand troops were under arms, marched through thj City and were reviewed by the Governor, after which we dined in the City Hall by invitation from the Corporation. I wrote you that in two or three weeks the Militia would be discharged all idea of an attack from the enemy being given up- after which Governor Tompkins would return to Albany, and I should be made once more happy in the bosom of my Harriet and our little ones. You know I delight in a Military life, but never can I be at ease without you — my Wife and my Sword must go hand in hand. Tompkins is friendly and sociable as ever, and although our separation is painful, much good will come out of it I am sure. As the Militia are now all discharged- I asked permission, last night of the Governor to return home on Saturday on the ground that there was now not much to do. He told me if I had business of Importance to attend to, he had no objections, but he preferred that I should stay until the following Saturday. He wished to consult as to future operations after his dinner parties, (which are now three times a week) were over, and then we would go together. I of course acquiesced as he is every thing to me I could wish, and as the chain between him and Tyburn is broke, I am certain he will act a manly and Independent part. Yesterday abou: twenty-two officers dined with us. Armstrong was one of the party. I designedly was the last in the room, and entered it after most of the Company bad taken their seats in Military order to see if my place at the Head of the table was kept vacant. The moment I entered the Governor asked me to take the head of the table. I had him and Armstrong on my right; the latter old rascal and others stared, and all who knew how I had been treated by him, were gratified. Our horses I fear will have a bad time of it in this storm ; let me know when they reach you; and I will thank you to let some one ride my horse morn- ing and evening about the hill in view of the house, for I fear he will be stiflF. Let them lead him out of the back stable door, as he mpy get injured in front, as it is high from the ground. Give directions that my horse is not brought out of the stable to water until my return as he is fond of play he may get hurt; let them carry water to him and they must not give him too much grain. This day J. R. V. Rensselaer and myself dined at Mr. Coles, and I have invitations for every day in the week when the Governor has no company. All this would be pleasant if you were only with me ; if I return in the Spring you must break up housekeeping, then you and the two girls accompany me and the rest go to school. Tell Mag I have her Doll and other pretty things for her; how happy I am to find by your letter that her broken arm is mending ; kiss the dear children for me. Adieu for a few days longer — truly yours Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope. ■11 LmAc^ OF Historical GLEANiNGr.. 323 N Rensselaer. CHAPTER XV. Honors to Maj. Gen. Richard Montgomery. Eon. John Lovett to Sol. Van Semselaer. My dear Colonel, tit- u- ^ r, , -^ iu .,eda„i;,ab„„ethe wo.Id so rtafmffhe i'tfalL. ,..st,on ha, been whether we should notice any oK concerned in anv once agreea to — 1 have this day reversed t — at least I think so A t p 1 1 events you will stand with IIonLr. I think also wUh a X^.i of vour 111. ';°"°r^^'y- ^'^ ; can, as you know, with wife and ei-ht on mv Solomon \ aa Rensselaer, Esq. J. LoVett. Son. John Lomtt to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My dear Colonel Washington, 20th Februarv 1815 You must pardon mj seeming neglect of you. ' Although 1^1' as sij;nt ere as a seamstress, I am by no means idle ; and since our glorious cha„l ot prospects we have all to work double tides at the heel of th^W ° nm t of our happy change of circumstances. To accomplish this treat fclt7v'YhT""" '^ pulling with their best oars /and, happy^ for anv ;S't ''' ""'^ P".' '"S ^'th ■'^^^^^^ and hearty unanimity at any late I can assure you this is the case in Military Committee we petite ;i;rt'th?1 ^'"V"^.-^"' ^^^"^ ^^^ ^^«^»^«^^' ^^- "n eadu; S r rt P 1?' '^"^■"^ of this committee are of a most extensive and im^ im ot ""T*^"?'"'^ important to 40,000 individuals and uT SSp "' r?"ur'?'^ ^^'''"" those deep interests involved in the iilitary Peace Establishment of our Country Part of thp Armv i f .1 (lisbanded, and satisfacf.rv nrovi-iop „,.,^,, ^ tWm k^- • ^"^ wbekentnn m„af k-. ff !-•''■" "'^''-/'>r them •— the establiaUment "t Kept up, must be effectually organized &c. 324 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. John Lovett. An important duty remains also to be performed to memories of the pliant dead, and to tlio livin-,' who have distinouished themselves. This IS a most delicate and trying task — we know wo cannot do justice: but we must do as well as we can. Upon this subject we have already submitted some resolutions to the house ; tomorrow we shall submit more. Suffice it for^ow to know that your name will appear at the head of a catalogue in which the names of Gibson — Wood — Fen- wick — MonUjomcry &o. will fol- low. What will be the disposi- tion of the house, remains to be seen — it is happy for me that in committee there is no diversity of sentiment respecting my friend. One thing I venture to assure you, you will go oxit of the house as you go in : with honor ; but, whether with, or without a Swonl I can't predict. Nor is it of first importance; you know that /made a most excellent officer without a sword. To be sure the British , r r- 1 . , , , ^^'"^^ Officers used to stare a little, and I (in my sleeve) laughed a little ; but I did my duty, that was enouHi As to the compensation to be made to that party of the army which wilfbe disbanded; and the numerical force of our peace establishment, there are many various and conflicting opinions. Some most extravagant ones have been submitted, one of these proposes 40 Hkeleton regiments of Infantry and ot Artillery one ! Fine apportionment for Garrison duty. On these several subjects I can only give you a sketch of what has just been unanimously agreed upon in our committee, this evening, and we shall report a Bill, subject to amendments in the house as usual. To the part ot the army to be disbanded immediatclj , we give three months Pay. Iheir grants ot Land in the following proportion : To all those Officers who have been i^ix months in service (you know many have been appointed within that period) we give : Major Gens. 25G0 Acres. Brig Genls. ;?i •, r.'- p.''''- ''"'^ ^''''^^- ^'*^'«- 1-80 Acres. Majors 960 Acres. (While this subject was uirder discussion, I could have wished you in the corner. Depend upon it, all parties think alike of some Old Ftuhes.) Captains 640 Acres. Lieuts. and Ens. 480 Acres. Privates 320 Acres. You see we have Lot preserved the relative proportions either to rank or pay ; we could not. The fact is the enormous bounty given to our sohlim destroys, ot necessity, all just proportion ; for had we undertaken to carry the thing out per scale, we must have purchased he Moon and, for aught 1 know, even JtJercur)/ to have made out premises. I confess I think the latter planet would aiford excellent location for soldiers. Indeed I think yoursc// would mightily enjoy a snug Manor, and a iMount Hope farm up there. ^ ^ inT.lln V"™!"'".^^ '''■"f'*^'^ **^ continue the Military Peace Establishment at 10,000, leaving it to the Secretary nf War to .say h.ow it shall be apportioned. 3S. a memories of the themselves. This ot do justice: hut IS well as we can, ect we have already e resolutions to the •ow we shall submit I it for 1/ou to know e will appear at the logue in which the m — Wood — Fen- ornery &o. will fol- ill be the disposi- )use, remains to be ppy for me that in "e is no diversity of )ecting my friend, venture to assure ;o out of the house with honor; but, )r without a Sword ■ Nor is it of first u know that /made 'o^oer WITHOUT a sure the British led to stare a little, , that was enough. rniy which will be shment, there are ivagaut ones have iients of Infantry, duty. I of what has just evening, and we as usual. To the hree months Pay. all those Officers ve been appointed es. Brig. Genls. ajors 960 Acres. ivished you in the me Old Fudijes.) ■ivates 320 Acres. either to rank or /en to our sold krs dertaken to carry on and, for aught infess I think the Indeed I think int Hope farm up Establishment at II be apportioned. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 826 eno' for An old slldier. In hasr-ever Jourl ' "^ ^''''' ' '^'''' Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, Adjutant General. '^''''' ^'''''"• Hon. John Lovett to Solomon Van RensHdaer. Pear (Jolonel, -nr i.- ^ , Among others, John LovEir. Resolutions expressive of the sense entertained bv Con«res» nf t),. r.T ZSi'sf t"";" 1"°''"'=' "'"■ "'"«'■ ""» KeputS of ?reTm* U t .-.,.ed to a oon..itte^e of S^HoKnt ' xUtSte'^Itl-a^ Appling, :ienten;,„t oolonel MiSl,* I W I ia.r and°"°e pLtt layior; and that the president of thp Tlnit^H '^f..f.o i capwin L. .. elegant s„ord to d presen^°d\;':a^b°"o'?'lbfreS:inSs..'° """ Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. •^6'"' Sir, vr -IT I ^ , I .rote to ,„„ from Claveraeh on the 1 h 1 wLh^d'to h. I' ''"' t k Udt .r r "r^'J"""'"^^ ^" *^'^ attachment or onfidence 1 milk It due to you to make th s communication Tf is of fV,„ >J'"uence, -H.ent .hat nothing should be said abor^t a" comii? rl me"' '"' • The ■• ,i.y,at sword," however, was never presented tt^^^Jil^aRTus^^i^^r fi '^' \ 326 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. lift can contribute to get patronage fr ./ilkinson's work,i I will do it — my efforts will be circumscribed however, for reasons which I will detail when I see you. The course 1 am to pm-sue in relation to the next Election will be decided in a few days here. 1 think from present appearances, it is after all, not improbable that I shall be let off. You may rely upon it, that W — s views in relation to the Presidential question are wholly incor- rect and his plans completely impracticable. We never can support Tompkins and as for Clinton he is so perfectly torpid that nothing can be done by or for him. I would prefer Monroe to Tompkins, Wilkinson is a better Soldier than Politician. His plans are visionary you may rely upon it. I enclose his letter which is a very interesting one. Yours very sincerely, in great haste. W. W. Van Ness. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Adjutant General, Albany. Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Friend, New Vork Feb. 18, 1816. I owe you an apology for not sooner answering your letter. I assure you it was not from want of attachment. You will believe me when I assure you, that next to my own family you are most dear to me. I have been engaged in a round of company, and part of the time the children have been indisposed with severe colds. Nothing would give lae greiter pleasure than to see you rewarded by our Country, for your services, at least our Country ought to take the lead in placing you in Congress or the Legislature as you may select. I have long since determined to retire, at least for the present from the bustle of public life. I return Wilkin- son's letter — I hope he will give an impartial account of our affair and I do not fear the investigation either as it respects courage or conduct. I am conscious of our having acted from the best of motives and feel proud that our enemies cannot attach any disgrace on either of us notwithstand- ing their endeavours. I am happy to hear that Rensselaer improves — keep him to his studies. I want him to have a regular education. Ke- member me to your good wife and daughters and believe me Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, ) Yours truly Ad. General, Albany. ) S. V. Rensselaer. Henry K. V Rensselaer, B. 0. DrED — This morning — Monday, Sept. 9, 1816. General Henry K. Van Rens.selaer, in the 73d year of his age. His friends and acquaint- ance, are requested to attend his funeral, tomorrow afternoon, at 3 oclock, from his late residence. On Tuesday the 10th, his funeral solemnities were attended, by a large concourse of citizens, and by a masonic and military procession in the following order: Capt. Olmsted's City Guards, Capt. Judson's Volunteer Infantry Capt. Stilwell's Artillery Under the command of Capt. Ira Jenkins, and Adjutant Gilbert, and accompanied by the Albany Band of Music with drums muffled, &c. ' The " Memoirs of My Own Times by Gen. James Wilkinson." were published in 1816, the next year. 327 )n," were published Lkgacy op Historical Gleanings. Albany Military Associ.ition in full uniform n . . „ M:isonic Procession Consisting of Masters, Temple and Mount Vernon Lodges, i'all supported by eiyht officers of the War of Independence, Viz : Sf3, T"?*^""' « Matthew rrotter, JohnH-We^ndell 6 ITlo^^^' Gen. Van Rensselaer's Horse, Suitably comparisoned, and led by two servants dressed m mourning with white turbans. Mourners.- Clergy.- Physicians.- Citizens. After a solemn and eloquent prayer by the Rev Dr Kr^Hft..^ ♦!, ETc'Tlh 'T ""^ r^i Autanttne/al Solo™ vl 'lllrZ- Jaer, SOU ot thi deceased, in North Pearl strppt flirm,„K a *i- i^ i ZT BaVr f "• "^ 'r'' -r.Uhrdt.;„t7a „i e" o^T .hen th. usial n„.„oic bo&S e» »7e poZLed t"! ^ H^'°°' P'""!' The scene was thn.aghout solemn and imoresfiivp Thn «<.,».„ conducted with great order and decor. n,f hi ..l,''^ ceremonies were though made on fhort m'fce, were ex cu^Tin a ^e' v ^ ?"'°°''"^"^^' jlTf ^^" liensselaer went early into the Army during the War of Officers,'and particutrl; oTth CoSiltriTcm^^^^^ '' ^" '^"'^^ er ninety-ninth birth day rth^Sh darof oltober'm tr.'^^'"'^ residencein RnnrlnlrvV, m v j •'^. wcioner l»74, at her son s w co„stlEi^;lri4far»:'" '''"'*'■'''."!'' "'"-''-- 'Jet. 25, 1875.] " ""•' " " geuciutiuns at tliis grand reunion 328 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Oen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Sir, New York Nov. 22d, 1810. Your letter and the enclosed General Order was received. Will you have the goodueas to aak Sutherland to issue a Division Order respectin" the Uniform. [Under new General Orders.] I have determined to adopt the Uniform of the United States as the most plain and less expeisive than the present fashion. Perhaps you had better give him a draft ia the regulations for the several departments of the Army of the U. States, the uniform is minutely described.' I agree with you that we have no choice between the contending parties farther than the promotion of the public good may demand when we are called to act. Let me hear from you often, I will send Wilkinson's letter. Your friend Adjt. General Van llensselaer, Albany. S. V. Eensselaeb. Oeneral Lewis to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, . ^ Staatsburg Nov. 17, 1817. I have been rather dilatory in performing my promise, though I hope the inclosed will reach you in time for your purpose. I wish you a success- ful result to your Application, and that your allowance may be adequate to your merits. Present my best respects to your Wife and family, to whom also Mrs. Lewis sends her love. Your friend, Adjt. Gen. Sol. Van llensselaer, Albany. Oov. Clinton to Oen. Tahnadge. , Dear Sir, _ Albany 29 Nov. 1817. No man in this State has a deeper hold on the public sympathies for his sufferings by wounds received in 1794 and \n i812 than the present Adjt. Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, and no man is better entitled to a liberal compensation from the National Government. His case will be laid before the President, and his remuneration ought not only to be liberal, but retrospective. Let me solicit c'\e earnest interposition of you and your Colleagues in his behalf. I am yours with great regard, DeWitt Clinton. Major General James Talmadge, M. C. Washington. Rufus King to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Bear Sir, Senate Chamber, Mar 17, 1818. I may hcive omitted, but I think I did not, to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication of the 13 of feby, it come to hand in due course, and is in the possession of a Com"^^ of the H. 11. which, as I have been encour- aged to hope will report a Bill in your Favor. I beg you to be persuaded my dear Sir, that your friends here, and they are many, are doing what they are able to accomplish your very just Expect- ations. Very faithfully and respectfully Yr. ob. Servant, Col. S. Van Rensselaer. Rufus King. ' The uniform of the Division of Cavalry by a General Order of the Gth November 1810 of the late Commander in Chief (Gov. Tomi)kins) was left bv Gov. Clinton to be fixed by Major Uen. Stephen Van liensselaer. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 829 April 11 1818 Since the detemitiation of tho friends of the \Hii, tant . enerul _«oIo,„u„ Van Rensselaer, - to eleet thi.^en le,n n a ttl sen a . e to Oon.M-eHs has been .nentioned, and particularly siuce his nomt naf n by the County Convention, we have hea?d many doub s s™ ted whether >t wou.d be e.ther prudent or expedient for him to Srdize the oftee wh.eh ho now fills with so umeh credit to himself, atThonor fni" ??M " ''"''^ ^^ accepting another which canno b^a source' ofproh. Itthereisa u\an in the Republic who has claims upon the gratitude and support of his country, thit man is Solomon VanXnsse LAEH. But as our present object is not panegyric, weTbear ^o recouat the services, the exploits and tl«) sufferings of this honorable an iS minded citizen soldier They are well known, and wi ' briX'en he page, of our history, when many of those tinselled insects wl om chai ce has elevated within a few years, to the highest stations in ourcoun rv will be forgotten, or remembered only to be despised. But he ^ a Fede' RALIST And It IS a truth of notoriety, that owing to the nar ow [oZ the (.eneral Government, since the days of Ge„° Washington instead ofbe.tow.ng upon him those honors and rewards which he" h"; earned ::iVi;init°2;g,:c'r '^^^ -''''''' -^^ - - ^^^-^ «^ persecuti:^:? As the General advances in years, tho wound through his lun-s become, more roublesome, and it is feared will take him prem'^turely to his ™ His Physicians have repeatedly recommended to him a temWary clnnle of climate; and inconsequence of this recommendation, le Generals induced to accept the nomination, in order to trv th^offpof If fi ? at VVashington. His Physicians 'are oro^nioi! fh the m^J^: uC efiectH upon his constitution, will flow from this measure ^ With respect to his office as Adjutant General, the matter is satisfactorily arranged, so that the public service will not suffer bv his ahrnf f ' ^ t ese.sion or that the State will be deprived TfSs'fnvXabrservtsiS o>^sequence. llis duties and arrangements can principally be attended to before ho will be obliged to leave this city; and His ELeLncv the Governor, impressed with a full belief of the necessity of the measur? hal magnanimously offered to perform himself the iucidentaldutL^o? his Office T^^tZ"' " ^' 1."?^'^ -'""^ «^""^^«^« P^«tf«r «f Governor Clint^a April 24th of this year, Solomon Van Rensselaer's appointment as Ad^»" party spirit and much acrimony on both sides, was confirmed for still aaot er term ; and in May there was no opposition to the e Lctfon of ti e Adjutant General as a member of Congiess. Our Father's politcal and civil services 'rendered to his Country and S tt irrespec ive of party or personal considerations, are ent'ded to as great a celebrity as his Military career. Viewed from eithr! .n J . MomTtjll'""'- ,"*>'? "" '''^y ^'y I '^^'■"^d to admire Genl ".y e'^it7br :pon\t.'"r"?bitri::k i^;'j^;ra'^ ?r'' l.-bancland father'or kinder hearted fHendi^.'^r,!;^^"' "'"'°^"^ 42 II tB h •= 330 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. De Witt Clinton, Governor of the State of New York, General and Com- uiander in (^hief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the iNavv of tho nuwe- Jo bOLOMON Van Kenkselakr — Greeting : Reposing especial Trust and Confidence in jour Conduct. Patriotism and Valour, I do, by these Presents, Commission by Brevet, and a,s8i<;n' you, the said Solomon Van JJensselaek to be A Major General in 'he Mihtia of the said State, until the pleasure of the Council of Appoint niciit in the premises shall be signified and made known. You are there fore, in the mean time, pursuant to the trust hereby reposed in you, to take the said Mihtia into your care, as Major General thereof and faithfully to observe and follow all Instructions, Directions, and Orders, which you may from time to time receive from the Commander in Chief of the said State for the time being, and from others your superior Officers, accordin.^ to the Laws organizing and regulating the Militia, and the Rules and Din". C!plin"(.i vVar. ^ In Testimony whereof, I have caused the Seal for Military (^ommiQ. Bions to be hereunto affixed, at the City of Albany, the twenty-fourth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and in the forty-second year of the Independence of the United f^ta'tes. De Witt Clinton, This Commission has the Seal with the word " Excelsior" — State of ■ y*^'^'^— stamped on it, and was given June 24, 1818. The Comniis- Bion ot 3Iajor General was subsequently confirmed by the Council of Ad- pointment. ^ "In consequence of an act passed at the session of the leigislature of JMewlork state, entitled "an act of honor to General Richard Mont- gomery, authorizing the governor to take such measures as he should deem expedient to obtain the consent of the government of Canada to the removal of the remains of the general, it was expected that a formal delegation would have been sent by his excellency to Quebec Infor- mation, however, had been received that the provincial government deter- mined not to comply with any formal request from the government of this State upon the subject ; although the governor-in-chief (Sir John Sher- brooke) had expressed a perfect willingness to surrender the remains at the request ot the widow of the lamented general. In order, therefore, to effect the benevolent and patiioticobject, Col. Lewis Livingston, a nephew of Gen. Montgomery at the request of Mrs. Montgomery, and with the approbation ot the governor of NewYork state, proceeded a few weeks since to Quebec for ti.at purpose. The request of Mrs. Montgomery to Governor Sher- brooke, to allow his remains to be disinterred and conveyed to New York was readily complied with, and Col. Livingston was treated with much politeness and attention on this interesting occasion in the year 1818. Mr. James Thompson of Quebec who was one of the chief engineers at the time of the storming of the city, and assisted in burying the general, also assisted in the disinterment, making an affidavit to the identity ofthe body ; he was ninety years of age when the remains were taken up. Richard Montgomery was born in Ireland in 1737, was with Gen. Wolle at the storming of Quebec in 1759 when both Wolfe and the B'rench General Montcalm tell, he then quitted his regiment and returned to England. . , J.J/ he again came. to America, espoused the cause of the colonists aud in 177d heleft on the rock of Quebec his blood, and to his country the legacy of his fame ; purnhased at the sad moment when, with his sword Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 831 w.ivinp? over his hof. • ho rushed forward to the pickets to meet the dis- ch«r.^e oi a wall.p.ec oru a .,oi^M.borinf,. house which stretched the truly noble man lifeless on tne bloody show. Ilisman^lod body had been carefully deposited ,n the sepulchral vault, where it rested unmindful of the stormy Btr.te of contending armies. Hut now, after a lapse of forty-th^e^ years, the prec.ous rehcs were to be restored to his country's care and re' cewe the honors so justly h.s due. Having obtained and with great care secu d the remains. Col. Livingston repaired without parade, and with a. httlo delay as poss.b to Whitehall, from whence he immediately an- nounced his arrival and sucesg to his excellency the governor. Gov. Clinton to Sol. Van Renmlaer. ^'^I'^ii'"' ■ uv. T. Staten Island 16 June, 1818. My knee v much better Dr. Hosack says that every thing is in it« proper place, and that I will recover. Mrs C's health is rather worse I .end you all the brevets in my possession. On the book case in my front hi. P b, Parker] procure ana forward the whole to me to the care of r ; wm 'r?'''' ^''''•r ^ Wove of your arrangement relative to Cupt. Will am s Company. I return the paper ; as soon as possible I will ).sue the General order in the case of Montgomery's remains. Ever Yours Sincerely, DeWitt Clinton. Amongst my other afHiotio.is it is some satisfaction to inform you that Drs. Post, Ilodgers, Krancis and others concur in the opinion that every fect'^cure "^ ""^ " '" '^' ^''°^^'' P'*""^ '"''^ *^''' *''"" *"'" ^^^"^ * P*^'' Sol. Van Rensselaer — Adjutant General, Albany. TUP. A • ^v.. ^^^^*?Q«»''*er.s, Albany, 29th June 1818. Ihe Lommander in Chief having received intelligence from Col L Livingston, that the remains of Ge.vkral RicirARD Montgomery have been agreeably to instructions given to him, conveyed from the city of Quebec to the village of White Hall, in this state ; and being desirou^s of manifesting all proper respect for the memory of a distinguished hero whofel gloriously fighting for the liberties of imerica, has-tSought pro! per to direct the following arrangements on this solemn occasion. The re- mains ot General Montgomery will be conveyed to the city of New York and deposited near the monument erected to his memory in St Pauls hiVl/ " "'u'' tbat this may be done in the most respectful and honorable manner, the Adjutant General is specially charged with itsex^ ecution and will proceed immediately to White Hall for that purpose »l5;° .r^^?"""' ^^f'^^'^^ ^i" Sive orders for suitable escorts of cav- aK. ?. ?• " •r'^'i.'- '^1^' "^"'^'''^ °^ Washington, Rensselaer and Albany counties will perform this service in their respective counties. mi! ttJIT"' ^^ ''"''u ',^ ^^ '^' "^'''^'^ °^ **^« ^'^y «f Albany with t? h ^..niM"'.'^''^' """'t ''1° t'^' '''y^ ""^ '^' 4th of July, escorted the Capitol and deposited in the Council Chamber under a guard : min- ute guns will be fired on the entrance of the procession. ChtfvSr'''^"'^""*-^'^'- '^.'""^y Livingston, aids of the commander-in- i^'ii er, will in conjunction with Col. L.Livin.rst,on nroo»-i on ^h- '■'•h nf July horn tiie city of Albany with the remains to the city of New York, i I 11 ^Hfli i^fil 832 Legacy of HisToiircAL Gleanings. and cause them to ho convoyed to t!io Governor's room in the (Mty Tfall' and on Wc(ine»diiy the 8th ot'July, tho liinenl .soloinnitios will take ],ln(y' under the direction of tho Society of tho Cincinnati, who will Heiect uffi. ccrH oi tho revolutionary army to bear the pall. Miijor UcnurulM«>rton will direct tho military nrrangcments in the city ot Now Vork. Tho ConimisHary (Jeneral and tho Commissary of the J3ivision of Artillery, will see to the necessary issues of ammunition. Tlie municipal authorities of the cities of New York, Albany and Troy are respectfully invite.l to co-operate ; and tho Commander-in-Chief tikes pleasure in tho persuasion, that all liis fellow citizens will unite with alacrity and cheerfulness in these solemn demonstrations of respect. In renderin<; due honor to illustrious heroes and statesmen, we not only reward distinj,'uiMhed merit, but excite to new achievements of patriotism and j,rh,ry ; and an enli-htened and public-spirited people, under the guardmu of justice and policy, will never withhold their cordial co-oDe- ration. ^ By order of the Commander-in-Chief. tioii. Van Rknsselakh, Adjutant General, General Orders. _ , _ , _ Head Quarters, Albany June 29th, 1818. Lol. John Williams will order out a Troop of Dragoons from his Re"!, moiit to asHciuble at Whitehall in Washington County precisely at six o'clock on the morning of next Thursday, to escort the remains of the gallant but unfortunate Montgomery, by the way of Salem to Ikskirk's lindge, where the troop will be relieved by one from Col. Knickerbocker's Regiment. The adjutant general's official report, to Governor De Witt Clinton, on the occasion, will bo found very interesting. "In conformity to the orders of your Excellency of 29th Inst. I pro- ceeded on for White Hall in Washington County, and after making on my rout some :)reliminary arrangements with Cols. Knickerbocker and Williams in relation to an escort of Dragoons for removal of the remains of the gallant but unfortunate Gen. Montgomery, I reached that place early on the morning of Wednesday 1st July, where I found Lewis Liv- ingston Esqr., to whom I delivered the brevet Colonel's Commissions with which your Excellency had intrusted to my charge. The remains of Genl. Montgomery were safely lodged in a store house on the steamboat wharf. That evening Col. John Williams of Salem appeared at the head of two troops of Dragoons of his Regiment, under the command of Cap- tains^ McClelland and Took, and early the next morning this detachment paraded to perform the solemn duty for which they were assigned. The line of March was taken, precisely at 7 o'clock in the following order: lirst. Col. Williams Dragoons. Next the Corpse, followed by Col. Liv- ingston and myself. 3d Citizens; and la.stly a rear guard of Dragr;ns. Minute-guns were fired from Navy Point by order of the gallant Lieut. Rudd, who with a great number of the most respectable citizens of White Hall accompanied the procession to West Granville, a distance of nine miles; where I found a great concourse of people, and salutes were fired on the occasion. At East Granville a large collection of people, and a fine Rand of Musie were in waiting and the usual expression of regret for the unfortunate dead was shown. At about 5 o'clock that afternoon we reached Salem e Witt Clinton, were x ma tided b by iibduf w hcjidun by Co whose ) rius ■ of'tlu'ir *■ h. Legacy op riisTORroAL Gleanings. 888 and were escorted into tl.oTown by tl.o Militnry and CitizoPH with mourn iMj, bLd^'OH on tbo l.Jtarm; their Colorn an/l)rum8 dresMo/i tr likJ ...anner, and by re.,ue,st tho Coffin was conveyed to the h use" f Jul Hiancbard and guanled for the night by the Military. A iTo'c o ^ he next .uornmg the osnort roHumed its umroh, in a HtLdy rah whic con t.nued all d- y. At ten o'ch,elc reached tho division lino between VV„h" . n an Knickerbocker who was to have been accon.panied ectablo and wealthy old farmers from Schagh icoko ■■ mckerbocker and (Jroesbeck from 75 to 90 years o^' ■ n I adjoining, and who still retain the habits and customs I'Ut were prevented by the incessant min nf thm i j:riovaNce U> the old veterans. IJofore I rpnn .ITr • t" '^''^' * I M • -hf «->v-iaun. iminiQ X rcaciied JjanHins'' urc T wn^ mnf by Majors Marcy and Deforest, and the Officers of C..lonel Fa e" K " i n>en>nu„,fonnw.th a number of Citizens in carriagesand on I o sebS" d. s who,, M„,„K„„,cry fell. The c.afade wa, u„u»„allv Jne ^ " ^u,ru, wnc e 1 found Mr. Mead of Albany, with the superb Coffin mn.lV. mi.r the direction of your Excellency and in which theCains of Gen 1110 Mirporation. J he arrangements of the Cornoratinn nf Tm,, „ BO perfect, and the military part under the cormSTZttKl, T' .en ins of Cxcnl. Montgomery, moved into the boat, under the dischar. « ot Mu.ute-guns, and attended to the waters ed.-e bv fhp (\ rn.? .- " ff""^i^:^s;-i;j\&STSit Arsenal, mu.ute-guns also were fired^nd Major'l araby S^h dehch' -uiieriffiT '"a':^' would naturally i expected f^om such "is t'".u..hed Officers. A detachment of a Subalterns guard of Major ' -July lath, Major Birdaafl was assassinated. I if 334 Legacy op HidTORicAL Gleanings. Worth's Company, under the Command of Lieut. performs the military duty on board of the Steamboat. I hyve only to add, the arrangements this morning, under Major Ten Eyck, my Aid-deCamp, were prompt and military, and that he gives e*i. dence of future promise. Before I close this hasty report, I cannot refraia from repeating the great obligation I foel myself under to Cols. Williams, Knickerbocker and Livingston, for their zealous support in the discharge of the duty your Excellency entrusted to me. . I am, with great respect Your Excellency's Obedt & humble Servt. To His Excellency, } Sol. Van Rensselaer, Adj. General. De Witt Clinton, j Albany, July 6, 1818. On the lid of the splendid coffin was placed a superb piece of silver plate, engraved by Messrs. Shepherd and Hoyd of Albany, with the fol- lowing inscription ; also another plate of gold, bearing the arms of the state. " The State of New York In Honor of General Richard Montgomery, who fell gloriously fighting for th>i independence and liberty of the United States before the walls of Quebec, the 3Ist of December, 1775, caused these remains of the distinguished hero to be conveyed from Quebec, aiid deposited, on the 8th day of July, 1818, in St. Paul's Church, in the city of New York, near the monument erected to his memory by the United States." The bearers were, John Lansing, ju.i. (chancellor), Stephen Lush, John H. Wendell, John Gates [was also at Quebec], John Visscher, Matthew Trotter, Wilhelmus Ryckman, Nicholas Van Rensselaer, Elias Willard, John Shaw, Samuel Lewis of Saratoga, and John Ten Broeck of Hudson. On Monday the pal! was borne to the steamboat by the same gentlemen, with the exception of Mr. Lewis and Col. Ten Broeck, and with the addition of Abraham Ten Eyck, and Matthew Gregory, also revolutionary soldiers. During the movement of the procession to the Capitol, minute guns were fired and the bells of the city tolled The remains were kept at the Capitol, guarded by Capt. Lansiiigs's company of artillery, until Monday morning, when they were removed, escorted by the military, and attended by the corporation, and a great number of citizens, to the steamboat Rich- mond, and Ccls H. Livingston and Peter Gansevoort (aids to Hi.3 Excel- lency the Governor) and Col. L. Livingston, accompanied them to New York, escorted by a subaltern's guard of Utiited States troops from Major Worth's detachment. On Sunday, the adjutant general, very obliginirly attended several hours at the Capitol, for the purpose of gratifying those of our citizens who desired it, with a view of the remains. The whole proceedings from Whitehall to this place, upon this occasion, and the eagerness displayed by dl classes and description of people, to testify their profound respect and veneration for the memory of the deceased, is highly creditable to the feelings, patriotism and character of our citizens. The peculiarly appropriate time of the arrival of the remains, rendered the occasion doubly interesting — it being the anniversary of that Freedom, forms the mililary LEOiCY OP HiSTORIOill, Gleaninos. 335 for llie achievement of which Montoomeev Fell ! The resoect doe he mcmor, o ,o cwlted a character a, that of (Jen. M™„3rv was 00 .Lmbled on t he balk „fl^ ^'* ""'' """''"' '■" *" ""'"''«' °'' "b""' "u„« were fi ed a. fh. hi, ,""''' ?" ';PP'»P">'e >"">'ler of minote- wl,a„:, also appeared with fhei? coi:,,':! ha L«. '"'I'STf^l 't . ° Th/r"' M""*""-? "-« deposited with ti," aod m Htar? Tk. . Jne exhibition was imposing, oasn Mcout and solemn The annexed inscription was copied from the Monument ^S^' I>,„l'» p/am1i^?he'-:;.t'd!Z:rii: "r^^n'lS'tS-if L VtfT "'• OuEBFP 81 St Don TTTK J •i-'' '^ "luicuuies, icu in the attack on M d S- '^'"'" '^'''*'' '^''"'" '" -Sc^^^^mon F«n Rensselaer. for a reconciliation between J„d4wiria"v/°"v''"l'™8 """»»»'««<' itrTt^'i'iik'T"'-' r^'f "™' ''""°-^'« «-Shir^ ss .r;::;t\,VJ' ■ :r^Tc:cd'i;:;''fl,!rtr^"^^"i'■""'■^V""-^^^^ :':it"xr::,di:;irt\"^'"t^ ««t injured I 'sl»n d hi donel, T H '" ''"?"'"'■; ■"^"'»' "'»' ' "» fcSni 7 ■ -3r ?-''^^- - - i-: ^^;^;r l--kJdccTded b.H'of the Z;™"/ ''^^ ""'' P""'"' ""'''"' «>"= • Albany July 4th, 1818. lo Henry Shaw. «wd. payment C. A. TenEyck for Heniy Shaw. $C.0O 336 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 1- m and resent it; if inadvertence, I am sorry it was not promptly avowed. If a presumption, too far urjied upon good nature, 1 grieve that the siiaf't was not withdrawn, when it was manifest that the wound festered. Whether I was right, or wrong, Judge Van Ness ought to have spoiien to mo. If I was right, the path was clear — he owed me an apology. If wrong, it was the duty of his friendship to chide me. You know, that I seek not to multiply the thorns which beset my path : and God knows, that my mangled heart can bear but few more thrustf But my life and my honor must make a contemporaneous exit. I would never press a friend, in error, to the extreme of apology; to know that he is sutUjied thereof, and re'jrcts the vircumstnnce, is enough for me. /ask no more; honor cannot ask less. On that ground I will give Judge Van Ness my hand, and my heart will warm it. I seek friendship with all men ; but mostly those who are my Country's friends ; yet I cannot reach so far for friendship as to lose my balance and plunge into disgrace. I cannot be- come the object of my own contempt ; 'tis the worst of suicide ; nor can I play the hypocrite, and reach my hand while my heart says no, I write this in haste (7 o'clock a. m.), as I must go early to my office. If I ad- vaiice a single incorrect sentiment, be you my impartial judge, and point to it with the finger of friendship. Yours most truly. Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Cherry Hill. John Lq-'ext. " lu June, 1817, Mr. Lovett went on an excursion to the western country, for the purpose of providing a residence for himself and family from which he never returned. He located at Fort Meigs on the river Mauniee; the bank of the river at the little village of Perrysburg — com- menced by Mr. Lovett and named after Commodore 0. H. Perry — is almost one hundred feet in height. The change in the manner of living and the hardships incident to an unsettled country, proved too severe at so late a period of lite, and brought on a degree of debility, under which he languished many months, and to which he finally fell a victim: Died. At Fort Meigs, Ohio, on the 12th of August 1818, the Hon. John Lovett of Albany, N. Y., aged 58 years. As a companion and friend, rarely has the world beheld one his superior. His coloquial powers were almost unrivaled, his wit flashed on every occasion, his humor was proba- bly never excelled. He twice represented the district in the house of representatives of the United States. In that situation he discharged his duties with great fidelity and punctuality. His devotion to his country was unbounded, and he was ever deeply interested in its prosperity. He was a staunch federalist, but went with his party when in 1812 the Fede- ralists coalesced with the Clintoiiiao Democrats, because conscious of their inability to elect a candidate of their own." Oen. Stephen Van Rensselaer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My dear Sir, Charleston, Jany 9th, 1819. Your letter was very interesting to me at this distance from all whom I hold dear. I am happy to find our Agricultural Society was organized so harmoniously and I am satisfied with the judicious choice of Managers, with one exception — myself. Watson has written to me that now he is going to organize one in Ren,«selaer County, and modestly asks from me the same patronage that I afford to Albany ; and also to ofl'er a Farm in fee to the best Cultivator of a Farm &c. &c. I shall not be backward in fcubscribing provided it is supported by Men of Property in Troy ami Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 337 Lansingburgh Your Bill T am advised will pass the Senate -as well ns the othe Vanch as honorably, i Pray write to me what is doiL at ATbanv who will be Senator and wbn fuA^^c x,^ u 1.1 • ". '"o »•' -fJ^'oany, Clinton stands. I 1 pleased that hSt tl • i"^"^"^^ "°^' '^°^ a. i am pieasea tnat he is to be married so well Mrs TJ ,".'11 L„'. 'l"'° y I'-^f '•" J"" e"""" ^">y ^"-l amiable Dau^he^- Z'i:Zl'°" ""' '"' '-y«'»Jio-/ Respects .0 Jacob" a„T all M I Ku • • . xour friend. My health IS improved in this mild climate. S. V Rensselafr Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Adjt. General, Albany NY ,r J o , '^"'^^^ ^"'^ ^^^^ '^ ^^- Van Rensselaer. My dear Solomon, Hudson, 14th July, 1819. mu r. -11., -■■ '■eceived your letter & thank vou for it The Council has done nobly, Lho' there are several removals which ought to have been made as well in this County as elsewherrat the same time must not be considered as a grumbler -much good ha been doTe and he effect I do not doubt, will be extensively useful and benefidal' The (xovernor has certainly acted with the utmost liberality & firmnes' Th.Cr ^/•t«'-«^'^'- \ his administration which is very much reded The batt e IS however_ but barely begun, and unless he himself and his Si 4 yitTJ lir'^'^^'^^^'^ - ^h- -rtions, you may rel^up'on -enmn Jafleff A^n^ '^"' ^'" ^"'••'" ^"""^ ^^" S^^"' -"orney- eneral J has left Albany on an excursion which will take him about a right- where has he gone ? I have no doubt he is on a visTt to such of the Democratic members in Montgomery & elsewhere as he can well operate upon It ought to be counteracted at once by the'viends of the Uvernor. I will see you at the August term. ^ ^^ Pn., a 1 ir T. , Yours affectionately, Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer. ^y, -yf' y^^ j^^^^ The coimcil of revision consisted of the governor, chancellor chipf ineciancuioi bmith Ihompson, chief justice; Ambrose Spencer William JJ^lan Ness, Joseph C. Yates, Jonas Piatt were justices'of'S supreme Solomon Van Rensselaer had received his commission to bfi a maio'- 'tin fT '^" ''""'f of appointment in March, and subsequently ie M him laboring on the political arena at Washington. He served the cwo consecutive sessons as a member in congress" faithfully and ablv H MV aT" '^t''^'^^'^'^}^ congressional career, general ^"LtioJ' He left Alb; ,y November 21), 1819, and on Monday, the Gth dav of Decer..er be.ag the y?r.y ,e...b« of the sixteenth eon^gress h la un^d'r e co,..t. ution of the United States, Gen. Van Rensselaer took In d rin, "••I f° unanimously elected representative, ^^om the -mnh S!; iu'- T^"'^''""'. '" '^'' ^''''' '^f representiltives. " \ t^ I e n i . T*^ comprehensive survey of the respecc've spheres of poll ical bodies, he took his stand on the platfom of the party he «prcened and became a ' working man.' iL was conscious '^ I, nim Pt'""'^'^'';^"? 'r '"' '^'''^y '"^"^'"^ ''''■'''''^ •"'ich practical ;;^-_jVgain in 1821 the same distinguish ed honor was conferred I 838 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. upon him, by an overwhelming majority over his Democratic competitor and fellow townsman, the Hon. Harmanus Bleecker, who was, in the year 1839, appointed United States minister to the Hague. He well knew and could say " the more I have observed of the world, the more I am satisfied that little reliance is ever to be placed on what is c&Wed friemh. When the hour of trouble comes, and you call upon these friem/s, and request a little sacrifice to be made, in ninety cases out of a hundred, they turn their backs upon you, and desert you with all imaginable in- difference." It was clear to him, that every one's duty was to try to be in a situation, where he would have no favors to ask and such he wished to obtain. Officers of the Government of the United States : James Monroe, presi- dent; Daniel D. Tompkins, vice president; John Q. Adams, secretary of state ; William H. Crawford, secretary of the treasury : John C. Cal- houn, secretary of war; Smith Thompson, secretary of the navy; Return J. Meigs, postmaster general ; William Wirt, attorney general. Representatives of the State of New York in Congress : XVITH CoN- GRESS. - Silas Wood, Ebenezer Sage, Henry Meigs, Peter H. Wendover, Caleb Tompkins, Randell S. Street, James Strong, Walter Case, Jacob H. De Witt, Robert Clark, Solomon Van Rensselaer, John D. Dickinson, John W. Taylor, Nathaniel Pitcher, Ezra C. Gross, Harmanus Peck,' John Fay, Robert Morrell, Joseph S. Lyman, Henry R, Storrs, Aaron Hackley, Jun., William D. Ford, George Hall, Jonathan Richmond, Caleb Baker, Nathaniel Allen, Robert H. Tracy. Senators, Nathan Sanford, Rufus King. 1820. OJicers of the Government of the State of New York : His Excellency De Witt Clinton, governor; Hon. John Tayler, lieut. gov.; Jame.s Kent, chancellor; Ambrose Spencer, chief justice; William W. Van Ness, Joseph C. Yates, Jonas Piatt, John Wood worth, justices of tbe supreme court. Gerrit Y. Lansing, judge of the court of probates ; John V. N . Yates, secretary of state ; Archibald M'Intyre, comptroller; Garret E. Dox, treasurer; Simeon De Witt, surveyor-general; Thomas J. Oak- ley, attorney-general ; Anthony Lamb, commissary general. Solomon Van Rensselaer, adjutant-general. Peter Gansevoort, judge advocate general. Samuel L. Mitchill, surgeon general. Gen. Van Eenssclaer to Jiis Wife. My Dear Harriot. Washington, Dec. 18, 1819. I have been so much pressed with calls and calling on others, dispatch- ing papers and documents, that I have not been able before to give you an account of our Mess. There are ten of us together, Rucktails, Democrats, and Federalists ; Wendover of New York, and Tompkins of Westchester (brother of Vice President) are among the number, all political discussions are prohibited. We pay ten dollars a week for cur board ; cider and ale are the only drinks at our table which are at our cost, and as to eatables we are well furnished. My expenses including everything will fall short of what I contemplated. The climate is fine and well calculated for my shattered frcme, we have neither had snow or rain since I have been here, and the weythcr is al- most like June with _u^ at the north. I wish Klizaboth would send lue, without delay the printed orders organizing the Militia into twentj-five Divisions ; if there is no order to be found iu my office, let her lake it IS. ocratic competitor, 10 was, in the year B. He well knew d, the more I am it is called fricmh. these friends, and )ut of a hundred, all imaginable in- .y was to try to be id such he wished nes Monroe, presi- Adams, secretary ary : John C. Cal- the navy ; Return general. ress : XVITH CoN- iter H. Wendover, Salter Case, Jacob ohn D. Dickinson, Harmanus Peck, R. Storrs, Aaron 1 Richmond, Caleb New York: His nyler, lieut. gov. ; tice; William W. rth, justices of tbe of probates ; John imptroller; Garret ; Thomas J. Oak- eral. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 339 num- , Dec. 18, 1819. in others, dispateli- ifore to give you an cktails. Democrats, ns of Westchester lolitical discussions T.'d ; cider and ale md as to eatables ling will fall short :ed frcme, we have the weythcr is al- ii would send lue, a into twentj'-five !0, let her take it from the Orderly Book. I only want the Major-General.^ and bar of the brigades attached to each. I am one of the Military Committee and my military duty will be this winter amusing to me. Let Rensselaer lathers office. I am in high repute here; Mr. Clay, the Speaker, Mr. Randolph and other great men are very friendly to me. Clay wished to pace me at the head of the Committee' upon Military Affairsf the Si s which are very extensive, and I could only get rid of it, by sayin^ that t e M.htary duties of my own State (as Adfutant General) would no allow me to pay the attention that was necessary. He then appointed the noted General Smyth who is every thing my ideas had formed of him -a very great fool! I attend a party at the French Ministers to night and have been to the party of Mrs. Adams. '' Your affectionate Husband, Sol. Van Rensselaer. Oen. Lewis to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My dear General Staatsburg 31 Decem., 1819. Accept my unfeigned thanks for your polite attention in transmitting me a copy of the President's Message, and accompanying documents, relat- ing to he Spanish Negotiations. I feel the obligation the more sensibly by contrasting it with the conduct of some pretended friends, who were assiduous, on every occasion, to load me with civilities, as long as I had the power of serving them, and no longer. Selfh, sogenerall?, the great incentive to human action, and so few have been the exceptions I have ^ with, through the course of a long life, that when they do occur the H ihcation is much heightened by the reflection. Jongre.ss have at this Session, to act on two very interesting Subjects. J: I f "'. {^"l?. "".'^^ ^P"'°' ^"'^ the question of admitting the new States, west of the Mississippi, into the Union, on condition of their fir ! i'nf %7'^^ ^ ^Pr' *' ''' ^^^ ^''^ conducted, with firmness and moderation. The Second, I view, as far the most important. My feelin-s n'lv ^^^J^"- °f ^'•°^^««» -^nd I have uniformly indulged them, with respect to niy own Slaves - having liberated all that were old enough. But all hat has been said and written on the Subject, has not been sufficient to 1 L7t '•""^' '•^**'^ right of Congress, to impose conditions of admission into the Union unknown to the constitution, and repugnant tj the Idea ■Ifr f; "'^"''^^•'* ^' P^'''^''^'^'^ '"' '' ••^1"ir«« »« i^rophet to forsee tnat It will terminate in a Severance of Empire. pv.r,?! ''^•°i'^ opinions at Washington, among men who do not sacrifice evorj consideration to parf>/ (if any such you are acquainted with) as to the Ques, on between the Vice President [Daniel D. Tompkins] and the Comptroller [Archibald Mclntyr.] of this State? Much pains has been taken here, to make it altogether a party Question, particularly by those h^wishtobringforwardtheVicePreside'nta^ t the next election for President ; under the idea that he will be the most P- J>- jpponen^ I have little, if any thing, to do with politicks : and nln ' / """r «'^7'o«»'ied by persons very hostile to Mr. Clinton. Yet amon^ chose, I can discover that the ComptrolLr's Statements, of defalca- tion, have made a deep Im.M-essinn. Accept assurances of sincere friendship from Your faithful Morgan Lewis. X Genl. Solomon Van Ren.s3elacr, in Congress. uifSliiaijrtoa. mm 840 Legacy of Historical Gleanings, General Jackson had been very demonstrative respecting our Spanish aifairs; his conduct was censured by veiy many but approved of by the president. He had marched into Florida, taken posyession of St. Marks • and two of the principal men in the Spanish garrison being accused of excit^ ing the Seminole Indians to hostilities, were tried by a court martial and executed by tiis orders. ' Ge o. Van Rensselaer to his Wife, Washington Jany. 3, 1820. I thank you my dear Harriot for your affectionate letter, nothing since I left home has given me half the pleasure. Indeed if it was not for the interest of you and our dear ones, nothing would induce me to be here, the sacrifice of feeling and comfort are too great in being separated! Were you with me I should be perfectly happy, this would be my home as well as Albany or any other place, and if fortune smiles on us, you must accompany me next Session, and divest yourself of the cares' of a family at least for a season ; my heart is now, as it always has been entirely devoted to you. I told you of my fixed resolution to go only once to the parties of the Head of Departments, the foreign Ministers and to Col. Taylor, who formerly belonged to the Dragoons with me, and then I halt I have nearly finished those I intended to go to — the Presidents, the Secretary's of War and Treasury are the last, excepting the one for to morrow, and there I shall go out of curiosity ; was you to see me at those places, as well as all others, you would be gratified. Tell the girls as >oon as I have time, I will give them an account of those parties — but of course fhei/ would think them not equal to those at Albany. How grati- fied I feel at the good conduct of Rensselaer, nothing can be more grateful to the heart of a parent which you do and can feel. I have procured you a fine pair of Spectacles, and a pair for myself, as I can only write at nij^ht and now can do so as well as in the day. From the inclosed letter to the Patroon — which I wish you to read — you will see how my time is taken up; seal and send it by Itensselaer. I now return xMargaretta's honora- ble school Certificate, and inclose a little present for her. I am much gratified. Good night my dear Harriot, kiss our flock for me. Yours Unalterably Mrs. Van Rensselaer. Sol. Van Rensselaer. Judge Van Ifess to Sol. Van Itensselaer. My dear Friend, Albany 5th -January 1820. We yesterday obtained a glorious victory. John C. Spencer is Speaker by a majority of 13 — our actual majority is about 17 in the Assembly and I think we shall increase it in a T-jw days. F]very thing here at present jooks well ; and of one thing you may rest assured that Daniel D. Tomkins is utterly and totally disgraced and annihilated. Yet I believe he will be the Jacobin Candidate, but we shall beat him from ten to fifteen thous- and. We are however obliged to be industrious. The powerful Bucktail Corps is here in all their strength. They are violent and abusive be- yond example, the great attack on me is to be made in the Assembly in a day or two. [As to legislative corruption, in regard to the charter of the bank of America, which was bought through, ii was said, in which trans- action Klisha Williams, William W. Van Ness, and other eminent men were thought to be dis>;racel'ully implicated.] I am ready for them. I wish you was here. The Patroon has behaved like a man. Why don't Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 841 yon write to rae ? There is a report here that J D. Dickenson is hostile nnd that he has become more so at Washington. I know thi i a ?' e ood but I want you to see him and to let me hear from you Sp ak have behaved nobly. We are nearly unanimous. In fact there are but aboo four apostates. George Tibbits andElisha B. Stronro? Ontario are th? only unexpected apostates. Rufus Kin.- will be chosen Sen Z though u.any of the bucktails are violently oppo'^ed to him It would be my easy to defeat h>m, but I am decidedly in^^favor o: his appdn ment ^e feel well and strong, but wo may be deceived. I wanJTi^t" be comeacqua.nted with Henry R. Storrs of Columbia County, a member of Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq. In Congress, Washington '" This eminent jurist, Judge Van Ness, was just and discriminating and possessed highintelectual elements which enabled him To adim the bench and made hn« very careful ot the reputation of others PoM cal parties however, then as now, in the zeal of heated conte ts ffreadv The Pairoon to Sol. Van Rensselaer V'^^'^^'l ^ ,,. Watervliet Jan II 1820 This morning Mr CHnton's Council was elected. Mr. Dudley rCharles E, obtained several Federal votes, Mc Kown [James] amon^. he number and George T.bbits I understand voted the whole Buiktailticket Joha StSs Thfv-™T ^r ^'^^^ ^"^^^^- T'^^ CHntontns are in high spirits The Vice President, it is said, will be too heavy a weiL^hfc nd u IS probable Judge Yates will be the Candidate. I thin k7very doubt ful who will succeed. Pray tell me how you are pleased at wTshin'ton Remember me to n.y friend Randolph. I hope you have visK CoWi Johnson of Kentucky, he was our friend. ^ ^^^""^'^ I was last evening elected President of the Board of A-riculture nn» M.jor Gc„. Sol. Van Ren^eker, M. C. WaAingto: '^' ''™"'*"^- Judge Van Ifess to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Vhf;^^ . . Albany 18th Jany, 1820 he e kV.ilv TT^ i^"^'' ""'^. '"^"'^ y"'^ '""^ ''' The .tate of things ti n fll T ^ fi", ^?"'"'y improving. It is with equal pride and exult?! ■on that I confidently assert, that I have never known any administrafion rrounded and supported by such a combination of tafent-vTrtue rehpectdble federalist who is not w th us. The few wVia hnvo ,„>„ .« jects of disgust and contempt. We are eiect ^gtpo th'mos !oHd Tll . -J X. ^""^ '-''^^'■**^ '^^ character both at home and abroad 1 eS "bt' ^'""^ '''' ^.'^^^ ^' Washington last winter I know hTve n much, too much, to misrepresent and degrade us, but we shall give the he to our calumniators, by such a demonstration of moral power and ? 842 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. wisdom, as will extort applause, when otherwise it would be withheld by envy, meanness, or niali{,'nity. 1 repeat, the good and great of all nations are rallying about our State Administration with a vigor and zeal that is unexampled, while you see collected in the opposite ranks every specula- tive-disgraced petifogger and public defaulter. The whole phalanx of public plunderers, who, under the great leader of all that is base and dig. honorable — Tompkim, lived upon the treasury, is in dismay, and shudder at the appalling denunciation which now thunders from the Capitol "the day of plunder shall be no more." I rejoice to hear my worthy friend Dickinson feels as I knew he would feel. He is not the only honest man who has been claimed by the apostates among us. John W. Wheeler has been wavering, but I believe he is now settled down with us. It is yet doubtful who will be the opposing Candidate. Tompkins is daily expected here, and I suspect will finally be nominated. Great efforts are made to induce Thompson to stand, but he is too wise I hope to consent, tho' don't however cure a rush who is taken up, we challenge the whole field, and will beat any man by more than 10,000 majority. Our friend McKown does not behave well. He split his ticket in the question of Council, and separates himself from all those to whom he owes his election as Member of Assembly. However we don't give him up — he is a man of honor and will, we hope, finally do what is right. Your family is well. In great haste my Dear Solomon, I am yours, W. W. Van Ness. Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. " The New York legislature about these times had some few members to represent their constituents who cared but little for etiquette. Among these was a major who manifested his singular indifference to the most common observances of cultivated life, by his inveterate habit of spitting in every direction upon the carpet. One day when preparing a speech to be delivered before the august body of his peers, a servant came into his room to perform some office, and observing this filthy habit, shoved the spittoon in front of him : the major was oblivious, and out went another mouthful to the left; the servant moved the polished receptacle of filth to the left. The eyes of the major were still bent upon his paper, and his mouth was working nervously ; it soon filled, and away went another copious ejectment, this time to the right. The major's salivary glands rapidly secreted again, and while his lips were gathering for one grand discharge in front, the servant gave the appurtenance a desperate shove with the broom in that direction. 'Now, see here!' said the major, 'do you take that d d thing right out of the way, or I'll spit in it ! ' This story soon leaked out." Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriet, Washington, Jany 22d, 1820. I this evening received your letter of Jani/. 17 th; thanks to my Spectacles or I could not answer it. I hail that day [the anniversary of marriage] as the happiest of my life ; if some part of the time since has been checkered, it was owing to Rascah who have injured me in private as well as in public life. No young man who started in life as I did, has made greater exertions, in public or private life, to provide for a wife I adored and her children, than I have dotio. And after surmounting all difficulties to be cut short in both — the one purchased with my blood, and the other with the sweat of my brow — had nearly overcome my Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 343 reason; and I know the effects of which had nearly destroyed n.e Those 00, for whom those feelings were excited on some occa^ions'l regret were all 1 can for you and ours; if my means were only equal to mv wishes pu should be completely happy/ You and they deserTe and « the teuderest feelings of husband and father ; dismiss^hen J/'XlTnTmake yourself as happy as our separation will admit of. Thi^Xce ufv^ou rt:it'if ttVo7dTS:u\%"or^';'/^^ ' '-'^'-r- f^^^'^^^ ce^ted la return ?Tv"'^'""%^°'^''^ ""^ '^^^''^ ^'«»> "P«» '"^^ is s- 1^^ f^~ I - -^ -^. -4. - and S ' UeSi'toT'?" "f ^'"^^ ^^" ^-- •^-"Sb any thing Tr them th.Lrvr'^ S; ^'""' f l-«t,Monday [March 20th, 1820, J for which I th nk you. Ihe account of the winking and nodding of n.v dear littl^ sX m7 "Wrltf^ '"r? "'^ ^'"^'^^'"^' *« " P'^P^ " K'ss'he e bv me as oVf.n f '• ^' ^^" '""' ^^^'^^^ ^'" ^' reciprocated Lr T 1^ ,? "' .^"^ ^"«'ness, which is beginning to press will &Ies bu it ;. nnr^ r?\ ^ ""' ^""^ P'^''^""^'^ «''"«t«d in a pru- M.S. boiomon Van Rensselaer. Sol. Van Rensselaer. ouJ litMp i'?^' ''•^'"'^ ''^'"'^ *"' ""y "^t'ler l^ad written : " The prattle of chattPr-^L ^^ ashington.' You can have no idea how she does £ 1/ , f «»t from the front room, the other day and slid 'Via true wh.,f H •'^ ? your portrait so long that they really fancy as £t V^^^ each other with." ^Vhile General ^anTens! celebrired F.m A ° J ""■ '"'S' P°'''''^'*' P^'"^^^ «« canvas by the father CZ.l' .. , "'"'^ ""^ ""^ ^"^"'' .V'^'^'-^' ^ad not seen our t, e w.« ^ months; she was present wh^n th^ strikingly conect r hunlriT'"''^;- ^'' ' ^•^'■^ ^^« ^P^l^^" till the little one clapped P e.sion p'.n? r '''^'''- ^'T^ "' '' ^"^ '^ •"«"^«»t with a surprised ex Prj^ ion, exclaimed in a grieved toneof voice, after ruu„i„.- to our mother -1 ^oor,a^a .jot no leys!" Ail of the inter;sted family Jresen;, we'e dl w 844 Leqacy op IIistorioal Glbaninos. i^hted with tho child's nilivctc, and Mr. Ames declared ho desired no better ovidoneo of its hoini,' a perfect liiveness aud a boautifiii puiiitinj,'. " Mr. AmcH took aSV/- Joxhna liri/nolUn for hit) fi;uido in ouvly lile,"aiid throufjh hiin became accjuaiiited with every really eminent painter ancient or modern ;" and many years proviouH to this satisfuctory produc' tion, It was said "friends have witnessed the mighty efforts of Ames's genius in tho lino of hiw noble profession, aud the day is not far distant when tho brush of Stuart shall meet its rival in Albany. An elegant portrait of the Hon. Georok Clinton when vice president of the United States, painted just before his death in 1812, by Mr. Amos of Albany was sent to the Academy of tho Fine Arts in Philadelphia." [See froutis' piece for portrait.] Judyc Spencer to Sol. Van Rensselaer. ^""Z.f}''- , , , Albany, Feb. 15, 1820. Will you have tho goodness to hand tho oncWed to Gen. Br^wn it willreach him safer in this channel. So Tompkins stands his hand — and thus ends the deception practised upon tho federal tamnaniesatthe beginnin" of the Session. We will cure his itch to come before the people — rely upon it he will fail by many thousands. Is it true that he was again.st any re- striction in regard to slavery in Missouri ? It is very important that we should be able to fix that charge upon him if it be true — let me know us soon as possible. You may remember that we conversed about some Manyle Wurtzel seed before you went on — don't forget to procure me a pound of it as you reti^-n thro' Philadelphia, enquire lor the best kind. Is there such a thing to be procured in Philadelphia as Orchard Grass seed'! What is the prite and when is it to be sowed ? Your friend Judge Van Ness, I have no doubt, will come out as pure as gold from the rofuiers hand. Yours Sincerely Geul. Solomon Van Rensselaer, A. Spencer. llepreseutative in Congress, Washington. The late Chief Justice Ambrone Spencer was a severe and stern, but also a just and humane judge. Ills mind was remakable for the quickness of its perceptions, for its penetration and its comprehensiveness. He died March 13, 1848, in the eighty-third year of his age. t!' CHAPTER XVI. The Missouri Compromise. Judge Van Ness to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Friend, Albany, Feb. 20, 1820. I have no time to say any thing more about politics, except that we shall carry the election, and as I verily believe by an immense majority. rus, with . ,. , J .„„„„„„ ....^.gued by B. for attacking and endeavouring to destroy me. The testimony of snail carry the election, and as 1 verily believe by an immense majorit' The residue of my letter must be short and relate to my own coMceru; [His Impeachment.] You mentioned to me a conversation you had wit Mr. Fowler of Newburgh, in which he stated to you the reasons assigue 08. ured ho desirod no iuutil'iil piiiiilirij,'. ill carljf li!e, and ' etiiiriunt painter, satisfuctory produc- y efforts of Anus's y is uot iiir diHtant buny. An elegant idont of the United . Ames of Albany, diia." [See frontis- ny, Feb. 15, 1820. to Gen. Bp'wn, it da his hand — and iesatthebeginnin;,' the people — rely wasagaiii.st any re- ■tant that we should ae know us soon as bout some Matiyk jure me a pound of 3st kind. Is there hard Grass scci'! ame out as pure as A. Spencee. ere and stern, but ! for the (quickness jhensiveness. He Legacy of IIistorical Gleaninqs. Feb. 20, 1820. s, except that we mmeuse majority, ly own eonceriis, ;iou you had with I reasons assigned rhe testimony of Mr, Fowlor may be important to mc, and I will i to ,-ivc mo a doti.iiud statement uf what Mr. Fowie 845 bo much oblif'ed to r comr ited V')U ymirnamo shall not bo revealed. I un.lorstand Mr Kiru, «. l 'v ' rcuHon 1 am afra d to writ« tn liim ou r i i • . "^urus mc ana .or that u,,d.r,l»„d km ■! 1 hoar to i, a vi ,|L t'""""'"'' '" ''"■ "" "» J°» Ikljou could be horo-l'u el' t ,1 ,r ,!, ' , '"'' "" '"'"'""'"' n««. S„lo«„ Van Rc„.ol,„, I„ Co„°g:r °''7' w'.' V..v N.., -Or. Van Iteimdacr to Sol. Van Rensselaer ""ay do me . iivor. I„ 1814, I had omplovcd Mr fi V ?)^ . ^'" .si..ae busin. , relative to my deceased brXr folfn \-J^^;""'«t»'' ^'> that it was dl settled- wlfen hTto d'^ yifjr^av" '"^'^'^'"^ " ucauj. lie say.*^, that the on y thiu" refiiiU tP wmiM i. Kxanwnation of the Returns of the 2;?rd Koc.t fof lEfrv T n L •" wluch he enlisted on the 25th of Ann! 1814 It wiM t S^ '"V '" much pay ho had received and whunitlanctwas s m dl v "'" '^"^"^ fon to this will much oblige me. Will you inform nn-f \ '"f "" ...« of ,a,. or ^l'^:Vi.'j^:':vi:7^z: ""■"-""'= - - » .0 ko .1,0 largost that has e?er asiLbST/Alba' 7- Q o,l=!!°^ow many ot them were entitled to vote for Governor ''' tL u^.\ . . 44 ! ^aj '*- \s^ IMAGE EVALUATSON TEST TARGH (MT-3) // K, i //I,. feo 1.0 I.I i4 12.8 150 1^ 21 2.2 II 1^ li£ 112.0 1.25 iiill.4 1.6 ^ ^. V] v: cr^ij, ^^ '# .^ >:> ^-t^ '^^Vl /^ ^^ 'V o 7 Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 &?. o II •:! 346 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. their party lately told me, " if we can't prove him guilty, his reputation will at any rate be damned." I trust however that his character will stand Ktill unblemished in the minds of the most respectable part of the community. For the present adieu — If your time allows, I shall be happy to hear from you — to ask it, is almost too much when you have ,30 many demands upon you. We are all well here, thank God. I remain, yours Most Sincerely, Jer. Van Kensselaer. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. While Dr. Van Rensselaer was traveling in Europe, his instructive and pleasant letters were frequently published in the leading journals of the day. He subsequently took his family abroad, remaining many years, and in 1852 moved into what was once called the " Cralo Fort" at Green- bush. " The following 3xtract of a letter is from Dr. Jeremiah Van Rensselaer, of Greenbush, New York — a young gentleman now in Europe, and where he has been for several years, to complete his studies in the medical art," April 20, 1819, I begin my letter to you on the c:-ater of Mount Vesuvius. The extreme heat of the river of lava, by the light of which I wrote the above, prevented my continuing. We have descended about 150 feet- our guides would go no farther. Our company have gone to Naples. H. and myself have determined to pass this night here, ar.d are now writing by the light of a torch on warm lava, that flowed seven days ago. An eruption of some consequence took place last night, and the lava is'runniD" in a stream of about 7 feet wide, at the rate of about three miles an houn Nothing can possibly be imagined more subKme — the smoke issuing from the glowing torrent, is like a cloud of fire — part oi- the mount seems on fire, while below it appears the very centre of desolation and gloom. At break of day we mount again, to descend further into the crater, and see the sun rise from its mouth. I may perhaps try more experiments! I have written your name in the burning lava, and it has cooled — the piece is beside me, I also put in a five franc piece — the impression is good, and you shall one day see it. Our torch is about going out, and I must stop to finish to morrow at Naples, Two distinct eruptions have just taken place, and cast out heated stones to the height of 100 or 150 feet. Naples, 22d. I scarcely know what you will think when you open this letter. It" it was not for the sake of the place where I began it, you should never see it. We passed the night very well on the mountain. Our guides cleared away the larger stones, anu left us none bigger than eggs — we spread our great coats in this little hollow, and were comfortable enough. We re- quired no covering — at our feet issued a small column of heated air- beneath us too warm air oozed up ; but the great coats prevented our being steamed. II. found that he was too warm, and got up to walk about. I laid quiet, to enjoy the superb sight before me. Some provisions were sent to us by the party — it arrived about eleven o'clock. Fatigue was a good opiate, and our sleep was sweet. Our guides slept on the bare stones beside us. At 3 o'clock we took some bread and wine, and began again the ascent. Our route .low lay in another direction. It was not so difficult as what we had ascended the evening before. Before 5 wo v ere at the top, and waited only a few minutes to see the purple tinge of the horizon gradually change into brightened gold. A sea of clouds floated far beneath us — it resem- bled an undulai- d plain of cotton, whose edges were tinged and burnished -%mi Legacy op Historical GLEANiNas. 317 by the tirsfc rays of the mornin"- Thn aopn^^,, i,«i«™ i ■ 5L„. took „a to *, r„t V'Vhe lSl'!tS; "t "r"' ' ^"'"^ stones. We could not observe the bottom very plainly — to descend wft« influence than the r entreaties TIip lo,ra ;. =., i^muer naa laore .„, through a ™bte,m„rn«„al at 7horiz„^al'^:^^^^^^ "f"' ''"' till it force, through the era,, about m\ZXot 'the titer „T'"" .nd3 m.e» an hour; its depth cannot be told. The nrernt Z.™ f.,- hayini „n\i?he?rr5r„dic" aru'rnrTnrtt:: u:xnr:r^belt^l^:„7^her?3^"{^^^^^^^^^^^^ !t;°i;^eo'u^r ■ t^ ""' «'^'^« --.hncSn" If, nz pace,, .here all ,as cold, we broke it and found i quite tuo„ ben aS appearance. At a distance it looks like new ploughed land and of H,n same colour : as we approach, it is much more roSgh and hideous Havn! rrjreSrz;rsre'?^oT r^z lf£'^^isrz :hrd-;Sn.,^L^f S vegetation relieves the eye, wearied and sad with the horrible and hilt expanse that environed us : How melancholy are the fee b. excitel ?n ««ch a situation! How much more so are the recollect 1 ft rS s r I felt as If we alone stood on the ruins of the universo L f lu ' conieagain; nor can I think of it without eirn^'lTon" ^^r^^^ g walk on the broken lava brought us to the place where we hi- sLnT Our last descent began here, and when once at ^the foroTthe uppir m t of the „,ountain, we rapidly went in seven minutes, the sameTstance n.TJl t\^ hermitage, where we breakfasted on bread and wine T cloads had now dispersed, and we enjoyed a view of the supe^b b^of SsoAhaTl""- S""''' I know hi; far prejudice iJuencesm/ Buying so; that it is inferior to the bav of New Vnrt tj,-, f j 1 ^ Scil!:: f T' ^'V' it a 4Stil?nl'^3Tassici'nt :^^^^^^^ ar ead so on^wi^H"^'' ^T^'' ^'""^^' "^"^^^ »«-«« -^ P'iny denendlf n? ?K ' ^*^^ ^''^ "'''* interesting in the world. I„. t^uviu,, with Its burning craters, the number of cities and villages de- 348 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. ttil stroyed by its dreadful workinp;8, will ever attract the lover of landscape and the student of nature. The cities over which we walk — the palaces over which we sail — the lakes, half swallowed —and mountains ejected in a single night — all add to the interest of the place. ^ Such were my thoughts as my mule came down the base of the mount- ain, at the little village of Rescina, fiom whence we had descended the day before into Herculaneum. The theatre alone is now shown • som'^ persons having been lost in the excavations, they are closed to the public - and through tlie inadvertency of others, we are deprived of pleasure and instruction, lo Pompeii is 8 miles, and we took a kind of chaise for the day. Ihe Neapolitan chaise, or cabriolet, is a very small gig, into which two very small persons may squeeze; one of them drives, and the -ach man stands behind to whip the horse, which is exclusively his prerogative and the passenger cannot present him from making the horse run all the distance. Pompeii, as it is shown to visitors, is more interestin-r than Herculaneum ; since it is part of a city exposed to light, and open To day We walk by daylight in the streets ; enter the houses and temples and visit the forum and tombs, the same as any ancient town — but cannot lorget, that since the year 79, till within a short time, the ashes of Vesu- vius have hid it from the day. The temple of Isis ts the most complete • few houses have the second story ; the first are perfect, and are easily known. Ihus several cook-shops, a bake-house, a surgeon's or drugaigt's a milkmnn s &c. are at once recognized by the signs painted on the walls' and trequently the name is seen too. One of the streets must have been superb ; it yet exhibits the marks of carriage wheels. The workmen and guides are very strict; I wanted a small square piece of marble which served as a floor to one of the courts — although it laid loose on the ashes y%^ *"^yj;fP'»^^^ »^J nor had a bribe far beyond its intrinsic value any effe-t. They gave me to understand that both their necks would answer for it. I wrote to you frorr. Leghorn. We went from thence to Pisa, Lucca, and Florence; the latter is a beautiful and interesting place, in the vale • <^,n°°'-?"^ ^ *^^ "°^* luxuriant in the world. From Florence to Home IS 200 miles, we arrived in the Holy Week, and saw the ceremonies of .h-aster. Ihe religious ceremonies were the most splendid I ever saw. i« nnP^P^' ^ cardinals, 30 bishops, and lots of deacons ofliciated- about 30,000 persons were in St. Peter's during the service. We got by chance with the ambassadors ; but though luck favored us iu the cathedral, it left us to shift for ourselves at the door, and we mingled in a crowd of 150 000 persons, who knelt to receive the benediction of his holiness The illumination of St. Peter's, and the fire works, were superb beyond description. They are said to have cost more than one million of dollars, and still his holiness cannot clear his dominions of banditti — he is too 1 art of the way from Rome to this place, guard houses are built poor every quarter of a mile, and we had frequently a soldier on each side of the carnage to protect us from robbers. Still the traveller sees every mile crosses erected on the grave of some murdered traveller, or the limb of some wretched victim of the law. From Rome we crossed the Pontine marshes — the travelling is 10 miles an hour — the people look as if nature was sinking to rest: still they are the only contented folks I have seen iu Italy. Formerly felons were con- demned to act here as postillions; at present things are not so bad, and only want proper management. we not so bad, and Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 349 " The above interesting extract was penned by Dr. Jeremiah Vao Rensse- laer, a gentleman of the old school, distinguished for his lar^e-hea" ted ear.ty and courteous bearing towards all,%he fragrance of his 'en tit r ?s tolr 'X ' ''"^ "T? ^">^'^^> the appropriate inscription upon his tomb — ' the memory of the ust is blessed.' He was the son mtvn^l^'' Rensselaer, who died in 1828, and occupied he quui^^^^ 'OlllanJiensseaer Mansion' on the east bank of the Hudson river just below the village of Greenbush, opposite the city of Albany Tis a fine old mansion, delightful in locution with the broad, silvery kudson washing Its bank, and the sad and joyous associations of more thartwo c, tunes clustering around it. A dense hedge of lilacs, ril n the pro- usion of spring flowers, borders and overtops the picket-f^nce which Ss he house and runs nearly parallel with the road\nd river. Within the hedge, a lawn kept with cultivated taste, attracts the attent L 0^ he pass! ing traveler, as he looks through the openings with a lonl. desire to a3l r?663"an'd no";'Tr ^''^T'^' The buildinVwas erected as early a. IbhS, and no doubt was used in those early times as a fort some of the stone port-holes still remain visible in the walls ' Around the fireplace, in the upper chambers, are a number of tiles If. York will give him their support, some however reluctantly We are determined to rally under our old banner and support McKowa against Diler (for Assembly) who has joined the Bucktails and Gibbons You have seen E. Clark'o letter to Morris Miller. I think he will feel small when he meets hiy old friends. What do you think of our address to the Agricultural Societies ? I sent one to Randolph, has he received it? We have excellent sleighing yet. I hope to see you the beginning of next month. Mrs. H. on Tuesday presented me with a fine boy, she is as well as usual on those occasions. Your friend, S. Van Rensselaer. Major General Van Rensselaer, Washington. Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Wife, Washington, March 20, 1820. I wrote you we had made up a party to go to Alexandria and Mount Vernon, we returned on Saturday evening, in a fine moonlight, at 10 o'clock, from the Seat of the Father of his Country. My time will not allow me to give you a description of the place or of my feelings ; these mrst be reserved for a happy fireside chat, in the midst of all I love dearly, sometime about the first of May. Ask the young farmer whether it will not be best to sow the back lot with peas, and the low land with barley and oats. If he has not been able to get manure on the back lot,this crop will be the most profitable there. If the peas are rolled in plaster, and plaster sowed over them, the ground will prodice a good crop, and will be handy to turn in the hogs. The ground should be handsomely turned over and lightly harrowed before sowing, or, if it is well plowed, perhaps first harrowing will be unnecessary. He should sow twenty bushels upon this lot, or at least two bushels to the acre, and get thom in as early as possible. Three ploughs will soon turn it over. * * * Dear Harriot, Washington, March 22, 1820. I have only time, after writing to veral, to say that an afi"air of honor took place this morning between commodores Decatur and Barron, in which both fell at the first fire. The ball entered Decatur's body two inches above the hip, and lodged against the opposite side. I just came from his house. He yet lives, but will never see another sun. Barron's wound is severe, but not dangerous. The ball struck the upper part of his hip, and turned to the rear. He is ruined in public estimation. The excitement is very great. Kiss all my Coveys for me. In haste. Truly yours, Sol. Van Rensselaer. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albaiiy, N. Y. Washington, March 22, 1820. A duel was fought this morning between Commodore Stephen Decatur — one of the first officers of our navy — the pride of his country and Conmiodore James Barron. Commodore Decatur LN Rensselaer, N Rensselaer. Legacy op Historical Gleanings. ui was supported by Com. Rodgers in whose arms he was sustained from the battle ground to hi. re.sidence. Evenui!; : Com. Decatur still lives Hit surgeon however says that he cannot live until morning. I walked to hm dwelling this afternoon to enquire about him. Every person in the city appears dejected at this unfortunate and mclanchol*y afiV.r Grief and sorrow are depicted in the countenances of all, for the late'of poor Decatur. Barron is severely wounded and had the ball struck one inch above his hip bone instead of on it, he would have been now in the same situation with Decatur^ The quarrel has been of about five months stand- ing and grew out of the old Chesapeake aflFair. Barron it appears applied to command the Columbus. Decatur opposed his appSoT which gave ofience to Barron - Com. Bainbridge was the fViend to Decatur, Captain Elliott the friend to Barron. They fought at he dis^ ance of eight paces on the celebrated battle ground near Bladensburg "Ihe fatal wound was given on Wednesday morning and the noble Naval' Hero expired m agony at 11 o'clock the same night. The sad news of the duel created unusual feeling and sensation in the House : so -enerallv was Com. Decatur beloved by the members and so anxious' were they to hear the particulars that it was difficult for the speaker to keep them in ordei. Ihe funeral was attended on the afternoon of Friday 24th wih every demonstration of respect and due Military honors. The voUevs of musketry which announced the consignment of the hero's remains to the tomb, sounded as the knell of departed chivalry. Mrs. Decatur was in an agony of despair, distressed beyond expression, they have no children Mrs. D. died at Georgetown D. C, in 1860." «u"uren. Judge Mc Kown to Sol. Van Rensselaer. ^T ^i"' A u. . ^^^^''y 22nd March 1820. You have no doubt seen the report of our Committee of Ways and Means on the subject of the Vice President's affair. Last night his Exce kncv the ci-devant and would be Governor, transmitted to the House, a 0^' pondence which he had entered into with the Committee pending the En- qmry The whole of the Correspondence goes decidedly to shew that he had determined, and such was his object, not to do or say any thine, de! cded ly on any special part of the subject, but to throw a mist over it" that might leave him some kind of pretences of complaint of unfair treatment before the Committee. But the strangest thing of all was, that on^oThis m.n.ons, it appeared, had got or stolen a private letter written by the Chairman of Ccnimittee, to one of his Country friends, in which he had expressed an opinion pretty harshly against Tompkins, and a copy with the ofccial correspondence of the Committee was sent to the House bv T — in apparent great triumph. But he did not stop here. In one of his letters to the Committee, which he had the audacity to send to the house he saJl substantially that it was not to be wondered at that the Committee made an unfavorable report as some of them had prejudged his case, and that t source which appointed them was personally and politically hostile to hiLi !! Directly insulting the House by saying, in very plain terms L^ were a set of perjured rascals who had detefmined to^^t corruTra.d udgepart,.ally. How his advisers, who certainly a;-e shrewd men ever emitted Tompkins to overshoot his mark in this way I cannot conl^eTve I must beheve he did this without advice of his friends. Every one wS in a'flat! ' ruvf" ""'^ '?kP''' ?' TK'''^ '^ *''^ ^ouse was at on^e in a flame. Ot consequence they refused to have his communication printed 862 LEaACY OP Historical Gleanings. or have any thing to do with it j and ordered the Clerk to deliver his papers to him aguin. Our Committee of enquiry enter on Van Ness conduct, after an inter- val of about two weeks, to re-commence the exp.mination of witnesses this day. I believe about a dozen new witnesses have arrived from N York. I hope we may be able to finish the examination this week The Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer, ^ ^"^ ^«" Sir,_Yours truly. ew House of Representatives, Washington. James McKown. [Hon. Daniel D. Tompkins was vice president of the United States under President Monroe ; he had many opponents in his political career. Still he had many valuable points, and as a firm, eflBcieut, and zealous friend to his country, in times of great difliculty and need, he was not excelled. He died in the year 1825. Judge William W. Van Ness was strangely misunderstood ; but now that the feverish state of things has passed away, and selfishnesa no longer warps the minds of men regardin" those events in a most remarkable period of time, full justice is awarded to as noble a man as ever lived. He ever was distinguished for his hi^h intellectual endowments and his courteous bearing in all the relations of life, and the voice of history mourns over the strange infatuation that then prevailed.] Oov. Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, _ Albany, 27th March, 1820. T have received a copy of Van Buren's famous letter on the " Rascally P. Masters." It is equally oflFeus^ve to grammar and truth. It is per- fectly satisfactory and will produce a great effect. When were the P. Masters mentioned in his letter removed J' They are — Holt of Her- kimer — Howell cf Bath — Smith of Little Falls — Chamberlin of Oxford. Why iB Holt retuined if so ? I had a hint about the maueuvre to remove P. Masters in Jefferson and have written to your Colleague, William D. Ford, on the subject. As letters on file are public documents, why not boldly request a copy — let it by all means be attended to. An idea of importance has struck me. Suppose that you and a Colleague desired a private interview with the President [James Monroe,] stated the conduot of the P. M. General in removing Post Masters on the eve of the elec- tion — that it was reported that this measure had met his approbation. That you wished to give a liberal support to his administration and to guard him against misrepresentation, that you respectfully desired to know whether he had or had not sanctioned and whether he did or did not approve of the measure. In either case it was due to his candor and magnanimity to remove all doubt on this at once. If I were with you I would do this at once. If he denied, it will be well, if he admits, then the charge can be brought directly home to him. If he is silent so much the better. In all respects the step is proper, decorous and respectful; will do you honor and is worthy of a Representative of the people. Col. Livingston, of Saratoga has a claim which has been transmitted to the Speaker. Will you tell him to notice it and to write to his consti- tuents frequently. He stands well there and our friends are making favoiable demonstrations in that quarter. Cramer is full of bitter de- nunciations against the Speaker. Our accounts from the Counties are very favorable. I am yours truly, DeWitt Clinton. Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer — In Congress. Washington. Leoacv of Historicai, GLBANfiias. 858 lira."!;- Je^f r^r r ™.sr°i? '"^•' 'v^ ^'», '--'"^ p..ed fhrou.h th/orS'„:L™U'-: 'Zatto Ta" p:S of^L'e: excitement almost w thout a mnllol v ■ "* P^'^'oa ot party G^ew. Faw Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriot, Tir„ i,- ^ . ., „„ aneat subsTanHatrner and p^^^^^^^^^^ "^^ T '"^ ' ^° '^^^ ..y aad »u!.iX,r- kL'^'LTr j" '"°= "'™ °'"'' " ^»"' °» Affectionately Yours, Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. ^''' ^^"^ ^^^s^^^AEB. not havin.f been flit Tn ••«P>-^««»tative«, worthy of note, from iswnce from the ladder, and escaped unhurt; and, although the mem- 45 FF 864 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. bers were gnthering fast in the hnll, jind the fnifinients of the chandelier covered n eon«ideriible npnce, it happened the neats immediately within itH roach were not yet occupied, and no member was neriously hurt. A imiro providential escape can scarcely be in)aj;ined, the weij^ht of the chandelier being several hundred pounds. The chandelier was imported from Eng- land, and cost 1, 300 dollars. The first session of the sixteenth congress, was terminated, about four o'clock in the afternoon of May 15th, by the adjournment of the two houBes until the second Monday of November next, being the 18th day of the month. The session closed in perfect harmony. No session of conj,'re88 has been marked by more deliberation and coolness in its closing scene. Monday, Nov. 13, 1820, the second xcssion of the sixteenth congress began. Wednesday Nov. 15. The house then again proceeded by ballot to the election of a speaker, and upon an examination of the twenty-second ballot, it appeared that John W.Taylor, one of the representatives from the state of New York, was duly elected Speaker. In Senate on November 15, 1820. " Kesolved that his excellency, the governor be requested to lay before the senate all the information that he may possess in relation to that part of his speech which alludes to the general government, or its officers, ' as an organized and disciplined corps in our elections.' Ordered, That the clerk deliver a copy of said resolution to his excel- lency the governor. By order, John F. Bacon, Clerk. To the Senate, Gentlemen : Fully appreciating the patriotic solicitude of the senate to prevent all unwarrantable intrusions in the political affairs of the state, I have received their application for information on this subject with plea- sure, and I shall, in due time make them a communication, which, I trust, will be satisfactory in its nature and salutary in its tendency. Albany, Nov. 16, 1820. DeWitt Clinton. Oov. Clintcm to Qen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Albany 18 Nov., 1820. Can you procure for me a statement of the whole number of Post Offices in this State, and the aggregate of compensation ? We have received the President's Message, but no account, as yet, of the Election of Speaker in Mr. Clay's place. It is to be hoped that Tay- lor [John W. Taylor] has succeeded. Our Legislature are yet in Session. Everything is working right. Yours Sincerely, DeWitt Clinion. Honorable Sol. Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. Charles O. Haines to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, New York Nov. 20, 1820. The recent triumph of Northern politics has imparted joy and congrat- ulations, among all our friends in thi? City. To you great Credit is given. We feel confident that you boldly and perseveringly led the wfiy to victory, and animated the courage of the timid and desponding. Next conies the Jlissouri Constitution. For God's sake stand firm, and reject this odious and abominable instrument. If it is received by Congress in its present shape, I would not give a single farthing for the American Confederacy. It will be tramp ed under foot, openly violated, and virtually destroyed. There is a great sensibility here on this subject. A few of us, including olution to his excel- F. Bacon, Clerk. Leoacy op Historical Gleaninqs. 355 ill! parties combining men of candor and roaHon, met on Saturday Evonintr .St to co„8u t on tho propriety of calling a general moetinK ; but upon the whole, alter lull debate, it waH concluded not to do it. Hut we stand strong, farm and re.olute. If Civil War and diviHion of the Union come V ;-' " • ""'^'""- [r h''\ ,^'*"" ^^' '^^^^^^^ '»"""" of Slavery. How the Southern People fee ? If we do our duty, nothing can Li,t Z do ot Nor hern feeling and Northern independence that has set in. The ucktails stand mute and thunderstruck. My opinion is, that Governor Cl.uton s Administration stands stronger than it did one year ago, by many thousands. Our triumph nextSpring is certain if we do any thing worthy ot our cause. In d your operations at Washington, I hope nothing wiU be said of making Mr. Clinton our President. My feelin^ns toward, him you know and God knows; but we umst on:Srace'he whole ground, and thm cannot bo done, 1 we Duild upon the nr.^e and merits of any pa t'cu lur individual. Th..« is Gov Clinton's own opinion, as well us^my own Do let me hear from you and send me any Documents that may be interest- ing. When will Crawford make his Report? p.^ a.i ir T, , ^*''* ^^^'•^^ respect and esteeuK Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Ch G Haivs-h Member U. S. Congress, Washington. ^'''• Tfie Patroon to Sol. Van Renaadaer. Dear Sir _ Albany Nov. 20, 1820. 1 regret that 1 was disappointed in not seeing you in N York T i^AUA several times at your Hotel and you was out "^^-^^orK. i called Mr Taylor's election shewa that the North have Strength, if united. We had a tumultuous Session, parties very violent. I pray tha when they «ble again, they will be more moderate. Make niy respects to Sff Calhoun and remind him of the Son of the old Soldier who wishes a place t Wes Point; he is now at our Academy and improves in Mathematics et/dXMr'H •''•''•• ''^^"- ^''' V '^^^^-''^ defence was opS yesterday by Mr. Henry in very strong language. I thought it had an ffect. Make my respects to Mr. Beecher, Brush and rest of your old mess I hope to see you in January for a few days. Your friend. Major Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer. M. Congress, WasIin^toT^'^""* Oov. Clinton to Gen. Van Mensaelaer. ^rm ^o' • , Albany 22 Nov 1820 Ihe bession has passed over to the mortification of the Jacobins The 27" F T '""i^'r' ''' the express purpose of sustaining them m power --Election in February — Session in June. You ou-ht^o writ to all your friends urging them to active exertions. The victory is certalnlv ours 1 we act nobly. Th election of Speaker is very grat ?yfn ' T ee u le ^of f r^' ^» '"'" thatcompeLationis stifl ^allowed to the Col- S vn5f •'l"''' ^'■?"'' ^' '^'' *^"« ^ Write to me on the subject .' r c're^nsT ""' ^"^ ''''-'''' ■'''^' '''' irjTrTf r ^^"^ Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, W^hington^ sneTp.!!^'''"'^""'' 1-^^f- T '"' "^ *'^« "^''^ remarkable in many re- pects ever convened in this State. De Witt Clinton, as governor, had such a large majority of the members who were personal friends of hi and * I 1 ', 1 1 856 Legacy op Historical Gleaninqs. ^ I ' » M ple.lKod to support his ciinal policy, that it was fumiliiirly called the 'Clintoniari House.' "Additional interest is also nttaelied to tliiH loKiidaturo from the ."ai-t of the luipeaeinnetit, trial and triumphant ac(|uital of the .Jud;,'o \V. VV Van NflsH, of (Jlaveruck, Colunibi.i county, in the conduct of wliieh the names of hraHtu;i Koot, ThoiuuH J. Oakley and Kli.ha WillianiH figure con.spi,.u. ously, and which called out the famous mathematical speech of iMr Root as we 1 as some of tho most brilliant speeches ever heard in the old Asscm' bly Chamber." Cen. Van Jienaselaer to his Wtfe, ^y ,<^«" Wife. Wo^hinf,Hon Nov. 24, 1820. 1 he Wail has removed from my heart a load, which I have sustained with difficulty, and the next 1 hope will entirely remove. Our dear Adeline's letter is before me if your soro finger only preventsyour not writ- ing, and not sickne«*s, I amsatisaed, but lot me beg of you to remove anx- iety as soon as po.>(sib!e. ^ Kv ;ry thing is going on well here, wo have received one great victory in < choice of Speaker, which like the Allies over Honaparte, has given our ranks confidence; and I hope and believe we will put down fhe Jfmonri Ojiistitiiffun. Our i)ppo.sors treat us with great civility, for they have been made to understand that thoy are men no better than ourselves and that their blustering ar.d swaggorinr will be j -mptly met. I have received several congratulatory letters f. .. n the City of New York in which they do me more credit than I deserve, for doing my duty. I wi.sh our friends to act mildly, but they shall not yield one inch of ground if I can prevent them, and rest assured they as well as our opposers have the full- est confidence in my firmness. Carter sends the Statesmen regularly to me and I send you the paper of this place. Kiss our good and affection- uto children lor me ; let one or the other write by every mail, if only three hnes they will be more acceptable than I can get from others. Unalterably Yours, Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany. Sol. Van Rensselaer. The slavery question, as connected with tho Mmouri Constitution, at this time, distracted the whole country. "Good citizens wore appalled and painful feelings were inspired that the traffic in public offices became the most formidable auxiliary of the supremacy of the slave oli-archy many were controlled by it, almost despotically. The politicians'^of the tory and slavery school would never have had such a long lease of power, if they had not been able to hold out the bait of office to their most unscru- pulous camp followers, from their acquired influences." The speaker Henry Clay wrote to John J. Crittenden as follows: " The Missouri sub- jfjt monopolizes all our.conversation, all our t'loughts and, for three weeks at least, to come, will occupy all our time. Nobody seems to think of or care about anything else. The issue of the question in the House of Repre- sentatives IS doubtful. I am inclined to think that it will be finullu com- promised." James W. Barbour in a letter to the same person says : " you have been relieved from one of the most irksome tasks I have ever experienced, the discussion of the Missouri question. Who could have thought, last .session, that the little .s-^jrc/c we then saw was to be sw lied into the importance it has now assumed, and that upon its decision depended the duration of the UniouV The ilissolutiun ia oue of the alteruatives spoken of, rather than NQS. niiliarly called the uro from the i'lii-t of Jucl;,'o W. VV. Van of which the iiiiines iimiH Sgurc conspion- iHjieoch of Mr. Hoot, tJ in the old Asscm- 3n Nov. 24, 1820. ih I have sustained remove. Our dear events your not writ- ■you to remove anx- )d one great victory 5oniiparte, has given will put down ^he )at civility, for they etter than ourselves, iptly met. I have ' New York in which duty. I wi.sh our 1 of ground if I can losers have the full- esnien regularly to good and affection- y mail, if only three others. ours, IN Rensselaer. uri Constitution, at lens wore appalled, ublic offices became he slave olijiarchy, e politicians of the long lease of power, their most unscru- 38." The speaker, ' The Missouri sub- nd, for three weeks sms to think of or he House of Kepre- ivill be finally com- s : " you have been er experienced, the bought, last session, le importance it has lie duration of the keu of, rather than Legacy of Historical Gleaninqs. 857 .,uhn.it to the .spirit ..f aggression which n.arks the oour.e or" our anta.^o. mMs. A proi-oH.tion Luh now been made for u comnr-.miso the TZZ .ent prop J by Thomas, which, I bei.evo, unplcal ' it is wil ' t mto^ contusion. 1 ho yreut movcn ot this question «ro against all compro- N. U. Carter to Oen. Van Ilen»»elaer. Dear Sir, . ,. o, , »t ' - % your politeness and that of your friend )r £ who II' /'f " roon. on Wednesd..y Evening, 1 Ld tlirlea/ur^o^^ T ^d. 't,;/ S letter; and now take the liberty to express to you the satisfaction I do r.ved rom a perusal of ts contents!^ Permit n.e to r oiproeate vou; congratulations on the election of the Speaker — Mr T.-vlnr ^ r?- • T I ..itins for the now, of Taylo-', ftte So wa, » ,t™, '""n ■-"'"''' c» eJ, some ol ■• U,e l„gh.mi„,,„,l Kentleiuon" gavo vool toXir ,li, ™ ol disiiiipoiiKmem and ohaErin. WiUiam A n„./iri. . • "' (lulian V„.,,|ank publicly .lonou„„od Mr Taylor asa a,an of no 'S.:?'' n. ,|..l,l,ca„„„. for .he office, and a n,i,erabfe .o„ of Do W» CI nton'' "^ZrJ^t^^ '""• ""' ""' "«v„ agoodeffcorin^dti ::'■ v„'„ "ii-'So roEfr""'^ °; """^ "■•'"'"»" "■» -A- ^ ; rtsis. lou Will greatly oblige me by conjini.,n oatin.^ auv iijlorii,..ti„„ pu aiay bo able to ob.aia in relation to .hi, transuetio," Ku wil .eobv Governor and the Council of Revision. Depend on i't H ! • I "" glorious triumph. opponents, and gain a ter! Ifuh' P'r"'' f P"'T8 'ast evening in company with your dau-h e 3 at Judge Spencer's, and lest they should not wriie vou T h..! fi a^is action to add, that your family and friends are nyoa'heahh If you find a leisure moment to spare, I need not tell von Tw « i- r you would be very gratefully%ec'eived I have the 'honor tnh' ^""""^ r-pectfully and sincerely, Yo^r friend and obedt «l^^^^ '' ^' ^^"-^ 'jcn. holomon Van Ren.sselaer, m tt n. House of Representatives, Washington City. ' ' ^^^'^^^- NJ 368 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. Charles 0. Haines to Oen. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Sir, New York Nov. 28, 1820. I return you many thanks for your kind letter. I reciprocate the noble sentiments which it breathes, with pride and with pleasure. Lowndes Re- port has reached us. It excites astonishment, and kindles indignation. I never sav/ a more pitiful, stupid Document. It calls down execrations on the head of the honorab' ) Chairman. [Hon. William Lowndes of South Carolina one of the Committee in charge of the Missouri constitution.] We stand better in this State, in my opinion, than we did a month ago. The Bucktails are aidingour cause by their violence and Jacobinism. The Council of Revision are right, Woodworth shamefully deserted us. I think that Adams is gaining ground, and Crawford losing his hold. The South- ern people will kill him. Stand firm and God bless you! Sincerely yours, Cii. Gr. Haines. Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. Governor Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Albany 29 November, 1820. In Buel's paper, of last Spring, there is a letter from the Post Master- General to Mr. Martin Van Buren in answer to a complaint about "Ras- cally Post Masters, " which letter of complaint does not appear. Now it iij important to have the whole correspondence, which can be done only by the consent of the P. M G. or by a call of Congress. The preceding let- ters of Van Buren will fix a connexion and give a character to the whole transaction. Charles wrote to you about the allegation in the Argus re- specting the Speaker. This ought to be met. It will injure him essen- tially and not the Governor. Great efforts are making to frustrate him, Cramer swears vengeance &c. Every thing is proceeding nobly in our quarter. Yours Sincerely De Witt Clinton. Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriot, Washington Dec. 1, 1820. I fee! much fatigued but cannot let the mail close without inforniinf; you that I reached this place this evening in perfect health and without injury, although our stage turned over twice between New Yorkaad Phil- adelphia without detriment to any one. And to day, when withi a few miles of this city, the tung broke and we were nearly going over a bridge of about 12 or 14 feet high ; the stage was full, and for a time we were doubtful of our personal safety, but all escaped destruction, and nothing was injured but one of the horses. It has been a tedious ride, jolting over very bad roads, though we had the satisfaction ofscanning the tine scenery and enjoying the jollity of pleasant companions. I again occupy my old room where every thing is snug and comfortable for me. Your affectionate Husband, Sol. Van Rknsselaer. Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. F. Pell to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, New York Deer. 1, 1820. You have doubtless long ere this received the warm expression of thanks from our friends in this City for your intrepid and independent conduct in re8j)ect to the Letter. It gave us all u spur here, and since that tiuie Cri. G. Haines. Legacy op HtsTORicAL Gleanings. 869 wc have been very alert in collecting information. I believe the Governor w> give them a stomacher. Never were our friends in hetter heart than at t n« moment. We hear of no defections. The office holders know they w.II bo turned out if they persevere, and not . man flinches from his r ost^ Ibe lammanies are to have a great meeting to night at Tammany Ha 1 to denounce, and urge a Convention ^ ' Our friends met last night in confidence, appointed a committee to pre- pare resolutions and an address for a general meeting to be called, 'ap. proving the conduct of the Council of Revision, and I'have no doubt we shall have an overwhelming meeting in the course of ten or twelve days I e assured the Southern distrust will show a different tone next spS All our friends hope the question on the Mssonrl mi will be hard pressed' It .s Id e now to ta k of conciliation _ nothing but sheer strength mu^ carry the day -and we are only waiting a fair signal to second the at? ck Ihat B'gna must come from Washington. I am collecting inform ioa here about the Navy Yard at Brooklyn -and am under the impre s on that a large sum of money is expended and a considerable body of men in the Service of the U. S. employed there steadily. Of the men r 'an learn here, but not of the amount of money. Whal I waut s tTe annual expense, and the purposes to which it is applied. Can you afford me anv aid, through the Naval Committee or otherwise V If I cou"d aC "eUhe amount expended in this harbour for the support of he trootld of If r^'w '"'"^'^r''"'" ^'T^' '' ^'''''' ^' '"^y be turned he?e to good account We are determined to sift this matter of government interfer ence to the bottom, and we shall show, why the City of New York is so hostile to Governor Clinton. We shall'follow it up all wintei- and if pos' sib le trace the channel through which every dollar passes. ' I shlu be obi ged by any communication from you ; and any hints you may sule't of the course to be pursued here, will be attended to. ^ ^^ „_„,,, „ I am Dear Sir, Very respty. Yours, Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Washington, FKRais Pell. Gov. Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. iMy dear Sir, Albany 30 December 1820 Aherthe compliments of the New Year. lam desirous of acknowledging e receipc o Several interesting communications from you. Munelf ha? Tni . ; -/y T" '°^»'"^«^' '»"" 'l^nies the existence of e^raneous .nfluonc , but it has been a very laborious work to collect testimony t=. tewi h tL^^' the expense of M. S. Miller's abortive attempt to'^'uego- tjate w h the Seneca Indians two or three years ago. His coniDen.ation that of ins Secretary and other incidental expens^'es, as specifi ^ po SlT As oneof the Military (^ommittee you are peculiari; entilled to thif The Uvernor will have to make a direct attack on the P. M. Genera Facts vill warrant it, and it is absolutely necessary. How far will he be autho med to imp icate the Head of the Executive in the execution of Van e""d ' '" wf ''""'''''r '' ~ ^^^ ^™ ^^«'"S -» - -d - improve ^0 day. \\ hatever you have to communicate, let it be done imLed ' The Honorable Solomon Van Rens.selaer, In Congress, Washington. leal^fn''' K f 'rf""" "^>«i';'S''y which, in great and cultivated minds leads to substantial good and lasting benefit to the community bmuso m •msx 360 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. cases of corruption are gaining strength and should be investigated. It is never right to countenance a departure from those safe and sure princi- ples of moral rectitude which have stood the test of time and received the approbation of the good." Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My Dear Harriet, Washington, Jany 17, 1821. Our House sat until after sunset to dp; General Smyth's substitute for our bill was rejected by a very large itiajority. The question was to strike out the first Section of the Bill to reduce the Army — which was in effect to destroy it, this wily maneuver, however, was negatived by an overwhelming Majori y. The Bill is entitled " An act to reduce and fx the military peace establishment of the United States." It is to cut down the Army to one Brig. Genl. and six thousand men, and of course will pass. Yesterday — Tuesday 16th — another member from Kentucky — Henry Clay — appeared and took his seat, no doubt to labor for the ad- mission of iMissouri into the Union with her constitution to legalize slavery and perpetuate that cursed institution. Jacob H. De Witt is still very weak, but out of danger. * * * ^ [" iMr. Clay, with all his power, urged the admission, on the ground that to iMissouri alone belonged the subject of her domestic slavery ; declaring at the same time, that, so great was his detestation of the system, were he a citizen of that state, he would never consent to a State Constitution which should not provide for its extinction.] After the adoption of the 'Missouri Compromise' of 1820 that 'Pandora's box,' which held the seeds of deadliest mischief and misery the whole country fell into a deep slumber over the question of slavery. The fires of discussion and agitation, which had blazed so fiercely and furiously during the Missouri struggle' had died out, and been followed by a general stupor so profound that the few persons who still ' remembered that God was just, and that his justice would not sleep forever ' were paralyzed by discouragement and fearful foreboding of evil days to come." Judge Van Ness to Oen. Van Reyisselaer. My Dear Frien<', Claverack, 2ith Jany., 1821. It has been my intention to write to you for many weeks, but I have been so much engaged and in so many different ways that I have not had time to attend to it. Your letters directed to me, while I was at New York, were all duly received, and I return you my best acknowledgments for them. I would have written from New York, but I was so incessantly engaged, that I had no opportunity to frame such a letter as I wished to address to you, and as you would expect to receive. The vote on the Missouri Constitution was a proud victory of principle over cupidity and selfishness. It has done more to restore the North to its just weight and influence in the National Councils than any event which has occurred for twenty years. Let us but be faithful to ourselves in the further progress of this question and we shall be redeemed from the contempt which was brought upon us by that miserable Sycophant who betrayed us to the lords of the South, to enable him to subserve his own purposes. I allude to that smallest of small men Daniel D. Tompkins. He has done more to disgrace the character of the North than all the other men who con- spired together to barter away our rights to the usurpers at Washin^-'ton. lu looking over the proceedings of your house, lately," I confess that i am LmaCT op HlSTORICAl GtEANIKOS. 861 felt and wie car ain of your st nAh Thl'T'^'V?." ^^i?,-^^^" ^^^ mittee commands mv entire annTh!?" ^ t P*""* ""^ ^^^ ^^'''*'"'y Corn- will be supported by^ve renlKhtt T'c^^.^ ^ venture to say, its passage States, The Armband Navv^wthl •''"?,'" '° "' '^^ independent We done more To place the Sm/. A ^ •?'^'''' V^'"" *^^ dependents, General Government than aflothetl,?" Z^''/'r^'S'^ '' '^^ machinery at Washington sholtsimnlified T^m'^' ^' ^^ ''"^ '^' age of the national administrati n sLuTd^ becttaUed thTI'" 'f^'f^ of the nation, to v^^^^'^iJ'^JT^:^-^;'^'^;^^:^^ enormous expenses of both thp Arm,, o„^ \r ^ importance. Ihe J^vXfrd^l^'prin'etld'tS^^ 'r^^ -- -^ their key much too hKTndfhi , ' ^^^^^e""' t^ey have pitched terrified'at.the ers^s';^?^. htVEyblrcl^Sd'^V^^r^ The firmness of the aove"^rnor ard P •," Sf ^'"g .^ P^rty Convention. Government, and I am poZt^'atiSl^^^^^ ^''. ''''^ '^' by a vast majority of The people Le thl S • . ""''-^T '' proved removals and appointmen^ts and th.r^ ^ni K 7°' ^''^^ ^"* ^o on with Governor in the^LeSatnre nexttiniri t. ^^l^'\^^io^''^y with the his Election. What do vou thTnl nV S'' ''''" ^' ^^' ^^^ ^"7 time since Assemb,,. respTctVth': • e,:V ^e e o"Ah:'u1' 0^ *^^ locae actions 5' It hi r^nhU •• Theyha^d A= this menage makes alStlnJ T? r ^^^ '° '?", "'"" '"P™- n.»n has thrown himse?fa^,,^''M^l. ""T '''^ ^^'^"^'^'^ *^'« y«»"S Oiift wavfl mn-p -- J • - - ^'' "'-■"CI irti 1 him this wmt^r SnI v' n '^ '"^' ^'''P*^'' ^' ^■"^^- Affectionately Yours ' Sol. Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. WW Van Ness. 46 .,'1 362 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. Gov. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Albany, 31 January, 1821, I think that you had better forward the returns of which you speaii in your letter, as soon as possible. Root [Erastus Root] is muzzled by the promise of being your successor. The whole State is alive for oflSce, and next week will exhibit a scene of office-hunting, heretofore unknown in the annals of the Community. I am in favor of retrenchment because I believe that the pecuniary pressure of the Country requires it, and because I conceive that the national administration have grossly abused their patronage for the pur- pose of individual aggrandizement. When Mr. Calhoun gave in his project for the reduction of the army, he knew the chances for a general retrenchment. I am very unwilling, however, to carry this System too far or to such an extent as to exalt unworthy men, or to injure the substantial defence of the Country. You know my opinion of Scott. And my high estimation of Brown and Jackson. [Maj. Gens. Jacob Brown and Andrew Jackson.] Calhoun is unquestionably the only great man in the cabinet, the only one possessed of an intuitive mind. On military principles you ought to retain one Major General at least. You may let Colonel Pell see this letter, and I will thank you to hand him the accompanying. Yours truly, The Honorable, Solomon Van Rensselaer, D. W. 0. ^ In Congress, Washington. Judge Van Ness to Oen. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Friend, Claverack 7th Feb. 1821. I perceive that you have again had the Missouri question under discus- sion. My solicitude on this subject increases the more I reflect upon it. I perceive Mr. Clay has taken a part in the debate, and I presume it was with a view to this question that he came to Washington. He is an able man, and I understand a clever fellow, but I hope he may not be able to delude any of the friends of freedom in this momentous subject. I fear not his eloquence or arguments, however, half as much as I do the over- whelming influence of the Cabinet. Press a final decision of this affair, as soon as you can. I have no doubt the friends of the resolution will endeavor to protract the discussion, so as to defeat a rejection of it by the present Congress, in the hopes that they may have a better chance with the next. You must bear in mind too, that we have no right to calculate upon so unanimous a vote of the next delegation from this State. Several Bucktails will be elected in districts now represented by firm and in- dependent men. I have seen with great satisfaction that ^oitr Army bill has passed the House of Representatives by a triumphant majority. This augurs well — one source of corruption will I hope now be cut up. Until within a few days, I never read the bill — and I was not therefore fully apprised of all its details. It has occurred to me on examining it, that it is hardly in the nature of things that such a thorough reform can be effected at a single stroke. The whole influence of the Army will now be exerted to prevail upon the Senate to introduce such modifications into the bill as to produce a reconsideration of the whole project in your house. The Senate seeing the immense majority by which the bill was sent to them, will no doubt be cautious; but that some material amendments will be made — I can hardly doubt. The majority of the Senate are more / %■ Legacy op Historical Gleanings. purely party men than in the house of Representatives- they are better branch of the, egislatu're. CtiJdSll'rd roliT/^tldrj^XS: It a mM and temperate, but at the same tiafe a firm course to yoTr It would be expedient to adopt such amendments proposed bv the Senate 88 do not essentially affect the principles of the Mil Tyou have passed It. 1 mean such amendments as your honor and your dutv will allow you to sanction. Any alteration calculated to dividJ your Wends and m the end to frustrate your whole plan should be prompt and in ■gnantly rejected. By attempting to affect too much, /have fL Jen tlv ini a New Yfrkr "" ''^:,been jeopardised and s'ometimes ffi oJ rcadmg a JNew York paper, a day or two ago, I observe that a fear ex pressed that in case of the discharge of the Maior Qenovlufhl Pnl a of the whole Army will becommitid to GeScot^-^'t'ho: ^oT Zw Ientc.tan. the utmost contempt. Now suppose the Senate^hCd pro pose that one or both the Major Generals should be retained what woK It be proper for your house to do v I am speaking of „ ^ub ^rt I crfels wh.ch I do not profess to understand half as well a1 you do, and therefore speak w'th diffidence. It seems to me, however, in the even I have supposed, that the house ought to recede, provided you are sadsfied the Senate is in earnest and resolved to suffer the whole measure to fall to the ground unless this point shall be yielded to them. Indeed i? rathe? appears to me that there is a propriety in having an Officer at tL head of the Army of super or rank. If the Senate should insist tha the Com mnder-,n chief should be a Major General, the questbn alt whether" npreference to hazarding the whole bill this proposition sTould not be c needed On these points however, you are better able to form iust con elusions than I am, and whatever you may judge to be best caTcnhfl^ m promote the pub ic interest, and to estabH^h' a j^t economy ^ouwlUnS your friends will approbate. Let me hear from you on this subTe t l goto Albany to the Court of Errors, in a day or two and wUl vo„ d Li Z 'aTT i^'' P'^^^- ^^••^^" ^- Bufen was vLterd y Tdoubt elected to he Senate of the U. S., in the place of Sanford The Mfi m the Bucktail Caucus had 24 votes and V B 5S hTaI e \,../ been true to him he might have ITnLt ih^t'l^t L^r^'l speet our friends have not even voted for him. They TobabTv havJ Inownaway their votes upon a man, they will find, ^^3 a decwIS v^ta. Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washington. ^^' ^- ^^^ Ness. „ ^<^»- Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. nodouhf but thiit the proceed doubt of your re-nomination for Con< ;ress, and there is ^iLirles K Dudley is appointed Mayor of Alba ings of thu Council have prostrated the facti on. Any. All their appoint- 864 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ments are injudicious and many of them very Scandalous. The dis- satisfaction among the Bucktails is geuerul. We think that the Army oujjht to stand on the Senate Bill : so say all judicious friends. John Brush a valuable friend wishes the appointment of Post Master in Poughkeopsie. He has a brother in your house from Ohio. Can you promote the object and confer with him on this subject ? Yours Sincerely, De Witt Clintow. Gen. Sol. Van Eensselaer, in Congress, Washington. Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My Dear Harriot, Washington Feb. 17. 1821, Before the Mail closes, I must acknowledge the receipt of Mag's, Ade- line's and your letter of 11th Inst, dismiss my love, all fears about me. I am in perfect health and only wish for the happy moment when I shall embrace you : this life of separation is u horrid one to me. If I return to this place, I pray to God to be enabled to bring you with me. I shall then be jiorfectly happy, and make you so too; my every happiness is centred in you; you first warmed my heart, which love has increased with time until you have became part of myself. I now feel in high spirits that two weeks from this day will close the Session, ^^ ^ u, Chas. G. Haines to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Genl. _ New York, 27 Feb., 1821. You will this day receive a Letter from a Committee, requesting in- formation as to your return to this City from Washington. A public Dinner has been decreed to you, and on no grourd must you shrink or disappoint us. I had the honor of bringing forward the proposition to a number of h'ghly respectable Citizens at Washington Hall, and it was re- ceived with unbounded enthusiasm. It has gone through the City and inspired the same elevated and honourable feelings. This will not be a party Dinner. The Committee of Arrangements are taken from various quarters. It will be strictly a citizens dinner, and one of the most re- spectable that has ever been given in this City. Our political prospects are glorious. With one bold eflfort we can prostrate the Jacobins. I am glad to see the old North behave so nobly on the Missouri question. Stand firm : God and the Nation are with you. Again I say, you must not disappoint your friends. Sincerely Yours, Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Washington, Chas. G. Haines. The Missouri Compromise allowed slavery south of 36° 30' north lati- tude, and in that state. " Missouri had applied for admission. The ques- tion arose should she be admitted as a slave state ? After a strong debate, it was decided that slavery should be tolerated in Missouri, but prohibited in all the territory of the United States north and west of Arkansas. " March 3, 1821. A resolution providing for the admission of the state of Missouri into the Union on a certain condition was approved and signed by the president." Oen. Van Rensselaer to his Wife. My dear Harriet, W^ashington, March 8, 1821. We have this evening finished the Missouri question, and have been beaten by a Majority of Three. The subject was so warmly contested that to allay the terrible storm, that was brewing with danger to the Union, Mr. Clay proposed the " Missouri Compromise," which allows slavery in Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 365 that State even after admitted, but prohibits it north of 36° 30' The coutemptiMe bargainmg Yankees were frightened by the braggadocio Southern Nabobs some bolted, and others voted against us. They a 'a espicable set, and instead of governing, which they had the opportunity ? tie sZfTJ "P- . J^'^ "''■ ''' ^' *°' negro"^ drivers to^tL pe P e f the South, and even they despise such vacillation and political servi- tude. I am respeced even by the Southerners because I have ever opposed them manfully. We would have defeated the whole clique had the three members from our State acted as firmly as they said they would never to give up the question whatever might be the consenuence ^ Those hree Jirm men : Caleb Tompkins (a brother of the Vice President^ Waler Case and Harmanus Peck of Schenectady bolted upon the last (luesfon. We sat without dinner every day this week until Tne o'clock atn.ght. Our caucus, m which a strenuous effort was vigorously nut forth against blavery in any shape whatsoever, might have wo^n honlble fame to itself, and greatly benefited the cou^tr/if they had onlyTc'ed w,th firmness and courtesy. But with an impetuous and inconsiderate rashness our Government is being placed in an attitude of peri , and frol this en ticul emergency we have tried to save her by wholesome measured which have been frustrated. Mr. Clay as a sagacious counseTor and statesman has exerted his influence to bring around the practS measure upon which this amicable agreement between the North and South J s DOW been adjusted, and the honor, if there is any in this affair bebnrs to him for a successful issue to his well meant efforts. The House doS ot meet omorrow, therefore I shall take a ride on horseback fbr ten or twelve miles out into the country. I have been so much confined that I much need the diversion, but I am in perfect health of body, o„ly W heartily homesick and never wished so much to see you ; but if s mpS bleto say when that wished for moment will arrie. Write meTow Tompkins and politics come on ; about my friend Judge Van Ne^s &c with all the Items of home news. I received Adeline'sletter yes eri; part), and that all the guests wore pleased. This gentleman i^ Ppfpr Unsevoort ; I wish much I could hav'e made one of ^Se hap;; LuZ Good night niy Love, kiss our little ones for me and big ones toa^ Believe me unalterably your affectionate Husband. Sol. Van Rensselafr Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. -t^*-NSSELAER. " The admission of Missouri as a state into the Union was made hv s^nnection with the subject of slavery, one of the most v oleml con^ ested questions hat ever agitated the councils of the nation. A bUl hTd en introduced into congress, providing fbr the .druission of Missou i on e condition, that all children of slavesrborn after the passte Jthe ct :?:r.;txieT„£?=" '"» ^"'"^ ^**^ a^^.r s::: 866 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. CHAPTER XVII. Appointment op Albany Post Master. Tribute of Respect. The following letters were copied in the New York Columbian prefaced by these remarks : " We have obtained from the gentlemen whose names are subscribed to the following correspondence, copies thereof for publication. The senti- ments contained in the letter to Gen, Van Rensselaer, as well as his answer, do honor to the parties, and cannot fail to sink deep into the minds of all good men. It is probable that this correspondence would never have met the eyes of the public, had it not been for the calumnies on the character of Gen. Van Rensselaer, which have recently appeared in the factious papers of this city." To Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer. Sir, New York, March 5, 1821. As friends to personal merit — as friends to elevated and manly prin- ciples — and as friends to the honor and credit of the state of New York, a large and respectable number of your fellow citizens, in this city, are anxious to greet your return from the seat of government by some public testimony of esteem and respect compatible with che tone of popular feel- ing, inspired by your removal from the office of adjutant general; and the just appreciation of your important services to the state and to the nation. They have agreed to give you a public dinner, and only wait your acceptance of this proffered tribute of regard, to make the necessary arrangements. In times when worth, valor and talent are proscribed in the civil commotions of a state, there is a gratification in seeing a free and intelligent people indicate their regard and attachment for the victims of party exclusion — for men who deserve the gratitude of the present age, and the gratitude of posterity for men, whose deeds of bravery will ever form an illustrious example on the page of history, and whose political course has been distinguished by integrity, honor, firmness and decision. Your early military services, your brilliant exploits, during the late war, your scars and your wounds, nobly received in the defence of your country, as well as your recent services on the floor of Congress deserve far more than any homage which we can render you. Please to inform us on what day we shall have the pleasure of waiting on you. liOBT. lioOARDUS, BeNJ. G. MiNTURN, Benj. Ferris, Chas. G. Haines, Isaac M. Ely, Jonas Mapes, J. Le Roy, Committee. Gentlemen, City Hotel New York, March 6, 1821. Your flattering demonstration of public res^ard has been received with the most grateful sensibility. However little I may deserve, for any serv- ices rendered, so distinguished a mark of approbation, or be entitled to • -^1 Columbian prefaced Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 867 your animated eulosiums, it is golucing to reflect, that ray motives have been justly appreciated. •' In the various public stations, to which I have been called by the in- dulgent confidence of my fellow citizens, it has ever been my ambition to promote the prosperity, and maintain the honor of the State. And their approbation constitutes the most welcome reward for past, and the noblest incentive to future exertions. I regret that my health is so impaired by recent fatigue, as to compel Die to decline your flattering invitation, lie pleased to accept on behalf of yourselves and your fellow citizens, the assurance of my most grateful n^ui * B J T. . ^ Solomon Van Kknssklaer. To Kobert Bogardus, Benj. C. Minturn, Benjamin Ferris, Charles G. Haines, Isaac M. Ely, Jonas Mapes, J. Le Roy, Committee. - March U, 1821. General Solomon Van Rensselaer was yesterday jnanimously nominated frr a re-election to Congress by the Albany County lederal Rupublican Convention for Representative to Congress." On February 12th, while General Van Rensselaer was attending\o his con- gressional duties at VVash.ngton, he was removed by the new Counca of Apimn(meut from the office of adjutant general -l a situation he had been allowed to retam during the administration of Governors Jav George Clinton, Lewis Tompkins and De Witt Clinton's till this yea?,' ?inr"jfh '^'''' ^ tt'"' '['^' responsible station to the entire satiE ion of the country. Upon being superseded by William L. Marcy Esa the above re-nomination was immediately made. At the time of election ll by an overwhelming majority over the Democratic candidate, Hon Har- manus Bleecker, it was certified that : "Solomon Van Rensselaer, by the greatest number of votes in the Ninth District was elected Repres^nt^t ve lor this state in the House of Representatives of the Seventeenth Con' ess tl: ^""T-^ ?"^'- '^^'' ^®"'^' ^^*"^» ^»« l^^il^d with greatToy by numerous friends. ° ^^ ^ Judge Van mss to Qen. Van Rensselaer. T^\ f^^. n . New York May 16, 1821 I saw the Chancellor [James Kent] yesterday and had a Ion- talk with him on the subject of the Convention-! I am authorized in saying thl if dcliJe r^n r "T"ft^'"^'' one of your candidates, he will no v^„ ^11 A u '^r ^^'"'^ ^' ^"«*'' *« ^^ i» ^^^ convention and 1 hope I ht. /h ^ l'^'^'"^'''T ?P'"'=''"J ''^""'d b« '» the convention. It w Jd tlJ ''""f *« '^' ^-'^'^^^^ i» "-elation to the Chancellor. Lit V ^"""^''' ^""^ y^" ^•^ ™^»t'«" tl'is t« a feyv confidential nends. You may say ^ou are authorized to declare that if the Chancellor wrrrD^R^ "'"r' decllne-myname need not be ment'red J bTess you '^ '" ' ^^^'''^' ^ '*'"" ^' "' ^'"^^ "" ^'"''^'y- <^^^ Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer Albany. ^^^ ^^^ ^^~ ^^''^ ''This convention of the people of the State of New York, assembled at 'e„iHatureotthesaid8tate,entitled'anactrecommeudingaconveutionofthP :£;! bv ''"''■ ^rV'-^'^'' '''''■' ''"^^ «bj-' of uti: conSo 1 ia wueciue, bv a maiority of votes as oi-pM "c— inaf ti-- ,v ^ i • • then it «hnnl'ajor Visscher was ever considered a valuable officer and a worthy citizen. His urbanity of manners and gentlemanly deportment, gave him many friends. Those who were more particularly intimate with him, and had an opportunity (o know his unaffected generosity and genuine goodness of heart, will long Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 869 romctnbef him with Hinroro affection. His death wi!! be deeply felt bv an extens.vc o.rclo o. r.ond.s and connectionn, but by none ho Stelv a( his .ffl.ctcd w.dow. Itospect for his memory wan marked by tlfo »,fbe?s jvho Ht.e.Klcd h,s uncral on Thursday, 18th instant. Severn o t o u„ form companies ot Albany, notwithstanding^ the unfavorable state of the weather and dangerous crossing, with their characteristic proLtness volunteered id paymg the last honors to the deceased fellow'soW e? ' .My dear Sir, Gov. Clinton to Gen. Van Remnelasr. Albany, 25 December, 1821. id not occur Knowing your indisposition to an Epistolary (.Vrespondenco I di ■ntend to trouble you with any of my letters until somethingSouldo of considemble interest, and a rumor which has just reached ine has prompted this communicat on. It is said th-it th,. l>M«f ^1 "'° "■*? has notified the Post Master of th s (! Uy t at fie doe .0^^^' ^'"/i'"?* de|aults by the first of January, he willl/etin^l'ln^raTthKi i'L': out o( his power, a Scramble will take place for the spoils. Jud^e Ifowe It 18 said IS already at work. Can you ascertain the truth of ?his andTet Die know who the Sureties are and whether we ought to stir n Sffair as we are all concerned in having a good post master." Our Leg sla ure S on th 1st of January. The Speech will be sent to you imm"ed ateTy a^ er It IS delivered. The public mind is in a favourable tone, and lUiink t at srrea events are yet in store and will in time be realized. Send the docu merits regularly. ocuu uieaocu- One of your Daughters sustained an injury by a fall but she U nn» almost well and the rest of your family entirely so. ^ I am dear Sir, Your sincere friend. The Honorable Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Con^rirwlSZ!'- Sol. Van Rensselaer to the Patroon My Dear Sir Washington Dee. 26, 1821 I have just received your letter for which I thank you. Your con^r/a'tu atioos on my escape in the stage, and your pious thinks to Him wlfo hag" s often protected me in danger, calls forth feelings which are easW M, than expressed. To that All-powerful Being I also fed grtefuf in whch an interesting and aff-ectionate family have reason to part c Date tLT« warm expression of your feeling3 is tlie more gratef^to ^Thlt as I feared from some circumstances that I had been mk-represeled It wa« my intention to have spoken to you, on this subject, fha I ^".ht m^fc my calumniator before you, but a conscious pride that I had at the risk promotion, office and more serious consequen'ces at this place -dfeVdS ou, kept me silent. I never wrote or urged any person livin- in favor t"'"w!."'\T Cf° Congress], which took place three day afte? iZ home When Mr Schuyler called upon and urged me to decTne and alter am vthTt "' U T r' 'T r^'^'«°' ^"* ^« «-« something for m; mily that I could not, he spoke of my pecuniary ohlujations to thifami^j! r -^y '"d>^-"^"\feelings. I told him iiyou had of your own a^^^^^^^ >d money/., me 1 had staked ^ny life, and'spent my llood 7nde}ence d s L "r": '" ""''If '•' '''''''^ '"'^' ^' ^h° ">«'"^nt, called it forth besides from what passed between us at this place, I was satisfied ^.o/knew 47 i \ 870 Legacy op Historical Gleaninos. notJiinp of the project. At thiH crisis too I liud boon roniovoil, [from beinf; Adjutiiiit (ienornij uud oiio chur^o nj,'ro8H.] Vou huvo formed a proper opinion ot KuistiH, he it) umiuhle, weak and hone«t, he is particularly friendly to mo, befoto ho loft the War office, he put mo down as a JJrij^adior-Gonerai. lie in easily managed, haH no opinion of his own. The ('ommitteo will go with me, and a.* that is well known I receive every attention. We have had three meetings, I waved the subject of the army ; we meet again tomorrow when 1 shall be ready to act. I rejoice that our opinions on this subject coincide, but my opinion shall not bo known before hand. Calhoun called and set with mo an hour, this morning, to explain the difficulty at West I'oint. He asked uie to take a fanily dinner with him, but which I declined as I was engaged at the I'residents — out of alphabrticul order. Van IJuren is very civil, ho and all the JJucktails have been to see me, I am upon good terms with them all, but they arc detested b> the very men they voted with on the subject of the Speaker. Van Uuren .liuys with Dickinson, Patterson and others at Strothers ; he .spoke at the table in handMomo terms of me. He knows nothing of the t/ujoct I have in view. The office of Post Master at Albany will become vacant uuleas lie makes deposits to a largo amount in the Stuto Bank without delay. He has been written to more than a fortuight since, and up to this day tlie Post Master General has received no an.swer from Southwick. The Post Master General is my decided friend, I will also have the support of the Secretary of War [John C. Calhoun], I think also all the members from our State in our Ilouso, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee will vote that office to mc ; and if a strong recojumeudation comes from Albany, and you write to King and Van Uuren iu such terms as the occasion will warrant, I think by abandoning politics, with a strict regard to my duty, I may sit down in comfort, peace and quietness with an affectionate family the rest of my precarious days. I have indeed, as you say, made sacrifices enough. Without any trouble I will procure the nomination of Stephen. What- ever interesting occurs you shall be made acquainted with. I stay at the same house, and in the same room you found me, opposite to Calhouns, where I shall be rejoiced to see you. Randolph — he is as crazy as ever, but very friendly, and many others asked about you. Whatever Providence has decreed for me, I never shall be wanting in gratitude or affection for you. Southwicks fixed Salary, free of expenses is $2000, his son who is dead got $800 and another son, a little boy $150, besides two clerks at $300 each. I have written to Deuniston and McKown on this subject. Your Obt. Servt. Sol. Van Kbnsselaer. Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer, Alb; ny, N'. Y. Denniston told me before I left home, that Southwick was much in arrears and wished me to enquire about it. I thiak it very probable that he would like the situation for his son-in-law Robert Elliott who was teller in the Rank but has resigned his situation. Judge McKown to Oen. Van Rensselaer. My dear Sir, Albany, 26 Dec, 1821. Mr Denniston has shewn me your letter to him. 1 believe he writes himself by this mail, but immediately on reading your letter he did aui r shall be wauting Id Legacy of Historical Glbaninqs. 871 liesitnto to say instantly that he would not make any interest for himsoir but w.juld corduiily .msi^t in every way you mJKht .mint out or that ho .ml, Inmself su^.^e.t to give offect to your upplieatlon. And he desires y a I uieans that you should nut lot any eircumstance escape you at Want ungton that nu^M.t further your .,n,.poct8. I do not understand you to say .n yuur l.tter that I shall communicate with our friends Alexander and Van V.,chten on the subject «<„.«««,.^ and I shall w"tit your mstruotions, lost by d.,ing so I nhall ie premature. 1 hazard lio lung when I say we can raise the united yoki> of the iceulth, character mHuunes, of our (J.ty in your favor. As to those who do n^t pay 12* cent, postage a year, they may bo induced to recommend the first Spccu- lator and adventurer that applies. Jiut the P. M. Genl. and the hS 1 epartment know full well how to estimate those who apply by numbers of thosR who recommend. ^ "umuurs The Government were imposed upon in the appointment of the present ncumbent, and should suppose they would rather take a man they d d k,)ow, and who the country knew, than one recommended by others no matter how high .n office those were who solicited for him. If there 'was Eot a defalcation the great dissatisfaction and distrust of the office that at present exi3t here among the business part of the Citizens of everv euonunat.on ought to induce the removal of the Incumbent without he tation I take it for granted it must be so. Now for Mr. Van Hureu to tlnnk of the appointment of Chancellor Lansing is perfectly idle for reasons which ho knows as well as any one. That Chancellor L. is poor or insolvent ought never, to say the least, be made a claim for such an fwlh 'T in 'l«",'""«h responsibility. Indeed with reflecting men would I should think operate against his application. But he is too okJ - between 65 and 75, can it be expected infirm as be is, ho can go iato such an office to do business}' And let me say our Citizens will never bo atiHfaed unless the head of the office shows himself in it. If CharelW LauHing gets the office, no doubt it is to go into the hands of his Son-ia Law Livingston a young Lawyer from Dutchess County, who is an entire stranger here. And what can Mr. V.a Buren Lpe ca,' bo iTin 'V P"'Y P'''"* ""^ ''''''' ^y '""'^ ^" appointment? Chancellor La sing has no longer any personal or family influence. There's not a TJ ''''y^''^^''^}'',*']}^^^ole concern, except Mr. Sutherland, who h already well provided for, and therefore no danger r>f their losin- him one SlThe^ fir 'yZ. "' "'" "" '"'"°''"- ' "^ ""^'^'""^ '" ^'^ Our Legislature meets you know on the first day of January. As poor fh7tT »i'n«"ty will of course have but little tc say in organising he Uou,e- Romeyn of New York and Burt of Orange are canvassing th , in"?) ''°/\' ^"'''^"'' ''^'- ^ ^"'^ ''" ^ h""y t« «»^ble mo to get th.9 ,n the mail this evening. Yours truly ^ Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer, James McKown. House of llepresentatives, Washington City. To The Hon. Return J. Meigs Foot Master General or the United States. Understanding that there is a vacancy in the post office at Albanv in me M.ite of New York and the Hon. Solomon Van R.An«spIa«r ;. . n.^.v, aaie lor the appointment ; ' "" '» I 872 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. We the subscribers deem it a duty due to merit to state, that we are well acquainted with General Van Rensselaer. That he served several years in the army of the United States in the Western country. That lie bore a distinguished part in the memorable campaign that liberated the western country from the scourge of Indian warfare. That he was distin- guished for his courage and conduct on all occasions, that the place of danger was with him the post of honor, and that he there received a wound through the lungs which will probably affect him through life. That his patriotism, without oflBce, prompted him in the late war to vol- unteer his services for the benefit of his country, and that his services his wounds, and his sufferings at Queens Town will never be for^ottea while the record of the memorable events of that war shall adorn the history of our country. And we beg leave to add that Gen. Van Rensselaer has the honor of being descended from a revolutionary patriot and hero— who eontributedbv iiis patriotism, his courage, and his arms to the achievement of our inde- pendence, and who — as will be the case with his .son — carried the ball of the enemy in his body to the grave. Without any other motive than a regard for a meritorious officer who has spent the flower of his dnys in toils and dangers, and who has sustained an unusual share of sufferings in his country's service — do we take an interest in the Appointment of Gen. Van Rensselaer. And with an ar- dent wish that a brave and wounded soldier may be sheltered from the storms of adversity, and may with his familj' find a solace to liis afflictious in the gratitude of his country, do we most cordially recommend him to the favourable notice of the Post Master General. Washington December 31st, 1821. Thomas R. Ross. "Twenty-two out of twenty-eight members of the New York delegation, of both branches of congress joined in a request that General Van^Eens- selae- might be the one to supersede Mr. Southwick (since his remcval was absolutely decided upon). I know that a more exact republican does not belong to the executive branch of this government than the post master general. Wherever and whenever he can ascertain the will of the people, he respects it. The people can not be deceived much longer by empty and sinister professions. They begin to discover Jiat real pat- riotism must be exemplified by men's actions, and not merely by their profes- sions. Mr. Van Rensselaer's actions have established his reputation aaa patriot. The evidences of his patriotism are indelibly fixed upon his person, by the hostile weapons of the enemies of his country. Where sl-all we look for evidences among the most assuming leaders of the bucktail party j and their most noisy adherents? This appointment will be a salutary administration, and prove that proscription for nonconformity to their ' political tenets is not the true test of republicanism." The Patroon to Sol. Van Remselaer. My dear Sir, Albany, Jan. 2d, 1822. I have this moment returned from the Capitol, the Governor delivered a very long and interesting speech which you will receive by the next mail. It is said, for I could not, owing to the crowd remain, the ablest he ever spoke, and I suspect his last. I learned this morning that Chun- cellor Lansing expects the Post Office, and that \'an Ruren and Kinj^'aro hia friends — do not mention from whom you received the information, i Thomas R. Ross. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 873 make the suggestion that you may be on your guard. The merchants I was sorry to find jour good Wifo this morning so unwell Eli/abelh Rouiain is Speaker, and Livino'ston fllprt- V r» u^ j L,„ happy return,, of the 'IL^^' "Tour^Si.'iS";*""''' °°'' Major Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Washington Ci^,.^' "™'"''^'«''- „ „. "'« ''''"' PretUeu to Mr. Tlwmvmi. For the ar,t I learned this day that Z^'ZT^IZCZl' i'S', moved from the pcst-office in Alh.mv .>n^ fV, ^""''"wick was to be re- was Solomon V.^, ^enilaerf ^"'^dTu ant gen ^afo^NeT^^^^^^ now a federal member of congress from that diSct ITnn^ Tv. / ' f°^ ment of this circumstance 3Ir KinJ Mr v "^'S Vp°" *^^ develop- of Albany, Judge Skinner and l^rurrrnowpVhJf"^ ''' '"'^'^'' will surpr se you (o know that s/.^.en of ou representative ' \ll ""- ^' mended Mr. Van Rprm«pl..«r » \vu- representatives have recom- «l .. oon,.„;La.f hf ieili.en e ^wlS TwoSf """" " I*" ""' openin. of letters addressed to or franked by me ~" "'"" "'' Tnn..ti, 'iM T, ^''^"'" ^"^"d ^'"'^ servant. Jonathan 1 hompson, Esq. i,^^,,, y^ ,j,,„,^,,^ j 4 374 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. II The above letter was sent by the vice president under cover to tlie collector of the port of New York, Jonathan Thompsou, and by him tor- warded to the mayor of Albany. In the note which accompanied the document Mr. Thompson says: " Are copies of letters which I received this morning from the vice president. I hasten to give you their contents, that you may be enabled to make use of the information in the way sug- gested by the vice president. With the assurance of my respect and esteem. Jonathan Thompson. " Charles E. Dudley, Esq., Mayor of Albany." Great exertions had been made by the contending parties for success, and it was with d'flScalty that the opponents of General Van Rensselaer, could conceal their chagrin and regret at what they feared would eveiitu- all} prove the successful result, of the determined eflForts of his numerous and influential friends, and which soon culminated in his appointment to the coveted position. He fortunately could rank among his supporters " men, whose firmness and patriotism would have done honor to the best days of Greece and Rome;" who could understand when proper checks and balances were necessary for the preservation of liberty, and did not fear to adopt bold and energetic measures. Governor Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. My dear Sir, Albany 5 January 1822. As the best mode of promoting your object and at the same time of consulting my own self respect, I have thought it most advisable to avoid a direct application to the P. M. General, either by letter or by signing; a Memorial. I however send an open letter directed to Col. Fell — which you can send immediately to the Post Master General — or in concurrence with the latter make such use of it as you may think b:;dt calculated to efi'ect an object so anxiously desired by me because so important to you. A petition is in circulation for you — it will be well signed. I have spoken to Major Smith (the lirother-in-law of Judge Howe) he is decidedly friendly to your views and will not only sign, but endeavour to get signa- tures. He says that the whole City will come out in your iuvor. I shall urge this measure on other friends. Your Wife is convalescent and the rest of your family well. Let me hear from you often. I am yours truly D. W. C. The Honorable Solomon Van Rensselaer, In Congress, Washington. Governor Clinton possessed a truly warm heart a.id his exertions were never limited when the welfare of those he loved was the incentive for action. " In the conflict of honest opinions he boldly took his part, and if his zeal at times excited the fears of his followers, his patriotism won the hearts of his opponents;" and he was ever unremitting in his earnest efforts to benefit the oppressed and deserving citizen. ' Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Knower and Others. Gentlemen : Washington January 5, 1822. The accompaning letter will show you what has been done in regard to the post-ofiice and the present state of this question. If I could have sup- posed that our members could have recommended Mr. Van Rensselaer I would have expostulated with them on the subject. I have no doubt they are as niuel! mortified about it now as 1 am. Before I know about it the postmaster general had committed himself to V. R. In that state of the III; littinjr ia hiscaruest Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 375 qnostion we thought proper to present the name of Chancellor Lansing 15y we, I mean the vice-president, iMr. King and myself. The president bcnpersonally acquauued with the chancellor, and entertaining a per- sona regard for h.m, we thought it the most likely mode to defeat the ap- po.n ment of \ R. independent of a desire on our part to do somethinl> or the chancellor In the course you pursue you should have regard to hecircumstance that the post-master general i's committed, &c., (was before I knew that Southwick would be removed) on two po nts, vil. the remova of houthwick and the appointment of V. R., and notoni;coa n it! ted but ev.den ly desirous that it should take plice, and that noth n^ but the positive interference of the president can arrest the proceedin.^^ tS^lJrf i^' ""^"eryou will see the propriety of uniting on you ?able Th.^^ "1 "1 '"P"^'"'^ ^" ^PP^^l '' '^^' president as ,Lc- ticable The measures I advise are the following: 1st. Let the republi- el) r i fhX'"'^ " ^r^''^^ '' '''' president-recommending the chan- cel or, ,f that IS agreeable to them, or if they should think as we do, that a change of the candidate would beat this moment extremely haza dous If not decisive against us. It is proper, however, that you should know that no application upon this subject direct or indirect has come from the hanceilor on this subject, nor do I know that he is apprised of wha is JtL r.n U '^'' fTf'\ ^ ^''"^'^ ''''' ''"^Vb the fjspectability, &c of the chancellor, and the desire to see him provided for. Such a pe ition I suppose would be signed by as many federalists as would appIyC V K. It has been insinuated here that the place is desired for youn- Mr Livingston and not for the chancellor. Upon this subject thcr^e ou^ht to e an understanding. I do not think Mr. Livingston has any such d im upon the party, and if the office was not desired and desirable for th^ h nee lor himself, I would not advocate it. 2d. I would have prepa ed rZffr./ w '"'" and assembly setting forth : 1st, why the office is 'Tl wn,?H 1 vT T/^' •■'"'""' ^^'^ ^'^'^h ^'" readily occur to you. -d, I would admit y. IVu services, but state what the general and state sirr" \^".' ^'"'"^^ ^'""^ ^"^ ''■■" ^"^ '^'' his removal was Tn cot Ee th. f.f. f fr'""^' "f \"^«tf '^te partisan, when he was made to tifipd hl^ ;"■'• "!^ ^^"' '^' government of the stato have been fi ^V ?-P'°P'^ '° ''^^ ""*• 3d. That whatever may be deemed a eurse at this time on the question of removing federali^sts from office enit Sn f n '"'' r'"'^'. ^''" '^'''^ '^-'' ^" °''>«'- '»''««rs equal, a itpub Ian shoudbe preferred for a new appointment on that ground on y. n to V /.h ; . ''Vrf '", '^^'''- ^' '-''' ''''''^y b« neeossary for mo say, that that should be done with the utmost delicacv and respect. I. il?r ^'^'•''f '^"!°S or scolding, it would be ruinous. At the 21, :^'" 'P'^"'' with firmness, and as if conscious of their ri^^hts elb£f r^ "^^'^'^"^ t'T' "'i' ''''^y^ I ^^""^d «-d a letter to those ' i Sn. M ''■'' "^'n '"^"^ «»bscribed V. R.'s petition, viz., Messrs. t hestl tr ii'''^f";v^ ';"■'"."' ^*^^""^' "''^'^«' ^'ampbell, Spencer, le soVV. ^'^^^^^ Woodcock, and Van Wyek, to be signed by all the Lf ^'1^'^'t'''''' '^^tting forth the strong reasons against having !iiL(lei;ifi.st in the office at Albany. <= » „ re.,ue!tim!'n' ^''f '''■ ^f*' *''f '^'-^ ^'^^ ''"'^^'^ «« ^hey have, and 'e.iut.tiug them to withdraw their recommendation. This letter will ■■■; SI 376 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. furnish them with good ground for doing what I am persuaded will be very agreeable to them, provided the request is couched in such terms as are not offensive, which must not be lost sight of. They undoubtedly did it through personal solicitations and without appreciating at the moment the importance of the place in a political point of view. I hope, therefore, that the utmost delicacy will be observed towards them, as they are as worthy and honest fellows as ever lived. Especially I wish you to remember that dispatch is all important. By this means I propose we may defeat V. ll's appointment. I say may, for I cannot speak with confidence, as the post-master-general is evidently determined on his appointment. It is said here that he has written to iVlr. Southwick that V. li. is his successor. Certain it is that he has decided in Lis favor, and that had it not been for our note to him V. K. would have been with you as soon as this letter. V. R. says that two of the heads of department are in his favor, of whom Mr. Calhoun is said to be one. I have not inquired with what correctness, but it would not be amiss for Judge Skinner to write him on the subject. I have been thus particular because I believed it to be a question in which our friends would take a deep interest. Should we be unsuccessful, I will take the liberty of suggesting hereafter the course I would advise to obtain redress, or rather to improve our condition. I wish Mr. Knower would show Mr. Southwick the correspondence be- tween us and Mr. Meigs that he may know that we had not sought his removal. As this is true it is but right that he should know it. Since writing the preceding,! scj that Mr. Livingston is chosen clerk. This may lead to a wish to change our candidate here. I do not know that it would not have that effect upon me if I was not morally certain that an attempt to get another man under the circumstances would be abortive. The circumstances of the president's personal knowledge of and regard for the chancellor is decisive with me as to the expediency of pressing him. I am, however, under the direction of my friends, and will cheer- fully acquiesce in what they advise. In great haste. Yours Sincerely, M. Van Buren. To Benjamin Knower, Charles E. Dudley, Roger Skinner, Wm. A. Duer, M. J. Cantine, Esqrs. Martin Van Buren to B. Knower and Others. Dear Sir, Washington, Jan'y 6, 1822. The enclosed letter was written under an expectation that the question of postponement raised by us would have been decided yesterday. It is now sent on for the purpose of apprising you what is doing and not for you to act upon unless and until you hear further from me. In addition to the letters inclosed there are the following which are now in possession of the president, viz., a letter from the vice-president, Mr. King, and myself to Mr. Meigs asking a postponement until we could communicate with you. His answer to us saying in substance that unless the president directs, the postponement will not take place. My appeal to the president who has treated the matter with the im- portance and the delicacy it deserves, and I am well satisfied that if the matter rested with him we should have no difficulty. By the post office law the post master general has complete enntrol. The qucstiosi of post- ponement has been before the cabinet for two days, and I expect an answer Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 377 to-morrow. Two of them arc said, and I l.olieve with truth, to he in favor can avow"'' ''' "" """P''"'' '"''^'-'"'^tion of thi« fact that 1 To-morrow morning I will receive an answer from the president, which w;ll probably be that he nr- t leave the post-master-general to his course It so he will be d,Hpo«ed to make the appointment of V. llens.selaer im- mediately, lo guard against that, the vice-president and myself have in wrmng requested that in that event he would afford us an opportunity to make one more communication to him, in which we will recommend Chan- cellor Lansmg, and put the question on such political ground that the people of the United States may distinctly understand what principles prevail in that department of the government, and, may take the measures necessary to a wholesome reform. This point must be settled one time or other, and no time more opportune than the present. It is one of the most interesting departments of the government, and instead of spendin-^ our tnue in small matters, I am for taking the bull by the horns at once! and It our friends at home will sustain us we will effect it. I have requested a meeting of the republicans who have signed V. llensselaer's pet i'tion to night Lvery effort has been made to excite their jealousy on account of my interference, but I am persuaded they will in the end behave well I will write you again to-morrow. Yours cordially. M V Burev To Benjamin Knower, Esq., and others. Charles A. Clinton to Qen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, Albany, January 6th, 1822. Ihe contemplated vacancy in the office of Post master in this city has induced great exertions on the part of your friends, to effect your appoint meat. Your claims will be supported by a powerful petition, compfSnl the most respectable inhabitants and most of the merchants. Thi other candidates, 1 am told are not inactive, but are circulating subscript ons every direction. They are Chancellor Lansing ; the old^treasurer^Dox and 1 am told — Lly (the one in the comptrollers office). Your ex ertions a Washington must correspond with those making here • and you will be successful in your application. lam induced°to n e'ntloa ir? '''^-V". "?'^ ''''''^ ^°"'- f"^'^'^^' ^"d "'^t be induced upon any consideration to slacken your efforts. ^ Ten Eyck is very active, t.s is Dr. Bay. With best wishes for your success Sincerely yours Honble. Solom. Van Rensselaer, Member Congress, Washingfcon^^^' "It behooves the boasting friends of the general government amon-st u , to suppress their impotent wrath and profit by the magnanimous example which the post master general will set before them in the new appomtment ; and we are authorized to say, in contradiction to the asser- toii made, that Gen. Van Ilensselaor never received any grantor -ratuitv ty traces "'' ^''^"' ^'''"' ^^^ ^''''^'''^ ""' ''''*' government for his mill- Hon. William B. Rochester to Gen. Van Rensselaer. T,^'''-. J H. of Rep. 7 January 1822 ffi h Z ' /^ '•^'''^;' ''\ ''' ^'""^ '"'^ espeelMlly p,o in our intercourse wuii those we esteem. In observance of that spirit, I have to inform you 48 878 LEQACi v/P illSTORICAL GLEANINGS. ' ill that having recently learned from an un(|ue8tionabIe source, that the pro- posed appointment of a successor to Solomon iSouthwick Esq. 1*. M. at Albany, was givinjj; rise to much specuhition, not to say excitement in that city. I have united with several of my colleagues in a rcijuestthat a post- ponement of the appointment might take place (in case Mr Southwick's dismissal were determined on) until the citizens of Albany could have an opportunity of being consulted on the subject . Reflection satisfied me that this course was due from all parties to the respectable citizens of that poDu- lous tow): ; and this coMviction was strengthened by a positive assuraiice from two or three of my colleagues, that it was in perfect accordance with your own cjcjnrsscd wishes, at the time they subscribed the paper in your behalf, to which I signed my name also, out of respect to your merit and for your sufferings as a Soldier. I am, Sir, very respectfully &c. lion. Solomon Van llensselaer. W. B. Rochester. " Hon. William B. Rochester was subsequently appointed president of the United States Branch Bank, located at Buffalo. No man is better acquainted with the wants and abilities of the people in this section of the country. He is deservedly popular, and we hesitate not to say ♦hat the appointment is the very best that could have been made." Oen. Van Benssekcer to Dr. Bay. Dear Sir, Washington, Jany 7th, 1822. Last Friday my appointment as Post-Master at Albany was to have been made, but owing to the oflScious interference of King, Tompkins, Thompson and Van IJuren, the matter was laid before the President who called, on Saturday, a Cabinet Council on the subject. The Post Master General [Return J. Meigs,] was requested to attend, and after having the papers read, the President asked him, " if he was left to himself, xoho would he appoint?" He promptly replied — GENERAii Van Rensselaer, and then gave his reasons : On account of my gallant services in two wars, and that I represented the district, as it were, by unanimous consent. " These are strong grounds," observed Crawford and Calhoun. Thompson [Smith Thompson, secretary of the Navy,] urged the claims of Chancellor Lansing, but without success. It was said by some of the members, in reply to a remark made in rela- tion to my politics, that it had no weight, particularly when I had so heroically distinguished myself. Much passed, and the unanimous opi- nion (in whicl^ T — was obliged to concur), was, that the Post Master General should be at liberty to do as he pleaj^ed. Yesterday the President communicated this to Van Buren, who by threats and every other means procured a meeting of the Bucktails, last evening. He attempted to persuade them to recant, on political grounds, that " it was not expedient to have such a rank federalist as Gen. Van Rensselaer in the Albany Post OflSce." However all the clique's personal efforts and expostulations could only get seven, out of the eleven repub- lican members, to sign a request that the appointment should be delayed, until the (Citizens of Albany could be consulted, and it has taken that cour.se, and now they must decide. There were eleven names annexed to the Republicans request of the 5th instant. There is much secret nianccuvring going on both here and in Albany, Van Buren and Co. coming out in this manner against the united voice of the Cabinet, has excited very great indignation, and King has iuincil Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. 379 himself in the estimafinn of all. The fact is well known here that T nskod n.y office of Adjutant General, in support of kT. against the very two men he has, now most singularly, joined to ruin mo ! f Spencer - ( ambreeng-3Iorgan &c. would not rescind the step taken in my behalf although pressed to do so by Van }3uren and Tompkins. T^ey have tned hard to co-erce the Post Master General -withou the desired efiect, and are at the same time hand and glove with Charles E. DuTey Benjamin Knower, and Collector Thompson of New York to p event S appointment It will indeed be a consolation to me throu.^h life that I ave been able, single-handed, to defeat them, even if Albany under the«o advorse circumstances turns a cold shoulde;, and deserts ine Several of our friends will write, there is much excitement in my favor to day; before this our delegation did not interfere, I managed the matter in my own way To my gallant fellow sufferer ' Colonel Richard . Johnson and other friends from the West, I owe every thing John ID ckinson acts nobly, though Van Buren belongs to his m J" Dick in- so stated to Van Buren at the table, that it was strange they shouhJ put ou one pauper and put another in. Van Buren replied wamirwhen Dickinson said he could p.-ove all he affirmed, which he also me^tfoned lus morning to the Post Master General. Golden [CadwalTaderTl behaves well like the rest, he also writes. Yesterday 1 flatrered mvself t at to-morrow I would have been on the way to Alban/ I am n ureat7aste Show this to my poor wife, the Patroon, McKown,ynnTs ton'ani su h £ •: m;tr:;er ''"''-• '''-' ^-^ ^' ^^ ti t. '-t-' '- ' ^"^' Dr. William Bay. Albany, N. Y. ^^"^ Rensselaer. General Post Office. u 1- • .1. - , , , Washington City, 7 Jany., 1822 Believing that the public interest will be promoted b^ the appointment a new Postmaster at Albany, N. Y. I have accordingly^appoi^ted Mr. Solomon Van Rensselaer Post-master at that place ; to whom oTthe receipt of this, you will deliver all the Post-office^ro^erty in your pos- session, taking his receipt therefor, if you desire it ^ ^ lou mil forward your accounts up to the time when you deliver over lUB vuice. I a,u^ g^^ m ,r o , Yours respectfully. To Mr. Solomon Southwick. r. j. Meigs, Jr. "In June 1792, Return J. Meigs (post master general) had a very narrow escape, when attacked by two Indians. In company with him Ui\}"-fyr^^l'f - black boy, who had been hoeinVin a 0^^ Id. The Indians had secreted themselves behind the path, near the lusk.ngum, on its west bank, where they had the river to cr^ss At a Z ZT T ''^''''' ^f '"S the=r backs towards the Indians TL "P^- .Syr^'if .^'^^ «'i«t in the shoulder, when Meigs rushed n the largest Indian with his tomahawk raised to throw it. He attempted fire his gun at the savage, which missed fire. Mr. Meigs then partly ts.Sr \ ^'^''/"?'^»" threw his tomahawk at Meigs, which grazed «^ b ect. Symonds plunged into the river, and floated down to the fort 1 ". r^ '"■'" "^^^ "'"^''''* '" swimming. He was taken up by the men 0' lort Ilarmar, and eventually recovered of his wound. The black boy 380 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. i twelve years old, attempted to esnape, but was tomaliawked, killed and scalped by the ludiaus. iMr. Mei-^'s saved his life by his dauntless attack of the Indian, and when liis gun missed fire, by knock'ng down his an- tagonist, and then out running the other Indian." Extract of a Letter from the Evening Post's Correspondent, Washington, Jany. 7, 1822. With unfeigned pleasure, I inform you that the postmaster general has this day appointed General Solomon Van Rensselaer, postmaster at Albany vice Solomon Southwick removed. This affair I presume, will cause some little excitement in New York and your readers will doubtless be desirous of learning some of the par- ticulars relating to it. It having been determined that Mr. Southwick should be removed, the only question with the Cabinet was, who should be his successor ? The late Chancellor Lansing's name was brought for- ward by his friends, and backed by the influence of the vice president, and your two senators Me.'isrs. Van Uuren and King; Gen. Van Kensse- laer was also nominated, and he was backed by the influence of the Ken- tucky and Ohio members, particularly by Colonel Johnson, of the former state. When the question was first put to the members of the cabinet they were all in favor of General Van Rensselaer, except the secretary of the navy, [Smith Thompson] who objected on account of politics; but he was answered by Mr. Wirt, [William Wirt, attorney-general] who said that such considerations were out of the question now ; there was no longer any politics. On which the secretary of the navy is said to have acquiesced, and dodared himself in favor of the appointment. When it was known to your senators, that it was determined, that it should be made on Saturday, they requested that it might be postponed till Monday after- noon, and in the mean time they drew up a formal memorial against it, which was read, but the appointment was then made. It was thought by the president and by all the cabinet, that the services the General had rendered his country in two wars, with the severe and dangerous wounds he had received in the discharge of his duty, were paramount considera- tions to every other, and ought to outweigh all the petty local objections of a party nature that could be pjentioned. I have the pleasure to add, that nothing that has transpired here, for a long time, of a similar nature, has given such satisfaction as this appointment. General Van Rensselaer has been waited on by a great number of members of congress, to con- gratulate him on the event. I hope the appointment may afford liim an honorable and liberal provision for old age. Oov. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. I>ear Sir, Albany 7 January 1822. Spencer Stafford as one of the Sureties of Mr. Southwick, (and a very worthy man as you know him to be) is desirous of removing o.- alleviating the pressure produced by this involvement. I recommend him and his interests to your earnest and powerful intercession. Yours truly Hon. Sol. Van Rensselaer, 31. C. Wnshington. DeWitt Clinton. AH these original letters written by distinguished men, and relating to an interesting period in our local and political history manifest the struggle which took place fifty-two years ago for the Albany post oflSce. It was regarded as a position of great political importance, and the contest for it between the democratic republicans, who.se oan(ii(iato was ox-Cliancellor Lansing, and the federalists, whose candidate was Gen. Solomon Van Hens- NQS. lahawked, killed and ' his dauntless attack ack'ng dowu his Jin- rrcsj)ondent. an, Jany. 7, 1822. stiuaster general has lostmaster at Albany, iiuent in New York, ing some of the par- that Mr. Southwick net was, who should me was brought for- ■ the vice president, ; Gen. Van Bensse- ifluence of the Ken- luson, of the former ibers of the cabinet cept the secretary of it of politics; but he y-general] who said now ; there was no navy is said to have lintuient. When it at it should be made 3d till Monday after- lueuiorial against it. It was thought by es the General had 1 dangerous wounds araniount considera- ?tty local objections he pleasure to add, of a similar nature, eral Van llensselaer of congress, to con- , may aiford tiim an 7 January 1822. hwick, (and a very loving 0." alleviating iniend him and his Yours truly eWitt Clinton. len, and relating to lanifest the struggle post office. It was J the contest tor it was ox-Cliancellor Solomon Van liens- Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 331 ,elaer, was fierce Those old letters throw a flood of light on the political hied that por.od ot President Monroe's adnnnistrati^n to whic'h thTy ,T n T. , ^^^^*"^ ^"'^ Rensselaer to her Father. My Dear Father, .„ _ „ ,„ mate my old d.ddy ,/ ZSu"''^v^'"Z^^^'"" '°""' ""'l"" '" "'""'''■ democratic ropul.iioans w hi T ii Z ' '""!"'""• """"' "«Pi"=lM„ .k (.'itizon, of dear A ba" y ;„^!',,'?;„r" in M.r"",'!"""''""';" f™"' Judge Van Ness, who arrived to dav Dr Hnv nr.A ^u ^i • 1 , .li, .coral day, .i„ce, a„d 1 t be t;; by £ "J TC^;' '". ''" aif las roa iriied in his favor and it\vl.,l /' , ''''"""ollor Lan- i»lJvi„gs,o„ i, to be the DepuTv tL"' '^''o'^. '^<'<"<['»n-m- !i.llaM,ce,8olakecareof him £l, J'","^ "V ''« "'" l'"e Vai, liuren's is perfectly .or.rirg"' 'Zn^^t!:?tZ^^lZ''^ '""'^ '"''^ Your affection 'e daughter Hon Sol. Van Rensselaer, M. C, Washt^of' "^^^ ''^'''^'^^^^■ ^''^arles A. Clinton to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, 4,, Southwick's friends (principally Buckf.ilsWrJ -f """'7 ^'\ ^^^^'v H..blc. Solomon Van Heossclacr, Member Coogre'rWali",™' "■ lio.h,i„.eVK "^,"'- ^.^'^•^•^"f'^^'^kpublishedashortaddresstofb.pul. '■-'ovai; 1^; ;V, e S ' " d ir" ^V'""'^"^"'P^^hen making to effecf his feays the g.ounds alleged by some were, that he was a defaulter. 382 Legacy op Historical Qleaninqs. *l and that he did not attend to his businesH. Both accuautions, he flays, are fiilHoand nialiciouH." '• General Van IlensHelaer arrived in Albany, from WaHhinj^ton on Satur- day evening 12th, and will probably iinniediutely enter upon the duties of his appointment." Some one says : " The parties concerned beinj^ all (load, the publication and revival of reminiscences will be a valuable eontributi(,n, giving an insij^ht into the political management and secret political history of New York." (leneral Van Rcn.sselaer had now entered upon the duties of his office, and (^)lonel Robert Elliott was selected as his deputy in this trust. Among the subordinate clerks, one of the first appointed was the notable Williiim B. Winne as the city penny post, or as he was more familiarly culled " lillbf Winnv th' J'c.iiiii/ Pout," who was ever an active, vigilant officer, and retained his situation through a long series of years till in extreme old age death claimed another victim. Mr. Winne was, previous to this, for some time captain of the city watch. On the uight of December 21, 1808, an attempted robbery and murder was made by a highwayman — Robert Johnson — at the Inn of one John Pye on the Watervliet turn- pike — the half-way house between Albany and Troy. The house is still standing a short distance south of the entrance to the Cemetery. Mr. Pye was badly wounded and fell back fainting on the bod, but Mrs. Pye re.'lutely defended her property and shot the robber who was of " a tail and uthleticform." After being wounded the desperado made his escape, without getting the toll-gate money, to the city. lie was finally cap- tured by Captain Winne. " This man. on finding the track of the robber's horse in the snow (he had made a dreadful leap from the foot of Colum- bia street to the ice of the Hudson, escaping to Greenbush and thence to Aikins's mills), in an instant sprang off after him on a full run, and was heard to exclaim to himself in good old Dutch and English mixed together : ' Mine Cot ! vat leeps de horse has mate, vull twenty voets. Dunder en bliksem ! he's been de duyfel vor running.' Captain Winne soon got the start of all other pursuers ; Winne was an uncommon active man, which his sprightly step still evinced even in old age. He had per- formed many a feat, both in pursuit of and in flight from Indians in the time of the revolution. Before the outlaw was secured, by a powerful blow he had dashed all the oflicer's front teeth into his mouth, lie died from his wounds." Mr. Van Buren to Mr. Dudley. Dear Sir: [Private.] Washington, Jan. 10, 1822. The great weight which the New York delegation is now capable of havinj; from its members of congress, the almost absolute certainty that the presi- dential question will be settled in caucus, and the immense weight her in- creased representation will give her there, give her an influence and con- sideration wliich you cannot so well appreciate at home as here. The disjointed state of parties here, the distractions which are produced by the approaching contest for president, and the general conviction in the minds of honest but prudent men, that a radical reform in the political feelings of this place has become necessary, render this the proper moment to commence the work of a general resuscitation of the old democratic party ; and circumstances imperiously point to New York as the source from which the good work ought to emanate. With prudence here and firnirio.HS at Albany, this can otfoctively bo done, and our .state be placed on higher ground than she has ever stood. There are at this moment two II Legacy of Historical Ql-^nings. >usution8, he «ayvro I f 'J^'f' ■''l\'''' ™'?!'* I"' l"i'H'"I^l of by tI,o repui.Ii 888 CHuntry. ihc./,r.< ih the presi,lenti,il (.ut^tioi. Oa this Vuh w^f t rl- ynu .M.n art.co i„ a late intelli^eneor'aH contuiniu; „ e "0^1 . io ':f t e .tute ol leelinf,- hero in regard to it. and a tolenrble view f t' e nis ch.efH wh.ch are growu.j, out of the pro.naturo agitation of this a est 1 In congresB Mes«rH. Crawford and Adun.H and Calhoun have eacMeo ded ;: ■; he'otTerTf" hi d^rV"^ n'""''' ^"»'" -olutic^^ru'edtt r aiscrscfwi h te t\^ E^^^^^^ "^T"''- rr "^"'"''"- cithiu... which iK.'grui„::; fgrowu ^oS^ ;•-, «'«V^ jn^tude any measure having a t^donll^t^ll'Shrtw:^ .li:;;; ^t If the republican members of our state legislature should hold a meet TLir^d^r fer?:;^:: Z;ri',::^:r ir- ■■""?' -^ ^" .».ed.b; .i,o po,t...L. ™„ri i°„' fb'it'"!. J ° 7avt"I' eZri^ U l.,d will, him, have done u, justice He « ,na,e. In Iv , „ T V' n *cl ,t will have on the feelings of „„r IHeLs and „MI !. 7 r ^ HiiteJ at any esoitement it may produee with n. V i ,° i"T ^77 '!","=' "'T ",'° ''-" °'»°- "ftln.be .\7l':at;,^:T are very unhappy, and it would be unwise to mortifrthen^more itwin 1 ^ AM " T J '"= ""' ■'T'"'"' •" "'« <^°"""y bj tl'e president '^'^° "' Al g„„d detnoerats have who understand thi nmtfer synmathized with •>, Md are happy to le,™ that the viee-president and inyXm™ boTd , ,t:9"::^^p4!s^ ::?i':;rit^a;yr.e?;ttitTo,f:r„ri is! 'i .' m ii 884 Leqacy of Historical Qleaninqs. II • our public men in the early years of Mr. JeflForson'H ailniinistration. Thit is not u (liHjtuto botwucii uh unm m the presidency, an.l to shield the general goveVJmen fro the at ack of a bokl but by no means despicable enemy. Nor have you been well treated by the post-master general, and through you reiibution ought to r«achhuu. Our opponents hero exult, but fdo not appreheui the pohtical effects w. I be such as thoy imagine. We shall not refa^x new v,?or will be mfused into the party, Ll there will, I trust bo a decided an. universal expiession of disgust at the course pursued b^ Mr. >£ Mr. Knowor has your otter inclosing the correspondence whicKok plao at Washington, and will this evening consult our friends as to Se est mode of proceeding. We shall wish"to treat the admini tmt on of the general government with great delicacy, but there will bino half-wav expressions as to the postoffice department.' The postmaster ..eneramus^ denounced. You alluded in your letter of the 8th, to a^conBdentia etter which ycu proposed to write by the next mail. 'l hope it may con tj.n .something as to the decision of the president upon the removalof .! t'Tt an'v tTLT ^«TJ"''"^'^^'^" of movements which may ad to it At any rate we have nothing more mortifying to hear than what you have already communicated. J' b ^" "«ar inan wnat hIV'm "^^^''ft^i; th's must be of an encouraging character. Hon. Martin Van Buren. Yours! C. E. Dudley. affJiJ' X^ 5'""'" rjl^'-'^'i^} Albany by puppets was quite an excitin<. K I ' • "u. '•;'' P^''^'''^'' puppet-show were all pulled at Wash" ngton by the invisible but skillful hand of the crafty maS an The n SSto be"held'\\Yb" ''"^V"^ •'' ^"^'°^^''^'^^ to r replbllea'!; gr:hhould be reltidTif "''" urgent request thatthepost master Solomon Van lieimelaer to PhUiii P. Barbour. 'The ill health of my family, and the necessityStC'ngtfny^'if^e ncerns, I hope in peace and quietness the residue of my m4ar^^^dav8 h;u^ compelled me to retire from Congress, and to resign mf eShehon era e body over which you preside wi'^h so' much honofto/oSjand use- r:erVl'n'o? "• '" '''^"C ''''' '''^^ ^ ^«"'^ ^^^ '"J-tice to my f^e . Stib for T. H '^P'-^«/,f •^ sentiments of profound respect which I ZITa ; ! •^''"'' ?^ Representatives, and the grateful sentiments cherished towards Us members, for the uniform kindness^I have experired 1 have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient ..rvant, Hon Vhw.r. P Ti u o , . Solomon Van Rensselaer. Hon. Philip P. Barbour, Speaker of the House of Representatives VtSS'-r^^'^Vi''? «Pf •'<,«'• communicated to the house the above •ttu and ,t,vas: "Ordered, That the said letter lie on the tablp m.l ttatthe speaker do communJo'tt" tho f-,rf nf M, . ' ?• ^?r ' 'i'"^ i{ensns by some friends, that it is thought you ought to send your resigna- fcioi. U the Speaker instead of asking leave of absence. This course, unless - V ive reasons for with-holding your resignation, would appear the mo correct course. Should you send your resignation, I wish, for par- ticular reasons that you would send it to me. The diflferent publications respecting your appointment have excited considerable feeling among som of our delegation who are attacked for their signing your petition, they have — many of them, become indignant and openly justify their conduct and I am in hopes will come out in answer to the attack of Noali and others. The Mail has just arrived and brings yours of 11th instant. Southwick is not, that I have yet heard, in town. I will attend to your wishes and am. Yours Sincerely Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Jno. D. Dickinson. ■ Ibany, New York. " It was truly wonderful to look at General Van Rensselaer and ^ee with what indomitable energy the venerable man had mastered so many dis- agreeable obstacles." Henry V. B, ScTiern^erhom to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Uncle, Geneva Jan. 16, 1822. The account of your recent appointment has just reached me, and I know I need not assure you that I heard it with the most heartfelt grati- fication, for never in ray life have I rejoiced at any event with more sin- cere pleasure. You have now, most unexpectedly to your friends in the country and very much to their delight, been rewarded in some measure by the General Government of your country, for services which have long since entitled you to this, or a greater manifestation of its justice and gratitude, and I lose no time in congratulating you. The Bucktailssay : "We admit that Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer is an honest man, is cap- able of being deputy postmaster at Albany ; that he is the son of a revolu- tionary .)fficer, that he is a man of great personal bravery, that he loves his country, that he has repeatedly exposed his life and shed his blood in defence of his country, that he was several times wounded under (jrvn\ j Anthony Wayne in defending the men, women and children who tirst settled our fine western country, from tlic torch, the tomahawk imdtho scalping knife of the savage Indians, but, he was ever an uncompromisin!.' I Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 387 opponent of our party, therefore we strove ar^aiost hisappoiatment " You are no doubt truly appreciative of all indications of srateful recollection on the part of your countrymen, and now having received this, it is to be Loped that an invalid soldier may live long to enjoy the comfort it affords his declining days. Desiring to be remembered to the whole of your family I remain as ever, Your affectionate Nephew, . /I a 1 ir Ti , ^ H. V. R. SCHERMERHORN. Gen. Sol. Van Rensslaer, P. M., Albany. Hon. Walter Patterson to Gen. Van Rensselaer. ' My dear Sir, Washington, Juny. 20, 1822. i send the enclosed to you, with the request that if the Jud-e is not in Albany, you will have the goodness to forward it to him. MrrDickinson has your letter and docu- ments, which he will forth- with send to the Post Master General. The delegation are much irritated at Martin "Van Buren and the Vice Pres. Cambrelling [Chur- chill 0. Cambreliug] has written a letter in defence of their conduct, which will be published if more is said on the subject. The Ad- ministration are satisfied with the decision of the Post Master General. The threats of Van Buren to the contrary notwithstand- ing. Southwick is here, but can do nothing, Mr. Cal- houn rises in favor daily. If I can do any thisg for you here, command me. I hope you will send the Patroon to us. Yours truly &c., W. Patterson. 8. SOUTHWICK. General Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. rn^i"""""^ ■^^'*' ^ ?"5.'''' '"''^''"^ ^"'^ «'''"ed at Albany, for the pur- poeotexpressing much dissatisfaction with the proceedings of the i- ms erTrf > *^^pV"=^^"' ^'^ •■«'^"«» to the appointment of thetost- wTlnd llf ^- /^'^' '^''1 '^ *^^ government of the United sLes were condemned, and many virulent expressions used, while they assumed eT?M ' '\" «^-^raordinary, unwarrantable, and unscrup^ilous ac^ a e af W If-"'"' ?" ^^'' '''^''''' '^^ correspondence which took r H f' ^ ^"^•''"' ;^''*''' *^ "*' "ffi°^' ^^« '^'d before the meetinc. a . utus King joined his colleague Martin Van Buren in the first note. KiD.Si.ri '^'^'''^^''' '""^ ^\^- '^''i" ^^^-^'^ ia the second. Here Mr. i^iDi,'.s interference appears to have ceased. II 388 Leqact op Historical Gleanings. CHAPTER XVIIL General Stephen Van Rensselaer Elected to Congress. Correspondence about Albany Post Office. Sir, Washington, Jany 3, 1822. We have been informed that it is in contemplation to vacate the office of Deputy Post Master for the City of Albany. The importance of the station not only to the citizens of Albany (but from the circumstance of its being the principal distributing oflace in the State) to our citizens generally, induced us to request that we may be informed of the deter- mination of your department before the vacancy is supplied; our object is to secure a tit and full opportunity to all concerned, to make their re- presentations to you, on the subject. Will there be any objection to a compliance with our request ? Yours respectfully, II. King, M. Van Buren. Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. Gentlemen, General Post Office, Jany 4, 1822. I had the honor to receive yours of yesterday. It has become neces- sary to appoint a new Post Master at Albany. An application made by the friends of General Van Rensselaer, is now before the President for his consideration. It is desirable that an appointment shall be made without delay. I have the honor to be, With respect your obt. ser., R. J. Meigs Jr. Hon. Rufus King, Hon. Martin Van Buren. Sir, Washington, Jan. 4, 1822. Having been informed by your note of this morning, that your present deputy Post Master of Albany is to be removed, we have to request that the appointment of hi.- successor may be delayed long enough to enable the citizens of the place to express their wishes on the subject. We do this in consideration of the importance of the appointment, and under a conviction that they are not apprised that a new appointment is at this time to be made. Should you think proper to comply with our request, we propose two weeks as the requisite time, and in that event you will please inform us whether the consideration of the question is still with the president, in order that the citizens of Albany may be informed to whom their communications may be addressed. We request the favor of your answer in time to enable us to make the requisite communication by the next mail. Yours Respectfully, Daniel D. Tompkins, Rufus King, Martin Van Buren. Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. Gentlemen, General Post Office, Jany. 4, 1822. I have the honor to state, in reply to yours of this d.'ite, that the Pre?!- dent has not decided or directed in the case of the expected vacancy ol ED TO Congress. T,, M. Van Buren. lrtin Van Buren. Legaci op Historical Gleanings. 389 the Post Master at Albany. It is desirable that anew Post Master should be appointed without much delay. If the President thinks proper to have the appointment delayed, it will be so. The president this day referred me to the Secretary of the Navy [Smith Thompson] upon whom I called who mtormed me that he would communicate with me to morrow. T, T. T^ m ,^^^^ Respectfully yr Obt and humble Servt, Hon. D. D. Tompkinr, R. J. Meigs, Jr. Hon. Rufus King, lion. Martin Van Buren. ^'''' , , , ,, , . Washington Jan. 5, 1822. The enclosed letters explain our wishes and the object of this applica- tion. It the delay we ask can be granted, we would be much obliged by being apprized m season to write home by tomorrows mail. Sensible of the deep interest which our citizens will, for a variety of reasons, take in the question, I would much regret a decision without affording them an opportunity to be further heard. With great respect. M. Van Buren. P. S. If proper, I wish the letters may be returned to me. To the. President of tJie United States. 8ir, We unite in the request which has been made for the postponement of the appointment of deputy Post Master for the City of Albany Tin case the removal of Mr. Southwick is determined on) until an opportunity can be afforded to the citizens of that place to express their wishes on the subject, and earnestly solicit that the same be complied with. We have the honor to be, very respectfully yr obt. Servants James Hawks, T. H. Hubbard, Nathaniel Pitcher, E. Litchfield. W. B. Rochester, Richard M'Carty, Jer. H. Peirson, D. Woodcock, ^'r' , .J , Washington. Jan. 7, 1822. 1 have received your letter requesting a postponement of any ap- pointment to the vacancy in the Post office at Albany for a specific ime. As this case is connected with others, and involves a princinle in the administration of the Post office department, I have on that account as we 1 as my respect for you and the other gentlemen, who have united in making the request, bestowed on it all the consideration which it iustlv merited By the law, establishing the Post Office department, the appoint- ment ot all the officers employed in it, under the Post Master General is exclusively vested in him, without reference to the President Had it been intended that the President should control the appointments in de- tail, or take any agency in them, the pr( . isions of the law, and the powers granted by it, would have been different. Such also according to rav ex- perience and information on the subject, has been the uniform practice of tiie executive. For these reasons I deem it improper to interfere. I am bir with great respect, Your very obt. Sevt., James Monroe. 'tV ,. . ^ , , Washington, Jany. 6, 1822. It an apj;;!cation for delay m regard to the appointment of deputy Post iuaster at Albany be denied, we have to request that you will indulge ua W. W. Van Wvck. R. H. Walworth, Sam. Campbell. h ^S .Ji^- I I 11! 1 \ 390 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. with an opportunity of making further communication to you on the sub- ject before the ultimate decision be made. We have the honor to beyourobt. and very humble Servt's. D. D. Tompkins, Martin Van Buren. Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. Gentlemen, General Post Office, Jan. 7, 1822. I do not deem it expedient to delay the appointment of a Post Master at Albany. I cau have certainly no objections to receive from you any communications which you may be pleased to make on that subject. I have the honor to be respectfully your obt. servt., R. J. Meigs. Hon. D. D. Tompkins, Hon. M. Van Buren. (Received at Sun RisioiJ Jany. 7, 1822.) These letters with those following were sent to Albany to the committee. " Immediately wrote him a note that as the delay solicited could not be granted, he would receive the communication contemplated by the note of Mr. Van Buren and myself of Saturday by 1 o'clock. Mr. Stovenson delivered the note personally, and Mr. Meigs was pleased to say he would wait accordingly. D. D. Tompkins." A Letter to the Post Master General. Sir, Washington. Jany. 7, 1322. Having understood from you, that the P. 31. at Albany, was at all events to be removed, and sensible that such an event was not so known or expected by the citizens of that place, as to afford them an opportunity to express their wishes as to his successor, we on Friday last handed in a request for a postponement on the subject until they could be apprized of the determination of your department. In reply to our note you was pleased to say, that the consideration of the subject was with the Presi- dent, and that if he directed the postponcMnent it might be granted. Under an impression that, that question was still open with the President, we applied to him, and it appears by note, which he this moment enclosed to us, and which we here transmit to you, that a great proportion also of the representatives of our State, most of whom had signed Mr. V. K.'s application, to you, addressed a note to the President earnestly soliciting the delay asked for by us. At an early hour this morning, we were in- formed by you, that you do not deem it expedient to delay the appoint- ment, but declaring your readiness to receive the communication, we had requested an opportunity to make, before your ultimate decision on the question was made. Under these circumstances, we take the liberty of recommending to you for the appointment of deputy at Albany, John Lansing Jun. Esqr. Mr. L. is one of the few surviving patriots of the revolution; he was a member of the convention which formed the con- stitution of the U. S., and of that which adopted it in the State of N. Y.; has been chief justice of the Supreme Court, and Chancellor of the State, which latter place he held until arrived at the age of sixty, when, by the Constitution he was disqualified from continuing in it and reduced to the station of a private citizen. His integrity and capacity are unquestion- able, and the appointment in a pecuniary point of view would perhap.s be important to him, and to a numerous and amiable family. We feel Sir, that we speak correctly, when we say, that nothing would be more Legacy op Historical Gleanings. • 891 irrateful to the feelings of the people of our State, than to see an old patriot thus provided for in the evening of his dajs Of General Van Kensselaer we have no desire to say any thing which nu-rht excite personal prejudice ; that his conduct has been that of a gallant man, we cheerfully admit. But we submit to your consideration, how far he ha-s partaken of the justice of his country. It cannot be unknown to you that the U. S. have granted him a liberal pension for life, which with becoming munificence was allowed to commence many years back; mdcpendent of which, he has for a long time held a lucrative office in the Mate of iN. York, under several successive administrations of diflFerent and hostile political sentiments. Mr. Lansing is now and always has been, a firm and inflexible republi- rthrUnioi^ '"^ maintenance of the great republican party Mr Van R has throughout been a warm, active and indefatigable op- ponent oi that party. ° ^ We will not discriminate between the pretensions of the two gentlemen on he score of capacity and integrity, but assume that we feel confident will not be denied by the friends of Mr. V. R. that Mr. Lansing's are at leas equal to his. In this view of the subject we wish to submit to you. whether the preference ought not to be given to Mr. Lansing, because he belongs to the republican party, and to secure a decision upon that ques- lon by your department, we now propose, that if any objections are made to Mr. Lansing which have weight with you, we will suggest the name or Dames o other respectable republicans of the City of Albany, to whom theappointment will be acceptable. Knowing as we do that the republicans of the State of New York will regard it as a matter of great importance, that the Post Office at the seat of government should be in the hands of a gentleman of the same political character with themselves ; and anxious that they should fully understand the principle which in this particular governs your department, we have felt it to be our duty and our right to pre- sent, on this occasion, that question respectfully but distinctly to your decision. We forbear discussion on the matter and therefore content ourselves with observing, that whatever might be the correct course as to rernovals from office, at this time when the feelings of party are in some degree relaxed, we had flattered ourselves, with the hope that for new appointments at least (all other matters equal) a preference would be given by every department of a republican administration to its repub- hcan supporters. There is one more point of view on which we wish to present the matter to your consideration. Gen. Van Rensselaer held the bSr /yf "f ^"aT''^ "^ T.^'''' ^''' "^^"^y y^^'"' ^"d as we have re stated under different administrations. In the severe and trying contest in which the republicans of that State have for some years past been mvolved, he yielded his undivided exertions against them^ and was r in th^"^'*p rr-P"?''"- .Having succeeded in wresting the power trora the hands of their adversaries, the government of that State only last 2Z V f i P'^P"' v° .'^^""^ *« ^"" *^^ '■»'« ^l^'«>' h^fi with an un- paring hand been applied to their friends, by removing him from office. ine people of the State have at two successive elections by larc^e and de- r,'r'''-''"'!-'T' *I^P''^^''t»^^ ^'^"'•se of those whom they entrusted with the state. whinl, fl, -Vri^ ■ t.""'" ?" ""'"^^y ^'^^"^''-y t'^timate the feolings with wtuch they will learn, that a department of the general government has 892 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. II so soon, and under such circumstances, conferred an office which will give him much more political influence and consideration among them, that the one of which they have deemed fit to deprive him ; and will deter- mine to what respect those feelings are entitled. With respect : yr. obt. Servants, Danl. D. Tompkins, M. Van Buren. To Hon. Return J. Meigs, Post Master General. Post Master Oeneral to the Vice President and Martin Van Buren. Gentlemen, Genl. P. Office, Jany 8, 1822. _ Your communication of yesterday, I had the honor to receive, and to give it an atte viv pcusal, and a respectful consideration. I regret that on a view of u - •'< lole subject, I have not been able to accord with your views and opiniou With high respect, I am your most obt. Servant. The Hon. D. D. Tompkins. | R. J. Meigs The Hon. M. Van Buren. } :.ii \ Extract '< January 22, 1822. It is not a little singular that Mr Rufus King [U. S. Senator] the last federal candidate for Governor in this State, and the man to whom his friends looked as the standard of orthodoxy, should object to the appointment of General Van Rensselaer because he is a federalist; and it is still more strange, that the Vice President and others, should claim the post office department as an appendage to their party. I was the most surprised at the monstrous attempt to pursuade the President and the Post Master General, that the dominant party in this state, had a right to the Post Office in Albany as a party engine, for I can make nothing less of their proceedings. " No want of capacity or integrity is alleged against General Van Rens- selaer — yet he stands denounced by the very men who declare that he has been sustained in office by them for many years, when he was at the same time their active and efficient opponent. This is the highest com- pliment they could pass upon him, and yet the same men have the effront- ery to denounce this veteran at Washington, and not only this, but to demand the removal of the Post Master General or the appointment of a Post Master at Albany who will make his office subservient to the party views. The reason they assign for their eflForts to defeat this appointment of the General's was, because he ever openly was adverse and opposed to the party which they represented. I had imagined and supposed the sentiment was general that post offices and mail routes were established for tho benefit of the people at large without reference to political parties and I never before heard any party claim as a right the appointment of the agents employed to transact the business in which every party had an equal interest." Hon. John I). Dickinson to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington 22d .Tany, 1822. I have received your two packets containing Letters and recommenda- tion which had been sent back to you at Albany, and have personally de- livered them to the Post blaster General. You may rest entirely at ease as to any effort in the power of Southwiek to make here. I have this morning had a conversation with the Post Master General on the subject; lim J aad will deter- Legacy op Histori l Gleanings. 393 he remains perfectly satisfied and ^'ratified in the course he has taken \e are enga.pd in the discussion of the Bankrupt Law, Mr. Ser-^eant the btcyonmg dehvered a very able argument in favour. VVe are very much graf bed with the information that the Patroon is to be your Successor, an should be much pleased if he should be disposed to join us at Strothers kt me latreat you to write me often and keep me informed what is going ^''^f- ^ „ , I am yours sincerely. ^ ^ Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq. P. M. Albany. Jno. D. DicaNSON. The Bankrupt Law was "An act to establish an uniform system of Bank- ruptcy hroughout the United States." This act was not firmlly passed Jill the first session of the 27th congress in 1841. " At the ^noment the pre .deat (John Tyler ha. signed the Bankrupt act, a stranger burst into^J^s room, and entreated the president to give him the pen wi^h which he had si(,ned the bill. The request was readily granted, and the stranger took .away with hmi to preserve it as the instrument with which an act of g.orious beneficence had been executed. It is a triumph of Civilization • of Justice, and of TauB Liberty." v> vim/.AiioN, Expresmn of TlumMfrmn the Albany Bdegation. Albany January 23, 1822. It appearing by the proclamation of his Exce lency the Governor, that General Solomon Van Rensselaer has re! signed h.s seat in the House of Representatives of the Unitd States Ahert ^eso^t-ecZ Unanimously that the thanks of the Delegates of the Citv andCounty of Albany be presented to General Solomon Van Ren? SELAER or his faithful services as their Representative in Congress And kt while this Convention regret his resignation, they are JratTfied "a bowing that the General Government, in the exerd.o of an fnli Ihtened d hberal policy have rewarded his valuable services to his coun l by con rnng upon him a respectable office- the duties of which he is emi nently qualified to discharge. "*' "On motion resolved unanimously: That the Hon. Stephen Vav Rensselaer be and is hereby recommended to the electors 0I the cftv and county of Albany as a suitable person to represent the said ctv and county in the house of the representatives of the United States ^ By order of the Committee W. W. Dougherty, Sec. '''' ^^ ^o^^htalino, Chairman. To Hon. Solomon Van Rensselaer Present. General Stephen Van Rensselaer was elected over Solomon South- w^k, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Gen. Solomon ^::^iz^&r^^ -' ''''■ '- ^-^-— had 2258 "It IS mentioned as illustrative of the influence formerly exercised bv fh^ Dutch landed proprietors, that during the fir- -orHLrs fbrwini^tlie »ion of thefede^ govei-nme.rt undei eheCoLtSon frllTsS V erSl f "'•' '^'"^'•'^^'"g Albany was represented for twent>/.ttco Jars 1>S V of th'"p"? ''^' rr '^ ^^^^ ^^^^^-^^^m and connltedC ZT^ ^L^'}"'''""^ '^'"' '' t« «-y. Jkhemiah Van Rensselakr, ^^eJ^^ ' ''''^""'"' ^"'^''"^ ""-^ Stephen ten years in' 50 894 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. Ill afitii :»?«« Albany January 24th. " Our buck tail follow citizens appear to be ex- treuioly ofl'cnded ut the post muster general's luudihouil in presuming to appoint Solomon Van llenHSclacr, post master, in this city, without their approbation. What Mr. Meigs can do to appease their wrath 1 do not know. It .seems he was duly apprised of Mr. Van llonsselaer's sin of feder- alisni and oppu;;natiou to the present democratic party here, and that he notwithstanding Jcnoioiiujly and wilfully made the appointment; but what is worse, the heads of departments at Washington gave it their unequivo- cal sanction. The inference is that the admini.stration of the federal govern- ment do not consider the political creed of the bucktails to be perfectly orthodox, or else that it savors too much of intolerance to meet the libera! views and enlightened policy which prevails at Washington. In eitliercase the appointment of Mr. Van Rensselaer furnishes a pledge that an honest difference of opinions on political questions is not an insuperable objection to preferment under the United States government." " Substantially the facts in the case are, that 3Ir. Southwick as post-ma.ster has fallen several thousand dollars in arrears to the department, that every opportunity, time and indulgence had been allowed him to make up the defalcation; that the patience ol' the department having literally became exhausted upon the subject, the post-master-general determined to remove him and to appoint a successor. The vacancy being known to the del'""ation in congress from New York, twenty-tioo members from that state large majority of them repuhltcans, recommended General Van Rensselaer to the post-ma stcr-yeneral as a suitable person to Jill it. In addition to its being the expression of the will of the people, made on this occasion through the representatives in favor of Gen. Van Kensselaer, it was con- sidered that his appointment was called for on the ground of the distin- guished military services he has rendered to his country at different times." " A Republican Meeting was held January 25, 1822, at Skinner's mansion house at which the venerable John Tayler, lieut. governor was called to the chair, upon which he addressed the meeting to the following effect : My friends and fellow citizens, you have been pleased to call me to preside over this meeting. In a few months I shall count the age of four score, but notwithstanding, I am alive to the happiness and welfare of my country, it is with sincere regret that I have of late wit- nessed meetings in this city to censure certain officers of the general government ibr exercising their functions under the constitution. Meetings of this kind can have no other effect than to excite and keep alive the angry feelings in society, which have for sometime, to the honor of our country, been subsiding. Severe censures have been passed on the post master general for appointing a deputy in this city ; and a correspond- ence with him and the president, on the subject, laid before the public, which, in my humble opinion, does not redound to the credit of those to whom the people have confided other duties. If appointments made by the governun nt, are to pass in review before meetings called to approve or censure, then we shall be continually engaged in political conteutions, and society will never be at rest. I would beseech you to beware of pre- tenders for the public good, who have continually the people, the pcople\a their mouths, when ambition and self aggrandizement are the true mo- tives for their action. In a republican government, it is the duty of its citizens to submit to, and obey the laws of their countryj and the legiti- mate acts of the government; and if any of them are burdensome and Leqacy op IIistokical Gleanings. 395 opprcssivo, thoy are to be redressed and removed by lueuria amply provided tor by the constitutioQ of our country. When the lute war was declared IwuH opposed to the measure because I thought wo wore not properly prepared to contend with so powerful a nation, and that it mi.-ht have been avoided by negotiation ; but when it was determined by lawful authority I gave It my warm and zealous support. Its result was glorious to our country, it gave us an eminent rank among the nations of Europe and secured to us a military fame that will be lasting and beneficial." ' General Peter Oansevoort was then appointed secretary. The objecta of the meeting were then explained by Philip S. Parker, Esq., in a speech ot some length, in which Mr. Parker stated the very extraordinary proceedings of a meeting held at Rockwell's Mansion House, on the L'lst in which the post master general was in direct terms denounced and the heads of departments of general government unjustly denounced oil account of the recent appointment of a deputy post master for this citv Ihat meeting had produced so much excitement in the public mind, that many of the republicans of the city had been induced to call a meeting of the citizens friendly to the general and state administrations. .Mr Parker remarked with groat force on the impropriety of enlisting and engaging the general government in the petty party feuds in a state county or town, and he could not believe that any man who would ur-e 8uch a measure and endeavor to draw the Loads of department into ft could be actuated by friendly motives for the government and its per- petuity ; but on the contrary, must be governed by narrow, selfish and interested views. That the manifest inconsistency of the vice president and the senatora from Ms state, in relation to the same appointment, was 80 great that he was astonished at their conduct. That Mr Kin- a high toned federalist and ci-devant leader of the party, should objecT to the appointment of General Van Rensselaer as a c'eputy post master kcame he was a federalist, is truly remarkable. Mr. Parker stated as a act very notorious, in this city d state, that the vice president and Mr. Van Buren were zealous and active supporters, and contributed much to the e 3ction of Mr. King to the senate of the United States, notwith- standing he was a federalist! And that very many of that party who (luring the late war, used every exertion to thwart the views and opera- tions of the general, as well as the government of this state, while (leiieral Van Rensselaer was fighting the battles of his country and spilling lis blood in its defense, having been taken by Mr. Van liuren into full confidence, and through his controlling influence over the council of appointment of this state, have been apoomted to honor- able and lucrative offices. That the inconsistency of the vice president was still more glaring. During the late war, the same General Van Kensselaer held the office of adjutant general ; and at the most import-- ant cri.sis, and when his services were considered e.s8ential in military operations, and as soon as the wounds which he had then received so recently in fighting the battles of his country, would enable him to act lie was taken into the vice president's military family (then commander- in-ctiiet ot this state) and placed at the head of his personal staflF as adjutant general, and continued in that office during the vice president's administration of the government of this state, and when he accepted the Office of vice president left the adjutant general in office. Mr! Parker Observe.' , that there wa.s one fact iu relatiou to this transaction, which rendorod the vice president still more inconsistent, and that was his ^1 m It 896 Legacy of Historical Qleaninos. Bigning a recommendation in favor of the Hon. John Lansing, Jr as depi'ty post master, in which ho declares that Mr. Lansing "is now and always has been a firm and inflexible republican "— the vice president must have forgotten that a few weeks since, he stated in public debate in the convention of this state, that Mr. Lansing was a quid, and that the quids acted in concert with the federalists in opposition to the republican party. ^ Mr. Parker alluded in a very handsome manner to the valuable services rendered by Gen. Van Rensselaer to his country, of his readiness at all times to risk his life in defense of its rights and honor; of the severe wounds he hud received in the two wars in which he had served, and that the post master general was actuated by the most noble and honorable feelings in preferring such a companion in arms, a brother soldier with whom ho had served, and one whom he knew to be honest, brave and skillful. Mr. Parker said he could not refrain from declaring his gratifi. cation that such a man, so deserving (by whatever political nlime he may be distinguished), //te/trro of ficu icurs, had received from the government of his country an appointment, the income of which would enable him to support an amiable and numerous family, which in consequence of his wounds, at this period of his life, he is otherwise unable to furnish. Of the resolutions, among others read to the meeting by the secretary and unanimously adopted : Kesolvkd, that the obtrusive and perseverinfl interference of the vice president of the United States and the Senators from this state in the appointment of a deputy post master for this city were not warranted by any importance or influence, which the office con- ferred j and was incompatible with official decorum; and foreign from their legitimate duties; and that it received a merited rebuke in theVompt- ness of the measures which were adopted by the general government • and that the subsequent transmission to this city of the communicationa which took place on that occasion by Daniel D. Tompkins and Martin Van Buren, for the purpose of exciting dissatisfaction with the national administration and producing an angry appeal to the people, was an act greatly to be deprecated, as well from its intrinsic demerits, as the per- nicious example of insubordination and contumely which it exhibits to the community. ' John Tayler, Chairman. Peter Gansevoort, Secretary. Federal Meeting on January 29ach a character [Do Witt Olinton] as New York could furnish at tho nead of our Republic, to give it new life, spirit and vigor ? It is with you to make the comment. iirns and defeat their is some thing rotkn Legacy of IIistohical Gleanings. 890 Y.m arc acquainted with n.y foulinjjH -and I be- you to bo r.surod of Ml) ..a..t cordial wishes for the health and lelicity o» yourself and tun.ily. ,, y , ,r ,. , Joshua CuHHMAN [of Maino.l lion, holouion Van Ilensseluor, Albany, State of New York. These congratulatory letters were not few or far between, another fncnd writes to h.m : " 1 know dear General, you will probably smile when you get n.y letter that I should write to you, but I know^ou so well tJ.ut I know where you are, you nmst be respected, and, of course pusso.8 that degree of .ntluenee which is your due I also know your nnbleness of nature w, I ever prompt you, .ith an unromiftinK pcrseve- ranee, to ass.st your fnends ; nay, [ have i:Mown you sacrifice your inte- rests, and alnwsfj/ounel/tothem, without hope of reward, or expectation eleven a grate ul return. I thank heaven you are now quietly ^eate in a prosporous situation and may live as you please. You are entitled to my gratitude as a friend not only, but you have just claims upon my revnr.u:, as a I'utr.ot also ; of whom I feel proud Our visit to you still furnishes many pleu.ing reflections, and elicits . neated aeknowledgo- lueuts of your gentlemanly attentions, and the ' . hospitality of your interesting family. It aflords mo pleasure to sk .hat my house will ever be open to them all; and that 1 shall esteem 'a .isitfrouf yourself or tS: .'" V'. "'"' "[ ' t"''^' "' '" 'r^^' ""^ «"'^ -^ P'«"«"re. but an honor. With kindest regards, I must say farewell." "We extremely regret to mention that on Saturday night, Feb. 16 I8>2 the dwelling house, of General Van Rensselaer, one^'mile south of the city at Mount Hope, was consumed by fire, with much valuable property which was in it at the time. It was the work of incendiaries, wLS having set fire to the house, broke into the room in which the genc'ral's on, Kensselaer Van Rensselaer, slept (the rest of the family resid.n-^ in own) with intention no doubt to murder him. but who, being awakened by the noise, sprang from his bed, and seizing his musket, placed himself in a corner of the room, and with uncommon presence o'f mind, as the liains entered, called out, '< Fire my lads ! " and at the same time dis! Jea that he. had friends with him, that they fled with great precipitation but in passing through a narrow hall he was knocked down by one of hem, and lay for some minutes stunned on the floor, where he was found by his hired man, who slept in an adjacent apartment and who alarmed y tl c report of a musket, now flew to his aid. The flames were already urnting from the house in several directions, and their attention was lied to saving tne property instead of pursuing the villains who had disappeared but whose track through the snow plainly pointed out the course they had taken. In addition to the reward of $500 offered in the proclamation of his excellency the governor [De Witt Clinton! on the occasion ; General Van Rensselaer otfers the like reward of 8500 for the discovery of the person or persons who were concerned in this most ne^ anous transaction Tracks of blood were discovered the next moTning to the turnpike and three men were seen running l.wn the hill by the hired men sum \rla ^^Vi. ^"^ """'^ ""''' P'""^''^'>' to S'''° possession of the *500 which he was to pay into the Bank." la 'i h 400 Leqacy op Histortcal Gleanings. The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. My Dear Sir, Georj^etown Feb. 19, 1822. I just received from Mr. Davis a letter announcing the concurrence of a IMeeting of my fellow Citizens of Albany with the County Convention as their representative. The letter was deposited in your Box and accidentally I discovered it. You will have the goodness to make this apology for me to Mr. Davis, the Secretary and my friends for mj apparent neglect in not answering the communication, it is now too late. Van Buren told me Hammond of Cherry Valley had written to him, that the Governor would db.iiu). I conjecture he has forwarded to B — his adhesion. Pray write to me the news and who will be the next Candidate for the Chair. How would the Secretary of the Navy [Smith Thompson] go down!' V. Buren thinks and speaks of Judge Yates. Offer my respects to all my friends. Your friend, Gen. Sol. Van llensselaer, P. M., Albany. S. V. Rensselaer. " In 1822 Governor De Witt Clinton declining a re-election, he was succeeded by Joseph C. Yates. During this year (1822), the constitution of the state having been revised by a convention at Albany the preceding year, was accepted by the people in January. During the summer of 1822 the yellow fewr made great depredations in New York city. From the 13th day of July to the 2d of November, twelve hundred and thirty-six persons died. On the 24th of August, the city presented the appearance of a town beseiged. From day break till night, one line of carts, contain- ing boxes, merchandise and effects, were seen moving towards Greenwich village or other country places." Jo8e2)h Delaplaine to Oen. V^^n Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1822. I take the liberty of soliciting the favour of you to furnish me within a few weeks, should you have leisure, a very brief account of such subjects, in relation to your Section of our country as you feel interested to see in the picture of the U. States, and for which I shall give you credit in the publication, unless you direct otherwise. Deriving no emolument from this work, I respectfully reijuest you to have the goodness to favour me so much as to transmit whatever I may be honoured with, by such convey- ance as will be attended with no expense. Should you decline giving at- tention to the Subject, I trust you will ha"e the kindness to place it into the hands of some competent individual. Albany merits a very particular account in the work. It gives me pleasure to mention, that jour Portrait in my Gallery is recognized by all who know you. With every Sentiment of respect, I am, dear Sir, Your obedt. Svt. Joseph Delaplaine. Genl. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Post Maaior, Albany. The above mentioned portrait was the most strikingly correct likeness, ever taken of Gen. Van Rensselaer, and for many years was in Philadel- phia, but subsequently purchased by P. T. Barnuni, Esq. DiBeront members of Geo. Van Reu-sselaer's family, when in Now York, repeaicdiy tried to obtain possession of this valuable picture but they were told by the proprietor that " money could not buy it." 3xt Candidate for the Thompson] go down!' Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 401 A few years since, when " Barnuni's Museum" was destroyed by fire un ortunately this cherished portrait with the rest of his truly viiluable collection was reduced to ashes. "VVashington March 12, 1H22. A new member, to wit: from the state of New York — bTKPiiE.v Van Uensselaeh, elected to supply the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Solomon Van Kensselaeb appeared produced his credentials, and took his seat: the oath to support the constitution of the United States being first administered to him by the speaker. ' "The venerable Stephen Van Rensselaer is a man whose head is now whitened by the frosts of many winters, who has held many important triLsts, both in the general and state governments, with credit to himself and honor to the state, and a man whom, in the most bitter party times the voice of disapprobation has never followed from any of the public stations, to which he had been elevated by the confidence of his fellow citizens : a man of the most unblemished character, whose purse strings have never been known to be drawn against the cries of want and distress • a man whose extreme liberality has long since become proverbial and is universally known throughout the country as the most efficient protector and supporter of the arts and sciences, and whose name is identified with many of the most valuable seminaries of learning in our state : and is ia fact the most unexceptionable man whom our state affords, whose judg- ment and discretion have never been called in question until a party of Anti-Masons sought to empty their vials of wrath upon his head and to immolate upon their altar because he announced his acceptance of the office of grand master." General Van Rensselaer was now fifty-ei-ht years of age and the Almanac of life, in the progressive stage of his existence shovped this to be, the month of September when the season of labor is nearly over. " The harvest of life is gathered in, and the days are consi- derably shortened, and his toil ended." Beuhen Tower to Gen. Van Benssdaer. ^^\ , Sangerfield, Oneida Co., March 25, 1822. A week ago to-day a man came to my Distillery and offered to work for me, Wishing to employ help I set him to work at $10 a month to work or a year if he suited -iie. In the course of the week I found he would drink to excess, and at the end of the week I dismissed him. Since ho went away, from what he told my workmen I am pretty well persuaded that he may have been wounded in settin;> tiro to your house and other sets of violence on your son. lie called his name George Edge • said he " lived when at home within J of a mile of your house that was burnt " and that his " wife now kept a tavern," that ho " had been from home about 5 weeks." That he had been on the Delaware river, and went to the great bend on the Susquehanna and from thence he came up the Che- nango to this place. His having left home about the time your house was burnt and having straggled about in this manner raised the suspicion 1" my lumd for he is a very sunplchus person. He professes to be a I'jiller by trade, is very well clad — indeed his clothes are better considera- m than most of people who labor for a living. He is a stout built robust ookmg Idlow about 5 ft. 10 inches in height of light complexion, said "e was boin in Kngiand. Althou-h a stranger to you I am induced to l^ivejruu this information, it may and it may not amount to much. You 51 I I 402 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. II 1^9 probably may recollect who I am, when I relate to you that in 1812, when you went from Sackett's Harbor to Oswego in company witli (jen. Stephen Van Rensselaer in a clam-shell of a boat, that I then had the care of the guard of about J dozen men who went with you. We went ashore at tlie mouth of Salmon River late at night and your Hon. friend John Lovett slept in ao Oven. T am Dear Sir, yours Very Respectfully, Solomon Van Rensse. ler, Esq., P. M.. Albany. Reuben Tower. The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington, April 9, 1822. The reason of my locating myself at Georgetown was the Company: Otis — Mills — Gorham — Mercer — Warfield — all very fine fellows and the exercise I should be obliged to take in consequence of the distance would contribute to my health. Van Ruren, I understood, was at Strothcrs, but found him at Rradly's contrary to my expectations, and the mess would not consent to my removing. I made your friendly regards to Cols. Williams and Johnson; they often speak of you and hope you will discover the incendiaries. Col. Williams is in favor of Crawford, he is the favourite at present beinj^a Virginian ; that State will be in his favor unless they see a prospect for Clay as President. V. Buren was, when he arrived here, a Calhoun man, but he is at present, I fancy, in Crawford's interest. Skinner is here, they are assailing him and suspect they will change him. Sterling tells me, that the Pennsylvania members are generally for Calhoun, but their Senators are for Crawford and I think Piudley will bring them over; they talk of Lowrie for Governor. Governor Clinton I think is rising in public estimation the more they appreciate his character. I have en- deavoured to remove their objections; they represent him as an intriguer and as dangerous a man as Burr was. If he retires a few years, his weight of Character will be acknowledged and hewill rise. Let me hear from you the news as often as you have leisure. Your friend, S. V. Rensselaer. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y. Judge Gonkling to Qen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Canajoharie Sept. 27, 1822. The friendly interest which you manifested when I last saw you in Albany in regard to my re-election to Congress, induces me to take this early occasion to apprise you of the nomination of Mr. John W. Cady as my successor, at a meeting of our delegates on yesterday in Johnstown. Considering what passed between you and Mr. Daniel Cady at the August term, you will, I think, notwithstanding your thorough acquaintance witli the nature of mankind, be a little surprised at this result. These gentle- men are kinsmen and partners. There was a strong disposition among our friends to nominate Mr. Daniel ('ady for Senator, but on being spoken to a week or two ago upon the subject, he declined the honor; and it may perhaps incresise your surprise to learn, that the motive ascribed to him for so doing, was a desire to favor the views of my rival. In this how- ever, great injustice may have been done him — for it is nothing less than the imputation of gross hypocrisy, practiced not toward you aloue, Dut some of my friends in this county also. ■jt^l Legacy of IIistouioal Gleanings. 403 S. V. Rensselaer. What T have said of him therefore, I desire that you will, for the pres- cnt, consider confidential. As it regards my own feelings in thi.s matter, I am happy to have it in my power to say, that I am not mortified, nor much disappointed. I have known for some time that Mr. Cady was making great exertions in different parts of the county to ensure his suc- cess, and delegates have been selected with a special view to that object. For myself, I early determined to abstain altogether, from any such inter- ference, even in ray own town, and have insisted upon the same course of conduct on the part of my friends; and I have the satisfaction to be well assured, that public sentiment, could it have been brought to act spontan- eously, would have produced a different result. Mr. i^'ish is nominated far Senator, and, what I am highly gratified with, Mr. Huntington for Lieutenant Governor. It is understood that he will not decline, and that his nomination will be promptly concurred in, in several other counties. With much esteem and respect, I remain dear Sir, Your friend and humble Servt, Solomon Van llenssolacr, T. M., Albany. A. Conklinq. Secretary of State to " Ml. Van Rensselaer. Sir, Department of State, vVashington, 2d November 1822. I have forwarded to you a (Jopy of the Additional Census of Alabama, in virtue of an Act of Congress of the 7th of March last; the receipt of which you will be pleased to acknowledge. I have the honour to be, very respectfully. Sir, Your obedient and very humble servant, Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esq., Albany, N. Y. J. Q. Adams. "Hon. John Quincy Adams is one of the intellectual prodigies whose character distinguishes Eras of time. A hundred years hence the Ame- rican annals will show only two names, Benjamin Franklin and Geor"-e Washington, brighter than that of the ' old man eloquent,' the illustrious statesman. The tender little prayer, ' Now I lay me down to sleep,' the first one taught John Quincy Adams by the mother whose memory was so dear to him to the last, was repeated by him every night when he went to bed ; and he continued to do so till the day of his death." Judge Van Ness to Gen. Van Rensselaer and Dr. Bay. My dear friends. New York Monday Dec. 30th, 1822. This year is about drawing to a close, and I wish to terminate it in peace with all mankind if I can. I wrote you a letter some time ago con- taining no doubt many expressions highly improper, cruel and unjust j the only atonement I can make is to ask your pardon and forgiveness. My Wife, myself and servant (by the advice of Dr. Post) sail for Char- leston on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday depending on wind and weather. If you should become reconciled to me let me hear from you both every once in a while. May God enable you, may God suffer you to eajoy many happy returns of the season. Your sincere friend. W. W. Van Ness. Solomon Van Rensselaer and William Bay, Albany. The above letter was the last epistolary record we find of this noble niaii. '; William W. Van Nes.s was born at Cluverack, i.i the county of ^•'lumbia, in 1776, and died at (;hario«lon, South Curuliua, on Thursday -7th of February, 1823, in the forty-eighth year of his age. ' 4, . i! il ^1 fW i i 404 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. " He studied law with John Bay, Esq., of Claverack. (ITiason, Dr. Wil- liani Bay, married a sister of Judge Van Ness. There was a slight mis- understanding between the gentlemen.) Mr. Van Ness was licensed an attorney at the age of twenty-one years; was el ,ted to the assembly in 1805 and in 1807 was appointed a judge of the supreme court, where he officiated about fifteen years. He possessed talents and acquirements fitted to adorn the most exalted stations, At the close of his judicial labors he opened a law-ofiice in the city of New York, but his health soon declined, and he traveled south for the recovery of his health. Alas, it was in vain, the hand of death fixed upon his vitals, and he breathed his last sigh far from the scenes of his triumphs and delights, the endearments of home, and the sympathetic condolence of his weeping friends, in a land of strangers, yet soothed by the ministrations of his gentle wife. " Only those that were intimately acquainted with his character, who knew the magnanimity of his soul, the dignity and purity of his public deportment, and the amiable virtues of his private life, can fully appreciate his worth. It is only those who have listened with admiration at his elo- quence, who have been astonished at the vast comprehension of his mind on the bench, or have hung with rapture upon his words in the senate, can tell the extent and brilliancy of his talents. He was beloved and ad- mired by Hamilton. That great and immortal man was heard to suv, that he ever derived relief and pleasure from association with him in pro- fessional avocations. Commanding indeed, must have been that eloquence, great and comprehensive that intellect, which could insure to a youth a parallel rank with the eminent Hamilton. As an advocate, equally dis- tinguished for the splendor of his genius ami strength of judgment, he stood at an early age in the front rank of his profession. Discriminating in the elicitation of truth, no sophistry could withstand, no art elude his intuitive penetration. Careless of the acquisition of wealth, he left little of it to his bereaved family. But he has left to them and to posterity, a legacy more valuable than riches, more durable than marble. " His remains were brought from Charleston and buried in the church yard at Claverack, a plain, simple stone marks the spot where his sacred relics sleep. The memory of his virtues will long be fresh and green in the midst of us." Judae Alfred Conkling to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 11, 1823. The more I have reflected upon the subject of fixing my future resi- dence in your city, the more unwilling I have become to abandon my pro- ject of doing so. But I entertain so many doubts about the expediency or rather safety of the ujeasure, that I have become very anxious to learn from you the result of the in(iuiries you so obligingly oS'ered to make in regard to it. I am particularly desirous of ascertaining whether a part- nership would be agreeable to Mr. Parker. [Philip S. Parker.] As it re- spects Mr. Hammond, I have recently received a letter from him, in which he mentioned some circumstances relating to his views, that render it improbable that any such connexion will be formed between him and me. If therefore you have not already sounded him upon the suhject, you need not give yourself the trouble of doing so. But let me hear from you my dear tSir, as soon as convenient. We are beginning to look with gre.'it. interest for now.", from i\!bany, I hope we will receive the Gover- nor's Message tomorrow. It was very much in character for General lion. Discriminating ind, no art elude his Legacy op Historical Gleaninqs. 405 Root to insist upon counnencin^' the session on the first of January m opposition to the chief justice. The (Jeneral, I suppose, will be for radica measures, and if his influence should be predominant in the Senate I think there is reason to apprehend much mi "ihief from it. Before this reaches you, you will probab! aave heard of the nomina- tion of Mr. Clinton on the 24th of last month by the citizens of Cincin- nati, at a meeting of which the Mayor of that city was chairman. They have given a very able and well written exposition of their reasons for prcfering Mr. Clinton to the other candidates, which I have just read. Caimoa's favorite bill, providing for the encampment of the militia offi- cer after two days debate is laid upon the table, where I think its sleep wi be eternal. Thus far things have gone on in our house smoothly and well No calls for information for the purpose of implicating presidential candidates and less idle talk. You will be gratified to learn that our friend Mr. Golden [Cadwallader D. Golden], though still indiscreet, occupies much more advantageous ground than he did last session. Mr. Wood [Silas W ood] is as indefatigable as ever and talks as much about LaSale Clavigero &c. Tracy [Albert H. Tracy] still insists that there is no honesty in the world, and nothing worthy of ambition. General Cook re- turned a few days since from a visit to the Rip-Raps and has become a ^oo^ert. With perfect truth, I remain dear Sir, Your friend and hum Servt., a 1 -tr T. 1 ,, ^- CONKLING. bolomon Van Rensselaer Esqr., P. M. Albany, N. Y. "Upon the expiration of his term (to the seventeenth congress in which his recognized talents gave him honorable rank) the Hon. Alfred Conklin.^ removed to the city of Albany and engaged in the practice of his profes" sion. It was while residing here in 1825 that President John Quincy Adams nominated and the senate unanimously confirmed him as iudge of the United States district court for the northern district of New York Ihis othce he held for more than a quarter of a century. His strong iudi- cial faculties, his high sense of honor and ample culture well fitted him lor it. Bon. Henry Clay to Oen. Van Rensselaer. ^"i.?T'i'K . P- , • Washington March 18, 1823. 1 take the liberty of inclosing to your care a letter for Gen. Porter not nowing whether he may not have left Albany, in which case I pray' you to have the goodness to give it the proper destination to reach him 1 seize the occasion to assure you of my continued esteem and rec^ard or you. and to say that I have derived groat pleasure fVom learning"that our friendly sentiments towards me, inspired during our mutual service in the h. of R. remain unabated. Be pleased to say to the Patroon that I hope he found on his arrival at Home, every thing as he would have it. I am faithfy & Cordially yr. oh. Servt. Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer P. M. Albany, New York. * ^^^' iJm'w "/'"^ ^^'' '^''''"' ^^''^ *''^ resolution, introduced by the Hon. :;" , ^^'^'^•■' "'^^ d'«cussed, and urged by him in one of the ablest tET """"^ P™"'^,""^'^-^ '» congress, providing for the recognition of tiie inUepeudence of Greece. It received the most cordial support of Mr. ii 406 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. Clay, but failed of success. "Althouem, rri. TT a , -.r ^O'*'" Obt. Servt. ine Hon. bol. Van Rensselaer. c, P. Van Ness. Cornelius P. Van Ness was a younger brother of Hon. W. P. Van Ness. in 1806 he emigrated to the state of Vermont and fixed his residence at &t. Albans, about twenty miles from the Canada frontier; he there comuicnced the study of law. In 1809 he removed to Burlin-ton the largest and most important town in the state of Vermont, for the purpose of pursuing his profession. In 1818, he was elected a member of the general assembly of the state for the town of Burlington, and was re- elected the three iullowing years. Durinn to induce the Members to attend a Caucus to nominate Crawford A nomination will be made next month or the beginning of Februarv • it IS reported here that Gov Yates will be offered the Vice Presidents char It he does no recommend an election by the people. Let me hear from gu often. Conkhng requested me to mention him with his respects J Williams also ; he speaks frequently of having written to you and received no answer. I am m great favor with all your friends. ^eceivea n o 1 ir T> . -^^^^ yours Sincerely Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany. s. V. Rensselaer. J. B. Mower to Oen. Van Rensselaer. My dear Sir, Washington, Jany. 5, 1824 Will you give mo a letter of introduction, to your friend Richard M Johnson, Senator from Kentucky ? I want one from you, because you and ,are New Yorkers. I shall have one from J. C. Calhoun also Twa„t ^^)^^ we I acquainted with Colonel Johnson. The talk here yesteX was, hat Crawford was going to die (he is better to day), that should he .e, then Mr. Adams would receive the benefit of Mr. CVawfor A death iSr " l!!';u!°?.l«" "'i7 «Y. - -„!^-"?..- you please. If the g man. T„ ■ I , ' , .' ~ J ""J "" "° oi,iuuj; aa yuu Diease. Legislature passes the law (electoral) De Witt Clinton is a stron you may depend. Look out for Combinations. Your friend den. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. J. B. Mower. Letcis Williams to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Tf';. . , , , Washington, Jany. 13. 182.t^ 1 tl ..i!,k you sincerely for your letter with it;; inclosuio re yesterday by the mail. New York and Virginia ought to resist the com on 410 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. i binatioD among the small States to throw the election into the House of Representatives. If the small States determine to bring things to that issue, the larger States owe it to themselves to prevent it if posBible. From all the indications received I think Mr. Crawford's election as sure as any event of the kind can be. In Congress he has twice as many friends as any other candidate. Hut it is the object of his opponents to distract and divide the Electoral vote, so as to defeat him if possibly they can. But I trust they will be disappointed in this calculation. Every man acquainted with Crawford knows his worth, and as you are among the number of his acquaintances you will be able to correct many of the falsehoods and misrepresentations which have gone abroad. I am f;lad to be able to say to you that Crawford is getting well fast. He will bo able to go abroad shortly. Your friend truly and Sincerely, Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Lewis Williams. J, B. Mower to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington City, Feb. 6, 1824. I am favored with your polite letter to Col. Johnson and I thank you for it. That part of the President's Message respecting 'Postmasters,' will not even get into the new bill, give yourself no trouble my friend, 1/ou are safe. Do inform me about the law, my letters and those of others, are very opposite. For instance. Root, Peter B. Porter, and Gen, McClure all write here, that the Electoral law will not pass; mine say it will. I have mi/ fears. It is confidently asserted here. Sir, that General Jackson will be the strongest man at the Convention at Harrisburgh on the 4th of March. Your friend J. B. Mower. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. "The presidential election was now near at hand, and very early, pre- ferences had been avowed for particular candidates in various parts of the country. The legislatures of several states had brought forward their favored ones as competitors." The Patroon to Sol. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington Feb. 15, 1824. I give the result of the miserable Caucus which was held last nighf, in the Hall of the Rep. Chamber ; the Gallery was crowded and overflowing. When the Ballot was declared there were heavy groans in the'Gallery I was told. What effect it will have in our State among the legislature write tome. Jackson gains ground daily. Your friend Cocke did not attend although in favor of Crawford, he is denounced already. Judge Rugglcs in the Chair. E. Calling, Sec. 16 of our delegation attended. President — Crawford 62 votes: Adams 2: Macon 1 : Jackson 1. Vice-President — Gallatin 57 : Root 2 : Adams 2 : Rush 1 : Lowrie 1, Your friend, S. V. Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington Feb. 19, 1824. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from your exertions at the Fire, and am glad you succeeded, and hope you will soon be convalescent I forwarded to you through the Po.st Office the Post Office 15111 and will advise you of its progress, it is committed to a Com'tee of the whole. The new Tariff Bill, will occupy the house for a week or two louger, I believe there is no disposition to remove you by your old opponent. We are all waiting anxiously to hear what effect the Caucus will have in the Lbqacy of IIistorioal Gleanings. 411 u '^?'} H'."'"'"'^"- ^' •« expected Crawford will bo nominated by them Mr. (.lay 8 triends expect the Hunio ; poor Calhoun it is thouj,'ht will have to with-draw if Pennsylvania goes for Jackson, who it is said has a ma- jority ot the nominatory corn'teo to meet the 4th of iMaroh at Harrisburiih Write to me the news — if any occurs. Your friend Gen. Sol. Vau Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. S. V. Rensselaer. rought forward their CIIArTER XIX. Visit of General the Marquis de La Fayette. General Orders. uTi, T> -A . c.i „ ."Najy Department, 17th August, 1824. " The President of the United States directs that General La Fayette when he arrives in this country, be received at all the United States' Xaval Stations, and by all the United States' ships in commission, with honors due to the hij^hest rank in our service." In the year 1824 great preparations were making for some important event, and the cry- 'Zra Fayette's commj — La Fayette's comL"^ was echoed far and wide, and I — a little girl not yet seven years old — was as much interested as any one to see the revolutionary hero the valorous champion for our liberty. General the Marquis de La Fayette had been invited to visit the United States as the guest of the nation and a fine ship of war placed at his disposal. The invitation was accepted ut he had selected an ordinary sailing vessel — the ship Cadmus' taptam Allyn, with commendable respect had given up his frei-'ht and passengers for the better accommodation of La Fayette. After a pleasant passage of 31 days the vessel arrived at the quarantine ground New York on Saturday evening August 14fch, and arrangements were 'made for a grand public entry into that city on Monday; when he was received with the most enthusiastic demonstrations of affection, by a grateful people who remembered, that 48 years before he had fought by the side of Gen Washington. The corporation had chartered the Chancellor Livin-ston steamboat to receive the general, together with three other steamboats dressed elegantly with flags and streamers ; they were all filled with ladies and gentlemen, and each boat had a fine band of music. On board the Chancellor was the superior band from West Point, which Capt Center brought down. The general was accompanied by his son, Geor-e Washington La Fayette — a very fine looking man somewhat advanced m years — and his secretary. The most interesting sight was the reception of the welcome visitor by his old companions in arms. Col. Marinas Willett, now in his eiIl in tlio tlicatni iind ovory hdimr iiuiipod upon tlio niildoniaii, wiiu wmh partidiilnrly ^riitilit'd with liiH viMit nt tlu) navy yard niid ()th(>r cii^'ii^Miig local ^«itoM, llorallod on tho widow of (Sonorul limn- ilton ; with hor to dwoll upon thu I'dcollootionH ot' liiH puhlio 8urvi(;i>H and oondoli' upon tho loss Hiistainod in his death hy his <'ountry. There i-i u trndor thdicacy and charactiT in Huidi inarks td' attention, which rciidcr thoni truly valuahlc, also most cnMlihKi to iicart and mind. "On Friday 20lh, Ihogi-ncral lol't New V'orkahout ninoo'dook in tho morning for IW ton, \r a ooacdi drawn hy lour hcautifiil whitt; horHcs. I n tho pouch was ifn son and suilo ; ho was acconipanit'd hy four othor carriaf;oH and a military osoort. IIo annoiini'i'd his intontion of roturning to Now Vork durinjjtiiu oarly part id' Sfptonilior, and in a li'w tliiys aftor lio will proceed to i'liilii- delphia, extending his tour south and to tho far west. .I(din II, Wcndull and Matthew (ire^'ory, two revolutionary patriots, havo hcen appointed hy the corporation ol Alhany, to repair to New Vork, and deliver to Lii Kayotte, a lottor of invitation from the conimtui council to visit Albuuy." ( 'oloiid Elliott to Uen. Viin lii'iissiimT. J)oar Sir, Alhany Au{j;t., 24, 1824. Tho Mar«]uis Do La Fayette is expected hero early next week. Mr. •John Town.send ono of tho (!ommit,teo (d" tho ('orporation, desired inc to fifty to you, that you were much wanted in makin<; the Arrnngcuicnts — the (/itizoiiH arc to moot for this purpose to-morrow JOveniii}^. i'ours yinccroly, Gon. Sol. Van Hcnasolaor. llonT. Elliott, Tho mayor, And)roao Spencer, received a letter from Ocn. Im Fayotto, accepting the invitation oi'the common council to visit Albany and statoJ that " in a tew days after Scptendier r>th hv will havo tho gratification of otVoring to the citizens of tliis place his high respects and alVectionate gratitude." (ireat preparations were accordingly niado to do him proper honor. " Allxiiij/ ISvpfnnbrr 13, 1824. Major (ilenl. Solomon Van Keii8.sclacr, having hcen rc(|ucsfed to act as nnn-shal of tho day, appointed for render- ing honors to (ion. La Fayette, tho illustrious guest of tho nation, and the uniform friend of liberty, cordially accepts of tho office, and appoints Majors (\ Humphrey and .lohn O. Cede, bis assistants on this occiision." (Jcneral La Fayt'ttc in comiiany with u large party of friends left New York on Tuesday September 14th and bad a most enjoyable entertainuieiit throughout his entire trip coming up the Hudson river. At West Point he was received by the commandant of the post, (yol. Thayer, and re- mained during the entire day. The passage up the river from New York to Newburgh was interesting beyond all description ; every mile of it was consecrated b\ some revidutiomuy event. General La Fayette pointed out the bouse occupied by Arnold and related all the circumstuueesof his detestable treason and escape. "After leaving Pongbkeepsie the boat proceeded a few miles, nndatten A. M., the party from it. landed and rode to the mansion of General Morgan Lewis, whore rofreshmeuts were received. At twelve o'clock, on returning to tho boat, they found baskets of choice grapes and peaches which the ladies of Guveruor Lewis's household had sent. At Kingston Lkoacy op IIistoiucal Glraninob. 418 ('olonnl IJnrry Mvin^Hton cnino on bnnnl fo ^.m-t, hi. ..1,1 frion.l At Khin.bcck,!ih„u.,uotoriMmutilulflow,,rH«n.i a haHk.,1 of d,.l,„i..„H U att.MUo..M won, o,.nHt«,rtly roouivo.l. At VA.rm>ut « HpLndid uJuium „wi,.t.,d (;onerul U Fuyetto. H..h„rt L. I,ivi,.K«to,. Kh,,.. |.,u1 boo .overul wookH propar,„K' to give th., .onoral a rn.mt .nunificoU ontertai ! "lent an.l aHtl.o nt.an.or appnm.^h.ul, Mr. WmunnUm hUhmI upon hi« «lmr fo rocom, ho hero, who farod HU,nptuo,.Hly. Ho aim, att. ndod a very hr.ll.ant ha I wluoh w„h ^rac-.d by [ho proHon.-o of Mrn. Kidu r I l..n.,.,...oryand„mnyorhiHoldeHt friondH. At (JatHkil! and llud.son the^'onora la.Miod amid a roar of can.um and tho hoartioHt choer« of aHsemhiod thousar.ds KxtonHlvo propnrationH ha.l boon n.ado at Albany or ' i; wc con.o u. the y.H.Ur by daylight, but owin^ to tho low s,a,o .ff lu'.M.lo tho st.mn.boat c.uld muko but hIow advance. Acoordin.'lv loHVi.iK tho company ol cavalry at tho bar, tho littlo '• Kirr Fly " was jallcMl into m,mH.I,on an.l, having .,» board Major (Jonoral Holon.on Var. "1:11; j;:;r ""' ''''''' ""^^ «"""--"- -^ ^'^ «i-- question to Mr. Clay. Accordingly he decided to vote for Mr. Adams. He had long known him as a statesman of rare ability and of undoubted integrity. He knew him also, as the unwavering friend of the system of protection and of Internal Improvements, and he had no objections to him. John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts was elected president of the United States ; and John C. Calhoun of South Carolina, vice president. The president immediately offered Mr. Clay a seat iu the cabinet and Henry Clay became the secretary of the state, though many attempts were made to terrify him from accepting the o&ce. Immedi- ately after the inaugurating of President Adams, the canvass for the next presidential contest of 1828 was commenced by the friends of General Jackson and it was foreseen at an early day that Mr. Adams could not be reelected. He would have been if he could, but all the signs were against him, and consequently he drew out of the race. James Monroe having been for fifty years in public life, found the quiet of his home in Virginia peculiarly acceptable. Mr. Monroe came in as asor^ of compromise candidate, after Madison's retirement, and his administration was conducted during a long era of "peace and good will." He went into the office a poor man, and came out of it a poor man. Dr. Van Rensselaer to Oen. Van liensselaer. My dear Sir, New York March 19, 1825. I intended to have written to you yesterday, but was so hurried that I had not time. I requested Adeline to tell you of it. You are, as we all know, a Member of the " MlUtanj Philowphical Society," which for years has been defunct. This Society had a fund arising from the initiation fee of Memlters — and which has for many years laid idle. The Lyceum of Natural History, being much in want of a Library, appointed a Committee to gain the consent of the Members of the " Military rhilosophicul Sucicty to have that fund delivered to the Lyceum for that purpose. The indi- Legacy of Jlistorical Gleanings. 41T vidiwls of your Society have mostly ^iven their consent, on the express condition, that the fund be appropriated to purchase of books merely The ori-inal number of the Society was about 200 ; of which 40 remain to be heard from, and the (Committee have reserved yourself and some few Mem- bers, who were near to New York, to apply to for the final Sanction. But one (jentleman has declined the request. Let me hear from you as soon a? convenient. Remember me to the family and believe me — Yours very ^^"'3^ Jer: Van Rensselaer. My Dear Sir, New York Tuesday April 5, 1825. Your several letters have been received and the contents duly forwarded The " Lyceum of Natural History " have returned you a Vote of Thanks for your ready acquiescence in their wishes. The fund alluded to has laid idle for many years — and the Military Philosophical Society has not met in Qiue or ten years. Should you see any of the folks from the Greenbush bank, say that we are well. Yours Truly. Jer : Van Rensselaer Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. " General La Fayette, accompanied by his son and secretary, traveled through every state and was welcomed with the stronj^est exhibitions of appreciation and respect, his journey among us was a continued ovation to the old hero who was now sixty-seven years of age. He was every where received with honor as the nation's guest, and he found that forty years had made peat changes in every thing but the hearts of the people, they still loved him even as t^eir fathers had done for the interest he had ever felt At Mount Vernon he had wept over the dust of his beloved Washington and DOW he was approaching Albany e.n route to Boston that he mi"-ht lay the corner-stone of the great monument, at Bunker-Hill, on the 17th of June, 1825. As a token of their regard, congress had also presented him the sum of $200,000 and a township of land, being a slight return for his self-denial and loss of his own fortune in our behalf Even when he fDaliy left our shores, so far from the warmth and cordiality of his recep- tion having in the least abated, he was just as much the object of affec- tionate and sincere attention as he was the hour he landed for the third time on our coast. On the arrival at Albany in June 1825 of the distin- guished traveling party from the West, they were again received with repeated cheers, and with patriotic airs from the Albany band." The long and short La Fayette kid gloves, waist-ribbons, had•'' '^;°"''"' '■* ''"'^^ '''^''^' *he general a, a suite t her w,th the Military Association visited the theatre After the play was over e honored party in carriages preceded by a fine band of m usicfwe^re escorted to the steamboat Bolivar; he embarked on board and proceeded down the n.er as far as West Point. This wa. his last visit. The marnuis wis Lte\t"eiti:"i''';''^"^ hrougliout the en .re land whose cause he had adopted in its darkest burs and whose liberties he had assisted so much in establishing'' W i Clbton'" w', 'P ■^'"'1' '^'' '^' g^^^^-^^^ «f *J>° «ta°te - Do U.ttUin on-was necessarily absent on the occasion of both visits but ctotpVff sert;;;-'^^' '' ''' -^<" ^^^"'-^ ^--^' Charles a! "Preparatory measures were on foot leading to the Ohio canals of opemng and rendering permanent a navigable ^ater communication be ween Lake Erie and the Ohio river. The completion of tie Erie or Iitro"f tl^n""'" '^nt-^^^^^n'"' ^'^^P^"^^ ^'•'-bts about the prac- Oll ^to tr'A "■ ?7Tr ^""*"" ^'^ ^^^«'-°^ ^he ad^mis- Tnt Thl no • • '""' '°^. ^'''^ "'^'^^^ heen friendly to its advance- liie t. Ihe commissioners, early in the year 1825, determined on tha Z "?vTrr'"" '' ^'^'t"'^ and ending'at Portsiliouth on he O 5 WittS?oT '" being made, the constituted authorities invited 1 of m.Sr^i """"7 "V^""' ^'''^' '" he present at the commence- BTaids Colonel t" °'"''. ^^'T'^^Sb (Governor Clinton attended by Alb anv'who ,^'/""'' and Reed; General Solomon Van Rensselaer o^f G S W r?''".? *l^t'*"*" ^hen a wilderness, as an officer under General Wayne ; Judge Conkling, United States district iud.^e and aTw irH 5! ^ T 1 ^^ f "^^"^ ""^ ^^"^""'^ "ear the Licking summit on the th rd day of July on a beautiful afternoon. Here were assembled to meef elconje and receive these distinguished friends of OMo,X lov rnor of ?re id tr^r^^K^r "'^'' ^'^^ '^^ ^^'^^^ ^'^'^ functionanes an7m H Iry ed in their best attire with all their arms. As soon as Gove nJr ton 8 carnage appeared on the public square, the many thousand "of ^,i;iNTON, the father of internal improvements.' Four oompar-- -" - hundred guns in lit 11 living. " The sorrow ■ "ssembluge, many of them nor 01 tnc state's guest. Oi' this "reat IS personal friends, with many of whom 420 Legacy op IIistouical Glkaninqs. lie had all along corresponded on t' t subject which had brought them lo;;ether. The meeting of ho many old IriLMids on an occasion ho dear to nil their heartn, was deeply affecting to all present. " On the 4th day of July, 1825, Ibrty-nino years after the declaration of indopendeuco, this great work of connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio river, by a navigable canal, was coninienccil, by the sons of those who achieved the independence of their country. The day was aH fair as heart could desire, and the summit where the first shovel full of earth was to be excavated, was three miles or mure westwardly of Newark, The underbrush was cleared off from an acre or more in the woods, near the summit, where, under many wide spreading beech trees, tables and seutH were placed for the assemblage to dine. At an early houriu the niorniii),' of the 4th, the whole company moved from Newark, on to the ground which had boon prepared for them. Governor Clinton, Governor Morrow, and the state officers went to the ground ou the summit, and ex- cavated each a few shovelfulls of earth. AftOT this ceremony was per- formed, these officers retired to a rude platform, under a shade, where being seated, Thomas Kwing, Kmj., delivered an address. This address was replied to by Governor Clinton, who was repeatedly interrupted by the loud huzzas of the thousands there assembled. As soon as his address was finished, one burst ol' universal applause from all present, ibllowod it. One hundred guns told the world that the canal was begun. The ad- dresses having been delivered, the company sat down to dine in the shai'.o of wide spreading beeches. The governors of Ohio and New York oc- cupied the highest places ai the table, and the state officers of both states sat next to them. Toasts were drank, in honor of thq day, and of the particular occasion. One of these was as follows: By Mr. M. Seley — * General Solomon Van Rensselaer. He this day reaps a rich reward for his toils in the wilderness in 179G.' " On the 5th of July, Governor Clinton was escorted to Lancaster where he tarried over night. On the next day, he and a great concourse who followed and accompanied him, went to Columbus the seat of the state government. Here, ou the next day. in the Capitol, in the presence of all the .state officers and of a large assemblage of both sexes, Governor Morrow delivered an address to Governor Clinton, which the latter answered in an appropriate and eloquent manner. A public dinner ended the pro- ceedings of the day. Escorted from Columbus, to Springfield, by a large number of gentlemen, either in carriages or on horseback. Governor Clinton was received by the people of the town last named as he had been, by those of Columbus. The governor of Now York was addressed by Charles Anthony, Esquire, in behalf of the citizens of Springfield. Ou the next day, after partaking of a public dinner, the two governors and their escor", moved forward. At Cincinnati a dinner had been gotten up for the Hon. Henry Clay of Kentucky. This the governors of Ohio and New York attended as invited guests. At this period there was no canal around the falls of the Ohio, and there were two chartered companies, one by Kentucky and the other by Indiana, each disputing about which side of the river was best adapted to a canal. These companies invited Governor Clinton to visit the falls and settle the dispute. The two governors as.sented to visit Louisville and after a patient and careful ex- amination of the ground on boili sides of the river, Clinton gave his de- cided preference to the Louisville side of the Ohio. To this decision all parties assented, aud on that side, siuce then, a canal has been made. At Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 421 escort wcreVclTf the «tat^ "^ ''"^"«''""^ ^^^^ -^-o trip ho and 1m» .ngu,,s .ed oftcers, who, under the eorrunand o( Ger. WarnHont buted to wrest this terr tory from (ho T?rifiK}i nnn,^^ 'ri.- -"®' C""irU>uted am...., us, at h.H day, ,,any to whom the chivalrous darin' of the voun' oj-ccr of ca- ry, a,.! the desperate wounds he received fna sucrsS charge upon the eneu.y, on the _'Oth of Au-ust 1794 i, Jrn.omhori;. n nmwArir fni/i Ti,: •-,■., . ■'^"n"'"') ' I t7t, IS rcniemtjereu as rtS, " ' ^ ^ ^' '"'^ ''^ •^''"^ ^^"" "without fear and without I'e-' Trilmte to Merit. — Proceedirxrq rcl-iti'ii,, *« „ ui- ^• O™. Sol„,„o„ Van Rc„ JC af Lt^o'; 'tuXU^.^'JSS *'"" "^ iM.jor Gen. bol. Van lleusselaer. Jno. R. Williams, Mayor. Sir, lleply. wtroit the ueep obligation under which they have thus laid mp «n^ f I have the honor to be Sir, jour oht. humble Servant, Hon. John U. Williams, Mayor of the Cit, '?Derroi """"''■"''■ Col. John F V.i'^! '^-I i " n- • n «i.«a„ j:-n.:„l t> ivrS'l-yi'L-the-^drrl'-^' '"' '* 422 Leqacy op Historical Gleanings. To Col. John R. Wool, Monday July 11, 1825. Sir — The citizens of Detroit having concluded to f^ive a public dinner to Maj. (len. Sol. Van Rensselaer, on his first visit to Detroit, as a murk of the high respect entertained for his character, patriotism and public services, considerin7.4 at the Miami rapids, opens to our view one of the scenes of vmir gal nt deeds. n.pelled by the force of that patriotic fi e whid/vou justly inherited from your gallant and revolutionary sire, you was a >ld^r before you became a man. The nineteenth year of your lirexhbi ted your brave conduct at the head of a company of legionary c^^ vary wh oh .gnalized itsel byoneof the most brilliant and^ffe7ual IS^reier nade against the savage nations of this hemisphere. Here vo^ firsl lood was shed for your country, and although yoEr wounds wer/beieved to be morta you tenaciously refused to bedfsmiunted from 3 ch rZ SXdCin S^Je^ ^'"V'^' '"'' '"" '^ f^'loriouslyrdrcc 2 ,; wieiuea against the enemies of your country. From the victorim.s r...™ unhappily reigned in your native state, marked you, amoT' Ed\ in guiHhed men as one of its victims. But the truly soverXn neonlo In K majesty of their might, have prostrated in the dust aud blot^ 7!u't ?ri' political sway, those men and those principles which whilo hp!. • iT physical .„„6b. „f .ho nuuon. S„t'e „« f' ^^^t dTL J """"' '^^ '» '7, *.e drooping .pints of the JioTX^i "^ pt" „"?„ Th" 'S'Z which had been cast upon our land forces Tho hnffl.^-.*- n ^ Heights may be considered as a lesson to n oxulin. Se' t e tarin"''°". theenterprize — the boldness in which it was nl.nn J i 1 ° "^ gallantry displayed in the attack.^hfmaj:ti^ £"n ^'whth "e nvXpId the noble warriors, when performing their various nirt. 3 ^ remain as one of the imperishable monuments f "urination! .17/ Here again, Sir, we behold you, leading your youn^^er and lesslvni;^ ^^' companions in arms on to glory to death or n vfJ '^ss experienced covered with honorable wounds' For t oh « ^•"'o'-J^-""t»l jou full you honor and adm?ration;a„d fof the b od wS^v'T"'? ''''' '"^ rously shed, there is due t^ you he asti„ ^ati ude o7^''/ "^ ff^^t our best wishes for the preservation of a it ' fndered thL't^". ^^''^ country, we sincerely hope that the evening of your dw.h. ? ^7", with hea th and hapniuess " Thpn fh!f;il. • ^ • ^^'^ ^® attended the president of the^?2 and drfnk ^ "' i^^^^lraTe 1"' T '^'''J ^' Gen. Van Rensselaer's Ueply. "Sir — I should do violence to my feelings worn T t^ , r • /• Sivin- utteranno fo the (^v^ emotion f - - ? - - *'' '^^'''^"^ f'""'" .h.u should 00. .o« .easy;"^up"/sr:st'."i'; i: rEti: , s«' f i> 13 fli fc'i'-!i 424 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. endeavor to discharj^e the duty of a citizen to his country, it has boon my good fortune to render some Hcrvice to the republic, the approbation of my fellow citizens, of which I am this day receiving ho signal and so flat- tering a proof, is an ample reward for any sufferings which I may have endured in the service of my country. Be assured that I shall retain, as long as 1 live, a grateful and lively recollection of this distinguished and UTjcipu' tful honor, and shall never cease to regard this, as one of the liiipp'i;3t and proudest days of my life." Geu. Van Rensselaer then gave the following highly complimentary toast : " The City of Detroit — the headcjuarters of hospitality and patriot- ism." IJy Judge Sibley the vice president at the table — "The President of the United States." By Col. John E. Wool — " The People uid the Army of the United States, united in the support of principles which saved America and will save the world," The following are a few among the many t iijts : — iJy Maj. 1). Baker, Com't of the United States forces at Detroit — " The Heroes of '9-4, who first taught the savages ihe imiuuta- bility of American valor." By Alderman T. Rowland — " Gen. Van Uens- Belaer our esteemed guest: On the banks of the Miami and the Hcij^hta of Queenston, his blood flowed with no stinted tide, may the gratitude of his country flow as freely." By Major Biddle — " The 13th Oct. ISU ; its events conferred honor upon more than one of our guests." After Col. Wool bad retired. By Lieut. J. W. Webb — "Col. John P]. Wool, while the events of Queenston Heights have a place upon the page of history his gallantry will be remembered." By Judge Sibley — "The Governor of the State of Now York, the patriot and the statesman, may his country duly appreciate his worth." After the dinner was over, Gen. Van Rensselaer, Col. Wool, and the Hon. A. Conkling took aii aflfectionate leave of the company, who accompanied them on board the steam brig Superior with emotions which may be better conceived tbaa expressed. CHAPTER XX. Erie Canal Celebration. The completion of the Erie canal and the celebration of the joyful event in New York city was a splendid exhibition in honor of the entire- ness, the perfect state of the longest canal in the world. The Erie canal, commenced July 4, 1817, was finished on October 26, 1825. It connects the great lakes of North America with the Atlantic Ocean, passing through the state of New York, a state which seventy years before was a wilder- ness, thinly peopled by a little more than 100,000 souls. The work has been completed in the short space of eight years, by this single stiite, and Ijrj^r ^o n p,(in)jpfjp(> ; 'Vha C.ANMi r.P.T.KP.RAT TON took plu.Ce OQ ^ridilY ^0" vember 4, 1825. For several days previous, strangers from every part of Legacy op ITrsTORTCAL Gleaninos. 425 tho surrounding country Iv-i been crowding into the city to witness the interesting event and join 'ho anticipated festival. On Wednesday (October -c»), at ten o'clock, a.m., the waters of Lake Erio were admitted at Huffalo.and the first boat (Seneca Chief) from the luke commenced Us voyage to New York, an objectof very great interest. Ihis joytul event was announced to the citizens of the state by the roar "f cannon planted in a continued line along the banks of the canal and the Hudson at intervals of about eight miles, and extending from iuffalo to bandy Hook, a distance of about 544 miles. The cannon were lirtM in succession, commencing at Buffalo at the moment of the entrance fl the boat into the canal, and the intelligence thus communicated, reached this city (Now York^ precisely at twenty minutes past eleven o'clock, at which time a national salute was fired from the battery, and this acknow- led-ment that we hid received the intelligence was then immediately re- turned by the sam s line of cannon to Buffalo as telegraphic movements. A sub-committee had been appointed, who had proceeded to Buffalo for the purpo.se of tendering and receiving congratulations in behalf of the common council of the city of New York on the completion of the -rand hrio canal ; and to invite a committee from each of the towns and villa-es on the route to unite with the citizens of New York in celebratin- that happy event, ° On Thursday, Novefi^ber 3d, at Albany, six steamboats dressed with the flags ot difiorerit nations were put under the direction of a committee at whose invitation the numerous guests of the corporation repaired on board, at about ten o clock ; among whom were, besides the committee of the west ; the governor [De Witt Clinton] and lieutenant governor [James rallmadge] of the state. l ^' Generals Stephen, Solomon, and Jacob 11. Van Rensselaer— Simeon De Witt, surveyor general ; Colonel Schuyler; Judge Spencer. Judges l.eddes and Conklin, together with a most respectable delegation from Albany, were among the invited guests. When the guests reached a point between Weehawken and state prison, the committee from New lork met— hailed the leading boat of the flotilla, and inquired the place trom where she was and her destination, to which the cheering an- swer was returned by the acting admiral she was " from Lake Erie and bound tor Sandy Hook." The newly arrived friends were greeted at New lork with the peal of bells, martial music and the roar of cannon. At nine oc lock A. M., Kiday, November 4, 1825, all arrangements being com- pleted, the grand aquatic procession commenced and proceeded down the ay. The fleet consisted of thirty-seven boats. The safety barges, Lady Uinton and Lady Van Rensselaer, attached to the steamboat Commerce were superbly decorated and most ta.stefully festooned with evergreens and flower.s and wore exclusively appropriated to and crowded with ladies elegantly attired, presented a most beautiful spectacle. Ihe barge with the ladies, among whom was Mrs. De Witt Clinton proceeded to the ocean in the line of the fleet and returned in its order' beforXtdd ^^^^'^^ transcended all anticipations, such a sight was never Twenty-nine steamboats so gorgeously dressed, with barges, ships, pilot boats, cauu boats, conveying thou^^ands ufladies and gentlemen, presented a scene which cannot be described, the movement of the whole flotilla an- peared to move as by rnagic, 54 '9H 426 Leoacy op Historical Gleanings. The steamboat Wasliinfjton took the lead, on board of wliiuh the lionorabli! tliocorpuiatiuii, with the society ofl'incinnuti, the reverend cleriry, of all denominations, the army and naval otfioers, all the consuls of I'urcign nations, the judges of all our courts, and very many other citizens and strangers were guests. As the fleet passed the battery they were saluted by the military, the revenue cutter, and the castle on (iovernor's island. As they proceeded, they were joined by the ship Hamlet whinh had previously been dressed for the occasion with the flags of all nations, and on board of which were the marine and nautical societies. As the fleet piiHsed the narrows, they were saluted by Forts Jiafayctto and Tomp. kins. They then proceeded to the United States schooner Dolphin, moored within Sandy Hook at a point in the Atlantic south of Long Is- land. Governor Olinton now went through the interesting ceremony of uniting the waters, by pouring that of Lake Erie into the Atlantic, Two barrels of Lake Erie water had been brought from Buffalo on the canal- boat Seneca (Jhief, which was towed down with the fleet. Dr. Mitchill also performed some ceremonies and delivered an address. After which, the bugle then announced to the ladies that dinner was ready, and they found a sumptuous repast was prepared. Two British packets, at anchor in port, saluted and cheered the line of steamboats as they passed for which our band in return played "God save the King." The procession on land was formed of all the different societies, fire de- partments, hook and ladder companies, bands of musicians in dresses of scarlet and gold ; the elegant engine of the eagle fire company, was luouut- ed on a car carpeted and beautifully decorated with festoons, and drawn by four horses led by four colored grooms, dressed in Turkish costume; on the top of the ener side of the keg were tho words " Water of the Atlantic" Th inner in which tho Senem Chief v/m fitted up by the commirtee dc t them great credit; nor can we omit a more par- ticular mention oi >/> ,ui,ting:j which were executed in Buffalo and sent doffn on board, t no waa a view of Buffalo harbor, a section of Lu' « Krie, Buffalo creek and itsjunction with the canal, &c., the whole representing the scene exhibited at tho moment of starting tho Seneca Chief. The other IS purely a classic emblematical production of the pencil and is an eseellent design for such an occasion. The piece on the extreme left ex- hibits a frame of Hercules in a sitting posture leaning upon his favorite club, and resting from tho severe labor just completed. The centre shows a section of the canal, with a lock, and in the foreground is a full lon^'th figure of Gov. DkWjitt Clinto.v clad, like a Roman, in the toga and san- dals, with head uncovered and hair cut short. He is supposed to have just flung open tho lock-gate, and with tho right hand extended (the arm being bare) seems in the act of inviting Neptune, who appears upon tho water, to pass through the lock and take possession of the watery rcions ffhich the canal has attached to his dominions. The God of the sea is iipoa the right of the piece, and stands erect in his chariot of shell, which 13 drawn by sea-horses, holding his trident, and is in the act of recoiling With bis body as if confounded by the fact disclosed at the opening of the lock. Naiades are sporting around the sea horses, in the water, who, as well as the horses themselves, seem hesitating as if half afraid they were about to invade forbidden regions not their own. Besides the paintings, the boat carried two elegant kegs, each with an eagle upon it; above and below which, were the words, ' Water of Lake me. These were filled from the lake and on the arrival at Sandy Hook were emptied into the ocean. Tho cedar logs used for the medal boxes were brought on this boat. But there was another and perhaps the most novel of all the boats, which started about two hours later, and overtook the party at Loekport. This was " Noah's ark" literally stored with creep- iDg things ; she had on board a bear, two eagles, two fawns with a great variety of other animals and birds, together with several fish, not forgettin" two Indian boys, in the dress of their nation, all beinj products of the great Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer to Iver Daughters. % Dear Girls, New York Monday Eve, Nov. 7, 1825. lour dear Father and Sisters with the Doctor and his Wife [Dr. Jere- miah Y R.] together with Case [Cornelieus G. V. R.] have gone to the Unal Celebration Ball, given by the Officers and Citizens. Mary Bay, too was one of the party. I was proof against all persuasion or would jot bo so well employed as I am now, and surely not less gratified. If tecriptive powers were mine, I should soon fill my p;iper with incidents Jl Ihe Grand Canal Celebrutien ; but it would be a hopeless task, sol refer 428 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. a?- you to the news-papers — will only say, I think it almost impossible to convey an idea of such an impressive spleudid scene. The representations ave all very tame wlien recalling the actual existence of the complete view, f wafi preseut at the impressive ceremony of uniting the fresh water of Lake Erie with the briny, blue Atlantic Ocean ; it was effected by the Governor who made a short address. Dr. Mitehill emptied small bottles filled with water from some rivers in Europe. 3Ir. Colden too, gave to the Mayor a written document, the history of the canal from its commencement. But like the Cat that went to Holland, I saw so much, can say wo more. We dined on board — it was asumptuou.s entertainment, here we were met and welcomed by Dr. Jeremiah V. E. and on our return to the city accompanied him to his house, receiving a very kind reception from Charlotte. The brilliant fireworks in the evening at Vauxhall Garden and City Hal! were greatly enjoyed. Last Saturday morning, your Papa, Elizabeth and Blar- garetta called at Mr. Jerard Beekmans and promised to make their house our temporary home after the return from Belville. At 3 oclock the saiiie day we started from the Dr's, arriving at Belville just at candle-light and were most cordially received by every inmate of the family. Mr. John Van Rensselaer had been on the lookout for us the day before in New York, but in that multitudinous sea, it was a vain search. Angelica Henrietta and our girls were in high glee, and General Van Cortland the Beau among all others, Sunday our party attended church. The neighbors joined our friends and kindly urged us to proion" our stay, which we would gladly have done, to enjoy the amenities of "their cheerful home, but for the attractions of the Canal Ball. Tomorrow we spend here at Dr. V. Rs ; the day after are engaged at Cousin Caty IJeek- mans, and how long, or shortly, you may expect our return, the one who writes next will tell. Your Aunt Maria promised if my dear old moth r continued well to spend much of her time with you; it is a great comfort to know it can be so. Tell your Grandmama that the th!rti/-one years, since I was here, has made great and sad havoc among my ac(maintance.s, and as her old friends are mine, I am anxious she should particularize^ that I do not neglect them — ascertain their names. Take good care of my little ones, be particularly careful of them, and of every thing in case of another illumination I will leave this open for them to add a line on their return. May God bless and preserve you all my dear children is the fervent prayer of your affectionate Mother, A. Van Rensselaer. After Mlilniijht. We are all homo from the Ball except Cornelieus, and no accident of consequence, though Charlotte says she has some ribs cracked in the press. We met the world and his wife : military heroes, noble statesmen, artificial and natural characters, the audacious, the clown- ish or vulgarized, the polished and refined, Mantua-makers, Milliners, Tailors and Tailoress's, stylish ladies and courtly gentlemen and a tew seemed my ideal of perfection. But we were squeezed to death, are sleepy and heartily tired. The Dr. says " Uncle Solomon has had a good Supper and I have had none." We enjoy ourselves much in this great and splen- did City. Good Night, Elizaheth V. R. Miss Adeline Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Grand Canal Ball. " The celebration of the completion of the great western canal was closed on Monday evening, November 7th — by a iete, equalled only in magnificence by that given in honor of La Fayette. The ceiling of the Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 499 .nolen^atical pai„u„,s exhibited in the process ' May a^ An ::;3vTt'ed'to"e:;f^'"^' of thirty pie'r glasses .ithou! 11 an3 .icouiaieiy ntted together, was e evated on tho wall at th^ ™« * j i^'i .1,. arther end wa. occpicd bj b„«s Sed wlh', *" ToS^^ tiling was conducted with the pread for the invited guests. Every- reatest regularity and attention; the ladies were dressed with great sJlonX^^r Sc^rasrcdLt and plenty of ,t ; and every one seen.ed to participate in the iov of ?.. :r;'i;: eXe: -n^ tt' ^-P'-^-'^'^'^ eCncV'nVwl,!: r butS porter of internal improvements 1171^0^:^'^^^ principal sup- ^rs. Van Rensselaer to her Children. 3iy dear Children, tj «• 1 t ^« , i. Cc.e.„, our rcccp,i„„ was l^^ulj- S.I and ,r 1 „ rh'e"Z """i I was in the house of one of the boatmen who rowed vonr li\tl,o, lie river; then crossed the Niagara and went to the TirifJ^t t "^ °^ I could almost see that body of' Indians sail vfo? f • • ' ^^'''^^- ay ; and aa we retraced our seeps, you cau 480 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. i imagine how my feelings were moved with pleasurable excitement, and how well satisfied I was with the hours spent at these wonderful sites. We made a solemn halt for sometime at Brock's Monument which is still unfinished; every thing was so forcibly suggestive of past stirring scenes, and I could not help seeing how vividly all seemed to come across the noble man's remembrance. The extensive view from this summit is very grand, having a sight of country for at least fifty miles Our next turn was about half a mile west to the battle ground at Lunuy's Lane, which left us just time enough to go below the Falls on the Canp.tla side. We had a good view of the Horse-shoe Fall with its mass of deep emerald water, it was indeed magnificent ; but the spray was not so pleasant to us or good for our clothes. The following morning we left to visit the Burn- ing Spring ; stopped to see the battle ground at Chippewa about two miles from the falls. We crossed the Niagara river in the same ferry boat, to Black Kock, with General Peter B. Porter, who was particularly civil. T was very happy to witness such a cordial meeting between the two Generals ; old grievances were laid aside, and seemed entirely forgotten by both ; it was the rare triumph of magnanimous minds, which gave me pleasure. In a day or two we leave this for Ohio. I feel well repaid fur all the fatigue of our journey; and we felt very glad to meet and receive much kindness from another old friend, Dr. Cyrenius Chapin, oi this pleasant place. * * * Good Night. Your affectionate Mother. m- . J 1- ir r) 1 All lu V A. Van Rensselaer. Miss Adeline Van Rensselaef, Albany, N. Y. Post Master General to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear Sir, Washington, July 13, 1826. In your late tour you have probably had a good opportunity to learn something of the public sentiments on various interesting topics. Will not Mr. Clinton be elected without much opposition ? If the State should refuse to do this, its loss of character would be greater than his. I am sure that the Bucktails are not hostile to him, at least they like him much better than some of the members of the family at Washington. The Clay bubble in New York, in making a government is not to be feared. The j)owcr only is wantiny. How does the administration stand in New York 'i Would Mr. Adams take the vote of the State if the election w^re at hand ? What is his prospect of taking it when the proper time shall arrive? Will the mode of your election be changed to a general ticket? K no change should be made, will not the vote be divided 'i Who stands in the way of Mr. Adams ? What is the standing and prospects of the Secretary of State in New York [John Van Ness Yates Secretary of State]. Has Mr. Calhoun sufi'ered much from the events of the last ses- sion ? Your friend, Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany, N. Y. '^^"^ McLean. " Our principles are those of Republican Americans, we love our country, we venerate its institutions, and our whole hope and wish and thought of glory, is centered in their success, In our dreams have we seen our National Standard, ' flag of the free-hearts only home,' wav- ing aloft in the azure sky, flaunting its stripes and its stars above the wreathed clouds and floating proudly o'er their silvery folds, the beacon light to guide the world to liberty and independence V Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 431 Post Master General to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Washington, Sept. 14, 1826. Penr Sir, To your private note I should be at a loss to reply had not a gon le- man told me the other day, that this same Cakb Atwater, who is the most profligate ereature m regard to truth, within my knowledge, wa giving currency to a report, wh.eh he originated, that I was exerting mysdf if beha f of Gen Jackson and was circulating the Telegraph paper to aid ks election, throughout the State of Ohio f A more infamoS^falsehood was never uttered. To Atwater I have never written one word on tl.t su^iect, or to any one else in Ohio, or out of it, which I would not be wll.ng to have published to the world. I have sent the Tele.rmrocca' .ona ly to mv two brothers in Ohio, one of whom was on Adams' elecS ncket, and the other voted for him in the house of representatives I have sent this paper to no other persons. No man in Ohio has heard me express a wish on the presidential election, in favor of any one cand daTe In fact, I have been specia ly guarded on this subject, knowing tha Mr' Clay and some of his friends are very hostile to n.e, and would wi linlly assail nie^ith effect ; they denounce all, who do nut support the Secre- tary of State [Henry Clay] for President next terra Long before the late election, I broke off all correspondence with At- water, except once or twice to make a general reply to several lon-^ letters e wrote me. He is a man, who pays not the slightest re-^-ird "o truth Uu may roeollect, that a few days before the late electionrhe had hand P" m\'"^ '•''"''''!.^^ '^'''''"^ '"«ny parts of Ohio, charging Mr Ac^anis with being a gambler, and that he played cards co^stantfy o^, tho abbath, and was addicted to many of the most abominable vices. I think .s name was signed to the hand bill. Where he is known nobody ; rZ V, "' ^'' r '•"^"'^•"^'^' ^"'^ «" ^''- »'^ »"« «««<^»et may lave an effec on the next election, it must be unfavorable to the candidate hriint'TJ^' pT"" r^ '^"T-^^'*^ ""^^^^-^ this foolish rpo than I intended. Perhaps, I may be mistaken, and he has assailed me .s pros ituting my office to advance the election of Mr. Adan:s Here" e would be equally at fault. I have a higher object, than to become the tool of any man, a sense of duty. I trust, will ever influence me Your friend, Gen. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Esqr., Albany, New Ywk. ^ ^^^' P. Master Genet J to Gen. Van Rensselaer. tV^'i''' , Washington, 28 November 1826 hnd a le„tor wriior in New York, agrees with you, that Mr Ad-iim .hake the '/ote of you.- State -the letter is published in the enclosei p ' o 1 > , , Your fnend- Gen. Sol. ^ :.. t\.„sselaer, Esq., Albany, N. Y. Joim Mc^.ean. Hor Caleb Aiwater was a member of the house of representatives MI^'";.J'L"!! --f.the committee on schools and Lho^^tir — ■' ^T-A*^ ^""'^ appointed by Aluen Trimble, Esquire, the then bJvr.u. Of J/iao, oneot seven commissioners in reg.iru to schools 1„» ^ .j.J)o.nted ,r con.vess lamls. The seven con.missbners ac pS;^ u of thcin o.^ered on (heir duties, and a.ssen,bled at Columbus the iit ^t government, ,n June, 1822. They organized their board, wit ^'4 Atwat er as »heir chairman. The board -. acceded in their Lboiv, day I 'm ilk 1^ iW 432 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. after day ; their room became the centre of attraction for all the lovers of learning, who visited the seat of government, during that session of the state legislature, and a system of education for common schools was es- tablished for the new state of Ohio. Horrible Assassination. " One of the most horrible instances of deliberate assassination that we have ever been called upon to record was committed in this vicinity on Monday evening May 7th, 1827. The particulars of this transaction are as follows. Mr. John Whipple, of this city, whilst writing at a table, about nine feet from the window, in a back room in the second story of the dwelling house on Cherry Hill, a mile below the city, between nine and ten o'clock at night, was fired at through the sash with a pistol. The ball passed through and shattered a pane of glass, entered the body of Mr. Whipple through the blade bone of his left shoulder, cut one of the proached his victim by clambering on the roof of a back stoop, and firing from it diagonally at the short distance. A young gentlemen — Mr, Abraham L. Van Rensselaer — was sitting in the room with the deceased; but in the confusion of the moment no pursuit could be made, nor were any measures taken until information was conveyed to the police of the city. The steps of the villain are plainly visible on the roof of the porch, as is also the flash of the powder on the frame of the sash. Mr. Whipple was in the prime of life, industrious, enterprising, and fair in all his transactions. He was respected as a valuable and intelligent citizen. He has been cut off in the midst of his usefulness, leaving a bereaved widow and an interesting young son to lament his untimely fate, Mr. Whipple returned from New York on Sunday night, where he had completed an advantageous contract, connected with the Hudson and Delaware canal, in the construction of which he had participated largely; and was at the moment of his death arranging his papers for a departure from the city yesterday morning (Tuesday^. He was often from home for weeks engaged in his business transactions. As it may well be con- ceived an affair so atrocious and so unusual amongst us, has excited great feeling and indignation. A person by the asaumed name of Joseph Orton, arrested on suspicion of being the murderer of Mr. Whipple, was fully committed for trial. The trial commenced on the 26th of July and concluded on the 27th, when the jury rendered a verdict of guilty. On the 4th of August he was brought in and sentenced to be hung on the 24th of the same month be- tween the hours of twelve M. and three i>. M. Joseph Orton conl'e.ssed his real name of Strang to John V. N. Yates whom he desired for his counsel, Mr. Yates, however, declined. He then employed Mr. Calvin Pepper, an eminent and able lawyer, to whom he made a confession, whom he re- quested to go and remove the lifle, lest it should be found. He confes,sed to the jailer, Mr. IJecker, that he had committed the murder and that Mrs. Whipple was the whole cause and projirtor of it. Jesse Strang, the son of a respectable farmer of Westchester county, N. Y., deserted ins wife and two children the latter end of June, 1826, and arrived at Albany under the assumed name of Joseph Orton, in tho latter part of August he hired himself to Mr. Philip P. Van Rensselaer - ii|-»^ Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 433 whose fi,mily consisted of ten or eleven persons and he resided at Cherry 1 11, the house where the murder wms counnitted. T„ this house boarded John Whipple u„d his wife. Strang mude a full eonfession T'he rrand jury, .MVing the hornd recital with much minuteness accomparLdbvCh circumstances, as left no doubt of his guilt. In his disclasures Stran<^ .mphcated his paramour, Mrs. Elsie D.° Whipple, and charrd her wiJh havmg instigated the murder, also as having aeied with hfm in alT .ages, by furnishing the means of purchasing the rifle, the -I^ss for tria of the effect of the ball, &c. He got on a shed and saw the" curtaTn 1 ad been rolled up as Mrs. Whipple had promised to do. He put thrmuzzt of he rifle close to the owest pane of glass in the sash, tooklZuXXZte ™ at the upper part of Whipple's left breast and fi-ed. He then jumpe^^^ off the shed ran to where he left his bundle, threw it, the "in and boots over the fence, went to a ravine and hid the rifle in the sandyCid _ .tamped it down and covered it with leaves. After which, crossLi" the enee he joined the crowd of people on their way to the sceneTf n frder trang went for the coroner, was one of the coroner's jury Tnd carried own a cot from the garret on which he assisted to place he^co p.se The p .^ of glass when broken by the ball was a most corJect profile resemblance ot himself He was taken by the police ofiicers to the ravine trwhom t'dfi? Mr wf^'\", "" '" '"' ?'^ ^"'^'^^ "-'^ - ^he occaln and iifae. Mrs. Whipple 'was arrested in June and held in custody in the prison, having been i.dieted as acees.sory; but however criminaMier conduct may have been in other respects, noVroof exists of an; pJrtipa- ... -^ er part in the murder and she was accordingly acquitted. Po- .::''^ht:^nrH;^^burS:!;"^^^"^^^""'-^p^^^^^^ .neold double, spacious mansion at Cherry Hill, havin- separate on ranees, was we 1 eu culated for two families who could live enS dTs-" n t from each other. The north half, at this time was still oe up ed y the widow of the revolutionary quarter-master general, PhHip Van trr ^1'''""^ f^''"^ '' 179H):with her son Kilian LdJanZor a M., subsequently wife of Jacob S. Glen. The south half was the i.]y The w. e of the latter gentleman being an auntof Mrs. Whipple t rl • u?V''P^^- , ^^'^ ^^""'^'•^l «P"''«n »«w was that, by means oLnje^^tts"' '"" '''''-'' '' ''' '''-' '^^ -y -^'^^ be «'- !•- Among my " Scraps of Experience" is a panoramic view of those har wiug scenes. 1 a little girl of not ten yeans, had been stayLg for two three days with my grandmother at the north side of Cherry Hill and 5 rather homesick, was net a little rejoiced when one sunny morntn. aw my father, in his gig, drive up to the door with the Horf. Herman l^t^S^ll^'^'^r^l «-^^^ by his side. When their viskto out '""lie." Th- kind reply MuomI)ered. "Never mind, genond, '•nil(l so with us, it will do hei no har-' e,^ ^bt / S^'b-^'btieoke seated by his side. When their visit to ; 1^' v'ble lady was made, I begged to be allowed to return with them, ray . . er -a, her pu. aie off, saying they were " not immediately going i,K„i."^ '^:^i '^P'^ "^ '''''' Knickerbucker is still affectioifatel? , . ^^.!y that IS easily managed; let tiio A ready ac(juiescenee hav'nir 'lu im Mrs. Whipple was raarriod at New Bruuswick to Mr. Freeman 55 434 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. •w been given, I was soon prepared, and seated on the prince's knee we were in the little chaise wending our way to the city, no one happier than my- Bolf. Soon to my dismay we drove up to the jail and alighted. I felt no fear as we ascended the stairs, for clasping my father's protecting hand, I could have goi«e to the muzzle of the cannon if he was to light the fuse ; the very novelty of my surroundings only caused a little flutter. At the request of the gentlemen *he barriers were removed ; the ponderous door being unlocked slowly moved back on its hinges, and we were in the presence of the unhappy criminal, Strang, who was chained to a stroni' iron staple. Q'here was a momentary gleam from his defiant eyes, and then his unquiet gaze turned again to the Bible he was reading when we entered the room. My heart thrilled with horror at the remembrance of the atrocious deed that had placed him in this grated cell. It was a ter- rible scene to see the imprisoned one whose manhood and moral nature had been so fearfully corrupted and wrecked; who was stimulated to pro- ceed in the current of evil with an irresistible dril't, by a very fair, beau- tiful but frail woman, till he murdered without compunction at least one human being possessing many noble traits, pouring out his life blood to satiate lust. After a time we went to Mrs. Whipple who had been as- signed by the jailor, rooms on the same floor ; she occupied an apartment adjoining Strang's. Mrs. Whipple was in a recumbent posture on her cot ; dressed in an elaborately trimmed white cambric, her soft, glossy hair of extraordinary length floated over her shoulders. There was some- thing indescribably attractive in her fair face, and indeed she looked lovei. and really seemed much distressed when she recognized her visitors. With breathless stillness I took in the whole scene, and forcibly reahzed the isolation and helplessness of one, who was born a lady, but had by frivo- lousness and vanity sold her birthright. The poor captive exerted herself to regain her self command, and resolutely checked the hysteric sobs. I remember how, while struggling even to agony, she lifted her streaming eyes, and poured out her heart, conversing with an enthusiasm and per- sonal pov.'or that kindled pity and heartfelt sympathy in the breasts of the gentlemen. " There is nothing that touches feeling like feeling itself, " and it was honorable to humanity that her peril should have stirred these large-hearted gentlemen to vigorous exertions to save this woman from the fearful jeopardy that then seemed inevitable. The execution of Jesse Strang, a wretched victim of his own passions. for the murder of John Whipple took place August 24, 1827 A multi- tude of at least thirty thousand witnessed the execution ; the site was Beaver Street hollow, a short distance south of the Capitol. The valley where the execution took place was surrounded by a number of hill>. I capable of afi'ording to each spectator a perfect view of the gallows. At one o'clock, precisely, the wretched criminal was seen to issue fr.ui the jail escorted by the Albany Artillery companies, and attended by the sheriti.! Oonrad Ten Eyck, the jailor, sheriffs officers juid the Rev. Mr. Lacey. Strang appeared dressed in a long white robe, trimmed with black, black gloves and shoes, and wearing on his head a white cap, also trimmed with black; preceding him, in a wagon drawn by two black horses, w:;< jtluoed his eolfiu, whi(.'li was enclosed within a pine tox. He fulloweil I'l loot between the clergyman and the sherifl", with firm and undaunted j ht(;ps ; and on urriving at the gallows, he immediately, unassisted ascended to the platform, where Mr. Lacey read to him the fhureh d England's burial service, Strang joining him fervently in prayer for God's I ^INQS, prince's knee we were une happier than niy- nd uiip;hted. I felt no er's protecting hand, I was to light the fuse ; I little flutter. At the d ; the ponderous door 8. and we were in the ran chained to a strong I his defiant eyes, and 3 was reading when we at the remembrance of ed coll. It was a ter- )od and moral nature was stimulated to pro- 't, by a very fair, beau- mpunction at least one ' out his life blood to )ple who had been as- occupied an apartment mbent posture on her mbric, her soft, glossy lers. There was some- ideed she looked lovei. ized her visitors. With J forcibly realized the lady, but had by frivo- captive exerted herself d the hysteric sobs. I le lifted her streaming n enthusiasm and per- ithy in the breasts of ■ling like feeling itself, " ould have stirred these save this woman from ini of his own passions. it 24, 1827 A multi- xecution ; the site was | e Capitol. The valley by a number of hill>. , 3W of the gallows. At | en to issue fnui the jail itteuded by the sheriti, id the Rev. Mr. Lacey. , trimmed with black, white cap, also trimmed two black horses, w:;~ ' I. ox. He fdlloweil i"i !i lirni and undaunteilj imediutely, unas.sisteil I to him tlie ohureh intly in prayer for God'sj Legacy op JIistorical Gleanings. 435 mercy and grace. Strang made a brief address to tlie spectators, exprcss- ....' h.s contr.t.on. Strang himself drew the cap over his fal^^Tl e kno tshpped to the back of h.s neck, his neck did not break, and 1 is ; e Und" n,V^P^l''"^ ^. '"^' ^^ P-"^'"'- 'J^^e body was taken from wLr is w''"l ''' n^'^^u '"'^"'^''^^ ^""^ ''"''^'y'^ ^' t»>« residence of ■ m ?L'dl h f ^ -n Dutchess county. [lis brothers and sisters waited mm the day before the execution to bid him a last and eternal farewell The poor and affl.cted father could not bring himself to bear such a uTodo tTlSn.' ^' '''' ^'''^"^ ^'^^^ ''^' P^^'--- «^-"S le/u wifba^Jd The trial of Jesse Strang after he was indicted, at a special Court of Over and Terminer, held ,n the Capitol, Circuit Judg^ William A Duer nrS H>g, was a time of intense excitement. Man/ of the sui^in' n .'.ft udo came in he wantonness of mere curiosity, to see one wl^ose ca ^r was brought to this untimely end by crimes that could admit of no Xiill he s came tosee that neither force nor fraud should frustrate the sun^ircV S f ."'' TJ^ "'"'. ""° ''^" '""'^ "^"^ '•*''«*™" »»i« J>a»d.s from 'needle's bloodshed should pay the pennlty. By taking the life of a human bein w en no required by God, a man forfeits hi.°own, and ought, n ob di^ man s b'jod, by man shall his blood be shed." This was designed to b'« ano her safeguard of human life. Meanwhile there wire otf present ^vhe hearth was desolate, who.se hearts were crushed with an-^uish Te neah this terrible ordeal, they were bowed down by sorrow a^nd hare uld be no relief. Yet in the midst of all their trouble they ever can hear those gracious words "My grace is sufficient for thee." ^ IUruZ^?riV8'.^^''7-0^^''"'°\fP"'^"^ the evening of Monday, Wi, r ^ AT , :,'"'!''? >'•'"'• ^^^ ^'"^ ^o'-n in tli« village of New Wiudsor, March 2d i7G9. His father. General James CHnton, waT b ave and useful ofhcer in the French and Indian wars, and ii The nrk state when l)e Witt commenced the study of law with Samuel ,rr798l)'e wl^r PI r"''"* '' l^'' vice-presidency of the United States. L of V V ^'l'.'"". ""'^^ •''"'"^'^ ''' '"•^"^ber of assembly from the 1 frJu^' r '^ '" \^^^ ^'^^ '^'''^'^ ^ ««"^tor and then by a joint S to of tt \]'''\'%f '^'^ J'^f Hiature, he was elected to a sea't in' the seaato of the United States, where he took an active interest in the eoncern« of the country, Clinton early became a strong part", in fav the hrie canal and it is owing to the bold stand he took in this -^reaJ terprise that his popularity in a measure was owing. In the summe ueof' IwrrV.""' '"•''' "'•^'^ commissioners for exploring the ute of this work. This country was then comparatively a wilderness there was not a house where the city of Rochester now stands S ' t Clintons person, in his youth and early manhood, was remarkable a acter. II.s stature was upwards of six feet, straight, lar-e robust and Mr proportioned; taking him all in all, he ^as the bestt'o ng m" f P su tl an r" """' ^''t''^- ^^' ^"^ ^'''''^ '' "^«r-3^ •''"J ««'-tia« e!anfa„ nr /" i' " f^'"'"'. ^' ""'' "" «'^^"^»^ sUit.^ai, an u 'r "^ ^«:' h ^^'•^^od great sorrow to his numerous friends, iue summons came without scarcely a momout^ warnincr, whilst he wa- i ill 486 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. Pt)! sittinj,' in his chair, in his study, in the midst of his family, convcrsiri" with his sons. The first indication of the approach of the attaciv boin ' the falling back of his head upon the chair, and life instantly left him"; the lapoe between that moment and the arrival of Dr. ]Jay was not mure than ten minutes. Gov. Clinton's fame will live after him. The eiiiise of his sudden death was the rupture of a blood vessel at the heart ; a pain- less, and speedy extinction of life. " The funeral took place on Thursday, February 14th. The day was ushered in at sunrise by the discharge of cannon, which was repeated every half hour until sunset. The two houses of the legislature proceeded in a body to the mansion of the deceased. The hearse was covered by a superb canopy, and drawn by four white horses, their heads decorated with black plumes and their harness trimmed with crape. The horses were led by grooms properly habited, with white turbans on their head. " At the vault military honors were paid them in the presence of an immense multitude of spectators. The side walks, windows and roofs were thronged with people, many of whom wore badges, of white satin ribbon, bearing a miniature likeness of Clinton. Colors of vessels at tbe wharf were displayed at half mast. A solemn knell which announced the moving of the procession fell with sorrow on many hearts ; the clergy and physicians with scarfs, the minute-guns, masonic honors, military, all tended to render the scene solemn and impressive," Rev. Dr. Ludlow, in the absence of llev. Dr. Chester, prayed. The shock, when told of the death of that noble man, and the funeral spectacle comes up forcibly to my mind ; my childish love for the great, majestically tall, handsome and good governor, my father's true friend, was very strong, for he mingled playfulness and mirth in his familiar conversation with the little ones. Valuable mementoes given by Mrs. Clinton, after the governor's death, are still preserved and cherished in our family. The charter for the Hudson and Mohawk railroad, the first in America, from Albany to Schenectady was passed by our legislature at the session of 1826. CHAPTER XXI. Interesting Letters from South America. Gen. Harnson to Gen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, New York, 8th Nov., 1828. I am extremely glad to hear that you have determined to commit your Son to my care. It will be his own fault if the trip does not prove bene- ficial to him. He will acquire an accurate knowledge of the French and Spanish Languages. See a great deal of the world, by the necessary inter- course with the I'iplomutic Agents with whioli he will associate, become intimately acquainted with a most interesting country, whoso relatiuii? with us are becoming more and more important to his country, and should NGS. 9 family, convcrsini; of the attack boitij; instantly loft him ; >r. IJay was not mure ter him. The ciiuHe at the heart ; a pain- 14th. The day was ih was repeated every ature proceeded in a ) covered by a superb decorated with black 5 horses were led by r head. n the presence of an , windows and roofs udges, of white satiu )lors of vessels at tbe ill which announced ly hearts ; the clergy c honors, military, all ' Rev. Dr. Ludlow, shock, when told of ile comes up forcibly ;icaUy tall, handsonie tronj?, for he mingled with the little ones. he governor's death, the first in America, slature at the session A.MERICA. er. k, 8th Nov., 1828. lined to commit your does not prove bene- ;e of the French and Y the necessary inter- pill associate, become iitry, whose reliitiuii> s country, and should Legacy of Historical Qleaninos. 437 ;va.a« engage in. A fine youn, u.a„ ^^^ Z na'„. "o ' Brke" Z^ ^:f e i\ r. Ilenry Ogden, whom I uicntioned to you, w")! W hi 1 u:ij,'c amh.s well uc.m.iiitti.l vv.il, fl,, . '"i- Spanish ihise you to send ''■ivo commenced •rrives) oblii^'cd •f, tor there aio ' ; fit him out, '^(■ii>ic» and **Mrh H:ij,'C and i.s well uc.ju.inted vml, tl,, Min with him. By the time they ■ IvcepiDg, being in the mciuitinie (.» ' <; 111 the house of a geutlemiin wh- K KT tavorus nor boarding huiw» in 1! /nink him to me, after his arrival i . 11 him to you. A phiin bine rout wiu 'ly be got in Pbikdelpbio. i^ ail tb ., i-utton eannut ... ...t ut has a, Kagie wrtb a» and a thui.u, , ta-lt lu the other) th- butuo) of i >M!th ' 'fa iiiilitary dictator. HbooktM.' ji ih..- - old soldier. I..- wrote his eeiebratcl Mpersoded I'o every H«ntinicnt ? ■•rt could respond and could ««,t Ih < of the writer in its dietation. h'mn ■ ■ <■ revolution iu Colombia, every Ntr-*' iirc patriot, and all who visited - predilection in hii^ f'-U'oi-, bi" ! ,),... 1 ;' > . Ii> ' I r ui'i thi> lid ■■■' •■."■ i;!tH;,t,l ■ 'vor of, aii'l r ''! b,.s own woi'!- . '."'tors towards one, who bad - though be regretted the ill 'Plre Before leaving America 'n-i old friend should join tli^ i'f was not well founded,' ••! 1 !'-'perly estimate tlif differoi. ■'^ni.!;,.o of Bolivar. A soldioi i no feelings but those t.» it ;>.'a .-!.. much lu.«»re on tliepr.. ^■i"is,d policy which led bin, !• 'iiirrison reque.Mted (lun ■ >>iuii. My brother, Rensselaer \ , • , i.n m -the steam boat 0,n. W f G rSr ^''''"^^ •^^*' ,,-New York city, on l.,e..M..r !■ ' h^,, i '^^?^"'.^"!^^'''^'i ■"'^1' 'mider a hopeful flau- .p.) h pvy^ ■ ) " ^^"'Pi.co, Capi^ ' ! -;.^ to join William 11. liar li m'^Ur^i b'^ T^'^''- ^''^ '^^ ' Poton.iary at Bogota the capital ^Sc^t;.;^^,^ ^l'^™'^^-/''-;- -n^descnptive, private letters, penned by'tho^tuth^^rand'oW .^^. ^^^\.% ^-/ ".:^^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) / O i^^ .v^'A fA 1.0 I.I Ik ■ 50 III W'^ ^ 2.2 2.0 1.8 1.25 1.4 1 A < 6" ► v: '^.^J^ .s ■^/// o 7 Phntographic Sciences Corporation .x4 S ^^ <> % V \ ^A ^Q-' '^O 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.V. H580 (716) 872-4503 l/.A i° Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 437 lie choose to devote himself to that pursuit l-.u fl, r ^ • • emplo>.,uent in the Diplomacy ot ZZLn ^f ^^"^^t'"" of '«ture knowledge which will be useful to him n '^'"'^ ^^ ^'" "'-•'l»i'-e wards engage in. A fine young man o^'f t ^^ ''^0^'"" ^' '"'-^^ ^'t^'- the Mr. Henry Ogden. ClTent on d^?v7« w^uY'' "" 'T' "^ Bogota in about two months hehashprnth J^ ' ^'" ^^'^^^ ^his for language and is well acquainted wih the ro^.' ^^«'^' «Pf k« the Spanish your son with him. By the time thpl ' ^ 7?'*^ '''^^'''' ^^ *« send housekeeping, being in hmeantLe until"''' / ''•'" ^''' commenced to live in the' house of a gentleman ^^.^ "'"''."''' ""^^«) «l>l'Ked neither taverns nor boardinj houses in L. '""T^ "^'^ ^'' '^'"'■'^'^ nnd frank him to me, after'his ar? vd I IT' ^u ."?"'' ^' ^'^ «»t, return him to you. A plain buecTaf with h ^l^- f ^'? f^l'*^"«^« ^^^ can only be got in Philade"phl is ' iTh. "^w. 'P'r^^'" ^""«"' ''^'''^ that button cannot be got C t iTa's m Fn I "ll"''" ^^ ^^" '«q»'«-e- If talcn, and a thunderboft InThe h") thfbuTton Tf ^^^^ ^^^"^'^' ^" «"« answer. Mrs. Van Rensselaer need not 1 . v^''' """""^ ««»-ps will as healthy there as in NewToTk Nor can a- Ir^^^^ "^ ^°^^*^' '' '« country affect us. In haste. Your friend ^ "'''^^^^«T'^''"'^ '" ^he Genl. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Po^rMi; Albany, lA ''"^^'''''' .i-aStXSS S^C^^^l t?V^ Tippecanoe, eralship of Venezuela. He acc/nted Z .^ '""^ *^' '"^« «'*'Pt«''n gen- delay to the scene of his dutes where r^^^^^"«"' "^"^ "'^^"'''^ ^'^^^"'^ stration of respect. He found thrunl^nn? ''T''-'^ ""''^ ^^«^3^ ^emon- tion ; the people ignorant of their Z^trL7T\'^ ' deplorable condi- and General Simoon Bolivar appaTen^fy'litrsum"^^^ ^'r'^^^^^' of a military dictator. Shocked at this statP nf f^- ^¥^"^^^^0 power of an old soldier, he wrote his cefebr .tpH Ih . n "'' '""' '^^ frankness was superseded. To every sent m.n? f- ^'^ P'"'""^' ^^J'^'^'' ^^^er he can heart could respond and courno fX '° *^'' ^''''' '''^ '"^P^bli- motives of the write^r in its dicta don Tt if ^"^^nT"' '^' Philanthropic the late revolution in Colombia Terv North^A""^ "°^° ''■'' '^''' P"«' *« as a pure patriot, and all who vTs fed th « ^™""'^" ^^^.mated Rolivar strong predilection in his favor buthlfoonL-^ T''^ "'•'*' '^'"^ ^ the chief was not well founded Gen h' r^ V" ^'^^''^P^blicanism of did properly estimate the Sent tl. hoT^ ''7'' ^'' himself and prejudice of Bolivar. A soldier him efL? i,'" ^'''' '^^' ■"'"'^ ^^ ^^e possess no feelings but thospTtllr J '.u^'" ^" ^^" ^o'-ds), "could shed so much iSe onte p e^ion o^ar^^^ advised policy which led hinf^t^^Ta facTpVe g^l^^^ ^'^^ '" Ge. Harrison requested that the^on of Kd S^^ 13^^ tS rom New York city, on7len,heT4^h^^^^^^^ ^"^ ^^^'"'^d J^ish, "under a hopeful flag ^d a pm^ 'J"/^^ ^"^ " ^ampico," Capt. 1' , 1-1 438 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ant traveler, for the home circle of "loved ones," in his own graphic, bold, off handed style, without hesitation as to choice of words or lan- guage, were written in that southern peninsula forty-five years ago. They will be found interesting and instructive as making us better acquainted with the natural features of the country, its productions, ceremonies, go- vernmout and religion, as delineated in scenes and occurrences which fell under his immediate observation. His connection with the diplomatic body, also, gave him ample opportunities to become well informed regard- ing this country ruled by the rod of Spanish despotism. A region so varied in aspect and exquisite in beauty, of which but little was known at that early period, that the human mind, even now, is "successively sur- prised with the sublime and astonishing works of nature where rivers of amazing breadth flow through beautiful and widely extended plains, and where lofty mountains, whose summits are covered with etarnal snow, inter- cept the course of the clouds and hide their heads from the view of mor- tals." Yet despite the conflicts and hardships of travel, with its perils both in the valleys and mountains, beautiful spectacles were seen on every side, all of which added their quota to that enjoyment which his capacity for description traced as he observed Nature in all her various garbs." It is also a very highly favored part of the globe, compared with the other great divisions, as It respects the salubrity of its climate, the fertility of soil, and the value of its natural productions. "The surface is greatly diversified. The western part consists chiefly of elevated table land, crowned by chains of majestic mountains; it is tra- versed by the Andes, at a distance varying from fifty to one hundred and fifty miles from the western coast; the most celebrated summits of which are within Colombia, and they have been seen at sea, at the distance of one hundred and eighty miles from the shore. A number of these ele- vations are volcanic, an(' a great many of them clothed with snow. They abound in natural wonders, as stupendous precipices, impetuous torrents, picturesque cataracts , and frightful chasms. The torrents and chasms are often cros.sed by rope bridges. The highest summits have an aspect of unrivalled sublimity, their elevation carrying them above the region of the cloU'^3 ; and below their snowy tops, the storm is seen to burst : and the exploring traveler hears the thunder roll, and sees the lightning dart beneath his feet. Between the diflerent ridges there are extensive plains of great fertility and beauty, well cultivated and populous. "The Andes are said to derive their name from the Peruvian y^ord anti, which signifies copper. They are composed in great part of porphyry, and abound in precious metals. The Andes, too, are a great nursery for birds. Among these the condor is the most remarkable, and is the largest bird that has the faculty of flying in the air. Its wings, when extended, measure from twelve to sixteen feet ; and it soars to the height of more than 20,0U0 feet; it is of the genus vulture. Many parts of South Amer- ica are extremely subject to earthquakes, and for thesakeof greater secur- ity, the houses are commonly built of ouly one story." Gen. Van Rensselaer to Oen. Harrison. My Dear Sir, Albany Dec. 1st, 1828. My Son — Major Rensselaer Van Rensselaer of the Militiu of this State, sails on Monday next to join you in South America. I do not wish to say any thing in his favor, lest you .should be disappointed in your expecta- tions of him. lie goes from hero fully equipped and must do as you and Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 439 Any difficult business you pu him up;?! tn V '^T;'^ '""^ ^''^'''''' my God and to you mv oM frip.w? t^ ' ■ V- ^^ P"'''^^^ execute. To only legacy I cari^^^e^i^/^He'taVesTi;^^ S "''' -\blessing, the my family, as his body servant thev d d nS 'l . "u^™ ^''^' '"''"'^ ^" boy-named Cato-says he wil be of no ! '" ^' '"P"'""^'^- ^he he probably may be of serv ce Tn vn„r1 "' "^P,^"^.'^ ^« ^'^«^'^'^'- Rensselaer; I am dear Sir, your old friend, His Excellency, Major Genl. William H. Har'^WsoI^'' K^nsselaer. Minister Plenipotentiary, Colombia, South America. Benmlaer Van Renssela&r to his Fathey Dear Father, vr v , „ , x. Self ieLr! 1, ™.ff ''T'™ T '""'"'"''« «'"">' « ^e (n.. (o make i.«uj more expert in hia new callini; than I ant oinated he would C H« M anx,oua a, ■nyaelflo comn,e..ee'onr new eareii n SoutrAlrL ? lT„„i T 7 ^, "'" ""= ''" """»»' diligence in the path of dutv I kno. ,onr fondest hope, and affections are centred in u'e (thev ar- Jf (.en. Sol. Van llensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Henss. Van Rensselaer. Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father. 1),.,, V fk ^"^' " '^••""P'^'o" New York Bay, i^car leather ofl" Staten Island, 4th December 18•^S Aw'Su'ui T-fli •^^"'"^'•^'^^ r^^^ o„'boa,.d.:r;iid 'nJfli. waTand win V'^''^/'^'^ rr"'"^'- ^^"t w.. are now under fine head- >vay and will soon be outside with this favorable wind. The bustle of I 1. r Immi 440 Legacy cp Historical Gleanings. departure and the noisy preparations of the crew overhead, which although attractive to nie for its novelty, does not permit my ideas to flow copiously. I therefore consider it peculiarly fortunate that I have not u jj;reat deal to say now. The Doctor and John Glen have been very attent-ve and kind to uie. The Diplomatic buttons were given me yesterday, they are very different from those of the Marine Corps. Of course I'll have them put on instead of those I had ordered in New York. Don Glen has given me a host of letters for persons in Colombia, which will mr.ke for me plentv of acquaintances in ray travels. We have but one passenger besides myself a French gentleman from }'anama who speaks the Spanish language very fluently, he will be quite an acquisition as cjnipany and useful to me in my studies aboard. .^ , , , /^/r th .t n ■' 10 oclock A.M. Off Fort Lafayette. The Captain says, there will be no stop now until Carthagena picks us up, and suggests the propriety of my closing letters. I coincide with him in it, not only on account of the shortness of the Pilots stay aboard, but there is a sort of an indigenous sensation within, (caused perhaps by the notion of the vessel) that bids me fin.sh soon, or it will raise a tumult that will prevent all letter writing, but I will anticipate it. We have a prospect of a fine run, the wind is fair and off the coast. All this good brig wants in case of a gale is plenty of sea room, which we will soon have, as we are sailing triumphantly onward. You need not apprehend any danger, I do not ; the sea sickness I would rather court than shun, so cheer up each one keep a good heart, and all will yet turn out well. i past 10 o'clock. Sandy-llook Light-house just by, the Pilot leaves us soon. My qualmishness has already left me. I must now close. Cato does stand it well, and is delighted with all he sees in thi sea route. God bless you all — all ; bushel baskets full of love to all inquiring friends, don't forget Rykeman. Yours ever sincerely, Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. R. Van Rensselaer. " It was regretted that South America so beautifully formed and en- riched by the hand of nature had, by Spanish oppressiveness, so long been prevented in their abject depression from all improvement or the population of a country which might ha^-e supported millions of beings in affluence. A set of avaricious men have successively drenched with inno- cent blood those widely extended plains on this vast peninsula." Colom- bia, the temporary home of our travelers, is a very extensive country, comprising all the northwestern part of South America, and is composed of the Old Spanish vice royalty of New Grenada -nd Oarracas or Venezuela, which were united and formed into a repa* ; in 1819. The former, extending along the Pacific ocean from the isthmus of Darien to Peru, is bounded on the east by the latter which comprises a triangular territory, lying between the Amazon river and the Caribbean sea nearly, if not quite equal to that of the United States. The two regions are sub- divided into departments, and into provinces or states which represented in a congress assembled at Rosario de Cucuta, in 1821, according to an act of confederation and to a constitution modeled in many respects after our own. After confirming the election Oi Gun. Simon Bolivar to the presi- dency it established the seat of general government at Santa Fe De Bo- gota. For a time every appearance indicated the speedy establishment of a happy result to the tremendous struggles of this brave and chivalrous people for independence; but in the practical test of some of the provisions Legacy of IlrsTORiOAL Gleanings. 44^ of their new Constitution many inconcrniM-A., ..„ 1 • ifested. Tho diffieuUioH an.i IZZ^TZTv '"'"'l"'«°i«n°e« wore man- mountainous country, for tlio hi rl, nnnrV '.^^""n through such a very so formidable to app^ants r fa ,0^0; brf n "r '"' '^'' ^^P''^'" '' "PP-^od valont to a denial.'^ spirit of^Z en 'w r hu^ '' 1 '° ^^""/' '^l"^" several portions of the republic and timTl p -r'^^ engendered in for near a dozen years had%nioyed the flfn.. ""•''^"'"^ '^'''' (w'>o of war. either closed with the'^ otirii^f oYX"'' """"^^"^'^ mcQt, or piqued at the fancied slL^hts ZL.T! ^ "l P''^"^ establish- distribution of the lucrative offices) did 111 f 7"'^" themselves in the It, in order, as they hoped, to promote thl ^^""''jr^' 'o encourage queatly, instead of being at leisure to rem d v""?!;""^'? '7^ ''''''■ ^^^ ««- iiiont were harassed by a succession of nnn-^ their defects, the govern- which nearly all their'time3roul "w^^Lt ^t^^ffP--" ^^ however, conventions, for the purpose o£ oZlZlT- \ ^" ^^^ intervals, Bion between the different «tat^es rbetwee7statol"! '^" ''''''' '' ''^^''^ cal ed Owing however, to the'extremrd^v s Uv of ^ZT'^T^'' ""''' and to invincib e jealousy it wa«. inZJ: l!u7 , sectional intorests, be done and that the integdty of d e con^^^^^^^^ "''K"^' '^'''''' ''^"'^ zuela first seceded and form d a g vernme^^^^^^^^^^ ^'''- ^^»«- statosofNew Grenada next prClgaTed t/eif S .Pr^"^'^ western designated as the " government of thp F.-.Tm f ^^P^^'ation, and Geoeral Flores, are n^ow wa^^^^^^^.^^ :^, J^,^^^^^^^^ My Dear Father, ""'^'''"^'^ ^'^ ""^^t' '' f TT ^ My last dated 'the 4th seat ashore byThrpnofl^r"^" ''' ''''■ brig scudding away finely n.st S?nS n f . ' T^' *""'" ^^i^^aoh little hour. We lost°sight^of the no'ted H "hfandrof '^ '''' 'T '' ' ^"°^^ P^^ wind continuinlfuir we reached tvS 1'''"^"' *^"'"s^^^' the There we had a touch of what h saits^J 1 -Plr.^^..''^'-^'^ '''^ ^'^' about handsomely; the few saih wThJl ^ weather," and were tost pitching and rolli;.g motion of he ve sel tf^^^u^'^ ^'^'^''^y- ^ho had first grappled with me at Sandy" 00k ad heido??"^^"'^"^^ ^''''^ I was not well durin.r the wholo v,L2. a . .• ''° ^'^^ ^^^«'"'»1 Jays, quisitely sick. But a°s to^k the SSn's ad ''""'' 7'', ''""^^ ^'^^^ ^^- the provisions I could stoTaw^ty^ Tssoon ^f.f >;«' ^^^mg aboard all discharge of the old stock wls^rgottpn T did nnM ' '"''"» ^'""^ '^' strength or flesh as might have been exDectL Ta''' '° ^"^ "^""'^ the harbor in still water or on\E ^,f P'"'^'^- ^^^ now a residence in petite, an indulgent of\Lich tslde T/T^ ' '"'''' ''''''''^^' '»P- Cato was sick but once and tha wo? H • ff ^^/*«.«t''o«g as I ever did. ter the 9th we had ^"U'd thf tTf^Str^^m^and t'1 '' ^'\^^'^- ^^f" with light winds. Indeed we were ofttn hi 1 ] ^ '^ smoother water, • made head-way every dav TLTvL t^ becalmed for a short time, bu IJUnve had th^e^S^.S;;o'f^!^tkfnfa^b^^^^^^ condition to give any Pirates, that millTbe ^ere a^" S "•■ '""'''^ " ^^^ I)o.ui„gol^Jhe^;8ul;;th;Jt i^SpIn^^^^"' ''''' '' ''' '^^^^ ^^ 66 f ' <1 tw 442 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. I.B. It-*' 11^ The beach is very similar to that of lionj^ THlaiul, flat land of a H^^ht Bdiidy soil; on tho mIJo wo pasHoil, was hilly, covensd with a growth ol'low vorilant bu8hc8, they looked well to us. After reachinj; the Mona, wo wore favored by the trade winds, which waited us gaily on our courHe. While in the neighborhood of tho West Indies we had frequent rain Btornis accompanied with dangerous gusts, sudden and violent teiupostsof wind, rain, thunder and lightning, but a sharp lookout enablod the experienced captain to foresee their approach, in time to avoid the effect of the furious swelling of the sea. On tho 22nd we reached the port of Carthagenu, of which, the town, vicinity &c. I will write from Uarran- quilla. Kdward Glen was in town, but just in the act of leaving, with a lot of goods, when the Captain and Custom House officers wont ashore with the letter-bag ; but as part of his horses had already started, and being anxious to overtake them, ho was obliged to leave without seeing me. He yesterday sent back horses for me, with which I start to day, immediately after dinner which is now coming on the table, I intended to have deferred writing to you till after reaching Glen's residence, as the Tampico docs not leave here till the 10th proximo; but as a letter might miscarry, I thought best to have two "white winged messengers" on the way for your satisfaction. This one I'll leave with the Captain and send the other by mail express. They are loading the horses so I must hurry. The Climate within the tropics is hot enough here in all conscience, a continual and scorching heat, but just now the weather is as moderate as with us the last of June. The general character of the people is as described by John Glen ; as far as I now sec they have a mixture of pride and laziness combined wi^h avarice; but I feel as sanguine as ever of doing well here. My lovd to all. Yours as ever, Hens. Van Rensselaer. Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to Ms Father. My Dear Father, Barranquilla S. A. Jany 1, 1829. I little thought two mouths since that the last day of 1828 vould leave me at Barrankelia, but so it is, and now having told you where I am, after wishing you my honored Father, my own dear Mother, Sisters and kind friends a great many happy returns of this day, will (as my letter from Carthagena was written in such haste) waft you back again to Lat. 2ft°.50\ Lon. 68°.30', where we were Sunday Dec. 14th ult. speaking the brig " Louisa of St. Johns," from Trinidad bound home ; the wind was fresh, we barely had time to exchange the usual inquiries of " What's your name?" " What's your Longitude?" " Where from ?" " Where bound V we passed each other so rapidly. Our hailing first, gave John Bull the last word and though he improved his time, I could not under- stand a word of the long yarn he was spinning when leaving us, but our Captain thought he said something about the Mona passage, and supposed he might have warned us against pirates. The next day the sea was too rough to allow us to overhaul our armory, but the day after, the cartridges were made for the 2 s\x pounders, for my fire arms &c. The only sword on board was put in my hands; in Cato's a Spanish knife about two feet long, which with another knife and pistol, comprised our means of defence, under the management of ten men, and a Frenchman. The night before we reached the passage, the Mate came below, and told us of a black look- ing schooner on our lee quarter. He had seen her some time, but did not KINGS. (1, flat hind of a li^rht fid with 11 growth of low Miching the Mona, wo IS gaily on our course. we liad frequent ruin and violent teiupostsof p lookout cnablod the me to avoid the efFuct of c reached the port of ill write from 15arran- e act of leaving, with a se officers went ashore ,d alrendy started, and igcd to leave without e, with which I start coming on the table. after reaching Glen's till the 10th proximo; st to have two " white faction. This one I'll lail express. They are ) Climate within the ontinual and scorching ivith us the last of June. i by John Glen ; as far laziness combined wi^h well here. My lovd to . Van IIenbselaer. father. I S. A. Jany 1, 1829. day of 1828 vould leave ; told you where I am, car Mother, Sisters and day, will (as my letter you back again to Lat. 3. 14th ult. speaking the ind home ; the wind was I inquiries of " What's ''here from ?" " Where hailing first, gave John ime, I could not under- (vhen leaving us, but our na passage, and supposed lext day the sea was too i day after, the cartridges ns &c. The only sword lish knife about two feet ■led our means of defence, man. Tlie night before d told us of a black look- er some time, but did not Leoaoy op Historical Gleanings. 44^ •< Ave aw Sir ".1 . " ""'•'""S "il» boy«, bo livorv now " ■..i.i„. of ,.o„o iiico 0, tir°«'o-„rit:r"¥h°e";ir 7"'°° s({ual wind, accompanied by heavv showor« nf ro,-., „ /. i.U.eVe».I„'diesT/afl«Mird; ioriLtK^ agarnst m time the effect k fatal On th« ia,h i "»' guarded Jl....ingo, and on Sunday 21»t the L-h peak,„? the V°,l ° ""'" "' ?'' l^i nzzzt bii-zTae-sr thtr.;'f'^' t?^ trasted with the beautiful azure skv and f f. 1 . .*^'^«°'"^••« "hade con- till it reaches the dark bluroJ^a ^Wes ifa ve i sin^i^:"^^ '^'"" persons accustomed to the mo,.oto..ous view on /nlTtlie LSr'""''-'" Nahuange) meets our view Tnev are u" 29 ?i«fl,- .^.u •' '"t^'-vc"'''/.' with pe^rpitual ice nnd^snoir';: l^icl^tt 't'stie:^^^^^^^ splendor long after he has buried himself from our 'aze in ho I gmng them a resemblance to immense bodies of crysta sfusp „ded inS a.r Thos.3 glaciers reflecting back the prismatic color cauTdbvJhe't^ of he sun at twilight, from high above the clouds whicrclothe its ht{« and rests upon the deep blue ocean, has a ma-ical effect nnonh I the seasick wanderer. 22./. Our course nft^rt^f k „ fa.V rpaTlld with he coast, but we did not ke.p near enough to distinguish Inv th fi save the mountains, until we apprLhed Carthagena, where La Sa f only hill of consequence in the vicinity, shows i"self about a mi e North WoT ^'i^C•'y .crowned with the remains of a dilapidaterNunnerv We passed the City about 4 o'clock, on our way to Bona Chica o^the sm 1 entrance to the harbor, nine miles South West of u Boca bldo or the ,arge entrance three miles from the Town, was cbsed by the dtrt^y'dlcuU."^'"'"'^" '' ''' ^'''' '' *^^ P--^- ^^'^^ is h^ut'lZ 'r^' ^^t'-^^^f ly ^"^ll in passing by, its appearance from sea TliPwL ^rom any other quarter, it is the principal seaport town I d fniTr n7 uf * " "'i approaching the la'nd. wEich wL a fortul Date thing for us; although there is a good anchorage for vessels in the y, which ,s seven miles wide, yet there\re many shallows and h zard u pots In consequence of the darkness of the night we struck in a reef abut 9 o'clock, near Boca Chica. and the vessel heaving and sinS Iltn'f ^'^f'*^-^ '^'"''^ ^""^'^ '^^^'^ »««" beat to pieces if thos? waves had been heavier. As it was the Captain, although alarmed for fl.^ 'i ^!f "'''"'' ^''^^'^'^ '^' «^«»« equaliimity of min™liat he petu s,ty, and the same composure exhibited during the whole passa!^ At the same time his orders were obeyed with a right good willTy tf e it i . 444 Legacy of Uistorical Gleanings. entlro crow. I had never seen even our Frenchman disphiy so much alacrity, ho wuh out of cabin in an instant after the firnt thump; and whoa the bout was let down, to carry out an anchor by which to warp the lirij,' out, ho was the first man in it ; and in spite of the ussurunce of the Muto that he should not be left behind, in ouao we went to pieces, he remained there till the heavy anchor was dropped in deep water, and did not come aboard again till the last of the men had left the boat. The poor felluw was in real trouble, but foi my life, I could not but laugh at him whilst he was in the boat. Cato had tried the pumps as directed, and they soon sucked and the vessel was proved stanch. Monsieur lio8(iuet was standing by the pumps and shortly after hearing the noise cau.sed by the air rushing in to fill up the vaciium caused by the receding water, he made a spring towards me, and getting hold of my arm, exclaimed with tears in his eyes, " vion Diev ! Mr. Valencia, Mun»!cur Vulctciu, nuns Herons pirtln ! " i. e., " my God ! Monsieur Valencia (as he called mo) we will be lost." I explained the cause of tho noise he had heard and pointing out the short distance we were from land said we would be saved. The rising moon enabled us now to distinguish the shore, but that would not pacify him, he could not swim, and wo were on a sharp rocky bottom, that some of the shaggy points could certainly go through the vessel and sink us he was quite sure. Just then I found by the lead, which I was holding, that the heaving on the anchor started the brig and passed the word to the Captain " she moves." " She moves boys, heave away," says tlie captain from one end of the capstan ; " She moves, my bullies," says tho Mate from tho other. All hands now appeared to have received new vigor from the news I had imparted and exerted themselves accordingly. Tho Captain who had taken tho lead corroborated my report, and a new hand at the pumps pronounced her a " sound ship." The cry was echoed aloud, and all hands on board, but the Frenchman, manning tho windlass brought the vessel up to the second anchor, when a favoring blast filling our sails we soon left our dangerous berth. At eleven o'clock we cume to anchor under the guns of the forts at the mouth of Boco-Chica. The Forts are about half a mile apart, strongly built, well garrisoned and stored, of a circular shape, mounted with two tiers of heavy guns. The Spaniards have confined in them a number of persons supposed to have been con- cerned in the disturbances at Bogotii, among whom is General Santander, Vice President. Having for eighteen days bv3en accustomed to hear the roaring of the elements, and hum of the seamen about me only, on that night the period- ical cry of the Sentries on the walls of the castles, the tolling of the bells, the twittering of the pelican and other birds, the barking of dogs, together with the melodious tones of the jackass on shore, formed such "a combination of sweet sounds," that I being naturally fond of music, could not think of sleeping five minutes at a time during the night, although I feit fatigued not only from my exertions the evening before, but from the operation of a heavy dose of salts, of which J had taken a good one, (not by any means forgetting to give the same to Cato.") On L'ecember 23rd at 7 P. M. a Pilot came on board and conducted us into the harbor as tie assistance of a good pilot, amid all the many shoals, is quite necessary. Wc passed the 61 gun ship ' Columbia " fitting out for the coast of Peru, (since gone), another national vessel of the same size, together with three other smaller ones lie in the harbor dismantled and going to decay. The NING8. iiiian (liHpliiy so much tlrHt thump ; und wIumi which to warp the bri^' UHHurunce of tho Muto to pieces, he reinuined atcr, and did not cuine boat. The poor fellow ut laugh at him whilttt y soon sucked and tho standing by the puinpa lir rushing in to fill up le a spring towards nie, i in his eyes, " mon oils pirdn ! " i. e., " will be lost." 1 and pointing out the be saved. The rising that would not pacify 3cky bottom, that some e vessel and sink us he which I was holding, nd passed the word to leave away," says the ;, my bullies," says tho to have received new hemsclves accordingly, my report, and a new ' The cry was echoed , manning the windlass a favoring blast filling leven o'clock wo cume I of Boco-Chica. The 1 garrisoned and stored, guns. The Spaniards )sed to have been con- 1 is General Santander, sar the roaring of the 1 that night the period- the tolling of the bells, rking of dogs, together ore, formed such "a ly fond of music, could the night, although I ig before, but from the taken a good one, (not On L^ecember 23rd at ito the harbor as tl e s, is quite necessary. t for the coast of Peru, ze, together with three 1 going to decay. The Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 445 u Lnzaretto and a Monastery k 1 t.Tif '' • "°'l'" "'""-'"'*-' tends to diversify the scene : near the last f h. J '/■ ' V"'"-' '' "' "'^ ""^^''^ uf cultivation is nutnifestod^ra fil or two o?'' "'^'''"^r" ^" '"'^« «««« you Cato's description of the villi houses 'T" W^T' '^''P'^« Htraw thatched barns" The porf i n n« 1°^ """^ '''"' "«' '"""y one to three miles wide, is a Sd harhnr ? '', ""^' ""'■^'"K ^'^^ of wafer and land locked. The la^>d su n t • '^"'^ 11^^^^ ""'^^ P'^"*^ not in any point attain a great elevation "^' ''' '''""8»> uneven, does ^^^'^^^^'^-tZ;^ -". ^ -arer the water. A boat of revenue officers'soon n ,ml \ f'"" 8h..lIow.-..s of the Captain's papers, and Hoalin7uTthe h t^ ll^H^ n'' ''""""•""« the number on board to prevent smuL'Ji„r«Ln^' ^T ""^ '^"^"'g one of land without a W... or 'permit ?rITUt 't^^^^^^^ of introduction from John Glen to 1 T • u ."^''f <^ay I sent a hatter ofKinselIa,asMr.GlenIdledl to J"'^-^?^^^^^^ by the name thing for a friend of his but beinr^nl /^"'^ *^"* ^^ ^""'^^ ^^ ^^y toonmchofasoldt toforsakehT3^^ ' T";*'""' ^^P^'^'''^" •« I therefore after sealing uTasecond^Ltlr f^7n^^ ^''' ^^'''"g^"' Consul, sent that ashorf,"! Eg h d s L Sfffiru " ^'jf/™--- authorities there CHe had been in nr;« n!^ 1 ^'^'^'^^y with the civil arising from that WLmsta r3 SetltlontiHo 'p 'T'^^'r^ and Mr. Clay, he afterwards showed me „ni • '"**'"^ President Bolivar me to take on to Gen. H^r lonTcouhl „ . ^'^'T''''^ ^ statement for gavethebusinessb thehrdsofa New V T'i P'""'""""^ '« '^' ^^' took all the steps for gett "g me a'h 1"^ wLiiTt ^l T' f ^^^"^' ^'^^ I observed the Lnne'; of discha^^inT'a v^s t caC The 7 't'"' taken to the Custom House rwhere Pv«rJ^; i ^^j" • ^^^ ^""^'Sht is large canoes or />««^«,s--LKluldK"^ '"'''^ '' exan.ined) in ent.on of going on to Barranquilla, and sent him word that I would be uppy to accompany hnn. He returned as answer, that he deslned to ^tait on baturday evening the 27th, and would be xtremely glalof ny } 1 As! u 446 Leoacy of IlrsTORicAL Gleaninos. company. Tn conMtMjuoiico of which I dotain'iil tho liorsos ami f,'iii(lo, thiit Kdwiird (ileri hmi procured for ui«, ut a hoiivjr oxpetipio ; however, whoii thu (hiy arrived Mr. Burlio, who hml iiolthor thought proper to cull >ipoii, or«orid mo word about it, Wuh not yet ready ; and uh I did not linow when he would be, I left Carthugenn the next day aUmd. I wa.s advised to wait for hitn, but I told MelMierHon and othorw that Mr. Hurke'H com- pany wa.s as little dcHirable to me as mine appeared to be tu him, and that 1 could travel without putting 'nyaelt' under any obligatiouH to him, that it' our Hituation.s had been reversed, my conduct under the sumo circuin- HtancoH would have been different. The grand dillicui'y in procuring niy oortiticateH was in .onaequonoo of tint holilays, a gala Hoason in every fionse of thu word, when the entire community engage in feasting and masquerading to tho exclusion of attention to buHincHS. My papers wero given as a mutter of very great favor. Carthagcnia is situated on what was formerly a Peninsula, but the ppaniards in fortifying it dug a ditch, 35 or 40 feet wide across tho IsthmuH, to prevent sapping »>igh timcH necesHaril. exposed to th« h at a \ 1 L 1 7'; '''^' ^'''^^ '^''«" »* not HubHoquentfy, J far, oxperiene;:i\:^; .j'^^'.^ '^^^^^ >-« poHure; on the contrary. I ieel Ktron,rnr ..n-i . , '" *'^°'" ^''e ex- the five or «ix last years The Jl n iTn.v hr ""^ I^^'f^' '^"" ^ ''"^« ^«r «oa,e to ,ne at hJo for that pe? 3 1 a Lt X^ i'^ was of^en trouble- know not whether to attribut^e thi^ J^le^Se I'LT '^'' '''"'• u^ cl.umte, but imagine both have a " hand's 8h,«"7nT. f'' *?' ^'^ *•>« too, is as hearty as a buck goat. '" '•'°«^"'^ ""^""'t. Cato, Tho houses of Cartha"ena arp hniU ,^p ». 1 roofs; those of tho wea^ oL a" tfo t;!;/h th""^ hanging over the street, with lattices of wood T« ^'**\ balconies, generally have two apartments, one 0? whS Is u eJ „«'"' ''P ^'''''' ' and working room ; the other «, T ;,„ i 1 ■ "^ " P"''""". «"' ng family. Tll^e hamuloek: ?or t rangL^TlptT^^ '""^ ^^' or in a shed at tho back of th« ht,Z suspended either in the parlor, to it, in tho rear of which La rotmfb ZU '^""'.' ^^ " ^"^ ''"«*'hod are no ceilings and no floo s oxcen^ tjl ^""^ ""'^ for servants. There ground floors' in tho Iwor stor^'Th " usTste"' '"^'"^"-^'^ ''"'^ antnjue: the latticed or barred windows wT Tr T^ T^"'" ""^ thick walls and heavy doors Xe I. h 7. "* '''■''''' ^'^^ '"""^^nse dunoeoo, but when yL rter thev 't ""' "^' ,«??«/'•""«« o*' « castlo or edifices have the 1^'" ^^sp^ct he 7' ^ 'f ^'^""- '^^^^ P'^^'^'^ bellished with iurnituro of th'e Zs co tVy do r pt n "Th'"^ "^''^ ^"- regular squares, but not very wide • not naved fnrV ' '^'^^^' "^ '» is sand, they are very dustv in Z'rlrvL^ ?.m °^,f°»'-se. «8 the soil 25 or 30,000 of every shade Von. f h^? T\ ^ 'I I>ulation is about the Crooies or contSfa ed Z pr dStJ ovl'r t^ ""^ ^^TT^^^' the aborigines form the largest ZZZT T • ^^ """"xed, though European's with NegroLSfan^and'creole? ' Tl.rratt^J^'e^.h ' V'" ness class and generally thriftv PnUrA^ . f^ ^^^ ^^^ busi- er augment the' resnelliuf^'of a^. person 'a'l'a^'^f '' 'l",""^t ^'°'"' opportunity to observe are equal nrovid.7?I' i u ""' ^ *''*'" •'"'^ '^^ here as wifh us '< money^Tes 'thTmat gl'"' '"^ ^'^ necessary ./.«.. endre cessation from labor indeed f-o^^ .Ir "5 'f '\''V' ^^"'°«' «» the transaction of business Danoinlir "^"''f' *^' ^"'^ P™'"^>if« I ill 448 Legacy op Historical Gleanings. of the "black spirits and white, blue spirits and pray," in their fanciful disguises is most astonishing. There surrounded by the mob who have free access, you see hundreds " trip it on the light fantastic toe," engaged in the giddy waltz, and at intervals breaking off to witness the explosion of some splendid pyrotechnical exhibitions. The richest class alone as- sume the mask, and probably the greater proportion attend without being able to bear the expense. Most of the ordinary dresses for the ladies are very costly and elegant ; the prevailing hea^' gear is a large figured tortoise shell comb covt rod with a rich black lace veil; gold neck ornaments, white gowns, figured silk stockings and satin slippers constitute the dress for all kinds of weather ; bonnets are never worn because the climate here is extremely hot, and sultry during the whole year. The gentle- men's dress is a complete suit of white material with pumps. The young of the poorer cla^- js run about the streets, with all the clothes that Nature gave them and no more. The ladies, in masquerading, appear more de- sirous to remain incog than to support any character as they do in Europe. For that reason I was not as well pleased as I had thought I would be ; some few of the Masks, however did sustain a character tolerably well. Among those was a North American Indian with his tomahawk, wampum- belt, knife and rifle, a vevy demure looking Nun ; a gouty Sexagenarian with two pretty daughters, both of the Senoras evidently were watching an op it,rtunity of running away with some handsome lover. When they were dancing, the poor old man, scarcely able to see across his nose, would hunt for them till his cough compelled him to be seated. There was also a Monkey with his two keepers. The best of the whole company was a Bashaw with his Sultana j they were richly dressed in Oriental robes and supported their characters to a nicety. I remarked to Oapt. Fish as they passed by us, what I thought of them, and added, I did not wonder at his taste in confining himself to the society of one Senora, who could move and act the Sultana so well. In the next turn the Mask addressed me in Spanish with " How do you do Sefior Ingles," from which I in- ferred that he had understood my remark. I could not find out who it was, but from the height and figure supposed him to be a Mr. Bunch, the richest Englishman in the place, to whom I ha \ been introduced. The masks seldom hail a stranger, or a person unknown to them, but always return a salutation. Sunday is the grand gala day for the amusements at which time a more general muster is made with much smoking of cigars. A corner of the same square is. appropriated to the slaves for their use during the " Fiestas," who imitating the example of their betters, have their own fun in dancing the monotonous " fandangos " while the festivi- ties last. There is one custom in Colombia chat does not suit my Yankee stomach at all ! at all, and that is to be content with two meals per day. It is a universal practice to swallow a cup of coffee at first rising in tho morning; the regular breakfast is taken at 10 o'clock it generally consists of coffee, hollos, fish, a mixed dish (made of salt meat, yams, plantains, potatoes and other roots called Sari Cocho), poultry &c. At 6 o'clock i>. M. you are called to dinner of innumerable dishes of soup, fish, turtle, poultry, pork, and other meats which are served up in succession with a change of plates for each variety. Instead of bread and potatoes, we have fine yams aiiJ the "bollos," which is the substitute for bread where fluur cannot be obtained , Cit is a nrenaration from n>aizo and is quite palatable, though not equal to our "staff' of life.") The meal is finished with oranges, papaws, plantuius jray," in their fanciful Leoacy of HiaTOEiCAL GLSASiNas. 449 but at the conelusion of the nea we are fn" Tl "°r^^*«'y ^^ «u^«et, here used by n,en, womea anTc^irdrea o/jve" -■ T^ "^' •'' ""^''^ ^^« room, without regard to time or p aco from IS ^ ''i',''' "^^ '° *^^ ^.a!!- The road for a mfle or two fJom fhTJhu2 ^ "'n*^'' *'' *^' '«'^^'« <''''^tch- in use, and indeed the o2 onT kind tha, /' "I ""'"°? ^'' ''''''^'' Even these are used only by the most wp'U r^''' '^^'^ ^'^'^^^y^. of gigs, dram by one ho^rsef on wS Th; & ''^ "•■' "'7 ^'"'"^y ««rt calculated to carry three ncrson. on ;f , ^'' '' mounted ; the gig is poor horses that tL route^rrndrno f^/l^ '''*' '.^^ " '^ ^^" ^^^ °the chine is load enough withou' a passenge ^Burn^' ""''t' '^ '^' °»- is the have headed ladies seem Te^?; he drfve've'v much "'"^'^^'^^^^ CaranTat w^/retrtol^hrir *^^ ^- the 4 P. M. r left the strJngty-rScSSnS iS" 4' t^'^'^^^o' 26 , accompanied to the outer "••.(p., hv cf^ "" ' ^''- ^^°"- 75° where we found that the S had 1^^/.^'''". ^'^".= Americans, ba^^gage .; also had demanS a search a'n op ra'tifn1t\"? ^f ^""^ '"^ passing through the Custom Hnn«n\ k\%?P , '^ ^^^ undergone in Lre allowed^o V'oiTrJC7ilV2rZ'::Z'°'IrT " arf/a? from my Countrymen who h-,d tm^i • ^^^*'""^"-. After hearty supposed ^,u, ™iji,rrit ito^ti^^XtZnczTs "r' lufty domes, the sp endid Cnfjiorlr.,! ti c ■ ? , ; ""^''J^ streets, handsom. turrets and vryth^^^^^^ ^'T'^^ Inquisition Terra Firma. [''This co^niy was S ed Te a fCT^ p'^^ '°^^ '" count of its beino- the first ^JtZ'tlTn r .T-^ ^^ Columbus, on ac- *. .aod, J.c„ve'red;^:r:„1,:^\l" '^.t^ ™ *°°'"'^' "» look at ourselves and nT,r nl?' T r '^ °?"'.^ ^^'' ^'^^"'^ ^"^ "^^ we can he sits '' in nU l!- • °"'^/"'"^^'«- First in line is the Patron or -uide crossdo ; "^i^'lrhLfc^ -y two trunks with his legs tl-.e horse him th" tawr v do,^ - V ? ° 'T' ^' '' f"^ '^' ^'"'^ '^^^ pantaloons 2l short SpfV . .'" '""'''• I"^ "'^^^'^ ''^^ '" ^^^duroy Lp.no nntf '^'lo^.Ja^'^et, boots and spurs with holsters and pistols be ^■>w^^ ck p ^e'foi mVs " "'^'' 1'^'^''^' ""^''^ '^ »°^^i"" "^«re than a pKucd on mats are my two bags. Ho does not like the way of ■' has his legs straddling without the cross : under 57 lorsea, P i I ' 4 . I 450 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. him is my hammock and his mat, on his shoulders the gun. Our guns are all loaded. Oato has had his lesson, and being fully prepared in case of trouble we shall be able to show a pretty good fight. Now that you know how we look, wo must tell you how we feel, strangers in a strange land, very much like cats in a strange garret. As I had never been in the country since landing in South America, every object was novel to me ; nothing at all that meets our view is like what we have seen before. The houses are built of reeds, thatched with palm leaves ; goats are substituted for cows, jacks for horses ; (horses are as rare hero as jacks are with us). Dogs look like wolves and cats like skeletons of things that have been. Birds, insects, trees, foliage, man- ners, language, all, all is new, but then being so strange and 1 of such a contemplative genius, the whole assemblage serves as food for amuse- ment and pour passer le temps. The guide laughs and swears by turns because I do not understand his Spanish lingo, but then I laugh when it pleases me becnuse the stupid jacknapes knows nothing of pure English j my revery is frequently broken in upon by his guarding me against some projecting branch whilst dodging among the trees. Our ponies are going on while I am moralizing, and ten o'clock at night finds us five leagues [15 miles] from Carthagena at the village of Turbacco, but the evening was too far advanced to be able to distinguish what kind of a place it was. I was both hungry and fatigued ; at first there was some diflSculty in making my wants known, but what with my Spanish, signs, the landlord's broken French and the ditto English of a young gentleman, whose di- rection is Seiior Buenaventura De Aleazer, (Phoebus ! what a name !) I finally succeeded very well. Seiior De Aleazer was very polite ; after inspecting my Passport he informed me he was going lo the United States as Secretary of the Colombian Legation. He gave me a letter of intro- duction to his brother who was a Secretary at Hogota, expressing a wish for a letter from Barranquilla to my parents, which I agreed to give. His instructions to my guide had the eflfect of making my journey much more pleasant than it would otherwise have been. At 3 oclock A. M. when I arose to pursue my journey, my stranger friend also got up and over a glass of his anise cordial bade me a kind " adios " and away I started by moonlight with grateful feelings that persons seldom experience after so short an acquaintance. About daylight we passed through the hamlet of ReboUera, one league from Turbacco m the road runs, but owing to the damage it had sustained from previous rains, we were obliged to take so many circuitous turns, that we trebled the distance. Two leagues further on we stopped to breakfast at Caiia- veral, another pretty little hamlet. The road was better but still compelled to deviate from the direct path so frequently that it was ten oclock before we reached the little village of Sipacoa distant about two leagues. There are no intermediate houses between these hamlets or villages, the space is covered with impenetrable forests, without water, which undoubtedly is the grand cause of its uncultivated state for the soil appears to be good. Wherever water can be obtained you find as many inhabitants settled round, as it will supply through the dry season, and the whole stock of the little hamlet will consist of Jacks, goats, fowls and occasionally a hog. On leaving a village my guide always procured a good «upply of the Cocoa- nuts for the sake of the water with which they are tilled; \7e found it a very necessary precaution for without the liquor of the nuts we migbt have wisliCd lu vain for a cooling nutritious beverage to queacb our thirst [ING3. the gun. Our guns fully prepared in case fight. Now that you strangers in a strange ng in South America, meets our view is liice )f reeds, thatched with :s for horses ; (horses i. lilce wolves and cats its, trees, foliage, man- strange and 1 of such •ves as food for amuse- s and swears by turns lut then I laugh when thing of pure Engliih ; rding me against some Our ponies are going t finds us five leagues bacco, but the evening , kind of a place it was. as some difficulty in h, signs, the landlord's gentleman, whose di- hoebus ! what a name !) was very polite ; after ng 10 the United States 'e me a letter of intro- a, expressing a wish for agreed to give. His my journey much more journey, my stranger cordial bade me a kind grateful feelings that tance. About daylight iague from Turbacco m astaiued from previous turns, that we trebled i to breakfast at Cafia- etter but still compelled it was ten oclock before lut two leagues. There or villages, the space is •, which undoubtedly is )il appears to be good. any inhabitants settled ind the whole stock of and occasionally a hog. ood Hupply of the Cocuu- re tilled j yie found it ;i of the nuts we m\ghl age to queacb our thirst Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 451 while crossing this savanna or extensive nlftm Tu a • wc advance through forests of im.nfnr/ia^g "rcelof whi'chTr " claims pre-eminence, it drops its leaves twiop « U • l ^'*"°gany bark is smooth, of a brown c'olor t^e m^or tVSse'trt'ar/ *'' in circumference than a hoL'shead running ,,n wWK f ^^T . ^ .'""'''* the l,«ii,M of f™„ 80 to lO-O fe^rbZ"'"? th o^ o^'aZLS'^"'""" " I was much interested at observinL*1VLU££ lil V lilt?. 11 IM l.niM 17 1 1 I H an villages are, yet the place looks well, a number of tasty mansion " belong.ng to fore.gners. built of stone cemented over and whiteTas^^^^^^^^ ot which Glen's IS the most conspicuous, adds together with itrorna mental trees to the beauty of the place A branch of the Magdalena running past here empties in the sea at Sanvanilla seven leagues off J the water is'suffieiently deep o bear awav oaded vessels f 60 tons, a number of which belonging toMe G ens are con.stantly employed by them in transporting goods up the river and In. ' ; e sea coast. The larger boats are built of ^various^ kinds of imber n he strongest manner ; the knees are stout a..d the seams are well cllked lie smaller sizes are from 20 to 80 feet long and from 2 to 8 let wide they are all flat bottomed. These boats are propelled in absence of Ifai; wmd by the Boga or boatmen's long setting'pole, with a f k'^the end prevent its sinking too deep in the mud.° I need not ask you to write y ev^ry packet, for you must be aware of the loneliness of my ^^2 eic till the language becomes familiar, and can judge of my anxie y to diinco'so t' ""'''' ^"'"'f ^''" '" " ''''^'' ^'"'^ «" ■" ^'«!t t« St- Martha, TZ^ "r^^^f ■.^•!'^^.^'-/-; ->!^.^1-" !^-- -aching Bogota, will •r, shall ave sailed all of the navigable Magdalena River. . s„a„ write vou ipu. before leav.ng this to join General Harrison, which wi < o ove.^iu packe that brings John Glen ; this leaves by the vessel thft I " m Ll'Z^T'''^'''. t'»%receipt of this, should be dii-ect.d to Bogota. ■ ^'^ ^^"- HarrLson from Carthagena of my wish to remain "here f'li I iIl 464 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. sometime, expressini^, however, my readiness to join liim sooner tlian [ had contemplated if he required it, and now I hold myself prepared lo " pack up my tatters," at a moment's warning. I am careful of my healtii but fear no difficulties nor the climate. The only news that I could <^leati here and at Carthagena is, that there are more persons concerned in tlio late disturbances at ]Jogofa than was at tirst supposed, the arrests are still going on ; u person was committed to prison the day before yesterday in Carthagena. Popayan is in a state of commotion, tlie Capital in "the hands of the rebels, Bolivar with the Southern division of the Army is marching down to defeat them, while the Peruvians in large force arc hastening lo their assistance. 500 men loft Carthagena, a few days since, to join the Liberator. All this makes the timely arrival of General Harrison at Bogota, a very desirable thing to the Americans in this un- settled Country. In traveling through this new, wild and comparatively unknown coun- try, I keep a Journal of which my letters home are, in all important points a copy ; if they are preserved, they may be amusing hereafter and perhaps useful in case, that by accident, the original should be lost. Periiaps you will think it a meagre journal, but it is a task never before attempted by me, and I think or at least hope the numbers will improve. I will en- deavor at all events to be more systematical and connected. Long letters will keep up my acquaintance with my mother tongue, otherwise I migiit stand a chance of losing all knowledge of it, since the Spanish language now engro.sses all my attention ; by the way, it is quite as easy for me to ac((uire as I anticipated, the pronounciation is the most difficult part. I must now close, having— as I hope you will in writing to me — filled my paper. I can only got letters from across the ocean once a month, then all write. Edward Glen is a fine, noble fellow ; he says and also does Cato that I must not forget them in writing to those at home. Remember me to. all. Wishing each one a very Happy New Year and many of them. Most truly and sincerely yours, General Solomon Van Rensselaer, P. M. Albany, New York. Estado Unidos del Norte. s. [NOS. n liiin sooner than [ Id myself prepared In careful of my health, iws that I could |i;leati jons concerned iu tho i, the arrests are still y before yesterday in , the Oupital in the 'ision of the Army is ns in large force aro ina, a few days since, Y arrival of General Lmericaus in this iiii- ively unknown coun- n all important points lereafter and perhaps jc lost. Perhaps you before attempted by improve. I will en- lected. Long letters 16, otherwise I might he Spanish language ite as easy for me to iiost diflScult part. I riting to me — filled jcean once a month, ff ; he says and also those at home, lappy New Year and C4..^7cJilCJLi^ e<_ .).:■ ' i I 464 Leqacy of Historical Glkaninos. sometime, expressiiii^, however, my readiness to join liini sooner than [ hud contemplated if ho required it, and now I hold myself propnred t<^ *' park op my luttors," at a uionients warning. I am careful of my t)> i but ft>ur n< diHieultios nor the climate. The only news that I ci>ultl jj. bore and at CnrthagtMia is, that there are more persons coitceriied in 'i. Iflto iJi»|uri>«i!it'S at Hoj^ota than was at first supjHtsed, tiic arrest* art- , going oo j « person was committed to prison tlie day before yoHt«>rti(iv (jurthogfcoa. Popayan is in a state of commotion, tlio Capital in il hands of the rclj«ls, liolivar with tlie Southern division of the Arn:>. marchinj.' down to del'eat them, wliile the Peruvians in larj;e for<'v hiiHteiiing to t!i*iir assistance 500 men left (]arthaf;enii, a few dav- to join tht' Ijibcrator. All this makes the timely uirivai of <■. Harrison at Uou;ola, u very desirable thinjj to the AmcTieaus in ;1. settled Country. In traveling throujj;l> this new, wild and coniparatively unknowt try, I keep a Journal of which my letters home are, in all importiHi. a copy ; if they are preserved, they may be amusin,L» hereafter and p« • 1 ,*. useful iu case, that by accident, the origjnai should be lost. l'crhr»|i> i.u will think it a meagre journal, but it is a task never before uttempuii iiy me, and I tliink or al least hope the numbers will improve, I wiil . ii- deavor at all events to be more systematical and connect ,■ ■''^txl'um; by tlio way, 'it is (juite as easy (o' me to a«({uircas I anticipated, the pronouuciatiju is the most difficult purl I must now close, having — as I hope you will in Avriting to me — hilcd my pape.. I can only get letters from across the ocean once u liiimtli, then all write. Edward Glen is a fine, noble fellow ; he says and alsu does Cato that I must not forget them in writing to those at home. llemomber me to alt. Wishing each one a very Happy New Voiir ami many of them, Most truly and sincerely yours, . General Solomon Van IJen^^selaer, P. M. Albany, N'<'W Vorl;. lv-t,a i iW8 thut. I Citultl i,h iUiiH coiiceruetd lit •!, 1, tlic arrests :.:■ y before yi'M< ■ , the Cuptlal ui it riaioii of tht« Arn!\, us in larjie for<'« i jiia, a few d:tv y uirival of <■. ^incTicuus ill ;).• ively unkdovv: 11 all importing hereafter and pvi i, .j,^ be lost. Perhnj!^ vi>u • before utieinpu, i ity improve, I wni .ii- iiectu I als.. those at homo ■fappy New V" h«^. f ^'^nd ^reading out our mats on the bottom of he tt^^ n? onT Vn'^j ?"" "'' •'\"'^^^ '' '^' '^'"'y ""•« I»dian village TetZ Z M '^ '""? ^''V''' '^'' ^'^^ «^' Santi Martha and the .ea. We were ternb y annoyed by the sand flies, their numbers here are very great, and until an hour or two of their society had made me a little Z fi'lThad see"" ""'■^' ^ ''""' ''"" almost' insupportable, they are the n ^^o nf ' ^-^ '"!i°' ^'■'"'' .^"ranquilla ; we now hired hor.es preferring that nUe of gojng the remaining part of the route, to the difficulty of prooeed- nOos^Sr' %T" '"".'" '.\™""*^ '"""^ ^^'"3^ dangerous points. One les nde brought us to the village of Gienega another Indian site, it was ousii^Hr. '"^" '"1^ '' ""^, " ^''''^'''^ P'"««- It was the scene of a 1. mous battle during tlio revolution between the Patriots under Gonl. onu lo, and the Royal Indians; the latter were beaten a.d their village ouiiit to the rround. ^ Our ride from beret., the liamlct of Gaira-six leagues, is mostly on uiL .^ea beach, excepting in some tow places where the passage around 58 ■: 458 Legacy of nisTORicAL Glbaninqs. pome of the headlant's is too hazardous, there we arc obliged to leave the beach, and rise through tortuous, difficult, and narrow defiles over the points of the hills of St. Martha. These hills rise up very abruptly, close from the sea, to the height of from G to 120U feet and nearly barren, the trees being smuil and very scarce. The Snow mountains that we saw from sea are (><> miles back in the interior. Between Gaira and Santii Martha, two leagues apart, those hills are crossed over, but before reaching the lace at which the ascent begins, you go through a narrow vale where, without a breath of air, the mid-day sun beat vertically down upon us iu full strength ; while the white sand below reflecting back such an over- powering licat gave us a pretty fair idea of the vigor of the Sun when in the zenith. I thought it hot enough to roast a large round a-la-modc-baf in ten minutes, and much feared part of my under lip was baked. I never enjoyed the fresh breeze so much as I did after leaving those sultry vales; as we rose from the lower regions to the upper ones the pure air and fine prospect enlivened us and horses so much, that it enabled us to pass swiftly through a similar valley, on the other side, without feeling the efi"ects of the heat so sensibly. A pretty little stream from the hills to- gether with the bracing sea gales made the remaining half mile to the city very pleasant. We were delighted with the prospectus we halted on the top of the hills, perhaps 800 feet above the level of the sea, but it would be better still if the lands were as well cultivated below as they are under Mt. Ilolyoke or Catskill. But the ground is all in a state of nature ; its tenants are fierce tigers, deer, foxes &c. Santa Martha is situated in a sort of an amphitheatre formed by the surrounding hills, the inhabitants get a good supply of fresh hill water from the pretty rivulet which empties into the sea near it. The City is about one-fourth the size of Carthagena, the houses have the same heavy eff'ect as those of that seaport but not in so great a degree ; they are mostly one storied, built of brick or stone with veranda. Santa Martha is not a walled town but there are heavy batteries at the two Forts for its protection ; one on a high bluffy island, the other on the main shore on the beach ; vessels pass on either side of the island to enter the harbor. There was but one vessel in when I was there, a schooner from lioston. I gave her captain a letter for home. It was about 2 o'clock p. u., when we arrived here where we remained till the next day at 5 P. M. After dining twice with the family of Seiior Micio and breakfasting once with Mr. Severs the U. S. Consul, we started homeward; our journey being principally in the night, by moonlight, was cool and pleasant. Although Peublo-Viejo, where wo left our boats, was only 25 miles I'rom St. Martha, we did not reach it till 12 o'clock owing to the rough roads, and just as we were about embarking a guard of soldiers surrounded and ordered us to remain till morning, and submit to have our baggage searched for contraband goods. Diego being known to them they accepted a bottle of rum as a passport, and we went on in the cool night and reached home the next day. Every village near a navigable water has a body of soldiers quartered in it, to prevent the smuggling that has been and is still carried on by all nations. My jaunt to St. Martha has been a very serviceable one to me, posting me up as to what will be required in going up the river, and has citnvint'od nie -hid I can bear the hviit ami inconveniences attending the trip. 1 ride out occasionally with Hdward Ulcn w.hich has made the gcograpliical situation of this section of the country quite familiar to inc. i'ive leagues west of this is the tidy little village of Gullapa where we riNQS. re obliged to leave the arrow defiles over the up very abruptly, close and uearly barren, the lountains that we saw ween Gaira and Santii or, but before reachinj; h a narrow vale where, cally down upon us ia ig back such an over- or of the Sun when in !;e round a-la-mode-haf ip was baked. I never nng those sultry vales; js the pure air and fine it enabled us to pass de, without feeling the •earn from the hills to- aiuing half mile to the respect as we halted on level of the sea, but it vated below as they are all in a state of nature j a Martha is situated in ng hills, the inhabitants y rivulet which empties the size of Carthagena, that seaport but not in t of brick or stone with liere are heavy batteries bluffy island, the other ither side of the island in when I was there, a r for home. ere where we remained ith the family of Senor J. S. Consul, we started e night, by moonlight, yhere wo left our boats, reach it till 12 o'clock tout embarking a guard 11 morning, and submit Is. Diego being knowa lort, and we went on in iy of soldiers quartered d is still carried on by very serviceable one to going up the river, aud luonvenionces attendiug Ion wjiich has made the :ry quite familiar tu luc ;o of Gallapa where we of Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 459 and Indigo are the natural products of this sandy coJntJlthe first " nused ,n small quantities, the last not at all in this province On he 20th went with m; .ery good friend to Savinilla the sea^prt at "the mo^th of this nver, wher he is now loading a Scotch brig with fu tic and cotton ;:,f S'thHo^t -ff^'^^r^"',? '''''''-' '''''^ custom h^il^^U^ poit ind the fort at Point Savinilla terminated our ride. The Fort so called IS eight leagues from home and nothing but a piece of 'round leveled at the mouth of the port in a good situation on^ a promo, Z which not on y commands the entrance to the harbor but the baT" ound also, It now is poorly fortified and as badly manned, it has fom- lar"e cannon mounted. Camaeho and l.aplaya are two hamlets beh J he dwellings of the proprietors of the immense herds of Black cattle that graze on the plains of their vicinity; these savannas Xdexcoln gurage for the congregated boasts. We were well armed in goinl Jo this fort and were in hopes of bringing home the skin of a lion Uiatlias boon in the habit lately of eating up the goats at the Custom Hou at jvero^Jisappointed in not seeing him as was the poor old custom house FdZi"n^''''ir'*'j'n ''""* •'*? ^ ^'^ ^^y^' *^'^ P'^^-'^y '^ to be composed Edward, myself and Cato with two others and Salamanca is to be the scene ot_ our valorous achievements against these " lords of the forest " 1 description will be added hereafter. The woods on this coast are infes'ted I .'^r^at numbers of wild animals among which are fWs, rabbits, hogs, d er and_ tigers._ The tigers are very destructive to the goWs and youn^ stock- It IS quite common for them to invade the door yards at night fo? booty -but a the sight of a man they flee to their fastness in the Uiorny underbrush where they cannot bo pursued; but if wounded or provoked hey defend themselves with desperation and are extremely dan-erous 1 was much amused with the result of a contest between one of these' tigers and a full grown buck negro. The point of contention was a calf in charge of the negro : it appears that the depredator impelled by severe hunger, could not resist the passing opportunity of a fine fiit yearlin- but |,niuediately reversing his usual time for such operations, left his mfd-day lair for the onslaught. The coveted prey was soon on his back, and the victor inarching off in triumph, when the pursuing negro seized the bellow- ing victim by one of his hind legs, upon which a trial of strength — last- ing sonr> minutes, took place between the two champir,ns. The four le<'.'ed hero finding his course impeded by the woolly headed Sambo, releasedliis captive to beat off the intruder. His first charge or leap was a gallant one, and (.uffee s story would have been a short and dismal one, but that ortimately he had a quick eye, strong arm, and the circumstance of his having a blunderbuss in his left hand occurring to him at the moment U thing It appears he had entirely fbvgotten) which he presented in the vigor of desperation to the breast of the raging tiger, with such efi-ect that Dotli recoiled back some foot without any visible damage to either. From the attitude of each of the belligerents now, it seemed as if both had a'-'qmred a formidable opinion of the prowess of the other as a result of the ast attack. The tiger stood growling ominously and shewing his teeth - the disappomtmout : the oxciteiueul which had for the tmie beiu"- usurped the place of lour in the negro, at the first danger of his calf, now I I I ■11 460 Legacy of Hisiorical Gleanings. left him and for the first time he realized his own peril. He has a gun it is true but he scarcely knows its use ; and as he turns to flee, the treacherous tiger perceiving the intention makes another spring at him, and the afirighted black levels, this time fires and by a miracle shot true, the whole charge of slugs passing directly through the heart of the monster. The scene of this action was on the island of Gomer opposite and one mile from Barranquilla. The slave is owned by Senor Antonio Mendoza who keeps Mr. Glen's cattle; the head of the ferocious animal which I saw was an enormous one. One more instance occurred in that vicinity during my stay, of a tiger's being succes-ssfully encountered, single handed and that too by a gallant boy of sixteen jears of age. He was out with his jackass for wood hav- ing with him only a lance; while engaged in loading his beast, hearing his two little curs bark, he looked round and perceived a large tigress descending a gigantic tree which stood near him. With the decision of a man he ran with his lance and pierced her through before she could reach the ground, and then went to discover the object of the dogs' attack ; it was a half grown cub, which after a furious conflict yielded itself prisoner to the young Nimrod. The boy's father proved himself a brute by kill- ing the cub and flogging the lad for what he termed his temerity. The hides of both the tigress and her cub are now in the possession of Edward S. Glen. The dread of those tigers appear to be almost universal, I never could make up a party to hunt them ibr love or money. I once went out alone for six or eight hours but without any success. The extreme dull- ness of Barranquilla which I had a fair opportunity of testing whilst waiting three months, gave me plenty of time for study, writing and gunning. The paucity of game, among the shrubs of the sandy plains in the immediate neighborhood, compelled me, in the pursuit of my favorite amusement, to cross the Magdalena where in the vicinity of Mr. Gleu's " rosa " the greatest number of ducks of the teal sjiecics, enliven the numerous layoons of the Savanna groves, together with plover, snipes, &c. There I would frequently hie to pass an idle hour; the beauty of the grove was enchanting and the freshness of the sea-breeze wafted over the little lakes destroyed all the baneful influence of the midday sun. The rich bed of grass, with which the whole plain was covered, afi'orded the sportsman a fine opportunity of approaching unperceived as near the flocks of devoted ducks as he could desire, one or two shots generally gave Cato and myself as much of a load as vye wished to carry a mile to the river. This place was visited regularly twice or thrice a week for a month or two, and every time with success, but at length a little adventure occurred ■which induced me, through motives of caution to discontinue my visits to that fascinating spot. Being one day intent upon getting in a favorable position for a fair shot at a fine large flock of ducks, and crawling as usual in the grass nearer the pond in which they sported, when almost within the desired distance, I was surprised and alarmed by the sudden agitation of the grass under niv " all/oum." Withdrawing my attention from the ducks to discover the cause, imagine my horror at discovering a very large snake directly under me. The ducks of course were, at the moment, forgotten, and uiy first idea was to shoot the reptile but simultaneously Gate's machete or chopping knife occurred to me, for wliich J called and .saved my amiuuui- tinn. Whilst Cato vfn~ appr'incliing -IVoni tlic di--t;in<-c vfith his w(^•l|'.'.l!!, the snake was making ofl', but i Ibllowed to ke(;p him in sight, till Cato 5S. The extreme dull- Vr'ith iii^; wcMj liiui in sight, till Cato Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 461 cnnie up. The serpent then stopped and threw himself in attitude for battle; a more threatening object could scarce present itself. About three feet of Its length protruded above the grass ; its fiery eye, the brandishing of Its forked tongue with the quick opening and shutting of its ponderoul jaws proc aimed Its deadly rage. Cato made one mis-blow with the machete, the snake darted at him in return with like success. I then took he too myself and was lucky enough to sever the head from its body at the first stroke. 1 he color was a beautiful rich cream color, studded over with small glo.s8y black spots; it measured eight feet, and I afterwards learned that its bite is deadly and incurable. How I escaped touchin- it lu passing over him on my hands and knees is a mystery to me he then was basking in the sun and probably sleeping ; if I had unfortunately touched him, one bite would have told my story. The danger at all events was too apparent for me as a prudent person to expose myself to a like hazard the second tune ; I never went there for ducks a"-ain On Jebruary 15th Edward received a letter from his brother John dated "New lork Dec. 24th," in which he states his intention of return- ing by way of St. Thomas and Jamaica; this letter came via. Cha<'res but does not lessen my apprehensions for his safety, as he has had time to ac- complish all, but IS not yet here. As Edward thinks that John will certainly go on immediately to Bogota after his return, and bein<' so urgent that I shall wait for his arrival. I will now remain till the Febru- ary packet from New York arrives. Februari/ 2'Srd. I was this day ex- tremely gratified by the receipt of an answer to my letter from Cartha-ena of Dec. 25th to General Harrison. His letter dated Bogota Feb. 7th Tays • " Upon my arrival here evening before last I received yours &c." He' mentions that his furniture had not yet arrived and of course hadnotyet commenced housekeeping, he concludes with : " If this letter should find you still at Barranquilla you can use your own discretion as to the time of your departure. Whenever you do come, it will give me much pleasure to receive you as the son of an old and highly valued friend." That let- ter has confirmed me in my intention of remaining some time longer here for the sake of John Glen's company up the river. The General's letter of which the above is the substance, suits me exactly; his remark about his furniture is intended to give me an idea of his as yet unsettled state, and is as I take it, an indirect way of saying he is not yet ready to receive me, but notwithstanding he will be glad to see me for your sake at any time. "^ March 'ira. Edward Glen last evening received a package of letters from hi,s friends at home by the bng Medina, which loft his brother at St. Domingo and is now in f^anta Martha. Our fears are now at au end respecting John Glen, he will go to Jamaica before he returns. I am in hopes of hearing from our Consul at Carthagena, in reply to mine, regard- ing Gen. Harrison's furniture, still detained in the Custom House for duty, if my information is correct T shall put it in a train to be sent on before I leave this. It takes two . .onths for heavy or bulky articles to reach Bogota from Carthagena therefore my waiting will be out of the question. The war with Peru is no more, it died a natural death after her vessels had been repulsed in an attempt against Guayaquil and a few cuiiipanies of her troops were beaten on land by a similar number of Colonibiaus. The insurrection at Popayan headed by a discontented Colonel .):is ;i!.^o ^een (jUanlicd. The CouiUiy is tr;in({uii and its aii":iir.s ovidcuUy improving, a proof of which is that a certain proportion of its Exchequer Mi-.L M 462 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. bills aro receivable now at the Custom House for duties, a thing heretofore not allowed, and General IJolivar'.s disposition to facilitate the coiuuierciul intercourse witii tiiis country is nianilested iu his late order opening;; the Port of Savinilla for exportation. In consequence of Edward's pressure of business we have not been able to leave home for our lion hunt, and now as our preparations for the jaunt up the river takes up all our time, we will be obliged to lay that resolution on the table. John Glen has arrived but hiving touched at Jamaica, in his passage, he sent my letters on by the N. Y. packet and I now have the mortification and disappoint- ment to know they have gone on to Bogota. My exposure to the climate and the Sun has been frequent and intentional ; after landing I used much caution in going out scarcely ever without my umbrella, but as I became more and more inured was less guarded, and now I feel as safe in venturing abroad without any extraordinary precautions as most of the natives. The only indisposition of any kind that I have experienced here, wa.s a slight headache at Santa Martha after crossing its hills and confined vales, but an halfhour'iO nap made me strong as ever, and now look for- ward to my passage up the river with pleasure. What an agreeable diversify I will experience in relaxation from study while going with (he windings of the River Mngdalena a distance of eighty miles and new objects constantly unfolded to my vision. This journey is an every day occurrence with Merchants, from several of whom I have ob- tained much valuable information in regard to this rout; which together with the assistance of my good friend llldward have made myself familiar •with all the requisites for it, and am now amply provided with every necessary and many luxuries for the trip. My boat is good and I have three of Glen's best luen to ma'i it, Cato and myself have mats, musquito- bars k(i ; the awning of the boat is manufactured of leaves, impervious to 8un or rain. Not having English or Americans aboard save Cato, will be an advantage to my Spanisii for my crew speak no other language. I have been in the habit of exercising Cato with the broad-sword, by which I have not only made a pretty good swordsman of him, but improved my own knowledge of the science. It is a very necessary accomplishment here, as every native from necessity carries a machetta or long knife, without it he could never make his way through the underbrush of the forest ; besides the machetta is substituted for the ax, hoe and spade, being therefore an essential instrument to every workman. It is not at all extraordinary that strangers who have seen these natives so generally wearing them, should from that very circumstance form an unfavorable impression of their character. Indeed the ragged clothes and long beard of some of these fellows, make tiiem appear the perfect counterpart of what Fancy would present as the picture of a complete ruifian. The fact of the weapon being often drawn when travelling does not tend to destroy the image. I have often when passing them at night had a pistol out ready for an emergency, but I have never had a crossword or look from any of them ; on the contrary have found them to posess much of that obliging disposition of our own backwoodsmen, but more ignorant; they are great beggars, nor are they as strong or as bravo, the sight of a firearm will scatter a dozen. Notwithstanding the exaggerated accounts that wc had at home of the unsettled state of the Country, originating in a measure in the selfishness of tlio rosir cabbage palm-leaf on their shoulder Iheso leaves are all stacked up in church in a body, the priest then dves hem a devout benediction and sprinkles them over with a profuXof ho^ water after which each individual bears his respective leaf off to his home. Ihen after braiding the smaller fibres in basket work fashion suspends the truly precious article up in a secure part of the house, wheJ; It acts tUl another year as an infallible charm or preventive against thunder bolts. Stil lano her one of the great days is the Crucifixion of our Saviour when by the aid of images, it is acted over again b every parti cuk^ as described in Scripture. The ceremony commences in church at the be- trayal of Judas; and goes through with the nailing on the cross, the taking down the placing in the sepulchre, the resurrection &c ; during which inie the procession of civil and military have several perambulations around the streets, bearing in their ranks the Images representing Christ, of the Virgin Mary and several of the Apostles. ' In their progress all spectators kneel in reverential awe; and from the houses of the wealthy the fumes of incense come out in clouds to minele with that rising from the censers of the boys preceding the images The streets too in many places are strewed with flowers, whilst eve"rv persoa show their excessive grief for the event they commemorate by the black color of their apparel. During the continuation of these festivities gamb- ling tables are seen every night posted around all parts of the town at which even the poorest are found there staking their nuartillo or three cent piece. Indeed this appears to be a universal vice ; at Carthagena also the number of gaming tables were very conspicuous and I was struck with the many votaries patronizing them especially on Sunday which was the popular festival day for diversions of all kinds. Besides Cato's faithful attendance on me, he has always been, at mv desire, employed on Mr. Glen's rosa, so that he felt as contented as could be e-xpected, though an occasional regret would break forth from his honest bosom for home. The day was rt length determined upon when Edward and myself w«re t„ .n,hnrk upon the Magd.lcna, and aii things required were in readiness, but another unavoidable cow^re-^ewips detains us a short IK'' mm ■^ 470 Legacy op JIistorical Qleaninqs. tinio lonsror. I onoloso a letter from Edward Glen to Mrs. Vissohcr, ho dosUes luo to rointiiiibor him kindly to you all, ho thinka of goinj; homo within 11 year. I would like to muut him thore with all my goldou hopua roulizud, 1 would trout him us a brother. With love to ull, Yours most truly, Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. xM., Albany. 11. V. Ubnsmelaer. Post Milder Oeneral to Ocn. Van Ilcmadaer. My dear Sir, Washington, IDth March, 1829. Mr. Moore has assured mo that your Son would bo continued. On that head and I trust upon every other you may r-sst easy. In a few days 1 shall leave Wuidiington for the West. It is painful to separate from so many friends in the Post Office Department. They lay very near to my heart and shall iind a place there while life continues. From the faith- ful and able manner in which your duties as Post Master have boon dis- charged, you need entertain no fear of being molested. Sincerely your friend, Gen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, P. M., Albany. John McLean. Post- Master General John McLean was succeeded in 1829 by William T. Barry, but subso(iucutly ho was appointed one of the judges of the Buprome court and did honor to his exalted station. " A ruthless pro- scription of political opponents, was among the first official acts of Gene- ral Jackson : the executive patronage was made an engine of party warfare 5 and tbus was planted the root of political depravity, which has since sprung into such ' foul flowering,' and overspread the nation with its deadly shade. The power of the president had become, in congress, almost resistless. The people had just emerged froni one of the warmest political conflicts in which they ever were engaged. The victors now re- posed in confidence unon their almost unprecedented success, and rest .'rom the fatigues of the action. The vanquished peaceably delivered up their arms and surrendered themselves to the caprice of fortune with patriotic feelings. General W. 11. Harrison was one of the first victims to the uew administration." Qcn. Van Rensselaer to Ms Son. My dear Rensselaer, Albany, Monday, March 23, 1829. With this 1 write to Genl. Harrison, his recall I do most sincerely rcret. I did every thing in my poWcr to prevent it, and from the kind and friendly manner in which General Jackson treated mo and the subject, I was really in hopes 1 had succeeded : lie observed, '^lli/ce this, I nice this, 'tis an amiable feeling we soldiers have for each other, 1 will think of it, I must see you to-morrow." That night there was a consultation, which decided my friend's recall, and when I called the next day, the result was made known to mo. My friends are using every exertion with Mr. Moore and "Van Bureu for you, but I cannot determine whether they will be successful or not. If they are not, it may place you in an unpleasant situation ; at this distance from you, I cannot give any advice. I must leave you to your own resources and to your God. I think my office is safe, such at any rate is the opinion at Washington and here; the little. recreation I have been taking in my visit there, no doubt has operated in my favor. Another one of our old citizens i.s jjg^j QQ.^.^,y5j(^^ John 'i":i"!er — and is !_• be buried this .-iftornoon with great pomp.* * * Mr. Livingston of Louisiana introduced me to Geul. Jack- I Lkoacy op Historical Gleanings. 471 Hon who took ,nv Land in both of hin nn.l obHorvo,! ho knew my character hu not? I hope thut the expressed yourself, you quiet, a? were there a niillion of them, he would lulfil his own cnK-af^o- ment. I hope this tompcr will last hm'j; eiiout^'h to put down the vilo practice we have {.';ot into, of sutt'eriiijj; a few intrijj;ucs, first to bo;j;uilo tlic Executive, and then virtually to usurp his authority in makinj? appoint- ments. IJarry, I understand, has dismissed all suppliants, in person or by agents, givinj^ them to understand, that absentees only should {^'et appoint- ments, this is an approach to the f;;olden age. I suspected and feared, Ed- ward goes to France. II o has not yet decided in favor, but [ predict his acceptance of the office. Under the notice you gave me, I cannot well bo surprised at seeing you here, but were it otiierwise, 1 need not say, that 110 more agreeable s^urprise could await me. ^ ordially and in much haste Your friend and servant, J. Armstuono. Hon. Ambrose Spencer Esq., Albany. Cfiark^ A. Clinton to Oen. Van Rensselaer. Dear General, New York, April 30, 1829. I accidentally heard this morning, that you have expressed an apprehen- sion lest a successful a* -npt should be made, to procure your removal toit". , •"nd that you have stated that an endeavor . app' ■ tment of another person. Is this so or ". .; e mistake in it, and that, if you have so ive \j mind to leave such profitable business to settle in cold Canada, lie \- luvod, feared and respected; lives it is true in bachelor's style but fares like a nabob. 1 mention this simply as an instance o!' what judicious en- terprise will effect in a land where ignorance and improvidence so geuer- iNINGS. on from prints, that tlie ! noxious and venomous ns, centipedes, turentula il than of the bee. The tales, in these localities jut dextrously nips the :juet on his blood. My Drded a bountiful supper ite small and he never 1, proud man need aever ; they all fly on his ap- e fears or ij^norance of relation to this quarter f resident forei{i;ners are to avail niy.self of every Hions and state of the There is a singular fish g or bite is very poison- le sick-list from wounds le the men were wading d immediately, the poor m the sting. They are snce of these torments I prudential measure even Oato ditto. Indeed I my success in this land [ am fortunate, the anti- indigenous plant to live [en, and a new spirit of nces to break away while e fortune which will not to the respectability of ken that feeling in the of having good grounds rience for myself before ill do my best to elevate the attempt, the innate the anxiety, trouble and 'e to ten years are rich, iipital ; the profits on all ! that riches must follow last of a dead loss on a .still is wealthy, while at d surer than ever. The 5000, they will be home me size going to Honda, employed. His income }r he can make up his in cold Canada, lie is ichelor's style but fares ice oi' what judicious en- improvidence so gener- Legacy op Historical riEANiNas. 475 ally prevails. Although T am personally knowing to these facts, I do not .suttor the brilliancy of an;j money making scheme to dazzle me It re- •luires time to make me competent to undertake the accomplishment in this strange clirae ; it is true that time may bear away the present oppor- tunities, but I think not at all events till another generation I cannot of course say if an nposing he had not given his very polite advice publicity enough to suit his purpose, repeated to me what he had told Cato, in th of Mr. Glen's clerks itlt I servants, several men were also standing there, he then spurred on his horse before J "ouKl reply, fie knew of my intention to depart tomorrow morning, and supposed the difficulty of finding him to night, would compel me to forego giving,' him that chastisement he deserved, and thus he would enjoy the reputa- tion of having (without risk) insulted a Yankee ! ! But unfortunately for him, I learned at dinner that he was to attend a ball, in the lower part of the street. Our dinner, which we never commenced till candle light, being over, I took one of the clerks, who had heard what occurred be- tween us, along with me and walked very leisurely down to the ball room and beckoned Saunders out to the doors. He then had the meanness to declare he had meant nothing by what he had said. But when I told him he had acted like a puppy, and that I could expect no other language than an apology from a puppy, his Scotch imflanimable temper or spunk arose and he threw himself in a scientific pugilistic attitude, and boldly de- manded what I meant. A slap with the flat of my hand against the chaps or mouth, gave him a hint of my meaning, and brought the whole ball room out to see the fracas j among the rest I liad the satisfaction of seeing the two British Captains. In the meantime, the wary Scot was preparing to return the compliment when I gave him one of Jim Sanford's settlers on the patatoe trap, and he reeled back in the arms of one of the akdlde'i or justice of peace, who came out with drawn swords at the commencement of the affray, while another alcaldi made a prisoner of me. However, Edward Glen, who had received some intimation of what was going on, happened to come along and at his opportune interference in my behalf, 1 was immediately released and returned home, have since heard nothing of Saunders. Yours very truly, Gen. Sol. Van Bensselaer, Albany, N. Y. 11. Van IIensselaer. CIIAPTErv XXIII. South American Letters Continued. Rensselaer Van Bensselaer to Ids Father. Dear Father, Mompox, May 13, 1829. In accordance with the promise made in my last from Barranquilla, I take advantage of the delay of our boats at this place to write you again, A person engaged in business is neither master of his own time or motions, he must be governed by the exigencies of the moment, and those design ing to travel in company with business men must have the patience di' the sainted Job to endure all the changes and postponements incident to the projected excursions. My patience has been pretty well tried, at ail events by the uuavoiUuble delays of the Gicus^ every detention, after uk. Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 477 ve since heard nothing hope of receiving letters from home at Barranquillahad vanished, was an agfiravating addition to my redundant stock of disappointment, and if I had not been an old hand at stowing away that kind of luggage it mi-ht have lunibered me up too much. When however, I found myself em- barked with Ldward and Cato early on the morning of the 4th, after bid- ding arf*os to our Barranquilla friends and sailing up the great River Magdalena much of that cumbersome luggage was pitched overboard. John Orlen being, at the last moment detained by more urgent business at home was a disappointment and my parting with that noble minded man was not without a " tearful eye," and now as I am about leaving him it may be proper to bestow a few words to his good name. He came to this country in 1809 — some 20 years since — for a long time he acted as a clerk in a house at Carthagena, after which he removed to Barranquilla where he opened a commission store, receiving for his share, the pitiful allowance half of five per cent. He was in Caraccas in 1812 when that splendid city was destroyed by an earthquake, 12,000 were killed, and he narrowly escaped the same fate. Hearing the subterraneous rumbling noise which was followed by a slight tremor and then a violent rocking, shaking or heaving of the earth, he attempted to leave the house. He soon lay crushed under a heavy door way frame from which he was extricated by -us black servant, but was insensible for a long time and only with o-reat care was restored to life and health. But perseverance, industry and economy crowned his eflForts with great success, and he was blest with a moderate share of wealth, and what was more with a good reputation. He opened a correspondence with the Jamaica merchants, and greater wealth followed his increased business. But reverses occurred, and several times he lost his all, but never in his greatest distress did his credit forsake him His island correspondents always had such implicitfaith in his honor, that they never closed their books against him, on the contrary with every op- portunity they were sure to forward him a fresh assortment of goods; and through them he has always been enabled to battle through every reverse. It IS but lately that he paid them the last of dead losses — of over 8100, 000 and still he is a rich man ; he never had more substantial property.' _ Notwithstanding his extensive business, he has been of great service to Ins adopted country, having been personally engaged under Gen. iMontillo in campaigning against the Spaniards and royalists. He was at the taking and burning of the village of the Oienega, and at the re-capture of Santa- Martha from the Spaniards. During the seige of Carthagena when the inhabitants were in the most extreme distress for want of provisions, he made a handsome fortune, by running into the port, through the Spanish blockading squadron, with a vessel laden with flour and other provisions. In one of his many adventures, he was captured and sent to Porto Bello (one of the chief towns close to the sea on the declivity of a mountain which encloses the whole anchorage, and is also called Fine Harbor) in chains, where he remained a long time. His many services have been justly rewarded by government, in the exclusive right of export from the port of Savinilla, which he enjoyed for some time. He now owns some six or eight of the very finest and largest transportation boats on the Mag- dalena, and his " hoijas," or boatmen enjoy the best reputation of any on the river. He employs about 100 bogas ; the most of whom are heads of faiLilies; when he first came here, they were a wild, uncivilized set, with little or no care, or consideration about them, scarcely having a hut to shoitcr tbcm. llowover by Lis upiiyhL example and advice — this worthy iti 478 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. scion of Quarter Master Oenl. John Glen (his grandfather, of Revo- lutiouary renown), taught them to economize, and now they all have good houses, dress well, while they, as well as their wives and children, always look neat. Indeed John Glen is justly 'cgarded as the patriarch of the village. He is respected by every body ; for my part, his disin- terested and hospitable conduct has so endeared him to me, that I for one will not soon forget. Edward is the manager of his brother's heavy busi- ness and has been the means of throwing much information in my way. At their repeated solicitations I remained and could have but little delicacy in so doing for they both made me feel perfectly at home. At my request he gave Cato plenty of work on the plantation, while I would write for him or occasionally weigh wood or cotton. Cato was really becoming every day more useful, but when there was nothing better to do we would go out gunning ; and many is the fine me: ' .. :- have brought home of ducks, turkeys and snipes. Now after this long digression let us ret.' ". Our boat was one of about five tons burthen, her usual complement of men was two with the patron or captain ; but on this occasion we took with us two extra bogaddrs or rowerb who intend taking the large boats which have preceded us at Moni- pox. Our progress of course with these extra hands was proportionably great. The stern of our boat was very nicely protected from sun and rain by a covering of palm leaves called a tohla, under which we placed our- selves on some boxes of merchandise which Glen carried with him on spec- ulation. The front part, comprising two thirds of the boat's length, was boarded over for tho accommodation of the bogas ; there they worked to a never failing humming tune with their long paldncas or setting poles. These paliincas are made of a smooth, straight, light stick from 12 to 18 feet in length, with a crotch or cross of the lignum-vitsB wood, inserted in the end, to prevent their sinking too deep in the mud. The other end is applied with all the strength of the owner, to his naked breast, when running with a quick short step (in which when more than one is employed they invariably keep time) from the bows towards the stern, propels the boat along quite rapidly. As the channel of the river is too deep to admit the palancas reaching bottom, the boat is obliged to keep close to the bank, let it wind ever so much, in order that the bogas may avail themselves of it as a setting place for their poles. But as they are all compelled to work on one side of the boat, so as not to interfere with one another, they divide themselves in two parties. The division which has reached the stern, withdrawing their poles always from the water, and raising them high enough to allow the division who are giving the boat headway, room to pass under, and so on alternately. The Patron's station of course is in the stern. At nine o'clock Cato who had been assigned to attend to the duties ot the essential and truly honorable department of Cookery, gave word that all was completed and breakfast ready. The welcome news immediately brought our beat to an anchor or rather to a fast against the bank and the preparations for gormandizing were forthwith made. Edward's coffee cups, sugar bowl, plates &c. were out on deck in a jiffy : but conceive mj- horror, when the cover was removed from Cato's smoking pot, to per- ceive the never-to-be-forgotten mess of San Cocho. However an outrage- ous appetite conquered my antipathy and I made a prodigious fine meal, nor did the sight of that standing dish of our voyage afterwards give rise to any scruples against eating, 1 found i could do my share. Sometimes Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 479 in place of coffee, Cato gives us very fine Chocolate for ou. breakfast I he nntives pound the dried and roasted berry or seed of the cocoa tree into a pante, which with a sufficient quantity of su-ar, vanilla, cinnamon and .sonict linos a little flour is then ready for another process. The oil of the kerne' affords adhesive matter enough to keep the ingredients to- ^^ether; after being thoroughly mixed, it is kneaded into small balls or cakes of a requisite size for one cup, after which the slightest decree of boiling renders it fit for use. To have it superlatively fine, he would boil t; e cakes in milk instead of water, but that luxury is not always to be commanded, only occasionally can we procure milk at the villa"es as the calves are permitted to consume all the milk of their dams. ° One morning Edward went ashore at a village to deliver a letter from his bookkeeper Diego De Castro to his mother ; shortly after his return on board, Mrs. De Castro's servnn*- appeared with a fine large fish, a roasted fowl, a baked rice pudding which with some wine gave us a sumptuous banquet. The river water was so muddy as to be unpalatable without a little alum to clarify it, owing to the loose nature of the soil through which the river flows causing the banks constantly to cave in also is frequently dangerous for the passing boats. Near one of the vil- lages a spot was pointed out to me as having once been an Jndian buryino- place ; the rapid current bad washed away the bank, uncovering and displaying to view the many mouldering bones, with cooking utensils and war implements. These are being gradually loosened from the place in which they had rested many ages in peace, but now through the changes of time tumbling into the turbulent Magdalena and hurried off to the wTde ocean. It is the fashion among travelers in this country to sleep under their toldas \yhether in or far from villages or huts. These bars are made of a gauze- like material in the shape of a tent, the length and breadth to suit the owner, about five or six feet high ; it is fastened up by means of a cord attached to the upper part of the boat between two stakes. There stretched out at length on his mat, the balmy air soon lulls his senses into forgetful- ness ; then the maddened trumpet, of that blood-thirsty foe of his comfort the musquito — sounds without like the strain of aerial music to the ear of the dreaming and secure sleeper. But if he is aroused by the midnight shower (as happened to us in one of the five nights we encamped out io coming up the river) against which the open texture of his toldo is no protection, the blanket then thrown over the tent protects him overhead but not from the running water below. Let the ducking, however reach him as it may, the efl'ect here is nothing, five minutes of the morning sun dries his clothes and the rain storm is forgotten. To encamp out in the changeable climate of my native land, would be to me in the strong and healthy state I now enjoy an acceptable incident for its novelty, though prudence might assign a house as a more healthful dormitory. Here however, the con- fined air of a house cou'd almost render every effort to sleep nugatory, whilst the refreshing night breeze, stealing through the minute meshes of the mosquito bars, cools after a sultry day the oppressive heat of the body and makes the spirit forget in healthy slumber all its real or imagina- ills. We were glad whenever the sea breeze overtook us for then the toil.some palancas were dropped and the sail spread to the "favoring gale," which ffive us an opportunity of crawling out from our lurking hole to sec the country. But ou " what side soever I turn my eyes I beheld " nothing but a verdant level country, the dark woods, the turbid stream moving 'I. li I • , I 480 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. smoothly beneath us; occasionally a rosa would peep out from thosoinbro forest like a siuibeaiii from the stormy wky, but they like anjrel visits were "few and far between," it waa a weuri.some monotony. We stopped one nif^ht at a viilaj^e on the East side of the river at a Koza, it was dark when we landed, and a largo flock of yelping curs gave notice of our ap- proach, but wo made good our resting place in spite of their teeth. The unceasing din of the myriads muH(|uitoeH which kept the air alive made us anxious to escape their sting accordingly we pitclied our tents between the dog kennel and hogaty on one side and a hen roost on the other, with- out even noticing our dan";erous quarters. In the course of the night a most intolerable itching, gave us notice that the uninvited prying flea, had got through under our mats ; whilst the messengers from the hen-roost had got through in every direction and were maki.ig free, not only with our bed but with our blood. However a good bath in the morning and a fre(juent repetition soon relieved us of the annoyance ; and we were more select in our lodgings for the future as you may suppose. Punta Gorda was a neat village in view ; it, as its name indicates, is a fine rich point without a great many houses. Penon Hajo comes next in order, it is a fine large place delighti'ully and romantically situated on a nice clean plain ; from it is shipped a great quantity of fustic (a species of wood used in dyeing yellow). Glen has an agent here to procure that article for him. The name it bears, is applied by rhe bogils to all convex angles at the turns in the river, or to any point jutting out in the stream ; these points or pendns the poor fellows have much labor and difficulty iu doubling; for the current running at the rate of three or four miles an hour, comes sweeping along with such force and being so suddenly im- peded, forms a raging remoUno or whirlpool against which it is so hard to contend to pass and through which, nothing but the most consummate skill and united efi"orts on part of the Bogadors would succeed. If the bow is by accident kept too far out, or if the boat has not enough headway, she is struck by the vortex and carried out in the stream, when the paddles must be resorted to, that the shore may be gained where the same trouble still awaits you. The bogas would always make use of a tow rope if the nature of the bank would admit it, but that is seldom practicable, as the bank by the constant friction of the water is continually undermining. They likewise are generally too high, perpendicular and .so covered with vines and briers that a landing cannot be efl'ected. These boatmen, how- ever, are so skillful that they never lose their course unless a pole breaks, or a sunken snag drives the boat from the shore. Occasionally we stopped at the Sugar rosas for the newly expressed juice of the sugar cane, I found the banks of the river were gradually increasing in height as we advanced, and whenever we landed had reason to admire the apparent fertility of the soil, it as yet, all appeared to be of an alluvial nature ; the trees were very large in the branches of which sported many a drove of playful Monkeys, Don Vato was particularly pleased with the antic tricks of the various species, along the banks of the river, their long tails wound around the branch, chattering with noisy mirth, or grinning with a hideousuess that gave us a good view of their formidable teei... The beautiful Macaws, belonging to the parrot family, came in for a full share of our admiration, with their most brilliant colors; but Cato particularly admired the rich and easily worked Button-tree lands, of which such extensive tracts yet wild, are at the disposal of any energetic fearless squatter who might choose any portion of them and make his own, Legacy op Historical Gleaninqs. 491 ht/ ponwxxion — an mdlmufiihlfi t,'tl,> w > i ,. vanna; the boatmen jailed us too late to see all. Tli i.. great numbers on the xMamlalena thev Z„V . :r''° ''"7' '"'"^ ^'•'""d IreedH- at home, thou-^h not Jo nm;,n ^M • . "^ ^^" f"' ''^ '""• " K'''^^^ cate and better \tdapterfrrur.?- thrdr "'"'"""'■•,: ™^^" ^«''- bristles coarse and nSt ve y tlk'k et' T h .1 "* " ^''^' ''Y' ^'"'- «•• but never met them in a diJonle^lytove tiiurw" "^ "P'""' ""'^ ""'"- «l..Ie from tl,o ,u„„, b,.„k i„u, the water. S ,C ,iS of "boat b!..',""'" could get to them Wo n-w«o,l rv,.,,.,, u j i. " "°'^'' ""tore we the .1.-011, ■•.inTlrom ift Id c'i „r „tT?t"„°°" ("o. long from Early next morninn; we reached La Travasea, a hi-h rockv blnff *h. perpendicuar sides of which displayed strata of stonr of manv d^ff^r^n? 1 1? ^1?^ u ' '^'"°'' '"^ inibedded in a bank of twenty-five or thirtv eet height about ten feet above the level of the water. When thev we ^ posited there and how long since their native salt e ement rec ded over sed "some 0? thlfi"".''"" '^ '?''''' '' ''''' ^^ conjecture We puT- n value m 1 t. r 7'T^'' [ '''' 'l'''^^ ^^^ ^ ^'^'^'' ^ Spanish cc-.n IITL ? • P '^"nd'-eJ, with our other supplies at Teneriffe which Sa ^i!« f"^P— f p«-^d on the east sideTn the province of Santa t,.L 7"»S the "-evolution it was, for a long time, the stron- hold he Royalist party in this quarter, but eventuallj was aken plundered J burnt by the Patriots in 1818. The walls yd standin.. prove it to th-iTiTnerr hT' T' 'r^''^''^",7 P'^^^' ^"^ '^^ *«-»^ has so^rostrated Te extent and /'^^ ^'^"' «V''' ^'^t''^^'';'' remain standing entire; from their -Jjntcdiy mu=t have been a must splendid edifice; the tayade is designed 61 482 Leoacy of Historical Gleanings. with more taste than any other building of the kind that I have seen in tht (M)untry, (!iirio.sity induced me to examine very particularly the (^unHtruc tion of the niches, in which the blessed images had Ibrmorly stood in tliuir pomp to receive the vows of the devotees. I observed an open communi- cation or chanucl, leadinj^ from under the spot tliat luuat have been coveruil by the pedestal of the image, through the wall to another apartment, a sort of speaking trumpet, by which the zealous priest has perhaps on sonic special occasions put words in the mouth of the saints, which no doubt did much to edify or console the wounded spirit of the devout parishioner, and as a 8e(|uence aid the cause of Christianity. The monastery or nun- nery and private buildings have not been able so effectually to resist the force of the conflagration and of time, their scattered fragments mark tlii; ground in every direction. The Indian inhabitants realize something from sale of the crotches of of the liguum-vitae tree to the bogadors ; they always keep a large (juantity on hand, and all boats passing by, stop to replace those lost from their vessels by u new supply. The only cultivated patches we notice are in the immediate vicinity of the little villages ; the intervals between them are the great Savannas which are covered with a long coarse grass re- sembling corn.stalks in height and appearance, they are entirely destitute of trees yet their rich and verdant clothing relieves the monotony of the scene ; they are never visited except by the innumerable wild game that flock to these sunny plains tor nutriment. 1 had a wild goose chase on one of these Savannas which I never wanted to repeat. In passing one of them, we saw a very large flock of great birds about the size of a com- mon goose, sitting on some trees, on the further side, about a furlong (J of a mile) off', and as our provisions were getting rather low it was deter- mined that I should land to get a shot at them, accordingly I started to secure some game for our dinner. I found much difficulty in making my ijvay through the luxuriant grass, which in its gr'>wth had fallen, by its own weight creating an endless mat of great thickness on the ground, aad then again rising to the height of six or eight feet, making an almost im- pasaible barrier to pedestrians. I succeeded, however, in passing through to the woods, but as I advanced this flock of birds, containing at least one thousand, flew from tree to tree leading me a great di Uance from my place of entrance and at length by their all flying off in i body I lost my shot. That was not all, for I found I had \ustmj/se//, however, by taking an observation of the sun, I again found my way back to the river but far from the boat, which I could not see on account of the height of the reeds ; and there I stood completely exhausted with the perspiration roll- ing off' me in rivulets from my exertions, while the raging hot meridian sun poured forth his burning rays on my unsheltered, trembling frame, with the most unrelenting rigor. No boat was in sight and I had ample time for reflection on the unpleasantness of my situation, but at length the bogas heard my hail, and I had the pleasure of hearing their re- sponse ; shortly after to my great delight the boat came along from below, but we had no fat goose for dinner. The next morning we landed at a rosa and 1 shot two small turkeys with which Cato made a fine soup. they proved a timely supply as our meats were all consumed. We ran by St. L^'ernando with other places and at night were hailed by the guard in ihe outskirts of Mainpox with " Quien viva" (who lives) ; our patron answered " Oolombianos," when we were ordered a.shore and detained ac- cording to custom till morning. Legacy op Historical Qleaninos. 433 We saw twonty.four towns and villages from tho river, between Barran- 'I'lilla and Moinpox, tlicy aro from two to ten loa-ues anart • the hZT. extreme y fertile, and well timbered exeept in the i.^uodiX einit; towns, where a few of the .ndustriouB ones have phvntation., to Z he ? he bhiclc eattle, the principle source of wealth ran^o throu^^h the woo.ls udsavanuas, where nature supplies them with neverfailing ,md abumla t crops ol grass resen.bhng cornstalks. The owners take no other troib wi em, han to nmke a general collection once a year, for the purpo I e calves and securing such as they intend for slaughtering or market" but notwiths and.ng the uninterrupted growth, "early maturi"y and consequently little trouble of rearing cattle? the price is as hblh a lb I'ome. Hour is prepared about one hundred miles above this "but" for Tav. h ^":f ""'r' •' '^''^"'^ ^''^""'^ '^'''- '^^'^ United St.tes flou always hm the preference in market, but the scarcity is so -reat here and on the sea coast that it readily brings $45 pe? barrel "now Us never less here than m. These facts I can assure you, do notTe'nd in ^t:Z^Tl^^'^''-''''-^ time and ipeHence wilTsL^ .t^^if i^^p;^ ^^fz z ^u^^:' j^^ room and a large deck for promenada, am tomorrow to shift my ba-4-o and cooking establishment aboard one of the large boats which .re" now here and which in my last I spoke of as having left previous to u,^ I Hhall go with the large vessel as far as Nare- about 400 miles -the remaining 200 miles, (to Honda) of the river being full of rapids I shall for the sake of expedition and to avoid too much tediousness, take a very small boat and push on with all speed. My provisions, letters and every thing that is required is being prepared, and all will be ready before the boats are dispatched, which is a bothersome job from the variety of obstructions thrown in the way of commerce by the Laws of the Country • It requires a long time among these dilatory officials to procure passports &c Don Antonio Libre joins his uncle, aunt and family here, I of course did not wish to attach myself to his party when I heard of that arran-c- iiient, but will probably be in Bogota a month before them. I have" n itinerary attached to my journal of the places through and by which I pasrcd — but an en-imeration of these Spanish and Indian names, cannot be at all interesting to the reader, I therefore leave the journal to toll you at some future day of all the cities, villages or hamlets, its writer may see as also many other minor things that escape my mind when scribbling off my unpremeditated letters. The guard who put a veto on our landin"' at mght, IS one of the appendages of the Custom House stationed here to prevent smuggling. It being nine oclock we found the three boats' (dis- patched by (rlen from Barranquilla with merchandize) decks were covered with the toldos of the bogas, each man having one, and by the light of a brilliant moon they looked most elegantly. The following morning we .11 were permitted to depart, and entered the City about the same time a large company ; the bogas of all the boats to make a great display sin''- ing and stamping most lustily. The great arrival brought all the citizens out to view the sight. Edward landed immediately after touching at the lustom House dock, and in a short time returned with Mr. IlicSard R Nicholson who kindly invited ns to land and mp.ko his house our quarters uurmg our stay which invitation was thankfully accepted. My trunks 484 Legacy of IIibtoiiical Gleanings. II m iiltor rnssing the HUperfioiul exnniiniition of the Guilrdo Mayor wore curried to our now iibode, we mooh (oHowimI uiid heiirtily partook of u broakfaHt which wu» uwuitiii;^ uh. Tiiin boiti|^ flniwhcd wo culled upon tho (lovernor aeverul times, but not finding liiui in wc let't our puHHportH while Edwurd wont ubout bin buHinens nnd I to Hce tho town. Mouipox Htundw on un iHland, fbrniin)^ u province by itHelt"; it does not contain niuoh breadth, buving only three or four Htreot«, but its length is between two and three niilcH. Tho lengtli lies on tiio river, nnHj at Mrs. Southards in Broad Way, just below Grace Church. Yours truly. Q„, ., ,, , ^ ,, , Pierre Van Cortlandt. bolomon V^an Rensselaer Esqr, P. M. Albany. Oen, Van Rensselaer to his Wife Dear Harriot, New York June 29, 1829. 1 have not seen enough of Moore to judge of him, I will know more of him before I leave this, but he appears to be frank and candid. I could not expect that Le would have said more than he did, nor would I have done and said as much about a Stranger. He mentioned that Dr. Davis Maior Davis and Gen. Van Cortlandt were my warm friends, and that he had heard enough about myself at Washington. That Van Buren and h's friends might as well keep themselves quiet for they could do nothing against me that Van Buren was trying to make a party of his own, but it would not do hat he was perfectly understood. Swarthowdt the Collector of this port told me, that Van Buren had opposed his appointment, and that he had heard, that they, Van Buren & co - opposed me also. He has written on to know the facts and if any thing is necessary to be done, he will pro- cure for me an overwhelming petition from this city. This can easily be don. GenlsXolden, Bogardus, Morton, Oakley, Hoffman, Jones, Hones, the Clinton family and others will go all lengths. Kiss all for me. Yours affectionately and Sincerely. Mrs. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. Sol. VanIRensselaek. Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to his Father Dear Father, Bogota July 12, 1829. 1 fauished no 5 at Mompox sooner than I intonded in order to make one at a Yankee dinner party, which I can assure you is a rare thing in that part Ox the world ; there were five of us together and a season of great enjoyment. We had the condescension to consider Edward Glen a Yankee pro. tempore, which made us all birds of a fuather, and enabled us to enjoy, with greater relish, the ham, codfish and mince pie importa- tions from the Unitod States. Our good host Mr. Traverse kindly offered me any books I might choose to amuse myself with in going up the river 1 soon selected about a score — Scotts, Coopers, Fieldings and Irvine's works — which he sent to my lodgings, the reporusal of them I found very pleasant. Aftor a delay at Mompox, from May 11th, I .rot under weigh in reality on the 17th, and was quite satisfied with fair" promises ol a speedy trip. It would have been quite laughable to a disinterested person, understanding our individual feelings to have witnessed the part- ing between Edward und myself; but to have Mt the herculean grasp of' our hands, and to have contrasted that with the stoical indifference with which 1^' ] 488 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. our adieus were pronounced; he would, no doubt have given us due credit for our philosophy. The scene recalled a similar one to mind, that oc- curred between a gallant old friend at home and myself, but never mind, let those who enjoy a laugh at such heart trials, grin like monkeys : I always recover my humor in admiring their wisdom or /6m (;fathoms) from which tho viow was magni- ficont, a wild and most extensive spectacle. In tho centre of the scene the River Magdalona like a silver thread was seen winding along for many miles on its seaward course and from it, tho mountains rose to a towering height one above another, in every direction as far a^ the vision could detect them ; and in the distance became so blended with the clouds, as to bo scarcely distinguishable. Even the spot on which we stood, though far above the ribbon like stream appeared when tho nearer ranges were overlooked, and when the eye rested on the remote mountain tops, like the lowest spot athwart the vale. I never in my life so forcibly realized the insignificance of man as I did at that moment. Notwithstiinding fatigue, our time passed away most pleasantly and about 5 o'clock p. m. Guaduas in tho bosom of its delightful valley opened to our view and at 8 o'clock we had made the descent. After delivering rny letters of introduction from Governor Posada and Soflor Avondano to Colonel Acosta I was soon put in very comfortable quarters for the night. At Guadua, which is about eight leagues from Honda, I met Col. Campbell the British Charge d' Affaires to this Country, and Mr. Miranda — a son of the unfortunate Patriotic General killed by the Spaniards, of tho same name. They both confirmed the rumor of General Harrison's removal by President Jackson, but that he had not as yet been officially informed of the event; I was gratified to learn from them, that he would not probably leave the country yet, for some months. I was extremely well pleased with both gentlemen, particularly with the urbanity and true gentility of Col. Campbell. They had been traveling for health and amusement; at this time had been several days in this charming village when I arrived, and having understood from Col. Acosta that there was an " Imjles cahallero " or an Knglish cavalier at his man- sion who spoke the Spanish imperfectly they at once called on and break- fasted with mo. I gleaned many items of intelligence. The President of Colombia is still in Peru. CHAPTER XXIV. South American Letters Continued. Rumor with her thousand tongues is very busy, though of course there is no sure dependence to be placed upon her ; she says that, the war is soon to be renewed, and when peace is firmly established that the great Republican Bolivar is to assume the royal purple ; that plan is quite openly talked of and doubted by none ! A short time since word w.is received of the total dfistrnction, hy fire, of the best frigate in the Peruvian navy ; this unlucky accident gives the m Leoaoy op IIihtorical Glkaninqs. I'rosident a docidod ndvuntn^o, iind most, pr()l)iiMy will bo tlio nioanH of Ills ull'octin^ a .H])('0(ly finltloiiicnlr witli liis Iocs in that (piarter. A new tarill' lias lalolj' licoii iswHod also by (iuni'ial Jiolivar t'roiii Quito, whith iiiiposos an additional duly at onco, of ^f) pur bbl. on i'our, it was $held, and ho says, they grow faster and are more ea>ily cultivated than at homo. Indeed, now as the General is recalled, I feel that if I had one or two more hands with Oato, I would really like the idea of trying the experiment of making a fortune on fifty acres, in my favorite way. There is much for and against the plan, I will give it more reflection before I decide. But to return from my long digression, shortly after passsing this comparative level where things were flourishing, the steepness and diflSculty of the mountain passes, convinced me, 1 was not on a road worked by the hands of Yankees. However this last ascent was not of long continuance and to our great re- lief my mulish cavalcade soon reached the height skirting the great plain of Bogota, where the rarefaction of air became so great, that I was taken with a very severe headache, while at the same time the guide and Cato were bleeding in concert at the nose. From this elevation the descent was gradual for better than half a league, when we came to the plain and shortly after to the village of Facitatiba, through which we passed and lodged that night (after having had a dim view of the Capital afar off'), at a dirty h >vcl a league and a half beyond it. Before reaching oar inn for the night we passed several cavalcades, composed of riders of both sexes, whose large wide loose Roanas or sort of cloaks, gave a very fanciful appearance. These roanas are nothing more than an oblong piece of cloth with a hole in the centre for the passago of the head ; and when of a gaudy color, as many of them are, fluttering about around its owner on a swift horse, bring to mind the often described dress of the gay Cavalier of old Spain. These parties were coming at full speed from the Capital where they had been to join in the festivals of Corpus Christi. The meeting of so many white faces, after all the tawny skins [ had for .so long time been gazing at, together with their dashing style of dress and movement was quite acceptable to mo. Another cold shivering night was spent in the same manner as the last, in similar com- Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 503 pany and on an empty stomach, but my headache was expelled. Jicavin" (^ato to briiifr up the rear with tlie bafrgage I proceeded on alone to ac'- comphsh the remaining six leagues. For miles around an almost dead level IS seen, and its monotony only broken by a solitary hut unless it is by the broken summits of the distant hills surrounding it. A few orna- mental trees around dwellings meet the eye with immense herds of cattle Hedges or fences would greatly improve the appearance of this country] but none are visible ; the divisions between fields and estates are ditches! The ditches are of a peculiar construction, and calculated only for this climate and soil. They are generally about five feet deep, divided into two apartments; one of which comprising nearly half of the whole is plain like those at home ; the other half is a continuation of square holes runnin" parallel to the other. The earthen partitions of which serves to stop the cattle or sheep, which may have entered the first grand division ; as they when there, have no roo m to make a leap over the second barrier This is a rough plan of them I '''''' : '''''''' : The dirt of these ditches IS always thrown up on the toad and forms an embankment on each side which gives the road a concave form; an admirable invention for the retention of rain water and undoubtedly must be the cause of bad roads in the rainy season. However when I left the passes on the mountain side, I left all the mud behind me ; here I encountered no mud but dust in great abundance. At 11 o'clock A.M. I found myself in Bogota the Capital of Colombia at the Ilidrto de Jai/me (Garden o^ James) the residence of Gen. Wm. II. Harrison — Minister Plenipotentiary and J]nvoy Extraordinary from' the United States of America. My reception here was by Carter Basset Harrison the General's son, an Attache to the Legation; shortly after his Father and Mr. Tayloe, the Secretary, made their appearance from a visit in the City and greeted my arrival with such cordiality that I immediately felt at home. A little before dinner Cato with the baggage and my jolly, whistling, shouting muleteer came along, and all my tlungs were soon placed in the little room I now occupy, it had long since been in a state of preparation for me. Although I had been now almost six months in the country, I had not received any letters, written at home sub- sequent to my leaving the U. S. until my reaching Bogota. Here I was handed the first package dated about five months back, but notwithstand- ing their old age, the perusal gave me much pleasure, and the hope of soon getting later ones, together with the kindness and urbanity of the new acquaintances with whom I was now associated, made me quite as well contented with my new situation as I could have anticipated. I was soon introduced by the General and the rest of the family to the Diplo- matic, Military and Civilians in the Capital worth knowing. Among whom were M. De Bres,son, Commissioner of France — Col. Campbelf, Charge D' Affairs of H. B. Majesty — Col. Torrens do. of Mexico— Mr! Henderson H. B. M's Consul General — M. Martinez ditto of France &c. &c. It was the day after my arrival, on June 18th that General Harrison took mo round to see the Diplomatic Corps of the different nations. Among the first to whom he introduced me was Monsieur De Bresson, whom you niu;it know as son-in-law of Judge Thompson ; he was ({uite friendly and ontortaining withal as Albany and my friends was the theme of our cun- Vf,rsation. The Duke of Moatibello who is with him joined in our conversation as 604 Legacy of IIisroiiicAL GLEANiNat?. ! he also was quito familiar with Albany, having been there only last year. The HritiHli (Jonsul (leneral is also a very estiuiul)io declarations may be estimated as they deserve, when it is known that they are invariably made to every one ; indeed this offer is an epitome of the Colombian character — polite but insula re. The young ladies are blest with but a small share of conversational powers ; their one uniform topic is, the merits of the latest party, dance, frolic, bullfight or horse-race. They are never suffered to converse with the other sex, unless in the pre voce of the mother, aunt or some other equally trust woithy duenna whose charms are on the wane • and whose recollection of her own intrigues in early life are still vividly awake. With one of these custodial friends the youthful beauties attend the early Mass, pay ceremonious visits, go to the bull-fight, mingle in the favorite waltz and with them receive their companv. Their dress is very extravagant, and the fashion of their prevailing costume gives the wearer a bewitching look, particulary when walking out with their broad-brim semispherical crowned beaver hats, poised on the back part of the head by the large and fancifully worked shell comb, over which last the light shawl IS thrown to_ protect the face from the sun, without hiding the v?ew. On occasions of traveling or wishing to remain incog, a hand or handkerchief IS used to hide under the folds of the shawl every thing but their brilliant eyes. Sunday is the only day in the week when the ladies are certainly at home; then they are decked in their best habiliments for the reception of company; the evening is always devoted to the dance. Indeed Sunday is the grand gala day for amusements of every description; then as on Fes- tivals the stores are closed except retail liquor shops. The great body of the people, as a general thing, are very ignorant and rigid Roman Catho- lics. After the morning Mass the entire population engage in the sports of the time in which even the priesthood join : some to the billiard-room, others to the cock-pit, bull-fight or whatever (diversion is on the tapis. The passion for gambling appears to be almost universal, and is encouraged by both Government and Church. Upon occasions of great rejoicings for any ,!-il 14 if J i i I 1 I 508 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. public incident, tables arc spread by Government in the great squnr.e of the city, wiiere all classes luid sexea are seen promiscuously engajied in betting — the wealthy with tlieir Onza or ounce, the poor with tholr qviirtillo or cent. On the anniversary of the patron Saint, of any of the villages, town or parish, the same scene occurs under the patronage of the Church as I witnessed in the case of the feast of St. Jago. When in the pliiza appertaining to the church and convent of that Saint, the clergy erected large tents for tiie gaming tables ; also booths where refreshments of all kinds were to be procured. My astonishment, at seeing some of the " black coats " so prone to imitate servilely the notorious hlackleys, was not a little increased upon learning the fact of their giving such facilities for gambling, and that the rents, derived from the temporary sheds de- voted to such vile purposes, were all appropriated .to the Church ! ! With such encouragement to vice, can we even wonder at the immorality of this people ? There was found no great philanthropist to stand up boldly and deprecate this important national sin; all were powerless to resist the overpowering influence of stern masters, under whose iron heel they have, and still do, struggle in their oppressive servitude. These church feasts last eight days and nights, during which period these tents are the fash- ionable lounges for the loiterers of the city ; some go to play, others to see what is going on ; anicmg the latter cla>^s will be found all the beauty of the place with their pretty faces mufHed, and only the jetty sparklers visible. A party, composed of Gen. Harrison and Suite, M. Do Bresson, Duke de Montibello and Count Zliskies — an expelled I'olander — having for aome time been formed to visit the natural bridge of Pandi, and the time appointed for starting having been often postponed owing to the non- attendance of some one of the party, it was finally resolved that July 13th should be the day to leave, for all who then could go, the rest to follow on as soon after as practicable. Accordingly Count Zliskie, Mr. Tayloe and servant, Carter Harrison and myself composed the cavalcade which set out early in the morning, of that day, from Bogota for the village of Fusugn- zuga. The first part of our ride was pleasant enough, but after we left the great plain of Bogota, and ascended to near the apex of the ridge that encircles it, twenty-five miles from the City and 1500 feet above its level, or 9720 i'eet above the level of the sea, with the rar.,'^ of hills rising one above the other, and its aspect of unrivalled sublimity, we found a great change. Our coats and cloaks were put in requisition to guard against the humid, cliilly eii'cct of the clouds that encountered us here in mid-day like a dense fog. Our descent towards the valley had scarcely commenced, when those clouds, which we had noticed as travel- ing in the same direction with ourselvL condensed ove?- our heads, while descending the steepest part of the declivity, and showered down such a quantity of rain that we all were completely drenched. This part of our trip was not very enjoyable, for as we could find no shelter, we were exposed to the soaking shower between two and three hours; the sultry heat ^if the narrow pas.ses and the intolerable badness of the road added to our discomfort. In very many places the large stones that line the tortuous and extremely abrupt path, have been laid up one over another alter the manuer of the steps of a staircase, from one to the other of which the horses are obliged to jump. One false step would insure the rider a lioan y but uiiucsirabic i iiunip, against some of the cragu) projections, in the sides of those rugged and diliicult places of entrauce Legacy of IIistouical Gleanings. 609 find exit. TTowcver our naijs were such sure footed animals — with tlieir short, quick step ; stumbling', leapin-;, and keen looking with an instinctive hesitation in dangerous proximities— that no such accident occurred to cither one of our party ; we all came hopping down from stone to stone, like so many frogs, one after another in perfect safety. This kind of traveling was a sort of amusement to ?m, experienced as we were on the other similar roads of Colombia; but I doubt not, an attempt to pass such public ways in the United States would be considered the height of temerity, yet we enjoyed it notwithstanding the risk to a poor rider's bones. We experienced however, real misery in crossing over the badly constructed "corduroy bridges," occasionally metwith in some of the m ry little glens ; the sticks being so far apart that the poor horses legs would We had now iairly run away from the rain ; when we looked back we could see it pouring down apparently as fast as ever among the "cloud capt mountains," whilst before us the sun was shining in all his glory on the bcautiiul narrow valley decked in emerald robes of lively color. We still had to descend some hundreds of feet to the village, but from our present stand-point the view was most enchanting with the snowy peaked Andes varied aspects. On either side of the narrow plain the different ridges of mountains rose as high as the one we were about leav- ing ; the vale extended directly before us in a southerly course as far a.s the eye could reach, while the fleeting clouds which capped the ridges would occasionally, by opening, afford a momentary glimpse of the outline of the sparkling peaks, and among the many the Count pointed out one mountain with its two peaks as bearing an exact resemblance to a view of the y fork peaked, fire puffing Vesuvius." This sight had the effect of waking us almost forget the exercise we had passed through in our leap- ing course down the stone stair cased mountain side. We passed on rapidly after this down the remaining gradual descent; the road improved as we advanced towards the village, the first object in this landscape was the cluster of about 100 straw thatched huts for which we were bound and we were not sorry when we soon after arrived there, with most raven- ous appetites, the consequence of our eight hours exercise on horseback. Our baggage carriers had on the previous day hired the best house in the place; the tawny landlady was preparing a meal for us, in the de- tached kitchen ; and after a change of garments we were seated i.i the front house discussing our ride. We came to a satisfactory conclusion, that to the peel of an onion, we were 3000 feet lower now, than when ten miles back in the morning we were on the highest partof the road. Our thermometer too, which pointed at 05°, told us that we were in a climate 10° warmer than that of Bogota ; but our feelings also indicated all that change, we did not require an instrument to convince us of that accepta- ble fact; I think we might have found out the exact difference in the same way that we measured the sfair-casc. mountain — by guess. The distance between Bogota and this village is 35 miles. After demolishing all the provisions, with which our old landlady had so profu.sely decked our talde, our hammocks were suspended and we soon fast asleep. In iJogola the cold is too severe lor the use of a hammock by person having a cousideiatiou for his health, but here, the " siesta m any or 510 liEOACY OP TIlSTOUICAL QlKANINOS. I nap after dinner is cnnsidorcd almost im great a luxury, in this salubriouii and dolif^htrul valley, as it in on tlio sultry banks of tlio Maj^dalona. At all events wo found it ho, for after turnini; in, wo wore not released from the chains, in wliieh wo all were locked by Morpheus, till two hours after, when the old woman came to say it was oij^ht o'clock and our supper ready. Wo observed many of tiie tropical productions not found on the plain of Bogota, such ut plantuins, jucre, sugar-cane, lizards, snakes, &o. We found also plenty of gauin m turkeys, (juails, guachichics, the moun- tain hen, a bird miieli like our uonieslie fowl in everything but its sylvan predilections; none oi these are to be obtained in Bogota. The turkeys of this place are of a darker color and of a different shape from those of the lower countries, but about the same weight though not so tender. We sent homo two mules loailed with game, after reserving sufficient for our own use. A few days after our arrival at Fusugazuga, I found myself attacked by that most provoking illnem of ' uU the ills that human tie,' feet below the otlmr, IVum which the descent i:, not very at on their heads, and all" uppoS by pretty httle naked leet was the dla »»«,/ecostun.eof the Ronton. The lc tlo^ on wore no coats, shirts and pantaloons were universrexcer son e of ose'Zfro.?"'"r" "'", "^? r'y ^■'-"••--J ^^^ the ihi :'...! n ?rify luJTr . f^'"'';"-./'l>I''-«. tattlers, reeds and the druni a he fee ot t I'l '"i: ''f.''^'^'' ^'^^^ very gallantly placed his hat ut n the mth , ^ '^'"'■•'^. "' ^'"''''''' ''''^" i'""'eJiately backing ,! i M:r T » ^ n''" '■"""'' """'"'"^ " ^""-d t» her, frisked about alono w m"bv nl '' '. 'T ^""•^«^'^"'Jini,'ly implies'her consent to 22 u. nces wi^h £ ^^' " '?f "'! '^'^ ''"'^^ ""'^'"- '^''^«" ^^e waltzing com- uieuces, v itl the voices of the dancers joining in concert with tho pTayers Ibe e people dehght in dancing, and I think would wear out two set of North Americans .n the exercise. JJetween dances they refresh thorn solves with the choice nick-nacks together with their favorite dishes c i^ and country anise-seed brandy. Tl^ frolic seemed to give gen mUatS tion and was kept up till quite late. fei-neiai sacisiac- nf A !'^^^uf"'^ ''*"•"''?"■''''?' «^^^« Generars note, on the mornin- of Augus Dth, having dispatched a load of game and oir ba....a-ron he previous day, we left this peaceful valley and its kind inhabk^nS Soon Iv Hr! '^'T '■"■7«««'"f=Vhe craggy mountain and once more overtaken y a tremendous shower, but under the lee side of a towering tree we hound shelter from its greatest fury, and the after drizzling did no last I sufficiently Ion- to wet our overcoats. ° Mow ! . y ^"'7 '• ^';' 'P'^''"^*' S^'^vity of these clouds is too great Hvln h .T t*l«""r through the thin air above the mountain's top^ but a.ven by the wind which at this season comes constantly from the south liuy all collect here and keep up an almost continual shower. From May the farst of December is the winter season, during which time we con- hantly expect the rain with thunder and tempestuous weather. At the lumit of the mountain we again encountered the fog-like clouds, arrested heir course by the towering tops and hiding from our view the beauty ot the surrounding landscape. •' The Count Zliskie has traveled this highway six times, but never with \: J ''''f ^ ^t' "!'f '"" ^° "'''"" '' •'''"•^"" ^^''V '' PC'-^^o" not accustomed «ciie ciimate, should feel so uncomfortably cold when the thermometer ' 65 i ( I 514 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. f \ stands at 55°, which is the mean temperature at Bogota at present, when at home we think such a medium is " devoutly to be wished." Hut I ndw perceive it is all owinf; to the extreme thinness of the air in this elevated region. Flannel is an agreeable addition for comfort to my ordinary winter clothing. We reached home at Bogota " without the loss of a sin- gle man," or any accident, not one adverse adventure. The day after my return to the Capital I had an opportunity, for the first time of witnessing a " Bull- Fight," or rather a teusiiuj that was got up in honor of the an- niversary of " SL Victorina." You no doubt will be surprised at the idea of asa/ii/'s being honored in this brutal way and that too on Sunday ; but here such a parade is but a common circumstance. It was preceded by a grand Procession, in which about twenty imngos of the most costly description, some as large as life, were borne about on the shoulders of men. The Hoyt too made its appearance, and when at the several tem- porary shrines erected in the Square, a halt was made for religious cere- monies and the devout crowd knelt in the dust. On similar occasions — or when the Host is carried to administer the last sacrament to the dying — its approach is heralded by the tinkling of the bell accompanying it. At which time all foreigners or such as are not suiEciently zealous in their respect to it, to risk the soiling cf their clothes, or the ill-will of the sect to which it appertains — always seek refuge in a house till it has passed. After viewing the grand procession of St. Victorino from a balcony and the images had been all carried into the Cathedral our party retired and quickly were mounted on their horses, in order to have a nearer and better view of the expected pageant. Upon entering the square our little squad being as well mounted as any in the gay and numerous cavalcade already assembled there, resolved to prance around under the balconies to make our chu.iza or jest to such of the belles, collected in them, as we might know. We had only passed two sides and in the act of saluting the Hendersons — when the cry of " El Tdro, torn" — the hull, bull, rose from the excited crowd and warned us of its approach ; together with a mass of flyiiig horBcmen from a little street leading to the square, at the same time told us of the bull's vicinity. Of course we joined in full speed the retreating host, and when out of harm's way turned around to gaze at the animated spectacle. This disorderly race among the hundreds of gayly cloaked horsemen — Spanish cavaliers — mounted on s\nft horses is indeed a sight worth seeing, and the only one in the barbarous, ridiculous, brutal show. The bull came dashing along just at our heels, but finding hiniself disappointed in flooring an equestrian and that chase hopeless; ha would ever and anon, suddenly make a bolt among a motley group of pedestrians. If that group evaded his fury by dodging in a friendly doorway or by mounting above his reach on the latticed windows, he would dash at another, tnd still another, until exhausted by his futile attempts he would find a halt necessary for a fresh supply of wind. The animal is tied at one end of a long lasso, or a line made of a raw hide twisted with a noose, the other end is held by a man on a fleet horse Of iastened to the pommel of the horseman's saddle; another fellow with an iron pointed goad follows after and sticks the brute to make him li ac- tions. While passing in this way through the crowded streets, the two leggeu rash fools present them.selves to him, with nothing in their hands but a red rag or cloak, and when the maddened beast makes a plunge at them, they dexterously leap on one side^ still holding the rag out for the bull to strike. While the auimal is resting the crowd by throwing; lNINQS. Jogota at present, when le wished." Hut I now the air in this elevated omfort to lay ordinary rithout the loss of a siu- ure. The day after my first time of witnessinj; up in honor of the au- ili be surprised at the nd that too on Sundii)/ ; ance. It was preceded iigoH of the most costly 5Ut on the shoulders of hen at the several teui- inade for religious cere- Od similar occiisions — crament to the dying — 1 accompanying it. At cieutly zealous in their r the ill-will of the sect house till it has passed. ino from a balcony and il our party retired and have a nearer and better ! square our little squad erous cavalcade already r the balconies to make d in them, as we might the act of saluting the - the bull, bull, rose from I ; together with a mass the square, at the same joined in full speed the id around to gaze at the ; the hundreds of gayly on s\aft horses is indeed •arous, ridiculous, brutal eels, but finding hinK«eit' lase hopeless; he would ley group of pedestrians, friendly doorway or by ows, he would dash at ['utile attempts he would r a line made of a raw y a man on a fleet horse le ; another fellow with jrute to make him liac- owded streets, the two nothing in their hands east makes a plunge at ling the rag out for the the crowd by throwing ; Legacy op Historical Gleanings. 615 missiles of all kinds would endeavor to rouse him again to action. Some- times he would only notice these annoyances by a t?s8 of the head buTif an adventurous torjro, bull-fighter .n foot, came very near with h's teas n-I flag, one tremendous plunge indicated his desire of vengeance. Bu't finding himself foiled by the agility of his tormentor, he would aS resume his passive bearing until roused once more to mischief by the Btee led point of the staff or pike pole. The wounds inflicted by the goad would again arouse .11 his latent anger causing horse and foot^ to flf tn one mingled rout from his furious onslaught. Accidents are veJv common, but are considered as trifles and the life of the sport by this '^A7t r^^"' r' '' '' f ^""^'^••°"^' «'-"^> P^^^"»^' more particularly l. ?i^?f > In one charge of the bull on this occasioS I saw Jt least ha fa dozen of them knocked down under the feet of the runnim' horses, though I do not know that any were seriously injured. There was one occurrence, that afternoon, that completely satisfied ray desire to see no more of this amusement. The bull was standing in the cen e of the square, covered with foam and lolling with fatigue -1 missiles fla^s no f^oad seemed to have any effect upon him ; he was^ronounced " goo"d ?or nothing-done ever '-the people went around him and before him he even allowed himself to be patted without in the least noticing it. At ongth starting rom us lethargy, he made a dart at his nearest assailants but the cry ot oiro toro notified them in time and they escaped the dan "er One poor lei ow however, some yards ahead, eitlier deaf or so petrified with fear as to disable him from flying - was overtaken by the ra<^inIJ boast and thrown up in the air. He fell without a sign of life -wlien the bull having passed on, the unfeeling mob gathered around with shouts laughter and mockery at his misfortune. He was picked up by two or three of {he more 1 nmane ones and borne off with the blood streaming from his head and arm and I neither saw nor heard more of him ° I am happy to see from your letters, my good father, that your trip to n ashington was so satisfactory ; itis cheering to learn that" Old Hickorv " IS so favorably inclined towards you, and to hear of his promise that you shall be retained in your office. The promise too of JVIoore, in relation to myself, as mentioned in yours of March 23d, was not unacceptable, but there is such a diflerence between JVIoore and Harrison ! The latter has It in view to leave his son here with Dr. Bresson, but is not exactly de- ermined. I wil send my Journal by Gen. Harrison which will replace the missing numbers of my letters. I suppose Richard and Elizabct:i are established in their own house, and so much taken up in nurturiu- 'ittle Jeb, and the other stranger tha^ I must be satisfied with thefr brief letters. Love and remembrances to c lo and all at home. Sincerely Yours, (xen. Sol. Van Rensselaer, Albany, N. Y. R. V. RENSSELAEa. i i3 F', '~A |[|. j 516 LiiOACY OF Historical Gleanings. I 't } CHAPTER XXV. South American Letters Continued. , Rensselaer Van Rensselaer to Ms Father. Dear Father, Bogota, August 25, 1829. The letter dated five days since went to Carthagena and you no doubt will wonder at receiving another so soon, but I send this by Mr. Gooding of B ton who leaves this for home. Your No. 1 of May 31st, came to hand u few days since, the detention was caused by the mail's having been robbed, below Monipox on its way to Bogota. The mail boat, having a crew of bdgas, besides the patron, was attaclied by another boat with a similar crew completely armed. The patron was killed, one man badly wounded, and the other two made their escape by swimminving to the circumstance of the earthquake of 182/'' bavin- demolished ^ti:cit?'"t w'7"'~'' 1"^'^ P/"^^ ^'"'^•^ ^--^g« -.To do e n t he city — ,t was no more a place of reso-t. The path from the main ad was so much overgrown with weeds, that we lost it, but d d not mTss he pnnc.pa object of our ride, the extensive and grand view that fix^d otl":iZ "T- ,'"'" "" ^"r""^^' 18«0feetT.hove the .ll^n of Ho KoUi, we had a .splendid survey of the lofty Andes with its in.mense chain Citv tW I %P. '. ^^' '"' 1 ""'■ '^'' "^''' '^'' '^^'^"■^'^•« table land and Uty the last had a very sombre appearance, the effect of the dark tiled oof houses; the streets are all at right angles, and throu-^h the centre flows a stream of water. Some of the summit^ around t^w^i to a Zd^- gious height, rising far above the clouds, and are covered with perpetual S^r l^'o"""' "'^•"" ^^ '""• '' ■■'' ^^'^^^''^«'- ^'- •■'^-- ''^^ - "t Ed md ^T^ !f '" T-^'r^'''' '^'^^'^ '^'''■'^'^ '""d, but the climate wi h to ''^'"^"""f '\T^^' '^ '^ n«^ Winter. After feasting, our eyes m i' T ""^ ■'^t'r' 'V'fT'^ ' ^"^'"'-'"^"^ by a still more difficult T.l rT ""' b^^ "■^''«' •^'^^l ""'^ '-^-^^-^ Hie fine (;>«mto - country oat-of the X^icm^or-General Bolivar. These rides I fbund very essen^ mIT- ''•^'■'•f P°"^"°«^ «<;''^»- Harrison with the Colombian Govern- on 1 , f ! ""' Z' ' •'"'" ^' '"" '^""""■^''- '°''' ^' ^?«'"«t the oppressive w Un M . T w ""*''":"r t«^^-''- ^1^-'' citizens &c -gave me lo much ntmg that I was quite happy to seiz. every moment for exercise A aiisnetion has just now becon.e public which has excited the indignation ; ' f'"^^/^'"f ''«'' =»'"1 Americans, a ap,ears that Nicholson ami T.a- ^ei,se — the two persons from whom ^ received so much attention in Mom- ui 1 1 1 1 1 ■>• .A, 1 518 Legacy op Histouical Gleanings. . i i pox — were left Executors to the will of an Englishman who died some time since in that city. Among his effects was eight pounds of gold dust (which article by a law, issued since his death, is made contraband there), the executors, who say they were not aware of that law, sold the dust to raise funds to defray the funeral expenses. The Governor (Aldercrutz) having heard of this, sent to demand the dust, but they of course coulJ not produce it and were thrown into prison. Richard It. Nicholson, who had been long sick, and then laboring under delirium, was, notwithstand- ing the remonstrances of several physicians against the rough treatment, carried off and as predicted died in a few hours. Traverse too was sick, and after this tragedy of Nicholson, was removed to his own house and left under charge of a guard. After trying every method to procure his release without effect, (the amount in money having been rejected bv this Governor) was obliged to run the risk of being condemned to ten years imprisonment and the loss of the eight pounds of dust, by smuggling that amount in the place to sat- isfy the Governor's cupidity. Now allowing that fraud was intended by these Executors in the disposition of the dust, can any thing justify the brutal and tyrannical conduct towards the dying Nicholson on the part of Aldercrutz? No! nor is this a single case of such treatment towards for- eii>ners, nor are the natives themselves exempt ; they are often made to writhe under the power of these arbitrary officers who carry their oppres- sive measures to an infamous degree, and it is not at all remarkable that there are so many disaffected towards such a Government. This disaffec- tion is wide and fast spreading over the whole country ; there will no doubt be great political changes ere long, indeed rumor positively declares that the President Dictator intends assuming that power for life, under the name of Pre.tiiiUnte Vitaluio or of Emperor. Rumor also says that DeBresson is here to pave the way for a Hourbon successor to Bolivar from France. These stories all tend to increase d'saffection. A few nights since, placards were posted in the streets threatening DeBresson and tin Duke de Montibello with assassination, if they did not desist from their intrigues to effect this object and leave the country This proves the existence of a strong feeling and many fear more disturbances. The Goodings, who were here and witnessed the horrors of the riot last year, are collecting all the debts they can muster and the one brother, for fear of another event of that kind now leaves for the United States. The girls I hope will be more particular in the!:* chit-chat intelligence, it is only through them 1 can expect to keep the trace of friends dear to me in youthful days. I suppose my old companion — Robert Jenkins is uiarr'.ed by this time. I am glad that my young friends still think of uie, the Misses Lansiugs among the rest, let me hear more of thorn. I am really happy to hear 'if Aunt Maria's marriage, she must know me well enough to be assured she has my best wishes. The note of Uncle Kilian gave me great pleasure, it is characteristic of the kind feeling he always possessed for every one; the enfeebled state he was in, when I left home, compelled mo to think I would never see him again, and the news of his death was not uplooked for. If ^practice of all the cardinal virtues i ' Christianity, without a profession of them, can secure the transient tenant of this life an after seat among the blessed, his soul is happy. The promise of my dear Mother, through the girls, tiiat I should have a long letter from her as soon as she was completely well, is earnestly desired and looked for. Tell Adeline J. have written twice to that fine fellow Dr. Van Rensselaer. :m. riNGS. hman who died some ht pounds of " -"^-^y eff:ct";rho„r- H g him He will have the largest escort that ever graced the departure any foreigner from this Capital ; not a military escort, but a ca?a cade sorrowing friends. For my own part I shall not leave the noble man at any rate, until I see him borne, away from the store houses in Ho^da' by the waters of the Magdalena. M?. Moore write, he wHl take tt General's furniture if he does so, with the house and garden he will noJ ouiy acquire a supply of what he must other wise procure here buTa fine ^^nety of Jirst rate vegetables, and this arrangement will elieve the beneral of much trouble. Mr. Moore also mentions in his letter tha he has^ia hi,s possession Dispatches from the Department for Genera Ilarison Ty undoubtedly contain the official notiJe of the General's rec 1 wo P n no ! 7 ""Tu ^'''' ^^' "°'^' '''^^'' «f *h« Presentation of a M n ste? Plenipotentiary at Bogota by his predecessor. I am doubtful if this le ter finds a passage home, before the General leaves this Country but wil forward It on to Carthagena in hopes that it may. I am anxiouf th^t such should be the case as I see published in tlJunited StaZpape t The rumors and contradictory statements growing out of a war be3„'this Colombia and Peru which may possibly give rise to some ureusine s among my friends at home ; but they need not be under any appXn ioT The War is an offensive one on the part of Colombia, and is about siX ays journey for light mules from this; then too any'occurrence thcr/ produces just about as much interest among foreigners here, as does the war in Eastern Europe.^ Even the little irfterest we lately eceived from the military operations in that remote quarter of the Republic, must tZ another urn, for Bo ivar having obtained repo.ssession of Guayaquil bj' capitulation, seems disposed, if not obliged for want of funds to end this famous war in negotiation. An armistice between the contending powers has aken place, „ May last for sixty days, since which we S just heard hat Commissioners on part of Peru were, in the CoTombiln camp treating for Peace. Should^his attempt for p;ace p ove ab rUve nd should the Peruvian forces be able to defeat Gen. Bolivar in the w nld", T'^%r'^ '•^'■'""'^ '"^^ '^' impenetrable passes to thisCty 1 would look on the events as an uninterested spectator ^ toe ion would find security even in a civil commotion. An Ambassador an his family have always been considered sacred, even in the moTbar- ■uous nations. I hope therefore no one will give way to useless pprehensmns on my account. _ Humor they say, ,%ou,s In L .wi," 'at lb the case any rumor relating to this country must be a monster bv tiie tune it reaches you. You have had, and undoubtedly will receive more aaggerated accounts from this new Republic, but again, I say, let my sitSa! ' I.e.e. be a sufficient guarantee to you of my personal security, and let 1"^ luid contentment in knowing you have no anxiety on my account The '> iiera now in daily expectation .,f the arrival of Mr. Moore his sue S'nerir't ""' 't '"' "^ K I^"^'^"'" ^'''' ^'"=^^" '' ^'« «^" «^^- 1 ;n ^ ^1 T'*"'" "■""•' Yr "^3-'^'-"V^'>. 1>- O. Carr is stationed ll'cre) in order to acquire as much knowledge of the language as pos^sibl- GG r ^, 522 Legacy of IIihtorical Gleanings. before leaving the country. Tn a few weeks the Hendersons will also leave the city; their ostensible reason for it, is to jrive the workmen iin opportunity to repair damaj^es, caused by the eartluiuake, on their house. When they have gone we j)roposc to make a trip to the Falls of Tequeu- dania, " one of the most remarkable cataracts in the world about 15 or IG miles south west of this city, on the river Bogota, a branch of the Meta. This river, which passes through the Capital, is compressed (just above the falls) from 140 to 35 feet in width, and rushes down a perpendicular rock at two bounds, to the depth of 574 feet, into an unfathomable gulf" Three or four of us escorted Consul Henderson and I'amiiy a few miles out of town and returned by the light of the moon. In the suburbs we met a patrol of twenty men, by whom we were in- stantly hailed with " (^u/tO* vivo" (who lives)? ^'Colombia" was answered by Dr. Cheyene. " QuHncH " (who is there) ? " Cludaddno" (citizen), was the reply, and wo passed on unmolested. While on the subject of the military, a word or two for future remini- scence is well enough. There are about lOUO soldiers (juartered in this city, and more or less in every place of any consecjuence throughout the republic. The aggregate number of the regular army is 4U,0U0 with 70 generals, 20U colonels, and other officers in proportion. This imnieua' standing army engrosses all the revenue of the country for its support, nor is that sufficient; forced loans are frecjuently resorted to, in order to maintain them and to raise funds for other current expenses. The common soldiers here in the capital get one reAl — 12^ cents yer diem, without rations, which is quite enough to support them here; but they are poorly clad ; very few have blankets, none shoes. In other places the pay is more or loss, according to the abundance or scarcity of provisions. The common soldiers are caught on market days, by a press gang, antl driven to the cantonment in chains — where they are enrolled for a number of years and axWn^ voluntario — volunteers. The dissatisfaction again,st the Government has now become so manifest that those in authority begin to perceive it and suspicions are awakened. They have arrested Tenorio under a charge of fomenting disturbances in the capital, and have thrown him into prison. It is supposed that advantage will bel taken of Bolivar's advance in Peru', on the part of the Liberals or Consti' tutionalists to overcome his friends and those in favor of a monarehyl in every part of the country. Such suppositions and Teuorio'sl imprisonment, is the cause of a great deal of distrust in the city. Cash people bury their riches, and visits are scarce ; people are fearful of com- mitting themselves by unintentionally visiting a liberal and of couist Bogota is now a dreary hole. Carter and the Hendersons are very mucli missed by all at our Legation. Sept. 2\st. A little before dinner to day Commodore De Kay of ih Braziliiin service, the avant courier, sent on to announce the approach ol Major Thomas P. Moore, Minister Plenipotentiary to Bogata and 31r| Pickett, arrived. After dinner Mr. Tayloe, myself and one or two of tin General's guests, to day at dinner, rode .out on the Alameda, the nortli avenue from the city and escorted them in. They had been forty day traveling from Maracaybo exclusive of resting, were completely worn oui with fatigue, and shivering under their Kentucky cloaks with the cukl| While the party are tolling over their [lorils b} .-ea and land, I haste ti bring this letter to a close. Mr. Moore mentions having seen you aiii two of my sisters in New York and that your health was good, those tW' e Hendersons will also ) fi'ivc the workmen an lujuuke, on their liouse. to the Falls of Teqiieu- he world about 15 or 10 , a branch of the Meta, coniprejsed (just above ;s down a perpendicular ) un unfathoniuble }i;ulf." and f'aujiiy a few miles III. I, by whom we were in- s) '{ " C()l()ml>!a " was here)? " Ciudadnm" csted. r two for future reiuini- ildiers (juartered in this 3(juence throu^'hout the irmy is 4U,0U0 with 7U portion. This immense uutry for its support, nor -esorted to, in order to current expenses. The — 12^ cents 'per diem, •t them here ; but they shoes. In other places 3 or scarcity of provisions, ^, by a press gang, and they are enrolled for a ers. The dissatisfactiou manifest that those in awakened. They have ;turbances in the cajiita J that advantage will be )f the J liberals or Consti-I in favor of a monarchyj wsitious and Teuoriu'sl trust in the city. Cas eople arc fearful of com-j a liberal and of coursi iiidersous are very muclij imodore De Kay of thd inounce the approach of iary to Bogata and Jli'l elf and one or two of thaf :he Alameda, the nortlj ley had been forty (la\| rere completely worn oul y cloaks with the cuklj ■ea and land, I haste IS having seen you aiiij alth was good, those in Legacy of Historical Gleanings. 523 I suppose were Adeline and Matilda. Mr. Mooro is an active little m-in 'i Gen, So,. Va„ Re„«,aer, P. M., Albany. /^' Tv '£«,«..>„. ^ietmela^r Vtm Ucnmtmr to hu Father ^l 1". rt"' . OarthaRena, November 17 ISW he General of Moore's arrival, and reriuested to appoint an ear vTv f .s presentation. Verg,.ra called with Miranda, his hief cler^ and [n erpreter,on Colonel Moore two days after and appointed he 4 h f lis rneent nn Th,. ■>?.i. „i- ti . i! . offoi'itea ttio Siilh for iii>, rLOeption. llic otii o( September, however, beinj; tbe anoiversirv .1 Bolivar s escape from tbe conspirators in his palace mu\ ,, . ^ «. witb other ceremonies were t'o be p.rforLd'^t ,%, a te^ of'thcir s:::^"^"---5:Sc:;rt-!:±is-';:^^Sf^ costume. This llerrau was the first who in 7Z\c iLl^Zl . from Republicanism to a Monarchy, havio- done o in a toa t .n ) ''"^^ eompanying speech ; and from that'discontentreum mo re ue^ll" Sn" f evening of September 25th, while sitting in the house' of' "Send i I had just arrived and if I would wait for him there one our he ould give me the news He shortly returned and on our way towards uJlf T /T-'"'^^ "^'"'^' ^''« ^••^^^ General Cordova was an nu.rect.on.st, and in arms in Antioquia, with the determination to restore Colombia her Constitution of Cucuta and to put down the moim-chilts to fall in the attempt. His force was not kiiown. The fJowTn ' dav he news had been generally circulated and created an intense Stiof Fu- plarly on the part of the Government and monarchist ¥h^ h ^nds >f nr '" ''''■''' T^"^ '^ ^'^''''' -'d ^- knoi anion he tnends of Liberty against the Spaniards, as a courageous -allant .nd fficent commander. It is less than a yeai- since he prew'iled ^Cof Obando, then at the head of the Constiiutioual Army.^to lay Iwn Lit 624 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. arms nnd thereby .snved the Prcaidcnt from defeat and ruin. Tn the In- tiiiiacy, however, that ensued in consequence of this service, havini; oscertuined that Bolivar's views were directed to a crown, lie abundons him, and arms in this holy cause ; he is the dread of all his enemies. There is now much anxiety and commotion among all the Officials ; all the troops they could muster were immediately dispatched to put it down. Every person who was known to have been intimate with General Cordova was suspected ; some were imprisoned and one was extirpated. Well ! I must not forj^et to tell you about the Presentation of Col. Moore, Two oclock, Saturday Sept. 2(;th, beinjj; the hour appointed, the Old and New Legations from the United States, attended by Commodore De Kay adjourned from the Huirto (fe Juj/nie, to the Government Palace where they were received by Mr. Castillo the President of the Supreme Council and its members — General IJerrau and others in the superb saloon. After a speech from Gen. Harrison officially introducinj; his successor, and resigning his functions ; another from Col. 3Iooro expressive of his good feeling towards this Government; and appropriate answers from Mr. Castillo, the ceremony ended. It was laughable to hear sjieeches delivered in such a grave manner as these were, when none of them were under- stood by the persons for whom they were intended. It was still more diverting to hear the J'resident of the Supreme Council felicitating him- self upon the very tranquil and prosperous condition of Colombia, at a time when word of a formidable insurrection had just been communicated to them ; and when the interest on their public debt had not been paid for years; when the Government Bonds were dull sale at ninety-seven per ct. discount ; and when there was not one cent in the treasury. Lord ! save the United States from such a state of prosperity. General Harrison, finding himself released f'om his public duties, and knowing that if he started homeward now. ho would be detained several weeks in Carthagena, waiting lor the arrival ol the Sloop of War Natchez from Rio Janeiro, determined on gratifying a long cherished desire of being- for a short time, in a climate more warm and agreeable to his con- stitution. Intending also to make short excursions and see more of the neighboring county. The 27th, or day aiter being superseded by Col. Moore, the General accompanied by Mr. Tayloe and Dr. Cheyne rode out to Anolayma, a village twelve leagues ofi to pay a visit to the family of Mr. James Henderson, H. B. M's Consul-General, who were residing at that place; leaving the keys of the house with me and injuiietioiis to do the honors of his establishment to the new Minister and his Suite. The General's son was still in Guaduas. At ten oclock the following day I had all the servants of both families drawn up to give his Holiness the venerable Arch. Bishop a suitable reception. He called, in his dark, heavy coach and four, attended by an old priest and six servants in brown livery, to pay his respects to the new American Minister. I had the honor of introducing the eminent gentlemen to each other; and subsequently the felicity of conducting the Arch Bishop, with the assistance of Com. De Kay, to his coach. ^ We both received for our attentions, as many sanc- timonious benedictions as would have been rendered any, but such a heretic as myself, invincible to the shaits of a legion of devils. 3Iy services were called in requisition again by Col. Moore to accompany him in re- turning the calls he had received since his arrival. After finishing up more than twenty — including all the Diploniutie families and principal foieigners and escorting him home, 1 called on our countryman Gooding NINOS. ; aiifl ruin. Tn the in- f this service, having ) a crown, ho abaiulung ad of all his eneuiies. )g all the Officials ; all patched to put it down, ewith General Cordova extirpated. jentation of Col. Moore, appointed, the Old and by Commodore De Kay crnment Palace where »f the Supreme Council in the superb saloon. iicinji; his successor, and expressive of his good ite answers from Mr. hear sjieeches delivered e of them were undcr- ed. It was still more 'ouncil felicitating him- ;tion of Colombia, at a ust been communicated lebt had not been paid ill sale at ninety-seven n the treasury. Lord ! ity. 11 his public duties, and uld be detained several Sloop of War Natchez i)g cherished desire of d agreeable to his con- is and see more of the ng superseded by Col. id Dr. Cheyne rode out I visit to the family of , who were residing at and injunctions to do jr and his Suite. The ck the following day I give his Holiness the [e called, in his dark, i six servants in brown ister. I had the honor her ; and subsequently 3 assistance of Com. Ue entious, as many .sanc- 1 any, but such a heretic ! f devils. 3Iy services | accompany him in re- il. After finishing up j families and principnl r countryman. Gooding | Legacy op IIistorioal Gleanings. 625 ihe^Hendlst?^ ^l! ^^' ^'"^ ^''""^ ""'"'^ ^'"''^ """ison on a visit to Gen. Urdaneniinsorof Wur r ^^o ^'^''^^'r''^ dinpatehes from In a coiiversution that evoniiH. ■!. n„/>,i;.. i i ''' "' '*"H'*l"-y n.;.i.y other Ibroi-ncr/carr Ztt.i , , k P' "''"''''.' "»' P'""""' "i"" Lew to bo 00 Irieodi eriL wi h r!j' """',""""«. P""™' "■""" ''° receive pto„,o,i„„ .„/.£' ;;;;r!„^: t^AidVo'lteS o'j::r'"^ Gen. Harrison had full information on the ^ Mo M i?! ^ T,'^. ^''^^ ('•iif oa T fi. *v. 1 , Z""*^^" ^ "a™ 'elt at the Colonel for m s ud"in<«- that it was the intention of Government to nXtlflffii^-l ""thonty, patched another letter to the General bv a monntP.l .,i . '•^''tiiwitli di.s- .,.e,f to «„d out n-po^Mo the intc.lL'T.tt i™ ^t' ""'"■»'"= It but that now the Genera was in a f.ir wnv nC i-. • r, ,. ' " takes another breakfa.st, I wished 'to know w\YtlVrt?;u" u tn': i^ co-ieer4d in this dfsLrbanc: of Cordovas ;-'• "jj^rthe'ir ."^ T world." u Then why should you desire to embroil v^u se f 1 v"i '" ^ Ppent the executi,.„ of Hiis Lvernment's c't; VinTefde^o :^^^^^^^^^ lu. correspondence in this house (and you don't know tS h s he III IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TAR:^£T (MT-3) ?'• ^^.. A C „ ^^°'^®/'" « ^e<^«rn to- j 1 •. T "^ V • wuere are you sroincr r aava ha a t„ > going on." "You will h. !1. "TTJf, «t''M^"«!:"?t «f ^^at's 'You will be sent back too." "But I have a pass- port here, showing him one of my nistols »nrl n ,u^i- h-. i, 1 i.- .''"■■: indicating that they would not carrrme tl "0 '. .."-^"''^ ^^ ^^^^ have no right to stop me — for the General i^ J\ul. v. • , .' ^'^^^ his privileges as ever. I shall teU a^I who !,? ' f """'^ "°''*'*^'^ *« «» thin'g-if^hey then peLst -I m Lny deterS^ "' *^^ ^"'"•^. possible." He then left me withT promise todolu I T "'^. """^ ^ proceedings put oflF, on part of the GoC^men tfll tV ' P '' % ^''' "" When I passed the parlor, I saw C^r ^W ^f 1^ ^ General's return. Uonversa^o« with M^lrand^ ; thTy bo^h st^meT my tt^rSf ^S «aw me mount my horse- but' the supposition Ztthi Ail; r.f , jould divme my designation, and report it to tL Secreta ' of Sff^^i' did not in the least tend to cause a diminution of speed whe^undfr h 7 I greater security ^•^pitdi increased, made me feel ^£::^f^/rsi r i!f t^^t^^;^"«?^ sawnoone<,« the road I had jus left n ch.se ilf ° f"''' *''"""' ^ paoeitalongpretty bri«klyover thefine pathTlf w IITi! ™^ T"'" '"'^ than a ea J glarfce at the majestic spfendor thTdL T' '"*^""' '"•^'"'^ ains covered with ylistenin- snow '^'77- j '*''°* '""Sged mount- and . hilly road w^^h t n^ec ss^y ^teZfTjTT '''''' ' "'J^^' my hor^, that I would have changed hi^u for? fVesh one K'^'^ ^"»^" an impossibility as none could be nrocured nf S t ^ ^'"^ Shortly after Jving Hipacon, a mud h^eTc n d 'ffL tl^rwt^^^^^ he sunk over his knees in the stiff day too-ethov w.^r .■ i " i ^'^ ble pass, near the edue of a giddy prednitr' ^ ' ..T ft' i, "T)'' ''r' up," he would not be excited to groat Jed bv^w in '' '^""', ""! along leisuiely, for some time at h i own^ 'ate ^ AtkZTI' ' ""'^^'^ clattering of hoofs behind me, I turned an^d l^w ctt'f Itd'af !X V.'V ill 628 Legacy of Historical Gleanings. ■■ t in the road, a horseman driving along at a furious rate, with a cockade in I Ills hat and, sword by his side; immediately another in a rapid o,illon made his appearance. The idea at once strucic me, that they had' been sent at the instigation of Miranda to escort me baclc to the metropolis- every nerve was strung for action, but I felt quite pleased to think there were no more of them. They passed by me without checking their pro gress, but I fancied they eyed me very closely, with intense surprise and thought there was something satirical in their salutation which I returned and they were soon out of sight. ; I conjectured now that they might have been dispatched direct to the General and Consul General; and I most cordially cursed the whole" country when to the question if he had hay, addressed to the ow-^ ^ of al house by the wayside, I received for answer, " No, Seiior, no hay " " Ta there a fresh horse here ? " " No Senor there is not." Then givin*^^" their furious driving leave him behind. The commandant was quite as fond of society as my horse md very communicative -he told me he was CarracanianVbSh- talked much of commerce - shipping and steamboats. He had o^noe"one a Ihree daysjourney from Anolaymuto Peiion de Conejo to see one -and was quite astonished when I told him, that those knd of vessels on soZ rivers in the United States, were as plcnt^'ful as champin Ttho mZ alena. He gave me the names of the different kinds of elegant lar"e trees by the road side - pointed out to me a spot, marked b/a cro s 0? rough wood-where u countryman returning from markerhaTbee„ murdered and indicated the site in a deep ravine, where hi body haS een found, almost destroyed by the .^^a^^miia - buzzard ; and woundup by intimating hat ,t was very imprudent for a stranger, like me, to travel «m«r-w,thout arms. I gave him my assent to his posi ion with something ike a contemptuous smik and thought how disappSed he would be If he had any simster desig..s on my perse, provided he um'er! took to carry them into effect, to find me so ready to meet him. After a while we came to a halt, on a little flat at the head of a long, dreary steep and narrow pass -a place well calculated for any " deed of darknJss ''2 when pulling from h-'s pocket a short, thick ivory whistle, L turned rou^ nd observed that it was necessary to carry such a thing in order to warn rlT U "^'^ '"' approach at such narrow defiles or there w^u 3 fi a difficulty in passing each other. Then giving a long shrill blast he eld his head down ,n an attentive position, and directly the peculiar \tTlt" T"' ""'^^'''^ '" ^"^^^^ *"^«°' ^he deep dell beneath us 1 ieofficergave twomore blasts- tworesponsive whoopswere heard, which latisfied h.m that the mules below had stopped and%alling out Vme lAhdra va^dmonos' (htus go on now), he put the spurs in his na-^and way he went, myself at his heels -down the rough, crooked escafh-n staircase). I had a few days previous read a well .HtteTtale in "nl of he magazines of the adventures of Spoliano, an Italian Bandit ; he scenes h.? ^T '^ '' ™r ^^ 'i'' -/"^^ "^y P'««^»<^ '^'^-'^on so much to that 01 the victims, who had been lured within his power, that I now gave up the idea of my cicerone's being a government messenger, and nuT bm down for one of Spohano's occupation. His story of the murdered tpano (countryman) -his allusions to my defenseless situation -h^ UTa- ""'.'k '" '' '""""v.^''^ confirmative of this suspicion -that instead firiding the persons who had answered his shrill summons with a shout Hmp e inoffensive muleteers - 1 expected shortly te see a parcel of Zl whiskered and mustachioed outlaws. Kach with machettas in their hands' ■Pir I h 630 Legacy of Historical Gleanings spring out from their hiding places among the rocics, with " (far me su 2il(ifa," (give mc your money). However we sallied out at the foot of the iscahra without an adventure, where we found an old Indian with liis squaw, mule and ox freighted with hid'is of molasses — from him cauie the whoops. All doubts of the Commandant were entirely dispelled only when wo came to the great square of the romantic village of Anolayma, then ho pointed out to me the way to the Consul General's residence and with " Adios Senor," turned taking another direction for his home followed by his attendant. It was now sunset ; all the ladies and gentlemen except the General were out enjoying their evening walk, giving nio an uninter- rupted opportunity of communicating the unpleasant tidings to him. lie could scarcely believe in the reality of the information, that Carr for whom he had done so much could have proved the ungrateful perjurer. Conscious, however, of his own innocence he did not evince the least alarm or uneasiness upon the occasion but very unconcernedly walked off with me to meet Henderson and Tayloe. I had borne the news to those so deeply interested and the following morning Tayloo left for Guaduao, while General Harrison and Consul General Henderson, of course, repaired with all possible expedition to the capital to meet any charges ; none were preferred against them — but, notwithstanding, Henderson, Torrens, and Leidendorf very soon received tlieir Passports to leave the Country at a short notice. The friends, whom I had left behind me in Bogota the morning I started with the evil tidings, were every moment looking out in the most anxious expectation of seeing me brought back a prisoner. Mr. Moore was than in trouble too, lest! should come in contact with the "eprobate Carr, who with O'Leary was rlosc at my heels, he told thoso friends that if we did meet, it would be " a bloody meeting." It must undoubtedly have been such had they attempted to stop me, but I am very happy now I did not see him, it is far better for both. When Mr. Tayloe and Carter Harrison arrived the hearts of all parties could beat more evenly. Carr reached '^uaduas the same evening that Tayloe did, and the scoundrel, supposing that Tayloe had not yet iioanl of his villainy, went up to him in a most hyjHicritii'al manner, aTid oflered him his hand, but Tayloe after eying him scornlully a moment, turned his back upon him without saying a word — when (^arr siioakcd out of the house like a sheep stealing dog. He met young Harrison on his way out, but passed by him, with liis eyes on the ground, without opcni.ig his mouth to the iutimuto friend, or companion rather, though at [\u\t'u Aith him a lew days before, he had shed a copious flood of tears. Geul. J'licavy when told by 'i'ayloe oi' Carr's shameful conduct declared that he had not known of it before, and that lie had been put in his staff without his wish, or consent. How much proba- bility there was in that statement, may be inferred from the fact that — my authority from whom I first heard that Carr had made such a dejiosition, and which proved correct as far as it went, stated most positively thatGenl. O'Jjeary and Carr were together when it was made. The jealousy of the government townrds the friends of Cordova is proved, because as soon as the news of his raising the constitutional standard was heard in the capital, his own nephew who was quite aboy,with some [ ersonal friends were thrown into prison. It was manifested also in the exile of Nicholasa Ibjra. a lady of great beauty, wealth and accomplishments ; the mother of six children — ti great Liberal. Her friendship for the calumniated and unjustly exiled V^ice JQ8. 6, with " (far mc nu d out at tho foot of i old Indian with ]m — from him cauie ollod only when wo Anohiyniu, then he residence and with is home foUowed by i geutlonion except ving mo an uniiitcr- ut tidings to him. ation, that Carr for ungrateful perjurer. )ot evince the least icernedly walked otF e the news to thuM; JO left for Guaduao, I, of course, repaired charges ; none wore lerson, Torrens, ami vc the Country at u me in IJogota the iionicnt looking out lit back a prisoner. in contact with the heels, he told those meeting." It must stop me, but I am both. hearts of all parties 3 same evening that had not yet lioiird manner, and oflered y a moment, turned Carr sneaked out of d by him, with !iis 3 ill ti mute friend, or s before, he had shod by 'i'ayloe of Carr's b before, and that ho How iiiucli probii- 1 tho fact that — my such a deposition, positively thatGenl. The jealousy of the eeause as soon as tlic irdin the capital, his ids were thrown into asa lb:;ra. a lady of of six children — ti unjustly exiled Vice Lkgacy op llisToiircAL Gleanings. 681 Prosidont, Santander, had drawn upon her tho 8U.spicionH of govornmont and she was accused oi holding political meetings at her elegantly Im- iiishe.1 ^^<;;, 273, 274, 275, 27H, 278, 280, 288, 297, 298, 300, 303, 486 Allen, Col. Ethan, 41, 48. Allen, Nathaniel, 378. Alligators, extraordinary num • bers of. 481. Alligator's nest, sleep in, 490. Allyn, Captain, 41i. Alye, Capt,. 46. Ames, Mr., ,344. Amhnrst, General. 28, 33, Amsterdam, incidents in, 118 Ancient orders, 18, 19. Andes, origin of name of, 438. Andrews, Capt., 119. Andros, Edmund, 8. Anecdote, amusint;, 103. Aiinora, Capt,, 116, Anolayama, Adios Seiior, 530. Anthony, Charles, 420. Anthony, Gen., 90. Appling, Lieut, Col,, ,325. Armistice, news of, .306. Armstrong, Capt., 258, 263. Armstrong, Col., 63. Armstrong, Gen. John, 216, 231, 255, 2a5, 305, 308, 310, 311. 316, .318, 319,471, 472; to Judge Spencer, 471. Army news. 111. Army, number of, 522. Arnold, 412. Arnold, Col. Benedict. 48. Arnold, Gen., 53, 70, 186. Arrest, 485. INDEX. Assassination, horrible, 433. Atwater, Hon. (Jaleb, 431. Avendano, Seflor Martin, 497, 498. 49tt. Babblngton, Sarah, 51. Bacon, ,John P., 354. Bailey, Gen,, 385. Bainbrldge, Com., 351. Bainhart, Mr., 202. Baker, Caleb, *«. Baker, Major D.. 424. Balcom, Col,, ,309 Baldwin, Ebenezor, 486. Ball, Lieut. Gen., 141. Baricker, Gerard, 83. Banyar, George, .36. Baptist, John, 25. Barber, Gen., 107. Barbour, Hon. P. P., 268, 885, 408. Barbour, .Tames W,, 356. Barnum, P. T., 400. Barnum, Stephen, 311. Barny, Joshua, .318. Barranqullla, 442. Barron, .Tames, 350, Barry, Wm, P,,470, 487. Barten, Judge, 2.36. Barton, Mr., 289, 292. Barun, Lieut. John, 66. Basset, John, 152, Bates, Stephen, 311. Battle, after tha, 230-2.S3. Battle 01 Queenston Heights, 238. Bayard, Judith, 10. Bay, Cornelius, 76. Bay, Dr, William, 156, 327, 357,.367, .377. -s, .381,4.36. Bay, John, of C, .orack, 404. Bay, Mary, 427. Beard, Mr., 222, 223. Bearer of bad news, 530. Beck, N. P., 486. Becker, Mr., 432. Bedell, Col , .53, Beekman, Caty, 428. Beekman, Mr. Jerard, 428. Beeldsnyder, S. C, 120. Beers, f. Wm., 152. Belknap, Lieut., 3,35. Belli, Juo., 98 Bellingers, Lieut , 224, Benedict, Col,, 199. Benevolent Society, the Wash- ington, to Cols. Van Rens- selaer andLovett, 281-283. Benson, 223. Benson, Capt., 49. Benson, Mrs., 146. Benson, Robert, 57. Bentou, Gov., 158. Berry, John, ,321. Beverly, Mr., 416. Bewel, Col.,55. Bibb, GeorgeM.,3n; to John J. Crittenden, 317. 68 Blddle, Major, 434. Blrdsall, >IaJor, 333. Blanchard, Judge, 388. Bleecker, tlarmanus, 828, 867, 415. Ble«cker, John James, Mr., 67. Bleecker, John R., 486. Bleecker, Mr. Bareat, 158. Bleecker, Solomon Van Rens- selaer, 418. Blenheim House, visit to, 187. Blodget, Mr., Hi. Blodgett, Samuel, 38. Bloodgood, 178, 182. Bloodgood, Col., 418. Bloodgood, Francis, 168, 190, 48't. Bloodgood, Mr., 167, 175, 180. Bloom, Col,, 2''1, 2;M,266, 257. Bloom. Lt. Col., 267. Blue, Lieut. Wm. K., to Capt. Van Rensselaer, 106, 128. Blue, R, W., 123. Bogardus, Gen., 487. Bogardus, Robt., .366, 367. Bogart, Isaac, ,327. Bogota, climate of, 473. Bogota, recuperating at, 512. Bolivar, Gen. Simon, 4.37, 440, 454, 462, 499, 500, 517, 521, 522, 52;j, 524, HHl, 532; and Cordova, 523; president, 4>15 : to assume royalty, 499. Borland, ,375. Bounties, heavy, to soUliers, .32-1. Bowyers, Capt. Henry, 34. Boyd, General, 321. Boyd, Mensrs. 334. Boyd, Peter, 131, 275. Boyd, Robert, Junr., .55. Braddock, Gen , , 18, 75, 136. Bradford, Dr., 327, 355. Bradford, John M., 149. Bradley, 402. Bradley, W.C, 408. Bradstreet, General, .32. Bradt, Alida,91. Bradt, Peter, 42. Bnunard's bridge, 418. Brandt Van Hook to Philip Van Rensselaer, 71. Brant, Capt., 53. Br.;nt, John, 262. Brant, Joseph, 3, 53, 128. Bratt, Alida, 10. Bratt, Maria, 17. Bray. Mr., 93. Breeks, J., 94. Breech, Ens., 124. Bresson, M. De, 503, 504, 508, 510. Bresson, Dr., 515. Bridgen, Mayor T. A., 418. Bridge of Paudi, a party visit, 608. Brinckerhoof, Geo., 519 British, a brush with, 286. British fleet, capture of, ."20. :•! in 684 Index. k BroadBtroot, John, 94. Brock, (lull., aio, ivi, 810, 217, •i\», !i«», '«!, •ii-2, -iati, *i;), a;M, •in^, iii, mi, m;, an, 8ti7, aiH, a7(), -271, •^7!<, ^7;), a7S,4«l; tuOuii. Van (leiiB- BL'laur, m ; klllciil, »1H. Brock, Iwmc,ai5, aW) ; toOen. Van UiuiHHulHur, aAO. Brook, 110. Brook, Col., 8.31. Broom, Mr., 187. Brooiuu, Caroline, 897, Brown, Doctor, 88(1, 88.'). Brown, Uv.it., 171), iii, H44. Brown, Hubbard, M. Brown, Jacob, iXla. Brown, Mr,. li)3. Brown, Mrs. Senator, 368. BruBh, Adjutant, 41H. Brush, Mr., ;15,5. Brush, Captain, 2SS. Brush, John, *i-». Bucktal Is, democrats and fede- ral ista, 388. Buell, Major, 1 19. Buel, Gen. Nath., 55. Bull light, a, 514, 515. Bunch, Mr., 44H, 4H,5. Burgoyne, Gen., 48, 69, 60, 81, (13, «4, 06, (Mi, «7, 68, 78. Burke, 445, 44«. BurlluL'toi., Vt., 407,408. Burr, Aaron, US, 186, 193,408. Butler, Col. Thomas, 140, 141, 148, 143, 144 ; to Capt. Van Kensselaer, 143. Butler, Lieut. Col., 146. Cady, Daniel, 408. Cady, John W., 408. Calhoun, JohuC., 145, 338, .362, 368, 870, 378, 883, 408, 409, 430. Cambreleng, C. C, 868. Cambrelling, vice president, 387. Campaign, journal of, 194. Camp))ell, 375. Campbell, Archibald, .368. Campbell, Captain, 103. Campbell, C.tpUin li. M. to Captain Van Kensselaer, 9t). Campbell, Capt. R. Ms., 94, 96, 112, 188. Campbell, Col, 499, 50.3, 504, 505 532 Campbell, Samuel, ,368, 889. Canada, invasion uf, 253 ; fail- ure of, 849. Canajoharie, 402. Canal ball, grand, 438. Carleton, Gen., 46, 47, Careltou, Gov., 48. Carleton, Sir Guy, 53. Carnival, the feast of, 467. Carr, 525, 586. Carr, D. O., 581. Carr, Lieut., 273. Carr, the Virginian, 501. Carter, 522, rrM. Carter, N. 11 . , 357 ; to Solomon Van Rensselaer, 357. Carthageni"., a glance at, 443- 448. Case, Col., ?22. Case, Cornelius G. V. R.. 427. Case, Walter, 338. Cassin, Capt., 520. Castillo, President, 624. Catharine, 10. Cato, a colored sei vant, 444 ; fails into the river, 495. Center, Cant, 411. Challenge rrom I'eter B. Porter to Solomon Van Rensso- li.er, 287. Chamberllng, 875. Champion, 36. Cliampluiii, John, 170. Chandler, (Jen., 301. (.'haplii, Or. CWrentns, 88$, 825 ; to Col. Van Renssolaei, 8»1. Charlotte, (iueen, 8.38. Chester, Rev. Dr., 419, 436. Chlpman, Dr. Daniel, 220. Christening, a, in South Ame- rica, m. Christie, Lieut. Col., 348, 849, 854, 856, 866, 860, 896, 873, 886. ChryBtlo, Col., 2.'>8, 868. Church, Mr., 127, Church, Mr. and Mrs., 110. Church, Mi-8., 118. Cliurcli, Mrs. John C, 116. Cltl/ens of Albany to post master general. Clark, Robert, 878. Clarkson, Capt., 186. Clarkson, Gen. M., 835, 411. Claus, D., note from, 17. Clans, Santa, 6, 6, Clay, Mr. Henry, 287, 297, 299, *«». AM, 356, 860, 362, 864, 365, 402, 405, 406, 408, 409, 415, 420, 481, ■145 ; to Solo- mon Van Rensselaer, 405. Clinch, Abraham, 76. Clinton, 487. Clinton, Charles A., 377, 881, 417, 418, 419, 472 ; to Solo- mon Van Rensselaer, 377, 381,472. Clinton, Col., 418. Clinton, DeWltt, 168, 187, .306, 311, 820, 328, 8:iO, 8.31, .'534, 3;«, :J4!I, 352, .354, 3«i4, 367, 368, !i86, 898, 399, 400, 406, 414, 419, 420, 421, 325, 4!J5 ; to Solomon Van Rensse- laer, 349, 3,58, a5.5, a">8, ;»9, 362, 363, 369, 374, :M) ; a grand reception to, 420 ; visits Ohio, 419; death of, 4;ij ; honors at funeral of, 436. Clinton, Gen. James, 4.55. Clinton, Gov., 328, 329, 331, a52, .355, 357, 358, 3.59, 862, 363, 3ti9, 374, .380. 402, 426, 427, 436 ; to Gen . Talmadge, 388 ; to Solomon Van Rens- selaer. Clinlon, (}ov. and lady, 489. Clinton, Gov. George, 73, 81, 88, 112, 151, 157, 161, 188, :344, 367. Clinton, Henry, 6o. Clinton, Lady, the canal barge. 425. Clinton, Major, 3.59, Clinton, Mr., :«1, 405, 409, 416. Clinton, Mrs. DeWitt. 425. Coffln, Col., 262 Colden, Cadwall&der D., 868, 405. Colden, Col., .321. Golden, Gen., 487. Colden, Mr., 488. Coldwell, Mr. James, 158. Coles, Mr., 32i. Collier, Col. James, 200. Collins, James, 93. ColoniiU History, 25, 58, Colombia, disembarkation at, 445 ; description of, 440. rommorco steamboat, 486. Comoromlso, the Mlssourt, 344. Comstock. Mr., 899. Confusion, political, .316, Congressional talk, .'K)5, 308. (Congress, members of, i)68. Congress, representrtllveg of New York In, !J38. Conkling, 419. Conkling, Alfred, .3l«, 4ck. Mr, aw. I iioiitk'ui, ats, hmIdmui tuik, am, :m. HH, mumlxirH of, .'XIH. »H, rt)|)ri)iHjntnllvi!8 of w York la, iSJS. IB, 410. If, Allrod, 3l«, -Ktt, Wl, , 4^1, i'ili; to Soluiiion ri UeiiBHulaor, -m, U)l. HUtlcjii, thi)it|{litluiiit,531. Juntiiiii, H,')-j. lohiiiiy, IKK), Uiciit. Job, BS. Mr.,45a, 2ftH. , Col., 414, 410, 418. , Col. J. T., 418. , Pr. Charles D., 1(19, , lilO. , G(ni.,l«7. , Ml«9, 124. , Mri<.,Hi7, ITO. a, Gen., 531. a, the fi'ieiid of liberty, inter, the Seneca chief, illlK, Gon.,58. idt Crttharlno V., 46. yman, a, on the plalni ho doiith, !K)1. ton, 110. ton, Cupt., 11!). ton, Liuut. L., it-l. 1b conduct, a, 580. 3r's fo-martyr, a pater- ancestor, 11. rd, 378, 402, 409, 415, rd, Mr., 383. rd, Williuin, ,388. rd, William n., 868. den, J.. I., 317. rland Lino, 130-150 ;, Mr. James, 75. g, Thoinas H . , 155. in, Josliua, 398, 399. Mr., 27?. Mrs., 86. 1 heme, 483. 19. Spanish, 445. How, 225. James, 116, 117; to )t. Van Rensselaer, 116. Major, 223, 232, 216; th of, 24ti, 247. Mr.,2;j2. Mr. Henry, 108. Mr. Jacob, 42, 82, William Howe, 247; to ouel Van Rensselaer, Hale to Philip Van issclaer. 71. Dr., 487; to Solomon 1 Rensselaer, 607. M.,400. zer, Bueuavcnttira,450. ru, 194, 214; to Gen. 1 Rensselaer, 214. rn. Gen., 200, 204, 205, 208, 209, 212, 213, 214, 210, 224, 225, 2;il, ««, 23)', 241,244,245, 251, 270, 280, 297, 308, 310, 319. ro, Diego, 474, 479. Decatur, Com., 351; duel of, with Barron, !!50, a51 ; death, 351. Dafeatcd, 2M). Delrnse of G< u. Uarrlion, 5aH mi Deforest, Major, 888. DuGrali", (ia/ena, 78. DcOraff, Mr. Jusse, 74. Doltay, Commodore, 529, 524. Delaiilaliie, Joseph, 400 : to Solomon Van ReusHtiiaur, 400. Dennis, Capt. J., 266; to Gen. Van Uensselaor, 265. Dennlston, 379. Denidston, Garrit, :m. Dennislon, Isaac, ItiH. Dennlston, Mr. G. V., 346. Detroit, Mich., city of, 211, 424. Detroit, speech of the uiayur of, 423. DeWIlt, Gov., IM. DeWiit, Jacob H., a'iH, 360. DeWitt Major R., 418, DeWItt, R. v., 486. Dewitt, Simeon, 170, 426, 486. Dexter, Samuel, 162, 153, 164, 156; to William U. Van Rensselaer, 156. Diary, extracts from, 136, 140, 141, lla. Dickenson, Julia, 504. Dickerson, Mr., 61. Dickinson, 370. Dickinson, John D., .338, 341, 301, 368, 379, 380, 392, 393, 897 : to Solomon Van Reui«- Belaer,31t2, 397. Dickson, Mr., 208. Dinner, dii)l(miHtic, 505. Dinsmoor, Mr., 145. Ditches used for fences, 503. Dix, John A., 156; his famouc order, 150. Dobbins, Col., 279. DodL'e, Gun,, 214. Dogfierty, Capt,, 219. Dongan, Thomas. 5. DoUj,:herly, W. W., 393. DoHW, Cornelius, 67. Douw, Mr., 126. DoHW, Mrs., 126. Douw, Petrus, Cai)t., 32. Donw Volkert P., 57. Dow, Klisha, ;^81. Dox, Capt'tin, 204, 265, 268, 209. Dox, Garret, 338. Duaue, Col., 172. Dudley, Charles E., 3(;3, 371, 374, 379, ;i»4, :«5. 4(16, 465 ; mayor of Allinuy, 374 ; to M. Van Buren, ;5»4. Dudley, Mr,, 341, 373, 381, ,382. Duel, a, proposed and frus- trated, 289-292; between Smyth and Porter, 284-285. Duer, Col. William, 78. Duer, William, 116, Duer, Wm. A., 357, 436, Duke, John, of Marlborough, Duncan, 110. Dunn, Geo. H.. 94. Dwight, Col. Joseph, 18. Dyson, Capt., 233, 234. Dyson, Samuel T., extract from letter of, 233. Earthquake, destructive, 477. Editor, Mr., 285. Egberts, Aunt, 54. Ei''hts, Dr. James, 414, 418. Ellicotl, Capt., 361. Index. Klllott, Hunjamln. «18. KlUott, Col. ,412; to Solomon Van Rensselaer, 412. Elliott, Lieut. Jesse D,, 240, 247. Klllott, Mr. Roljert, 109, 870, 3H2, 412. ElmenUorf, Mrs., 14(1. Klinendorf, Peter, 116, 119. Klmendorf, Peter K., 68. Elsie, 10, Elhworth, Lieut, Peter, 55. Ely, Isaac M., 8««, 367. Emerson, Mrs., 24. Enmiet, Mr , 166. Emmet, Tliomas Addis, 160. England and France, war re- newed between, 19, Erie Canal, celebration, 424- 429 ; opening of the, 400. Erwin. John,ia. European trip, 10!» 130. Eustis, Wlliiam, 258. Evens, Gen., Iil8. Evens, Major, alO, 260, 862, 209. Bwing. Tlionias, 420. Excursions in the ■country, 449-454. Fairlio, James, 86. Fandango, the, 460, Fay, John, 838. Fayette, De La, 411, 419 ; Gen., 413. Federalism, triumph of, 184. Feu wick, Col., 212, 214, 226, 22«, 227, 229, 2;^l, 232, 2;«, 248, 2-19, 250, 253. 267, 259, 208, 275, 276, 288, .325 Feawick, Col. Juo. R., 317; to Col. Solomon Van Rens- selaer, 817. Fenwick to Gen. Vun Rensae- laer, 236. Ferris, Benj , ,360, .307. Fever and a^ue, 505. Fish, Capt., 448. Fish, Col.,3;i5. Fisk, Mr., 2".W. Fish, peculiar, 493. Fisher, Chrlstoplier, 60. Fishkil, 81. Flemming, Col., 203. Flores, I'resldent Gen., 441. Fonda, David, SH. Fonda Jellis, 83. Fonda, Mrs., 119. Ford, Capt., 140, 333. Ford, Wm., 338. Ford, Wm. D., 352. Foreigners become rich, 474. Fonnan, Samuel S., 211. Forney, Col., 464. FortChambly (illustrated), 46. Fort George, head quarters at, 233. Fort Greenville, 110. Kort Hamilton, 90. Fort Massac, 95. Fort Orange, 7; changed to Albany. 8. Fort Oswego, 145, 146; sur- render of, 146. Fort Washington, 110 ; merry making at, 138. Fort Wayne, 110. Fowler, Mr., 314, 345. Francis, Col., 00. Francis, Dr.. ;«1. Franklin, Benjamin, 81, 403. Franks, Mr. Moses, 24. Frazer, Gen., 00, (i6. Frederick, Col., 73. 586 Freeman, 488. Freeman, Capt., 98. French Revolution, 181. Frolhlngham, Richard. 76; to Philip Van UetiMKulaur, 76 Fruit, tropical, 489. Krver, Capt, John, )i8. Fiillon, Robert. 183. Funeral, a. In Spanish Ame- rica, 44i7. Fusugazuga, the bellet ol, 613. Gage, General, 86. Gales, a mlhchlef maker, 800. Gansevoort, Col., 77. 311. Gunsevoort, General, 81, 88, 151 : death of, 193 ; to Philip Van Rensselaer, 81. Gansev.jort, John, 28fl. Gansevoort, Leonard, Jr., 10, 11. Gansevoort, Lieut., 989, 268, 2M, 268, 2(a, 973. Gansevoort, Maria, 128, 199. Gansevoort, Peter, 4«, 198, 3.38, 306,395, 390, 480. Gardenier, Mr. Harent,, 187. Gates, Gen., 66, 67, 08, 77, 141, 180, Gates, John, 884. Gebherd. John, iiOS. Geddes, Judtje, 422 Gelston, David, 112. General Orders, 198, 896, 235. 3:«. • Genet, Citizen, makes a state- ment of his purposes, 162, 164 ; unwarrantable con- duct of, KKi; marries a daughter of Gov. Clinton, IPl ; his political ellbrts, 95. Genet, Edmund C, 164, 166, 171. ' Genet, Mr., 160, 161, 162, 174, 176. ' Georgetown, D. C, 409. Gibson, Wood, Fenwick, 324. Giles, Gen., 321, 335. Gilston, David, 155. Glen, Capt. Alexander, 18, IB. Glen, Captain, 13, 14, IB. Glen, Catliarine, Miss, 149. Glen, Col. Jacob. 12. Glen, Edward, 442, 440, 4,'),3, 454, 456, 470, 476, 487, 498. Glen, ilenry, 56. Glen, Jacob S., 438. Glen, John, 12, 76, 88, 440,458 4,56, 401, 462, 405, 472, 478 474, 477, 478, Glen, John, jr., 12. Glen, Messrs., 439. Glen, Mr., 140,460, 485. Glen, Mrs. Jacob S., 74, 488. Godwin, Capt., 46. Gofls, Col.,;« Gold, Thomas R., 170. Goodhig, Mr., 516. Gorham, 402. Gorman, Will, 98. Governeur, Mr., 82. Government, jealousy, 530-531. Gracey, Mr., 35,'». Gray, Gen., 135. Gray, Mr., 290. Green, Gen., 80, Greenville, letter froji. 111. Gregory, Matthew, ,327, 334. 418. Grldleys, Mr. Isack, 28. Grocsbeck, Ed., SXi. Grose, Ezra C, 338. Grosvenor, Capt. Seth, 182. GroBvenoi, Thomas P., 816. 586 Index. P ! {; IlacklPf, Anmri, 888. Ualimn, ciiiiH ((.,!«», m\. .'HIT ; ti) ftiilotiio!! V«ii UuiiH- m>\nvr !1M. ;|.'W, m\. IIulu, Uniiliil.fta. 71. I.to ; iHMiii-H comnilHHioii to Huliiiiiim Vitn lt«iiHHi>lHi.'i. 111:1, Hi. Haiiillton. .iiidui!, -.itlii. Huiiiiiioiiil, Mr, KM. Hail' I'inniik, Col., III. 11,1' .riimck, (.'ol. Joliii K., !(«(, lU. Hi..diii, Colonel, 95. Ilaniiur, -ii'i. Harinor, Oi'iiural, 111. HarrlHon, lit), lliirrlKon, Ciiitur. 4,15, WIS, ftW, lluniHon, Oen., aa), 415, !)10, 4II(, 138, 4:tl), m, IM, 45.1, 4(it, 4tl;i, 4t)4, 47)> 476, 41)H, BOO, IM)I, (KW, ntM, 50*1, r)<)7, 8U', ., 15U. Hayloy, *!. Hazard, Adjntaiit, 41H. Itompctc'ftd, Iwiac. 827. HenuerHon, Col., 878. Henderoon, CoiihiiI, 504, 606. 588, 681. Heiidoi>on, Oen., 580. Heuduri8, 810, 81 <, 818, 818, 814 •., 217, 819, 881, Uti, 28.8, «M, 231, 'ilU, 25'2, 89(), 297. ;)i;), 314, 42)1 ; surrender ol, 215; sen- tenced to he shot, 314, 317; pardoned by Pros. Madison, 314. Humphrey, (Jliauncov, 4.%5. Humphrey, Major, iVi, 413. Humphriiy Mr., 80. Hun, Ahiaiiaia, 13l>. Hunt, A., I)«. Hunt, Mr., m, 108. Iliiiitiiur 451); scene, when, and unexpected game, 498. Hunt'n^jdon, 811. Hunt ington. Gen., 305, 816. Ilnntington, Mr., 2'27. Hutchinson, Gov., 38, 30. Hutton, Mr., 178. Incidents and events of the revolution, 77-78. Indians, warfare, barlmrities of, 202; Cathi'lic priest es- capes Ironi, 1:1 ; triulo and niaiuifacturesof, 488; lonj,' knives, 101 . IukIIs, Mrs., rm, 505. Intrepidity, conspicuous, 803. Ish, ,i, 4. Isha, 3, 4. Jackson, 400, 411, 415, 464, 520. Jackson, Andrew, :W3, 408; anecdote of, 403; election of, for pres. U. 8., 403. Jackson, General, 40, 410, 410, 431, 470. Jackson, Major, 80, .lackson. Minister, :j08, Jackson, President, 485. Jacobs. Capt,, 201. 2"'!. James, William, 107, 181, 48ti. Jay, Gov,, 148, 154, 155, 188, 307 ; to secretary of war, 164. Jay, .Tohn. 6J. 81, JOB, loH, l.W; nil u snccesitful iie({otlHtiir! 105; elected ({overiKir of New York, 106 Jeflersof, Mr., im. JeiriTn'in, President, 198. ■lelfreyii, Geopfe, 81 . Jenkins, 188, 'lOO. Jeiiklii'', ( Hilt. Ira, 8'i«. Jenkins, Colonel, 418. Jenkins, Klisha, 108, UVi, tci!) Jenkins, Mr,, 17;), 174, 175,17(1, 189, IIKI, Jt ikliis, Mrs. Kllsha, 108. Jenkins, Kobert, 518. •lennlnus, Capt., 881. Jereinlns, 10, iloaiis, .lohii. 118, ■lolinnnes, 1 1 ■lohiison, 87, 883. Johns Col., m\, ;W0, !i97, 40'A 410. Johnson, Col. John, 74. Johnson, Gen,, 19, 87. •loliiiHoii, John 71, 78. JoliiiHoii, John '!., 152. Jolinson, Mr. John, 83. .lohiHon, llichard M.IOll, •lohnson, Uolieri, ;i82. JoliiiHoii, Hlr John, 15. 41 ; marches up the M.iliawk valley, 8.8, Johnson. Sir Wllllain, 8, SKI, 81, 25. 87, ?;), !I27. lolney. Corporal, 141. .'ones, Capt., 111. Jones, Cajit. U;;nlel, 88. Jones, Colonel, 410. Jones, David, 06. Jones, Gen,, 487. ilosiali, (.'apt., 7/5. Journey by bout 477. Joy, A rail, 859. Judson, Capt., 320, 338. Juliet, M., 446. Kauo, M,, 119, 180. Kane, Mr. Jamei<, 170. Kane, Mrs,, 119, 120. Kearney, Lieut,, 803, 273. Keen, Capt., 88. Killer, (ien.. 8.80. Kelly, Mr., 445. Kent, James, 8.87, .807, .8(i8. Kidd, Capl.,0. Killaii, 10. Kin«, ;i78, :«8. King, A,, !1.')7. Kliij{, (.harles, .88;. KiiiK, Mr. m)i, 346, 373, .'Ci, HSO, .895.897, Klnn, Mr. Hiifus, 105, ItiO, a«K, 381 888, :i'i8, :M1, 381, ;iH7, 388,389, ;W8; an oracle iif democracy, 301 ; to Salo- mon Van Kensselaer, ;i2a. Kinsella, 445. Kingston, Col., 06. Kiikland, Joseph, .868. Kirklund, Lieut. P. H. Van Valken burgh, 418. Knickerbocker, Col., ;m, ;W4. K:iickerbocker, Diedrich, 3. Knickerbocker, Herman, 191, 300, 3:«, 48;j. Kpcver, Benj., .868. Knower, Mr., 374, 370, 385. Knowltou, Col. Lieut., 418. Knox, Gen,, 08, 70, 80, 91, 02, 1)3; to Capt. Uodgeis. Di; Henry to Solomon Van Hensseluer, 91. Knoxvllle, 140, 144. Kortright, Miss, 353. Tohn.aj, HI, |(«S, Km, l.lfl; * Ik HiicciiHiifiil iirtfollHIiir. IVi; fliTtud Kovuriiiir of IfW York, 1(« •Kon, Mr., im. ■BOH, I'ruMiiliuil, UhJ. lim, \H% 'Km. Ill'", <'H|»t. Irn, !)«!. liiH, ('oloriul, •IIH. liiH, Klixlia, U\'i, UV), l.i!) iiiw, Mr.,n;), 174, n&,m, Mi, IIHI. liiH, Mrn. KllHha, 188. liiH, Kdhort, niH. lltJH, ('ll|l(., ii^l, lIUM, 10. I, .loliii m. IIIIIH, li loii, -i?. aas, Col., 841, !IHO, ;)(17, la, no. loll, Col. .John, 71. ion, dm.. Ill, 87. Kill, .loliii 71, Ti. ion, •loliii 'I., U)'i. ion, Mr. John, Ml). ion, Itlcliard M.,, 392; an orucluiif inocracy, 301 ; to S ilo- in Van KuiiBselaer, 32ti. la, 445. on, Col., 65. id, JosMph, sm. lid. Limit. P. II. Van Ikenliiiixli, 418. irliocker, Col., 3.32, XU. rbockor, Diedricli, 3. rbockur, llurmaii, I'Jl, , ;««, 43;j. r, BenJ., .368. r, Mr.,374, 370, 385. :()U, Col. Lieut., 418. Gen., 68, 76, 80, 91, 02, to Capt. Uodfjers. «'■! ; ury to Holoinou Van i(, 218, 228, 2.'16, 2-12, 21.3, '266, 273, '275, 878, ,303 ; to Solomon Hoiithwick, WW; to Ho! Van Uens- So|. Villi Uoni' selaer, 4!)0, 431, 470. Mc.NauKliteii, I)r Jamei, serious accident to, 819, McPhorHon, 446. Mcpherson, Captain, 48. Madison, 416. Madison, .lames, ,101. Madison, Mr, itil, '291, 897, 800, 814. Madison, Mrs,, ,807, Madison, President, 193. Magd ''.iia, expenses of boftt- ii., on the, 488. Mahur, 456. Malcolm. Captain, 868, 8«3. iMallay, James, 8" Man, Isaac. .'2. Mapes Jonr.s, .366, .167, Marcliinj, orders, l.')3. .Marcy, Major, ;j.S3, Marcy, Win. L 'W. Mariboroiujh .u>ie of, 128; Ills mai;niticent park. 1'28. Marquee, General, 887. MarrUjfe, 181 ; an extraordi- nary, 84. Marshall, John, .308. Marshall, Mr., 150; speech of, 151. ' Martin, Mr., 88. Martinez, Colonel, .5011. 501. .Mason, Rev. Dr., 3,35. Masters, P., .3,52. Maiimee, battle of, 108. Mead, Mr., 3;13. Mediums of commerce with the Indians, 9. Meeting, republican, 394 ; fede- ral, :m. Meigs, Henry 3'i8. Melfjs, J., 8I!>. 368, 371. Meigs, Mr., 376, .380. .383. 394. .Mela's, Rclnrii J., 378,379, 388, 3.89, ,81H), .392; narrow escaiie of, ;)79, ;iyO; to Vice I'resideiit and M. Van Itureii, ;i92. Meigs, U. J., jr., order from, appointing postmastLf at Alliany. 379. Mercer, 402. Merchant, George, 165. Military, movements of, 194, 180; orders and letters of, 19. 24. Militia, cowardice of, 256, 850. Miller, General, 879. Miller, MorrlB 8., 315, .350, 369. Miller, MfB. Catharine, 89. Miller, Mrs. Mary R., 168. Miller. Peter, 34. Mills, Captain, 98. Minturn, Beiij. G., 860, 367. Miranda, 583, 5'27. Missouri, admisfclon of, ae a Btate, 805; compromise, »i4 ; constitution, 354, 356, 300. MiaunderBtanding between Henderson and Col. Camp- bell, 5U4. iii !!iP 538 Index, Mitchell, Lieut. Colonel, 325. Witcl ill. D(]ti. 47, 48, 4(1, !)(), 140, 1S« 332,833, 335, 414; liis re- niHini* removed from (Que- bec, ;«0 ; boi ors paid to remains of. :«a. 335. Montgomery, Mrs. Jlichard, 413. Mont{;omery, Richard, .323, 330, ;«1, 334, 335 ; lionors, 824. Mouilbello, Diikoof, 503, 508, 510. Montillo, General, 445, 457 477, 51«. Mooney, I aptain, 03, 05. Moore, Colonel, 526, 520 ; pre- BL'iitatiou of, 524. Bioore, (jeneral, 345. Moore Major, 506. Moore, Major Thomas P.. 522, 623. 524. Moore, Minister 'i'homas P arrival of, 520. 522. ' Moore, Mr., 470, 471, 487, 520, 521, 524, 530. Moore, Thoniiis, 235, Morgan, 375, 379. Morgan, Colonel, 00. Morgan, Jotin J, 368. Morgan, Major, 195. Morrell, Roliert, 3.18. Morrii^on, Major, 253, 2.50, 279. Morrow, Jeremiah, 419, 420. Morton, General, 332, 487. Mosely, Major, 272, 293. Mountainous regions, 511. Mount Hope, sold, 132; the faun ol, i)r<)speclively in »h(^ mcon, 324. Mo'iit Vernon, 147. Mower, J. B., 409, 410; to Solomon Van Kensselaer, 4U9. Muhlesiberg, Gen . 80. Mullauy, ,1. R,. 250; to Gen. Van Rensselaer, 250. Mullany, Major, 253, 257, 268, 268. Myers, Cant., 195. Myers, Col., 209, 210, 237. Myers. Major, 211. Naples and Mount Vesuvius, account of, 346, 347, ,348, 349. Newman, Col., 825. New York, defenae of, .320; officers of government of, 338, 368; church record, marriage notice, in, 10. Nicholas, 10, 49. Nicliolas, St., 4, 5, 6 ; dav of. 4. Nicholson. Mr. Richard R., 483, 518. Nicoll, Mr. Harry, 79. Noon, Capt. Darby, 290, 207; an energetic officer. 297 North, Gen., 3;j5. Norton, Mr., 418. Nott, Mr., K2. Nugent, >1it-s, 126, Oakley, Gen., 487. Oakley, Mr., 2119. Oakley, Thomas, 3C6. Oakley, Thomas J., 388. Oliando, '. ol., ,^23, 581. Ollicers, proposed council of, Ogden, Copt., 48. Ogden, Mr. Henry, 437. Ogdensburgh, 201. OL'ilvie, Capt., 203, 273. O Leary, Gen., 525, ,'528, 530. Olmsted, (apt., 326. Oolhout, Abraham, 88. Oothout, Henry, 50. Oothout, Mr., 33. Order appoindng Solomon Van Rensselaer, major general of militia, 330. Ormsby, 0..98. Orton, Joseph, 4.32. Osborn, Capt., 418. Otis, 402. Pacific ocean, voyage across, 442. Padilla, Gen., 446. Parish, Mr., 202. 298. Parker, Col., 276. Parker, Mr., .396, 404. Parker, Philip S., 331, 395, 486 Patroon, the, to Solomon Van Rensselaer, .341, 3.50, 3.55, 372, 400, 402, 408, 409, 410, 415. Patterson, Walter, 368, 370, ;387, 397 ; to Solomon Van Rensselaer, 387, 397. Paulding, Col., 33.3. Pearson, 375. Peck, Harmanus, ,3.38. Peck, Judge, 2i->7, 207. Peiraon, Jer. H., ;M) Pell, Col. Ferris, 331, 358, 359, 302, 374 ; to Solomon Van Rensselaer, 359. Pefion. Bajo, 480. Peopcr, Calvin, 432. P .^y, Karl, 270. Perry, O. H., 3im. Peters, Ca])t., .54. Plielu, Miss, 54 Philadelphia, 147. Philip, 10. Philology, ignorance of, 18. Pickens, Gen., 145; marriatre of, 145. Pickering Timothy, 80.81, 95 117,120, 125; secretary of war, 117, 120. Pickett, Mr.,520, 522, 5a;j. Pierson. Jeremiah H., ms Pinckney, General, 147. 148 Pinckney, Thomas, 307; invit- ation from, 147. Piper, Colonel, 302. Piracy, 416. Pirates, preparations to meet, 442. Pitcher, Nathaniel, 338, 368, Pittsfl'eid, 418. Piatt, Colonel, 411 . Piatt, General, 196 Plutt, Jonas, 337, .368. Pleasants, Lieut. Isaac, 119. Political dishonesty, 307- meet ings of federalists and democrats, 163-166; sur- mise's, 158, 159. Pollard, Wm., 76. fO, HS- to Philip Van Rensselaer' (-0 Porter, Aguslus, 314. Porter, General, 205, 213. 222 230. 231. 232, 279, 281, awl S90, 291, 292, 205, 405. Porter. Judge, 204, I'orter, Mr. Augustus B., ,317 Porter, Peter B., 208, 215 223 227, H31, 244, 287, 28K, 2Wl' 296,410,430; a-saults John Lovetl, 296, 297. Posada. Governor, 498. Posey, General, 255. Posey, John, 96, 98, 112. Posey, John Cornet, 112. Posey, Lieut. John, 11!, to Capt. Van Rensselaer, 111 Post, Dr., 3.31, 403. Postmaster general, letter to 380 ; rascally, 352, .357 ' Potomac, the enemy's fleet coming up, 305. Preparations for u skirmish 626. Prescott, General, 48. President U. S., petition to, Preston, Capt., 38, Preston, General, 48. Preston, Major, 47. Prevost, General, 817. Prevost, George, 320. Price, Capt., 46, 119. Price, Gen., 50. Price, Major, 101. Prldeaux, Gen., 29. Prior, 110. Prisoners, atreement to ex- chanL;e.269; of war, pro- posals to relieve 264. Proceedings, hasty sketch of. Proclamation by Gov . Clinton, u8o. Productions, tropical. .510 Proposals, military, 244, 245 Provost, Geo. 211, 214. PantaGorda, 480. Putman. Capt., Garret, 74 Putman, Victor, 74. Qiuickonboss, Major, 81 . Quackenbush, Nicholas, M). Quai termaster'sbook, absiracl from, 94. Queenstown, the hero of MT ; interesting a'- ount of at- tack on. 249, MQ ; heights of. interesting account of I niilitary operations at, 2«(i, Quincy, Joslah, 38. Quincy, Mr., 302. Randolph. .John. 186, Randolph, Lieutenant, 258, 263, 273, 280, 287. Randolph. Mr., .3;^!). Rathbone, Lieut., 253, 2,54, 268, 203 ; mortally wounded, 253. Ray. Cornelius, 70, 82 ; to Plii- lip Van Rensselaer, 75. W; fears the shii) Luzerne is taken by the enemy, TO; shipment of tea, 70; for- wards bills per ship, 75. Ray, Mr., 39, 112,321, Hay, Richard, 20, 26, 34, Ray, Roberl. 31, 40. 41, 52 ; to j Philip Van Rensselaer, 40, 51. •d. Win., 76. f>0, H8; to hilip Vail Rmsufclai-i, Mj r, Afiiii'tiii', 314. r, Gwieral, SOB, 213. 22a ». 231. 838, 879, SH4, 8m; 0, 291, 898, 21)5, 405. r. Judge, 804, r. Ml. AuguBtii8B.,,S17 r, Peter B., 80H, 815, m 7, S31, 244, 287, 888, 2N)' 6, 410, ■ISO; a^^saulttJolin n-etl, 290, 897. B. tioveriior, 498. , General, 855. , John, 90, 98, 112. , John Cornet, 118. , Lieut. John, 11!, to iPt. Van Rensselaer, 111 Dr., 331, 403. aster general, letter to, ) ; rascally, 352, 367 ac, the enemy's fleet niing up, 305. ■ations for u skirmisb, 'tt. General, 48. ent U. S., petition to, u, Capt., 38. n, Genorul, 48. n, Major, 47. 't. General, 817. 't, George, 320. Capt., 40, 119. Gen., 50. Major, 101 . ux. Gen., 89. 110. ere, agreement to ex- inf;<'. 209; of war, pio- ?alH to relieve 264. dings, hasty sketch of. I. nation by Gov. Clinton, tions, tropical. ,510. als, military, 844, 245. t, Geo. 811, 214. Gorda, 480. II. Capt., Garret, 74. n, Victor, 74. inlwss, Mnjor, 81 . iUbuBh, Nicholas, Ml, rmaster'sbook, ahstiacl ni, 94. nown, the hero of MT ; erestiug a'- ount of at- k on, 849, -^OO ; heights interesting nccouiit of | litary operations at, M, ph. John. 186. ph. Lieutenant, 358, , 273, 28ti, 2.^7. ph. Mr., Sii'j. me, Lieut., 853, 8,51, 26S, ; mortally wounded, Jinclius, 70, 88; to riii- Van Rensselaer, 75. 7«; rs the shii) Luzerne is en by the enemy, TO; pment of tea, 70; lor- ds bills per ship, 75. r.,39, 118, ;W1. chard, 20, 2ti, 34. :)l)erl. 31, 40, 41, 58; to I lip Van Rensselaer, 40, ' Koceiptg for military supplies, fl4, !t5, 90, 98. Ituoreatlons iu old times, 85. IJi:ed, Capf., 185. Ueed, Colonel, 79, .S2.". 419 Uetiirn to Albany, 28l' Rfyuolds Joshua, 344 Kichard. Col., ,379 Uichmond, Jonathan, IViS. Kules among the hills. 517, 518. Kiedesel, Gen., tX). Kiver, preparations to cross, Roads dangerous, 498 Robbers attacking mail boats. 610. Robert, 26. Robinson, J., 283 Robinson, Josiah,' 284, Uobinsoc, toCol. Van Rens- selaer, 883 Rochester, Wm. B., 3(58 ,377 p, 389; to Sol. ' Vaii Rensselaer, 377 Rochfontame, Colonel, 124 Kodgers Capt. Jodediah, 92, Rodgers, Com.,, 351. Rodgers, Dr., 331. Rodgers, Mr., 178 Roeloffesen Catharine,10 Romain as speaker, 373. Root, 410. Root, Erastus, .350. Root, Mr., famous mathemati- cal speech of, ;j56. Rose, Gen., 884. Rosecrantz, George, 311 Ross, Major Gen., 319. Ross, Thomas R., 872 Ross, William, 811. Route, interesting, las, 1,14 135. ' Rowland, Alderman T. 424 Riiggles, Chis S., 368. Rush, 410. Rutufers, Anthony, 112 Uyckman, Wilhelmus, 334. Sage, Ebenezer, 3,38. Sailors, impressing into Bri- tish service, 182. Salstonstall, Col., 33, 34. Sanimons, 203, 203. Sauilers, Har^nt, 80, ^03. Sanders, Catharine, 15. Sanders, Elsie, 12, 80. Sanders family, reside in Hol- land, 12 ; moved to Ame- rica, 18; bought land in Glenville, 12. Sanciers, Gen. Lyman, 27, Sanders, Godfrey Smith, 34. Saudoi-s, Johannes, 12. Sanders, John, 11, 15, 51, 79, 83. Sanders, Lieut., 17. Sanders, Margaretta, 10, 11 Sanders, Maria, 10, 11, 37, 130 Sanders, Miss, 146. Sanders, Mo.ses Emerson, 2t Sanders, Mr., 15, 98. Sanders, Mrs,, 15, 36. Sanders, Rev. Lawrence, 11, 15. ' ' Sauders, Robert, 11. 1H, 17, 18, 19, !M, 2.5, 86, 87, -^s, 89, 30, •3.', 34; birth of, 17; mar- riage of. 17 i a meml)er of the Albany convention, 17; pays curious items, 17; to Richard Wibird, v!l, 38, 33; to Sir VVilliura Johu- Bon, 82, 84, 36; to Cham- pion & Mayley, 36 ; Index. Sanders, Robert, to New Hamjishire commiasioa- ers, 2,S; 1,0 Peter Miller, .34; to Sir Thomas Hub- bard, 88, 30, 33 ; to Abra- ham J. Lansing, Ho; to C()!..lacol>\Ve.n(lell, 30, 87, 88 ; to John M. Wendell, 35 ; death of, Hli. Sanford, Mr., 119. Sanford, Nathan, 191, 338. SangerBeld, Oneida Co., 401. Santander, Gen,, 444. Savage, John, 368, Saxe, Marshall, 263. Schenectady, destruction of. 13, 15. Schermerhorr , 179. Schermerhorn, HenryV.R. 386. 387; to Sol. Van Rens^ selaer, ;386. Schermerhorn, Mr,, 167. 183. Schuyler, Ariaantie, 43, 58, 78, Sch:iyler, Colonel, 14, 425. Schuyler, Cornelia. 124. Schuyler, Elizabeth, 17, 37. Schuyler, Gen . , -"S, 44, 58, 54, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63, tU, 65, 69, 74,75,77,82,11,5, 118, 127 148, 1,51; ;o Philip Van Rensselaer, 40; a ruuaway marriage in family of, 116. Schuyler, John, 17. Schuyler, Mr., 369. Schuyler, old family records. .37. Schuyler, Peter, 17, 2.<(, 26, 35, 37. Schuyler, Philip, 17, 37, 59, 87, 157; to secretary of war, 118; death of 157; funeral honors, 158. Schuyler, Reuben, 235. Schuyler, S., 66. Scotia mansion, the old, 16 Scott, Col., !>,61, 868, 263, 270; takes charge of troops, 261. Scott, Dr., 103. Scott, General, 111, 363. Scott, Wintleld. 260. Sea voyage, 112. Secretary of war to Capt. Van Reusselai-r, 117, 1-80; to Sol. Van Rensselaer, 125 Seley, Mr. M., 420, Sentences, the art of dividing, littl understood, 16. Sergeant, Mr., .393. Seth, Col., 60. Severs, Mr., 458. Sharks, Capt., 143. Shaw, ileiiry, ;i35. Shaw, ,Tohu, ,381. Shaw & Ludlow, Messrs., 65. Shaw, N., 98. Shaw, William, 143. Shaws, Mr., 89. Sheatle, Gen., 209, 210, 213, 214, 215, 219, 286, 256, 258, 201, 268, 803, 8(4, 86,5, 268, 269,870,271,274, 280, 288; to Gen. Van Rensselaer, 264, 865 689 Sheatfe, Margaret, 271. Sheatle, R. H., to Gem. Van Kensselaer, 269, 870. Sheldon, William, 71. Shepherd, Messrs., 334. Sherbrooke, John, 330. Sherburne, Henry, 89. Shettleworth. Lieut., 40. ShiiigletoM, Lieui,, 69. Sibley, Judge, 42!. Sible.v, Solomon, 422. Sim, Lieut., 249. Sinmnns, Mr., 198. Simmons, William, 190, 191. Skinner, Judge, 373, 316. Slingerlandt, W.,80. Sloop of War Natchea, 684. Slough, 110. Smith, 110, 3,52, 368, 878. Smith, Capt., 113. Smith, Col., M6. Smith. Geu. Alexander, 289, 840. Smith, Gen. Samuel, 810. Smith, Lieut., 224, 27"^. Smith, Miyor, 374. Smith, Mr., 116. Smyth, Alexander, 275. Smyth, Gen., 239, 240, 241, 242, 245, S43, 247 218, 262 278, 876, 277, 878, 279, 288, 284, 285, 305, 3:39, 860; to Gen . Van Rensselaer, 289 ; is rebuked, 210, 242; his pretended attack on Ca- nada, 884, 885. Snelling, Col. J., 421 Snow ball, 489 Soldier, an old deaf, 802. Song, a new, 277. South America, interesting letteij from, 4»i-532. South wick, 370, 375, 879, 887: affairs of, 870. Southwick, Mr., 872, 376, 889, Southwick, Solomon, 293, 295. 896, 373, ,378, 380, 881; portrait of, 387. Spencer, ,306, 375, 379. Spencer, Ambrose, 188, ,337 *t4, ,367, 368, 412. 418; to Solomon Van Rensselaer, 344. Spencer, Capt., 417, 418 Spencer, Elijah, 368. Spencer, John C, 175, 2S1 340 ; speaker in the assem- bly, 340. Spencer, Judge, 844, 857, 425. 471, 472. Spencer, Mr., 20. Spicy discussion in congress relative to the Canada campaign, ;100. St. Clair. Gen., 59, 60, 65, 80. 69,96,07,135,422. St. Martha and the country around, 456. St. Nicholas Day, festival of, 4 ; toasts and speeciiesat, 5 6. St . Regi8,an Iiulian village, 302 Staats, Abraham, 8. Starts, Col. Nicholas, 162. 163,471. Staats, Dr., 455. Steamboat, the llrst, 183. Stearns, Dr., 248. Steele Miss, 176 Stephen, Colonel, 66. Sterling, Lord, 78. Sterling Micah, 368. Sterry, Peter, 186. Stevenson^ Mr,, 390. ,519 Stewart, Qlllbert, 803. Still well, 4B6; artillery of, 826. Stillwell, John, 881. ' Stopford, Major, 46. Storm, Mr. Thomas, 122. Storrs, 388, 881. Storrs, Henry R,, 415. Story, a thrilling, ,589. StranaUan, Colonel, i^ii. Strang, Jesse, 4,33, 434, 4.35; arrested and executed for the murder of WhipDle. 432, 486. ^^ ' t I I I- i . ! -4 I' f 1 1 - 1 %. & •■" > -.j ■f -!5 640 Strort, Uandcll 8., 888. Strllo, b«Kliiiiliii?<)f the, 681. Strong, KIIhIih H., 341. Strong, Jiimun. aS8, 861. Strotlwrg, 4(W. Stunrt, J. B.. 415, lit!; to Sol. Van KonsBolaor, 4l5. Hiilllvan, Capt., lli», Siiimimry procutit*. ft'iSS. Sunday sports In Hogofn, 007. Survellliinco, tonder, i;i(). SuHjilcionB and foarx, 5^8. Snthorland, Mr., 371. Swan, Mr., Sid, Swarthout, ». Mr., Swarts, Dick, M. Swift, Colonul. 8I!», 8H«. Swifts, Ouorgo, ai!». SwittB, CoL.sil. Swinton, Isaac, 8. Sword, a priwontatlon that was not, iSi.'i. Synion, 14. Symondu, Mr., .370. Talmad™, Gimi., 8'i8. Tannehlll, Gen., 3()-j. Taylor, 182, ;)!«>, 415. Taylor, Governor, 1(17,414,470. Tayler, Jolui, Kid. KiS. 18!t. .'I'W, 894; totliopnblic, l(i7; to Sol. Van UonsHcliior, 107. Tnyk-r, Jiuli,'is Kill, 178, 180. Tayloo, (;a|)t., 111. Tayloc, Col., 148. Tayloe, John, 117. Vaylou, Mr., WM, 508, 510, 51;!, 517. 5-j-t. Taylor, .John W.j a"J8, D.'VI, .'^is; lilccted epoaker of H. K,, 3.M. Taylor, Jonathan, i)5, !)8. Taylor, Mr., 357. Tea party, old lashlonod, 124; to (iei.eral Wilkinson, 311; to Abraham Van Veelilen, 226; to Gen. Lewis, 2;ll. Van Rensselaer Dr., 475. Van Rensselaer, Elmahcth, 428. Van Rensselaer, Gen., 5, Ki-l, 160, 170, 180, 181, 19,5, l!lit, 204, 206, 210, 214 210, 217, 221, 831, 233,23.5,235, 2;iti, 2;i8, 239, 240, 211, 212, 213, 844, 246, 247, 248, 249, ffltl, 856, 864, 206,269,271, 271, 275, 878. 279. 280, 288, S.-^ll, 290, 297, 298, 332, 342, .'B!, 350, 358, ;i(H), :j()2, 300, .3(111, 372, 374. .382. 387, 3S8, 31(1, 395, 396, 397, 398. 11 J. 415, 416,4:18,485, 487; benevo- lence of, 77 ; to (ien. Brock, 220, 8(H; to Gen. Dearborn, 2.33, 244; to Lieut. Cel. Fenwick, 848 ; to Major Mullany, 250; to Gen. Sheafl'e, 865, 26.8. 209; to William Simmons, lilO: to Alexander Smyth, 210, 242; to Gen. Hall, 247; to (Jov, Tompkins, 2.36; to Solo- nion Van Rensselaer. 280 ; to the pul)lic. 187-190; to Col. Willet 1.341 ;Mar;:aret Schuyler, tlrst wife of, 77; Stephen, the tlfthpatroen, 77; in comnnml of I'orri'ii, 191; visits the II] itish side, 248. WpBi, Oon.,.3S8. ^(■su, Oov., 4W). NcMs, John I'., ifll, iii,-)^ iO; to .Iii(lt,'(i Vim N'chk| ill ; to HoldiiiDH Villi ciiHHi'liKir, Ida, >J«!, 8(17, ItKl I )("ol. Soloiiioii Van KciikI iliior, 18:j, IHl, SKI, ;«r), 17, ;)tO. Hit. ;m4, ;i(io, ;«;;>, i7, KK), 107. UW. Ni^BB, Wlllliim I'., li)!i NoHH, \V. W., ir>!), IH.'i !(i, ;i:w. ;n2. ;iir>, Jtr.a, ;wi' 0, .•IHH, Id!), 4(H, .107, KW; i Holonion Vim Uciichc- vr, I.W. tciiHMfliU'r, 2. (i, H, I!!, Ill), !», ir>!), I.-W, lti7, 172, ni ri, 1711, 177, 17H, 1H2, is:!, II, 1!)1, a07, 200, 2i:., 218, ■». 227, 2!11, 2!H, 27li, :«ll, i>, IMO, :).lti, !)tl7, !J77, !1T!», 4, niH ; ancient liiniily ipoi'M of, iS. cnHKoJiuT, Abratniiii, i:i2. ItensBolaer, (.'aiiliiin, ,"i!» , !W, 0!>, 101,102, IIH, llH, 5, I0<», 111, llli, 121, V.i-i, ■I, 1!J7, 140, 141, 142, I W, 1, 1H8; wdiiiidud, 102; i;«lvoM the gil'l of sword, >m Cant. Oaniplioll, de- aHod, 102; to l.ioiitciiant nacluT, 10-1 ; to (iciiuial ayno, 105; to hin cousin, ) ; to hiw wile, l;)2, 1!B, I. 1!W, 1!«, 142, Ml. {oiiuselaur, Colonel, 27, 02, M. 140, 2(K), 2111, !. 208, 2.52, 25!}, 251, 2.",, », 2(il, 20!), 2(W, 270, 272, , 282, 28!), 201, 21)2, 2!l!i, I, 205, !J02, :m, !i20. rSinylli,2UI, 242; len. Hall, 247; to (iiiv. niikins, 2.'i0; to Solo- II Van UensBelaer. 280 ; lie public, lft7-liltl; to . \Villett,241;Mai>riirft uyler, tirst wile ol', 77; :)lien, the fifth piitiinui, in comniiml ofl'iiicrs, ; visits tile liritislisiUe, V.in lleiiimidaer, lleniv K., 10, II, 01, o:i, 00, 102, 100; (N.'illli of. ;I20; fniiiial snl- eliinilics of, !)20. !i27. \!in KiiiHselaef, lleiiiy !{., !l|. Van l{eiisBelaei',.lereniiah, 417, I2.S; clilldicii ol, 10; to Sol. Van IteiiHselaer, !145, 410. Vim UeiiBBclaer, .lolin, (2H. \ iiii KoiiHHi'Iaer, Killlan. 7, 10, •ir. 4!l. 78. 70; ae.Unow- li'i|i,'ed piiinion, 7; dia- mond niiTclmnl of Amstenlnm. 7; a (lireetor ill We>t India Co., 7; selects land at l''oil<)r«ii''e 7; death of, 7. Van HetisBelaer, Killiaii II,. i:!0, 150. Vim Keiisselaer, Killiiiii K..I1, 107, 108, 120, I2H; lo ('ai.t. Van Keiisselaer, 107; 1^2; lo I'hilip Van Konssulaer, 78. Vim Kcnsselaer, Klllian I', Ili'Ws (dhls deiilli. .Ml). \:in Ifensselaei-, l.inly, iiiiial liiune, 425. Van Uensseliiei-. Major. Its 152. 1.57, 21!). 2-JO. ' Vim lienssinaer. .MurKarellii. 510; to her sisli'r, 510. Van Keiisselaer, .Maria .M., 510. Van HensseliK r. Miss, 120. Van Uenssciiier. Miss A.. 4!)0. Van Keiisselaer. Misn Arrietl, 115, 110, no, 1.5,5. Vim Keiisselaer. .Mrs., 170 225, 120, 1117: to her husband, 227. \iin Keiisselaer, .Mrs. A.. 128. Vim Keiisselaer, .Mrs. ]!.. 85. Van Keiisselaer, .Mrs. Jiicoh, to .Mrs. riiilip \iiii Keiis- selaer, 1 10. Van Kensseliii". Mis. I'hiliii !)0. ' \iili Keiisselaer, .Mrs. Sol.. 11 1, 127; toiler dail'diters. 127] 120. Van Keiisselaer. Nancy, !)27. \iiii Keiisselaer, N'icliolas, 10 11, l.i, 11. 47. 07. llil, !i:i;l. :i!H ; to I'hili]) Van Keiis- selaer, 47. \im Keiisselaer, Philij), 10, 11, :I5, .18, 40, II, 12, 44, 40. 17, 10, .50, 5 1,. 52. 5!), 51. .v.. .50. 02, 00, 71, 7.5, 70. 78. 70. 80. 81, 82. 8;!. ,ss, 112, li;i, i.'io, i;7, 114, 4:i2, I!!!!; to Cor iielius Kay, S2 ; to (;ov. <;eo. tMinton, 88; to 'rinio- tliy I'iekeriiif,', 81 ; lo Col. Van Keiissidaer, 248 , to Kichard \ arick, S8; to his vvitc. .■i8. \:iii Keiisselaer. Keiisselaer, 2. 112, 451, 4.55, IO:i, 170, 172, 170, 500, 510, 510, 52:i: rollects material lor a history of .Albany. 2; sails to South Amorieti, l:i7 ; portrait o;. 151: to his lather. 4:!0. 111. 142, 4.55. 104, 472. 171, 1IS7. ,505, 510. .52.). Van Keiisselaer, Kobert, Cdl., 5!). Van Keiisselaer. Jtobert S . 112, IKl, 11.5. 128; m London. 115: to his sister, II!!. 11.5, 117. 120: to Col. I'hilipVan Keiisselaer, 112. rNDBX. Van Kensselaer, Solomon, 1. lOli, 120, 151, 18.5, 221, 280, :iOO, 5, 12, 01, 02, 0!), KHI, II ' 117, 122. 124, 125, i:il. i:!0, i:i8, 1 1.5, 151, 158, 1.50, 104, 108, 181, 1!M), 102, 100, 108, 212 22M, 2;|0. 2!|2, 27!). 277, 2lS I, 2.S5, 287, !10!i, :105, !lll. !li:j, :;i4, !ii.5, :)io, ;il7," :)I0, !120. !121, !!2!1. !)25, ;!27. !128, !!!!(», !!;il,;i!12, !^•H, :i;!0, :i!)7, !)!!8, :!;iO, ini, :!|!), ;i.|.-,, !ilO, !1.50, ;|5I.!1.52, !1.50, ;)04, !«i,5, :«i8, :no, !17I, ;i7!). :i78, :!MI. WX,, .•!87. !iO!), !1!H :,00 100. IIII. III!!. 407, 408,' lOO' 110, 111, lia, 4!:t, 114, 117 418, ll!l. fit), |0|_ |.^._, |._,, 125. i::o, i;i miiyor of Di'troit. I2:i: pniiii(. diiiiii r in De- troit, honor of, 121; ap- pointed Albiiiiv postniiis- ler, ;170: re^ieiiiuion ns a membc.r of c,oli<.'ress, :i,SO; proinoled to Maj. (ien. of •Militia, .!, II; to (ien. St(.pln.|i Van K(.|iss(.la(r, :i.'!0 ; receives coiimiission as ni ijor L,'(Mi(.ral. :i;i7 ; Van Keiisselaer, Stephen, 111 101. 100. 211. 21.5. 2.'..S. 200' 200, ;ilo, :»'>. ii'io, :)2,s, ;i7o :i88, 101, 102, 107, lOK, ia.r,; .507; lo (iov 'ronijikins, 100, 2(M; resifxiiation of, 200; lo Sol. \iin Itens- selaer, !)20. :i28, .•l.'iO; (.led. ed to Congress. :i80, :io:!. Van Scliiiack, Slajor.l, li., I18, Van Stapliors'. .). (i.. !•.;(;; |,', Kobert S. Van Jtenssidaer 121. Van slyck, Cornelius, 88. Van Twiller, Udiiter, 7. \'aii Vechti.ii, Kpliin. 08, Van \ecliteii. .\brahiiiii, l,-,,s 170. IM, 185. 108, 220, 221 2:!0. 2.50, -251. 271, 272. :i2.5. :!.57; lo Sol. Van Kins- s(.laer. 2!i0. 2.50. 271. Van Veih;en, Mr., 217. \aii V(.(lit(.n. .Mrs.. 227. \aii \'ei;lileli, 'reimis 'I's .50 51, 00, 100; to I'hilip Vaii liensseliKir. .50. Oil. N'aii Vechten, Walter. 20,'-:. Van Wyck, Win. W.. .iw. :i75 .•)S!I. Varick. Colonel. 88, .'iiKi. in- to I'hilip \ an KeiissiliKsr! 140 Varick. Richard. .54. Veeder. .Nicholas. 8.s. 541 VejfetnbleB, ccjmiiioD, iincom- inoii, ,503. VerKarrt, 52!!, VlBHcher, Capt., 72. 78, 74. ViHscher, Fiederlck, (10, 75 \ iHBcher. John, 4!), 44, 104. :i!i!l, !):)4. \ issclier. I,leut., 107, 108, KM). 12!), 124; lo Capt. Van KeiiBNflaer, 109, 110. VissclK^r, Mr., 140. Vlsscher, MrH., -KM, 470. VIsscher, Mrs. Naiinlngl.,418, N isscher. .Nannlnif I., 1(7, {in !«l. KH). 101, 110, 110. 145 140, 118. 418; marriiiL'e of, 110; to Capt. .Sol. Van Kiiissi'laor. I)H. 101. 18;), 121, 115; to Major Van Keiisselaer. 14H ; portrait of. Il!i; death of, !j»)8. Vissilier. (;ol. SelmMtlan, 387. WadsHortli. (ien.. 20!), 200, 2!!0, 2.50, 2.57. 2H1. 804, 20.5, 2117,27!), 270, 420; to Gun. Van Kenssidaer, 205. Wiiiianar. (Jol. INter. (10. Wallace. '1',, .jiw. Wall, C(d , 117. Wall. .Mr., .M(5. Walsh. Dudley, 85. Walsh. Win.. 510. Wiihvorlh, l{(.ubeii 1 1 . , .•!(18. .'(SI). War, betwi^en Colombia and' I'erii, .521. War in |Kp.>, declaration of, 1!M 21!). Warlleld. loa. Warn. 11. Daniel. 20. Warren, Sir l'(.ter, H. Washington, city of, 15!); (aii- liireof. !ilo. .•i20: the Dil- lisji threaten lo attack, !)05. VVashiii'.iton. (Jeor-^c.. commiH- sioii from, appointiii),' .Soi- onion Van Keiisselaer, l.i(^iit. of draKOoiiB, .si); interestiii}; letters from, Wasliiiifftoii, (ien., ^a .57 .58 71. 80, 81. 0.5. 08. l"0!1, m', 1!)5, 147, 148. 150, 151, 1.5!), 2!!8, 2.50, :i20, 411 : to Johii I'ayloe. 147; death ol, 1.5(1 ; bis fiim.ral pioce.ssioii m Albany, l.-,i. Wa''hin;;toii. (Jeorgc, 10. !«, 1.5.5, ID!), 411; tile man of war, 155. Washiii;;toii, MrB.,8(i; levce, 80. ' Wasliiiiv'lon, President. ,so, 01, 104. Wayne, Anthony, mi. Wayne, (apt., 117. Mayiie. (ien., HH, 8(i, 80, 05, !I7. 100, 101, 102, 108, 104 105. lai, 180, 13.5, 188, 2.5.5, •IIO. 868, 419, 422: cam! pai-n of, 89-108; puBhes lorwart, 100; erectw mill- laiy wrks at Port Defl- aiice. JBl ; the war horup "f. la ; returns to Fort DeUance, 104 ; ia neglected by coneresB, 104 ; his burial place, 104 Webb, 110. ebb. Cart., 105, 111, 181; to Capt Van RensHelaer. 10.5, 181. !?■ 542 Webb, John, laa. Webb, J. Jr., 94, IWi. Webb, Lieut, las. Webb, Lieit. J. W., 424. Webster, C. R , 8. Webster, DaDiol, 405, 520, 51!) : to Sol. Van Rensselaer, 519. Webster, Cleiit,, 41S. Webster, Mr., 899 486. Wedding inviution, m; of 1776, 139. Weraple, Col., 70. Wendell, Col., 2.3, 27, .31. Wendell, Jacob, «>, 28 29, HO, .3.3. Wendell, John, 88. Wendell, John H.. 1(W. ;«?. 884. 412. Wendell, John MIco, «i. 31 84. Wendell, Madm., 8(). Wendell, Marin, 17. Wendell Mr., 83. Weudovcr, Peter H., 3;i8. Westerlo, General. .331. West Point, ideas, 124: Mili- tary Academy at, 407. Whaley, Horcules, 95. Wheeler, John W., 342 Whipple, John. 432, 433, 434 • murdered, 432. Whipple, Mrs., 43;j, 434. Whipple, Mrs. Rlsle, 4*3. Whistler. J., 2;ii ; t„ Gen. Van Rensselaer, 2.30. Whitehall, Gen. Montgomery buried at, .331. White, Henry, 40. Wlbird, Richd., 20, ,31, 34. Inoex. Wilkinson, 110; appointed deputy adjutant general, 141; to Crtjit. Van Rens- selaer, 140; to Maj. Van Rensselaer, 155; to Sol. Van Rensselaer, l.Sov., 409, 414. olin Van Ness, 432 i)i»eph C. 108, mi. .%8. iidfje, las, ,341, 400. Ir.,51. 'eter W., 1,58. [ichard, 52 ; to Philip Rensselaer, 52. Robert, 42. 67.