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I!
A hi^fft fc-
ILLUS'
R
WITH
THE
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
\n t
OF THE
WAR OF 1812
OR,
ILLUSTRATIONS, BY PEN AND PExNCIL, OF THE HISTORY, BlOli
RAPHY, SCENERY, RELICS, AND TRADITIONS OF THE
LAST WAR FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.
BY BE.NSON J. LOSSING.
WITH SEVKBAL HUWDRED ENGRAVIXGS ON WOOD, KY LOSSING AND BAUIUTT,
* CHIEFLY FROM ORIGINAL SKETCH KS BY THE AUTHOR.
NEW YORK:
HARPER & BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS,
FRANKLIN SQUARE.
186 0.
$A:\
nr^
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by
Hakper & BnOTHERS,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
li!
The Close of the Ri
the Public Debt,
-3; Dissolution
venfion to reorgi
to form a Niition
lishment of a Na
Foundations of Gov
the Indians and i
Hostilities, 40 ; I-
Visit to the Place
demess, 4(J; St.C
coived the News t
ference of British
down the Maumcc
The national Policy
Movements in Frai
the British Governi
the Public Debt,
Great Britain, S(> ; (
Difficulties with Algi
liness of the French
Adams elected I'resii
ness of Partisans, !)4
Action in New York
Washington appointed (
traordinary sent to p
rages; Obsequiougnej
in the West Indies, K
era! Party, 106 ; Intri
I f? ; State Suprema<
r I th of Washington,
It
CHAPTER I.
EARLT DAYS OF THE RErUBLIC.
The Close of the 'Revolution ; the States free, but not iiule|iunclent, 18 ; Wliy? Articles of Confederation, 19 ;
the Public Debt, 20 ; Attitiule of the States, 21 ; British Oidnion concerning them, 22 ; Public Dangers
23 ; DisKoliition of the Hepublic threiitened, 24 ; Washington's Forebodings ; his Proposition for a Con-
vention to reorganize (io\eniment, 2't ; Meeting of the Convention, 20 ; Proceedings of the Convention
to form a National Constitution, 27-82 ; Katilication of the Constitution ; its Opponents, !)3 ; the Estab-
lishment of a Nation, 34.
CHAPTER II.
EVENTS IN THE NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY.
Foundations of Government in the Wilderness, 35 ; the Northwestern Territory ; Settlements there, 36-87 ;
the Indians and tlieir British Allies, 38; Councils with the Indians, 39 ; British Intrigues and Indian
Hostilities, 40; Expedition against the Indians in the Ohio Coiuitry, 41 ; Battle on the Maumee, 42;
Visit to the Place of C'onflict, 43-44 ; Expeditions of Scott and Wilkinson, 45 ; Forts built in the Wil-
derness, 4(i ; St. Clair's Expedition, 47 ; bis Battle with the Indians and Defeat, 48 ; how Washington re-
ceived the News of St. Clair's Defeat, 49 ; his Justice and Generosity ; Wayne's Expedition, 50 ; Inter-
ference of British Officials, 51 ; the British and Indians in armed Alliance, 52; Wayne's Expedition
down the Maumee, 53, 54 ; Defeat of the Indians and treaty of Greenville, 55, 56.
CHAPTER III.
ESTABLISHMENT OP THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.
The national Policy and Power indicated, 58 ; Relations with France and England, 59 ; revolntionarj-
Movements in France, 60, 61 ; diplomatic Intercoiu'se with (Jreat Britain and Spain, 62 ; Discourtesy of
the British Government ; mistaken Views (•onceriniig the American Government, 63 ; Acts in relation to
the Public Debt, 64 ; Hamilton's financial Scheme ; Currency, 65 ; Jeft'erson's Disappointment and Sus-
picions, ()6 ; Progress of the French Revolution, 67 ; the r>oli;ical and religious Views of Jefferson and
Adams, 68 ; Democracy in England, 69 ; Adams's Scheme of Government ; Jefferson's Disgust and un-
generous Suspicions, 70; Paine's Riijhts of Man ; a Newspaper War, 71 ; the Federal and Republican
Parties formed, 72 ; Sympathy with the French Revolutionists, 73 ; Lafayette, 74 ; Monarchy in France
overthrown, 75 ; the National Convention ; Execution of the King, 76 ; Minister from the French Re-
public, 77 ; Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality, 78.
CIIAJ'TER IV.
FOREIGN RELATIONS ANO DOMESTIC POLITICS.
" Citizen Genet" and his Reception by his political Admirers, 79 ; his first Interview with Washingtou ;
Enthusiasm of the Reiniblicans, 80; the American and the French Revolution compared, 81 ; Genet de-
fies the American (Jovernment, 82 ; he is recalled ; his Successor, 88 ; Briti-sh " Rules" and "Orders in
Council;" Anned Neutrality, 84; British Impre.ssmeut of American Seamen, 85; Jay's Treaty with
Great Britain, 8(i ; Opposition to the Treaty, 87 ; the Whisky Insurrection ; Democratic Societies, 88 ;
Difficulties with Algiers, 89 ; an American Novy recommended, 90; Constructiori of a Navy ; Unfriend-
liness of the ^'rench Directory, 91 ; Struggle between the Republicans and Federalists for political Power;
Adams elected President, 92 ; open Rupture between F'rarice and the United States threatened, 93 , Mad-
ness of Partisans, 94 ; Aggressions of the French Directory, 95 ; Preparations for War with France ;
Action in New York, 96 ; History of the ^ngs " Hail, Columbia !" and " Adams and Liberty," 97.
CHAPTER V.
WAR ON THE OCEAN. — POLITVCAL BTRITGGLES.
Washington appointed to the Command of the Army; Hamilton acting Gcneral-in-chief, 98; Envoys ex-
traordinary sent to France, 99 ; Bonoparte in Power ; American War vessels afloat, 1 00 ; British Out-
rages ; Obsequiousness of the Americaii Government, 102 ; naval Engagements, 103 ; American (:nii8ers
in the West Indies, 104 ; Truxtun's Victory ; Honors to the Victor, 105 ; Peace; Divisions in the Fed-
eral Party, 106 ; Intrigues against Adams ; Alien and Sedition Laws ; Nullification Doctrines put forth,
107; State Supremacy asserted; Jefferson elected President. 1 08 ; Mortific^ition of the Federalists;
1> 'Ath of Washington, 109 ; a public Funeral, 110 ; Washington's Person and Character, 111.
Iv
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
M
DIFFICUITIES WITH THE lURBARY POWKH8. — ENQLAND AI»r> FRANCE AT WAH.
nonnparte's Career uiid Infliioiu'e, \\'2 • (JbseqiiiousneHS of Eiiglinhmcn, II 15; noginniiig of Juff'erRon'H Ad-
iiiiiiiHtnitiun ; the Nutioniil Ciipital, lU; ScH'erson's Tolicy; puliticul Proscription, 115; the Niivy re-
Uuced, I Hi ; ('Hj)taiu Kaiiibridgu, the l)cy of Algiern, and the Sultan, 117 ; Insolence and Exactions of
the Barlmry Hulnrs, IIH; American Navy in the Mediterranean Sea and its OperationH, I I'J-lliO; Uoin-
hardment of Tripoli, 121 ; DeHtruction of the P/ii/iiiU//i/iiu, '22 ; Destrnction of the Iittrepid ; Honors to
( 'oinmodo'-e Preble, 123; ronimodore Ilarron's S(iuaaron in the Mediterranean, 124 ; Eaton's Flxpedi-
tion in Northern Africa ; Respect of the Uarhary Powers for the American Flag, l2r> ; Honaparte and his
Kelations with England, 12(!; a French Invasion of England threatened, 127; a Struggle for political
Supremacy; Bonaparte proclaimed EmjHiror, 128; Napoleon's Berlin Decree, 121).
CHAPTER VII.
EVENTS WEST OP THE ALLKOHANIKS. — SEARCH AND IMPRESSMENT.
Orginizntion of new States, liU); Americans disturbed by the Retrocession of Louisiana to France, 131 ;
the secret Designs of the latter, Iii2 ; Jetlerson's Letter and Bonai)arte's Necessity; Purchase of Louisi-
ana, l.'tH; Eveiiis connected with the Purchase of Louisiana, IJi4 ; the Duel of Hamilton and Burr; the
Acts of Burr's political Associates, l;tr>; his ambitious'. Schemes: Blennerfinsseti and Wilkinson, 130;
Burr's Operations, Trial for Treason, and Exile, 1 37 ; American commercial Thrift and British Jealousy,
138; British Perlidy defended by British Writers, 13!) ; Unpleasant foreign Relations, 140; Memorial
of Mcrchnnts concerning British Depreciations, 141 ; Im|iressment of American Seamen and Right of
Search, 142; diplomatic Correspondence on the Subject, 143; cruel Treatment of American Seamen,
144 ; farther diplomatic Action, 145, 14G ; nationi;' Independence and Honor in Peril, 147 ; Minister ex-
traordinary sent to England, 148.
CHAPTER Vin.
SEARCH AND IStPRKSSMKNT. — liMHAROO. — PARTY SPIRIT.
Negotiations concerning the Imjjressment of jVnierican Seamen, 14!); a Treaty agreed to, but not ratified ;
War on tlie Administration, 1 50, 151 ; The t^ontinental System of Napoleon, 1 52 ; Aggressions on Amer-
ican Conuncrce and Neutrality by F'rance and England, 153; Napoleon's Milan Decree and its Ett'ects,
154 ; the Navy and the (iun-boat Policy, 155 ; British Cruisers in American Waters, 15(i ; the Afl'air of
the Chesapmk-e, 157; the Outrage resented, 158; Action of the American Government, 159; Action of
the British (iovernment, 1(10; fruitless Mission of a British Envoy, 101; political Complexion of the
Tenth Congress; an Embargo established, 102; its Effects; Party Spirit violently aroused, 103; the
Embargo vehemently denounced, 104 ; the British exact Tribute from neutral Nations, 105 ; Dangers of
national Vanity, 166.
CHAFrER IX.
WAR BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN THREATErED.
Provisions for strengthening the American Navy, 107 ; Gun-boats ; Opposition to a Navy, 108 ; British op-
position to the Orders in Council, 100; Napoleon's Blow at American Commerce; Modification of the
Orders in Council, 1 70 ; Actions concerning the Embargo, 171; Disunionists in New England, 1 72, 1 73 ;
Embargo or War the proclaimed Alternative, 174; (^otton supposed to be the King of Commerce, 175;
Just Arrangements for settling the Difficulties with Great Britain, 170; the British Government repudi-
ates the Acts of its Agent, 177; an offensive British Jiinister sent to America, 278 ; the French Decrees
and British Orders in Council, 17!); England and Franco refuse to be just, 180; Outrage by a British
Cruiser, 181 ; Method of signaling, 182, 183; Action between tha President and Little JJelt, 184; Tes-
timony concerning the Attuir, 185 ; Commodore Rodgers assailed and vindicated, 186.
CHAPTER X.
HOSTILITIES OF THE INDIANS IN THE NORTHWEST.
The Indianji Territory and Governor Harrison, 187; British Emissaries among the Indians, 188; Tecum-
tha and his Brother the Prophet, 18!) ; Indian Confederation proposed ; Harrison denounces the Projihet,
1!)0; the Mission of Josei)h Barron, l!)l ; Tecumtha before Harrison at Vincennes, 1!)2; roving Plun-
derers; Tecumtha alarmed, 1!)3; Preparations for fighting the Indians, li)4; Jlariison marches up the
Wabash with Troops ; Deputation of friendly Indians, 1 95 ; Visit of the Author to the Region of threat-
ened Hostilities, 19(5-200; Harrison approaches the Projihet's Town; the Indians alarmed, 201 ; Har-
rison's Encampment near the Tippecanoe, 202 ; the Prophet's Teaching, 203 ; Battle of Tiiipecanoe, 204,
205 ; The Prophet disgraced, 200 ; Actors in the Battle of Tippecanoe, 207 ; Author's Visit to the Bat-
tle-ground, 208, 209.
CHAPTER XI.
A WAR SPIRIT AROrSED. — DECLARATION OP WAR AOAIN8T GREAT BRITAIN.
The Twelfth Congress and its Composition, 210 ; the President's feeble War-trumpet, 21 1 ; Charges against
Great Britain, 212; Action of the ("ommittee on Foreign Relations, 213; Alarm on Acc(anit of the
Slaves, 214; Randolph and Calhoun in Congress, 215; Policy of the Federalists, 210; Patriotism of
some of their Lejiders, 21 7 ; Debate concerning the Navy, 218 ; the President compelled to adopt War
Measures, 21!) ; a British Emissaiy in New England, 220 ; his Revelations and Rewards, 221 ; Action of
the British Ministry on the Subject, 222 ; a new Embargo Act, 223 ; delusive Hopes of Justice, 224 ; a
preliminary War Measure, 225 ; Reptjrt on the Causes of and Reasons for War, 220 ; Action of Congress
on the Subject, 227 ; Declaration of War, 228 ; Protest of the Minority in Congress against the Meas-
ure, 229 ; Organization of a Peace Party, 230 ; Measures for carrying on the War, 231 ; public Acts in
opposition to the War, 232.
'Die British Rege
Frontier, 234 • ;
238-240; Fultoi
oniments concer
tiotnd Re\ocatioi
file Subject of S,
Leaders, 24!), 25(
Canada to ba invade
man, 253 ; A.itho
regular and voluii
i apers captured, '2
in 1812, 200; Il„|
y> nr, 204, L'05 ; D
'naw, 208, 209 ; E
Alarmmg Facts and F
invasion, 274 ; Syn:
Hoine at Brownstoi
tmin, 278 ; the Mar
J>isaft'ection of the i
tacking Detroit, 28^1
render, and refuses,
surrenders the Fort
Incidents of the Sun
render, and public It
Character, 295 ; the
The Author's Jonmey f
chI Localitiei at Ami
of Detroit,. 101; Chic
3<).'! ; an Indian Raid
nitions of War and Li
Savages— Bravery of \
Massacre, 311 ; Mrs I
on Fort Wayne, 314;
816 ; Fort Harrison 'b«
WA
The Nation aroused— En(
Head of Kentucky Vol
Standard, 324 ; Fort M
commands the Northwei
Re-enforcements gathei
through the Wilderness,
thors Visit to the Theal
Indians m the IlUuois Cc
Soldiers, 337.
Ilamson cheerfully meets
,f™y-t"- Western Res.
of Colonel VVad.,worth, 34
8*4 ; Services of friendly
near the Mississiniwa, 34'
the Mnumee Rapids, .S50 •
Winchester arrives with 'i
Frenchtown,355; Winch,
manity of the British Con
Massacre, S^,9, Author's 1
i Bayi ii ii i iri I ' i iiMi i i Brii i ir i i
CONTENTS.
CIIArTEU XII.
BROIlUflNO OK THK WAU OF I SI 2.
The British Kcgoncy — Politiral Aftnirs in Kiiropc, 'J.'i.'l ; tiie TiiKipu and Fortiflcationn on the Northern
Frfmtier, 2M ; Sea-cotiHt DefenHeH of the United StiiteH, 230- '.MH; Fulton's Torj>cdoes imd their lines,
238-240; Fulton's Antifipu'ions, '241 ; Kttects of h Fear of TorjJcdoeH, 242; the Action of State Gov-
eniments concerning the War, 243 ; i)iil)lic Feeling in Caimda, 244 ; Signs of Pacification, 24.1; condi-
tional Revocation of the Orders in (Joiuicil, 24(i ; hauKhty AKstimptions of the Uriti'.h tiovenimont on
the Subject of Search and Imprisoiiraent, 247 ; War inevitable and justifiable, 24H ; Choice of military
Leaders, 241), 250.
CHAPTER Xlir.
IltTLl's CAMl'AION AOAINRT CAVAPA.
Canada to he invaded — Object of the Invasion, 2.')1 ; Organization of an Army in Ohio — an .ictivc Frontiers-
man, 2ri3 ; Aurhor's Journey through Ohio. 2.14 ; General Hull takes Ounnumd of Ohio Volunteers, 2rir> ;
regular and volunteer Triwps in the Wilderness, 2iH]; Hull's March to Detroit, 2.'>7; his liaggage and
Papers ca|)tured, 2.18 ; how the ilritish in Canada were informed of the I )eclaration of War, 2.1".( ; Detroit
in 1812, 2(iO; Hull invades ('anada, 2G1, 2(i2 ; Reconnoissance toward Maiden, 203; first Battle of the
War, 2(!4, "Ct'i ; Distrust of General Hull, 2(!(i ; first Blood shed in the War, 2(i7 ; curly Scenes at Mack-
inaw, 2G8, 2tii)i Events at Mackinaw in 1812, 270; Kmploynient of the Indians by the British, 271.
CHAPTER XIV.
CAMPAIGN ON THK DKTROIT FRONTIEK.
Alarming Facts and Rumors, 272 ; Preparations in Canada for resisting Invasion, 273 ; Alarm caused by the
Invasion, 274 ; Symptoms of Disloyalty — General Brock's Intiuencc, 27.1; Defeat of Americans under Van
Hurne at Brfiwnstown, 27(i ; mutinous Spirit evinced in Hull's Army, 277; Expedition to succor a Supply-
train, 278 ; the March toward the Kiver Raisin, 27!t ; Battle of Magiiaga, 280, 281 ; Disappointment and
Disaffection of the American Troops, 282 ; Brock goes to Maiden with Troops, 283 ; Preparations for at-
tacking Detroit, 284; Hull deceived — an Ellort to reach a Sn;)ply-train, 28.1; Hull sumnuuied to sur-
render, and refuses, 28(; ; the British proceed to attaik Detroit, 287; Scenes within the Fort, 288 ; Hull
surrenders the Fort, (Jarrison, and Territory, 28!t ; Feeling of tlie Tnuips— Result of the Surrender, 2!K) ;
IiU'idents of the Surrender, 2'.ll ; British Occupation of Detroit and Michigan, 21)2 ; Account of the Sur-
render, and public Indignation, 2i)3 • Hull tried by a Court-martial, 294 ; a Consideration of Hull's public
Character, 2'Ju ; the Government more to blame than Hull, 2!)ti.
CHAPTER XV.
MILITARY EVENTS IN THE THEN FAR NORTHWEST.
The Anther's Jonrney from Chicago to Detroit, 297; a Ride from Windsor to Amherstburg, 298 ; Histori-
cal Localities- at Amherstburg or Maiden, 299, Windsor and "Windsor Castle," 300; Pontiac's Siege
of Detroit, 301 ; (Chicago, its Name, Settlement, and I'osition, 302 ; Trading-house aiul Fort at Chicago,
303 ; an Indian Raid, 304 ; Troubles at Chicago, 30.1 ; Treacher- of the Indians — a Warning, 306 ; Mu-
nitions of War and l-iquor destroyed, 307 ; Ma-ssacro at ("hicago, 308 ; Incident of the Confiict with the
Savages — Bravery of VVomen, 309 ; Cruelties of the Indians — their British Allies, 310 ; Survivors of the
Massacre, 311; Mrs. Kenzie and the Growth of Chicago, 312; Designs agaii ; llonorn to tlie Victors at Albany, !l7ti ; I'.iear.cM' Williams, or
"The I,ost l'rinco,'';t77: the Author's Visit to St. KeK's, !I7H ; HuU'iilo in 1812, !17!»; the Niiigara Fron-
tier, ;tHO; American Troops on the NiaRiira F'ronlier, ItHI ; an Armistice ami its Kil'ects, U8;t j Prepara-
tions for an Invasion of ( 'anaila, .'tH4 ; |",x|HHlitions for captiirin({ Urilish Vessels, JtHo ; iptnre of the
Atlarin and L'a'.edonia near Fort I'^rie, 38(i ; InciduntM uf tlie Exploit, 3M7 ; Feelings nf the Americans and
BritUh, BHH.
f'HAl'TFU XIX.
EVKNTIl ON TIIK. NtAtUIIA FKONTIKR IN 1812.
Conduct of Cicneral Smyth, 3W>; Van Itensselaor prepares to attack (jiieenston, .'190; nritish Fim'e on the
Niagara Frontier, M!»l ; F^xpcdition against (iiieenston delayed, ;t!)2 ; military Ktiipiette — Colonel Scott,
.liW ; Passage of the Niagara Hivcr in the Dark, ili>4 ; Skirmish at Queenston Village, iW.'i ; ( 'olonel Von
Ilensseluer wounded and Captain Wool in command, ;)!>(') ; the Americans scale Qiieenston Heights. 3!(7;
Kr.ttle on Qucenstcm Heights and Death of (ieneral Brock, !J!t8 ; Passage of the Uiver by Ue-enforce-
ments, ;i!t!> ; FXents on Qiieenston Heights, 400 ; another Uattle — W(H)1 wounded, 401 ; bad Conduct of
the New York Militia, Coloiu-I Scott in Command, 40i!; Heroes and Cowards made Prisoners of War, 40.1;
Surrender of the American Army, 404; a triumphal anil funeral Procession, 40.'); Honors to (ieneral
Brock, 400 ; Colonel StJomoii Van Rensselaer, 407 ; Kvents at the Mouth of the Niagara Kiver, 408 ;
Protection for American Prisoners of Wor, 40'J j (ieneral Smyth '» injurious I'ride and Folly, 410 j hiit
silly Proclamations ridiculed, 411.
CHAPTER XX.
KVBNT8 ON TUB NIAOAKA tRONTIEH AND VICiyiTT IN 1812.
The Autho/s Visit to the Niagara Frontier, 412; Lewiston, (Jucenston, and (jueenston Heights, 4I,T; Brock's
Monununt, 414 ; an F^vening on Qiieenston Heights, 41."); Interview with the Cl.ief of the Six Nations,
410; Journey from Qiieenston to Niagara, 417; Fort (ieorge and its Appurtenances, 418; Fort Missis-
saga — Ueturu to Niagani. F'alis, 41il; .Journey from Niagara F'lills to the Settlement of the Six Nations on
the Grand Kiver, 420; a Morning with the Chief of tlie Six Nations, 421 ; Indian Kelics and CustiHns,
422; the Mohawk Church and Uiant's Tomb, 42.H, 424 ; the Mohawk Institute — (yommnnion-phite from
Queen Anne, 42.') ; British attack Black Rock, 420 ; Preparations for anollicr Invasion of Canada, 427 ;
1*16 Hritish forewanuid — Passage of the Niagara River, 428 ; Incidents of the attempted Invasion, 42il ;
Smyth's Incompetence and Folly, 430 ; the Invnsiuu of Canada abandoned, 431 ; a Duel, and what come
of it — exit Smyth, 432.
CHAPTER XXI.
NAVAL OPERATIONS IN 1812.
Acknowledged naval Suj)eriority of Great Britain, 433 ; ( 'haracter, Distribution, and Condition of the Amer-
ican War .Marine, 434 ; (junniodore Rodgcrs's Soiuidron — first Shot in the War, 435 ; Rodgers in Euro-
pean waters — British Squadron nt Halifax, 43t) ; (^^riiise of the Constitution, 437 ; how she eluded her
Pursuers, 438 ; the tUsex goes on aOuise, 43!) ; Cruise of the Essex, 440; how a Challenge was accepted
by Commodore Porter, 441 ; the Coiistitiilioii off the Eastern Coast, 442 ; Battle between the Cvnstitutioti
and (riierriere, 443, 444 ; Destruction of the (lucrriere — F2ffect8 of the Victory, 44.') ; Honors to Commo-
dore Hull, 440 ; F^ft'ect of the Victory on the British Mind, 447 ; Hull's Generosity, 448 ; (>ui.«e of the
Wasp, 44i> ; Fight l)etween the Wnsji and the Fro/ir, 4.")0 ; lioth Vessels ca|)tured by tho Poictiers, 451 ;
Honors to Captain Jones, 452 ; Lieutenant Biddle honored and rewarded, 453.
CHAPTER XXII.
NAVAL OPERATIONS AND CIVIL AFFAIRS IN 1812,
Commodore Rodgers's second Cruise, 454 ; Battl;; between the United State's and Macedonian, 455 ; Cap-
ture of the Macedonian — Decatur takes her to New York, 450; Honors to Decatur, 457; Bainb)-idge in
Command of a Sipiadron, 458 ; his (^ruise on the Coast of Brazil. 459 ; Battle between the Constitution and
Java, 40(); Loss of the Java — Incidents of the Battle, 401 ; Honors to Buinbridge, 402 ; Ettects of the
naval Battles in Great Britain, 403 ; meeting of the Twelfth Congress, 404 ; Madison re-elected — his Ad-
ministration sustained, 405 ; Quince's Denunciations and Clay's Res[)onse, 400 ; Mejisiires for strengthen-
ing the Army and Navy, 407 ; Retaliation — Report of the Committee on l''oreign Relations, 408 ; Mani-
festo of the Prince Regent and its Charges, 409 ; Mediation of the Empei' r of Russia proposed, 470; Re-
joicings over Napoleon's Misfortunes — Peace Commissioners, 471 ; CabiiKt Changes, 472.
CHAPTER XXIII.
EVENTS ON THE MAUMEE RIVER.
Contemplated Expedition against Maiden, 473 ; American (7amp at the Maiimee Rapids, 474 ; Interference
of the Secretary of War with General Harrison, 47.S ; General Clay's march to the Maumi.e, 470 ; Ilarri-
.son assumes grave Responsibilities, 477; British and Indian F^xpedition against Fort Meigs, 478; the
Mission of Captain Oliver, 479; Leslie Combs volunteers for perilous Duty, 480; Incidents of his Voyage
down the Maumee, 481 ; Preparations for an Assault on Fort Meigs, 482 ; Attack on Fort Meigs, 483 ;
critical Rituati
Defeat and hw
Fort Meigs, 48
Harrison's Provi:
ciiniiha anxiou)
to ca|)tiire Fort
sumpioncd to m
Incidents of tlui
'■•<>•■■'. 500 J „I„o
■ssailed and virj
Constriictioii oC
Vewels, 512; p
n. rrison viuits I
1 trry prepares for
acter of the oj)),
Srpiadroiis— Ope,
Si'eries on Iniard i
rence to tho Ni,i,
tempt to Flscape;
Dead, .Vtl ; sad 1
''•e exultant Amc
Alliaiue— Predict
tions for unveilii:
Statue iinveiled-
Cll ; Poiry and
:ilH
h
in
Arrangements for ..,
540 ; Proctor, frig;
British, 548 ; the .
dians make a Stain
British defeated— I
son and Proctor prr
thor's Visit to the T
leaves the Armv- ^^
^>n*t the Deiiiegeni, 48,*> ; Dudley '»
Defout ami mul Ku.tnltH, 4Htl ; Arrivitl of Ko-enl'iirtTiiiuiitii for I'ort Muig», 487; Kfl'ect of a ^iortiu from
Fort MeigH, 480; thu Autliur's Visit tu the Miiiinioo Valley, 4iM)-4*J;i.
CIIAITKH XXIV.
TlIK ■>VAU IM NORTHKIl.H OHIO- <'(»NHTRL'CTIO!f Of rFHRT'ft FI.EBT.
lIivrrinoii'M I'rovisioii for tho Frontier lleft'imes, 4'.t4 ; Kciitiickiiins iiniler Colonel K. M. JohnBon, 4J)r>; Te-
c'linithii anxious for hoi'tilo Action, 4!)(i; ,Iohnnon'H Ti-oops iit Fort .Siephonsoii, I;i7 ; uiiHuiTesHfiil Attempt
to viipture Fort Moi)(ii, 4!(H ; Foit Ste|ihen!iiin mciiiicetl, 4!l!t ; ('roi;lmn duterniiiu's to h(.ld it, rM); it id
RuniiMoned to Hiirrenilor, M\ ; a Siege, MtJ ; Fort StephenHon utornied, and the Asituilaiits repuUed, WKl ;
Incident)! of tho Night succec " / the .Strnggle — Honors to Croglian, 'i<14 ; the AiithorV Visit to Sandnsky,
fiO'i, fiOtl; also to FriMnont and Site of Fort .Stephenson, M)T ; .Jonrney to Toledo— Harrison's Churaclor
assailed and vindicated, M)K ; Captain I'erry sent to Lake Krie, "i(l!l; llaihor of Krie or I'resq' Isle, ">!();
Constrnction of a Lake Fleet bcKiin there, ol I ; Ferry's Services with Chaiincey and in secnring American
Vessels, 512 ; Ferry's earnest Call for Men, olJI ; Krie menaced, 61 1 ; first Ci'uiM of I'erry'* Fleet, 615 ;
Il'rrison viiiit* i'erry, 61(i ; I'erry '» second Cruise, 517.
CIIAl'TKK XXV.
THH BATTI.C OF LAKE ERIE.
I'trry prepares for Battle, ."IS ; his final Instructions — Hritish Scpindron in sight, 519 ; Names and Chnr-
Hcter of tho opposing S(|nndrnns, ^>'2(); CIningo in the Order of Hattle, 521 ; relative Position of the
Squadrons— Opening of the Hattle, 522 ; first Position of tho Vessels in the Fight, 52!); the Hattle —
S<'ones on board tho Lawrcnve, 524, 525 ; sad ( "ondition of the htwreiire, 52(! ; I'erry goes from the /^tip-
rence to the Niaf/nra, 527; I'erry breaks tho Hritish Line, 52H ; his Victory — Hritish ,Ships vainly at-
tempt to Kscape, 52'.); Ferry's fauKuii' Dispatch, 5,')(); Surrender of the Hritish (MHcers — Hnrial of the
Dead, 531 ; sad KlVects of the Hattle, 5!t2 ; Importance of l'err'"s Victory, 5,'t;t ; public Celebrations by
the exultant Americans, 5;t4 ; Honors to Elliott and his Subordinates, 5i(5 ; a I'lei; for a Hritish-Indiaii
Alliaufo — Prediction by Washington Irving, 5;t(i ; Author's Visit to Krie ond Cleveland, 537 ; Prepara-
tions for unveiling a Statue of Perry at ('leveland, 538 ; surviving Soldiers of tho War of 1812, 53!) ; the
Statue unveiled— a rcmarkiiblo Dinner-party, 540; a sham naval Hattle — early Uesidents of Cleveland,
541 ; Perry and his Captives, 542 ; Kecoiitiou of Perry and Harrison at Krie, 543.
CIIAPTKU XXVI.
ItARRIflON'f) INVASION OK CANAIJA — HI« IIOMK.
Arrangements for invading Canada, 544 ; Army of tho Northwest in Motion, 545 ; it crosses Lake Erie.
54(J ; Ptoctor, frightened, flees frimi Maiden — Tecunitha's scornful Itebnke, 547; vigorous Pursuit of the
British, 548 ; the Armies in the Hiver 'I'liames, 54'.t ; Destruction of Property, UMi ; the Hritish and In-
dians make a Stand for Hattle, 551 ; the Annies in battle Array, 552 ; Battle of the Thames, 553, 554;
British defeated — Death of Tecumtha — who killed him, 555 ; Gallnntry of Cohmel Johnson, 55(> ; Harri-
son and Proctor i)roperly rewarded, 557, 558 ; Keturns to Detroit — Ktfect of the Victory, 55!) ; the Au-
thor's Visit to the Thames Battle-ground, 5(i(), 5tJl ; Harrison on tlic Noithem Frontier, 5(i2 ; Harris;m
leaves the Army — Author's .loumey in t)hio, 5()3 ; Anti(niities at Newark, 5(i4, 505 ; Columbus and the
Scioto Valley, fidO ; Chiliicutho and its N'icinity, 5(i7, 5(58 ; (iovernor Worthington's Fesidence, 5(!U ;
Visit to Hatavin and North Bend, 570 ; North Bond and iti' early Associations, 571 ; Conrtsliip and Mar-
riage of Captain Harrison and Anna Symmes, 572 ; Harri.ion'8 Tomb and Dwelling, 673
CHAPTEU XNVII.
EVENTS ON THE ST. LAWUKNCK FRONTIEK AND UPPF.M CANADA.
The Energies of (jreat Britain displayed, 575 ; Operations in the St. Lawrence Kegion, 576 ; Attack on
Elizabfthtown — Retaliation, 577 ; Attack on Ogdonsburg, 578 ; Defense of the Town, 57!) ; Ogdonsburg
captured, 58(i ; tho Village phmdered and Citizens carried off, 581 ; Author's Visit to Ogdensburg and
Prescott, 582 ; the Canadian Kebellion, 583 ; another Invasion of Canada contemplated, 584 ; Prepara-
tions for it, 585 ; Expedition against Little York, 580, 587 ; Americans land and drive the British to Lit-
tle York, 588 ; Explosion of a Powder-magazine and Death of General Pike, 58!) ; Capture of York and
Escape of tho British, 5!)0; York abundonou Scalp as an 0;nament, 51)1 ; the Author's Visit to To-
ronto, formerly I^ittlo York, 5!)2 ; an Adventu. among the Tortifications, 593 ; notable Men and Places
nt Toronto, 5!)4 ; Passage across Lake Ontario- Jouniey lO Niagara Falls, 505 ; Expedition against Fort
George — the respective Forces, 5!)() ; ('annonaue between Forts (Jeorge and Niagara, 597 ; the American
S(iundron and the landing of Troops, 5!)8 ; a severe Hattle — Capture of Fort George, 599 ■ tho Hritish
retreat to the Beaver Dams and Burlington Heights, 000; British Property on«the Niagara Frontier de-
stroyed by themselves — Expedition toward Burlington Heights, (iOl ; the Americans at Stony Creek, 002;
Battle at Stony Creek, (i03 ; Capture of Generals Chandler and Winder, 004 ; the Americans flee and
are pursued, 605 ; Destruction of Property at Sodus — British Fleet off Oswego, 000.
CHAPTER XXVIIl.
EVENTS AT SACKETT'S HARBOR AND ON THE NIAGARA FRONTIER IN 1813.
British Designs on Snckett's Harbor — its Defenses, 007; General Brown in ('ommnnd at Sackett's Harbor,
608 ; Assembling of the Militia — Approach of the British, 609 ; Position of the Militio — a Panic and Flight,
610; a Conflict — Destructicn of Public Stores, Oil ; the British retreat, 612; Sackett's Harbor and its
Defenses, 1 4 ; the Author's Visit there — the Frigate Neit> Orleans — a neglected Monument, 010; his-
torical Ivoealities around Sackett's Harbor — a Visit to Watertown and Brownsville, (fl 7 ; the Story of
Whittlesey and his Wife, 018 ; Movements on the Niagara Frontier, 619 ; Exi)edition against the British
at the Beaver Dams. 620 ; Services of a patriotic Woman. 021 ; Defeat and Surrender of the Americans
— Fort George invested, (522 ; the Author's Visit to the Beaver Dams Region, 623 ; a veteran Canadian
WM-
: - -^JX-^^^U .tiHiltiniM
viU
CONTENTS
If
iHi
I i I
!
Soldier, G24 ; Vfcit to Sfonv Creek nnd Ilnmilton, (>2.") ; British and Indian Raidit on the Niagara Fron-
tier, <)2(! ; Bnttle at Ulnck IJock, (!'J7 ; Kxpcdition to Rurliiigton lleiglits and York, 028 ; Oenrborn suc-
ceeded by Wilkinson, (i2!> ; Helations between Wilkinson, A.-iiiatrong, and Hampton, (iUO ; AlFairs on the
Niagara Frontier, V>',i\ ; Fort George menaced and Newark lairnt, (i;W : just lndigiiati(m of the Hritish —
Retaliation proposed, ()!!.'{ ; Fort Niagara captured — Desolation of tliat Frontier, 7 ; Attempt to seduce American Soldiers from their Allegiance, 658 ;
the Author's Visit to the St. Lawrence Region — Carleton Island, 65'.), 000 ; William Johnson of the Thon- '
sand Islands, 661 ; his Exploits, Arrest, and Imprisonment, 662 ; his Services in the War of 1 81 2, 063 ;
a Visit to French MilU and Vicinity, 664; Rouse's Point— La CoUe, 665; a Visit to Cliryulor's Farm,
Prescott, and Ogdeusbarg, 666.
CHAPTER XXX.
PREDATOnY WARFARE OF THE HtlTISH ON THE COAST.
Blockade of the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays declared, 667 ; Operations of Blockaders in Chesapeake Bay, '
668; Attack on Lewiston — Cockiiini, the Marauder, G'j'J ; Capture of Fronchtown, 670; Attack on
Havre de (irace, 671 ; the Town plundered and fired, 672 ; the Author's Visit to Havre de Grace — John
O'Neill, (!73; Cockhurn plunders and destroys other Villages, (!74 ; stirring Scenes in Hampton Roads,
675 ; a Britich Fl^et enters the Roads, (!76 ; Craiiey Island nnd its Deienders, 677 ; Prejjarations for
Buttle, 078; the .iritish attack, aie repulsed, and withdraw, 6"it ; they turn upon Hampton, 680; they
land and mena"-, it, (>81 ; a Struggle for the Possession of Hampton, 68'i ; Americans driven out, and the
Village given up to Rapine and Plunder, 683 ; the Author visits Croney Island an*". Norfolk. 684, C35;
the F'ortifications on Craney Island, 68(> ; a Visit to Hamjito'i, 687 ; a Daughter of Coinmcxlore Barron
— a Veteran of 1812 — Hampton destroyed by Virginia Rebels, (i88 ; CocUburn in the Potomac and on the
Coasts of the C'arolinas and (ieorgia, 68i>; Secret Organizations among the Slaves, 6iM); Decatur nins
the Blockade at New York, 6;il ; blockading Scpiadi-on off New London, <)'.)2; Alarm produced by Tor-
pedo Vessels, 693 ; the Coast of (Connecticut bliM'kaded — the local Militia, 691 ; Decutur i;i the Thames,
695 ; the Author's Visit to New London and its Vicinity, 696, 697.
CHAlTKli XXXI.
WAR ON THE OCEAN IN 1813.
Bnttio between the ITornel and Peacock, 698 ; Victory of the //erne.'— Prowess of the Americans respected,
699; Honors to (^aptain Lawrence and his Men, 700; (Yuise of the i'hempeake — her Character. 701 ;
Lawrence's last official Letter, 7^)2 ; Brokc's Challenge, 703 ; the (.%sni>euk€ and lier Oew, 794 ; the
Chem/ieakr. goes out to fight, 70."; ; Battle between the Chesniipuk-c and Shannon — Death of I^awrence,
706 ; Treachery — Capture of the Clicm/ieake — she is taken to Halifax, 70.'S ; Exultation of the British,
709 ; Honors to Captain Broke, 710 ; Respect paid to the Remains of Lawrence and liia Lieutenant, Lud-
low, 711 ; funeral Cerenamies ai Salem, 712 ; funeral Ceremonies at New York — Monuments, 713; stir-
ring Scenes in Chesapeake Bay, 714 ; Cruise of the Argiix in British Waters, 715 ; Battle between the
Art/us :i!id Pelican, 716; Battle between the Kitterprise. and liorer, 717 ; Funeral of the Commander of
each at P^irtland, 718 ; Honors to Burrows and M 'Call, 719 ; last Cruise v>f the l^nterpnse, 720.
CHAPTER XXXIL
CRUISE OF THE ESSEX.
Weakness of the American Na^y, 721 ; the Essex starts on a long Cniise~a .Search for Bainhridgc, 722 :
she .sails for the Pacific Ocean", 723 ; her Search for British whaling Vessels, 724 ; by ca; tnriiig and ann-
ing British whaling Vc!ssels, Po"*er rreafes a Squadron, 725 ; successful Ouise among the Oallapagos Isl-
ands, 72(i ; Porter sails for th:: *':'i n^us.'s Islf.nds, 727 ; civil War in Nooaheevah, 728 ; Porter engages
in theWor, 729; the Women of Nooaheevah, 730; Incidents in the Harbor of Valparaiso, 731 ; Battle
between the Ksspt and two British Ships, 732 ; the Essex captured — Porter returns Home, 733 ; Honors
to ( .'omm.xlore Porter — his subsequent Career, 734 ; Rodgers's long Cruiae in I8i3 — his Services to his
C-^untry, 735, 736 ; he makes another Cruise in the President — Honors to Rodgers, 737.
CHAPTER XXXIIL
WAR AGAINST THK f'UEKK INDIANS.
Insurrectionary Mo^enlent8 in Ix)uirtM the (^reeks to make War on the White
People, 710 ; the Creek Nation and their Position, 74V ; Civil War among '.he Creeks — White People in
Peril, 748 , the .Militia in the Field — Battle of Burnt Com Creek, 749 ; Pre|mrali(ins for Defense in Lower
Alabama, 750 ; Fort Mima and its Uccupauts, 75! ; Rumors of im])ending Hostilitieii, 752 ; Fort Mims
crowded wi
Massacre a
Help, 758 ;
Jackson heeds
lower (.'reek
sehatche, 76;
I'iiited Itulin
from (ieorg.
■'•''ght, 770;
Armies iu th
('reek, 775;
Creek Counti
the subdued i
c
Political Compos
— Pcice I'artv
■Act repealed,'
tires jiroposcd,
on La Collo Mi
Brown, moving
Forces oi, Uki
the War in (Jsv
fvir Sackett's H,
Author's Visit t(
and the Invasioi
«<«; .S.-ott prei
British Force, 8(
heartened, 811;
813; the British
The British, re-enfi
the British attacl
Battery, «:>(, ; ^^
Americans, 822 •
^<'<>tt, woundod.'r
Battle-grounds o
l;^ne, 829; the Br
^••.">J>83I; the;
Ene, 834, 835 ; B:
Triumph of Miller
Brown, 841; Hone
Erie, 843; (ienera
American Troops ,
Holmes's Expeditit
Operations in that i
llie Downfall of Nap
Control of Lake Ch,
J'eiminnent, 858 ; c
the British advanco
86.^ ; the British ch(
."Pening of naval Bni
icuns complete, 871-
"i-itisli alarmed, 874
t«) General Macomb, i
«'•'; the Autiior's Vi<
Ontario, 885; a heavj
The Blockade of Ne*]
sea-port Towns block;.,
Boston, 892; theBriti
ctation sent to the Bi
CONTENTS.
rrowded with Refugees, 7."^ ; gathering of hostile Savages near, 7">4 ; furious Assault on Fort Mims, T'lri ;
MasKiicre at Kort Mims, 7.")(i ; Horrors of the Massacre, 7ri7; J{espoiise < '"the Tcnncssceaua to a Cry for
Help, 758 ; General Andrew Jackson in the Field — Mobile threatened, but savtjd, 759,
CHAPTER XXXIV.
WAR AGAINST TUB CRE<5K INDIANA.
Jackson heeds a Cry for Help from the Coosa, 7(iO; the Army threatened with P'amine — AiTaiis in the
lower Creek Coimtrj-, 7(il ; Choctaw Allies — Exjieditioii against Tailasehatche, 7(i2 ; Hattle of Talla-
sehatche, "tJiJ ; Ji^cksoii hasten.? to the Kelief of tiireatetied I'osts, 7(i4 ; Battle at Talhulepx, 7(>") ; the dia-
jilrited Iiidiaiis sue for I'eace, 7(>G ; Destruction of the HiUabee Towns, 7(>7 ; the Creek Country invaded
from Georg.a — Battle of Auttose, 7G8 ; Kxpoditicn under Captain Dale, 70!) ; Dale's terrible Canoe
Kight, 770; Fort Claiborne at Kandon's Landing, 771; Battla of Kconochaco, 772; Dissolution of the
Armies in the Creek Country — new Voluntsers, 773 ; I?attle of Emucfau, 774 ; JJattle on Enotochopco
Oeek. 77.">; Hattle on the Calebee River, 77(i; East Tonnesseeans and Choctaw Allies on the Way to the
Crock Country. 777; Battle of the Horseshoe, 77'.); the Power of the Creek Nation broken there, 780;
the subdui^d liidians sue for Peace — 'iVeathersford in Jackson's Tent, 781 : the Creek Nation ruined, 782,
CHAPTER XXXV.
CIVIL AFFAinS IN 1813 — EVENTS ON THE NORTHERN FRONTIER IN 1814.
Political Composition of Congress — Peace Commissioners, 783 ; illicit Traffic — Change in public Sentiment
— I'cace Party, 784 ; revolutionary Proposition — new Embargo Act, 78,1 ; Rumors of Peace — Embargo
Act repealed, 7 8(! ; Provisions for the increa.se of the Army, 787; Prisoner.-i of War — retaliator}- Meas-
nrcs )>roposed, 788 ; Campaign on the Northern Frontier and Lake Cnami)lain, 789; Wilkinson marches
on I>a CoUo Mill, in Canada, 790 ; Battle of La Colle Mill, 7i)1 ; end of Vvilkinson's military Career, 7i>2 ;
Brown, moving toward the Niagara Frontier, perjjlexed by Orders fr )m the War Department, 7i)3; Naval
Forces on Lake Ontario, 794 ; the British attack Oswego, 795 ; they cajiiure Oswego, 79(i ; Survivors of
the War in Oswego, 797 ; Sackett's Harbor blockaded, 793 ; Woolsey at Big Sandy Creek with Stores
for Sackett's Haibor, 799 ; Battle at Big Sandy Creek, 8(X) ; agreat Cab'e carriijd to Sackett's Harbor —
Author's Visit to Big Sanely Creek, 801 ; the Anny on the Niagara Fnmtier — Red .Jacket, 802 ; Fort Erie
and the Invasion of '^ana(.a, 803 ; an Invasion of (Canada from Black Uock, 804 ; Caj)ture of Kort Erie,
805; Scott prepruej for battle at Street's tireek, 80G; preliminary Fighting, 807; Scott advances — the
British Force, 808 ; the Battle of Chippewa, 809, 810; the British driven from Chip])ewa — Indians dis-
heartened, 811; the Armies inspirited by the Victory, 812 ; Preparations to cross the Chippewa Creek,
813 ; the British retreat — Brown marches for Fort Georgo, 814— he falls back to Chippewa, 81.J.
CHAPTER XXXVL
WAR ON THE NIAGARA FRONTIER IN 1314.
The British, re-enforced, advance toward Chippewa, 816; vScott discovers them near Niagara Falls, 817;
the British attack Scott, 818; Bro\vii advantes from Chippewa, 819; C\ilonel Miller captures a British
Battery, 820; A])preciation of his Exploit, 821 ; desperate Struggle in the di>rkness — Victory for the
Americans, 822 ; close of the Battle of Niagara Falls, 823 ; the Battie and the Victory considered, 824 ;
Scott, wounded, proceeds to Washington, 825 ; Honors awarded him, 82(1 ; the Author's Visit to the
Battle-grounds of Chipj)ewa and Niagara Falls, 827,828; the Army falls back and is ordered to Fort
Erie, 829; the British again attack Black Rock, 830; Brown wounded — Gaines takes Command of the
Army, 831 ; the American Trooiis at Fort Erie, 8;'2 ; tiie I'ritish assail the Fort, 833 ; Battle of Fort
Erie, 834, 835 : Brown resumes Command. 830 ; a Sortie, 837 ; brilliant Success of General Porter, 838 ;
Triumph of Mdler anil llpham, 839 ; the British abandon the Siege, 840 ; Honors awarded to General
Brown, 841 ; Honors to Generals Porter and Ripley, 842 ; two remarkable Survivors of the Battle of Fort
Erie, 84.3 ; General l,;ard sends Troops to the Niagara F"roiitier, 844 ; he takes Command there, 815 ; the
American Troojjs withdraw from Canada, 84(! ; the Author visits Fort Erie and its Vicinity, 847, 848 ;
Holmes's Expedition into Canadu — Battle of the I^ng Woods, 849 ; Expedition to the upper Lakes, 850;
Operations in tliat Region, 851 ; M'Arthur's Raid in Canada, 852 — his Bravery and Generosity, 853.
CHAPTER XXXVn.
KVKNlfl ON LAKE CHAMrLAIN IN 1814.
The Downfall of Napoleon, 854 ; English Troops released for Sen'ice in America, 85.5 ; Struggle for the
Omtrol of Lake Cham])lain, 856 ; Operations (m the Canada Border, 857; alarming Order from the War
Department, 858 ; Concentration of Troops at Plattstiurg, 859 ; Position of American Works there, 8()0;
the British advanco on Plattsburg, 8(il ; a Skirmish at Beekmantown, 8(12 ; another near I'lattsburg,
863; the British checked at the Saranac Bridge, 864 ; British land — our naviU Forces in motion, 865;
Opening of naval Hattle ott" I'lattsburg, 8(16 ; Battle of Lake Champlain. 867-870 ; Vi<'tory for the Amer-
icans complete, 871 ; Casualties, 872 ; Movements of the land Troops — Battle of Plattsburg, 873 ; the
British alarmed, 874 ; their hasty Flight into Canada, 875 ; Rejjicings because of Victory, 87(i ; Honors
to (Jeneral Macomb, 877 ; Honors to Commodore Macdonough, 878 ; Effect of the Victory at Plattsburg,
879 ; the Autiior's Visit to the Scene of War on and near Lake Champlain, 880-884 ; Operations on Lake
Ontario, 885 j a hea\7 British Ship on the Lake, 886; (dose of Hostilitien on the Northern Frontier, 887.
CKAl'TER XXXVIIL
THE WAR ON THE NEW ENGLAND COAST I 1814.
The Blockade of Ne* London, 888 ; amphibious Warfare on tht New England Coast, 889 ; New England
sea-port Towns blockaded, 890; Portsmouth and Boston menaced, 891 ; Preparatioiis for the Defense of
Boston, 892; the British Squadron attacks Stonington, 893; Captain Holmes and his Ciun, 894; a Dep-
utation sent to the British Commander, 895 ; the British repulsed — impoteucy of the Attack, 896 ; a
^ .,w«jir**d;'**ww
CONTENTS.
British Force on the Coast of Maine, 8!>7 ; Operations in Penobscot Hay and River, 898 ; Preparations
nt llHmi)den to oppose tlie British Invasion, 8'J!t ; Panic and Flight of the Militia, 1)00 ; the British at
Bangor, i)(ll ; Treatment of General Blake, UO'J ; the British at Custine, 903 ; the Author's Visit to Places
on the Ne« Knglund Coast — Observations at Boston, i'04 ; at Salem and Marblehead, 90;)-9()7 ; Journey
to the J'enohscot, 908 ; Observations at Castine, 909 ; Voyage up the Penobscot, 910; Hampden, 91 1 ;
Obserx-ations at Bangor, 912; Visit to New Bedford and Providence, 913 ; Stoniugton and Mystic, 914 ;
Story of a faithful Daughter, 915.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE CAPTURK OF WASHINGTON CITT.
Apathy of the Government while the Capital was ;.. peril, 91G; feeble Preparations for its Defense, 917;
(jeneral Winder in t:ommand— a Cull for Troops, 918; Tardiness of tlie Secretary of War — Apathy of
the Peoi)le, 1(19; Appeiirance of the British in Ciiesapeake Bay, 920; gathering of Troops — Destruction
of Barncj's Flotilla, 921 ; the Forces gathered for the Defense of Washington and Baltimore, 922; the
British move on Washington from the Putuxent, 923 ; Battle Lines formed mar Bhidunsburg, 024 ; Ex-
citement in the national C/'apital, 925 ; the British advance on Bladensburg, 92G ; Arrangements to receive
them, 92G, 927 ; Dueling-ground near Bladensburg, 928 ; Battle of Bladensburg, 929, 930 ; Barney
wounded and made Prisoner, 931 ; the victorio-js British march on Washington City, 932; Destruction
of the public Buildings, 933 ; Destruction of the Navy Yard, 934 ; Flight of the President and his Cabinet
— Patriotism of Mrs. Madison, 935 ; Object of the Invasion, 930 ; the British retreat from Washington,
937; Slavery the cause of the Disaster at Bladensburg, 938 ; a British Fleet passes up the Potomac, 939 ;
Alexandria plundered — Torpedoes, 940 ; the British Squadron returns to Chesapenko Bay — Visit to the
Battle-ground a'. Bladensburg, 941 j Kaloramu and Oak Ilill Cemetery, 942; Congressional Burial-
ground — Fort Washington, 943.
CHAPTER XL.
EVENTS AT BALTIMOKK, PHII-AnELfHIA, AND NEW YORK IN 1814.
Tlie British in Cnesapeake Bay, 944 ; Exploits of Parker and Cockbum, 945 ; Operations of the British
Fleet in Chesapeake Bay, 94(5; Baltimore threatened, 947 ; I'reparations for the Defense of Baltimore,
948; Fortifications and Troops for its Defense, 949 ; the Britisn land and advance on Baltimore, 950 ;
Position of tlie contending Armies, 951 ; Battle of North Point — Death of the British Commander, 952,
953; the British Fleet moves up to attack Fort M'Henry, 954; Bombardment of the Fort, 955; the
British Invaders driven otf, 95(>; "The Star-spangled Banner," 957; the British land Troops march on
Baltimore, 958 ; they retire to their Ship:; — the "Iritish Programme, 959 ; Honors to Colonel Armistead,
960 ; the ,\uthor's Visit to Baltimore and the hi .orical Localities around it, 9fil-905 ; New York and
Pliilndel|)hia relieved, 9(;5 ; the Volunteer Comjianies of Philadelphia, 96G ; Orgenizatiou of Troops and
■ EstiiDiislimeiit of (,'amps, 967 ; Patriotism of the Citizens of Philadelphia, 968; New York aroused — Com-
mittee of Defense, 9()9 ; the Citizens assist in casting up Fortifications — " The Patriotic Diggers," 970 ;
the Fortifications around New York, 971-975 ; a tloating Battery authorized by Congress, 976; the Steam-
ship Fulton the First, 977.
CHAPTER XLL
NAVAL WARFARE ON THE OCEAN IN 1814 — AMERIUAN PRIVATEERS.
New Vessels for the Navy — the Jo/m Adams, 978 ; Cruise of the Wasp — Capture of the Reindeer, 979 , the
Was/i and Afnn — Loss of the iVas/i, 980 ; Fight between the Peacock and Fpervier, 981 ; Barney's Flo-
tilla in Chesapeake Bay, 982 ; the Constitution, 983 ; Battle between the Constitution, Cyane, and levant,
984; the ConsHlntionand her Prizes — Honors to Commodore Stewart, 985 ; Stewart's Home in New
Jersey. 986 ; Decatur's Squadron — he puts to Sea in the President, 987 ; Battla between the President
and kndijmion, 9H8 ; the rest of Decatur's Squadron puts to Sea, 989 ; Battle between the Hornet and
Penyuin, 990; Honors to Captain Biddle, 991 ; Cruise of the Hornet and Peacock — the Navy at the end
of the War, 91,'2 ; the first Privateers, 993 ; Cruise of the Rossie,WA; first Prize taken to Baltimore —
thr lltobe, 995 ; Cruise of the Hiyhflyer, Yankee, and Shadow, 99(5 ; Salem and Baltimore Privateers, 997 ;
Privateering at the close of 1812, 998; remarkable Cruise of theCome/,999; Cruise of the Chasseur, Sar-
atoga, Dol/thin, Lottery, and Yai.kee, 1000 ; Cruisu of the General Armstromj, Ned, and Scomye, 1001 ;
the Teasel — Capture of the Fa;//e — Cruise of the Decatur, 1002; Cruise cf the David Porter, (lUilie, and
Harpy, 1003; the Career of the General Armstrony, 1004; Honors toCaptain Keid — Cnuse of thePrince
de Neti/chatel, llM)5 ; Cruise of the Saucy Jack and Kent]), 1006 ; Cruise of the Macdonovgh and Amelia
— the American Privateers and their Doings, 1007.
CHAPTER XLII
CIVIL AFFAIRS IN 1814 — OPEKATIONS IN THE OHLF REGION.
Boston the Centre o. illicit Trade, 1008; the Peace Faction assails the Government and tlie Public Credit,
1009; Ett'ects of the C^on:ipiracy against the Public Cradit, 1010; new financial Measures — Revival of the
Public Credit, 101 1 ; Measures for increasing the Army — Discontents in New England, 1012 ; the Hart-
ford (Convention, 1013-1015; the Memlxjrs o>' the Hartford Convention, 1016; Jackson recalled to active
Service in the Gulf Region, 1017 ; the Baratarians and their Leader, 1018 ; Jackson perceives Miscicief
at Pensacola, 1019; Fort llowyer threat^'ued by a British Squadron, 1020; the Fort attacked and the
Assailants repidsed, 1021 ; the British at Pensacola — .lackson marches on that Post, 10?2 ; Flight of the
British and Indians, 1023; Jnckson in New Orleans — Appearance of the British, 1024 ; Preparations to
receive the Invaders, 1025 ; Capture of the American Flotilla or. Lake Borgno, 102(i ; Jackson's Review
of 'lYoops in New Orleans and their Disposition, 1027; the British approach the Mississippi, 1028; they
march on New Orleans — Kes)H)nse to Jackson's Call for Troops, 1029 ; Events below New Orleans, 1080 ;
a night Battle, 1031 ; the British fall back, 1032 ; the Americans withdraw, 1034.
CONTENTS.
XI
till
CHAPTER XLIII.
DEFENSE OP NEW OHI.EA.N8 PEACE.
Jackson's Line of Defense, 1034; a gloomy Day for the Invadei-s — Arrival of General Pakenham, lO.'lfi;
Seat of War in Louisiana and Florida, lO.'U! ; severe Battle on the 28th of Decemlier, 1037 ; the British
van((uislied — the American Lines of Defense, 1038 ; the British cast up Ledoubts near the American Line,
103i); a heavy Battle, li4i»; the British repulsed and then re-enforcid, 1041 ; Jackson prepares to receive
the increased British F> ices, 1042; Character and Disposition of hs own Forces — Position of his Army
on the 7th of Jannaiy, 1043; a British Detachment crosses the Misi-issippi, 1044; Battle of New Orleans,
1046-1040; Disposal of the Dead, lO.TO; Attack on Forts St. I'hilip and Bowyer — Jackson's Army in
New Orleans, lO'il; Honors acc'orded to Jackson and his Troops, 1052; Humors of Peace and continu-
ance of Martial Law, 10;>3 ; Incidents of Jackson's Trial for Contempt of Court, 1054; the Author's Jour-
ney to New Orleans — Lexington and "Ashland," 1055 ; Frankfort and its Cemetery, 105(!; a Visit to
Nashville and the " i i mitage," 1 *")7 ; New Orleans and its historic Men and Places, 1058 ; Attack on
Fort Sumter — Uprising of the Peopie, 105!); Negotiations for Peace and the Commissioners, 10(!0; (Jhent
and the Sympathy of its Inhebitivits with the Americans, lOCl; the Treaty of Peace, 1002, lOfiS; Kcjoic-
ings of the American People, 1064; Commemorative Medals — its Ratification, 1065; Position of the He-
public at the ch)se of the War, 1067; HeiKljustment of National Afl'airs — Dartmoor Prisoners, 1068;
Prosperity of the Republic and its liclaticnb to other Nations, 106'J ; Text of tlie Treaty of Peace, 1071.
1:
■ili'*ili
1
B' '
■ ; I
f ' ' ■ !
•
'■ "'"mluated
4- Couteiita....'
»• Illustrations .
«• fnitinl Letter.
7. First Great 8,
8.va'r."'!";;;-
9. Britannia aroi;
]0. Portrait ofWI
n. JacksonN Mo,i
»»• Portrait and Si
13. Sianatures of (
the Couitltn
,, „ tlon
"• Tnii-piece.. .:
16- Initial Letter. .
W- Campus Martfii
"• Portrait and Sii
18- Portrait and Pj;,
19 o,*""''!''^'-Clair^
J"- Sijrnatrre ofLoi
21. Port Harmar
22. Port Waehingtoi
oo H, "' Cincinnati .
u &«"■•' "'■''«'
*»• ine Mauniee P<
It '/"''» Cros.,lng.pi
27. Apple-tree near &
28. Map-Pl,,,, of gj"
o- „,nndHattle
J". Signature of Tobii
MW-Pla.. ofLin.
March .
32. Sl^.natnreof■>■.■M;
33. Map-jJattlooftho
nors
34. Turltey.fooil{;;ck.'
•«• Signature of t'ol
a«. Initial Letter . . .
3». Portrait and Signa
j". I^lhorty Cek . .
I ''"'•jiit «nd Signati
4., pO^'IIomllton .
*i- Portrait and Hij,,
43. A Bad iMeasure
44. An AHsiBtwit. .
«. Portialt of LoniHXv
*f. Panie llttinjr Stays
41. Memorial Medal '
«. Initiall^tter.. ••■
4». The Contrast...
M P ^.""P'W Mifflin^
6I.Port^.altandSig^'at\i;
52. Portrait 'and 8ignat„r,
63. Signatnre I)f Alexa'ndo
"•^pSn^e'-/ «'«""•-«
^. Portrait andSi^nature
ifi^
1.
2.
3.
4.
8.
e.
7.
8.
9.
10.
U.
13.
18.
14.
16.
\i.
IT.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
84.
is.
2C.
27.
29.
80.
81.
82.
83.
34.
.%.
8«.
37.
38.
40.
41.
42.
43.
a.
Hi.
4(i.
47.
48.
4».
00.
61.
92.
63.
M.
66.
60.
67.
IHumluntort Prontlsploco.
Title-page.
Preface Page ill
Couteiits V
IIlUHtratlunB ziii
Initial Letter 17
First Great Seal of the United
atfttCB 20
War 22
nrltaiiula aroiiaed 22
Portrait of William Jackson.. 20
Jackson's Mimumcnt 27
Portrait and Sleuuturo of Gou-
verneur Morris 28
Signatures of the Members of
the Cou'ttitutioual Conven-
tion 30,81,.32
Tall-piece 84
Initial Letter 36
Campus Martlus 37
Portrait and Signature of Miss
Ileckewelder 87
Portrait and f'ignaturo of Ocn-
eralSt.Clair .IS
Signature of WInthropSargen* 38
SignatiTo of Lord Dorchester. 38
Fort riarmar 39
Fort Washington, on the Site
of Cincinnati 41
Signature of Joseph Harmir. . 41
The Mauniee Ford— Place of
Ilarniar's Defeat 42
Mip— Ilarmar's Defeat 43
Hall's Crossing-place 4!)
Apple-tree ucarllarraar's Ford 44
Map— Plan of St. Clair's Camp
and Hattle 47
Signature of Tobi^is Lear 49
Lowry's >'i)i\ument 62
Map-Pla.. of Line of Wayne's
Slarch 64
Signature of >. M'Kce 64
Map— Hattle of the Fallen Tim-
bers 66
Turkey-foot llock 66
Signature of Colonel Ham-
Iramck 60
Coloiiel Ilamtramck's Tomb. . 60
Tall-piece —Indian Implements 67
Initial Letter 68
Portrait and Signature of T.
PincKuey 64
Liberty Cent 06
Portrait and Signature of Gen-
eral Hamilton 00
Portrait and Signature of
Thomas Paine. 09
A Bad Measure 09
An Asslgnat 74
Portrait of Louis XVI 70
Paine fitting Stays 70
Memorial Medal 70
Initial Utter 79
TheContrast 81
Portrait and Signature of
Thomas Mifflin 82
Port"-alt and Signature of B. C.
Genut 88
Portrait and Signature of John
Jay 88
SIgnalnrc of Alexander M'KIm 89
Seal of the Republican Society
of Baltimore 88
Porirait and Signature of C. 0.
Plnckney 92
Portrait and Signature of John
Adams 98
Portrait and Signature of Joel
Barlow 94
6S.
69.
flo.
01.
02.
Oii.
04.
06.
00.
67.
08.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
S3.
84.
85.
80.
87.
38.
89.
90.
91.
92.
98.
94.
98.
90.
97.
98.
90.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
108.
100.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
118.
114.
116.
Siffuntore o.' Benjamin Stod-
dert Page 90
Initial I-ettcr 98
John Bull taking a Lunch 99
Signature of Slei-hcn Decatur 101
Portrait and Signature of John .
Barry 101
Commodore Barry's Monu-
ment 101
Naval Pitcher 104
Modal presented to Commo-
dore Truxtun 108
Signature of Tlionias Truxtun 108
Truxtun's Grave 106
The Lutheran Church in Phil-
adelphia Ill
Washington Medal Ill
Tail-piece— M'Pherson Blue.. Ill
Initial Letter 112
Portrait and Signature of
Thomas Jefferson 114
Algiers In 1800 117
Portrait and Signature of
Richard Dale 118
Dale's Mimunient 119
Portrait and Signature of Kd-
ward Preble 120
Tripolitan Weapon 121
Trlpjlitan Poniard 122
Medal given to Commodore
Preblo 123
NavalMonument 124
SIgnatirre of William Eaton. . 126
Initial Letter 130
Portrait and Signature of A.
Burr 135
Signature of John Adair 130
Blenuerhassett's Residence. . 130
Sigjature of Blennerba8in 298
View at MiihU'U, Upper Can-
ada 209
BrltlHh Cannon at Detroit :ilKi
Signature of Kobt. KpynoldH. . »(KI
Slsfunture of C. Moran 302
Kl^ixie Manflion and Fort
Dearborn 3(i3
The Black Partridge's Medal. 300
Map-Site of Chicago 308
Block-house at Chftago 312
Fort Wayne in 1h12 81ft
The Little Turtle's Grave 315
Bridiie at the Head of ihe Maii-
mee 310
Portrait and Signature of Z.
Taylor 318
General Taylor's Rceldence. . 319
Initial Letter 320
Port Detlancc 333
Site of Fort Defiance SXt
Apple-tree at Defiance 334
Tuil-piecc — Indians at Ruins
of a Village 337
Initial Letier 338
Portrait and Signature of Si-
mon Perkins 340
Signature of Elijah Wads-
worth 340
Portrait and Signature of E.
Whittlesey 341
Signature of" William Eustis, . 349
Winchester's llead-quiirtors. . 351
Map — Movements at French-
town .858
Ttesidence of La Salle 359
Monroe, from the Battle-
ground 301
Signature of Laurent Dnro-
cher 302
Portrait and Siguatnre of Jaa.
Knaggs 303
Tail-piece - Tomuhawk and
Hcalping-knife 304
Initial Letter 305
Arsenal Building, Watertown 300
Signature of Colonel Benedict 307
Portrait of Captain William
Vaughan 308
Cipher Alphabet and Numer-
als .870
Signature of Paul Hamilton. . 370
Signature of Richard Dodge. . 373
Appearance of Fort, Presenta-
tion in 1812 373
Design on Indian Pass 374
Signature of (•. D. Yonng 370
Portrait and Signature of Ele-
azer Williams .877
Old Church in St. Regis 378
Boundary Monument 379
The Port of Ilufl"alo in 1S13. . . 380
Remains at Fort Schlosser, .. 380
Signature of II. Dearborn 3S1
Map of the Niagara Frontier. 382
Portrait and Signature of Ste-
phen Van Rensselaer 384
Signature of William Howe
Cuyler 387
Portrait and Signature of Jes-
se D.Elliott 3SS
Tail - piece — Oar, Boarding-
i)ike, and Rope 388
Inllia! Letter 389
Signature of Alexander Smyth 389
Queenston in 1812 390
Signature of .Tohn K. Fenwick 391
View from the Site of Vroo-
maii's Battcrv 391
Signature of John Ohrystie.. . .892
Signature of James Collier. . . 393
Landing-place of Ihe Ameri-
cans at Queenston 395
Russell's Law Ufllce 390
Portrait and Signature of John
E.Wool 397
Signature of J. ^. Mullanv. ... 399
Portrait and Signature of John
Brant 401
Brant's Mcmnment 401
Signature of Joseph (1. Totten 403
Signature of J. Gibson 403
New Magazine at Fort George 405
Signature of R. H. She;ifl'e. ... 406
MiMlal In Memory of General
Brock 400
Brock's Monument 400
260. Portrait and Signature of Sol- I 318.
innoii Van Rensselaer.. Page 407 .'119.
261. Signature of John Lovctt 401 320.
252. Tail-piece— Proclumatlon and 321.
Sword 411 322.
253. Initial Letter 412
264. Brock's MonumentonQucens- 323.
t(m Ilelglits 414
255. Monument where Brock fell.. 410 .324.
260. Signature of Solomon Vron- 326.
man 417
'i57. rrcsentOntllneofFortGeorge 418 .320.
268. French Magazine at Fort 327.
George 418 328.
2.59. Distant View of Fort Missis-
saga 419 329.
200. Interior View— Fort Mlssissa- 330.
pa in 1800 419
201. Mission house on the Qrand 331.
River 421 332.
202. Portrait and Signature of O.
H. M. Johnson 41.>1 8.33.
203. Ornamental Tomahawk 421 3:14.
204. Deer-shnnk \Veap(m 422 3,'I5.
2«i. Silver Calumet 422 330.
20(1. Ancient Scalping-knife 422
207. Mohawk IJhurcli, Grand Rlv- 337.
e-, C.W 423 338.
208. Interior of Mohawk Chnrch . 423 339.
209. ronimunion Plate 426
270. General Porter's Residence, .340.
Black Rock 420 341.
271. Signature of George M'Feely. 420 342.
272. Signature of Cecil IMsshopp. . 428 343.
273. Signature of Samuel Angus... ^28 ;144.
374. Tall-piece — Snail on Maple- 346.
leaf 432
27.1. Initial Letter 483 848.
270. Signature of R. Bvron 430
277. Tlie Cnmtihitmn fn l^illO 430 347.
278. Fac-simile of Commodore Por- H48.
ter'8 Writing 441 349.
279. Portrait and' Signature of 350.
Cvimmodore Hull 442
280. Hull's Monument 442 351.
281. Portrait of James Richard Da- 352.
282. Hnll's Mcdni '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. 440 363.
283. Portrait and Signature of Cap- 3.'*4.
tain Jones. . 449 355.
284. Signature of Thos.Whinyates 449 360.
285. Signatureof J. P. Beresford.. 451
280. A Wasp on a Frolic 452 357.
287. Medal awarded to Captain 358.
Jones 462 3,59.
288. The Biddle Urn 463 300.
2S9. Tail-piece-EagIc bearing oflf 301.
the Trident of Neptune. ... 453 302.
290. Initial Letter 454 303.
291. Signature of John S. Carden. 450
292. Medal awarded to Decatur. . . 468 .304.
293. Portrait and Signature of 305.
Commodore Bainbiidge 459 300.
294. Bainbridge's Monument 469 f 57.
295. Bainbridge's New York Gold 308.
Box 402
290. Bainbridge's Albany Gold Box 402 .309.
297. Bainbridge's Medal 403 370.
298. Bainbridge's Urn 403
299. Tail-picco — Napoleon's Flag ,371.
and Star descending 472 372.
.300. Initial Letter 473 373.
301. Signature of C. Gratiot 474 374.
302. Portrait and Signature of 376.
Green Clay 470
303. View of Cincinnati from New- 370.
port In 1812 470 877.
304. Map— Fort Meigs and its VI- .378.
clnttv 477 379.
.305. Fac-simile of Harrison's Let- 3so.
tcr 479 381.
300. Portrait and Signature of
Leslie Combs 4,80 382.
307. Up tlie Mauinec Vallev 481 383.
308. Site of the British Batteries 3S4.
from Fort Meigs 482
,309. Portrait and Signatare of Wm. 386.
Christv 483 .180.
310. Plan of fort Meigs 484 387.
311. Signature of W. E. Boswell... ''87
312. Map— Siege of Fort Meigs 488 383.
313. Remains of Walker's Monu-
ment 4S9 389.
314. Portrait of Peter Navarre 490
316. Ruins of Fort Miami 491 390.
310. Up the Maumce f^'om Maumee 391.
City 492 392.
317. Well at Fort Meigs 492 393.
Tail-piece— A Scalp Pago 498
Initial Letter 494
Signature of R. M. Johnson . . 496
Johnson's Monument 490
Portrait and Signature of O.
Croghan 490
View at Fremont, or Lower
Sandusky 500
Plan of Fort Stephenson 603
Gold Medal awarded to Gen-
eral Croghan 60B
Lower Castalian Spring BOO
Site of Fort Stephenson 607
Part of Short's Sword-scab-
bard 607
Perry's Residence 609
Portrait and Signature of Dan-
iel Dobbins 509
Wayne's Block-house at Erie 610
Site of French Fort and En-
trance to Erie Harbor 611
Month of Cascade Creek 611
Block-house 611
Map— Eric and Presq' Isle fiay 614
Portrait and Signature of Ush-
er Parsons 610
Put-in Bay 517
Initial Letter 518
Perry's I,ook-out, Gibraltar
Island 618
Perry's Battle-fiag 619
Portrait of O. H. Perry 621
View of Perry's Birth-place.. . 621
Calafalco 621
Perry's Monument 621
The two Snuadrons Just before
the Battle 522
Portrait and Signature of 8.
Chainplln 523
First Position in Ihe Action. . 623
Signature of J. J. Varnall .524
Second Position in file Battli 520
Portrait and Signature of J.
ChRpman 627
Signature of Thomas Holdup 628
Position of the Souadions at
the close of the Battle 529
Almy's Sword 529
Fac-simile of Perrv's Dispatch ^30
The Burial-place, Put-in Bay. 532
Queen Charlotte and Johnny
Bnll 6.34
The Perry Medal 5;;3
The Elliott Medal 636
Signature of Ascl Wilkinson. 538
Portrait of Benjamin Fleming 638
Perry's Lantern 5.39
Perry's Statue 640
Portrait and bignatiire of S.
Sholes 541
Cbanii)lin'« Chair 642
Perry's Quarters at Erie 643
Portrait of T. II. Stevens 643
Initial Letter 644
Portrait and Signature of C.
S.Todd 648
Dolsen's 649
View at the Mouth of M'Greg-
or's Creek 660
M'Grcgor's Mill 660
Portrait of 0«hawahnah 562
View cm the 'I'linines 553
Map- Battle of the Thames. . 564
Portrait and Signature of S.
Theobald 660
The Harrison Medal.. 668
The Shelby Medal 658
Tecumtha's Pistol 600
Thames Battle-ground 501
Remains of an ancient Cofflu 604
The four Sides of the Holy
Stone 504
Stone Axes 504
Sectional View ot a Pyramid. 604
Great Earth-work near New-
ark 805
The old State-honse 607
General M 'Arthur's Residence 808
F.rtralt and Signature of T.
Worthlngton 868
Adcna, Governor Worthlng-
ton's Residence 669
Portrait and Signature of Mrs.
Harrison 671
Pl.nieer Honse, North Bend.. 87t
Block-honse at North Bend.. 871
Harrison's Grave 678
Sy mmcL's Monument \ . . 678
894. HarrLior
Bend..
396. Initial Li
390. Block-ho
397. Parish's
898. Portrait
W. t'hi
399. Silo „f \,\
400. Map-Op
burg. .
■101. Portridt
York . .
402. Court-hon
403. The battel
■ 404. Wind -mil
Prescott
40.5. Fort Weill
400. Portrait ai
Pike...
407. LHlle York
408. Remains o
tery. . .
409. Pow(ler-n
410. Map— Ali:i
411. Signatinv
412. Renniln- of
413. Old Kort ,u ■
414. View on tl
Lewislori
416. Entrance I,
410. Plan of o,
,,, ^ Mouth of
4 T. A North Uiv
413. Portrait and
II. Merrltt
419. Bnttle-grounc
420. Tail -pice,.
.„, , Store-hous(
421. Initial Letter
422. Portrifit and
Ann .< '^'''' "'■'"vn.
423. General Brow
424. Light-house a
«6. Signature of (
420. Map— Oporatii
Harbor...
427. Sackett'a llar'b
'8. Mao— Sackoti'i
,_, Defenses.
429. Signature of \\
4.10. The S'm Orient
431 Pike's Monumt
4.32. Remains of Vm
433. Block-house, Sa
434. Mansion of Gen
4.35. Whittlesey Rod
4.30. Signature of c.(
43T. German Church
438. Portrait and Sig
.„„ „ra,Secord...
439. Beaver Dams 1
...n „,""'' Surround:
440. Si^'iiature of .Ian
44 . BLsshopp's Mom
442. Interior of Port]
44.1. SlirnatureofOer
444. T,ni-piece-Pnr)
fire
446. Initial Letter
440. Portrait and s'io
^ , G.Swift
447. Signature of ■Tof
field
44''. Signatureof A. D
449. Portrait and Sign,
„„ crtCarr......
4O0. Portrait and Sign
Wilkinson...^.
451. Signature of W I]
452. M.i.ith of French
463. Bald Island and
Flotilla . . .
464. Chrysler's In 18,5(s'
466. Signature of Rob't
460. signature of .1. A
467. Signature of ,r w'n
468. Map-Cliiysler's P
469. Signature of M.Mj
400. Place of Deharkat
jft- T 'Salmon River. . .
40i. Lewis and Boyd's
ters
462. Brown's Head-qua,
403. Fac-simile of writt
404. Remains of Fort Ci
iw- J'""'"" Armlet....
400. Light-hou..ekeptb'
407. Peel Island....:
ILLUSTRATIONS.
XV
394. Ilnrrisnn'H Residence at North
Bend Puge 574
396. Initial Letter M6
JHI«. HliKk-liDiise lit Brockvllle 5TT
.197. I'lirlsh'H Htore-hoime B7S
il98. Portrait niid flignnture of D.
W.riiiirch B7S
.199. Site of Fort PresenlatloD B79
400. Map— Operfttli" " at Ogdcna-
Imrg 5S0
401. Portndt and Sii;natnre of J.
York 5W
402. CIdiirt-honsc, OifdenBbnrg B80
4(til. The battered Wind-mill NO
404. Wlnil-mll) and RiihiH near
Prescott &S4
40.'5. Fort Wellington In IHiiO 884
400. Portrait and Slgiinture of Z.
Pike WB
407. Utile York In l.s'.it B87
408. Remains of the Western Bat-
tery BSS
409. Pow(ler-nia«a/.tne at Toronto ft'*'.!
410. Map— Attack w Orleatm t) I ••
481. Pike's Monument OHl
432. Remains of Fort Pike , 017
4;t3. Block-house, Sackett's Harbor 017
434. Mansion of General Brown... OIH
4.3,\ Wblttlesiey Rock, Watertowu. 018
436. Signature of C. «. BiErjtlcr... 020
437. German Church (120
438. Pin-trfllt and Signature of Lau-
ra Sccord 021
4.39. Beaver Dams Battle-ground
and Surroundings 624
440. Sl<,'nature of James Ulttrlck.. 024
441. Bissiiojjp's Monument Il2«
442. Interior of Fort Niagara 0,34
443. Signature of General A. Hall. 0,36
444. Tall-piece — Farm* house on
Are 037
446. Initial Letter 087
440. Portrait and Signature of J.
O. Swift ■338
447. Signature of .Toseph Bloom-
Held 6.39
448. Slgnatnreof A. De Salaberry. 039
449. Portrait and. Signature ofRoD-
ertCarr 640
460. Portrait and Signature of Jas.
Wilkinson 640
4,11. Signature of W. Hampton. . . . WS
4B2. Mo.itb of French Creek 049
463. Bald I.-land and Wilkinson's
Flotilla 060
464. Chrysler's in 18.%B fi,V2
466. Signature of Rob't Swartwont 0,N2
460. Signature of J. A. (Joles 053
4.'>7. Signature of.'. Walbach 06;t
468. Map— Chrysler's Fie'.d 064
469. Signature of M. Myers 664
400. Place of Debarkation on the
Salmon River 066
40i. Lewis and Boyd's Head-quar-
ters 660
462. Brown's Hend-qiinrtcrs 660
463. Fac-slmile of written Placard 068
464. Remains of Fort Carleton. ... 659
406. Indian Armlet 660
46<5. Light-house kept by Johnston 661
4.
ft 16.
."17.
ftl8.
. 1 9.
820.
621.
822.
62:!.
824.
628.
823.
527.
828.
B29.
,%30.
Wl.
8,32.
.wa.
634.
6i)6.
.\30.
637.
.ftiW.
839.
540.
541.
Portrait and Signature of W.
S42.
Johnston Page
662
MJ.
.lohiiHtini'.s Comhilssion
603
French Mills in IsiKi
664
644.
Signature of James Campbell
lUiB
646.
The Block-house Well
(UIB
640.
Signature of Peter Brousc. . . .
606
r'7.
Victoria Medal
mill
o4S.
luillal Letter
607
Interior of lcllcr«' Mi>numeut Page 848
Kiley'K Mimunieiit 849
Hi);iiaturu of U. M'Uoiiall 860
Miip— M'Artbiir'a Kaid 862
Portrait of (leucral Bcott 863
Initial Letter 884
Portrait and Signature of T.
Macdiiuoii^'li 866
.IiulKe .Moore's IIoubo 867
Signature of D. BInboII 867
Signature of (1. Prevost 868
Portrait and Sig. of B. M(iocr« 868
Portrait and Stguatiire uf A.
Maoomb 869
SanipHon'H 869
Sla|i~FortiflcatlouB at Platts-
biirg 800
M. Smltli'H Monument 801
lIowe'K IloiiHC 802
Pliitt'8 Hiwidpnce 803
Old Stone Mill 804
The 8ara".ic 808
Ilenley'H Medal 808
CuKsin's Medal 808
Portrait and Signature uf U.
Paulding 869
View from Cumberland Uead 870
Mii|) — Naval Action 871
Macdonough'rt Dispntcb 872
Portrait and SIg. of ,1. Smith . S72
Itattle of PlattBburg 873
Tlie Saranac at Pike's Canton-
ment 874
Huiiis '-f Fort Brown 878
Arliilcry Quadriiut 878
Oeneraf Moocrw'^ Grave 870
I'nited States Hotel 870
Macornl)'« .Monumcut 877
Macomb's Mediii 878
Macdonougli'8 Medal 878
Macdouougli'B Farm-house... 879
Downlc's Orave 879
View iu Beekmautowu 880
Soldiers' Graves aso
Ma])— Sent of War 881
Siiire-houhes 882
.Mooers's House 8S2
Woolsey's Hou'— FIglit of Ouu-boatH and
Barges 1026
828. Cathedral in New Orleans... 102T
929. Fort .St. John 10'28
830. Villcri-'s .Mansion 1029
.831. Portrait ij!ii^&'*^'^'' ^^^^ °f reality that makes us proud of the title — Amkeican
l/f Citizen.
When, on the 25th of November, 1783, John Van Arsdale, a
'■' sprightly sailor-boy of sixteen years, climbed the slushed flag- staff
in Fort George, at the foot of Broadway, New York, pulled down the
British ensign that for more than seven years had floated there, and un-
furled in its place the banner of the United States,' the work of the Rev-
olution was finished. As the white sails of the British squadron that
bore away from our shores the last armed enemy to freedom in Amer-
' Before the Britleh left Fort George they nailed their colors to the summit of the flag-staff, knocked oflT the cleets,
and "slushed" the pole fi'om top to bottom, to prevent its being climbed. Van Arsdale (who died in 1830) ascended by
nailing on cbets, and applying sand to the greased flag-staff. In this way he reached the top, hauled down the British
flag, and placed that of the United States in its position. It is believed by some that the nailing of the flag there by the
British bad a higher gigsiflcanco than was visible in the outward act, namely, a compliance with orders fi-om the impe-
rial government not to strike the flag, as in a formal surrender, but to leave it flying, in token of the claim of Great
Britain to the absolute proprietorship of the country then abandoned. It was believed that the absence of British aa-
thority in the United States would be only temporary.
B
«
18
I'lCTOUIAL JblKLU-BOOK
Th« bopM of the Amariwiii not rMltMd.
Thajr ware f m, bat not iDitopMidnt.
i !
W'f i
ica bocninu inero Hpocks upon tho Iiorizoii in tlio owning nun to tho ^training eyes of
cuger tliousandH gazing Heawunl beyond tlio Narrows,' tho idea of absolute iiidepend-
cnco tool* posHosNioii of llio mind and lioart of ovcry tiiio iVnioiica;!. Ilo saw tiic vitii-
blo boiidti of liritiHli tlinildoni fall at his feet, and IiIh pulse beat high with the inspira-
tion of uotisciouH freedom, and the full assm'ance that the power and intluence of jirit-
ish sovereignty had departed from his country forever.
Alas ! those natural, and generous, and patriotic, and hopeful emotions were falla-
cious. They were born of a beautiful theory, but derived no real sustenance from so-
ber facts. They were the poetry of that hour of triumph, entrancing the sjtirit and
kindling tho imagination. They gave unbounded pleasure to a disenthralled people.
But there were wise and thoughtful men among them who liad communed with tho
teachers of the I'ast, and sought knowledge in the vigorous school of tho I'resent.
They diligently studied the prose chapters of the great volimie of current history spread
out before them, and were not so jubilant. They reverently thanked God for what
had been .'iccomplishcd, adored him for the many interpositions of his providence in
their beliall", and rejoiced because of tho glorious results of the struggle thus far. I5ut
they clearly perceived iliat the pe.ico established by tho decrees of high contract-
ing parties would prove to bo only a lull in tho great contest — a truce soon to be
broken, not, perhaps, by tho trumpet calling armed men to the field, but by the stern
behests of tho inexorable necessities of tho new-born republic. Tho revolution was
accomplished, and the political separation from Great Britain was complete, but abso-
lute independence was not achieved.
Tho experience of two years wrought a wonderful change in the public mind. Tho
wisdom of the few prophetic sages who warned tho people of dangers became painful-
ly apparent. Tho Americans were no longer the legal sidyects of a monarch beyond
tho seas, yet tho power and influence of Great Britain were felt like a chilling, over-
shadowing cloud. In tho presence of her puissance in all that constitutes tho material
strength and vigor of a nation, they felt their weakness ; and from many a patriot heart
came a sigh to tho lips, and foimd exi)rossiou there in the bitter words of deep humili-
ation — We arc free, but not iitdepcndoit.
Why not ? Had not a solenm treaty and the word of an lionest king acknowledged
the states to bo free and independent ?
Yes. The Treaty of '^eace had declared tlic confederated colonies " to be free, sov-
ereign, and independent states ;" and that the King of Great Britain would treat them
as such, and relinquish "all claims to the government, propriety, and territorial rights
of the same."- The king, in his speech from the throne," had said, "I . December n,
have sacrificed &vcYy consideration of my own to the wishes and opinion "'^''•
of my people. I make it my hmnble and earnest prayer to Almighty God tliat Great
Britain may not feel tho evils which might result from so great a dismemberment of
the empire, and that America may bo free from those calamities which liave formerly
proved, in the mother country, how essential monarchy is to the enjoyment of consti-
tutional liberty. Religion, language, interest, affections may, and I hope will, yet prove
a bond of permanent union between the two countries : to this end neither attention
nor disposition shall bo wanting on my part."'
' The paosnge from New fork Harbor to the pea, between Long Island and Statcn Idland.
' See Article I. of the Treaty of Peace between the T'nited States niu! (Ireat Britain, Kigncd at Paris on the 8d of
September, 1T><3, by David Hartley in behalf of Orcat Britain, and Benjamin Franklin, John AdamH, and John Jay for
the United Statef).
' This acknowledgment was wrung from the king He had long detested the very name of every thing American ;
and this feeling was strengthened by his inteuie resjyected;
nnd sagacious
'•-'il by the fjita
'is, and goveri
t-'nibarrassment
"lost important
waited with coi
ynited States, (
in a state of wa
colonists of Grc
their literature,
country, withoii
was added a tra
"iferior people,'
^'y tho conscious
c'fiiJ to com man
sufficiently impoi
tions.
Such is a gei
pendent of Gi-eat
t" i^i-. Franklin -.
commenced in 177
siiccessfully close
J ho war for ?W^
I nave remarket
and in tliat fact w
tne hopes of the v,
.t'"s, let us take a
'" tho autumn of
of 1787.
TJie Articles of
adopted by the Co
'•atification of all tli
American League f
t-onstitution, was st
'"Even the chlmnev-swp
InglyofthcirsubjecuiuAu
'o
OF TlIK WAR OF 18 12.
10
Roceptlon of John Adami In BnK)*nd. Why the American! were not Independent Article* of Conhderktloa.
Tills was nil very kind, nnd yot tlio Americans were not Independent.
Why not? Iliul not the roprescntiilivo of their indepeiulcnt sovcreiirnty been up-
pointed by the Congress to reNido as tho agent of the lepublio in the IbiliHh capital,
and been received with cordiality?
VoH. John Adams had been appointed* minister plenipotentiary to tho •FcbniHryS4,
Court oflireat Ibilain, and had been ordered to leave sunny France for log- "'^
gy England. Tho Duke of Dorset, tho Hrilish embassailor at Paris, had treated liim
most kindly at Auteuil, and had as kindly jirescribed a gay court-dress to bo worn by the
embassador at his fust presentation to the king on his majesty's birth-day. That plen-
ipotentiary had been presented,'' most graciously received, and afiected almost t.j,ine4,
to tears by these honest words of good King George: "I was the last man in "*•
the kingdom, sir, to consent to the independenco of America; but, now it is granted, 1
shall be the last man in tho world to sanction a violation of it."
This reception was significant, and this declaration of his majesty was explicit and
sincere. Yet tho Americans were not independent.
Why not? IJccausc tlwif luul not formvd a nation, and therehj created a power to
be respected ; because British statesmen were wise enough to perceive this weakness,
nnd sagacious enough to take advantage of it. Without tho honesty of the king, mis-
led by the fatal counsels of tho refugee loyalists who swarmed in tho IJritish metropo-
lis, and governed wholly by the maxims nnd ethics of diplomacy, tho ministry cast
embarrassments in the way ofthe Confederation, neglected to comply with some of the
most important stipulations ofthe Treaty of Peace, maintained a haughty reserve, and
waited witli complacency and perfect faith to see tho whole fabric of government in tho
United States, cemented by the bonds of common interest and common danger while
in a state of war, crumble into fragments, and tho people return to their allegiance as
colonists of Great Britain. Their trade and commerce, their manufactures and arts,
their literatiu-e, science, religion, and laws were yet largely tributary to the parent
country, without a well-grounded liope for a speedy deliverance. To this domination
was added a traditional contempt ofthe English for their transatlantic brethren as an
inferior people,' and the manifestation of an illiberal and mifriendly spirit, heightened
by the consciousness that the Americans were without a government sufliciently pow-
erful to command the fulfillment of treaty stipulations, or an untrammeled commerce
sufficiently important to attract the cupidity and interested sympathies of other na-
tions.
Such is a general statement of "easons why the United States were not inde-
pendent of Great Britain after their total political separation from her. These gave
to Dr. Franklin and others tho consciousness of the incompleteness of the struggle
commenced in 1775. When a compatriot remarked that the war for independence was
successfully closed, Franklin wisely replied, " Say, rather, the var ofthe Revolution.
The war for indipendence is yet to be fought."
I have remarked that our fathers had not formed a nation on the return of peace,
and in that fact was the inherent weakness of their government, and the spring of all
the hopes ofthe royalists for their speedy return to colonial dependency. To illustrate
this, let us take a v.ipid survey of events from the ratification of the Treaty Oi Peace
in tho autumn of 1784, to the formation ofthe National Constitution in the autumn
of 1787,
The Articles of Confederation, suggested by Dr. Franklin in the summer of 1775,
ado|)ted by the Continental Congress in November, 1777, and finally settled by the
ratification of all the states in the spring of 1781, became tho organic law ofthe great
American League of independent commonwealths, which, by the first article of that
Constitution, was styled " The United States of America." In behalf of this Confeder-
' "Even the chimney-sweepers on the streets," said Pitt, In a speech in the House orCommuus In 1703, " talk boast-
ingly of their subjucts in America."
11
!
1
20
riCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The League of States.
The States not sovereign.
The Public Debt.
;j
i» i|
acy, commissioners were appointed by the Continental Congress to negotiate for peace
with Great Britain. That negotiation was successful, and, in September, 1783, a defin-
• September 3, ii^v.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
23
Expectations of British Statesmen.
Lord SlicSSeld'B Pamplilct.
British Legislntiun.
Public DangofB.
sion in whicli they were involved in consequence of their independence. He assumed
that tlie New England States in particular would speedily become penitent suppliants
at the foot of the king for pardon and restoration as colonies. lie saw the utter weak-
ness and consequent inefficiency of the League as a form of government, and advised
his countrymen to consider them of little account as a nation.^ " If the American
states choose to send consuls, receive them, and send a consul to each state. Each
slate will soon enter into all necessary regulations with the consul, and this is the
whole that is necessary." In other words, the League has no dignity above th.at of a
fifth-rate power, and the states arc still, in fact, only dislocated members cf the British
Empire.^
In considering the more remote causes of the War of 1812, and the final independ-
ence of the United States achieved by that war, that pamphlet of Lord Sheffield, which
gave direction to British legislation and bias to the English mind in reference to the
American League, may be regarded as a most important one. It was followed by
Orders in CounciP by which American vessels were entirely excluded from the British
West Indies; and some of the stapli ^ reductions of the United States, such as fish,
beef, pork, butter, lard, et cetera^ Avere not permitted to be carried there except in Brit-
ish bottoms. These orders were continued by temporary acts until 1788, when the
policy was permanently established as a commercial regulation by act of Fariiament.
In view of this unfriendly conduct of Great Britain, the General Congress, in the
spring of 1784, asked the sever.al states to delegate powers to them for fifteen years, by
which they might compel England to be more liberal by countervailing measures of
prohibition.* Well would it have been for the people of the young republic had some
restrictive measures been adopted, whereby British goods could have been kept from
their ports, for in a very short time after the jjeace a most extravagant and ruinous
trade with Great Britain was opened. Immense importations were made, and private
indebtedness speedily added immensely to the evils wiiich the war and an inadequate
government had brought upon the people. But tiie appe.il of the Congress was in vain.
The states, growing more and more jealous of their individual dignity, would not invest
the Congress with any such power ; nor would they, evQii in the fiice of the danger of
having their trade go into the hands of foreigners, make any permanent and uniform
arrangements among themselves. Without public credit, with their commerce at the
mercy of every adventurer, without respect at home or abroad, the League of Siates,
free wilhoiit independence, presented the sad spectacle of the elements of a great nation
l)aralyzed in the formative process, and the coldness of political death chilling every
developing function of its being.
Difficulties soon arose between the United States and Great Britain concerning the
' " It will not be ni. easy matter," he said (and he no donht spoke the lan<;iiace of the Enelish people In general), "to
bring the American states to net as a nation ; they are not to beft'ared as mrh by im. It wl.; be a long time before they
can engage or will concur in any material expenses. A stamp act, a tea act, or such net that can never again occur,
would alone unite them. Their climate, their staples, their manners arc different ; tlieir Interests opposite ; and
that which is beneliclal to one la destructive to the other. We niiglit as reasonably dread tlie effects of combinations
nmong the Oermau as among the American states, and deprecate tlie resolves of the Diet ns those of the Congress. In
short, every circumstance proves that It will be extreme folly to enter into any engagements ft// xililct ih entitled, "Sketelies of Anierlenn rolicy." TIiuh thinking men nil lamented tlic wcaknesH of the gen-
enil government, and foresaw tlie dangers of the doctrine of Bujjremc wtnte sovereignty, wliich has wroiiglit so mucli
inipchief in imr day.
' Tlie following arc the names of tlic representatives : ^'eu> IVrfc— Alexander Hamilton, Kghert Benson ; !feiv JiTsni—
Abraham Clarke, William C. Houston ; /'.'»)ui;/(rnHii(— Tencho Coxc, James Schnreman ; IMaimre — George Read, John
Dickinson, Richard Bassett ; iVi-f/imo— Kdmund Randolph, James Madison, Jr., St. George Tucker.
' This action of the Congress took jilace on the 2l8t of February, 1T8T. The resolution (which was submitted by the
delegates from MassachuscttP) was as follows:
" Itemhml, That in the opinion of Congress it is expedient that, on the second Monday in May next, a Convention of
Delegates, who shall have been ap|)ointed by the several states, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express pur-
pose of revising tlie Articles oft.'onfederatlon, and rei)orting to Congress and the Bevernl Legislatures such alterations
and provisions therein as shall, when agreed to In Congress and confirmed by the states, render the Federal Constitu-
tion adequate to the exigencies of government and the preservation of the Union."
' William .lackson was an eminent patriot, and one of Washington's most intimate i)ersonal friends. He entered the
Continental army at the age of sixteen years, and served his country faithfully during tie whole war for independ-
ence. He became an aid to the comnnmder-in-clilef, with the rank of major. In 17S1 he accompanied his fl-lend,
Colonel ilohn Laurens, on a diplonnitic mission to France. At the close of the war he visited Kiirope, and on his re-
turn was appoiutcd, on the uomiuation uf Washington, secretary to the Convention that formed the National Coustt-
Wll ;.1AM .lAeKHON.
William Jacka
the 28tb, h
business of
the serious
to secure th
s'ty ofa inc
vention fift(
form a new
I do not f
'"gs of that!
merely direc
that were ad
"lation conce
men, whose c
The venerj
most conspici
before he had
"or the provi
success. Job
tiitlon. Hlsprivat.
of his family, jje
and nccom|,nniccl h
lie held the offlce i
eustoms there untf
tlicn started a daily
later." '
Major Jackson liv,
I 1 Christ Cliurch ya
ll";eo f,et high mark
to the memory of Ma
ed this life Decemb.
born March the "Ttl,
Jackson was ninety v
I am indebted to \
for the portrait given
111 her piLssession, pi,
'" her failier, cut by
l:il^ Mrs. General Win
The signature ofs,.
"'el;'onstitutlon,onp
Ediniiml Kandohll
yer,andawarmpatrlo
'Wmui,,.,., ,j^^^.
» lih>, and Washinjit.
•-' "H but, In eonsp*'^,
.lied 1,1 December, isis
" Khodc Island was
Assembly of the state i
"lost intluential men in
"ympatliy with the obj
might adopt. The foil,
««««rt<-/(»M,.w«.-_Franc
f!"""*«"''"'.-Wil|iam
Aew 1 or*._R„,,e,t Y«
l"'m Clark, and Jo„„t,,a
./'■"''^'/'''«"'V».-Thoma
<">iivcrneur Morris, „,„!
(f '«"•«'•'■— Oeorge Rea
v.."-"''""'— JainesM'Il
'""."'■«'«— George Was
«..d George Wythe. P„tri
fxyth Carolina.~nkbn
•f»MM. Richard Caswell
a'«o declined his appoin,
^WA Caro?,>,„.ifr„h„
ffr/^7"-^^""'"nPew,
V,u , ^'J« Assemblies did i
Englandltwasjudgedtol
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
21
WUliam Jackson and Edmund Randolph.
HemberR of the Convention.
Attltnde of Kbodo Inland.
tlie 28th, Edmund Randolph, of Virginia,* at the request of his colleftgues, opened the
business of the Convention in a carefuiiy considered speech, in which he pointed out
tlie serious defects in the Articles of Co/ifcikration, iWu^tvatcd their utter inadequacy
to secure the dignity, peace, and safety of tlie republic, and asserted the absolute neces-
sity of a more energetic government. At the close of his s])ecch he offered to the Con-
vention fifteen resolutions, in which were embodied the leading principles whereon to
form a new government according to his views.
I do not propose to consider in detail, nor even in a synoptical manner, the proceed-
ings of that Convention, which occupied several hours each day for four months. I will
merely direct attention to the really great men who composed it, and the measures
that were adopted, and leave the reader to seek in other sources the interesting infor-
mation concerning the events in the daily session" of that remarkable congress of wise
men, whose efforts bore noble fruit for the political sustenance of mankind.^
The venerable Dr. Franklin, then near the close of a long and useful life, was the
most conspicuous member of that Convention next to Washington. Thirty-three years
before he had elaborated a plan of union for the colonies, to which neither the crown
nor the provinces would listen ;3 now ho came to revive that plan, with full hope of
success. Johnson, Rutledgo, and Dickinson had been members of the Stamp-act Con-
tntion. His private record of the proceedings and dcbntca Is In the hands
of hiB family. He became the private secretary of President Washington,
and accompanied hhn on his tour through the Southern States lu 17111.
He held the olflce of surveyor of the port of Philndi'lphln and Inspector of
customs there until removed, for ])olltlcal causes, by Mr. Jefferson. He
then started a dally newspaper, called "The Political and Commercial Keg-
Isler."
Major Jackson lived n life of nnsullled honor, and at his death was bnrled
lb Christ Church yard, on Fifth Street, Philadelphia. A i)laln slab about
three feet high marks the si)()t, and bears the following inscription: "Sacred
to the memory of Major William Jackson : born March the fith, 175il ; depart-
ed this life December the 17th, 18i!S. Also to Elizabeth Willing, his relict:
born March the 'J7th, 17(iS; departed this life August the 6tb, 1S68." Mrs.
Jackscm was ninety years of age at the time of her death.
I am Indebted to Miss Ann Willing Jackson, daughter of Major Jackson,
for the portrait given on the preceding ])age. It Is copied from a mlniaturo
in her possession, painted by Trumbull. She also has a silhouette profile
of her father, cut by Mrs. Mayo, of Ulchmond, Virginia, the mother of the
late Mrs. General Wlulield Scott.
The signature of Secretary Jackson Is with those of the other signers of
the Constitution, on page S'i.
' Edmund Randolph was a son of an attorney general of Virginia before the Revolution. He was an eminent law-
yer, and a warm j)atrlot throughout the old war for independence. He was a member of the Continental Congress from
1779 until 17S'J. He was active lu the Convention that formed the Constitution. He was elected Governor of Virginia
lu 17SS, and Washington chose bim for his first attorney general of the United States In 1781). He was secretary of state
lu 171t4, but, in con.sequence of being engaged In an Intrigue with the French minister, he retired from public life. He
(lied In December, 1S13.
' Rhode Island was not represented In the Convention. Ignorant and unprincipled men happened to control the
Assembly of the state at that time, and they refused to elect delegates to the C(mventlon. Bnt some of the best and
most influential men in Rhode Island jolued In sending a letter to the Convent'on, In which they expressed their cordial
sympathy with the objects of the movement, and promised their accpiiescence In whatsoever measures the majority
might adopt. The following were the names of the delegates from the several states:
Xew Jtmvpaltire,— John Langdon, John Pickering, Nicholas Oilman, and Benjamin West.
Afa«»nr/i»M('f/»._Francls Dana, Elbrldge Gerry, Nathaniel Gorhani, Rufus King, and Caleb Strong.
Coniuvtieiit — William Samuel Jobnsou, Roger Sherman, and Oliver Ellsworth.
A'cio I'ori.— Robert Yates, John Lansing, Jr., and Alexander Hamilton.
..Vcic./<'r»7/.— David Brcarley, William Churchill Houston, William Paterson, John Nellson, William Livingston, Abra-
ham Clark, and Jonathan Dayton.
/Vii)wn/?rn»iM.— Thomas Mifflin, Robert Morris, George Clymer, Jarcd Ingersoll, Thomas Fitzslramons, James WUeon,
(iouverneur Morris, and Benjamin Franklin.
/Jcfnicnrc— George Read, Gunning Bedford, Jr., John Dickinson. Richard Bassett, and Jacob Brown.
3/ii);//rt»(/.— James M'Henry, Daniel of Ht. Thomas Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, .John Francis Mercer, and Lnther Martin.
rir.(;ini«.— George Washington, Patrick Henry, Edmund Randolph, John Blair, James Madison, Jr., George Masrtn,
and George Wythe. Patrick Henry having declined bis aiipointment, James M'Clurc was nominated to snpi)iy his place.
North Carodna.— Richard Caswell, Alexander Martin, William Richardson Davie, Richard Dobbs Spaight, and Willie
Jones. Richard Caswell having resigned, William Blount was appointed as deputy in his place. W'illie Jones having
also declined his appointment, his jdace was supplied by Hugh Williamson.
South Carolina — John Rutledge, Charles Pinckney, Charles C. PInckney, and Pierce Butler.
Ofor.Tia.— William Few, Abraham Baldwin, William Pierce, GeorgeWalton, William Houston, and Nathaniel Pendleton.
» " The Assemblies did not adopt It," said Franklin, "as they all thought there was too much iirfTojatit'c In It; and lu
England It was judged to have too much of the demoeratic."
JAOKSOM'S UO.Nl'JII'.NT.
f (
28
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Leading Members of the Convention.
lU Objecta.
Its Proceedinge.
Oonveruenr Morris.
Signing the Co
>■„
gress in 1705, and tho last two had been compatriots of Washington in the Congress
of 1774, Livingston, Siierman, Read, and Wythe had siiared the same honors. The
last two, with Franklin, Sherman, Gerry, Clymer, Morris, and Wilson, had signed the
Declaration of Independence. Tiio Continental army was represented by Washington,
Mifflin, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, and Hamilton. Tho yonnger members, who had
become conspicuous in public life after tho Declaration of Independence, were Hamilton,
Madison, and Edmund Randolph. Tho latter was then Governor of Virginia, having suc-
ceeded Patrick Henry, the "trumpet of sedition" when the states were British provinces.
The Convention was marked by long and warm debates, and with dignity suited to
tho cccasion. Tiio most prominent speakers were King, Gnrry, and Gorham, of Massa-
chusetts; Hamilton and Lansing, of New York ; Ellsworth, Johnson, and Sherman, of
Connecticut; Paterson, of New Jersey ; Franklin, Wilson, and Morris, of Pennsylvania;
Dickinson, of Delaware ; Martin, of Maryland ; Randolph, Mason, and Madison, of Vir-
ginia ; Williamson, of North Carolina, and the Pinckneys, of South Carolina.
Such wore the men, all conspicuous in tho history of tho republic, who assembled for
tho purpose of laying the broad foundations of a nation. They had scarcely a prece-
dent in history for their guide. The great political maxim established by the Revolu-
tion was, that the original residence of all human sovereignty is in the people: it "was
for these founders of a great state to parcel out from the several commonwealths of
which the new nation was composed, so much of their restricted power as tho peo-
ple of the several states should be willing to dismiss from their local political insti-
tutions, in making a strong and harmonious republic that should be at tho same time
harmless toward reserved state rights. This was the great problem to be solved. "At
that time," says a recent writer, " the world had witnessed no such spectacle as that of
the deputies of a nation, chosen by the free action of great communities, and assembled
for the purpose of thoroughly reforming its Constitution, by the exercise and with the
authority of the national will. All that had been done, both in ancient and in modern
times, in forming, mouldhig, or modifying constitutions of government, bore little re-
semblance to the present undertaking of tho states of America. Neither among the
Greeks nor the Romans was there a precedent, and scarcely an analogy."'
Randolph suggested the chief business of the Convention in his proposition "that a
NATIONAL government ought to be established, consisting of a supi-eme legislative, ex-
ecutive, and judiciary." L^pon this broad proposition all future action was based ; and
they had not proceeded far before it was clearly perceived that the Articles of Confed-
eration were too radically defective to be the basis of a stable government. Therefore,
instead of trying to amend them, the Convention went diligently at work to form an
entirely new Constitution. In this they made slow
progress, opinions were so conflicting. Plans and
amendments were oflfered, and freely discussed. Day
after day, and week after week, the debates contin-
ued, sometimes with great courtesy, and sometimes
with great acrimony, until the 10th of September,
when all plans and amendments which had been
adopted by the Convention were placed in the hands
of a committee for revision and arrangement .^ By
' Curtls's Uialory of the Origin, Formation, and Adoption n* the Consti-
tution of the United States.
' This committee, appointed on the 8th, consisted of Messrs. Madison,
Hamilton, King, Johnson, and Gonvemeur Morris. They were directed
to " revise the style of, and arrange, the articles agreed to by the House."
They placed the matter In the hands of Qouvemcur Morris for the pur-
pose. In language and general arrangement, the National Constitution
was the work of that eminent man.*
• Qouvemeur Morris was bom near the Westchester shore of the Harlem River, New York, at the close of January,
176!!. He was educated at King's (now Columbia) College, in the city of New York, studied law under the eminent
this commii
considered
the 15th it
copy on pai
far more im
ence, eleven
In tho pe
part of a few
— so seiioiis
utter failure,
adopted, and
bers wished
ively, but wit
desire of Dr
and biing ab(
Morris, that
words : " Don
sci-ibed," etc.
Hamilton p
ment did not
government,
own ; but is it
the chance of |
The appeals
secured the si
Mason and Ra
tion.* While
occupied by W
have often and
fears as to its i
whether it was
rising sun."
The Conventi
the new Constil
William Smith, of tha
the Continental Cong
on a diplomatic missi
flunlly appointed min
Senate of the United S
' For a full account 1
lion, and Adoption oft)
ia two volumes : New
» George Mason was
those of his associates
was octive in the Conv
Virginians have nlwayi
state sovereignty— the
Patrick Henry, he oppc
ment for converting tl
autHmnofl792, atthea
' We shall have occi
United States in 1812.
♦The names of the d
are given \n om fac-sin
parlmcnt at Washingfo
York (Yates and Lansi
offlclally represented.
j)ortant, and In the place
llton, of New York." i
This is owing to the pa
would have done. Thes(
OF THE WAR OF 1812,
29
Signing the Constitution. Hesitation on the part of aome. Patriotic Course of Franklin, Hamilton, and otherR.
this committee a Constitution was reported to the Convention. It was taken up and
considered clause by clause, discussed, slightly amended, and then engrossed. On
the loth it was agreed to by the delegates of all the states present. On the 17th a fair
copy on parchment was brought in to receive the signatures of the members — an act
far more important in all its bearings than the signing of the Declaration of Independ-
ence, eleven years before.'
In the performance of that act, as in the former, there was some hesitation on the
part of a few. There had been serious differences of opinion during the whole session
— so serious that at times there seemed a probability that the Convention would be an
utter failure. There were still serious differences of opinion when the instrument was
adopted, and delicate questions arose about signing it. A large majority of the mem-
bers wished it to go forth to the people, not only as the act of the Convention collect-
ively, but with the individual sanction and signature of each delegate. This was the
desire of Dr. Franklin, and, with pleasant words, ho endeavored to allay all irritation
and bring about such a result. It was finally agreed, on the suggestion of Gonverneiir
Morris, that it might be signed, without implying personal sanction, in these closing
words : " Done by consent of the states present. In testimony whereof, we have sub-
scribed," etc.
Hamilton patriotically seconded the efforts of Franklin, notwithstanding the instru-
ment did not have his approval, because it did not give power enough to the national
government. " No man's ideas," he said, " are more remote from the plan than my
own ; but is it possible to deliberate between anarchy and confusion on one side, and
the chance of good on the other?"
The appeals of Franklin and Hamilton, and the example of Madison and Pinckney,
secured the signatures of several dissatisfied members ; and all present, excepting
Mason and Randolph, of Virginia,^ and Gerry, of ^Massachusetts,^ signed the Constitu-
tion.* While this important work was in progress, Franklin looked toward the chair
occupied by Washington, at the back of which a sun was painted, and observed, " I
have often and often, in the course of the session, and the vicissitudes of my hopes and
fears as to its issue, looked at that sun behind the President without being able to tell
whether it was rising or setting : at length I have the happiness to know that it is a
rising sun."
The Convention, by a carefully worded resolution, recommended the Congress to lay
the new Constitution before the 2)eople (not the states), and ask them, the source of all
William Smith, of that city, and was licensed to practice in 1771. He was an active patriot durin;; the war, serving in
the Continental Congress, on committees of safety, etc. He resided some time in Philadclpliia. He was scut abroad
on a diplomatic mission, and resided for a while in Paris. He afterward went to London on public business, and was
flually appointed minister plenipotentiary at the French Court. He returned to America in 17118, was elected to the
Senate of the United States, and was active In public and i)rivate life until his deatli in ISlfl.
1 For a full account In detail of all the proceedings in relation to the Constitution, see the Uixtor;/ of the Origin, Forma-
tion, and Adoption of the Cotutitution of the United States, with Notices of its I^rincipal FramerSfhy GeoTgo TIcknor Curtis,
la two volumes : New York, Harper & Brothers.
' George Mason was Washington's neighbor and early personal friend. He was a statcsffinn of the first order among
those of his associates In Virginia, and a thorough republican. He was the fi-amer of the Constitution of Virginia, and
was active in the Convention that formed the National Constitution. He was so Imbued with the state pride for which
Virginians have always been noted, that he would not agree to that Constitution because It did not recognize individual
state sovereignty— the very rock on which the new republic was then in danger of being wrecked. In conjunction with
Patrick Henry, he opposed its adoption In the Virginia Convention, professing to believe that it would be the instru-
ment for converting the government into a monarchy. He died at his seat on the Potomac (Gunston Hall) in the
autumn of 1702, at the age of sixty-seven years.
' We shall have occasion to consider the public character of Mr. Gerry hereafter. He was Vice-President of the
United States in 1812.
* The names of the delegates have been given in note 2, page 27. The names of those who signed the Constitution
are given in our facsimiles of their signatures, which have been engraved from the original parchment in the State De-
partment at Washington. It will be seen that Alexander Hamilton's name stands alone. His colleagues from New
York (Yates and Lansing) had left the Convention in disgust on the 1st of July, and New York was considered not
officially represented. Bnt Hamilton, who had not swerved from duty, was there. The weight of his name was im-
portant, and In the place that should have been filled with the names of delegates from his state was recited, " Mr. Ham-
ilton, of New York." It will be observed that the hand-writing of all seems defective, the lines appearing irregular.
This is owing to the parchment on which their names are written, which did not receive the Ink as freely as paper
would have done. These irregularities have all been carefully copied, so as to give a perfect /ac-simifc of the originals.
»i I
i|ifi!lf
,l,n
#f-^ I
. V'
30
PICTOKIAL FIELD-BOOK
If
ii
I
j i;
« 1
Ji''
* ? ' N
Signntttreg to tho Nntiuiml Constitution.
^
sA^-ey^^
(>^.^Cy^
^,X (y'i^ •'< ^ I
{/^cA^c^ f^l^.^^^ \
-^fc
RetolatJoiK Mm
'■'■Itesolvm
witli tho res
OP THE WAR OF 1819.
31
RMolatloiii nent to the State LeKl*l*t>>rei.
BlKnntnrea to the NRttonoI Conilltntlon.
sovereignty, to tfttify or reject it. Tho viows of thu great majority of tlio luumbers of
Congress wore coiiuurrciit, ami on tiie 28lli of September that body
^^Jiesolvcd ununimousli/fThiit tlic said report [of the Convention to the Congress],
witli tho rcsolutics and letters accompanying thu same, bo transmitted to tho several
J-^i^rrL^ ^/'ffi^^^\
/cKori.K TiiKKKUF, iu coulbrtuity to tlio resolves ot'tbo Convoutioa made ami
provided in tliat case."
Conventions of tliopw;)/^ were accordingly licld'in tlio several states to confiider tlie
Constitution. Lonj? ami stirring debates occurred in these Conventions, and at every
piihllo gathering and private lioartli-stono in the land. Hamilton, Madison, Jay, and
others fed ihe public understanding witli able essays on government and in favor of
the now Constitution.' That instrument was rood and discussed every whore. IJut it
e^Aj
c^^/^
BIQNATtlRES TO TIIE OONBTITCTIOS.
' The essays of Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were published mid'T the pcncral title of The FederalM. It was origin-
ally designed to comprise the eerles within twenty, or, at moBt, twenty-five numhcrs, but they extended to elghty-flve.
Of these llamilton wrote sixty-live. The first nnmber, written by Hamilton in the cabin of a Hudson Elver sloop, was
Ratlflrntlon of tli
was nine mo
ratified it — t
ninth state w
i-'lst of J line,
adopted nieas
tho first Wet
Uovernment s
tho Constituti
Theso met on
chief ni.igistr;
was inaiigurat(
of all the state)
After oarno!
ment involvini
I advantages an
fairly tried, it \
order to form
provide for the
of Liberty to oi
lor the United S
pnbllshed on tho 27th
They were publlHh(Ml i
III AngiiBt, I (MS: "vvIk
appeared, that work I J
lirluclples of freedom o
lift connected In civil so
' That state was Rhn
Constitution in tlie fol
cumber 18, UST; (Jeorgi
April 28, UHS; South Ci
•-'11, 17S8; North Caroiln
tumn of 1781), President
Ktate, he avoided It.
■^ The Constitution wo
pr ance to a state as para
ll wa» Intended to d. th
os|)ecialiy, such a result
state in the League, and
to the breaking out of th
feeling was somewhat nn
Yet much of the old pri(i
thought of hnvln^i the "
sovereignty. The new Ic
Henry violently denonnci
stood its character when,
to speak the language '»'
valor, I would have a reaf
cause, as he asserted, it "
eruments."
Tlie opposition In sever
tlie Constitution were assi
wrote: "Their strength, a
to inflame the passions ar
lu-guments, or fair and imp
ify and debase tlic characi
The papers, tiy Colonel
sense of superiority to all
Imne of progress and natlo
(,'iiiiiing. In the:, 17ftO. During tho recess of Congress, in the au-
tumn of 178!), President Washington visited the New England States. As Rhode Island yet remained a kind of foreign
state, he avoided It.
1 The Constltutl(m was violently assailed by tho " State Rights" or state sovereignty men— men who regarde-^ allc-
i; ance to a state as paramount to that dno to the national government. Their chief objection was that It destroyed (as
II was intended to dv Ihc alleged sovereignty of the several states, and constituted a consolidated nation. In Virginia,
csi)eclally, such a result was looked upon by the proud aristocracy with great disfavor. Virginia was then the niling
state in the League, and her political power wan swayed by a few flimlllea. These were exceedingly proud, and, down
to the breaking out of tho war for Independence, they looked with disdain upon the people of tho other colonieu." This
feeling was somewhat modlfleu by the operatiims of the war, and new men were found at the helm of the vessel of state.
Yet much of the old pride remained, and the leading Virginians, with n few honorable exceptions, could not bear tho
thought of having the "Old Dominion," as they were proud to call the coinmonweailh, stripped of her independent
sovereignty. The new lenders sei/.cd ujion this dominant state pride and made It subservient to their wishes. Patrick
Henry violently denounced the Constitution because of Its destructive effects upon state sovereignty. Ho clearly under-
stood its character when, with n loud voice, in the Virginia Convention, he demanded, " Who anthorlxed the Conventlcm
to speak the language 'We, the people,' instead ot'We, the atatesl' Even from that illnstrions man who saved us by his
valor, I would have a reason for his conduct." George Mason, In the same Convention, denounced the Constitution be-
cause, ns he asserted, it "changed tho confederation of states into a consolidation, and would annihilate the state gov-
ernments."
The opposition in several other states was very powerful, for various reasons, and the Constitution and the friends of
the Constitution were assailed with the most outrageous misrepresentations. Of the opponents In Virginia Washington
wrote : "Their strength, as well as those of the same class in other states, seems to lie in misrepresentation, and a desire
to inflame the passions and alarm the fears by noisy declamation, rather than to convince the understanding by sound
lu-guments, or fair and impartial statements. BafBed in their attacks upon the Constitution, they liave attempted to vil-
ify and debase the characters who formed it, but I trust they will not succeed."
The papers, by Colonel Byrd (who was a member of the Colonial Council), above referred to, afford a glimpse of the
nense of superiority to all the other colonists entertained by the leading families In Virginia, which was always the
Ijnne of progress and national feeling, and made large numbers of tho politicinns of that state dlsnnlonists from the be-
giiuiing. In the; twenty-flvc mcu to guard tiie military stores at Pittsburg, and flfty-flve to perform military duty
!it West Point and nhyr magazines.
Peace was negotiated with most of the tribes which had taken part against the United States in the late war. A
36
nCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Indian Treaties.
Anti-slavery Hovements.
Tlie Ordinance of 1T8T.
First Settlements in Ohio.
I
iii:, ii
By treaty with the chief tribes between the Ohio River and the Gi'eat J.itkes, and
the cession by Virginia' to the United States of all claims to lands in that region, the
general government became absolute possessor of a vast counti-y, out of which several
flourishing states have since been foi-med.^
While the National Convention was in session at Philadelphia in the summer of
1787, the Continental Congress, sitting at New York, feeble and dying, with only eight
states represented, took up and disposed of in a satisfactory manner a subject second
ooly in importance to that under discussion in the capital of Pennsylvania. They
• jniyis, adopted,* by unanimous vote, "An Ordinance for the government of the Tei-
™''- ritory of the United States northwest of the Ohio."^ In anticipation of this
action, extensive surveys had been made in the new territory. Soon after the passiige
of the ordinance above mentioned, a sale of five millions of aci'cs, extending along the
Ohio from the Muskingum to the Sciota, were sold to the " Ohio Company," which
was composed of citizens of New England, many of whom had been officers of the Con-
tinental army.* A similar sale was made to John Cleve Symmes, of New Jersey, for
two millions of acres, in the rich and beautiful region between the Great and Little
Miami Rivers, including the site of Cincinnati.
These were the fii-st steps taken toward the settlement of the Northwestern Terri-
toi-y, in which occurred so many of the important events of the War of 1812. Hitherto
New England emigration had been chiefly toVermoui Noi- ■ -n New Hampshire, and
the Territory of Maine. Now it poured, in a vast and i , * stream, into the Ohio
countiy. Genei'al Rufus Putnam, at the head of a colony fi oin Massachusetts, founded
a settlement* (the first, of Europeans, in all Ohio, if we except the Moravian missionary
stations^) at the mouth of the Muskingum River, and named it Marietta, in honor of
Campus Martiua
Maria Antoi
Campus Mai
Jy comnienc
against the
the autumn
party of se
selves upon
and founded
mouth of the
Washington
Ijuilt a short
the site of Cii
It has been
in the yeai-s ]
twenty thous
and children w
in boats, to be
growth of emp
Soon after
St. Clair,2an ^
Revolution, wa
president. He
•i great measui-.
where duty to i
treaty was conclnded at Fort Stanwix (now Rome, New Yorlc) in October, 1TS4, with the Six Nations. Another was con-
cluded at Port M'lutosh in January, 1786, with the Wynndots, Bclawnres, Clilppewas, and Ottawas; and another with
the Cherokees, at Hopewell, in November the same year. Dissatisfaction having arlcen concerning remuneration for
lands, two new treaties were made at Fort Ilannar, on the Musltingum, Ohio, at the beginning of 1789, by which allow-
ances were made for ceded lands. By treaty, the Indian titles to lands extending along the northern bank of the Ohio
and a considerable distance inland, as far west as the Wabash Hivcr, were extinguished. This tract comprised about
9eve"teen millions of acres.
' The deed of cession, signed by Virginia commissioners, wit.i Thomas Jefferson at their head, was executed on the
first day of March, 1784. It stipulated that the territory ceded should be laid out and formed into states, not less than
one hundred nor more than one hundred and fifty miles square ; that the states so formed should be "distinct repub-
lican states," and admitted as members of the National Union, having the same rights of sovereignty, etc., as the
older states.
After the cession was executed the Congress referred the matter to a committee, of which Mr. Jeffer«i» was chairman.
That committee reported an ordinance containing a plan for the government of the whole West' '■ ory north and
south of the Ohio, from the thirty-flrst degree of north latitude to the northern boundary of th ; .. .. : tales, it being
supposed that other states owning territory south of the Ohio would follow the example of Vir,; ' - ■ Ian proposed
to divide the great Territory into seventeen states, and among the conditions was the remarkable u, ofiertheycnr
1800, there shall be neither slavery nor Involuntary servitude In any of the said states, other i.i • ^|r 'shment of
crimes whereof the parly shall have been duly convicted." This provision did not get the voti' oi '.' ,, the num-
ber necessary to adopt it. New York, New jersey, and Pennsylvania, with the four New England S' . .oted for It ;
North Carolina was divided; Delaware and Georgia were unrepresented; aIb'tI." 'id, Virginia, and South <.'c il.na voted
against it. (See Journal of Congress, April 19, 1784.) After expunging this proviso the report was adopted, but the
subject was not deflnltoly acted upon.
» Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
' This ordinance was reported by a committee, of which Mr. Dane, of Massachusetts, was chairman. It contained Mr.
JclTerfon's anti-slavery proviso, with a clause relative to the renditiou of fugitive slaves, similar in form to the one incor-
porated In the National Constitution a few weeks later.
« This company was formed In Boston, and Rev. Manasseh Cutler, and Winthrop Sargent wore the authorized agents
of the association to make the contract with the United States Treasury Board. Among the associates were Oeiiornls
Parsons and Rufus Putnam, of Connecticut ; General Varnum and Commodore Whipple, of Rhode Island ; General Tup-
per, of Massachusetts, and men of lesser note in public life.
» Putnam and his party landed on the site of Marietta on the 7th of April, 1788. Tlie (.•■
not yet arrived, so they established temporary laws for their own government. These wer<.
and nailed to a tree. Return J. Meigs, afterward governor of the state, was appointed to
was the beginning of government in the State of Ohio.
6 These devoted missionaries were the first white inhabitants who took up their abode w.
State of Ohio. The Rev.John Frederick Post and Rev. John Ileckcwoldcr bad penetrated the Vv llderncss In this direction
before the commencement of the Revolution. Their first visit was as early as 1701. Others followed, and they estab-
lished three stallons, or villages of Indian converts, on the Tuscarawas River, within the limits of the present county of
that name. These were named Schocnbnin, Onadenhutten, and Salem. The latter was near the present village of Port
emor of the territory hurt
'dished by being written
I .ainiater the laws. Such
[.e pr jsent limits of the
Washington. There ]
welder resided for somj
and there his daught.
nanna Maria was born (
«thofApril,nsi. Shew
first white child born in
nndlsyet living tlSrt?] at
'ehcm. Pennsylvania, ii
posse.jsionofherment«
"Itlcs. She has been de
a number of years, aud
;" alate in conversation.
hand is firm, and she w
with vigor, as her signal
'■irefullycopiedintheen
>"ig, made at the close of]
"■'<••«(«. Itwasappende
an autograph note to
'"ler. The portrait was 1
en by the Daguerrelan ,
''■S8 at that time. In a dl
kept by (he younger pu:
-;f the Bethlehem Load
Hhool, where Miss H,.,.
welder was educated, u„,
date of December zV "'
a-
"ith gateways through thr
Ar,.hur8t.01alrw'„s„
Port rT"'?" '" """• "nd ^
fortLigonler.inPcnnsvIvi
^■.Woneli„,hecontiuent«r
settled in Pennsylvania. I
governor of the newly-oJf
^'vived his mlsforln'nes^
'rw"!},;"'"-'" August. Ifi
Wim8mB.Qiie8,nmem
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
37
Campus Martius aod Fort Waahlngton.
Hiss Heckewelder.
General St. Clair.
Maria Antoinette, the queen of Louis the Sixteenth, of France. A stockade fort, called
Campus Martius, was immediate- -,i^^_. - t;
ly commenced, as a protection - -~
against the hostile Indians.' In
the autumn of the same year a
l)arty of settlers seated them-
selves upon Symmes's purchase,
and founded Columbia, near the
mouth of the Little Miami. Fort
Washington was soon afterward
built a short distance below, on
the site of Cincinnati.
It has been estimated that with-
in the years 1788 and 1789, full
twenty thousand men, women, ^
and children went down the Ohio
in boats, to become settlers on its banks,
growth of empire beyond the Alieghanies!
Soon after the organization of the Northwestern Territory, Major General Arthur
St. Ciair,2 an officer in the old French War, and in the Continental army during the
Revolution, was appointed its governor by the Congress, of which body he was then
president. He accepted the position with reluctance. "The office of governor was in
a great measure forced on rae," he said, in a letter to a friend.' Yet, ever ready to go
where duty to his country called him, he proceeded to the Territory in the summer of
OAUPUg HABTICB.
Since then, how wonderful has been the
y !
Wn8hlnp;ton. There Ilecke-
wclder resided for some time,
nm\ there hia daughter Jo-
hanna Maria was born, on the
0th of April, 17S1. She was the
first white child born inOhIo,
iind isyel living tlStiT] ntBeth-
lehem. Pennsylvania, In full
l>»s8P:Sslon of her mental fac-
ulties. She has been deaf for
a number of years, and uses
ii slate in conversation. Ilcr
hand is tlrm, and she writes
with vigor, as her signature,
carefully copied In the engra-
ving, madeatthcclosc of 1869,
attests. It was appended to
an autograph note to the
writer. The portrait was tak-
en by the Daguerrelan pro-
cess at that time. In a diary
kept by the younger pupils
of the Bethlehem boarding-
school, where Miss Ilecke-
wcldcr was educated, under
date of December 23, 1788
(the year when Marietta was
founded), occurs the follow-
ing sentence : " Little Miss
Tolly Ilcckewelder's papa re-
tumc'' from Fort Pitt, which
occasioned her and us great
joy." See Bethlehem Souve-
nir, 1858, p. 67.
' This fort was a regular
parallelogram, with an exte-
rior Hue of seven hundred
and twenty feet. There was a
strong block-house at each
corner, surraonntcd by a tow-
er and sentry-box. Uetwcen
them were dwe'.llng-honses.
At the outer corner of each
block - house was a bastion,
standing on four stout tim-
bers. There were port-holes
for musketry and artillery.
These buildings were, all
made ot gwkvcd timbers.
Twenty feet in aihance of
these was a row of very
strong and large pickets.
-<2-5>-^-?-t A>
oc^z^ e^^^c
^.(y^ec>> d'M^,
with gateways through them, and a few feet outside of these was placed a row of abati*.
' Arthur St. Clair was a native of Edinbnrp, in Scotland, where lie was born in 1734. lie came to America with Admi-
ral BoBcawen In 17,TO, and served imder Wolfe as a lieutenant. After the peace In 1763 he was placed in command of
Fort Ligonier, In Pennsylvania. When the Revolution broke out he esponecd the patriot cause, and was appointed a
(olonel In the Continental army In .Tannary, 1776. He was active most of the time during that war, and after its close
fettled in Pennsylvania. He was President of the Continental Congress in 1787, and the following year was appointed
governor of the newly-organlaed Northwestern Territory. Ills services in that region arc recorded in the text. He
survived his mlsforlnnes there almost a quarter of a century, and then died, In poverty, at Laurel Hill, lu Western
Pennsylvania, In August, 1818, at the age of eighty-four years.
' William B. Giles, a member of Cougresa from Virginia.
38
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Temper of the WeBtera Indians. The Brltieh tampering with them. Lord Dorchester. Frontier Troops and Posts.
Council at Fort IJ
i
rss.
1788, and t'^ok up his abode in Campus
Mai'tius," with Winthrop Sargent as
8I0NATCBK OF WINTHROP BAKGENT.
secretary or deputy, who acted as chief mag-
istrate during the absence of the governoi*.
St. Clair at once instituted inquiries, in ac-
coi'dance with his instructions, concerning the
temper of the Indians in the Territory. They
were known to be exceedingly uneasy, and
sometimes in frowning moods ; and the tribes
on the Wabash, riumbering almost two thou-
sand warriors, who had not been parties to
any of the treaties, were decidedly hostile.
They continued to make predatory incursions
into the Kentucky settlements, notwithstand-
ing chastisements received at the liands of
General George Rogers Clarke, the " father
of the Northwest," as he has been called ; and they were in turn invaded and scourged
by bands of retaliating Kentuckians. These expeditions deepened the hostile feeling,
and gave strength and fierceness to botli parties when, in after years, they met in
battle.
It soon became evident that all the tribes in the Territory, numbering full twenty
thousand souls, were tampered with by British emissaries, sent out from the frontier
forts, which had not been given up to the United States in compliance with treaty stip-
ulations. Sir John Johnson (son of Sir William, of the Moliawk Valley, and tlie im-
placable enemy of the United States') was the Inspector General of Indian Affairs in
America, and had great influence over the savages; and Lord Dorchester (formerly
e
> Sir John was the heir to the title and fortune of Sir William, and was at the head of the Loyalists in the Mohawk
Valley at the boginninR of the Revolution. He had lived some time in England, and returned to settle in Canada in
1786. lie had suflcred in person and estate at the hands of the republicans, havltiK been expelled from his home, his
property confiscated, and his family exiled. These circumstances made him a bitter and relentless foe, and ready tn
strik a blow of retaliation. Ilia losses were made up by the British povernment by grants of land. He died at Mont-
real ■ 11 issn, at the age of eighty-eight years. For a detailed account of his career during the old war for independence,
see Lr/»sing's Field-liook of the Revobttlm, vol. i.
' Sir Guy Carleton was Governor of Canada when the old war for independence broke out, and contluaed there until
its close. lie was acquainted with all the affairs of the Indians, and had great influence over them.
' Appointed brigadier generil on the 81st of July, 1787.
l^inguni River;
ville; and Fort '
Early in 1^8
chiefs and sachei
leading men of t
Sacs. With all t
t'7 from the Mol.
inents were confi
Nations (or, rathe
not rcpi-osented)
eiicefl by BritisJi e
ity of the treaty i
council at Fort IL-
of Virginia and K(
Nearer the Gull
the wily Spaniards
'ive temptations tc
'^eague and join fc
the time in questioi
M'Gillivr.ay, a lialf-
with the Spaniards,
In view of all these
war was gatherino-
.,',''''''" .'■"rt was commcnc
Major John Doughty. It „
''onorofCoIoneLToslahlla;
"fthe kind erected within tl
ofan acre IJ„i,e,, states f
'he site of Cincinnati. Dui
*;"«! after the treaty of o"
f,,,, '",'"« 8""«t council at F
following reason for their r,
le Six Nations, who seduce
olaw„res,Otta,vas,andPot
I t I
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
39
Conncll at Fort Hikrmar.
Little Turtle's Opposition.
Uneasiness of the Indians of the Gulf Region.
rOKT nAllMAR.
» January 9.
kingum River ; Fort Stcnben, on the Ohio Rivei', now Jeffcrsonville, opposite Louis-
ville ; and Fort Vincennes, on the Wabash River.
Early in 1789* Governor St. Clair held a council at Fort Ilarmar" with
chiefs and sacher,:? of tlie Six Nations. He also held a council with the
leading men of the Wyandots, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottawatomies, and
Sacs. With all these representatives of thousands of Indians, scattered over the coun-
try from the Mohawk Valley to that of the Wabash, he made treaties, when old agi'ee-
ments were confirmed, and remunerations and boundaries were specified. The Six
Nations (or, rather, five of the six nations, for the Mohawks, who were in Canada, were
not represented) were faithful to the treaty ; but the gi'eat body of the others, influ-
enced by British emissaries and unscrupulous traders, refused to acknowledge the valid-
ity of the treaty made by their warriors and rulers.^ Within a few weeks after the
council at Fort Harniar, parties of them were out upon the war-path on the frontiers
of Virginia and Kentucky.
Nearer the Gulf, the Creeks and Cherokees, brought into immediate contact with
the wily Spaniards in Florida and at New Orleans, who were already preparing seduc-
tive temptations to the settlei's in the trans-Alleghany valleys to leave the American
League and join fortunes with tho children of Old Spain, became first uneasy, and at
the time in question were assuming a hostile attitude. The Creeks, led by the talented
M'Gillivr.ay, a lialf-breed, whose father was a Scotcliman, had formed a close alliance
with the Spaniards, and through them miglit receive arms and other military supplies.
In view of all these circumstances, tlie portentous cloud of a threatened general Indian
war was gathering in the western horizon at the close of 17 '
' This fort was commenced In the autumn of 1T85, by a detachment of United States troops under the command of
Major John DouRhty. It was on the right baiilt of the Muskinijum, at Its Junction with the Olilo, and was named in
lionor of Colonel Joslah Hamiar, to whose regiment Major Doughty's corps was attached. It was the first military post
of the kind erected within the limits of Ohio. Tho outlines formed a regular pentagon, embracing about three fourths
iif an acre. United States troops occupied it mitil 17!)0, when they left It to construct and occupy Fort Washington, on
the site of Cincinnati. During the Indian wars that succeeded it was occupied by a few troops, and was Anally aban-
doned after the treaty of Greenville In 1795.
' In the great council at Fort Greenville in ITflB, Little Turtle, the most active of the chiefs In the Northwest, gave the
following reason for their refusal to comply with the treaties : " You have told me," he said, " that the present treaty
"hould be founded upon that of Muskingum. I beg leave to observe to you that Ihat treaty was effected altnu'cther by
the Six Nations, who seduced some of our young men to attend It, together with a few of the Chipi)ewas, Wyandots,
Delawares, Ottawas, and Pottawatomies. I beg leave to tell you that I am entirely Ignorant of what was done at that
treaty."
i; s • !
f I
40
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Evidences of BritUb latrlgnes. Fropoeed Western Boundary of the United States. Indian Warriors on the Ohio.
ill
I
i
'i
y>i
Yet nioro threatening was tlie aspect of affairs on the Western frontier in the spring
of 1790, Serious trouble was evidently brewing. Major Hamtranick, a small Cana-
dian Freuchiuan, and a spirited officer in the United States army, was in command of
the military post at Vincennes, an important point on the Wabash,* surrounded by
F"encli families, whose long residence made them influential among the .^.idians. Many
of the latter spoke their language, and some had embraced the Roman Catholic relig-
ion. Taking advantage of this intimate relationship, Hamtramck sent out Antoine
Gamelin, with speeches to the Wabash and Miami Indians from Governor St. Clair, of-
fering them peace and friendship. In the course of his tour Gamelin obtained positive
evidence of the influence of the British at Detroit over the savage mind in the West.
He traversed the country from Post Vincennes along the Wabash, and eastward to the
Miami village, where the conjunction of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's Rivers forms
the Maumee, or Miami of the Lakes, at the present city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He
made speeches himself, and oft'ored them St. Clair's ; but he was every where met with
the reply that they could do nothing definitely until they could hear from Detroit.
" You invite us to stop our young men," said the Kickapoos. " It is impossible to do
it, being constantly encouraged by the British." " We are all sensible of your speech,
and pleased with it," said Blue Jacket, chief warrior of the Shawnoese; "but we can
not give you an answer without hearing from our father at Detroit." "We can not
give a definite answer without consulting the commandant at Detroit," said Le Gris,
the great chief of the Mianiis. " The English commandant at Detroit is our father
since he threw down our French father," said the Shawnoese.^ And so, on all occa-
sions, they were unwilling to accept proflers of peace with the United States without
first consulting the commandant at Detroit, with whom Johnson and Carleton were in
constant communication. Instigated by these men, these Western tribes insisted on
the establishment of the Ohio River as the boundary between the Indians and the
United States, and would listen to no other terms.^
Hamtramck was so well satisfied of these machinations of the British that he assured
Governor St. Clair that a permanent peace with the savages was an impossibility. The
governor, meanwhile, had received accounts of the depredations of the Inditms along
the Ohio from the Falls (Louisville) to Pittsburg. They infested the banks in such
numbers, Avaylaying boats and plundering and wounding the voyaging emigrants, that
an utter cessation of the navigation of the river seemed inevitable.
The principal rendezvous of the marauders was near the mouth of the Scioto, on the
north bank of the Ohio, and to that point two hundred and thirty Kentucky volunteers
and one hundred regular troops were sent, under General Ilarmar. They assembled
at Fort Washington,* then not quite completed, and marched from thence to the Scioto.
> Vincennes was so nnmcd by the French traders, who cstahliphed a trnding-post there as early as 1730. The name is
in honor of the Sicur de Vincennes, an officer sent to the Miamis as early as 1705, and who commanded the post on the
Wabash, after^vard called by his nam". It was alternately in possession of the Americans and British during the Rcvd-
lutlon, while the hoad-qnarters of the latter were at Detroit. It is on the bank of the Wabash, one hundred miles from
Its mouth, and Is the capital of Knox County, Indiana.
« Gamclln's Journal, cited by Dillon, in his History of Indiana, p. 220.
' This curtailment of the boundaries of the United States, so as to prevent their control of the upper lakes and the
valuable ftir trade of the country around them, was a favorite scheme of British statesmen. It was even proposed ns ii
rine qua noii, at one time, by the British commissioners who negotiated the Treaty of Peace in 1814, that the Indians
inhabiting a portion of the United States within the limits establiehed by the Treaty i.. 1783 should be included as the
allies of Great Britain in the projected paciflcatiou ; and that definite boundaries should be settled for the Indian lorri-
tory. upon a basis which would have operated to surrender to a number of Indians, not probably exceeding a few tlioii-
sands, the rights of sovereignty as well as of soil, over nearly one third of the territorial dominions of the United Statcf,
inhabited by more than one hundred thousand of its citizens.*
« Fort Washington was built on the site of a block-house erected by Ensign Luce within the limits of the present oilv
of Cincinnati, which was first named Losantivllle by a pedantic settler, from the words If on anti viW; which he interpreted
as meaning "the village opposite the mouth"— mouth of Licking River. Luce was at North Bend with a detachment of
troops, charged with selecting a site for a block-house. Judge Symmes wished it to be built there, but Luce, accordiu);
to the judge, was led to Cincinnati, as Losantivllle was then called, on account of his love for the beantifnl wife of a set-
tler, who went there to reside because of the attentions to her of Ibe ensign at the Bend. Luce followed, and erected the
IJ
Fort Washlngtt
The Indian
approach, a
tio'i return
coriplishing
A more f
dition, to pe
ami country
ined upon,
• 1790. ^^ Se
eral
Washington
teen hiindre
moved towai
tlie hostile I
around the I)
the Maumee.
obedience tc
from Presiden
had proviousl
ter'' to the B
tliat the e.xpc.
He added that
• See American State Papert, Ix., 832 to 421, Inclusive.
realized.
Ilarmar reac
dian town the i
din, with some
into an arabusc
(an eminent Mi;
Goshen state ro
gun, while the r
tain Armstrong,
ages dance in fr£
Harinar move
block-house there; am
stnicture, and stood npc
Streets, east of Eastern
traveler, Mrs. Trollope,
composed of a number
Some, better (Inishcd thi
ofgronnd,withastron(i
ground on which the foi
autumn of ITflO, Governc
little viUage of Cinclnna
the West, as It has been
' These consisted of th
ed light troops, and two
' This has been mistal,
tribes of the Shawnoese,
Shawnoese. There was
jIteofXonia. There w,i
fort, In Ross County. Tl
within the present limits
1 (
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
41
Furt Washington, on the Site of Clucinnatt.
Harmar'B Expedition againat the Indlani.
» ITOO.
rOBT WABUINOTON, ON TUF. BITE OV CINOINIiATI.
The Indians fled on their
approach, and the expeui-
tin returned without ac-
complishing any thing.
A more fonnidablo expe-
dition, to penetrate the Mi-
ami country, was determ-
ined upon, and, at the close
of September," Gen-
eral Ilarinar left Fort
Washington with over four-
teen hundred troops,' and
moved toward the heart of
tlie hostile Indian country
around the head waters of
the Maumee. St. Clair, in
obedience to instructions
from President Washington,
had previously sent a let-
ter"* to the British commandant at Detroit, courteously informing him
that the expedition had no designs upon any possessions of the crown.
He added that he had every reason to expect, after such a candid explanation, that the
commandant would
neither countenance
nor assist the tribes
in their hostilities.
Of course this ex-
pectation was net
realized.
Ilarmar reached the Maumee at the middle of October. As he approached an In-
dian town the inhabitants fled, leaving it to be burned by the invaders. Colonel Har-
din, with some Kentucky volunteers and thirty regulars, was sent in pursuit. He fell
into an ambuscade of one hundred Indians, under Mish-i-kin-a-kwa, or Little Turtle
(.an eminent Miami chief), about eleven miles from the site of Fort Wayne, where the
Goshen state road crosses the Eel River. The frightened militia fled without firing a
gun, while the regulars stood firm until twenty -two of their number were slain. Cap-
tain Armstrong, who escaped, stood in mud and water up to his chin, and saw the sav-
ages dance in fmntic joy because of their victory.
Harmar moved about two miles to Chillicothe'^ and destroyed it; then, after being
>> September 19.
i?:?'.
y^.
^i^-^-^^^^^Po ^^^--9^^
block-house there ; and In 1T90 Major Donghty built Fort Washington on the same spot. It was a nide but strong
Btnicturc, and stood upon the eastern boundary of the town as originally laid out, between the prci^ont Third and Fourth
streets, east of Eastern Row, now Broadway, which was then a "two-pole alley." The celebrated EnsiUsh writer and
traveler, Mrs. Troilope, resided in Clucinnatt for a while, and had a noted bazar on the site of the fort. That work wai
composed of a number of stronjily-built hcwn-log cabins, a story and a halM'' height, arranged for soldiers' barracks.
Some, better finished than the majority, were used by the officers. They formed a hollow square, inclosing about an acre
of ground, with a strong block-house at each angle. One of these was Lnre's. These were built of the timber from the
grouud ou which the fort stood. In 1792 Congress reserved fifteen acres around it for the use of the garrison. In the
autumn of 1790, Governor St. Clair arrived at Fort Washington, organized the County of Hamilton, and decreed that the
little village of Cincinnati, commenced around the fort, should be the connty seat. Thus commenced the Queen City of
the West, as it has been called.
' These consisted of three battalions of Virginia militia, one battalion of Pennsylvania militia, one battalion of monnt-
ed light troops, and two bcttalions of regulars— in all, 1463. Of these, !120 were regulars.
» This has been mistaken for the present Chillicothe on the Scioto. ChiiUcothe was the name of one of the principal
tribes of the Shawnoese, and was a favorite name for a village. There were several of that name in the country of the
Shawnoeso. There was Old Chillicothe, where Boone was a captive for some time. It was on the Little Miami, on the
site of Xenla. There was another on the site ofWestfnll, in Pickaway County ; and still another on the rite of Frank-
fort, In Ross Connty. There was an Indian town of that name on the site of the present Chllllcotbo, All these were
within the present limits of Ohio. It ejguifled " the town," or principal one.
■ll
^
1 »
43
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battle near Fort Wayne, and Unrmar'H Defeat.
The Diaaster and Ita Coni)0(iuonre».
• October 21,
IT'.M).
menaced by the Indians, ho turned hia face toward Fort Washington,*
That night was a starry one, and Hardin, who was full of fight, proposed
to Ilarniar a surprise of tiie Indians at the head of the Mauniee, where they had a vil-
lage on one side of the river and an encampment of warriors on the other side. Har-
mar reluctantly complied, and four hundred men were detached for the purpose.' Six-
ty of them were regulars, under Major Wyllys. They marched in three columns (the
regi'.lars in the centre), and pushed forward as rapidly as possible, hoping to fall upon
the Indians before dawn. But it was after sunrise before they reached the bank of the
Maumee. A j)lan of attack was soon arranged. Major Hall, with a detachment of mi-
litia, was to pass around the village at the bend of the Maumee, cross the St. Mary's
and the St. Joseph's, gain the rear of the Indian encampment unobserved, and await
an attack by tiie main body of the troops in front. These, consisting of Major M'Mul-
lin's l)attalion. Major Fontaine's cavalry, and the regulars under Major Wyllys, were to
cross the Maumee !}', and near the usual ford, and tliua surround the savages. The game
was sj)oilcd by the imprudence of Major Hall, who fired prematurely xipon a solitary
Indian and alaniu .. the encannjment. The startled Miamis Avere instantly seen flying
in difterent directions. The
militia under M'Mullin and
the cavalry under Fontaine,
who had crossed the river,
started in pursuit, in disobe-
dience of orders, leaving the
regulars under Wyllys, who
had also crossed the Mau-
mee, unsupported. The lat-
ter were attacked by Little
Turtle and the main body
of the Indians, and driven
back with great slaughter,
llichardvillc, a half-blood
and successor to Little Tur-
tle, who was in the battle,
and Mho died at Fort Wayn(>
in ] 840, often asserted that
the bodies of the slain Were
BO numerous in the river at
the ford that he could have crossed over the stream upon them dryshod.*
While this conflict was going on at the ford, M'Mullin and Fontaine, in connection
with Hall, were skirmishing with parties of Indians a short distance up the St. Jo-
se})h's. P'ontaine, with a number of his followers, fell at the head of his mounted
militia, in making a charge. He was shot dead, and, fallhig from liis horse, was imn'.o-
diately scalj)ed. The remaindfr, with those under Hall and M'Mullin, fell back in
confusion toward the ford of the Maumee, and followed the remnant of the regulars
in their retreat. The Indians, having suffered severely, did not pursue.
General Ilarmar was informed of the disaster by a liorseman who had outstripped
the rest. A detachment of militia was immediately ordered to the assistance of the
retreating parties; but such mortal fear had taken possession of these raw recruits
that only thirty, willing to go, could be found among them. On his arrival at camp
Hardin urged Ilarmar to proceed with his whole force to the Maumee. The latter,
having lost all confidence in the militia, refused ; and, as soon as prepa-
rations could be made, tlie whole army took up its march*" for Fort Wash-
TUE MACMEE KORD — PLACE OF IIAHMAB'S DEFEAT.
' October 28.
> Harmar'i! haltlnpt-plnco wnR on Nlne-mllo Creek, a tributary of the Maumee, nine miles eonth of Fort Wnyne.
' Statement of ,Iohn P. Hedges, of Fort Wayne, to the author.
III!
Scene of Ilarnmi
ington, whi(
4th of Nove
I visited
ter at the
the close ot
came up th
Defiance on
and, aftcT vi^
ic interest t
ing (of wh
write), I ro(l(
upon the Toll
way, a dist:
miles. It w!
but the jouri
onous, because
ble forests cov
over which w
at the flourish
the afternoon,
made fiunous I
Hon. F. P. Kiln
We crossed th
stream to the |
tlie confluence
then fordable t
water four feet
ford was alons i
> o
m whose pre.sen
.iiid were made
' Harmar loBt, In thU i
The loss of the Indians V
crow out of this cxpcditi
resigned his commigslon
lution, and was a brave s
come Shawnoese while o
ty In each of the states of
mmlm
■ na s wiiM. -
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
43
Scene of Harmar'e Defeat.
Visit of the Anthor to the Places of Conflict.
Bite of the Miami Village.
y\NaMAfi^
ington, which they reached on the K'
4th of November.*
I visited the scene of the disas-
ter at tlie Miiuniee P^ord toward
the close of Sej)teniher, 1860. I
came np the Alanmee Valley to
Defiance on tlic night of the 24th,
and, after visiting places of histor-
ic interest tliere the next morn-
ing (of whicli I shall hereafter
write), I rode on to Fort Wayne
npon the Toledo and Wabash Hail-
way, a distance of forty - three
miles. It was a delightful day.
but the journey was very monot-
onous, because* alnuist iuteunina-
ble forests covered the flat country
over which we ])assed. I arrived
at the flourishing city of Fort Wayne, the shire town of Allen County, Indiana, late in
the afternoon, and by twilight had visited the fords of the Maumee and St. Joseph's,
made famous by the events of the 22d of October, 1700. I was accompanied by the
Hon. F. P, liandall, tiie mayor of the city, who kindly offered his services as guide.
We crossed the great bridge at the head of the MauTiiee, and rode first down that
stream to the place yet known as "ITarmar's Ford." li is about half a mile below
the confluence of the St. ]Mary's and St. Josepli's at I'ort Wayne. The river was not
then fordablo there, a dam having been built about half a jnile below, making the
water four feet deep at the old crossing-place. Tlie road that led to and crossed the
ford was along the margin of the Manniee, which was skirted by the same forest-trees
in whose presence the battle was fought. Tliey had grown to be grand and stately,
and were made exceedingly picturesque by the trailing grape-vines.
W^e returned to the bridge and rode up
the St. Joseph's to the place where Major
Hall and his detachment forded it. It is
abon. half a mile above the bridge. Tiiere
the St. Joseph's, with its banks fringed
with a variety of graceful trees, swept in
gentle curves, and presented to the eye
pictui'es of great beanty. Near the spot '
here represented, on the cast bank of the
St. Jose])h's, was once a stockat«Hi>Q-l>I.A0I-;.
• Ilarmnr loBt, In this expedition, 18,1 killed and 31 wounded. Amonc the killed were Majors Wyllys and Fontaine.
The loss of the Indians was supposed to be about equn) to that of the white people, i^rimlnatlons and recriminations
crew out of this expedition. Harmar and Hardin were both tried by court-martial and both were acquitted. Harmor
resigned his commission on the 1st of .January, 1TO2. Hardin had been a lieutenant in Morgan's rifle corps lu the Revo-
lutiun, and was a brave soldier. He was a Virginian by birth, but settled In Kentncky after the war. He was killed by
some Shawnoepc while on a mission of jieace to tliom in 170)2, when be was in the thirty-ninth year of his age. A coun-
ty in each of the states of Ohio and Kentucky bears his name, in his honor.
1"
A
ill. I-1
44
riCTOniAL IIELD-BOOK
A Tcnerable Iltttortcal Apple -tree.
Chief Richardvllle.
The TwlKhtweeit.
Their Ornelty to Prlioners.
]• w,t
APri.E-TnEK NKAll lIAiaiAUS Koni).
uriant growtli; aiul T was told that there in evidence that a similar crop lias been
raised iVoni it year after year for ahnost a century, and yet tlie soil was l)hu'k, rich,
and apparently inexhaustible. Here, it is said, was the place where the Mianiis
were accustomed to bum their prisoners.'
^ __. About three hundred yards westward
frtm Ilarmar's Ford, on the site of the In-
dian camp, was a venerable ai>ple-tree, full
of fruit, its trunk measuring fifteen feet
in circumference. Under this tree Chief
Riehardville, to whom allusion has been
made, was born a little more than a hund-
red years ago.^ It was a fiiiit- bearing
tree then, and is supposed to have grown
from a seed dropped by some French
trader among these Twightwees, as the
Miamis were called in early times.' In
the sketch of the ajiple-tree the city o f
Fort Wayne is seen in the distance. The
spires on the left are those of the Roman
Catholic Cathedral.
We returned to Fort Wayne at twi-
light, and I spent the evening profitably
with Mr. Hedges, one of the oldest and most intelligent of the inhabitants of that
town.* lie was there in the spring of 1812, while the old stockade was yet standing,
and before a garrison of United States troops from Harrison's army arrived. He has
seen the city bloom out into its present form and beauty from the folds of the dark
forest, and its history and traditions are as familiar to him as those of his own biog-
raphy. We chatted on the events of the past until a late hour, and parted with an
agreement to visit the historic scenes together in the morning. The air toward mid-
night was as mild as early June, but a dajipled sky prophesied a storm. At three
o'clock in the morning I was aroused by heavy thunder-peals, and the dawning of the
I We have mentioned Mr. Onmelln's pence mission, on page 40. lie was nt this place, and only three days after he
left (about the let of May, ITOO), the wavages, as if in derision of the United States anthority, brought an American prit-
iiner there and burned him.— See Dillon's UMimj of Indiana.
About seventy j-cars ago n white man was bound to the stake at this place. The mother of Chief Elchardvllle, men-
tioned in the next note, and a woman of great influence, had made fruitless attempts to save him. The torch was ap-
))lled. Richardvllle, then quite young, had been designated as their future chief. She appealed to him, and, placing a
knife in his hand, bade him assert his chieftainship and cut the cords that bound the prisoner. He obeyed, and the pris-
vith a high hand, ani
massacres, the British governr
oughly Identified with the savi
the British Indian Departmen
meet Elliott again. Qlrty wa.
redeeming quality. He was tl
was nurtured among the warli
who, with him, had been Impri
OF THE -WAR OF 1812.
45
Indian HoBtllttlos conttnned. Expeditions of Oenerala Scott and Wiildnaon. Ueatructlon of VlllaK<» and Cropa.
2Rth wiiH inatlo dreary by a cold diuzzlc dinfliiig uj)on a iiortheaHt wind. I went out
alone, and made the sketches at the two fonls and other di-awings, and, after visiting
the grave of Little Turtle, depai'ted in tlie midday train for Indianapolis. Of Fort
Wayne in 1H12, and of Little Turtle and his grave, I shall hei-eafter write.
Although Ilarmar in his expedition had jjunishcd the Miamis and Shawnoese se-
'verely, and Ilamtramck meanwhile had been up the Wabash to the mouth of the
Vermilion liiver and destroyed some deserted villages, Indian hostilities in the North-
west were not even checked. The settlers along the Ohio were continually lonaced
and sometimes attacked by the savages, back of whom was distinctly heard the voice
of the British commandant at Detroit. Western Virginia and Kentucky were thi-eat-
ened, and life and property on the frontiers wore in jeopardy every hour. The Vir-
ginia Legislature adopted measures for the protection of the settlers, and the national
government, awake to the importance of the subject, put forth all its available strength
for the same pui-pose. General Knox, the Secretary of War, issued orders to proper
authorities beyond the mountains " to impress the Indians with the power of the
United States," and " to inflict that degree of punishment which justice may re-
quire."* Under these instructions. General Scott, of Kentucky, with eight hundred
mounted men, crossed the Ohio," and penetrated the WabaSh country to the . j(„y 43^
large village of Ouiatenon, situated about eight miles below the present vil- ""*•
lage of Lafayette, Indiana, where several French families resided. There he found
ample evidence of the Indians' connection with and dependence on the British at
Detroit. Scott destroyed the town, and several villages in the neighborhood, and
desolated the country. He killed thirty-two Indians, "chiefly warriors of size and
figure," and took fifty-eight prisoners, without losing any of his own mcn.^
On the 1st of August Brigadier Genei-al James Wilkinson left Cincinnati (Fort
Washington) with five hundred and twenty-five men, and penetrated the same region,
by a difterent ronte, to the important Ouiatenon village of lie-na-pa-coni-a-qua, which
the French called L'Anguille (The Eel), on the Eel Uiver, about six miles from the
present Logansport, Indiana.^ He destroyed that village, desolated the country
around as far as Tippecanoe, and then pushed forward to the great prairies that
stretch away toward Lake Michigan. But deep morasses, into which he was some-
times plunged armpit deep, compelled him to return. He then destroyed another
Kickapoo village of twenty houses, desolated all the crops, and, after a march of four
hundred and fifty miles, reached the Falls of the Ohio (Louisville) on the 21st of
August.*
Tlie misfortune that befell the Indians under the lash of Scott and Wilkinson did not
quiet them. The British emissaries stimulated their courage to a point of desperation
by assuring them that the grand object of the United States was to exterminate the
tribes and take possession of their lands.* Thus two most powerful incentives to war
> luBtrnctions of the Secretary of War to Brigadier General Scott, of Kentucky, March 9, 1T91.
' Scott'B ofBclal report to the Secretary of War, Jnne 28, 1791.
3 Fort Ouiatenon, a stockade built by the French, was near the present :ity of Lafayette, Indiana.
* "I have destroyed," he said, "the chief town of the Ouiatenon nation, and made prisoners of the Bona and slatera
of the kin?. I have burned a respectable Kickapoo village, and cut down at least four hundred and thirty acres of corn,
chiefly in the milk. The Guiatenons, left without houses, home, or provislocs^ r.inst cease to war, and will find active
employ to subsist their squaws and children during the impending winter."— Wilkinson's Official Report to OovemorSt.
Clair, Aaewit 2i,mn.
5 The most active of these British emissaries were Simon Girty, Andrew M'Kee. and Mathew Elliott, three malignant
Tories during the Bevolntion. The two latter were natives of Path Valley, Pciin »ylvnnia. Many a murder was Justly
charged to these men while the old war for independence was in progress. They carried on their depredations on the
frontier with a high hand, and, for their faithfulness in inciting Indian hostilities during that war that led to frighttVl
massacres, the British government rewarded them with official station. They married Indian women, and became thor-
oughly identified with the savages. At the time we are now considering Elliott and M'Kee were subordinate agents in
the British Indian Dei)artmcnt, and, with Girty, had homes near Maiden, in Canada, on the Detroit Hiver. We shall
meet Elliott again. Qlrty was an unmitigated scoundrel. More brutal than the most savage Indian, he had not one
redeeming quality. He was the offspring of crime. Ills father, an Irishman, was a sot ; his mother was a bawd. He
was nurtured among the warlike Senecas, and his Innate crnclty had free scope for growth. With Elliott and M'Kee,
who, with him, had been imprisoned at Pittsburg in 1778, he aroused the Indians in the Northwest with the same cry
1:^^ 'I
IP
w
PICTOUIAL FIELD.
i
i
|h
» I
3
Mfbrti to rorm an lodtan ConlMarscy. BulldInK of FurU to tha Indian Conntrjr. A Camp deep In the Wllderneia.
were jircHcnted — Hclf-prcHcrviitioji and jtiitrioliHin. In (IfffiiHC «if life and roiuitry they
iVHolvi'd to fight to the lawt. Litlk- Turtle, of tlio MiaiiiiH, IJlui' Jucki't, of the Sliaw-
nocH(>, and lJiick-ong-a-hi'lo», of the Dehiwarew, j)ut fortli all their eiierj^ieH in the Hum-
mer of 1701, as Pontiac had done thirty yearn before, to confederate all the Western
triheH in an effort to drive every European from the Hoil north of the Ohio. The
protestations of St. Clair that peace, friendship, and justice, not war, Hubjujjation, and
rohliery, were the desire (jf the ])eople and f^overnment of the United States, were of
no avail ; and he was compelled, for the sake of the national lil'e on the frontier, to
attempt to convince them, by the stern argument of arms, that they were governed
by bad counselors at Detroit.
It was determined to establisli a strong military post in the heart of the Miami
country, on the site of the present city of Fort Wayne, Congress authorized the
raising of sufficient troops for the purpose, and during tlio spring and summer of
1791, St. Clair was jmtting forth strong ertbrts in that direction, but with indittercnt
success. Enlistments were slow, and it was not until the beginning of September
that he had collected a sufiicient force to attempt the enterj)rise with an appearance
of safety. These had been collected in the vicinity of Cincimiati, and j)laccd under
the immediate command,' in camp, of Major Ilamtramck, who was remarkable as a
tactician and disciplinarian,' St. Clair took the field as commander-in-chief. Major
General Richard Butler, of Pennsylvania, Avas his second in command, and Winthrop
Sargent, Secretary of the Territory, was appointed adjutant general.
An army little more than two thousand strong, under the immediate command of
General liutler, and accomjjanied by General St, Clair, moved forward on the 5th and
6th of September," On the bank of the Great Miami, little more than twen-
ty miles from P'ort Washington, they halted and built Fort Hamilton, on the
site of the present village of Ilamiltor Forty-two miles farther on, at a point about
six miles south of Greenville, in the \t Darke County, Ohio, they built Fort Jef-
ferson. When they moved from the he 24th of October, they began to encoun-
ter the subtle foe in small parties. It was evident that dusky scouts were hanging
upon their flanks, and they became hourly more cautious and vigilant. The nights
were frosty, but serene. The days were genial and brilliant. The summer warmth
had been difTused over the whole of Sei)tember ; and now the forests Avere. arrayed in
all the gorgeous beauty of autumnal splendors peculiar to thein.
At length, when darl: clouds Averc overhead, and falling leaves were thick in their
path, the invading army halted and encamped upon the borders of an nnknoAvn
stream, which proved to be a chief tributaiy of the Upjicr Wabasli, They were
ninety-seven miles from Fort Washington, deep in the wilderness. A liglit fall of
snow lay upon the ground — so light that it appeared like hoar-frost. Over a piece
of rising ground, timbered with oak, ash, and hickory, the encampment was spread,
with a fordable stream, forty feet in width, in front. The army lay in two lines, sev-
enty yards apart, with four pieces of cannon in the centre of each. Across the stream,
and beyond a rich bottom land three hundred y.irds in width, was an elevated plain,
covered with an open forest of stately trees. There the militia — throe hundred and
fifty independent, half-insubordinate men, under Lieutenant Colonel Oldham, of Ken-
tucky — were encamped.
Eight weary miles through the Avoods the soldiers had marched that day, and when
the camp was arranged the sun Avas low in the cloudless sky of the west, Ttie tired
soldiers early sought repose, Avithout suspicion of danger near. All around them
St. Clalr-a Trooii,
' im.
that now alarmed them : " The Americans want to take yonr lives and your lands." For more than twenty years the
women and children of the Ohio country turned pale when his name was mentioned.
' Hamtramck was a poor rider. " He was crooked like a frog on horsehack," said the venerable Major AVhltlock, of
Crnwr.irdevlllc, to me, who knew him well, and had served under him. He had the faculty of Inspiring the men with
self-confidence, and, notwithstanding he was a most rigid disciplinarian, the troops all loved hira, for he was kind-
hearted, generoue, and brave.
y/' i
were evidences
seen by vigilant
witJi their follov
They Avere ne
the Shawnoese i
cruel Girty and c
thousand fierce \
ments for several
a bolt from the c
The morning o;
mosphere, and ui
' This sketch of St. CIi
by his grandson, Winthr
Explanation a, Butl
company J //.cavalry; ^
flank guards; o2,plckett
Ing; the crooked stream,
' The late Colonel Job
could obtain, the Indlant
others at three Uiousand
dots, Ottawas, and a few i
' winthrop Sargent's 11
OF TUE WAU OF 18 13.
47
8t. Clair*! Troopi and the IndUni.
BtClalt'iCamp.
The TribM nprMwntMl by the Warrlon.
PLAN or BT. CLAIB's OAMP AND nATTI.E.'
were evidences of old and recent Indian camps, and a few lurking savages had been
seen by vigilant eyes ; but no one knew whether Little Turtle and his confederates,
with their tbllowers, were near or far away.
They were near. Only a few miles distant the great Miami leader, Blue Jacket
the Shawnoese chief, and Buck-ong-a-hclos, the leader of the Delawares, with the
cruel Girty and other white men in the British interest, were lying in wait, with two
thousand fierce warriors at their beck.^ These had been watching St. Clair's move-
ments for several days, and were waiting for .the proper moment to fall upon him like
a bolt from the cloud.
The morning of the 4th dawned brilliantly. "Moderate northwest wind, serene at-
mosphere, and unclouded sky."^ All night long the sentinels had been firing upon
> This sketch of St. Clair's encampment Is from Wlnthrop Sargent's MS. Jonrnal of the Campaign, kindly lent to me
by his grandson, Wiuthrop Sargent, Esq., of Philadelphia. It Is a fac-mmile of Mr. Sargent's sketcli.
Explanation — a, Butler's battalion ; h h, artillery ; c, Clarke's battalion ; d, Patterson's battalion ; c, Faulkner's rifle
company ; //, cavalry ; g, detachment of U. 8. Second Begiment ; ft, Oalther's battalion ; j, Beddinger's battalion \bnp,
flank guards ; o 2, pickets ; s, swamp ; nt, camp guard. 'The numerous crosses represent the enemy ; z z, troops retreat-
ing; the crooked stream, a tributary of the Wabash.
» The late Colonel John Johnson, of Doyton, mentioned hereafter. Informed me that, tram the best information he
could obtain, the Indians numbered about two thousand. Some have estimated their number at one thousand, and
others at three Uiousand. The principal tribes engaged in the battle were the Miamis, Delawares, Shawnoese, Wyan-
dots, Ottawae, and a few Cbippewas and Fottawatomjes.
3 Wlnthrop Sargent's MS. Journal, November 4, 1791.
48
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
St. Clnir'fl Battle with the Indians and hin Dcfoat.
Flight of the vanqnlahed Army.
A fleet-footed Woman.
^^,^1!
Iii-
^1 M
prowlini? Indians, and the men, by order of the commandhig general, had slept upon
their urins.
The troops had been early mustered and dismissed from pnrade. They were pre-
paring for breakfast, when, half an hour before sunrise, a body of Indians, witl\ yells
that wakened horrid echoes miles away through the forest, fell suddenly uptin the
militia. The assailed camp was immediately broken up, and the frightened soldiers,
most of whom had never been in battle, rushed wildly across the bottom and the
creek into the lines of the regulars, producing alarm and confusion there. The In-
dians closely follow :h1, and fell upou the regulars. The savages Avere several times
repulsed, but soon rallied, and directed their most effective shots upon the artillery in
tlic centre. Every officer there was prostrated, and the cannon were silenced. The
carnage among the Americans was terrible, yet they withstood the enemy with great
gallantry for ahnost three hour.s. Finally, when full one half of the army had fallen,
St. Clair ordered a retreat to an old Indian road or trail. Tliis was accomplished after
a furious charge as if to turn the enemy's flank.' The militia then led the van in the
precipitate retreat, which soon became a flight.^ The fugitive army was well covered
by Major Clarke and his battalicm; and the Indians, after following about four miles,
tunied back, wonderfully elated with their victory. Little Turtle was in chief com-
mand.
St. Clair behaved gallantly during the dreadful scene. lie was so tortured with
gout that he could not mount a horae without assistance. lie was not in uniform.
His chief covering was a coarse cappo coat, and a three-cocked hat from under which
his white hair was seen streaming as he and Butler rode up and down the lines during
the battle. He had throe horses killed under him. Eight balls passed through his
clothes. He finally mounted a pack-horse, and upon this animal, which could with
difficulty be si)urred into a trot, he followed in the retreat.
The fugitive army did not halt until safely within the palisades of Fort Jefferson.
The panic was terrible, and the conduct of the army after quitting the ground was
most disgraceful. Arms, ammunition, and accoutrements were almost all throwi.
away ; and even ofHeei*s, in some instances, threw away their arms, " thus setting an
example for the most precijiitate and ignominious flight."-' Tliiy left the damp at
nine o'clock in ;he morning, and at seven o'clock that evening they were in Fort Jef
ferson, twenty-nine miles distant. That evening Adjutant General Sargent wrote in
his diary, 'The troops have ail been defeated; and though it is impossible, at this
time, to ascertain our loss, yet there can be no manner of doubt that more than half
the army are cither killed or wounded."*
' There T^ere qnltp a large number of the wonndcd bo maimed that they could not walk or sit npon a horse, and their
compnnfonH were CDmpelled to leave them upon the field. " When they knew they must be left," says Sargent, "tliey
ehnri;eil tlirl. i)ieoe» with i\ dollheratlon and courage which reflects the highest honor upon them ; and the firing of muc-
Uctry in the camp after we had qi-itted it leaves little doubt that their latest efforts were profcoslonally brave, and where
they conid pull a trigger they avenged themselves."— JfA'. Jimrnal.
During the e::;'agcment, tjie Indians, as opportunity offered, plundered and scalped their victims. They also disfig-
ured the bodies of tn^ .'lam. Having been taught by the British emissaries that the Americans made war upon them
for their lands, they crammed clay and sand into the eyes and down the throats oC the dying and dead.— Dillon's //ii-
tiirij of Imliaim, p. 'JJ*:). Among tlic slain was Major General Bntler ; and it has been authoritatively asserted that the
miscreant, Slnvm flirty, instigated a savage warrior, while the general was yet alive on the field, to scalp him, and take
out his heart for distribution among t'le tribes I
» The whole nninber of effective trooi)9 in the battle, according to Sargent's return, was 1748.
5 Sargent's MS. .Tonrnal. There were almost two hundred female camp-foliowers, chiefly wives ot'the soldiers. Of
these, fifty-six were k lied ; most of the remainder were In the flight. One of them, Mrs. Catharine Miller, who died in
Cincinnati about the year l^iW, w.is sc fleet afoot that she ran ahead of the army. She had a great quantity of lably not mure than one hundred and fifty killed and wound-
ed. Several pieces of cannon, and all the baggage, ammunition, and provisl( is were left o'l the field, and oecame spoil
for the saMige vict:)i> The value of public property .)st, according to the report of the Secretary of War toward the
dune of 1792, waB$il'i,SlU T5. The signature of the Adjutant Oeneral, of which a/ac-aiviiU is given on page 39, was cup-
Effect of St. Clalr'f
At P'ort Jc
army, about
remnant of S
they arrived ;
Intelligence
ill the West, e
parts of the V
tion of the Oh
St. Clair wa
and the indinfn
to Tobias Lear,
"yes, HERE, on
leave of him.
!iiid honor. Y(
tions, I said, fi(
War. I had a si
will add but oik
mrprisef I re]
U.S. He went o
.yet!! to suffer
surprise— the ve
;i murderer ! II
liiin — tlu! curse <
The tone of W
liis lips. "ItAva
lie hurled iini)rc,
I'l't'iitliless silence
"The roused c
seemed conscious
gan to subside.
led from his report. Tn 1
Mstions campaign.
Ammig the slain, as w(
held the rank of colonel i
(luarter. Jle was \ nundf
the camp, ran uj) and torn
United States. Among tl
avenge the death of Itutl(
thwarted his bloody purjH
' Th!s event was the the
on a broadside, and enibel
II Miami village, an Indian
dy,"and j)rofe«.>ies to give,
leriuestofthe friends ofti
count," the battle W.IS foug
at Miami Village, near Fo
writer may be Imagined af
There was a famou.s song
liiusiuformsue, byoueoft
This song may b; found ii
' This Interview was cm II
liostofl'lttsbnrg. Thence h
'he sympathies and co-opera
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
40
Effect of St. Olalr'B Defeat on tho Public Mind.
Expression of President Washington's Indignation.
At Fort Jefferson tho flying troops found the First lleginient of the United States
iirniy, about thri'e hundred strong. Leaving a well-provisioned garrison there, the
i-eninant of St. Clair's force made their way to Fort Washington, where . November,
thoy arrived at noon on the Bth." ^^''*'
Intelligence of St. Clair's defeat produced the gieatest alarm among all tlie settlers
in the West, even as far eastward as Pitt^uurg. It cast a gloom over society in all
])arts of the Union, and checked for a short time the tide of emigration hi the direc-
tion of tho Ohio.i
St. Clair was condemned in unmeasured tenns by men of all classes and ])arties,
and the indignation of President Washington was exceedingly hot. "Here," lie said
to Tobias Lear, his private secretary,
" yes, iiERK, on this very spot, I took
leave of him. I wished him success ^^Ol/^l
;iiid honor. You have your instruc-
tions, I said, from the Secretary of
War. I had a strict eye to them, and
will a(hl but one word — beware of a
surjyrise! I repeat it — bkwakk of a surprise! Yon know how the Indians fight
us. lie went off with that, as my last solemn warning, thrown into his ears.^ And
j'et ! ! to suffer that army to he cut to pieces, hacked, butchered, tomahawked, by a
surprise — the very thing I guarded him against ! ! O God, O (lod, lie is worse than
a murderer! How can he answer it to his country? The blood of the slahi is upon
hiin — the curse of widows and orphans — the curse of Heaven !"
The tone of Washington's voice was a])paHing as these vehement sentences escaped
liis lips. "It was awful !" said Mr. Lear. "iMore than once he threw his hands uj) as
lie hurled imprecations upon St. Clair." Mr. Lear remauied speechless — awed into
breathless silence.
" The roused chief," says the chronicler, " sat down on the sofa once more. lie
seemed conscious of his passion, and uncomfortable. He was silent; his wrath be-
iian to subside. He at length said, in an altered voice, 'This must not go beyond
ied from hia report. In Howe's Ilialurieal CoUtvHona of Ohio may be found ninny particulars and anecdotes of this dig-
estions canipiiinn.
Anioiii; tlio slain, as we have obser\'cd, was Major Ocncnil Butler, a highly esteemed officer from Pennsylvania. lie
lidd the rank of cploiiol in the Continental army. In 17S7 ho was sent to the Ohio ns a^cnt for Indian ntTuirs in that
quiirtor. lie was \ imnded early in tlic iirtion, and before his wounds could be drop, .-d, an Indian, wlio had penetrated
llio camp, ran up and toninhnwl found in Howe's Ilistnrirnt CiillfctmiiD of Ohio. p. V.H.
a This interview was on the 2Sth of March, ITal, the day when St. <;lalr left Plilladelphla and proceeded to tho frontier
piis; of Pittsburg. Thence he wont to Kentucky, and afterwanl to Fort WashlDgton, every where eudeaToring to enlist
ilie sympathies and co-openitlon of the inhabitants for the campaign.
D
50
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Washington's Kindness to St. Clair. Kesignation of the latter. His later Days. General Wayne and his Troops.
tliis room.' Another pause followed — a longer one — when he said, in a tone quite
low, ' General St. Clair shall have justice. I looked hastily through the dispatches —
saw the whole disaster, but not all the particulars. I will hear him without preju-
dice; he shall have full justice.'
" He was now," said Mr. Lear, " perfectly calm. Half an hour had gone hy ; the
storm was over, and no sign of it Avas afterward seen in his conduct or heard in his
conversatiori."'
Washington was both generous and just, and St. Clair found in him a most faithful
friend. " Tl\e first interview of the President with the unfortunate general after the
fatal 4th of November," says the late Mr. Custis, who was present, " was nobly im-
pressive. St, Clair, worn down by age, disease, and the hard8hij)s of a frontier cam-
paign, assailed by the press, and with the current of popular opinion setting liard
against him, repaired to his chief as to a shelter from the fury of so many elements.
AVashington extended his hand to one who appeared in no ncAV character, for, during
the whole of a long life, misfortune seemed 'to have marked him for her own.' Poor
old St. Clair hobbled up to his chief, seized the oflfered hand in both of his, and gave
vent to his feelings in an audible-manner."^
St. Clair's case was investigated by a committee of the House of Representatives,
and he Avas honorably acquitted. But public sentiment had set against him in a cur-
rent too strong to be successfully resisted, and he resigned his commission.^ General
Anthony Wayne, whose impetuosity exhibited during the old war for independence
had gained him the title of "Mad Anthony," was appointed to fill his place. Wayne
was then in the prime of manhood, and Congress and the people had confidence in
his intelligence, courage, and energy. Congress authorized an increase of the regu-
lar army to a little over five thousand men, and a competent part of this force, to be
called the Legion of the United States, was to be assigned to Wayne for an expedi-
tion against the Indians in the Northwest. He took post at Pittsburg early in tlu>
following June," and appointed that place as the rendezvous of his invading
army. It was soon perceived that it was easier to vote troops in the halls of
Congress than to draw them out and muster them in the camp ; and it Avas not until
near the close of November that Wayne had collected a sufficient number to Avarrant
his moving forAvard. He then Avent doAvn the Ohio only about tAventy miles, and there
hutted his soldiers in a Avell-guarded camp, Avhich he called Legionville. There he
was joined by Lieutenant William Henry Harrison, afterward the distinguished gen-
eral in the armies of the United States, and the ninth President of the republic. The
• Washirtfiton in Doviestic Life, by Richard Rush, p. OT.
' llrmllcctinns and Private iVWnoi'rs of Washinittoii . liy his 'idopted son, O. W. P. C'istis, p. 419.
' The late Hon. Elishn WhitDescy, of Ohio, Firt', Auditor of the United States Treasury during a portion of the first
term of Mr. Lincoln's administration, and a veteran eoidier of ISlSi, furuished me with the following interesting account
of his interview with St. Clair three years hefore his death :
" In May, 1816, four of us called upon him, on the top of Chestnut Ridge, easlwardly eight or ten mile? from Orecii?-
bnrg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. We were traveling on horpcback to Connecticut, and being Informed tlml
General St. Clair kept tavern, we decided to cal' for entertainment during the night. We alighted at his recidence late
in ihc afternoon, and, on entering his log house, we saw an elderly, neat gentleman, dressed in black broadclotli, silk
stockings, and small-clothes, shining shoes whi'se straps were secured by large silver buckles, his hair clubbed and pow-
dered. On closing his book he rose, received fs most kindly and gracefiilly, and pointing lis to chairs, he asked us to bo
seated. On being asked for entertainment, h'; said, ' Gentlemen, I perceive yon are traveling, and although I should be
gratified by your custom, it is my duty to inform you I have no hay nor grain. I have good pasture, but If hay and graiu
are essential, I can not furnish them.'
" There stood before us a major general of the Revolution— the friend and confidant of Washington— late governor of
the Territory northwest of the River Ohio— one of natnrc's noblemen, of high, dignified bearing, whom misfortune, nor
the ingratitude of his cotuitry, nor poverty could break down nor deprive of self-respect— keeping a tavern In a loi;
house, but could not ftirnish a bushel of oats nor a lock of hay. We were moved principally to call upon him to hear hirii
converse abont the men of the Revolution and of the Northwestern Territory, and our regret that he could not entertain
us was greatly Increased by bearing him converse abont an h(.ur. The large estate he sacrificed for the cause of the
Revolution was within a sliort distance of tlic top of Chestnut Ridge, if not in sight. After he was governor he jicti-
tioned Congress for relief, but died before It was granted."*
* During the last two years of his life General St. Clair received a pension of sixty dollars a month iVom his govcni-
ment, and his latter days were made comfortable thereby. About ISOO, Senator Orodhead, of Peuusylvanio, procured
from Congress an appropriation for the heirs of General St. Clair.
• 1T92.
AVayne in the Ind
young Virgil
her of Iiis mi:
Wayne ivi
Jiroeeeded to
remained all i
and encamped
vilJe. His ar
men, exclusive
under the emii
While the a
best endeavor
without more
tijp pious IleeJ
i'lieiulship with
''i''-,n92. At
3Liiimee (or M
lJaj)ids to hold
Guasutha, and c
Seci'etary of W
eonsultation, del
edge any claim
In the spring
hostile tribes.2
and favorable to
>[iagara, a post i
pitalily entertain
grand council at
were informed bj
"atl vised the Ind
commissioners ca
i;eplied,"It i. oft
*oi- his advice on
sioners; and Jiis j
" the j)rinciple of
ousof ulterior de,'
At Niagara, aiu
.Ida, the commissit
ficcoinplished. IJi
eouncil j)lainly tol
Ilarniar, and claim
'lome, as they avoi
commissioners, aftc
.iT'ist. It was evid
"latter, and to arnin
We left Wayne a
Ion, on the- 23d of C
'""I" his stores. Aln
' The sentiments of the Ii
™«t given by Cornplnnter,
,,"■■' "lo snlii. pointiiiu- to t
U'lween the Americans and
^ The commission conslsi
'^"'c of commissioners t<
'Heply of Lieutenant Gov
tt
il
ite
tt
u
OF I'lIE WAR OF 1812.
51
Wayne in the Indian Country.
A grand Council.
Interference of Britisli Officials.
young Virginian soon exhibited qualities which caused Wayne to make him a mem-
ber of his military family as his aid-de-camp.
Wayne remained at Legionville until the close of April, ] 793, when liis whole force
proceeded to Cincinnati in boats, and took post near Fort Washington. There they
remained all the summer and until the 7th of October, when Wayne moved forward
and encami)ed'' six miles in advance of Fort Jefferson, on the site of Gi'een-
. ■ October 23.
ville. His army tlien numbered three thousand six hundred and thirty
men, exclusive of a small body of friendly Indians from the South, chiefly Choctaws,
imder the eminent warrior. Humming-bird.
While the army was mnking these tardy movements, the government was using its
best endeavors to eiT'ect a pacification of the tribes, and to establish a solid jjcace
without more bloodshed. These eflTorts promised success at times. With the aid of
the pious Ileckewelder, the Moravian, General Putnam made a treaty of peace and
iViemlship with the Wabash and Illinois tribes, at Vincennes, on the 27th of Septem-
ber, 1792. At about the same time great numbers of the tribes on the Miami, the
]\Iaumee (or Miami of the Lakes), and Sandusky Rivers, assembled at the j\Iaumec
Rapids to hold a grand council, at which Red Jacket, Cornplanter, Big Tree, the aged
Guasutha, and other representatives of the Six Nations appeared, at the request of the
Secretary of War. Simon Girty was the only Avhite man present. The savages, on
consultation, determined, in conformity with the advice of the British, not to acknowl-
edge any claim of the United States to lands northwest of the Ohio River.^
In the spring of 1793 a commission was sent by the President to treat with the
hostile tribes.'* Lieutenant Governor Sinicoe, of Canada, professing to be friendly,
and favorable to a pacification of the tribes, the commissioners went by the way of
Niagara, a post yet held by the British. Simcoe received them courteously, and hos-
l)itably entertained them for five or six weeks, while the Indians were holding another
grand council at the Rapids of the Maumee. While tarrying there, the commissioners
were informed by a MohaAvk Indian from the Grand River that Governor Simcoe had
"advised the Indians to make peme, 6?<< not to give up any of their lands.^^'^ The
commissioners called Simcoe's att ution to this. He did not deny the allegation, but
replied, " It U of that nature that ii can not be i rue," as the Indians had not " applied
for his advice on the subje- "' Tliis subterfuge was Avell understood by the commis-
sioners; and his admissic ;it, "ever since the conquest ot ('; ida," it had been
"the principle of the British _ >verument to Wf/'fc the Americ li dians" was omin-
ous of ulterior designs.
At Niagara, and at Captain ElliottV, near the mouth f the Detroit River, in Can-
ada, the commissioners held councils with tae Iinlians, but nothing satisfactory was
accomplished. British influence was more powerful than ev •, and the savages in
council j)lainly told the commissioners that if they insisted upon ihe treaty at P^ort
IIarm;vr, and claimed lands on the nortliern side of i lo Ohio, they might as well go
home, as they would never agree to any other bo iidary than that river. So the
commissioners, after several months of fruitless labor, turned liomeward late in Au-
gust. It was evident that the might of arms must imki • final settlement of the
matter, and to arms the United States resorted.
We let\ Wayne and his army near Fort Jefferson, ( miles from Fort Washing-
ton, on the 23d of October. He was then einbaiTassed iiy a lack of suflicient convoys
for his stores. Already a party detailed for this purpose had been attacked and se-
' The PcntlmentH of the Indians, even the friendly ones, concerning the bonndary, may be Inferred from the following
liinst Riven by Corniilantcr, at the tabic of General Wayuo, at I.eiilonvllie, in the spring of ITK! : "My mind is upon that
river," he sald.poiiuiiiL: to ttio Ohio. "May that water ever ccmtlnue to run, and remain the boundary of lasting peace
lotwecn the Americans and Indians on the opposite shore."— IIai.i.'h Mnnmr nf \¥. II. Ilnrrimn, p. 31.
= The commission consisted of l)cn.|amin Lincoln, Beverly Iiaiid(dph, and Timothy Pickering.
' Note of commissioners to Lientenant Governor Simcoe, 7th .Innc, 17!«).
I Roi)ly of Lieutenant Governor SImcre to American commissioners, Tth June, ITSfl.
52
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hostile Intentions of the Britisli revealed.
Allied Indians and British in Arms,
Battle at Fort Recovery.
f
i
-!i
verely handled by a strong band of Indians under Little Turtle near Fort St. Clair.
Lieutenant Lowry and fourteen of his companions were killed,^ and all the horses at-
tached to the wagons wore carried off.
The season was now too far advanced to enter upon a campaign, so Wayne set his
army to building a very strong fort on the spot where he Avas encamped. It was
made impregnable against the Indians. There they went into winter-quarters.^ Sul-
ficient garrisons were placed in the forts at VincenUes, Cincinnati, and JMarietta; and
the return of spring was waited for with anxiety, for it was obvious that hostilities
with the savages could not be long delayed.
A European war, to which we shall soon have occasion again to refei', was now
having its eifect upon the L^nited States, complicating the difficulties which natu-
rally attend the arrangement of a ncAV system of government. Ill feeling between
the United States and Great Bi'itain was increasing, and evidences were not wanting
that the latter was anxious for a pretense to declare hostilities against the former.
Taking advantage of this state of things, Loi-d Dorchester ^formerly Sir Guy Carle-
ton), the Governor of Canada, onconraged the Indians in maintaining their hostile at-
' February 10, titude. At a council of warriors f'"...i the West, held at Qnebec early in
1T04. 1794," Dorchester, in a speech, said, ^^ Children, since my return I find
no appearance of a line remains; and from the ni.Mmer in which the people of the
states push on, and act, and talk on this side, and from vhat I learn of their conduct
toward the sea, J shall not be surprised if ice are at war icith them in the course of the
present year ; and if so, a line must then be drawn by the warriors."
This was a suggestion for the savages to prepare for war. It was followed by an
order from Dorchester to Lieutenant Governor Simcoe to establish a British military
post at the rapids of the Maumee, fifty miles within the Indian country and the treaty
limits of the United States. At the very time when this menacing attitude was as-
sumed, the government of the new republic was exhibiting the most friendly feelings
toward that of Great Britain by a position of strict neutri;lit}^
Wayne was compelled to wait until late in the summer ot'lTOi before he felt strong
enough to move forward. Meanwhile the Indians appeared in force. On the 30th ol'
June, about a thousand of them, accoiniianied by a number of British soldiers and
French Canadian voluntcrs,^ made ♦heir appearance before Fort Hecoveiy (mention-
ed in note 2 below), and during the r this engagement, Wayne was johied'' by Major
1794. General Scott, with sixteen hundred mounted volunteers from Kentucky ;
« July 28. and two days afterward" he moved forward with his whole force toward the
Wayne's Expcditic
• Fort St. Clair was it a point about a mile fVom the site of Enton, in Preble Comi-
ty, Ohio. Between it ai.-i Eaton is a email cemetery, and therein, uiion one of those
ancient artificial moumls onnimon in Ohio, a neat monument of Hutland niarhli .
twelve fc(^t in height, waa erc-'ted by the citizens in commemoration of the plain m
Fort Recovery. Lowry and his (,.;r.'.;;..iiionB were hurled In Fori St. Clair. His re-
mains were removed to the little cemetery on the 4th of July, 1S22, and there rclii-
torrcd with the honors of war. They were afterward hurled In the mouiul.
- This was called Fort Oreenvillc, and covered a large part r)f the site of the prcv
out village of Greenville. The foldlcrs hnllt pcveral hundred log huts, in which thcv
wintered comfortably. Each hut was occupied by six persons.
From Fort Orcenvflle Wayne sent out eight companies, and a detachment of artil-
lery to take |)ossosslon of and fortify the place where St. Clair was defeated. They
arrived o!i the ground on Chrlstnuis-day, and i)rocecded to build a strong Ktockndc
They named It Fort Ticcovery, In commemoration of the fact that they had recuv
cred the territory lost by St. Clair, a^ I'll as .ill but one of the cannon which he was compelled to leave behind. A com-
pany each of artillery and rifli'men m e left there as n garrison.
' Burnet, In his notes, asserts upon .rood authority that there were "a considerable number of BritWh soldiers and Dc
trolt militia with the Indians." Fr* iidly Choctaws and Chickasaws with Wiiync, who had been sent on a scout a lev
days before, saw a largo body of luu.iue, among whom, they asserted, were many white men with their faces palnleil.
I.OWRV'S MONrMF.NT.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
53
Wa3me'g Expedition down tlic Maumec.
HiB Offers of Peace rejected.
Conduct of Little Turtle.
Maumec. Admonished by the fate of St. Clair, he marched cautiously and slowly
— so slowly and stcaltliily that the Indians called him The Ulacksnake. Little Turtle
was again upon the alert, with two thousand warriors of his own and neighboring
tribes within call. The vigilant Wayne well knew this. He had faithful and com])e-
teiit scouts and guides, and by unfrequented Avays and with perplexing feints, he
moved steadily onward, leaving strength and security in his rear.
Tweiity-tivc miles beyond Fort Recovery he built a stockade on the bank of the
St. Mary's, and called it Fort Adams. From this point he moved Ibrward on the 4th
of August, and at the end of four days encamped on a beautiful i)lain at the conflu-
ence of the An Glaize and Maumec Rivers, on the site of the present village of Defi-
ance. There he found a deserted Indian town, with at least a thousand acres of corn
growing around it.^ There, as elsewhere on liis march, the alarmed savages fled at
liis approach. He tarried there a week, and built a strong fortification, which he
culled Fort Defiance. Of this fort, and the appearance of its remains when I visited
it in the autumn of 1 800, 1 shall hereafter write.
Wayne was now at the nir . )ortant and commanding point in the Indian coun-
try. " We have gained the g md emporium of the hostile Indians of the West without
loss of blood," ho wrote to the Secretary of War.* And there he gained • August i4,
full and positive hiformation concerning the character, strength, and ])osi- ^""■*-
tion of the British military post at the foot of the Maumec Rapids already alluded to.^
Once more peace and reconciliation were oflVred to the Indians. Notwithstanding
lie was in possession of full power to subjugate and destroy without fear of the Rrit-
ish intruders below, Wivyne,, unwilling to shed blood unnecessarily, sent a message to
the Indians down the Maumee Avith kind words. " Be no longer deceived or led
astray," he said, " by the false promises and language of bad white men at the foot of
the Rapids ; they have neither the power nor the inclination to i)rotect you." He of-
fered them peace and traiuiuillity for themselves and their families, and invited tliem
to send deputies to meet him in council without delay. His overtures were rejected,
mid by craftiness they endeavored to gain time. " Stay where you are," they said,
" for ten days, and we will treat with you ; but if you advance we will give you bat-
tle."
This defiance was contrary to the advice of the sagacious Little Turtle, who coun-
seled peace.^ For this he was taunted with accusations of cowardice. The false
charge enraged him, and he was foremost in the conflict that immediately ensued.
Tiiat conflict was unavoidable. The vigilant Wayne perceived that nothing but a
severe blow would break the spirit of the t vibes and end the war, and he resolved to in-
flict it mercilessly. For this ])urpose his L'gion moved forward on the 15th of August,
and on the 18th took post at Roche de Bout, at the liead of the Rapids, near the pres-
ent town of Waterville, and there established a magazine of supplies and baggage,
with protecting military works, which they called Fort Deposit. There, on the 19th,
Wayne called a council of war, and ado])ted a plan of march and of battle submitted
l)y his young aid-de-camp. Lieutenant Harrison, Avho, nineteen years afterward, as a
L,a'neral-in-cliief, performed gallant exploits in that portion of the Maumee Valley.*
1 "The very extensive and highly cultivated fields and gardens chow the work of many hands. The margin of those
lioiuitil'ul rivers, the Miami of tlie Lnlies (pronounced Maumee] and An Glaize, appear like one continued village for a
iiumher of miles hoth above and below this place; nor bave I ever before behold such immense fields of corn in any
piirt of America from Canada to Florida. —Wayne's Letkr to the Seerrtartj of Warfrmn Fort DfflanK, August 14, IJIM.
3 It was a strong work of earth and logs, mounting four tl-pnundors, two large howit/.ers, six O-poundcrs, and two
swivels. The garrison, under Major Campbell, a testy Scotchman, consisted of 280 British regulars and 200 militia.
' " We have beaten the enemy twice, under separate commanders," said Little Turtle, in n speech. " Wc can not ex-
jicct the same good fortune always to attend us. The Americans arc now led by a chief who never Bleei)s. The night
1111(1 the d.iy arc alike to iiim ; and during all the time that he has been marching upon our villages, notwithstanding
ihe watchfulness of our young men, we have never been able to surprise him. Think well of It. There is something
whispers me it w Uf TIIK UA'llLK UF TUE FALLEN TIMUKUS.
proached within pistol-shot of Fort Miami, but its
guns prudently kept silence. Major Campbell, the
commandant, contented himself with scolding and
threatening, while Wayne coolly defied him and
retorted with vigor. Tlieir correspondence was
verj' spicy, but harmless in its effects.
Among the brave warinors in the battle who was
the last to flee before Wayne's legion, was Me-sa-
sa, or Turkey-foot, an Ottawa chief, who lived on
lilanchard's Fork of the Au Glaize River. He was
greatly beloved by his people. His courage was
conspicuous. When he found the line of the dusky
warriors giving way at the foot of Presque Isle
Hill, he leaped upon a small boulder, and by voice
and gesture endeavored to make them stand firm.
He almost immediately fell, pierced by a musket
ball, and expired by the side of the rock. Long
years afterward, Avhcn any of his tribe passed along
tlie Maumee trail, they would stop at that rock, and linger a long time with mani-
festations of sorrow. Peter Navarre, a native of that region, and one of General Har-
rison's most trusted scouts during the War of 1812, who accompanied me to the
spot in the autumn of 1800, told me that he had seen men, women, and children gather
around that rock, place bits
of dried beef^ parched peas ^^ i. ^^^c^ :~r::^ " = . -<,.--:
and corn, and sometimes _x:ab tf^ 3K;^":v^" y S^zJ---^-': -
some cheap trinket upon it, - '
and, calling frequently u])on
the name of the beloved Ot-
tawa, weep piteously. They
carved many rude figures of
a turkey's foot on the stone,
as a memorial of the English
name of the lamented Me-sa-
sa. The stone is still there,
by the side of the highway
at the foot of Presque Isle
Hill, ^vithin a few rods of
the swift -flowing Maumee.
Many of the carvings are
still quite deep and distinct,
while others have been ob-
literated by the abrasion of
the elements.' Of this locality, so famous in the chronicles of the War of 1812,1 shall
have more to say hereafter.
TDBKBV-FOOT 8 EOC'K.
' The above view of Tiirketi-fiwen lioch is nt the foot of the Maumee Rnplds, looking up the fifream. It is seen in the
foreground, on the rifht, and over it the road passing over Presque Isle Ilill. It was hero, and farther to the right, that
the Indians were )>osted among the fallen trees. On the left Is seen the Maumee, which here sweeps In a graceful cnr^•e.
Tlie point across the Maumee at the bend is the river termination of a plain, on which General Hull's army was encamp-
ed while on its march toward Detroit in the summer of 1S12. There the army crossed the Maumee.
Turkey-foot Rock is limestone, about five and a half feet in length and three feet in iieiu'ht. It is about three miles
above Maumee City. In allusion to the event whi.^h the rock commemorates, Andrew Oofflnberry, of Perrysburg, in a
poem entitled "The Forest Ranger, a Poetic Tale of the Westeia Wilderness of 1794," thus wrote, after giving an ac-
count of Wayne's progress up to this time :
. " Yet at the foot of rer. Presque Isie
Brave Me-sa-sa was warring (till :
tjf !' If
f^
■■f
1
1
1
1
)
'
m
!?!
I
66
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Troops bnlld Port Wayne.
Colonel Uamtramck,
The hnmbled .udlans sne for Peace.
Having thoroughly accomplished his work, Wayne returned with his army to Fort
• Angust '2T, Defiance," while the Indians, utterly defeated and disheartened, retired *o
^^^- the borv'jrs ofMaumec Bay, in the vicinity of Toledo, to brood over tlieir
misfortunes and ponder upon the future. At the middle of September the victors
moved from Defiance to the head of the Maumee, and at the bend of that river, just
below the confluence of the St. Mary's and St. Joseph's, which form it, they built a
strong fortification, and named it Fort Wayne. It was completed on the 22d of Oc-
tober, and was immediate-
ly garrisoned with infan-
try and artillery, under
Colonelllamtramck.' This
accomplished, the remain-
der of the troops left, some
for Fort Washington, to be
discharged from the serv-
ice, and tlie others for Fort
Greenville, where AVayuc made his head-quarters for the winter. Thither deputa-
tions from the various tribes with whom he had been at war came to Wayne, and
agreed upon preliminary terms of peace. They well remembered his assurance that
the British had neither the power nor the inclination to help them — an assurance
verified by the silence of Fort Miami's guns. They promised to meet him in council
early in the ensuing summer, for the purpose of forming a definitive treaty of j)eace
between the United States and the Indian tribes of the Northwest. Faithful to their
promise, chiefs and sachems began to reach Fort Greenville early in June. A grand
council was opened there on the 16th of that mouth, and was continued until the 10th
He stood upon a lurge rongh stone,
Still denlint,' random blows alone ;
But bleeding fast— glazed were his eyes,
And feeble grew his battle-cries ;
Too frail his arm, too dim his sight,
To wield or aim his axe aright;
As still more frail and faint he grew,
UU body on the rock he threw.
As coursed his blood along the ground,
In feeble, iow, and hollow sound,
Mingled with frantic peals and strong.
The dying chief poured forth his song."
Here follows "The Death-song of the Sagamore."
> John Francis Hamtramck was a most faithful and nsefiil officer. He was a resident of Northern New York when the
Revolution broke out, and was a captain In the Continental army. He was appointed a major iu the regular army of the
United States In September, ITS!), and was promoted to be lieutenant colonel commandant of the first sub-legion in Feb-
ruary, 1793. He commanded the left wing under General Wayne In the battle of the Maumee, In August, 17»4, and held
the rank of lieutenant colonel in the First Infantry in 1790. He was retained as colonel on the reduction of the army in
April, 1802, and on the 11th of April the following year he died and was buried at Detroit.
While in Detroit, in the autumn of ISOO, I visited the grave of Colonel Ham-
tramck, and made the accompanying sketch. It is in the grounds attached to
St. Anne's Orphan Asylum, and between that Institution and St. Anne's Cliurch,
both belonging to the Roman Catholirs. The monument over his grave and
the grounds around it were much neglected. The former was dilapidated, the
latter covered with weeds and brambles. The monument Is composed of !i
light freestone slab, grown dingy from the effects of the elements, lying upon
a foundation of brick. It bears the following luscriptlon :
"Sacred to the memory of John Fkanois Hamtbamok, Ksq., Colonel of the
First United States Regiment of Infantry, apd Commandant of Detroit and iti^
dependencies. He departed this life on the 11th of April, 1803, aged 46 years,
7 months, and 27 days. True patriotism, and zealous attachment to national
liberty, joined to a laudable ambition, led him Into military service at an early
period of his life. He was a soldier even before he was a man. He was an
active partlclpa - in all the daniii < ■<, difficulties, and honors of the Revoiu.
ttonary War; and his heroism and uniform good conduct procured him the
attention and personal thanks of the immortal Washington. The United
States, in him, have lost a valuable officer and good citizen, and society a
nseftil and pleasant member. To his family his loss is incalculable, niul his friends will never forget the memory of
Haratramck. This humble monument is placed over his remains by the officers who had the honor to serve under his
command: a small but grateful tribute to hU merit and bis worth."
HAMTRAMCK 8 TOMB.
Treaty with the In
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
67
Treaty with tbo Indians at UreecvUle.
Pooco secured.
of August. Almost eleven hundred Indians were present, rejjresenting twelve tribes.'
A definitive and sat! ■'factory treaty was signed by all parties on the 3d of August,
!ind the paeifieation of the Indians of the Northwest was thereby made comph'te.'-
Hy the operations of a 8j)eeiul treaty between the United States and Great liritain,
the Western military posts were speedily evacuated by the British, and for fifteen
years the most remote frontier settlements were safe from any annoyance by the In-
dians. This security gave an immense imi)etus to emigration to the Northwestern
Territory, and the country was raj)idly filled with a hardy population.
1 Wyandots, Dchnvares, Shawuocsc, Ottawoe, Chlppcwas, Pottawatomlos, Mlamis, Weas, K'ckapoos, Piaiikc8hawi<,
KaKkanklnx, and Kol River Indians.
2 After the treaty had been twice read to the Indhuip, and every eection explained by Ocneri,! V/aync, that nflloer
said: "HnitherH,— All you natlurs now present, listen! Yon now have had, a cecond time, the proposed articles of
treaty read and explained to you. It Is now time for the ne^jotlatlon to draw to a conclusion. I shall, therefore, ask
each nation Individually If they approve of and are i)repared to sign those articles In their i.icsent form, that they may
be Immediately enjj;rossed for that purpose. I shall begin with the Chlppcwas, who, with the others who approbate the
measure, will si)j;nify their assent. You, Chlppcwas, do you approve of these articles of treaty, and are you prepared to
sign themf [A nnanimons answer— yes.] You, Ottawas, do yon agree? [A unanimous aiiswer— yes.J You, Potta-
watomiesf [A unanimous answer— yes.] You, Wyandots, do yon agree? [A unanimous answer— yes.] Yon, Dcla-
warcs? [A unanimous answer— yes.] Yon, Shawnoese? fA unanimous answer -yes.] You, Miamis, do you agree?
[A unanimous answer— yes.) Y'on, Weas? I A unanimous answer— yes.] And you, Kickaiioos, do you agree? [A
unanimous answer— yes.] The treaty shall be enatrossed ; and, as it will require two or three days to do It properly on
l):irrhment, we will now part, to meet on the 2d of August. In the Interim, we will cat, drink, and rojolco, and thank
tlie Great Spirit for the happy stage this good work has arrived at."
After the treaty was signed, a co|)y of it on paper was given to the representative of each nation, and then a 1 rge
quantity of goods aiul many small ornaments were distributed among the Indians i)rcsent. On the Kith, at the close of
the council, General Wayne said to them : " Brothers, I now fervently pray to the Great Spirit that the jicacc now es-
tablished may be permanent, and that It may liold us together in the bonds of friendship until time shall be no more.
I also pray that the Great Spirit above may enlit'liten your minds, and open your eyes to your true happU.ess, that your
children may learn to cultivate the earth and enjoy the fruits of jjcace and Industry. As it is probable, my children,
tliut we shall not soon meet again in public council, I take this opportunity of bidding you all an afToctlonate farewell,
and of wishing yon a safe and happy return to your respective homes and families."
By this treaty the Indians ceded about twenty-tlve thousand square miles of territory to the United States, besides
sixteen se|)aratc tracts, including lands and forts. In consideration of those cessions, the Indians received goods from
tiie United States, of the value of 4f2i\UflO, as presents, and were promised an annual allowance, valued ut $i)500, to be
equitably distributed among all tlie tribes who were parties to the treaty.
lii
58
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Orgnulzatlon of the uow aavernmont.
Iti Policy Indicated.
Its Power manlfKated.
1 =
CHAPTER m.
"What coustltutcB n state f
Mfn, who their duties know,
But know their ri^'htH, and, knowing, dare maintain;
Prevent the loiiK-ahncd blow,
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain—
These constitute a state,"
Sm WlLLIAll J0ME8.
" There's a warfare where none hut the morally brave
Stand nobly and tirmly, their country to save.
, 'TIh the war o{ ojiininn, where few can be found.
On the mountain of principle, guarding the ground ;
With vlgilunt eyes ever watching the foes
Who are prowling around them, and aiming their blows."
Mas. Dana.
IITLE the arm of military power was removing the remains of a
lioary barbarism from the beautiful region west of the Allegha-
nies, preparatory to the fouiuling of great eommonwealths there,
the new national goviniment Avas summoning its functions into
energetic and beneficent action. Men were never called upon
to perform duties of greater importance and momentous conse-
quences. They were charged with the estalilishment of the for-
eign and domestic policy of a nation, "not for a day, but for all
time." The President and the Legislature felt the responsibility, and in solemn earn-
estness they elaborated schemes for the future prosperity of the republic. •
The earliest efforts of Congress, after its organization, Avere directed to the arrange-
ment of a system of revenue, in order to adjust the wretched financial affairs of the
country. Mr. JNIadison, the tacitly acknowledged leader in the House of Re])resenta-
tives, ])re8ented the plan of a temporary tariff upon foreign goods imported into the
United States, with provisions favorable to American shipping ; also a scheme of ton-
nage duties, in which great discriminations were made in favor of American vessels,
as well as those of France, Holland, Sweden, and Prussia, the only nations having
treaties of commerce Avith the United States. An efficient revemie system was speed-
ily adopted and put in motion, for the consolidated government possessed inherent
power to do so.
Tills first practical exhibition of sovereignty by the central government of the
United States opened the eyes of British merchants and statesmen to the fiict that
the Americans had suddenly made a stride toward absolute independence — that their
commerce was no longer subjected to the caprice of foreign powers, nor neglected
because of the disagreements and jealousies of thirteen distinct Legislatures. They
perceived that its interests were guarded and its strength nurtured by a central
poAver of Avonderful energy, and that the ncAV republic had taken its place among
the family of nations Avitli just claims to the highest respect and consideration. Other
nations yielded the same recognition, and its future career Avas contemplated Avith
peculiar interest throughout the civilized Avorld.
Wliile the House of Representatives Avas engaged on the subject of revenue, the
Senate was occupied in arranging a judiciary system. A bill for the purpose Avas
offered in that body by Oliver EllsAvorth, of Connecticut. Afler undergoing several
amendments, it was concurred in by both houses of Congress, and a national judiciary
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
59
Tbe Judiciary. AmeiidmciiU to tho Constltntlon. Cabinet MlulHteri. Relntloiis with Franco and England.
was established similar in all its essential features to that now in operation. It con-
sisted of one chief justice and five associate justices, who were directed to hold two
sessions annually at the seat of the national j^overnment. Circuit and district courts
were also established, which had jurisdic^tion over certain specified cases. Each state
was made a district, as were also the two Territories of Kentucky and Maine. The
districts, excepting the two Territories, were jir()>iped hi> as to form three circ\iits. A
nnirsiial and district attorney were appointed for each district by the President.'
Tiie subjects of revenue and judiciary being well disposed of, Congress next turn-
ed its attention to the organization of executive departments. Only three — Treas-
ury, War, and Foreign Relations — were established. The heads of these were styled
Secretaries instead of Ministers, as in Europe. The President of the United States
was clothed witli power to ai)|)oint or dismiss them at his pleasure, with the concur-
rence of the Senati'. Tliey were designed to constitute a cabinet council, ever sub-
ject to the call of the President for consultation on public affairs, and bound to give
him their opinions in writing ■when required.
The attention of Congress Avas next turned to the amendments of the Constitution
proposed by the peojde of the several states, which amounted, in the aggregate, to
one hundred and forty-seVv?n, besides separate Bills of Rights ])roposcd l)y Virginia
and New York, Sixteen of the amendments were agreed to, and twelve of them were
subsequently ratified by the people and became a part of tlie organic law of the na-
tion. The profound wisdom of the framers of the Constitution and its own perfection
are illustrated by the faet tliat, of tliese twelve amendmci is, not one of them, judged
by subsequent experience, was of a vital character.
Before the adjournment of Congress on the 20th of Sejitember," the Presi-
dent had appointed Ids Cabinet,^ and the new government was fairly set in
motion. Its foreign relations were, S. Naval affairs were under the control of the Secre-
tiiry of War. At that time the Attorney General and Postmaster General were heads of departments, but were not, as
now, Cabinet offlcers. Edmund Randolj)!! was appointed Attorney General, and Samuel Osjjood Postmaster General.
60
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Revolutionary Movemeuta In France.
LoAiyette the Leader.
Kzcltement In Parla.
National Auembly.
Kxcltement In I
At tlii^ vt'iy time wlicn the fruits oftlie Aiiiericaii Uevoliition were exhiliitinj,' tlioir
ripeiu'SH iu tlie lorm of a free ami vigorous nation full of promise, tlie i^^mjiiie (_)f
France, made unsound to the core by social and political corruptions most foul, was
HJiakcn by a moral cartli(iuake — a revolution severe at tlie beginning, and terril)!e in
its subse(iuent ct)urse. The Fn iich monarch was weak, his advisers were wicked,
and the dominant classes, through lu.vury and concomitant vices, were exceedingly
corrupt. The good and the brave of the kingdom hail long jierceived the abyss of
woe ui»oii the brink of which tlu'ir country was j)oisecoi)le, one of which Avas a representative National Assembly. "What!" ex-
claimed the Count D'Artois, one of the king's bad advisers, "do you make a motion
for the States General?" " Yes, and even nu)re than that," (piickly resj)onded Lafay-
ette. That more Avas a charter from the king, by Avhich the pul)lic and individual
liberty should be acknowledged and guaranteed by the future States General. The
proj)osition was received Avith unbounded enthusiasm. The measure Avas carried.
Early in May a session of the States General Avas opened at Versailles, and they con-
stituted themselves a National Assembly.
NoAV Avas the golden opportunity for King Louis. Slight concessions at that mo-
ment might have secured blessings for himself and his country, But he lieeded the
counsels of venal men more than the supjjlicatioiis of his real friends. lie opposed
the ])opular Avill, and took the road to ruin, lie ordered the liall of the National As-
sembly to be closed, and ])laced a cordon of mercenary German trooj)S around Paris
to overaAve the peo])le. From that time until early in July the French cajiital Avas
dreadfully agitated. Passion ruled the hour. The city Avas like a seething caldron.
Every one felt that a terrible storm Avas about to burst.
The National Assembly Avas iioav sitting in Paris, and thoroughly sustained by the
})cople. They called for the organization of forty-eight thousand armed militia.
Within tAVO days^tAVo hundred and seventy thousand citizens Avere enrolled. A state
mayor Avas a])i)ointed by the tOAvn assembly, and the Marquis La Salle Avas named
commander-in-chief.
Court dispatches Avere intercepted by the people by the arrest of royal couriers.
Then they demanded arms. An immense assemblage Avent to the Hos])ital of the
Invalids on the 10th of July, and demanded from the governor the instant delivery to
them of all Aveapons there. He refused, and they seized thirty thousand muskets and
tAventy pieces of cannon. Then they visited the shops of the armorers and the de-
pository oftlie Garde-meuble^awA. seized all the arms found there.
Higher and lijgher rose the tide of revolution. The girdle of soldiers around Paris
Avas the chief cause for present irritation. The National Assembly sent a deputation
to the king at Versailles to ask him to remove them. His good heart counseled com-
pliance, but his Aveak head boAved to the demands of bad advisers. " I alone have
OK THE WAK OF 1812.
n
Kxcltnninnt In I'arla.
Purmiitlon of u Natlunnl Utiunl.
Troachory at tbe BmUIo.
ThM Mwm dMinqrtd.
tilt! rii^lit to judpfo of tho necessity, and in that respect I can make no ctiiinj:;©," was
till' iiiuii^lity iUiHWor oftlio iiini^ liorrio l)iick to llic AsHonilily. Tiiis answer, and tho
ilixinissiil of ^l. Nofkcr, the eoiitrolh'r oftiie treasury, and utiier patriotic ministers
wlio llivorcd rt'f'onii, produced a crisis.
I'aris was eoniparaliveiy (luict on the nijj;ht of tl\e 13th of July. It was the omin-
ous hill before tin- burstini; of tlie tempest. The streets were barricaded. The ]ieople
formed themselves into a National (Juard, and chose Lafayette as their commaiidiT.
(iiui, sabre, scythe, ami whatever weapon fell in their way was seized. Multitudes
of nu'ii of tlu! same opinion embraced each other in the streets as brothers, and, in
an instant almost, a National (iuard of one hundred thousand determined men was
forn\ed.
The inr)rninLC of the 14th was serene. The sky was cloudless. Rut storms of |ias-
siou were swcpintj over Paris. The people were in motion at an early hour. Their
steps wert! toward the I5astile, a hoary state prison, which was rci^arded as the slroni^-
hold of despotism. They stood before it in imnu'use numbers. A ])arley ensued.
The {fates were opened, and ibrty leadincj ■■itizens, as representatives of the |)opn-
laee, were allowed to enter. The bridi^es were then suddeidy drawn, and volleys
of musketry soon tohl a tak of treachery most foul. They were all murdered!
That moment marks the openim; of the terrible scenes of the Freiu-h devolution.
With demoniac yells the exasperated ])o|)ulace draLjijed heavy cannon before the
tjates, and threatened the destruction of the Hastile. The terrified governor displayed
a white flai;, and invited a second deputation to enter the gates. These shared tho
fate of the former! The furious multitude would no loniijer listen to words of |)eace.
They were treacherous all. A breach was soon made in the walls. The !.^overiu)r
and other officers were draijijed to execution, and their heads were paraded upon
pikes through the streets. The great iron key of the Bnstile was sent to the City
Hall.' The National Assembly decreed the demolititm of the hated jirison, and very
soon it was leveled to the ground.'' Upon its site, now the I'ltice do Jiantile, stands
the Colnnin of Juhj^ erected by Louis l'hili|)pe to commemorate the devolution in
18;?0, which placed hini on the throne. Laliiyette sent the key of the JJastile to
Washington, who placed it in the broad passage at Mount Vernon, where it still
hangs.
The National Assembly elected Lafayette commander- in -chief of the National
(tuard of all France, a corps of more than four millions of armed citizens. They
voted him a salary of fifty thousand dollars a year, but, imitating Washington, he
refused to accept any remuneration for his services. The humbled king approved liis
appointment, and the monarch, deserted by his evil counselors, threw himself upon
the National Assembly. "lie has been deceived hitherto," Lafayette proclaimed to
the public, "but he now sees the merit and justice of the popular catise." The over-
joyed people shouted " Long live the king I" and for a moment the Kevolution seemed
to be at an end and its purposes accomplished.
But Lafayette, who comprehended the labors and the dangers yet to be encoun-
tered, was filled with ajiprehension. The wily Duke of Orleans, who desired the de-
struction of the king for the base purpose of his own exaltatitm to the thnme, was
ijusied in sowing the seeds of distrust am'oiig the people.^ The d\ike incited them to
demand the monarch's presence at the Tuileries. Louis went voluntarily from Ver-
saijles to Paris, followed by sixty thousand citizens and a hundred deputies of the
' For a picture and description of this key, see LosslnR'a FirUI-liook of the Revnlution, !i., 2fli).
' A picture of the Bastilo may he found In LoHsin^'s H'lvie of \Va«hiniiton ami ita AmoriatioiiH, p. 221.
' " lie does not, Indeed, i)o»6cs8 talent to carry Into execution a trrcat project," said Lafayette to John Trumhull, who
•.vas ahout to leave Paris, "blit he i)opsesses Immeni'C wealth, and France ahoundf in marketable talents. Every city
and to^vn has young men eminent for abilities, particularly In the law— ardent in character, eloquent, amhiticms of dis-
tinction, but poor." Many of these were tho men who composed the leaders lu the Heign of Terror, and reddened the
streets of Paris with human blood. <
u
I
C2
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
i M
European Wur expected. Orent Britain and Spain in lll-hamor.
Attempt to extort Jnetice ftrom Oreat Britain.
Assembly, and there formally accepted the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which
was presented to him. The people were satisiied, and the duke was disapj)ointed.
Order reigned in Paiis and throughout the kingdom. The brjaring of these events
upon our suhjeot will be obsei-ved i»resently.
At this timo a general Euro])ean war seemed inevitable. A long-pending contro-
versy between Great Hritain and Spain renuiineil unsettled. It was believed that
Fi-ance, with her traditional hatred of Great Britain, would side with Spain. This
alliance would menace England with mu.'h danger. At the same thne, Spain, a de-
clining power, would necessirily be much embarrassed by war. Viewing this situa-
tion of affairs in Western Europe with the eye of a statesman, Washington concluded
that it was a favorable time to urge npon Si)ain the claims of the United States to
the free navigation of the Mississippi, concerning which negotiations had been for
some time pending, and also to press upon Great liritain tiie necessity of complying
with the yet unfulfilled articles of the Treaty of 1783. Mr. Carmichael, the American
Charge des Affaires at the Court of Madrid,' Avas instructed not only to press the
point concerning the navigation of the Mississippi with earnestness, but to endeavor
to secure to the United States,' " cession, Jie island of New Orleans and the Floi-idas,
offering as an equivalent the abiding fri'indship of the new republic, by which the
territories of Sj/ain west of the Mississippi might be secured to that government.
At the same time, Gouverneur Morris, then in Paris, was directed by Washington to
repair to London, and, with sincere professions of a desire on the part of the United
States " to promote iiarmouy and mutual satisfaction between the two countries,"
sound the British mhiistry on the subject of a full and immediate execution of the
Treaty ofl78.G.2
Morris had a formal interview with the Duke of Leeds, the Secretary of Foreign
Affairs, near the close of March, 1790. He was received with cordiality, and was
a.ssni'ed of the earnest desire of (4reat Britain to cultivate friendly i-elations with the
United States, and the determination of the king to send a minister to America. E it
when Morris attempted to hold explicit conversation on the subject of his semi-offi-
cial mission he was met with evi'.sion and reticence. It was immediately made evi-
dent to \\'. n that there was real rehictance on the part of Great Britain to fulfill the
stipulations of the Treaty of 1783, or to make a fair commercial arrangement, and that
there was a disposition to procrastinate while the difficulties between Gi-eat Britain
and Spain remained unadjusted. He found great misapjtrehensions existing in En-
gland concerning the real character of the Americans and their government, even
among the best informed. They overrated the importance to Americans of friendship
with them. They believed thnt trade with Great Britain was of vital consetpience
lO vhe Americans, and that the latter would make an international commercial treaty
u])Ou almost any terms to secure it. With this belief, a committee of Parliament, to
whom had been referred the revenue acts of the United States, acting under the ad-
vice of the merchants of leading maritime towns of Great Britain, reported early in
1 790, in favor of negotiating a commercial treaty with the Americans, but with the
explicit declaration that the commissioners shoulT.
In 17!I2 he went as minisler to Enirland. In 17(14 lie was sent in the same cajiacity to Spain, to treat concerning the nav-
igation of the Mississippi. At the becinnincr of ispi the President appointed him to the command of the Southern divi-
sion of tlie army, .\fter the war General Pinckney retired to private life. He died on the iid of November, 1828, ajjied
seventy-eiu'lit years.
= The Impoverished condition of the country, and the wants of the public treasury at that time, may be compreheudcil
by the fact that, at the close ofl7Sil, the Attorney General and several members ^f Cimgccss were iiidi'lited to the pri-
vate credit of the Secretnry of the Treasury to dis eharfre their personal expenses. Even the President of the I'niteil
States was oblitred to pass his note to his jirivate secretary, Mr. I.ear. to meet his iKUisehold expi uses, which was dis-
counted at the rate of two per cent, a month. Members of Congress were paid by due-bills, which the collectors were
ordered to receive in payment of duties. —Hamilton's TJintnTii of tin' Hrjtvhh'r nf On: United SlaUK^ lv.,4S.
■' Hamilton arjrued that, besides motives of political expediency, there were reasons In favor of his view "which reft
on the iminutable principles of moral obllfratlon ; and, in proportion .as the mind is disposed to eoiitem|)late, iu llic
order of Providence, an ultimate connection lietwcen puliiic virtue and pnldic linpiiiness, will be its repnimance to a vio-
lation of those jirlnciples. This relied ion derives additiimal strent'th from llie nature of the debt of the United State.".
Tt was thk iMuen ok i.iiiF.nTv. The faith of America has been repeatedly i)ledged for it, and with soionnitics that give
(leculior force to the obligation."
IIarallton'8 Finauci
lars. Ilis sclu
from taxation.
This scheme
est vehemence
assumption of
fearfully agita
to the prineipl
sitions, especii
with alarm by
because of the
to the general
and as being al;
scheme great
might lead to i
areliy. These
regarded the Bi
centralization o
shafts of person
and abused as a
of opinion was f
Wliile Washi
niaiided his liigl
for restoring tlie
dieted great ant
Confidenee was
' At that time the wh|
I'ca, estahlLshed in Phila
York City ; and the Ha
term of twenty years, w
intrusted to twenty-live
Thesnliject ofcurrenc
fCDted an able report on
of all the states. Starti
money; Ten units to be
jiresent currency) ; and t
ported a table iu 17s(, in
etrike four coins, namely
a hundredth of a dollar i
our cfiit, (iitnf, dollar, an
the subject was taken in
afterward the operation)
Confrress long debates w
The Senate proposed thi
should occupy the chair
the head of Liberty was
llfry of the President— lei
tlnally adopted. Durluj;
called " specimens," now
connoisseurs, were struc
kuown as the " LIberty-c
session. The mint was fli
= " The public paper si
which Individuals acquire
• Robert Morris had coi
ley, of noston, an English
money. In November Mi
preparation of machinery
try blacksmith, named W
fiire any machinery was p
on the 2d of April, 178.% M
silver coin, being the first
mint, having charge, also,
Hail & Sellers, the printei
mint, and Mr. Dudley, ofte
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
65
nnrailton's FInauclal Scheme ansailed.
Bunking Capital In the United States.
A Decimal Currency adopted.
lars. His scheme ineludccl tlic establishment of a national bank,' a system of revenue
from taxation, internal and external, and a sinking fund.
This scheme — just, patriotic, necessary, and beneficial — was assailed with the great-
est vehemence, and the discussions which it elicited, especially ujjou the subject of the
assumption of the state debts, in Congress, in the public j)ress, and in private circles,
fearfully agitated the nation, and created tiie first regular and systematic opposition
to the principles on Avhich the affairs of the republic were administered. Its propo-
sitions, especially the one relating to the assumption of state debts, were regarded
with alarm by the late opponents of the Constitution and a consolidated govermnent,
because of their tendency to a centralization of power, as giving an undue influence
to the general government by placing the purse as well as the sword in its hands,
and as being also of doubtful constitutionality. Many believed that they saw in this
scheme great political evils, because it secured the financial union of the states, and
might lead to the establishment of a government as absolute as a constitutional mon-
archy. These suspicions Avere strengthened by the well-known fi^ct that Hamilton
legardcd the British government as a model of excellence, and had advocated greater
centralization of power, in the Convention of 1787. He Avas made the target for the
shafts of personal and political malice, and his financial system was misrepresented
and abused as a scheme for enriching a few at the expense of the many.'' The war
(if oi)inion Avas fierce and uncompromising.
While Washington took no part in the discussion of Hamilton's scheme, it com-
manded his highest admiration, as the most perfect that human wisdom could devise
for restoring the public credit and laying the foundation of national policy. He ])re-
(licted great and lasting good from its adoption, and his prophecies Avere fulfilled.
Confidence was revived, and that acted like magic upon industry ; and then com-
r
'■'l f.
m'
' At that time the whole banking cnpitfil of the United States was" only $2,000,000, inveflted in the Bant o/.Aor^/lm^-
ii-o, established in Philadelphia by Robert Morris, chiefly as a government fiscal agent ; the Dank nf Sew Ytrrk, in New
York City; and the Hank o/ Ma>isaclmnrtt!i, in Boston. In January, ITOl, Congrcw chartered a national bank for the
term of twenty years, with a capital of $10,000,000, to be located In the city of Philadelphia, and its management to be
intrusted to twenty-five directors. It did not commence business operations in corporate form until In February. 1794.
The subject of currency bad occupied the attention of the old Congress as early asl7S2, when Gouvenieur Morris pre-
sented an able report on the subject, written at the request of Robert Morris.' lie proposed to harmonize the nuineys
of all the states. Starting with one ascertained fraction as a unit, for a divisor, he proposed the following table of
money : Ten units to be equal to one penny ; ten pence to one bill ; ton l)ills, one dollar (about seventy-five cents of our
present currency); and ten dollars, one crown. Mr. JefTerson, as chairman of a committee on the subject of coins, re-
jjorted a table in Usi, In which he adopted Morris's decimal system, but entirely changed its details, lie proposed to
i-trike four coins, namely, a golden piece of tiie value of ten dollars, a dollar in silver, a tenth of a dollar in silver, and
a hundredth of a dollar in copper. This report was adopted by Congress the following year, and this was the origin of
our cent, dime, dollar, and eaijle. The establishment of a mint for coinage was delayed, and no legislative action on
the subject was taken until early in April, 1702, when laws were enacted for the preparation of one. For three years
afterward the operations of the mint were chiefly experimental, while In
Congress long del)ates were had concerning the devices for the new coins.
The Senate proposed the head of the President of the United States who
"hould occupy the chair of state at the time of the coinage. In the House,
the head of Lil)erty was suggested, as being less aristocratic than the ef-
figy of the President— less the stamp of royalty. The head of Uiierly wifs
finally adopted. During that interval of three years, several of the coins
called " specimens," now so rare In cal)inet8, and so much sought afler by
ccmnoisseurs, were struck. Of these the rarest is a small cojjper coin,
known as the " Lilierty-cap cent." The engraving is from one In mv pos-
scf.sion. The mint was first put into full operation, in Phil.ulelphla, In 170,'i.
= "The public paper suddenly rose, and was for a short time above par," savs Marshall. "The immense wealth
which individuals acquired by this unexpected appreciation could not be viewed with indifference."
LInERTY CENT.
• Robert Morris had considered the subject for more than n year. As early as July, 17S1, he wrote to Benjamin Dud-
ley, of Boston, an Englishman, requesting him to come to Philadelphia, that he mlL'ht consult him about the colnace of
money. In November Mr. Dudley was employed iji assaying. Mr. Morris keiit him engaged in experiments, and in the
lireparatlon of machinery for a mint. In tliese Mr. Dudley C(msnlled Dr. Rittenhouse and Francis llopkinson. A conn-
try blacksmith, named Wheeler, was employed to make the rollers for the mint, and it was July the fcdlowlng year bc-
f ire any machinery was perfected. Mr. Morris labored hard to get the mint in operalbm, but without success. Finally,
iin the 2d of April, 1783, Morris was enabled to write in ills diary, " I sent for Af r. Dudlev, who delivered nie a piece of
tilver coin, being the first that has been atrnck as an American coin." Mr. Dudley was installed superintendent of the
mint, having charge, also, of the preparation of the paper moulds, etc., in the manufacture of the currency printed by
Hall & Sellers, the printers of the Continental mo.iey. Finallv, In .Tiilv, Mr. Morris gave - the idea of estubllghlng a
mint, and Mr. Dudley, after dcUvering up the dies to him, left his gervlce.-RonuBT MoBHis'sWurj/.
E
'n
5,-'
W'
-I
III ^i
!|
iif
I
•tl
66
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Mr. Jeffersou In France. Uls Reception In Now York. His Suspiclona of former Colleagues and Compatriots.
monced that wonderful
development of material
wealth which has gone on
with few hitermissions
until the present time.
While these discus-
sions were at their height,
Jefterson arrived at the
seat of government, to as-
sume the duties of Secre-
tary of State. He had
but lately returned from
France, where he had la-
bored for several years
m the di[)lomatic service
of his country. lie had
witnessed the uprising of
the people there at the
bidding of Lafiiyctte and
others a few months be-
fore. The example of his
own country was the star
of hope to the French
revolutionists, and as the
author of the Declaration
of Independence^ he was
regarded as an oracle, and
courted by the-leaders of
the constitutional party
there. Fresh from the
fields of political excite-
ment in the French cajii-
tal, and his inherent democratic principles and ideas intensified and enlarged by these
experiences, he came home full of enthusiasm, expecting to find every body in his own
country ready to speak a sympathizing word for, and to extend a helping hand to the
people of France, the old ally of Americans in their efl:brts to establish for themselves
a constitutional government.
But Mr. Jeiferson was disappointed. When ne arrived in New York, after a tedi-
ous journey of a fortnight on horseback, he was warmly welcomed by the leading
families of the citj% and became the recipient of almost daily invitations to social and
dinner parties. The wealthier and more aristocratic classes in New York, Avho gave
dinner jiartics at that time, were mostly Loyalists' families, who remembered the
pleasant intercourse they had enjoyed with the British officers during the late Avar,
and had always regard"d the British form of government as the most perfect ever
devised. Free from political restraint, their conversation was open and frank, ami
their sentiments were expressed Avithout reserve. Mr. Jefferson was continually
shocked by the utterance of opinions repugnant to his faith, and in contrast Avith his
recent experience.^
Mr. Jefterson, who was sensitively and even painfully alive to the evils of despotism
and the dangers of a goveniment stronger than the people, took the alarm, and lie
became morbidly suspicious of all around him. The conservatism of Washington and
his associates in the government, and their lack of enthusiasm on the subject of the
French Revolution, Avhich so filled his OAvn heart, Avere construed by him as indiftei-
ence to the diflfusion of democratic ideas and the triumph of republican principles, for
which the patriots in the Avar for independence had contended. He had scarcely
taken his seat in the Cabinet before he declared that some of his colleagues held de-
cidedly monarchical vieAvs, and it became a settled belief in his mind that there Avas a
party in the United States constantly at Avork, secretly and sometimes openly, for tlic
overthroAV of republicanism. This idea became a sort of monomania, and haunted
him until his death, more than thirty years afterward.
Events in France soon began to make vivid impressions upon the public mind in
America. The fears of Lafayette were realized. The lull that succeeded the tempest
of 1789, was only the precni-sor of a more terrible storm in 1791, that shook European
socirty to its deepest foundations, and, like the great earthquake of 1755, was felt in
alm< t «very part of the globe.
• "I can net describe the wonder and mortification with which the table conversation filled me," Mr. Jcflierson wrote.
"PoIfttB W8» the drief topic, and a prcfff-iice for a klnsjly over republican govornmont was evidently the favorite
■enttmcA. An apraatate I could not be, nm yet a hypocrite : and I found mynelf, for the most part, the onl- advocate
on the nuBblican mde of the (i" ■'Hon, unless animii; the imettB there chanced to he some member of that party from
Uie leglMMtre housee." Thi!' i Uc first mention that we ui. y where find of a VciHiblicon Party In this couLiry,
Formation of the.
Long befor
Avliose ieelint
their attenda^
as an imj)ost
circumstance
folloAved tlie
lliey noAv j)u
Avhose design
spirit of revolt
^tate. Their
church Avas p(
National Guar
Disgusted AS-
of the National
exceedhigly po
abroad. The \
classes. Tlie fli
Avas arrested aii
(tuards. He e:
insults in the
strife.
Tile populace
and member of
tioned for the <1
ui)on them, and i
yet the popularii
The Constitut
ami solemnly sw
the kingdom, and
the Carmagnole
dered along the 1
TJiere Avas Avi(
I'lovements in Fr
like patriotism.
tiile of social life
ant.igonistic part'
crystallizations, j.
rotary of State, :u
ance in their view
each other. Jofib
of political strife :i
giiarantees of lihc
and desired to ini]
tlie funding systeii
cise laAv — creation
' "lam exposed to the
ever acts or means wrong
-nil parties against me, a
lip to all the madncBs ofli
the constitntionai channel.
' Upon a tree planted on
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
67
Formation of the Jacobin Club In Paris. Demornliziition of the National Guard. A Constitution granted to the People.
Long before the meeting of the States-general at Versailles, forty intelligent men,
whose feelings were intensely democratic, Avho avowed their hatred of kuigs and
their attendant titles and privileges, and who ridiculed and contemned Christianity
as an imjiosture, liswl met in the hall of the Jacobin monks in Paris, and from that
circumstance were called the Jacobin Club. In the commotions that attended and
followed the destruction of the Bastile, this club had gained immense popularity,
llicy now published a ncwspa])er, whose motto was Liheuty and Equality, and
whose design Avas to disseminate ultra democratic doctrines, irreligious ideas, and a
spirit of revolt and disaffection to the king. They became potential — a power in the
state. Their influence was every where seen in the laxity of public morals. The
cliurch Avas polluted with the contagion. A refractory spirit a])peared among the
National Guards, and the king and his family were insulted in public.
Disgusted with these evidences of demoralization, Lafayette resigned his command
of the National Guard, but resumed it on the solicitation of sixty battalions. He Avas
exceedingly popular, yet he could not AvhoUy control the spirit of anarchy that Avas
abroad. The king, alarmed, fled in disguise from Paris. Terror prevailed among all
classes. The flight of the monarch Avas construed into a crime by his enemies, and he
Avas arrested and brought back to Paris imder an escort of thirty thousand National
Guards. He excused his moAcment Avith the plea that he Avas expo ed to too many
insults in the capital, and only wished to live quietly, aAvay from the scenes of
strife.
The populace were not satisfied. Led by Robespierre, a sanguinary demagogue,
and member of the Constituent Assembly, they met in the Elysian Fields, and peti-
tioned for the dethronement of Louis. Four thousand of the National Guard fired
upon them, and killed several hundred. The exasperation of the people Avas terrible,
yet the ])opularity of Lafayette held the factious in check.'
Tlie Constitution Avas completed in [September. The trembling king accepted it,
and solemnly SAVore to maintain it. Proclamation of the fact Avas made throughout
tlie kingdom, and a grand fete, whereat one hundred thousand people sang and danced
tiic Carmagnole in the Elysian Fields, Avas held at Paris, and salvos of cannon thiiii-
deied along the banks of the Seine.^
There Avas Avide-spread sympathy in the United States with these revolutionary
movements in France. The spirit of faction, vicAved at that great distance, appeared
like patriotism. Half-formed and half-understood political maxims, floating upon the
tide of social life in the ncAV republic, began to crystallize into tenets, and assumed
antagonistic party positions. The galvanic forces, so to speak, Avhich produced these
crystallizations, proceeded from the President's Cabinet, Avhere Mr. Jefferson, the Sec-
retary of State, and Mr. Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, were at direct vari-
ance in their vicAVS of domestic public measures, and Avere making constant war upon
each other. Jefterson, beli jving, with Thomas Paine (AA-ho noAV appeared in the field
of political strife abroad), that a Aveak goA-ernment and a strong people were the best
jin.irantees of liberty to the citizen, contemj)lated all executive power Avith distrust,
and desired to impair its vitality and restrain its operations. He thought he saAV in
the funding system arranged by Hamilton, and in the LTnited States Bank and the ex-
lise hiAV — creations of that statesman's brain — instruments for enslaving the people ;
1 " I am exposed to the envy and attacks of nil parties," he wrote to Wsshinpton, " for this single reason, that who-
ever acts or means wrong finds mo an insuperable obstacle. And there appears a kind of phenomenon in my situation
-nil parties against me, and a national popularity, which, in spite of every effort, has remnined unchanfjed. . . . fliven
lip to nil the madness of license, faction, and popular rage, I stood alone in defense of the law, and turned the tide into
the constitutional channel."
s Upon a tree planted on the site of the Bastile a placard was placed, in these words: •- ■•; •
" Here Is the epoch of Liberty ;
' •• 1. . .; Wo dance on the niins of despotism ! ' .'i
■:>''■ The Constitution Is flnished— . i^ . - -
Long live patriotism I" .»■ , . . ■
:''\
■i
ll
^ihf
I?
!' i^
68
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Jefferson makes War upon his Opponents. His religions Views. Jefferson and John Adams Antagonists in Opinion.
aiul lie affected to believe that the rights of the states and liberties of the citizens
wore in danger.
Hamilton, on tlie other hand, rega'-ded the National Constitution as inadequate in
strength to perform its required functions, and believed weakness to be its most rad-
ical defect; and it was his sincere desire and uniform practice so to construe its pro-
visions as to give strength and efficiency to the Executive in the administration of
public affiiirs.
Not content with an expression of his opinions, Jefferson charged his political op-
ponents, and especially Hamilton, with corrupt and anti-rep blican designs, selfish
motives, and treacherous intentions; and thus was inauguratrd that system of])er-
sonal abuse and vitu])eration which has ever been a disgrace to tlie press and political
leaders of this country.
An unfortunate blunder made by John Adams, the Vice-President, at about this
time, confirmed Jefferson in his opinions and fears. These men, compatriots in the
events out of which the nation had been evolved, cherished dissimilar political ideas,
and held widely differing religious sentiments. Mr. Jefi'erson was always a free-
thinker, and his latitudinarianism was greatly expanded by a long residence among
the contenmers of revealed religion in France. He admired Voltaire, Rousseau, and
D'Alembcrt, whose graves Avere then green ; and one of his most intimate compan-
ions was the Marquis of Condorcet, wlio " classed among fools those who had the
misfortune to believe in a revealed religion."' He sympathized with the ultra Ke-
publicans of France, was their counselor in the early and later stages of the revolu-
tionary movement of 1789, and opened iiis house to them for secret conclave. He
was an enthusiastic admirer of a nation of entlmsiasts.
Mr. Adams, on the contrary, was thoroughly imbued with the political and reli-
gious principles of New England Puritanism. He discovered spiritual life in every
page of the Bible, and accepted the doctrines of revealed religion as an emanation
from the fountain of Eternal Truth. His mind was cast in the mould of the Englisli
conservative writers, whom he admired. He detested the principles and practices of
tlie P"'rench pliilosophers, whom Jefferson revered ; and, from the outset, he detected in
the revolutionary movements in France the elements of destructiveness which Avere
so speedily developed. These views were indicated in a letter to the Ilcv. Dr. Price,
of England, acknowledging the receipt of a printed copy of his famous discourse on
tlie morning of the anniversary dinner of the English Revolution Society in 1789, in
which the preacher, acce])ting the French Revolution as a glorious event in the his-
tory of mankind, said, " What an eventful period is this ! I am thankful that I have
lived to see it ; and I could almost say, ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' ... I have lived to see thirty millions
of people indignantly and resolutely spurning at slavery, and demandhig liberty with
an irresistible voice."
To this Adams replied, " I know that encyclopedists and economists — Diderot and
D'jVlembert, Voltaire and Rousseau — have contributed to this great event even more
than Sidney, Locke, or Hoadley ; perhaps more than the American Revolution : and I
own to you I know not what to make of a republic of thirty millions of atheists. . . .
' Cnpeflgnc, 11., R2. Mr. Jefferson's religions views, at that lime, may be Inferred from the contents of n letter written
at Purls on the Iflth of August, IT'S", to Peter Carr, a young relative of his In Virginia, wherein he lays down Home
maxiiuH for his future guidance. lie enjoins him to exalt reason above creeds. "Question with boldne^'S," he my,
"even the existence of a God; because, If there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason than of blindfold
fear." He then advises him to read the niblc as he would Livy or Tacitus. "The facts which are within the ordinary
course of nature you will believe on the authority of the writer, as you do those of the same kind in Llvy or Taclli.f."
lie then cautions him against a belief in statements in the Bible "which contradict the laws of nature." Conccmini,'
the New Testament, he said, " It Is the history of a personage calljd Jesus. Keep In yonr eye the opposite pretension?,
1, of those who say he was begotten of Ood, bom of a virgin, suspended and reversed the laws of nature at will, ami
ascended bodily into heaven ; and, 2, of those who say he was a man of Illegitimate birth, of a benevolent heart, enthuf^i-
astlc mind, who set out with pretensions to divinity, ended in believing them, and was punished capitally for sedltlou
by being gibbeted according to the Roman law."
An English Democ
Too many Fn
person and ju
the advocates
' See Letter to Bl
nichard Price, V..
lug-house in Old Je
he wrote his famon
with the French Rei
that so terrified Eur(
The discourse abc
hurled James the Sci
time, the Earl of Sta;
hers, ano\
" Reflections on the Fn
Istry, and the Tory pari
fense of their policy, wl
ation. It called forth n
ley, the elegant Jlackii
words, and pen, and tyi
lads and clever carlcatu
Thomas Paliic, who h
the revolutionary seem
ai)pearcd, and he lost n
liights of Man." The t
liroduccd great disturbai
l>roportion to Us success
was ample food for the
Sheridan, who were tlic
among the leaders of the
ley and Paine. In May,
eutltled" The Rights of
A U.vn MKA
au exciseman as much lonj
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
09
An EngllHh Uemocrat'B Dlecourse. Burke's Kcllectlons on tho B'rcnch Rcvolutiun. Palue'g "liighU ufMan."
Too many Frenchmen, after the example of too many Americans, pant for equality of
person and property. The impracticability of this, God Almighty has decreed, and
the advocates for liberty who attempt it will surely suffer for it,"'
• Sec Letter to Richard Price, April 10, 1790, In the Life, and Worku of John Adamx, ix., 663.
Richard Price, D.D., LL.D., was au eminent English Dissenting minister, and at this time was preacher at the meet-
ing-house in Old Jewry, Loudon. He was then quite venerable In years, and with a mind as vigorous as when, In 17T(J,
he wrote his famous "Observations on the War in America." lie was an ultra democrat, and sympathized strongly
with the French Revolution. lie did not live to sec that Revolution assume its huge proportions and hideous Tisagc
that BO terrified Europe, for he died in the spring of ITitl.
The discourse above alluded to was preached on the anniversary of the Revolution in 1C88 (4th of November) which
hurled James the Second from the throne. Dr. Price was an active member of the "Revolution Club,"of which, at that
time, the Earl of Stanhope was president. The discourse " On the Lovi^ of our Country" was preached before the mem-
bers, and was subsequently printed. After alluding to the Revolution in France, he said, " I see the dominion of kings
changed for the dominion of laws, and the dominion of |)rle»ts giving way to the dominion of reason and conscience,
lie cucoiiragcd, all ye friends of freedom and writers in its defense ! The times are auspicious. Your labors have not
been In vain. Behold kingdoms, admonished by you, starting from sleep, breaking their fetters, and claiming justice
from their oppressors 1 Beliold the light you have struck out, after settiug America free, reflected to France, and there
kindled into a blaze that lays desjjotism iu ashes, and warms and illuminates Europe 1"
The Society, at that meeting, on motion of Dr. Price, agreed, by acclamation, to send, In the shape of a formal address,
" their congratulations to the National Assembly on the event of the late glorious Revolution In France." This action
and the discourse of Dr. Price produced the greatest agitation throughout England. Auxiliary clubs were speedily
formed in various parts of the kiiigdom, encouraged by men like Dr. Priestley, the eminent Unitarian minister at Bir-
niiugham. Monarchist and Cliurchman were greatly alarmed. The king was Inclined to deny any more concessions to
the Liberal party, making the Revolution iu France a suftlcient argument against reform in England, while the clergy of
the hierarchy raised a cry that the Church was in danger fr(mi the revolutionizing and destructive machinations of tho
Dissenters. To the astonishment of all men, Edmund Hurke raised his voice In the House of Commons in cadences
never heard before from his lips. lie had ever been the eloquent advocate of the rights of man. Now he declared that
there was no such thing as natural rights of men, and he condemned the whole body of Dissenters in the strongest
terms, as discontented people, whose principles tended to the subversion of good government. Nor did his demincia-
tions rest there. He professed to regard Dr. Price's sermon with holy horror, and its author as a most dangerous agi-
tator, and he brought to the task of disabusing the public mind of England concerning the real character of the revolt
in Paris the whole jiowers of his mighty intellect. In an almost incredible short space of time he wrote his famous
" Reflections on the French Revolution," the publication of which produced a most powerful cfl'ect. The king aud min-
istry, and tlie Tory party, expressed unbounded admiration of this splendid de-
fense of their policy, while all Just men agreed that It was a monstrous exagger-
ation. It called forth many opposing writers— among them the powerful Priest-
ley, the elegant Mackintosh, and the coarse but vigorous Paine. The war of
words, and pen, and type was waged furiously for a long time, and satirical bal-
lads and clever caricatures jilnyed a conspicuous part In the contest.
Thomas Paine, who had been in Paris some time, and participated in some of
the revolutionary scenes there, had lately returned when Burke's "Reflections"
appeared, and he lost no time in preparing an answer, which he entitled "The
Rights of Man." The first part was published on the Ist of February, 1791, and
]}roduced great disturbance. It was sought after with the greatest avidity, and in
jiroportion to Its success was the alarm and indignation of the Tory party. There
was ample food for the caricaturists, and Oillray's pencil was active. Fox and
Sheridan, who were the leaders of the opposition Id Parliament, were classed
among the leaders of the Revolution Clubs, and appei'red in pictui-es with Priest-
ley and Paine. In May, 1791, Gillray bnrles(iued Paine Ir. n caricature which he
cutitled "The Rights of Man; or, Tmnmy Paine, the Amnti. an Tailor, taking the
Measure nf the Crown for a new
pair of Revolution Breeches."
Piilne is seen with the conven-
tional type of face given by tho
caricaturists to a French demo-
crat. His tri- colored cockade
bears tho inscription, "I'tt'e la
liberty.'" and from his mouth
proceeds an Incoherent soliloquy, as iffl-om a man half drunk.* This
was In allusion to his well-known Intemperance. Paine was Anally
l)rosecuted by the government for liV'l on account of some remarks in
his " Rights of Man," and was com\.elled to flee to France, where he was
^'^^^)J iiS^P''''Vii ^^^~>x \\ "^\WN warmly received by the revolntlonists. A Tory mob destroyed Dr.
V»J V^ «!!lP^~-^}V ^^ •! n\ Wl Priestbi^ church in Birmingham, and his dwelling and flne library a
short distance in the country ; also ho aud his family barely escaped
with their lives.
• The following Is a copy of the soliloquy : "Fathom and a half! fath-
om and a half I Poor Tom ! ah ! mercy upon me ! that's more by half
than my poor measure will ever be able to reach ! Lord ! Lord I I wish
I had a bit of the stay-tape lallushm to Paine's former business of stay-
niakerl or buckram which 1 nsed to cabbage when I was a 'prentice, to
lengthen it out. Well, well, who would ever have thought it, that I,
A u.m MEASURE. who have served seven years as an apprentice, and afterward worked fonr
years as a journeyman to a master tailor, then followed the business of
nu Gxclsemnn as much longer, should not b«! able to take the dimension of this bawblc 1 f jr what Is a crown but a bawble,
vl I
70
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Adanu'B "DUcuursea on Davila."
Ills Opinions ou OoverumeDt.
•Tefferson'B Disgait and Alarm.
Mr. Adams had discerned with alarm tlie contagion of revohition which went ont
from Paris in the autumn of 1780. lie saw it attecting Enghmd, and menacing the
existence of its govennnent; and lie ])erceived its rapid diffusion in his own country
with surprise and j)aiii. It was so different in form and substance from that which
had made his own people free, that he was deeply impressed with its dangers. With
a j)atriotic spirit he sought to arrest the calamities it might bring upon hisi country,
and with that view he wrote a series of articles for a newspaper, entitled "Discourses
on Davila." These (contained an analysis of Davila's History of the Civil War in
France^ in the sixteenth century. Tiie aim of Mr. Adams was to ])oint out to his
countrymen the danger to be apprehended from factions in ill-balanced forms of gov-
ernment. In these essays iie maintained that, as the great spring of human activity,
especially as related to public life, was self-esteem, manifested in the love of superior-
ity, and the desire of distinction, aj)plause, and admiration, it was important in a pop-
ular government to provide for the moderate gratification of all of them. lie there-
fore advocated a liberal use of titles and ceremonial honors for those in office, and an
aristocratic Senate. To counteract any undue influence on the part of the Senate, he
proposed a popular assembly on the broadest democratic basis ; and, to keap in check
encroachments of each upon the other, he recommended a j)owerful Executive. lie
thought liberty to all would thus be best secured.- From the premises which formed
the basis of his reasoning, he argued that the French Constitution, which disavowed
all distinctions of rank, which vested the legislative authority in a single Assembly,
and which, though retainhig the office of king, divested him of nearly all actual power,
must, in the nature of things, prove a failure. The wisdom of this assumption has
been vindicated by history.
The publication of these essays at that time was Mr. Adams's blunder.^ His ideas
were presented in a form so cloudy that his political system was misunderstood by
the many and misinterpreted by the few. lie was charged with advocating a mon-
archy and a hereditary Senate ; and it was artfully insinuated that he had been se-
duced by Hamilton (whose jealous opponents delighted in pointing to him as the
arch-enemy of republican gova^niment) from his loyalty to those noble principles
which he had exhibited before he wrote his " Defense of the American Constitu-
tions," published in London three years before.
Those essays filled Jefterson with disgust, and he cherished the idea that Hamilton,
Adams, Jay, and others were at the head of a party engaged in a conspiracy to over-
throw the republican institutions of the United States, and on their ruins to construct
a mixed government like that of England, composed of a monarchy and aristocracy.^
' DclV Istoria delle Ouerre Chili di Fram-ia, bj' Ilcnrlco Cnterino Davila.
« Tills was only an ampliflcation of tlie tliouglit thus expressed in his Defense of the American Constitutimis : "It is
denied that the people are the best keepers, or any Iseepers at all, of their own liberties, when they hold collectively, or
by representative, the executive and judicial power, or the whole uncontrolled legislntnre." lie did not believe in tlio
efficiency or safety of a government formed upon the simple plan of M. Thurgot and other clear-minded men of France,
in which all power was concentrated In one body directly representing the nation. That was the doctrine and the prac-
tice of the French revolutionists, enforced by the logic of Condorcet and the eloquence of Mirabeau. Mr. Adams wished
a system of chcclts and balances, which experience has proved to be the wisest.
' They were published in the Gazette of the United Slaten, at Philadelphia, then the scat of the national government.
Their more imracaiatc object was a reply to Condorcet's pamphlet, entitled Quatre Mtre» d'u7i Bourgeois de XewJIai'eii,
sttr rUniti de la Legislation. Mr. Adams soon perceived that Ills essays were fiirnishing the partisans of the day with
too much capital for immediate use in the conflict of opinion then raging, and ceased writing before they were com-
pleted. Twcnly years later, when a new edition was published, Mr. Adams wrote, " This dull, heavy volume still excites
the wonder of Its author— first, that ho could find, amidst the constant scenes of business and dissipation in which ho
was enveloped, time to write It; secondly, that he bad the courage to oppose and publish his o^vn opinions to the uni-
versal opinion of America, and indeed of all mankind. Not one man in America then believed him. He knew not one,
and baa not he".rd of one since, who then believed him.— J. A., 1812."
♦ " The Tory paper, Feuno's," he wrote to Mr. Short, In Paris, " rarely admits any thing which defends the present form
which we may see In the Tower for sixpence apiece f Well, althongh It may be too large for a tailor to take measnrc
of, there's one comfort— he may make mouths at it, and call it as many names as he pleases 1 And yet. Lord ! Lord ! I
should like to make it a Yankee-doodle night-cap and breeches, if it was not so d— d large, or I had stuff enough. Ah !
if I could once do that, I would soon stitch up the mouth of that barnacled Edmund from making any more Reflections
upon the Flints. And so, Flints and Liberty forever, and d— n the Dungs ! Huzza I"
Effect of Palne'H "
To thwart tin
lution wliich J
government ii
Thomas Pain(
called "The 1
essay, original
Jefterson, and
from him.
This ajij)are
President and
a good deal of
Dorchester, air
suri)rise; but s
lion, and that I
Hoon sm( othed
cerned.'
The political
tense every hoi
of the former, w
ures of the adiii
( rnment policy,
M-as greatly exc
with alarm and
ened to be destr
anxiously sough
of government in ojipo
high names here in fav
soys nothing; the thin
sui)port their projects,
the President's life ; l)u
' " Vou will have hei
peril into which the Fr
crnmcnt which heaps ii
I still hope the French
that, and that a failure
= See note 1, i)nge 03.
' The political scntim
body of the American r
His ofllclal position cau
ton gave a copy, said, i
and I most sincerely reg
nent citizen, a man so th
Umne of Washimjton, nr .
The note alluded to ii
owner ofPaine's pamph
dryness of the note,"M
his satisfaction that som
sprung up." To the ast
Mr. Jefl'crson acknowlod
produced a temporary cs
Warm discussions aro
series of articles in reply
were attributed to Johii
They were written by Ii
champions," Jefferson wi
♦ Philip Freneau, a pi.,-
lork, where he was edit!
son. A new paper, called
ireneau was made its ed
unjust to believe that the
son ; yet, when the Secret
l>y them, it was, as Mr. Ir
the barking cur in his em
istrailon.
K».i»«»«n»)8Kfc«,..
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
71
Eflect of Palue'n "KlghtgofMan.'
Feud between Jeb'eraon and llnmilton.
Newspaper War.
To tlnviirt tlioHo fiincied desigiis, and to inculcate tlio doctrines of the French Rcvo-
hition which lie ho much adniireil, and on which lie grounded liis hopes of a stable
ij;overnmeiit in his own country,' Jetl'erson hastened to have jirinted and circulated
Thomas Paine's famous reply to Burke's " Iteflections on the French Ke volution,"
called "The Rights of Man," which had just been receivef stir in the United States. Major Beckwith, the aid-de-camp of Lord
Dorchester, already mentioned,* was in Philadelphia at that time, and exi)ressed his
surjirise; but subsecpient assurances that the President knew nothing of the dedica-
tion, and that Mr. Jefferson "neither desired nor expected" to have the note printed,
soon smoothed the ripple of dissatisfaction so far as the British government was con-
cerned.'
The political and personal feud between Jefferson and Hamilton became more in-
tense every hour. Freneau's United States Gazette, believed to be under the control
of the former, was filled with bitter denunciations of Hamilton and the leading meas-
ures of the administration; and Fcnno's JVational Gazette, the supporter of the gov-
miment policy, Avas made sjticy by Hamilton's vigorous retorts.* The j)ublic mind
was greatly excited thereby, and Washington Avas comj)elled to perceive (as he did
with alarm and mortification) that there was a schism in his Cabinet, which threat-
ened to be destructive of all harmony of action, and jierilous to the public good. He
anxiously sought to end the strife by assuming the holy office of peace-maker, but ui
i 'I
of {government In opposition to his desire of subverting It, to mnke wny for n king, Lords, and Commons. There nre
high names here In favor of this doctrine . . . Adams, .Jay, Hi'milton, Knox, and many of the Cincinnati. The second
siiys nothing ; the third is open. Both arc dangerous. They pant after union with Kngland, as the power which Is to
pupport tlieir projects, and are most determined Anti-Gallicans. It is prognosticated thot onr republic iu to end with
the President's life : but I believe they will tlnd themselves all head and no body."
1 " Von will have heard," Mr. Jefferson wrote to Edward Rutledge in August, ITOl, " before this reaches yon, of the
peril into which the French Hevolution is brought by the flight of their king. Such arc the fruits of that form of gov-
ernment which heaps importance on Idiots, and which the Tories of the present day are trying to preach into oi.r favor.
I still hope the French Hevolution will Is.sue ha|)i)ily. I feci that the permanence of our own leans in some degree on
that, and that a failure tliere would be a powerful argument to prove that there must be a failure here."
2 See note 1, page 03.
' The political sentiments ot Vainc'a liightu of Man were In accordance with the feelings and opinions of the great
body of the American pcoiile. The author sent tlfiy cojiies to Washington, who distributed them among his friends.
His offlclal position cautioned him to be prudently silent concerning the work. Richard Henry Lee, to whom Washing-
ton gave a copy, said, in his letter acknowledging the favor, " It is a performance of which aiiy man might be proud ;
and I most sincerely regret that our country could not have offered sufflcient Inducements to have retained, as a perma-
nent citizen, a man so thoroughly republican in sentiment and fearless in the expression of his opinions." See Lossing's
llmnf nf n'axliinijloii, or Mount Vernon and its Assnriafitmii, p. 202.
The note alluded to in the text was from Mr. .loffersou to a stranger to him (.Jonathan Bayard Smith), to whom the
owner of Paine's pamphlet, who lent It to the Secretary of .State, desired him to send It. "To take off a little of the
dryness of the note," Mr. Jefferson made some complimentary observations concerning the pamphlet, and expressed
his satisfaction that something public would be said, by its publication, " against the i)olitical heresies which had lately
sprung np." To the astonishment of Mr. .leffcrson, this private note was ])rinted with the pamphlet the next week.
Mr. Jefferson acknowledged that his remarks in it were aimed at the author of the DUcouraea on Davila, and the affiair
jirnduced a temporary estrangement between him and Mr. Adams.
Warm discussions arose, soon after the publication of Paine's pamphlet, on the doctrines which it promulgated. A
scries of articles iu reply to the "Rights of Man" appeared in the Boston Ccntind, over the signature oWubUmlu, which
were attributed to John Adams, and were reprinted in London, In pamphlet form, with his name on the title-page.
They were written by his son, the late John Quincy Adams. They were answered by several writers. "A host of
champions," Jefferson wrote to Paine, "entered the arena Immediately in your defense."
« Philip Freneau, a poet of some pretensions, and a warm Whig writer during the Revolution, was called from New
York, where he was editing a newspaper, to fill the post of translating clerk In the State Department under Mr. Jeffer-
son. A new paper, called The Xalional Oamtte, opposed to the leading measures of the administration, was started, and
Freneau was made its editor. It was understood to be Mr. .Jefferson's " organ," but it would be both ungenerous and
unjust to believe that the bitter attacks made upon all the measures of the administration were ai)provcd by Mr. Jeffer-
son ; yet, when the Secretary well knew' that the President, whom he professed to revere, was greatly hurt and annoyed
by them, it was, as Mr. Irving justly remarks (Li/e o/ Washiivjton, v., 104), " rather an ungracious determination to keep
the barking cur in his employ." Fcnno published the UniUd States Gazette, the supporter of the measures of the admin-
istration.
i :
.1
72
PICTOUIAL FIP:LD.nOOK
.1
Wh
PederallBtg mid Kcpublicani.
Tholr Ulfferencu.
Popular Sentiment.
Europe aKaliiBt Frnnce.
vain.^ Tlio aiitagoninms of the S(>eretario8 liad become too violent 16 be easily recon-
ciled. Their jmrtiHans were nuiiierotiH and powerful, and had become arninRed in
tanfjible battle order, tjnder the resj)eetive nanus oi' l^edcra lists and Jiijiublirdus —
nan)eH whieh for many years were sifjnilieant of opposing opinions: tirwt, concerning
the administration of the national government; se( piidly, on the question of a neutral
policy toward the warrinjj; nations of Europe; and, thirdly, on the subject of the war
with Great Britain declared in 1H12.
i'he Federalists, called the " British party" by their opjjoncnts, were in favor of a
strong central government, and were very conservative. They were in favor of main-
tahiing a strict neutrality concerning the affairs of European nations during the ex-
citing period of Washington's administration, and were opposed to the War of 1H12.
The Kcpublicans, called the "French ))arty," were favorable to a strong people and a
weak government, symi>athized warmly with tire French revolutionists, and urged
the government to do the same by public expressions and belligerent acts if necessary,
and were favorable to the War of 1812 when it became an aj»ii;irent national neces-
sity. J'edernl mul Jivpubliccai were the distinctive names of the two great political
parties in the l^^nited States during the first (piarter of a century of the national ex-
istence, when they disa))peared from the j)oliiician's vocabulary. New issues, grow-
ing out of radical changes in the condition of the country, produced coalitions and
amalgamations by which the identity of the two old parties was s])eedily lost.
Tie ;il of the opposing parties was intensified by events in Europe duriiig the
sum. md autumn of 1V92 ; and at the opening of the last session of the second Con-
gress, 111 November, the party divisions Avere perfectly distinct in that body.
All Europe was now effervescing with antagonistic ideas. The best and wisest
men stood in wonder and awe in the midst of the upheaval of old social and i>()litical
systems. Popular sentiincDt in the United States Avas mixed in eliaracter, and yet
crude in form, and for a while it was difHcult to discern precisely in what relation it
stood to the disturbed nationalities of Europe. The blood of nearly all of them
coursed in the veins of the Americans; and notwithstanding a broad ocean, and ])er-
haps more than a generation of time, separated the most of them from the Old World,
they experienced lingering memories or pleasant dreams of Fatherland.
France, the old ally and friend of the United States, was the centre of the volcanic
force that was shakhig the nations. The potentates of Eurojie, trembling for the
stability of their thrones, instinctively arrayed themselves as the implacable enemies
of the new power that held the sceptre of France, and disturbed the jjolitical and
dynastic equilibrium. They called out their legions for self-defense and to utter a
solemn protest. T\\g people were overawed by demonstrations of power. The gleam
of bayonets and the roll of the drum met the eye and ear every where, and in the
autumn of 1792 nearly all Europe was rising in arms against France.
Revolution had done its work nobly, wisely, and successfully in the United States,
and the experiment of self-government was working well. The memory ofFrencli
anns, and men, and money that came to their aid in their struggle for liberty, filled
the hearts of the Americans with gratitude, for they were not, as a people, aware of
' Aiimiet 23,
17»2.
1 Both mlnistcrB discharged their respective duties to the entire satisfaction of the President, and he
felt preatly disturbed by their nntagoDlsmp, now become public. To Jefferson he wrote,* after refcrrint,'
to the Indian hostilities, and the possible Intrigues of forelfjners to check the i)rosperlty of the rnilcd
States, " IIow unfortunate, and how much to he regretted is It, that while we arc encompassed on all sides by armed en-
emies and insidious friends, Internal dlsscnKlnns should be harrowing and toariiiB our \'itttls, . . . My eanicwt wish and
my fondest hope, therefore, is that. Instead of wounding suspicions and Irritating charges, there may be liberal allow-
ances, mutual fl)rbearances, and temporizing ylcldin'gs on all sides. Under the exercise of these, matters will go on
smoothly, and, If possible, more prosperously. Without them, every thing must rub ; the wheels of government will
clog, our enemies will triumph, and, by throwing their weight Into the disaffected scale, may accomplish the mln of the
goodly fabric we have been erecting."
Washington wrote to Hamilton In a similar strain, and from both he received patriotic replies. But the feud was too
deep-seated to be healed. Jefferson would yield nothing. lie harbored an Implacable hatred of Hamilton, whom he
had scourged into active retaliation, and whose lash be felt most Iceenly.
WaahlnKton'i Wisdom and
the Utterly selfish i
really contributed t
while enjoying the
those yet in tlie toil
P'nince, who were 1
testat ion, hcightenec
friendliness, they sav
people in tlieir ])r<>f
ment like that of En
But there were w
Grreat Biit.iin, who h
their daily reading, ^
ill Aiiierica and Frai
benefit and ])rosperil
of the Federal or eoi
the dawning of whal
iiing, his own s.agacit
to time in his letters
expres.sed an eariies
never breathed a ho}
he perceived the bio
departure of its eour
ette and his compatr
reins of executive an
States should stand .i
Jefferson and his |
revolutionists, and bi
luunbers than the F
every man and meas
trenerosity that appei
that lawless violence
Even the dispatches
needless alarm, if not
But " the inexorab
States those terrible
incnt recoil with hori
obin Club reigned su
tution, and were det(
Paris, one hundred t
refused to sanction ii
iinother for the establ
to the Tuileries" witl
entrance. The gates
many of them the vil
and compelled the kii
cap of liberty, upon h
Lafayette Avas the
Department of the Ni
ii
' Qouvemenr Morr'
informed of the scenes
"pecHng the future of ti.
Kevolntion, Mr. Jefferson, . . n
from him, spoke of Morris as '
wishes, and believing evory th
OP THE WAP; O F 18 12.
13
WMblnKton'i Wlisdom and Prudence.
Sympathy wltl i the Freuch Mcvolutlonlsti.
Annrchy lii Krancc.
the Utterly selfiHh motive of the Bourbon in p;iving that nid, and how little it had
really eontribiiti'd to tlicir suecess in that Htrujcgle; and tluir own zeal for frcvdoiii,
while eiijoyinu; the fruition of their effortn, awakened their warineHt Hyinjiathiis for
those yet in tlie toils of slavery. Without; iiu'iuiriii}^, they eheered on the jteoplu of
Franco, who were first led by the beloved Laliijette; and with eorresiiondinj^ de-
testation, heightened by the memory of ol d wv-onj;s and the irritations of present un-
friendlin(-!H, they saw Great Britain, so boa.stful of lilnrty, arrayed aj^ainst the French
people in tlieir j)rofessed struggle for thti establishment of a constitutional govern-
ment like that of England.
But there were wise, Jind thoughtful, a nd ])rudent men in the United States and in
Great Brit.iin, who had made the science < )f govermnent their study and human nat ure
their liiily rcatling, who clearly perceivc( I the vast difi'erence between the revolutions
in America and France, and tiiought the y oV)served in the latter no hope for the real
henetit and jn-osperity of the people. Ti lese, in the United States, formed the leaders
iif the Federal or cn the Nntlonal AM«mbl7.
He t lem. indit the Punlnhmeiit orTrttltor*.
French PaptrHBOMy.
ILAKATION (IRCOMPEIfSE
I,H D] 1170 NCIATEPR .
d[HlSlSl51515ip
National Assembly, and in the name of the army demanded the punishment of those
who had insulted the king and his family in the palace and violated the Constitution.
But Lafayette was powerless. Paris was drunk Avith passion and uui'estramed liceucie.
Mon»rchjrinFr«nce ovi
Tlic doom of royi
mandi'd the depo
nent until order i
iilarm-licll, was si
tion, TJie Htrcots
"•ore attacked by
AsHembly for prot
areh CHcjiped unhi
aiithorily." J\[,)na
and the eonstituti
tJio arrest of th(i i
!is a temporary re
They were arrestc
Austrian diuigeon
lii)l(h'n<,' the uncert
Tlie Jacobins we
ft'lt unsafe Avhile h
mii,'Iit Hymj)athize
Kther Husj)ected jjci
ily. Their jjrisons
|»i»]iulac(( were seiil
'lawn, at k'ast eight
The consj)irators
l>ly, and constitutet
was their meeting-j:
I'outive powers of go
France a republic/
motion scliemes of (
tlie deliverers of tlu
aid of ])aper-money
ton and Jiis fellow-n
invaded Belgium ai
ofthe Marseilles Ily
tiocked to tlie stand;
' The king wrote a touchiu
iug Is a copy :
"My brother, I nm no long
most unfortunate of husbandi
Irnhle mystery of Iniquity. T
been (i.coycd by gtratngem fa
tie queen, my children, and y
"lean no longer doubt the
"iroko which Is most insuppoi
my memory by publishing hoi
they have done me, and tell th
This letter was sent In a bl
Conenponrience o/Loum XVl., I
' This papcr-moncy, a specli
Msis for ita credit was the pro
intended for sale. For t;iree y<
like our own Continental mon
nmnunt that was Anally put In
important a part in the history
found. The engraving repres'e
' in the National Conventloi
tnat " the principle of leaving c
so far modifled that we should
Onf kinn would be nifflcient to ei
promoting o general imurreetio
wd the people, and professed t
111 sentiment, and Dr. Priestley
II •
■i?
nnss-
OF THE WAR OF 1813.
m
Miinnn-hy In Kriinoe overthrown.
Lafkrette Imprlwraed.
The N»tluD«l Convention eitahllnhcd.
Till' (Idoiii of i-Dyulty \V!iH (locrci'd. The |i()j)uliU'o ami niciiibiTH of tlio AsKcinbly dc-
iiiiindi'd the doj)()Hitioii of Louis, The sittings of tlu^ AHMi'iiihly wero dcc^larcd inTiiia-
riciit until order nhould be restored. At inidiiij^Jit" tlit^ dreadful toesiii, or •Auciibio,
iiliirni-liell, was sounded, and the drums beat tJi..' yt.itcrak in every direo- '''^■
tion. The streets wore filled with the mad jiojiulaee, and in the morniii}^ the TuilericH
ttere attacked by them. The kinj,^, attended by the Swiss (luard, fled to the National
Assemlily for j)roteetioii. Nearly every man of the i;uard was butchered. The mon-
areh escaped unhurt, but the overawecl Assembly decreed the Husjx'usion of the r<> from kingly rule. Frontier armies, with the
aid of paper-money alone,^ were speedily put in motion to execute the decree of Dan-
ton and his fellow-regicides that " there nnist be no more kings in Europe," They
invaded Belgium and Savoy, and conquered Austrian Netherlands, At the sound
of the Marseilles Hymn, sung by these knights-errant of the new chivalry, the people
flocked to the standards of revolt.^
' The king wrote a touching letter to his brother, dated " August 12, 1TD2, ■<• p Vclock In the morning." The follow-
ing is a copy ;
"My brother, I am no longer king : the public voice will make known jisi tho most cruel catastrophe. I am the
most unfortunate of husbands and of fathers. I am the victim of n-.y o\>>. .soodncss, of fear, of hope. It is an impcne-
Irable mystery of iniquity. They have bereaved me of every tning. They have niHssacrcd my faithful subjects. 1 have
been d.ooyed by stratagem far fi-om my palace, and they now accuse me ! I am a cni)tlvc. They drag me to prison, and
the queen, my children, and Madame Elizabeth [his sister] share my fate.
"I can no longer doubt that I am an object odious In the eyes of the French, led astray by prejudice. This is tho
stroke which is most insupportable. My brother, but a little while, and I shall exist no longer. Itemember to avenge
my memory by publishing how much I loved this ungrateftil people. Kccall one day to their remembrance the wrongs
they have done me, and tell them I forgave. Adieu, my brother, for the last time."
This letter was sent In a bit of bread to a friend of the king. It was Intercepted, and never reached his brother. —
Conenpomlence 0/ Loidit XVI.JratuiUiti'd h;i IIflkn Maria Williams, 111., 45.
' This paper-money, a specimen of which Is given on page 74, was called Assignnt. It was first Issued in ITS!), and the
basis for Its credit was the property of the clergy and the emigrants, which the government had seized, and which was
intended for sale. For t'.iree years it held n market value of over ninety per cent., but in U92 it began to depreciate, and,
lilic our own Continental money, soon became worthless. The first Issue was to the amount of about $200,000,(100. Tho
nmnunt that was finally put In circulation was about ,$1,760,000,000. This paper-money, which for a seaeon played so
important a part In the history of the world, was productive of the greatest evils. Specimens of it are now rarely to be
found. The engraving represents one In the author's possession.
' In the National Convention, on the 28th of September, Danton declared, amid the loud applauses of the assembly,
that " the principle of leaving conquered peoples and countries the right of choosing their own constitutions ought to be
to far modified that we should expressly forbid them to give themselves kings. There muxt be no more kinjH in Europe.
One king would be mifflcienl to endanger general libertij; and I request that a committee be established for the purpose of
promoting a general iiuurrection among all people againitt kinge." They thus made a distinction between the monarchs
ami the people, and professed to be the deliverers of the latter. The Revolution Clubs of England affiliated with them
in sentiment, and Dr. Priestley and Thomas Puine were elected members of the National Convention. Priestley de-
n
mm
IJMI
il'
!i|
I
Hi
iff
5? i sl^'
p..
>5i;
7d
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Egotism of the French lievolntionistB.
Paine In France,
Execution of Louis XVI.
Success gave the revolu-
tionists jj/estiffe, and, with
egotism luiparallcled, the
National Convention, by
acclamation, declai-ed that,
"in the name of tlie French
nation, they Avould grant
fraternity and assistance to
all those peoples who wish-
ed to procure liberty ;" and
they charged the executive
power " to send orders to the
generals to give assistance
to ouch people, and to de-
fend citizens who had suifer-
ed, and were then suft'ering
in the cause of liberty."
■"^fCy
Tlic revolutionists, flush-
ed with victories, and em-
boldened by th'j obedi-
ence which their reign of
terror inspired, soon exe-
cuted a long - cherished
plan of the Jacobins, and
murdered their king in the
])resence of his subjects.'
They declared war against
Enffliind and Hoi- .„ . ,
, •Fen. 1,
land,'' and soon af- 17»3.
terward against >> u^ch
Spain,'' and with ^•
the battle-cry o^ '''■Liberty
and jtJqiiuUt!/" they de-
fied all Europe. For a
moment England a\ as alarmed, for she h.id numerous enemies in her own Jiousehold,
and the civilized world looked upon the sanguuuiry tragedy on the (Jallic stage with
dismay and horror.
The contagion of that bloody Eevolutiou had so poisoned the eirculatinn of tlif
social and j)olitical system of the United States, that, strange as it may appi'ar to us,
when the ])roclamation of the French Republic, .vith all its attendant horrors of
August and September, was made known here, followed speedily by intelligence of
cliued, but Pnine accepted, went over to Prance, and
tooli liis sent In tlint blood-tlilrsty n?si.'mbly. This eall-
od forth s(inihs and caricatures In abuudauci'. In one
of tlio liHtor, entitled "FaRhion for Eiifc; or, a Good
Constitution (-acriflced for a l-'antiistic Form," Paine is
rei)rcsented fitting Bri'>innia w iili a new pair of stays, in
allusion to the occu'-ation of hi» early life. Over a cottage
door on one side \v is a sign, "Thomas Paine, Stay-nnilier,
from Tlietford. Puris Modes liy i:xpress." Paine nevei-
ventareil to return to England. His popularity in France
was brief. In the National Conventimi he offended the
ferocious Jncol)ins by ndvornting lenicno; towaril the
king. He incurred their hi-.tred, niu\ Hobespierre and
his associates cast him into prison, where he composed
his "Age ofReason." He was saved from the m illotinc
by accident, escaped u, tlie United States, and spent
much of his time iiu ri', until his death, in coa se abuse
of men and measures in that country and England.
' They wcnr through the fiipv of a trial. The liing
was acciiKci! of treason to the [' "i-lc and the C'oiistltu-
tion, and was found guilty, of course. Weak in intcUof't,
and dissipated in habits as he was, Louis v. >s innocent
of the crinu!8 alleL'ed ,\;,'ainBt him. He was Ijelicided by
the guillotine. When standing bef, re the iustruinent of death, and looking upon the people with Honignlty, lie said,
" I f.irglve my enemies ; may Goil forgive tliem, i:in' not lay my innocent blood to the charge of the m.lion ! Ood Mess
my neop;<' '" He was cut short by ai-. order to ,ieat the drums and sound the trumpets, when the brutal oflicer lo
charge called out to him, " -V» tpfeches ! cimw, n<> n/xmhen .'"
The deiitli of Louis was sincerfly mourned. He was weak, but not
vicked. He was ■\ii :!mlable iran, and loved his country. His fr'iid
dared rmt make any public de.ionstratious of g>-ief, or even of ntiarli-
menl. A small ct]niuieuioratl\e medal ofbrass was struck, and seir.ily
circulated. The.«e were cherished by tlie !,oyallsts for a generation wiib
threat alTectioil. Ou one side li< a head of Louis, with the usual insciiii-
tion— i.cp. -vi. stx oAi.i.. imi obatia. On the other 'ide is a mciiio-
rlal urn, with "uifis xvi." npoii It, and a fallen crown and sceptre a;
Its base. Beneath is the date of his death, and over i! the slgniUcnn'
words, SOI, Bi'.osi AiiiiT "The enn of the kingdom has departed." The
engraving is from a copy in the mithOi-'a possession.*
•AINE rmiSO 8TAV8.
MKMOIIHI. .MrOAI..
Antoinette, of Austria.
• Louis was Dorn on the 28d of Mcrch, UN and In ITi'O married Kiiiii!
lie ascended the throne of France, en th'; death of his grandfather, in ITT-t.
Forge tfulness of Holla
the conquest of
popular feeling
They were bliiu
Franco. They \
^ friendship far iik
'true liberty whic
the persecuted fo
cities celebrated
spirit the death o
in the United St.-
France awfikened
icans, ai-oused old
letter and spirit o
These demonsti
was styled,-'' as mi
frigate, and landec
«as all tiiat his a
weeks by land froi
tion. He ^vas a i
«.'is frank, lively,
iiiiMsion. Ho mint
trhies, scorned ail <
States of the unboi
hcan leaders hailed
favorable to iinmec
its impending .struc
iiiomeiit, would not
Iliat might Jiave pr
It was fortunate
selors, M-ere at the 1
with courage stiffic
the declaration of v
was at Moiuif Vern(
or their system of <;
wrote to Governor
foes the country ha-.
Perceiving the pr
,?reat anxiety, and 1
terrible evils which
' There was n grand fete 1
nted with ribbons, and pl,i<
ill-playcd from the horns of
loaves of bread and two hog,
ofthree hunrlred, with Kaaiii
Ci^.iBul, jat down to a dinner
wore presented, stamped vit
Inthejaii for debt were paid
t!ie French .illlauce, mpntio.i
Mifliin presided. At the he,,.
Aniericau ttags lutoruvliied i
".". treaty of alllan-e.nien
ruary, ITTS, by -.vhict, t[ie for
mcrce executed at i;,e same
tbn'se of the enemies of Friiiu
' The French Jacobins aflV-
joe term r^then was nniversi
He was called "Citizen Capet
cwiveiitional coBtumo of that
■"''*Wfi*«'?S'!?'^*&VsHi-»-.ww'i-
OF THE WAU «F 1812.
11
Forgetfiiluess of Ilulland's Friendship.
Arrival of - ' 'Itizen Genet"
Washington's Wisdom and Prudence.
the conquest of Austrian NetherkawiB by a French army, there was nn outburst of
popular feeling in favor of the fTalBe camm that swmetl to be almost universal.
They were blind to the total difference betwwen tWir own Revolution and that in
France. They were forgetfnl of the friendship of Holland during that struggle — a
friendship far more sincei' than thul of the Frt-nch ; forgetful also of the spirit of
true liberty which for ceiiiiries had prevailed m Holland, and made it an asylum for
the persecuted for conscient*' sake in all lands ; and the people in several towns and
cities celebrated these events with demonstrations of great joy.^ With a similai'
spirit the death of the Freuz-h king was hailed by the leaders of the Republican party
ill the United States ; and the declaration of war against England and Holland by
Fiance awakened a most rrmarkable entliusiasm in favor of the old ally of the Amer.
icans, aroused old liatreds toward England, and called loudly for compliance with the
letter and spirit of the treaty of 1778.^
These dcnionsti ' ons were fwon followed by the arrival of" Citizen Genet," as lie
was styled,^ as minister of the French Republic to the United States. He came in a
frigate, and landed at Charleston, Soutli Carolina, early in April. His reception there
was all that his ambition could have demanded; and his journey of three or four
weeks by land IVom there to Philadelphia, the national cai>ital, was a continued ova-
tion, lie was a man of culture and tact, spoke the English language fluently, and
was frank, lively, and communicative. lie was precisely the man for Ids peculiar
iiiiMsion. He niingleil familiaily with the people, proclaimed wild and stirrhig doc-
trines, scorned all dijilomatic art and reserve, and assured tlie citizens of the United-
States of the unbounded affection of his countrymen for the Americans. The Repub-
lican leaders hailed his advent with delight ; and a large portion of the iieople were
favorable to immediate and active participation by their government with France in
its impending struggle against armed Europe. Many, in the Avild enthusiasm of the
luomeiit, would not have hesitated an instant hi precijiitating their country into a war
tliat might have proved its utter ruin.
It Avas fortunate for the country that a man like Washington, and his wise coun-
selors, Avere at the helm and iialliards of the vessel of state at that time, and endoAA-ed
with courage sufficient to meet the dangerous popular gale. W^heii intelligence of
the declaration of war between France and other nations reached him, the IVesident
was at Mounf Vernon. He had no confidence in the self-constitvld rulers of Frai.ce
or their system of government. "They are ready to «^ear each other in pieces," he
wrote to Governor Lee, of Virginia, "and Avill, more than probably, iirove the worst
foes the country has."
Perceiving the proclivity of the public mind in his vavii country, the President felt
great anxiety, and he made immediate preparations to arrest, as fnr as possible, the
terrible evils Avhich a free course of the popular sympathy for the French might have.
1 There wns n j;rnnrt fete held In Bopton on the 24th of .Jnnnary, ITDB. An ox was roasted whole. It was then dcco-
ntoil with ribhoiis, and (ilacnd upon a car drnwn by fixicfn horpoi*. ^'^e tings of the United States and I'nuice were
(llsiilnyod from the horns of the ox. Jt was i)ariidijd throu(,-h the streets, followed by >_ -Is bearing sUtctMi lunidred
loaves of bread and two liogshf-nds of p'lnch. These were di'-tribnttd among the people ; and at the same time a party
of thre'- hnndred, with Samuel .Vdams, then Lieutenant Governor of MasHaclii'setts, nt their head, .i"sistcU by tlie French
co.isul, jat down to a dinner U\ Faneuil Hall. To the children ol ull the schools, v\'ho were paraded in tlie streets, cukes
were presented, stampcil vith the words "lilHTti/ aud Kiiuiilitii." !))■ public eubscription, the sums owed liy prisoners
ill the jali for debt were paid, und the victims of that barbnr uis law were f et free. In Philadelphia the anniversary of
I'.ic Flench '1111111100, nient'.oiied in tlie . libjolned not',', wns comniemornted by a public dinner. Governor (Int.i General)
Mifllin presided. At the head of tlu^ table a pike was flxcd, bearing npoii Its eiUit the himitft roiif/c, with the French and
American fiags lutertwlucd in fesioons, and the whole .-nmionnted b; « dove M'ld olive branch.
- A treaty of alllan'e, fiiendfhlp, and commerce was enterc' into by the I'n'led States and France on the Cth of Feb-
mui> , 1T7S, by which the fornier was bound to guarantee the French iiossesslon.j In Amerh a ; and by a treaty of com-
nicrie executed at tl.e same time, French privateers and priaes -verr entitled to shelter In the American ports, while
Iho'ic of (he enemies of Frii nee ihouldhc dxclnded. -See Arliclfi XVII. of the Trenty.
' The French Jacobins aflVcted the simplicity of (he republics of Greece and Rome. All titles were abolished, and
the term nfhfii was universally applied t;) men. AVneii 'l.e klni' was spoken of, his fr.mily name of Capiat was used,
lie was called " Citlr.cii Capet" or " Louis ( tipet," They naV'ctcd to rc.'aid liberty as a ■liviiilty, and a coiirtesan, ia the
ccuveiitionul coBtumc of ttiat dl\ Imty, w r>s fiaraded lu a ;ur th~ougb the streets ae the Goddess of Liberty.
:
m
IB
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Waabington'8 Proclamation of Meutrnllty.
Aesaulta upon It and its Author.
' April li2,
nu3.
He sent* a most unwelcome letter to the Secretary of State. "War," he
wrote, "liaving actually conmienced between France and Great Britain, it
behooves the govennnent of this country to use every means in its power to prevent
the citizens thereof from embroiling us with either of those powers, by endeavorini;:
to maintain a strict neutrality." He required Mr. Jefferson to give the subject his
careful thought, and lay his views before liim on his arrival in Philadelphia. A sim-
ilar letter was sent to the head of every oth.er department.
Washington reached Philadelphia on the I7th of April, and on the 19th held a
Cabinet council. It was agreed that the President sliould issue a proclamation of
neutrality, warning citizens of the United States not to take part in the kindliiig war.
At the same meeting it was agreed that the minister of the French Republic should
be received.'
The President's proclamation of neutrality Avas issued oii the 22d of April, and Avas
.■■^wled Avith the greatest vehemence by the "P'rench party," as the llepublicaii.s
H'« i"c called, lieverence for the President's character and p»\sition Avas forgotten in
the sto.'-m of passion that eiriued. The proclamation Avas styled a " roj'al edict," a
" daring and iniAvarrantable assumption of executive poAver," and was pointed at as
an open manifestation by the President and his political friends of partiality for En-
gland, a ')itter foe, and hostility to France, a Avarm friend and ancien* ally. It is fair
to infer, Irora the tone of his private letters at that time, that the Secretary of State
(Avho voted very reluctantly in the Cabinet for the proclamation), governed by his
;u."'^st fanatical hatred of Hamilton, and his sympathies Avith the French regicides,
secretly promoted a public feeling hostile to the administration.^
' The followinR Is n copy of the President's proclamation :
" Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Nutli-
erlands on the one part, and France on the other, and the duty and interests of the United States require that llirv
should, with sincerity and good faith, adopt and inirsue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent powers :
"I have therefore thought fit, by these i)iesents, to declare the disposition -if the United States to observe the conduct
aforesaid toward those powers respectively, and to exhort and to warn the citizens of the United States carefully to
avoid all acts and proceedings wluitsoevcr which may in any manner tend to contravene snch disposition.
"And I do hereby make known, that whosoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to ])iiii-
ishmeut or forfeiture under the law of nations, by cimiinitting, aiding, or ubetting hostilities against any of the taiil
powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which arc deemed contraband l)y the modern usage of nations, will
not receive the protection of the United States against such punishment or forfeiture ; and farther, that I have given
instruction.i to those officers to whom it belouga to cause i)rosecutions to be instituted against all persons who sliull.
within the cognizance of the courts of the United Sti 'es, violate the laws of nations with respect to the powers at war.
or any one of them. In testimony whereof, etc . etc. Signed, Oeokoe Washinuto.n-."
J It is an unpleasant dnty to arraign men whom the nation delights to honor as tried patriots, on a charge of com-
plicity with those who at one time would have wrecked the governinent upon the rocks of anarchy, not designedly, pcr-
liaps, bnt nevertheless efTcctually. llut historic truth sometimes demands it, as iu the case before us. Mr. .Tctlerson
was openly opposed to the policy of AVashington's administration. This was manly. But it was not manly lO be a
covert enemy, lie always denied any complicity witli Freueau, his translating clerk, in his coarse abuse of Washlngtoi]
and his politifal friends, while Jefferson was Secretary of State ; hut the very mlimtes niac'.e by Mr. .Jefferson hiuisolf.
and printed in his Anas, BufflcienHv indicate his relative positihia fourteen days later. '^ Accordinti; to preconcert, a number of citizens
met him at the Schuylkill and escor ed him to the city, in the mirlst of the
roar of cannon and the rhigiug of bell':. There he rtceived addresses from societies
:uid the citizens at large; and so an-vious were his ailmirers to ])ay homage to their
idol, that he was invited to a p.iblic diimer before hf presented his credentials to the
President of the United States!
At that presentation, which occurred on the 10th,'^thc minister's pride was
touched, and his hopeful ardor was chilled. Ho found himself in an atmos-
"■ May 10.
May.
1 Geucral William Moultrie, the heroic patriot of the Kevolutlon, was then Oovemor of Sonth Carolina. A wit of the
J«y wrote :
" On that blest day whun first we came to land,
Oreat Mr. Moultrie look us by the hand;
Surveyed Iho ships, ndm'.tfd the motley crt-w,
Aud o'er the envoy ft-iendship's maiitle threw;
Rcceive.d the Bam-rMlotle with soft embrace,
And bade him welcome with the kindliest grace."
'From her forcniKst were displayed tho ivords, " Knemles of ei|nailty, reform or tremble;" from her mnlnmafti,
"Prceraeu, wo are y<• shocked by the evidences of monarchical sympathies in the
President's house.^ He was supremely happy when lie was j>ermitted to escape
from the frigidity of truth, virtue, and dignity into the fervid atmosphere of a ban-
■Mi>y23, quet-hall filled with his "friends."* There his ears were greeted with the
iT!t3. stirring Marseilles Hymn, an '>de in French, composed for tlie occasion,^ and
toasts bfifflful of "Liberty and Equality." There his eyes were delighted with a
•'trfte of lifxk-rty" upon the table, and the fags of the two nations in fraternal enfold-
'm%*. There his iieart was mada glad by having the red cap of libeity placed ujion
Hfi* nrvm Jiead first, and then upon the head of each guest, while the wearer, under the
IfiKpiration of its i^ymbcJism —
" That siicrsd Cap, whlcti fools in order sped
In grand rotation, round from head to head"—
uttered some patriotic i^iwWwwwS, There hirt hopes of success were made to bud anew
ns ho saw the officers and sailo/w ///' \\\ii piiviiteer receive a "fraternal embrace" fn in
eiu li gin'sl, (i/id bear away to the robber the /(/igH o/'lhc ( ho )ii, lions amid the cheeiH
of the convivialists.
Genet's prescnco intensified (he party spirit of the Republicans. " llelilifiiriilii
Societies," in imitation of Ihe Jacobin Clubs of France, were formed, secret in their
proceeduigs, and disloyal in the extreme in their jjractice at that time. In servile
imitation of their jjrototypes, they adopted the peculiar phrases of the populace of
Paris;' and a powerful fiiction was soon visible, more Fi'euch than American in tluii
habits of thought and political principles. By some strange iiifjvt nation, sensible ami
patriotic men were drawn into the toils of the charmer, and they sanctioned and j)!ii-
ticipated in scenes which composed a most astounding and humiliating farce.''
' Genet's address to Wachlngton was full of friendly profesFlon?. "It wan impopsible," Jefferson wrote to Madison,
"for any thing to be more affectionate, more mngnanimons than the purport of Genets mission. ... He offers eviTv
thing, and asks nothing." And yet, while making thc.«e professions, he had secret instrnctions in his pocket to foment
discord helween the United States and Great Britain, and to set the American government at dcflunce, ii neo('s^Mv, in
the execution ;)f his designs. lie had already openly insulted that government by his acts nt C'harlcsfon— a city wl.iili.
on that occasion as on subsequent ones, earned the "bad crainencc" of standing alone in the attitude of disloyally \>'
the national government.
' He was "astonished and indignant" at seeing a bust of Louis XVI. in the vcstllml", and romp'nined of It to hi?
"friends" as an " Insult to France. " lie was eiiually "astonished" by discovering in the President's parlor "ccrtniii
medallions of Capet and his family ;" r.nd lie was " shocked to le? rn" that the Marquis Dc NoaiUcs (n relative of Madnnn'
lafayeltc) and other emigrant Frenchmen had lately been admitted to Ihc presence of Washington. Indeed he found
most things disagreeable outside of the charmed circle of his " f'icnds."
■' This was written by "Clll/en Duponceau,"of rhiladclphin, n worthy French gentleman, ,. ho came to America with
the Baron Oe Steuben, and w.is for many years n distinguished citizen of Pennsylvania. The ode was translated into
English at the table by Frcncau, Ihe translating clerk of the Sccreiary of State, and then sung again.
< "The title 6f c?Yi>™,"says Orlswold, "became as common In Phlladi'lphia as lnPari.», and in the newspapers it w;i«
the fashion to announce marriages as partnerships L.tHeen ('itizen Brow:i, Sniilh, or Jones and the cifowi who had hc?u
wooed to such an association."— /Jfjiiib/iVnii Cmiri, p. ilCiO.
■■• " At a dinner at which Governor MIfllin was present, a roasted pig recel'or' the name of the mnrdered French kin:'.
and the head, severed fi-om the body, was carried lonnd to each of the guests, who, after placing the liberty-cap on lii^
own bciid, ))ronouncea the word ' tyrant,' and proceeded to mangle with bis knife that of the luckless creature donnioil
to be served for so unworthy a company. One of Ihe IVmorratIc lavcnis dlsplaycfi as a sign a revolting picture oftlic
mutilated and bloody corpse of Marie Ant.iinetto."*— /(c;)ii6(ic(i» Pnurt, p. '(.Vl. Stninge as It may seem, .' 'fferson was jo
Influenced by his prejudices ..t that time that he shnt his cyos, apparently, to all passing events, and could write to Mad-
• Marie Antoinette, the nnhappy queen of Louis X^1., became the victim of Jacobin mnlignlty, and was t)e!ieaded on
the Irtlh (ifOctoljer, nwi. .She was n danghter of the Kmpetor of Austria, and Is represented as a beantihil and accom-
plished woman. Iler murdcers accused and convicted l,"r of crimes of wblch tbey knew she was Innocent. She wn?
taken to the scaffold on a cart. I|i t body was cast into the Magdalen churchyard, and luimedialely consumed nitli
qulck-hmc ! The fiends denied her a grave.
Enthusiasm for the F
But the ludic
dignified act.
liundred inerchs
the soundest loy
scnted to Presid
Similar enthu
other ])Iaces, but
to the governme
Democratic soci,
temperate heat, t
The governme
forward in the ]
owners, and tJie j
sent to the colleci
fitted out as priv
sols, Americans
and indicted for .1
of grand juries to
with respect to ar
These measures
He protested ; ami
reiterated the opji
priv/i/eecs, he had
I'ccied finil '/'//,, ii
would leave th«= societies and th'(
"li'lioiilo their owh, as eq
belter counsels kept their
Hevolutlong.
The aspect of dignltv,(lr,
was wholl" wanting in Uiat i
'ipenly advanced In Ihv Con
cnrurcc a political creed up,,,
when Ibehold the hand of ra
tliusu citl/ens and Ibeir anci
and cool delibenitlon ought t
what was the cause of Amerli
''*'■'•'." WI8 graphically ijhislr
OP TllE WAR OF 1812.
81
Entbuoiaam for the French Cause. The Americaa and French Kevulutlonn contrasted, tienct rebuked by Jefferson.
But the ludicrous picture of Genet's reception in Philiulcl]iliia was relieved by a
dignified act. On the day of his arrival in that city, an address, signed by three
hinidred merchants and other substantial men of that city, in which was expressed
the soundest loyalty to the letter and spirit of his proclamation of neutrality, was pre-
sented to President Washington.
Similar enthusiasm for the French cause was manifested in New York and a few
other places, but the citizens were never obnoxious to the charge of overt disloyalty
to the government. Although the Carmagnole^ was sung hourly in the streets, and
Democratic societies fanned the zeal for the Jacobin system of government into in-
temperate heat, the citizens, as such, remained loyal to the Constitution and the laws.*
Tlie government, unawed by the storm of passion that beat upon it, went steadily
forward m the path of right and duty. 27ie Grange Avas restored to its British
owners, and the privateers were ordered to leave the American waters. Orders were
sent to the collectors of all the ports of the United States ibr the seizure of all vessels
iitted out as privateei-s, and to prevent the sale of any prizes captured by such ves-
sels. Americans from one of the privateers fitted out at Charleston were arrested
and indicted for a violation of law; and Cliief Justice .T.ay declared it to be the duty
of grand juries to jjresent all i>ersons guilty of such violation of the laws of nations
with respect to any of the belligerent powers.
Tiiese measures greatly irritated tlie French minister and his American partisans,
lie protested ; and tlie Secretary of State, soon finding him to be a troublesome friend,
reiterated the opinitms of the President, and plainly told him that, by commissioning
|trivii(('er«, he had violated the sovereignty of the United States, and that it Avas ex-
|ie('l('d Ihal '/'///' IJi nit and IJJi^nibvscade (the two privateers fitted out at Charleston)
would leave tho American wat' *'orthwith.
isiiii, iilliM i!»)((/i«i'lli(j hl« opinion thni Gcnei h inagnnnimous offers would not be received, "It Is evident thnt one or
two of the C!ablnei Hueiiniii); llnmiiton and Knoxi, at least, under pretcnRe of avoldiuj^ war ou the one side, have no
(jrciit antipathy to run foul of it on the otlur, and to make a jiart in the confederacy of princes against human liberty."
1 A dance, with slngiiifr, performed in the mi ts of I'aris during the French Revolution. See page GO.
■ Those societies and the newspapers In theii iiterest attempted to deceive the people by comparing the Freuch Rev-
olution to their invli, us equallyju.xlitled and holy. Jlany, totally ignorant of the fai-ts, believed ; but enlightenment and
tictlcr counsels kept their passions in check. The informed and thoughtful saw no just comparison I'otweeu the two
licvolutlous.
TllF <^ONTRART.
The aspect of dignity, dccomm, gravity, order, and rcllglonn solemnity so conspicuous in
was wholl" wanting in that of the French. " When I llnd," IlnmlUon wrote to Washington,
ii|ipiil,v advanced in the Convention, and heard with loud applauses ; when I sec the sw. -d
ouforce a political creed upon citizens who were invited to submit to the arms of FraMs ii«
when I behold the hand of rapacity outslcetched to prostrate and ravish the monuments uf re
llwai'. cliliiens and their ancestors ; when T iicrceive passion, tumult, and vlolcn -e nsurpi..;:
;niii cool deliberation ought to preside— I acknowledge that I am glad lo believe there Is r.o
what was the canse of America and what is the cause of France." The difference between .<
UkrVj was graphically illustrated by a print cnJled T)w CoMrmt, of which our engraving Is a
the American Revolntion
" (he doctrines i>f atheism
if fanaticism extended to
the barblnpera of liberty;
!1'-lo!!S worship erected by
liisse seatK where reiion
real resemblance between
tneriean liberty and Frtnth
reduced copy.
82
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
i r
Persixteoce of the French Minister.
Ui8 "FlIibUBtorlDg" Schemes.
Dis Attempt to create a Rebellion.
A Reaction.
sf 'lil
.\ IW
il
ri'
Geiiot, with ofFensive pcrtin.ifity, de-
nounced this doctrine as contrary to
riglit, Justice, and tlie law of nations,
and threatened " to appeal from tlie
President to tlic jn'ople." Tiic Re-
publican papers sustaiiu'd hiiu in his
course. 1 The Democratic societies be-
came more bold and active ; and (ienet,
niistakinLT the |)opular clamor in his fa-
vor for the deliberate voice of the na-
tion, actually undertook to fit out as a
privateer at I'hiladelphia, during the
absence of the President at Mount Ver-
non, under the very eyes of the national
government, a British vessel that liad
been cajitured and brought in there by
VEnibuscade, and which he named in
French The Little iJernocrat. MilHin,
tlic Democratic Governor of Pennsyl-
vania, interfered, and threatened to
seize the vessel if Genet persisted in
his course. The minister refused to listen. Jefterson begged liiin to desist until the
return of the President. Genet spurned his kind > jrds, and raved like a uindmaii.
He declared his deterinination to send The Little Democrat to sea, complained that he
had been thwarted in all his undertakings by the government, denounced the Presi-
dent as unfaithful to the \i'ishes of the people, and resolved to press him to call the
Congress together to act upon the subjects in dispute.^
Genet's othcial and private conduct became equally offensive ; and when, on Wash-
ington's return to the seat of government, it was recited to him, his indignation was
arous d. "Is the minister of the French Kepublic to set the acts of the government
at deliarice \i^ith impunity f^h^i asked. Ilis Gabinet answered No. Forbearance to-
ward ll'..! insolent minister was no longer retpiired by the most exacting courtesy,
and it \tas agreed in Cabinet council that the French government should be requested
to recall him because he Avas offensis e to that of the United States. Jefferson had
become disgusted with liim, and the tone of popular sentiment soon became more
sensible and patriotic. His reiterated threat of appealing from the President to the
people — in other words, to excite an insurrection for the j)urpose of overthrowing the
government — had shocked the national pride ; and many considerate Republicans,
' A writer in Frenenu'8 Onzrttr paid, " I hope the niinisler of France will act with flrmnefs and c pirit. The ])en])le are
his frirnfls, or the friends of France, a:.(l lie will have nothinf; to apiirchcnd; for, nu yrt, the people are the fiovercifiiis
of the United States. Too much complacency is an injury done to his l■all^'l' ; for, as every advantage is already taken
of Franco (not by the ]>e(q>h), farther condescension may lead to farther abuse. If one of the leadinsj features of (air
government is pusH'.animity when tlie Dritish lion shows his teeth, let Franco and her minister act as becomes the dig-
nity of her cayse, a'j i the honor and faith of nations."
Fronean's paper, at that time, was assisted in its attacks npon the jjovernment by the Oeneral Advertiner (aftenvard
known as the A^irora), edited by B. F. Bache, a grandson of Dr. Franlilin, who had been educated in France. It was
even more violent and abusive than its colleague, and even charged Washington with an intention of joining in the
league of kings and priests against the French Republic I
' (Jenel was intrusted by his government witli bolder schemes than the fitting out of privateers. lie was to organize
what are called in our day " filibustering cxpcdillcms," on an extensive scale, against the Spanish dominions, the objcrl
beinf; no less than the seizure of Florida and New Orleans. An expedition against the ""ormer was to he organL.i'd in
South Carolina, and against the latter in Kentucky. The one in the Mississippi Valley was to be led by General (icorp
Rdgern Clarke, the conqueror of tic Northwest, to whom was given the magniloquent title of " Major Oeneral In iho
Armlei- ^)f France, and Commander-in-chief of the French Revolutionary I.eiiions on the Mississippi." Funds for car-
(■jlng on Cicse expeditions were to be derived from the payment to the mli'ister, by the I'nited Slates, of a portion of the
iwitjonaj Jubt due to France. French emissaries were employed in South Carolina and Kentucky, and in the latter (lb-
Bict|the pnlillo mind, irritated by the Spanish obstructi(ms to the navigation of the Mi-ssissippl, was very favorable t"
l))e movement. The failure of Oenet's missicm put an end to these schemes of conquest, uot, however, until they haJ
jiroijllccd 'iinoylng effects npon the national government.
who had been
in the cause
lievolution in
|)aiised while li
to the audaciou
i>f a foreigner w
Slimed to dicti
course of contl
be pursued by
loved Wasliin
Tlie tide turned
soon there wen
onstrations th
out the LTiiion of
ment with the ]
niation of netit
wliich the partis;
Genet never drt
of, and a 8tron<
irresistible react
favor of the na
government sjx
manifested itsel
every hand.
Genet' was rcc;
and M. Fouchet, s
equally indiscreet
ment against Gre
two countries, to
and a»conciliatorj
was pursuing a st
gland dejjlored.
armed neutrality
' Mr. CJenet never retu
conntry, and ho thought 1
Slate of New York, and b
of the I'rench Jacobin --o
ties. At the time of his
born In January, lT(i3. I
nttached to the emba.ssie.
t» the Emperor of Russi,
X'VI., he became a favorit
nilui.^tor to Holland, and ,
America as minister and (
first Postmaster General i
aloiied by bis attendance
I'lospect Hill, near Greciib
L'aniiian, and another wa«
the wisdom of Wasbingl.
in America, and reJoice I'rcnch Jacobin government, that Americans have reason to romplain of him. He was a man of eminent abili-
ties. At the time of his arrival in the United States, he was a few months more than thirty years of age, having been
burn in January, 17(13. He was a precocious boy, and from childhood was engaged in public employments. He was
iit'iiclied to the emliassies at Berlin, Vienna, Loudon, and St. Petersburg. Because of a spirited letter which he wrote
lo the? Emperor of Hussia, ludignautly protesting against his expulsion from his dominions after the deatli of Louis
XVI., he became a favorite of the French revolntlonists. lie was made adjutant general of the armies of France and
iiilui-tcr to Holland, and was employed in revolutionizing (ienevn and annexing it to France. He was finally sent to
America as minister and consul general. He was twice married. His second wife was the daughter of Mr. Osgood, the
ilrst Postmaster General under the Constitution. He took great interest in agriculture, and his last lllneas was occa-
sioned by his attendance at the meeting of an agricultural society of which he was president. He died at his seat on
I'riispect Hill, near Oreenbnph, opposite Albany, on the 14th of .Inly, ISM.* One of his sisters was the celebrated Madame
Cainpan, and another was Madame Anguie, molher-in-Iaw of the distinguished Marshal Ney. Mr. Genet often spoke of
Ihc wisdom of Washington and his administration, the folly of his own countrymen at that time and of their admirers
in America, and rejoiced that the proclamation of neutrality defeated his wild schemes.
» During the American Kevoluti(ni the superior maritime power of Great Britain was able to damage the commerce
• Genet was burled lli the prave-ynrd of the Koformed Dutch Church at Greenbnsh. Upon a plain marble tablet
placed over his remains Is the following inscription :
"Under this humble stone are Interred the rennilns ofEnMiTKnCiiAni.KBOENKT, late Adjutant General, Minister Pleni-
Iinicntlary and Consul General from the French Hepubllc to the United States of America. He was born at Versailles,
liarlsh of St. Louis, in France, January S, 17CI!, and died at Prospect Hill, town of Oreenbusb, July 14, ISM.
" Driven liy the sfoi ms of the Uevolutton to the shades of retirement, he devoted his talents to his adopted country,
where he cherished the love of liberty and virtue. The pursuits of literature and science enlivened his peaceful solitude,
.ind he devoted his time to usefulness and benevolence. His last moments were like his life, an example of fortitude
and true Christian philosophy. His heart was love and fUcudshtp's sun, which has set on this transitory world, to rise
with radiant splendor bejond Ihc grave."
i)
84
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
If
il
'i
Brlttah " Rules" and Orders la Council. Their Injustice. The Armed Neutrality. Feeling In the United Stutoo.
1766,' and first by a "proviHioiial order in conneil," as it was called, issued in June,
• November fl ^ 7!).'!,- and tlicn by another order in council, issued in November following,'
iTua. ;j,ni secretly pronndi^ated, she struck heavy blows at her antaj^onist, re-
gardless of the fact that they fell almost as heavily upon those who favored her by
neutrality. Citizens of the United States were then carrying on an extensive trade
with the French West India Islands, whose ports had been opened to neutrals for the
same reasons as in 1 7 "Xi, and felt no apprehension of interference from any source.
But (treat Britain had determined to again aj)ply her starvation nu!asures against her
old enemy, and a secret order in council was issued, and silently circulated among the
British cruisers, without the least notice or intimation to the American merchants,
directing all vessels engaged in trading with any colony of France to be taken into
British ports for adjudication in the courts of admiralty.^
This lawless invasion of neutral rights, conducted secretly and treacherously, pros-
trated at one blow a great portion of American commerce. The property of Amer-
ican merchants to the amount of many millions of dollars was 8wei)t from the seas
into British ports and lost. This was regarded as little better than higliway robbery,
judged by the law of nations and common justice.
When intelligence of this high-handed measure reached the United States, it pro-
duced the hottest indignation throughout the land. Politicid strife instantly ceased,
and both parties Avere etiually zealous in denunciations- of the treachery and aggres-
sions of Great Britain, for which she offered no other excuse than expediency, grow-
ing out of her evident determination to mahitain her boasted position of" mistress of
the seas," regardless of the rights of all the rest of the world. Congress was then in
session, and measures were proposed for retaliation, such as reprisals, embargoes, sc-
of other Europenn nations immensely. Tlie British government revived the rule of nsfi, liclow mentioned, nnd infrinirod
largely upon neutral connncrce. To rc»iHt these encroachments, and to protect uciitrnl marllinie ri^lits, Kussia, Swe-
den, Ueninarli, and Holland formed a treaty of alliance, which they denominated The Armed Neutrality, l)y which tlicy
pledged themselves to support, at the hazard of war, if necessary, the following principluN: 1. That it shonld he lawful
for any ships to sail freely from one port to another, or along the coast of the powers at war. 2. That all merchanrtito
and effects belonging to the subjects of the belligerent powers, and shipped in neutral bottoms, should be entirely free ;
that is, free ships make free goods, ii. That no place should be considered blockaded e.\cept the assailing pAver had
taken a station so as to expose to imminent danger any ship attempting to sail iu or out of such ports. 4. That no neu-
tral ships should be stopped without material and well-grounded cause ; and, in such cases. Justice should lie done llicni
without delay." The British navy triumphed over all opposition, the designs of the armed neutrality were defealcil,
and Holland was made a party to the war with tlie Americans and France. A similar attempt to restrict the maritime
power of Great Britain was made in the yesr ISOO, which resulted iu the destruction of the Danish fleet before Copen-
hagen in April, ISOl. Soon after thij The Armed Neutrality was dissolved, and the dominion of the seas was accordcil
to England.
1 When the war between Great Britain nnd France was formally declared In 17S6, the former power announced, as n
principle of national law. "that no other trade should be allowed to neutrals with the colonies of a belligerent in tinio
of war than wuit is allowed by the parent state in time of peace." This was in direct opposition to the law of natioiiH
promulgateii l)y Frederick the Great, of Prussia, namely, " the goods of an enemy can not be taken from on board tlic
ships of a frieud ;" and also in direct violation of a treaty between England and Holland, in which it was stipulated ex-
pressly that "free ships make free (,ood8"— that the neutral should enter saf> ]., and unmolested all the harbors of tlio
belligerents, nnless they were blockaded or besieged. England not only violated the treaty, hut, having the might, ex-
ercised the right of invading the soveieignty of Holland, andcnpturinc its vessels whose cargoes might be useful forlicr
navy. This assumption— this dictation of law to the nations to suit her own self.sh purposes— turned against England
the denunciations of the civilized world, and which for more than a cont\n-y she has never ceased to receive. At that time
her "law" v.as aimed directly at France, then much the weaker nava! power. Unable to maintain her accustomed
trade with her West India Islands, she opened their ports to neutrals. It was to destroy the trade by neutrals, so lucra-
tive to them and so beneflcial to France, that Great Britain introduced that new principle of national law.
2 This order, intended as a starvation measure against France, declared th.it all vessels laden wholly or in part with
breadstuiTs, hound to any port of France, or places occni)ied by French armies, should be carried into England, ami
their cargoes either disposed of there, or security given that they should be sold only iu i)orts of a country in frlendshij)
with Great Britain. This order was Issued on the 8th of June, 1T93.
3 The following is n copy of the order:
" George R. : Additional Instructions to all ships of war, privateers, etc. :
"That they shall stop and detain all ships laden with goods the produce of any colony belonging to France, or con-
veying provisions or other supplies for the use of such colonies ; and shall bring the same, with their cargoes, to legal
acUudicatlon in our courts of admiralty. By his majesty's command. Signed, Dusuas.
"November 0,1733."
So secretly was this order issued that the first account of its existence reached the London Exchange with the detail-
of several captures which It authorized and occasioned. And Mr. Plnckney, the American minister, was unable to pro-
cure a copy of it until the 26th of Ueccmbcr, more than six weeks after it was Issued. —PiiKkiuy'a letter to hia governmetil,
Dtcember 28, 1798.
British Impressment
<]iiestrations, an
excitement was
iiig the Jiand of
Another and i
consideration, ar
tilitics between
into tJie Ikiti.sh i
(ii-cat Britain fo
fions" to suit liei
•langer, to be foi
British seamen tt
naval ])ower by t
jwtriate Jiimself-
triiie that in time
and that, at the ct
loturii and tight t
laniation was issi
ships of war to m
l>ntisJi-l)orn seam
foreign state. Un
while in niid-ocear
(treat Britain alon
Knglish and Anieri
their scrutiny, nati
vessels, and kej)t iu
tilting grievance.
J^A
Oy
'""f the treaty, triiii- ri
from America to Europe any of the principal colonial products. British vessels were to be admitted into Auicnran
ports on terms equal to the most favored nations. There were provisions made favortihle to neutral i)ropertT mi tho
high seas, and that a vessel entering a blockaded port should not he liable to capture unless previously notified (f the
blockade. There were satisfactory arrangements made concerning enlistments ; of courti^sy between ships of war and
privateers of the two countries; to prevent the arming of privateers of any nation at war with the two ccmtracting par-
ties, and the capture of goods in the hays iiiid harbors of the parties. In the event of war between the two conntrie?,
the citizens or subjects of eitlier should not he molested, if peaceable ; and fugitives from justice, charged with hii-'li
crimes, to be mutually given ui).*
* The Treaty In full may be found In the Statesmun's Manual, Iv., 298.
Violent Oppodtioii (
uith Great J5r
.■it(! were not c
Cahiiiet ininiHt
tcr to warrant
raised in the I)
The Senate 1
Then the oppof
gets for their si
(ore the Ifevolu
for their negnx
States, aixl the |
iiize man as pro
The author o)
dent personally,
natioMiil coward
"Id ally. Bold J
iiig if. Public
language and ,sei
paraded in the s
lioston denonnci
the Ignited State
at a public meet
South Ciirolinian
flag in (li(! (111. (
••onsiil; wIiilo\ii
evils, offered thei
' The following is a sj
M'ven years' war with II
iillies, now contr'nding f
kimi 0/ 1 leatii with j, po;
republicanism. The Un
iirch? Treaties lend lo 1
ii government congenial
difference bordering on
''taiid or fall together."
' The Semite, on volin.
cntlonofthe treaty itself,
"f the order of the 8th of
the rules of the Senate, o
it to the Aurora newsp.q
the 2d of July. A poet ol
' In 1(107 an English coi
TO'/ aim beinij iiiiiiteln, the,
lided that "so soon as n i
breathe in Englnml." n,
the kindling of the Revoi
^'^rr *ef, a native of Afri
wht ,10 H-ns Induced to n
' That of Jay boi-c n pnii
I'repondcrnted, "liritinh ,jo
!mi mil rnTinlri,'."
' "These nrehnrdargui
"Edward Livingston," saj
t'ode), was, I nm inf.irmed,
« "Notice Is herebv give
nlarch-lr.iltor, John .lav,
•■Vssembly „f Virginia althi
emment o.'one hundred th
"1"S. A.sltlsthe wish i
OF TIIK WAR OF 18 12.
87
vioioni oppuDitioiitafttvVlmMsh
ItM FrlciiilH nxKalled.
SeceMlon propnied by VlrglnUiw.
witli Grt'iit ISritiiin. It rcachod tlic Prt'Hidont early in March,* hut the Sen- . j,g„h ^
iitc were not convened to eoiisider it until .Tune> Meanwliile an unfaithful """•
Cahiiiet minister (Mr. Handolph, of Virjfiiiia) revealed enouyh of its ciiaracv "•'"»<"*•
ter to warrant attaiks u])on it. The mad, si'ditioiis cry of faction was immediately
raised in the Democratic societies and Hj)rcad among the people.'
Tiie Senate finally voted to ratify the treaty, and it was jmhlished to the world."
Tlieii tlie opjiosition oj)ened upon it their heaviest liatt«'ries »)f ahuse. The chief tar-
gets for their shot were its provisions for the jjayment of honest dehts contracted he-
fore tlu! Hevolution, and the omission to ])rovide for the remmieration of sl.-iveholders
for tlieir nej^roes e!\rricd away dnrinij that war. As the Constitution of the I'liited
States, and the puhiic sentiment and judicial decisions of (ireat Hritaht diy your
allies, now contending for liberty, niush to think that America should dcfjradc herself so much ns to enter Into any
kimi 0/ Ireatij with a iiowcr, now tottering on the brink of ruin, whose principles are directly contrary to the spirit of
republicanism. The United Slates are a republic. Is it advantageous to a republic to have a connection with u mon-
iirch? Treaties lead to war, and war Is the bane of n republican govenimont. . . . France is our natural ally : she has
a u'overument congenial with our own. . . . The nation on whom nur jmlitkal existetxee dcpcnih we have treated « ith lu-
(liirerence bordering on contempt . . . Citizens, your security depends ou France. . . . Let us uni'c with France, and
ctuud or fail together."
" The Senate, on voting to recommend the ratification of the treaty, removed the seal of secrecy, but forbade the pHl)li-
rition of the treaty Itself, for prudential reasons connected with measures for ascertaining the construction liy the Knglish
"f the order of the Sth of .Tunc, ITtl.T (see page S4), which, it was rnmorcd, had just been renewed. Regardles.'i alike of
the rules of the Senate, of offldul decorum, and of personal honor, Senator Thomson Mason, of Virginia, sent a copy of
it to the Aiimra newspaiier, the bitter enemy of the administration, aud a full abstract of it was published therein on
the !!d of July. A poet of the day thus Ironically addressed Mr. Mason :
" Ah, Thomson Slason ! long thy fame shall riee
With Democratic incense to the skies 1 *
Long shall the world admire thy manly sonl,
Which scorned the haughty Senate's base control J
Came boldly forward with thy weighty name,
Aiul gave the treaty up for public game'."— ^Ae Echo.
' In 1(107 nn English court decided that " negroes being usunlly bought and sold among merchants an merchandise,
mill aim beimj ixutleh, there might be a property In them sufllclent to maintain trover." In 1i02 Chief Justice Holt de-
cided that "so socm as « negro lands in England he is free." T'l this Cowper alluded when he said, "Slaves can not
breathe In England." Holt also decided that "there Is no such thing as a slave by the law Jannary 2.
' March 20,
1T94.
The President's Avise counsels prevailed. In January,'' IT 94, a commit-
tee was appointed, with instructions to report the amount of force neces-
sary to protect American commerce against the Algcrine pirates, and the ways and
means for its support.- Tliis measure, and the general subject of British aggressions,
elicited, as we have seen, long and warm debates, and party lines were very distinctly
drawn. The feeling against Great Britain became intense, and in March'
an embargo for a limitf^d period Avas laid, chiefly for the purpose of ob-
structing the supply of provisions for the British ileet in the West Indies.^ Then
followed the appointment of Mr. Jay as minister extraordinary to Great Britain, al-
ready noticed.
There was a powerful and detennined opposition to the creation of a navy. Witli
strange ideas of national honor and national independence, some advocated the pur-
chase of a peace with the Dey of Algiers, and the future security of his forbearance,
by r.'^nsora and tribute money, rather than prepare for, and thus, as they believed,
provoke a war. And these cowardly counsels had great influence; for when, finally,
d March 11, * ^^^^ ^^'^8 passcd'' providing for the construction of six frigates, it was eii-
^™'*- cumbered with a clause commanding a suspension of labor upon them in
the event of a peace with Algiers being secured. For the purchase of such peace a
million of dollars were appropriated. ^Vn act was also passed for the fortification of
the harbors of the republic* These were the first steps toward the creation of tlic
navy, army, and fortifications of the United States under the National Constitution.
ranenn), vnth an aggregate of 108 guns ; a brig on the etocks of 20 gnns ; three galliotns, with 4 guns each ; and sixty
gnii-boats. The vcspbIb were all ranr.ned at the rate of twelve men for each guu. TnuU had, at the same time, twenty-
three corsairB, mounting from 4 to 24 gnns each.
' Letter of O'Brlep. to Humphreys, dated " Algiers, November 12, 1703."— See American State Papers, Boston edition,
1S17, x.,319.
a This was the first Committee of Ways and Means ever appointed by the Congress, questions of that sort havlnj;
been hitherto referred to the Secretary of the Treasury. It was an opposition measure.
' First for thirty days, and afterward for sixty. At the end of that time the embargo expired by limitation, but a
temporary act authorized the President to renew it at any time before the next session of Congress.
* The naval bill provided that four of the six frigates should carry 44 guns each, and the other two 30 gnns each.
About $700,000 were appropriated for the purpose. In the matter of harbor defenses, the President was authorized to
commence fortiflcutions at Portland, Portsmouth, Gloucester, Salem, Boston, Newport, New London, New York, Philn-
delphltt, Baltimore, Annapolis, Alexandria, Norfolk, Ocracoke Inlet, Wilmington, Cope Fear River, Georgetown, 8. ('.,
Charleston, Savannah, and St. Mary's. B'lt the whole amount of money appropriated for this purpose was the paltry
Bom of $136,000. Tnie, this was only for the eomni'mmntent of the fortifications. The President was anthorip.c-d to par-
ch;. «.o two hundred cannon, and artillery munitions for the forts, for which $flfl,000 wee appropriated. For the cstnh-
Itsbment of arsenals and armories $81,000 were appropriated, and $340,000 were provided for the purchase of arms and
Building of Frigate
Perceiving i
government,
their keels we
on briskly, wh
of peace" with
of dollars with
was suspende(
tection in the
At the begin
ful. The Indif
Britain prevai
French govern
.)f enmity towa
section of tlie p
the Directory
United States a
be recalled, to
gence was recei
for the due exc
Frencli ships of
themselves to b
lean ships were
military stores. The I
year.
' These were Portsn
ceedcd to appoint the I
Captains and
John Ban
Samuel N
Silas Tall
Richard I
Thomas 1
James Se\
'The relations of thoi
nations who suffered th
f rn shores of the Medlt(
The (list contact of th^
llie United States, and c
the diplomatic agents ol
mine of wealth, and he i
llsh a precedent that wo
rins, established in ancli
solicitation ofMr. Jeffer
took to procure a releast
suits. The Dey refUse J
Americans to remain in
Jones, and then Mr. Ban
Algiers, and the busines
was at about the time wl
fleet was then upon the .
lured by them, and over (
passport to Algiers. Th
any American embassiidi
ated about .•< million of il
Europe, v.'ith Mr. Donalc
that government, Donalc
sum of money, and an at.
amount to be paid dowi
worth one hundred thou
treaty was hnmlllating tt
not then be avoided.
' The Directory was Ir
November, 1796, and wae
ruled In connection wlt^
ii
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
91
Building of Frigates. Tribute to the Dey of Algiers. Release of Captives. The French Directory offended.
Perceiving an urgent necessity in the aspect of foreign affairs in relation to liis own
government, the President resolved to have the six frigates built iinmeaiately, and
their keels were soon I'cspcctively laid in six different ports.' The Avork was going
on briskly, when it was suspended, at the closo of 1795, by the conclusion of a treaty
of peace" with the African robber, which cost the government a million • Novcmi'er 28,
of dollars Avithout ultimate advantage.^ Tiie v/ork on the six frigates *™^-
was suspended, and the mercantile marine of the United States lost all hope of pro-
tection in the event of a war with any foreign government.
At the beginning of 1 790 tlic aspect of the foreign affairs of the republic was perice-
ful. The Indian war in the West had ceased ; a better understanding with Great
Britain prevailed than had been known since the close of the Revolution ; and the
French government, then in the hands of a Directory,^ showed no special symptoms
,)f enmity toward that of the United States. But clouds soon began to ai^poar in that
section of the political horizon. The ratification of Jay's treaty gave such offense to
the Directory that they declared'' the alliance between France and the » February is,
United States at an end, and that Adet, the successor of Fouchet, should ^™""
be recalled, to make room for a special minister. In July," when intelli- ' "^"'y *■
gence was received that the Congress of the United States had made an appropriation
for the due execution of Jay's treaty, the Directory issued a secret order authorizing
French ships of war to treat neutral vessels in the same manner as they had suffered
themselves to be treated b;, the English. Under this authorization, numerous Amer-
ican ships were seized in the West Indies by French cruisers. This was followed in
military stores. The importation of arms for two years was to he free, and no arms were allowed to bo exported for a
year.
I These were Portsmouth, N. H., Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Norfolk. The President also pro-
ceeded to appoint the following officers, constructors, and navy agents:
CapUini and SuperintendeiiU.
Navnl Coaitructora.
Navy Agen fl.
For Shlpn lo be buill at
John Barry.
Samuel Nicholson.
Silas Talbot.
Richard Dale.
Thomas Tmxtun.
James Sever.
Joshua Hnmphreys.
George Cleghom.
Formau Cheesman.
John Morgan.
David Stodcrt.
James Uackett.
Isaac Coxc.
Henry Jackson.
John Blagge.
W. Pcnnock.
Jeremiah Ylllott.
Jacob Sheaffc.
Philadelpuia.
Boston.
New York.
Norfolk.
Baltimore.
Portsmouth.
3 The relations of those African sea-robbers to the commerce of the world at that time was a disgrace to the civilized
nations who suffered themselves to be made tributary to the piratical rulers of the semi-barbarian states on the soutb-
f ra shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
The first contact of those i)owers with the Americans was in 17S5, when Algeriue corsairs captured two vessels trom
the United States, and consigned their crews, twenty-one In number, to slavery. Measures were immediately taken by
the diplomatic agents of the United States in Europe fur their release. The rapacious Dey believed he had found a new
mine of wealth, and he asked an enormous price for their ransom. The American government determined not to estab-
lish a precedent that would be followed by more exorbitant demands. In France was a religious order, called Mathu-
rins, established in ancient times for the pnrpose of redeeming Christian captives in the hands of the infidels. On the
solicitation of Mr. Jefferson, then minister of the United States at the French Court, the principal of this order under-
took to procure a release of the American captives. He was unsuccessful. Others made similar attempts, with like re-
sults. The Dey refVised to lower his demands, believing that the United States would pay any price rather than allow
Americans to remain in bondage. Finally our government appropriated $40,000 for their ransom, and first John Paul
Jones, and then Mr. Barclay, were appointed commissioners to negotiate for their release. Each died before he reached
Algiers, and the business was placed In the hands of Colonel David Humphreys, American minister at Lisbon. This
was at about the time when the truce between Portugal and Algiers, already mentioned, was concluded. The Algeriue
fleet was then npon the Atlantic, and, within a month after the truce was agreed upon, ten American vessels were cap-
tured by them, and over one hundred American seamen consigned to^lnvery. Colonel Humphreys asked the Dey for n
|)as8port to Algiers. The elated ruler said that he would not make peace with the Americans on any terms, nor allow
liny American embassador to come to his cepltal. Humphreys hastened to the United States, when Congress ai)propri-
ated about .'■ million of dollars to be applied to the release of the captives. In the spring of 17fl5 Humphreys sailed fbr
Europe, v.ith Mr. Donaldsjn, consul for Tunis and Tripoli. While the former remained in France to obtniii the aid of
that government, Donaldson mada a treaty with the Dey. Tne captives were finally released oa the payment of a largo
»nm of money, and an agreei lent on the part of the United States to pay to the Dey of Algiers an annual tribute. Ttn"
amount to be paid down .vi ? $800,000, and, in addition, the United States agreed to present the Dey with n frigate
worth one hundred thousand dollars. The amount of annual tfibute-money was twenty-five thousand dollars. This
treaty was humiliating to the UTilted States, but it wag In accordance with the usages of European nations, and could
not then be avoided.
' The Directory woe install' d at the LuxemlSonrg at Paris, under a new constitution of government, on the 1st of
November, 1795, and was '•fpointed to hold executive power for f.)ur years. It was composed of five members, and
ruled in connection with the Chambers, namely, the Council of Ancients and\he Council of Five Hundred.
'!
It I I
m
1] ■
r
* -
92
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
American Servility.
Close ofWashlDgton's AdmloiBtratiun.
Attacks on his Ctiaractcr.
America by Minister ' iet's famous " cock-
ade proclamation," calling upon all French
residents in the United States, in the name
of the Directory, to mount on their hats a
tri-colorod cockade. The call was loyally
responded to, and many American Demo-
crats, also, were seen with this token of
their devotion to the French Republic.
Mr. Monroe, having failed to please either
the French Directory or his own govern-
ment, was superseded by Charles Cotes-
worth Pvnckney, of South Carolina. That
gentleman embarked as minister to France
in September, bearing with him Monroe's
letters of recall.
Washington's second administration was
now drawing to a close, and he resolved to
^^ ^ retire to private life. In September he is-
Y "T^ ^^ _^ sued his admirable Farewell Address to his
^JL© _^J^ ^^ ^'^t-'^^ C'^n^'i-^^ countrymen — a political legacy of inestima-
ble value. At the same time the first great
struggle of the Federal and Democratic parties for power was going on, in the can-
vass for Washington's successor. The candidates were Adams and Jeiferson ; and
every appeal -sthich party spirit or party rancor could invent was made to the people
all over the land. Adet, with unparalleled impudence, issued an inflammatory appeal
to the people, containing a summary of alleged violations of friendship to France on
the part of the United States government. It was chiefly intended to arouse the
feelings of the Americans against Great Britain. Other partisans of Jefferson, in their
zeal to injure the Federal party, made outrageous assaults upon Washington's char-
acter, charging him with using the public money for private use, and of being a trai-
tor to his counti-y.* The notorious Thomas Paine, lately released from a French
prison, with his moral sensibilities all blunted by habitual dissipation, wrote a scur-
rilous letter to Washington, from under the roof of Monroe in Paris, in the summ.er
of 1790. This was published in the United States for the »iurpose of promoting Jef-
ferson's election. But Adams was successful. The attack on Washington strength-
ened the Federal party, and the last growl of the opposition toward him personally
was given by a Avriter in the Atirora on the first President's retirement from oflicc
at the beginning of March, 1797, and on the eve of his departure for Mount Vernon.*
When Washington retired from public life the clouds of diflUculty between the
United States and France were thickening. French cruisers were inflicting great
• FebninrysT, wrongs ou American commerce, and near the close of the session of the
""'f- ' Congress of 1 796, '97, the Secretary of State laid before tliat body* a full
' "If ever a nation has Ijpon dehnhchecl by a man," said a writer in the Aurora, "tiic American nation has been de-
bauched by Washington. If ever a nation was deceived by a man, the American nation hat been deceived by Washinp-
tou. Let his conduct, then, be an example to future ages. Let it serve to he a warning that no man may be an Idol.
Let the history of the Federal government instruct mankind that the mask of patriotism may he '„ jm to conceal the
foulest designs against the liberties of the iieoplc."
-' " ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation,' " said this politici.nn.
"If ever there was a time that would license the reiteratioii of the exclamation of the pious Simeon," he said, "that
time is now arrived ; for the man who Is the source of a'.i the misfortunes '•f onr conntry is this day reduced to a level
Avith his fellow-citizens, and Is no longer possessed of power to multiply evils upon the United States. . . . When a ret-
rospect is taken of the Washingtonian administration "or eight years, it is a subject of the greatest astonishment that n
single individual should have cankered the principles of republicanism in an enlightened people just emerged from the
gulf of deBi)otism, md should have carried his designs against the public liberty so fur as to have put in jeoi)ardy itp
very existence. Such, however, are the facts, and, with them stariug us in the face, this doy ought lo be a jubii.ee lu the
I'uited States !"
President Adams.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
93
President Adams.
Aspoct of Public Affttl™.
Treatment of an American Minister.
The French Directory.
exhibit of them. From that communication it appeared that not only were American
vessels captured, but their crews were treated with great indignity, and even cruelty.
Many bitter complaints were made against Commodore Joshua liarney, then in the
French service, in command of two frigates in the West Indies, Avho was accused of
treating his own captive countrymen with indiftcrence and neglect. He was also
charged with having insulted the American flag by hoisting it union down. And yet,
when he arrived in Chesapeake Bay to learn and carry away to France the result of
the Presidential election, though he boasted of Laving in his pocket the orders of the
French Directory to capture American vessels, and declared that, if.Teflerson Avere
not elected, war would be proclaimed by France Avithin three months, he was not the
less on that account honored and feasted by infatuated politicians who read .the
Aurora and believed Washington to be a traitor I^
Adams* came into oflice with a power-
ful party opposed to him — a party which
lacked only two votes of giving the elec-
tion to Mr. Jefferson, his rival, who be-
came Vice-President. An open rupture
with France was becoming more and
more imminent. The accession of Spain
to their alliance, and the victories of
young Napoleon Bonaparte in Italy, gave
the Directory strength, and their bearing
toward other governments became more
and more insolent. Their corsairs were
depredating upon American commerce,
and in their pride they declared that, un-
til the United States had redressed cer-
tain alleged grievances of which they
complained, no minister of the republic
would be received by them. Pinckney,
who had never been officially received as
minister, was ordered to leave France.
He retired to Holland, after sending a nar-
rative of his bad treatment to his govern-
ment, and there awaited farther orders.
The conduct of the French Directory soon wrought a great change in the public
mind in the United States. Disappointed by the failure of Jefferson to be elected
President, the Directory determined to punish the people who dared to thwart their
plans. They issued a decree* which was almost tantamount to a declaration . M„y in^
of war. It not only authorized the capture of American vessels under cer- ^''■*'^-
tain conditions, but declared that any American found on board of a hostile ship,
though placed there without his consent by impressment, should be hanged as a
pirate. American seamen, continually liable to impressment by the British, were to
be subjected to a pirate's fate by the French ! Strange to say, the eminent American,
' nildreth'B HUtonjCffthe United States, Second Series, 1., 703.
> John Adams was bom at Qulncy, Mossaohusette, October 13, 1735. He was educated at Harvard University, and at
the age of twenty-two years commenced the practice of the law. lie was brought prominently Into public life by his
defense of Captain Preston at Boston, who was engaged in the so-called "massacre," in the spring of 1770. lie became
a member of the Massachusetts Le-'ielature, and in 1774 was sleeted to the Continental Congress. He was one of the
most active men In that body until sent on diplomatic missions to Europe. He was the representative of the new re-
pabllc abroad for many years, and was one of the negotiators for peace In 1783. In 1789 he was chosen Vice-President
o'tho United States, and In 1797 was elevated to the seat of the President, as Washington's successor. He served one
term, and retired to Qulncy in ISOl. He engaged but little In public life afterward. He and Jefferson died on the same
day, July 4, 1828, Just fifty years after they voted for the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Adnms was then ninety-one
years of age. The abova portrait was painted by Stuart at about the time Adams was elected President.
'l
< ! , M?
j
t 'i
rv^
J -rh/
\\
11/''
fl!
M
PICTORIAL FIELD-nOOK
Joel Barlow a French Democrat.
Hadneai of PartUana.
"God «ave the Uulllotlnc."
Joel Barlow, at that time
ii resident in Paris, coolly
wrote to a friend concern-
ing this barba 'ous decree,
" The government here is
deteniiined to fleece you
to a suflicient degree to
bring yon to your feel-
ing in the only nerve in
whicli your sensibility
lies, which is your pe-
cuniary interest."'
President Adams had
called an extraordinary
session of Congress at the
middle of May. The re-
action every where had
greatly strengthened the
dispute between the United States and France.
administration party, and
many Itepublicans talk-
ed with complacency of a
war with France. 15ut a
majority of tlie Cabinet
favored farther attempts
at negotiation. John Mar-
shall, a Federalist (after-
ward Chief Justice of the
United States), and El-
bridge Gerry, a Dem-
ocrat (afterward Vice-
President), were appoint-
ed envoys extraordinary
to proceed to Europe^
join Mr. Pinckney, and
attempt to settle by di-
plomacy all matlcrs in
After a session of little more than
six weeks, during which time provision was made for a small loan for calling out
eighty thousand militia, and creating a small naval force, and acts against privatccr-
• July 10, ^"g y^'CYC passed. Congress adjoui-ned* in time to escape the yeliow fever that
ravaged Philadelphia that season.^
1T9T.
1 Letter to his brotlier-in-lnw, Abrnhnm Bnltlwln, of Georgia. Bnrlow, who went to France with n communlcatl,... m
the National Convention from a Bympathiziug society In England, was made a French citizen. By some commercial
oj)crations he accnmulnted a large fortune, lived in sumptuous style in Paris, and, being a thorough French Democrat,
was the bitter enemy of the administrations of Washington and Adams. While at Hamburg, In 1793, he was invited to
11 Jacobin festival, and he furnished for the occasion a co])y of the following song, written by Thelwall, a celebrated En-
ijllsh Jacobin. It was sung on that occasion, and has been generally considered a composition by Mr. Barlow hlmsdt
It was entitled Qod save the Guilhtine, ana is a parody of the English national song* God save the King:
" God save the gnillottnc I Shall in the basket roll,
Till England's king and queen Let mercy then control
Her power shall prove ; The guillotine.
Till each anointed knob „ ^v^en all the sceptred crew
Affords a clipping job, y^^^ jj (,,^1, homage due
Let no rude halter rob ^he guillotine.
The guillotine. l^j Freedom's flag advance
" France, let thy trumpet sound— Till all the world, like France,
Tell all the world around O'er tyrants' graves shall dance,
How Capkt fell ; ' And peace begin."
And when great Georoe's poll
» At about this time a letter written by Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, an Itallat republican, who had lived near him In
Virginia for a while, was published In the Federal newspapers, and made a great stir. The letter was written a ycnr
before, and was translated and published by Mazzei in a Florentine journal. It contained a virtual Indorsement of nil
the charges made against Washington anr' ,'olitlcal friends. Its publication brought to an end the friendship be-
tween Jefferson and the late President, ^efferson was placed in such an unpleasant dilemma by it that he prudently
kept silence. It was used with great effect at the time, and was again brought up against hira at the Presidential cnn-
vass In the year ISOO. It was made tlio subject of a caricature called Tue Providential Detection. At a place for
• It may not be out of place here to remark that " God save the King," In words and air, did not originate with Ilau-
del In the time of George the First, as is generally supposed, but Is almost a literal translation of a cantiqw which was
always sung by the maidens of St. Cyr when Louis the Fourteenth entered the chapel of that establishment to hear the
morning prayer. M. De Brinon was the author of the words, i nd the music was by the eminent Lulli, founder of the
French opera. The following is a copy of the words :
" Grand Dicn gauve le Roi I
Grand DIeu venge le Rol !
Vive le Roi !
Que tonjours glorieux,
Louis vlctorieux!
Voye ses ennemi
Toujoura soumisi
Grand DIeu eauve le Roi !
Grand Dien venge le Rol !
Vive le Rol 1"
This air Ib etUl snng by ihe vlne-dreseers in the eonth of France.— See Memoirs ofWadame (?■ '^reqvp.
Pride of the Frcnc
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
98
Pride lit the French Directory. Attempt to extort Tribnte ftom the AmericMii. Plncknejr'i neply. A French Decree.'
Darker and durker aj>|)Oiiroly with
the demands of tho Directory for money than to incur the risk of a war — better to
])urchase peace by humbly paying trbute, than to vindicate the claims of the nation
to independence by asserting and maintaining its rights at all ha/.ards !
Such logic did not suit the character nor temper of the American people at t'nat
time. The rampant war spirit, fed on every hand by fresh aggressions and patriotic
• March 19, appeals, was not to be ai)peased. The President issued a Hi)ecial message,''
1TK8. calling upon Congress to make provisions for hostilities. His appeal was
responded to with alacrity. Means for administering chastisements for injuries re-
ceived, and for repelling those which Averc threatened, were provided without hesita-
tion. Provision was made for tho organization of a regular provisional army, in mag-
nitude sufficient for the exigencies of the case, and the employment of a volunteer
force. Measures were also taken, on the recommendation of the Secretary of War.
for strengthening the navy, and making it a power to be respected on the high seas,'
To a great extent party spirit disappeared in the National Legislature. Their jiro-
ceedings were approved by the great majority of the people, and the President re-
ceived addresses from all parts of the Union, warmly commending his course, and
overflowing with the most fervid patriotism.'' The young Federalists, with a spirit
of defiant response to the Democrats, Avho still wore the badge of devotion to French
politics ordered by Adet, mounted a black cockade, such as was worn by oflicers in
the Revolution y' and between the wearers of these opposing decorations there was
wnrd driven from office ; and when, In the nutnmn of 1T99, Bonaparte usurped tho government, he expelled from France
the first two above named as utterly corrupt.
' After much manasuvrlng on the part of the opposition to prevent ihe adoption of these measures to meet any hostilities
on the part of France, the men who tu 17!)4 — only four years befo.e— were eager for war with England, and voted for prep-
arations for It with alacrity, were now as vehement for peace— an Inconsistency which many of llielr partisans throughont
the country pointed at with scorn. Congress authorized a reg\>lar provisional army of about twenty thousand men, and
gave the Preshent authority to appoint officers for it ; also to receive and organize volunteer corps, who should be ex-
empted from ordinary militia duty. The sum of $800,000 was oppropriated for the purchase of cannon, arms, and military
stores. Provision was made for fortifying the harbors of the United States — a labor already commenced— and, for the
farther security of ports, the purchase and equipment often galleys. The President was also authorized to cause twelve
ships of not less than 82 guns each, Department, the duties of which the
twelve of not loss than 20 nor exceed- y^ ^ Secretary of War had hitherto pcr-
Ing 24 guns each, and six not exceed- /VTV y/rX^J^ n y f"'"™^''' """ created, and on the SOtli
ing 18 gnns each, besides galleys and l/t/CM. %yUr~-CC^ U'i/7 of ^pril, lTft8, Benjamin Stoddert, of
revenue cutters, to bo built. A Navy Georgetown, In tho District of Colum-
bia, was appointed the first Secretary of the Navy, and took his seat In the Cabinet.
» The city of New York %vas greatly excited by the prospect of a war with France. Its commerce had suffered mnch
by the depredatfons of French cruisers, and the mercantile classes were greatly exasperated. The Republicans or Dem-
ocrats had a debating association, whose meetings were i)ublic, called "The Society of Free Debate." A meeting wa?
called for the 27th of April, 1798, to discuss the question, "Would it he better policy, under existing circumstances, to
lay an embargo [a scheme proposed by some as a less dangerous measure], than to arm In defense of our carrying-
trade f" The Federalists went to the meeting in great numbers, and, by an ovenvhelming vote, elected Jacob Morton
chairman. By ten to one they voted for arming. They expressed by resolntlons full approbation of the conduct of the
government, and their determination to support it. They appointed a committee, consisting of Colonel Jacob Morton,
Colonel Ebenezer Stevens, Nicholas Evartson, John Cozlne, and Joslah Ogden Hoffman, to draft an address to the Pres-
ident and Congress, expressive of their satisfaction with tho course pursued toward France. After the adjournment a
Quaker addressed the multitude.
On the Bth of May a meeting was held, and addressed by the late Chief Justice Samuel Jones. Nino hundred youns!
men present pledged themselves to be In readiness, at a moment's warning, to offer their services to their coimtry
against the French.
On the Bth of June the New York Chamber of Commerce took action concerning the defenses ofNewYork, They
appointed a committee to confer with the military authorities and the Corporation. A conference was held the rext
day at the Tontine Coffee-house, and It was resolved to call a public meeting of citizens who might bo ready to defend
an "Insulted country" and the " defenseless port." The call was made, and an Invitation was given for such citizens to
enroll themselves as an artillery corps, It having been ascertained that Colonel Stevens, an experienced artillerist of
tho Revolution, was willing to take the direction of them and to give them Instructions.
» This gave them tho name of "Black-cockade Federalists," which was a term of repi-oach tintll ten years after the
Warofl812-'15.
I>ttriotic 8eat-
uJ ulgbt afier uight iu the tbeutros of Pblludelphlu uud other places, and it became the uulversal uuug of the biys lu the
dtrccts. On one occasion a crowd thronged the strnot In front of the anther's rosldeuce, nnd suddenly "Hall, Colum-
bia !" from tlvo hundred voices broke the stillness of the midnight air.
In June following Robert Treat Paine was rc(iuested to write a song, to be snng at the anniversary of tha "Massa-
chnsctts Charitable Fire Society." lie wrote a political song adapted to the temper of the times, and called It "Adams
nnd Liberty." At the house of Major Russell, editor of the Donlon Centinel, the author showed it to that gentleman. "It
Is lm|)erfc(t," said Russell, " without the name of Washington in It." Mr. Paine wos about to take some 'vine, when
Hn.'sell politely and good-natnrcdly interfered, saying, "You can have none of my wine. Mr. Paine, unt'l y Hamilton to Washington, M.^y 19, 1798.
The Pride of the Dl
liphtiiii'g and
Directory wai
thoughtful nu'i
war witJi Fran<
•Jritain with ii
ohject being to
pit', and restore
teniptod after t
qiiishcd by Nel
scattered a Frei
Hurgents there;
prowess. *
Those 8uccos8(
appointmint of
'States, made the
rami began to th
retaryofJt'gatior
gotiation that the
be received by tl
were communicai
Hague, who transj
Without consu]
Adams nominated
Mtounded. It car
nition. The Cabin,
overtiii-es Jiad been
friends, who regarc
to a half-relenting
they were estrangi
three envoys extra
matters in dispute J
the Senate at near t
a conviction that a i
CorMr.Adamshadi
the two envoys yet a
'OttS DtlLt TAKINO .
htore of "Bonaparte In Eg.p,
I ^Henry declined the non
I „"''''« portion ofthlsVotebr^e
OP THE WAU OF 1812.
00
The Pridt of the Directory bumbled.
A MInliter Plonlputentlar; to Frante appointed.
lightnirg and the Imil. Events soon justified his faith. The pride of the haughty
Diret!tory waH speedily humbled, and the fears of England, toward whom many
thoughtful men in America had looked ;ih a possible friend and aid in the event of a
war with France, were allayed. The victorious IJonaparte, who had threatened Great
Britain with hivasion, had gone off to Egypt on a romantic expedition, his avowed
object being to march in*o Palestine, take possession of Jerusalem, rebuild the Tem-
ple, and restore the Jews to their beloved city and land. This he unsuccessfully at-
tempted after the battle of the Nile, in which the proud Toulon fleet had been van-
quished by Nelson." A few weeks later Sir John Bor'.use Warren had •AuKimti,
scattered a French fleet** ihat hovered on iho coast of Ireland to aid in- """•
»urgents there; and many minor victories were accorded to English 'October 12.
prowess.'
These successes of the English, intelligence of the war feeling in Am.erici, and the
appointment of Washington as commander-in-chief of the armies of the United
States, made the hitoxicated Directory pause in their mad career. The wily Talley-
rand began to thuik of conciliation. In letters to Pinchon,' French sec-
/. 1 .• .1 TT 1 • .• . 1 ,1 -1 i. " AuBUiit 2S and
retary 01 legation at the Hague, he mtimated that any advances lor nc- September 28,
gotiation that the government of the United States might make would '^'
be received by tlio Directory in a friendly spirit. These intimations, as intended,
were communicated to William Vans Murray, the United States minister at the
Hague, who transmitted them to his government.
Without consulting his Cabinet, or taking counsel of national dignity, President
Adams nominated Mr, Murray minister plenipotentiary to France, The country was
astounded. It came upon the Cabinet, the Congress, and the people withoiu premo-
nition. The Cabinet opposed it, and the Senate resolved not to confirm it. No direct
overtures had been made by the French government ; and some of Mr. Adams's ])e8t
friends, who regarded war as preferable to dishonor, deprecated a cowardly cringing
to a halt-relenting tyrant, and warmly remonstrated with him, lie persisted, and
they were estranged. He finally so far yiolded to public opinion as to nominate
three envoys extraordinary, Mr. Murray being \e, to negotiate a settlement of all
matters in dispute between the United States and France, These were confirmed by
the Senate at near thi close of the session, in February, 1799, not willbigly, but from
a conviction that a refusal to do so might endanger the existence of the Federal party,
for Mr. Adams had many and powerful supporters. It "was stipulated, however, that
the two envoys yet at Lome (Chief Justice Oliver Ellsworth and Patrick Henry^) should
> England had for eome time trembled violently before the won-
derful operations of Bonaparte on the Continent. For a while lu-
Tasion of the island seemed Imminent. But when the cloud disap-
peared in the autumn of 1T98, and scarcely a day passed without
bringing intelligenco of some new success of the British navy, the
feeling of exultation was intense. The pencil of Gillray, the great
caricaturist, was exceedingly active, and in quick succession he
brought out several prints illustrating John Bull as being surfeited
with his immense captures. In one of these, entitled "John Bull
taking a Luncheon ; or, British Cooks cramming Old Qrumble-glz-
zard with Bnyiiu CMre," the representative of English nationality, u
burly old fellow is seen sitting in a chair at a well-ftimlshed table,
while the naval cooks are zealous in their attentions. The hero of
the Nile offers him a " fricassee h la Nelson," consisting of a large
dish of battered French ships of the line. Another admiral offers
him a " fricando h la Howe," " dessert k la Warren," " Dutch cheese
u la Duncan," et cietera. John Bull is deliberately snapping up a
frigate at a mouthful, and Is evidently fattening on his diet.
"What!" he exclaims, "more fiicasseesf Where do you think I
shall And room to stow all you bring inf" By his side is an im-
mense jug of brown stout to wash them down. Behind him Is a
I flctnre of " Bonaparte in Egypt" suspended against the wall, nearly concealed by Nelson's hat, which Is huug over It.*
' Mr. Henry declined the nomination because of bis advanced age and Increasing Infirmities. Oovemor WilUitm R.
' The porUon of this celebrated carlcatore here given, with the description, la copied from Wright's England tmitr the
I Bbiim 0/ ffanorw, 11., 298.
JOHN OUI.L TAKINO A ll.UI)Oa.
Is
in
i I
r
ii
100
riCTOllIAL FIELD-BOOK
Three KiivoyR lont to Franco. Bonnparto Fimt Conaul. Nnval Wnrfnro botwcoii the Americans and the Frciich.
not omlmrk for Eiirojic until autlientic and nutisfactory assunuicca should be nivcii us
to their ivirption. Such asgurauei h wore reeeived by tlie governuieiit in October Col-
lowinj;, and in November EUsworlli aiul W. U. IJavio (the latter having taken ]\Ir.
Henry's place) sailed for Kurope. Fortunately for all parties, when the envoys
reached Franco a ehango had taken place in the governnu'nt of that country. 'I'lic
Directory was no more. Honaj)arto iiad suddenly returned from the Eas*. after
grt^at and brilliant movements with various results, and was hailed as the good
genius of tli^ Uepublic. Tie found, as ho expected, his country rent by political dis-
sensions, and the Directory in disrepute among the most nowerful classes. With the
assistance of u strong party, supported by bayonets, ho dissolved tin Assembly of
•NovpmborS, Keproiieutativos and took the government into his own hands," with the
^™'- title of First Consul, which was at first conferred upon him for ten years,
and afterward ftn* life.
The audacity and energy of Honaparto saved Franco from anarchy and ruin. To
please the })eople ho prodaimeil a pacific polii^y, and o|)C(iod correspondence with the
" March 2 pwwors tluMi at war with (ho Hepublic with professions of j)eacofnl desires,
isiw. it ^yjis jvt this auspieiotis moment that tho American envoys arrived'' at
Paris.
While these political niover.ients were in progress, and preparafions were iiiakiiif,'
in tho United States for a French invasion, war between the two nations actuiiily
conimenced on the ocean, although hostilities had not been proclaimed by either. On
tho /th of July, nos, Congres,4 declared tho old treaties with Franco at an end, and
two days at'terwanl passed a law autiiori/.ing American vessels of war to captun
French cruisers Avherever they might bo found. On tho 11th, a now marine ;'orps of
nearly nine hundred men, rank and file, commanded by a nnijor, was established by
law, and a total of thirty active criiisers Avas j)rovided for.
Wo have observed that some movements for strengthening the navy were begun
early m 1707. The frig.'Ues United States^ 44, C'cpstitKtioji, 44, and (kmstellatiou, H8,'
wore launched, and ordered to be ])ut in commission that year. Tho I/nited iStatis first
reached the water, and was the begimiing of the American navy created after the ado])-
tion of tho National Constitution. She was lauiudied at rhiladel])hia on tho ICth of
.Tuly,'= and was followed in September by tho Consti'l/afion and Constitution.
The former was sot afloat on the 7th of that month, at Baltimore, and the lat-
ter on tho 20th, at Boston ;* yet none of these Avere ready for sea when, in the spring
of 1708, war with Franco seemed inevitable.
An Indiainan, called tho Gatiifcs, was armed and cquipj)ed at Philadelphi.T. as a
24-poundcr, and pliued in the conmiand of Captain Richard Dale. She sailed on the
22d of May, to crui. along tho coast from tlu' east end of Long Island to the ( 'apes of
Virginia, to watch tlio approach of an enemy to the ports of New York, Philadeli>liia,
and Baltimore. On tho 12th of Juno Captain Dale received instructions off the CajHs
of Delaware to seize French cruisers and capture pny of their prizes that might fall
in his way.
The Co7istcllation, iiSyfirf^t Avent down the Patapsco on the morning of the 0th of
April,'' and early in June Avent to sea under the command of Captain Thomas
Tiuxtun, in company Avith the Ddatcare, 20, Captain Decatur,' each having
' 1708.
Dnvio, of North Carolina, was appointed In Henry's pV^ce. Tho commission then stood: Murray, of Maryland : Ells-
worth, of Connectlcnt ; and Davie, of North Carolina. Mr. Murray, still ot the Hague, was Instructed ',o inform Talley-
rand of the appointment.
> These numbers, -44, 3S etc., refer to the number of guns en; rlcd by each vessel, or, rather, the number they were rated
at. TUe Rrmament of vessels sometimes varies fl-om th^ rate.
» The ConstiUalioti wap constrocted by Dnvid Stodcrt.
' Stephen Decatur was born it Newport, Rhode Island, In ITBl. He commanded several privateers durlns tho Reviv
Intlon, and captured ceveral English ships. He received a commission as captain In the United States navy In 1"!>s, ami
served with distinction during the hostilities with the French cm ^rs. In 1800 he commanded a squadron of thirteen
sail on the Ouadaloupe station, his flag-ship being the I'hiiadditltta, 38. Ue left the eenlce in ISOl, wd engaged in
Cnpluro of i« Crojj
orders Himil.-i
Diile's. When
a few days ou
oatiir fell In y\
Piiiladcljdiia ui
States n.'ivy wi
.wit William ]}.•
of'!)H,"su callc
States.
sy^'^i^^f'-i^ ,
mmnicrcliW purs'ills In Pl,
llie memory of |,M,l|„t|„j,
capiniii nn,I his wife, who
' ■'"!'" ^^•■^'"'y was born 1
i» I'W. lie came to Amo
In 1.T5 he entered the na
I'a iHnpnicd point whelh(
maaders who got to sen a
live service during the whi
"ftlic new navy In imbe
"iwhWi station, In c„„„„„
'-nlhel-ithofScpiiMnber, :■
H» died childless, at i|,„„,,,
Ominiodore Harry's cnnil
■'melcryofst. Mary's lion,,
•'•^ffel, Philadelphia. The I
Kriptlon:
"Let the patriot, the soidh
itiwc mansions of the dead
Wt. Beneath are deposlte
If >rn» born in tho County
•tmerlca was me object of his
'■■wfulness and honor. In l
;»WI«hed tho independence
> amission of a captain
mra, became commnn,ler-i,
« bled in the cause of free
J;^M lesson in time the pel
it n„,T■''''^'"■"''y"'''^fr^'
.yfened his soul Into ,1,0 nm,
fMln„atowldo/^*«i^^^^
ordcre similar to
Diilo's. When only
11 few (lays out, De-
catur fell in with the French corsuir Lc Ci'oyahl, 14, captured her, and went lier to
Piilliidel,)hiii fis a jjrize. Hho was condemned hy the prize court, added to th«> United
States navy with the name oi Retaliation, mmX jylaeed under the coninmiid ofLieuteji-
.uit William ]}ainl)ridge. Bhe was the first vessel captured during tlie " French War
of '98," HO called, and was tho first vessel taken by tho present navy of the United
Stiites.
Early in July the United States, 44, Cap-
tain John IJarry,' went to sea, and cnused
eastward. She (ii.-ried among her officers
several young men who afVerward hecame
distinguished in the annals of naval Avar-
fare.'* The goveniment socm afterward de-
termined to send a loice to the West Indies,
where American commerce Avas most ex-
j)osed,and Captain Hairy was ordered there
with a small squ.adron, consisting of the
United /States, 44, Delaware, 20, and Jler-
old, I H.
The Constitniion (yot in the service) wont
to sea in July, in command of Caj»taiii Sam-
uel Nicholson, and, in coiepany with four
revenue vessels, sailed in August to cruise
off tho coast southward of tliO Virginia
(.■apes. One of these vessels Avas in com-
mand of Lieutenant (afterward Commodore)
Prel)le.
In Augi'.at tho Constitution, Captain Trux-
k7c^A^3^ A/a^i^^ —
1
O'lmmordiil purs'.ilts In Phllni'clpliln, whom ho dlpd In ISfl"*. A plain 8lah, near thu nohlc granite monnmcnt ornctcd to
till' moniory of \\\* dlHtlnnulHlu '1 son In St. I'clcr'H (Episcopal) Church l)uryl;ig-(;rouud, markB the f,tK c of the gallant
laptain aiul his wife, who died In 1S12.
> .lolin Barry was horn in Ireland, ("onnty of Wexford,
ill li45. lie came to America In Ills yonth, as a seaman.
In Ul.'i he entered the nav;il service of Congress, and it
Isc difpated point whether he was the llrst of the com-
manders who got to sea at that i)erlod. Ho was In ac-
tive service during tho whole war. In tho estahllshment
iif tlic new navy In 171)4 he was named the senior ofHcer,
ill which station. In command of tho ITnitfd Slates, he died
iinMieHth of September, :so;i,ln the city of Philadelphia.
Ill' died childless, at the age of ftfly-elght years.
Commodore Harry's tomb Is near the entrance to the
icmctory of HI. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, on Fourth
STfct, riilladclphlo. Tho following la ii co]>y of tho In-
"Tiption :
" let the patriot, the soltMcr, and tho Christian who visit
;hpic mansions of tho dead, view this monument with re-
'pct. Beneath are deposited the remains of.IonNlUiiiiv.
lie was born in the County of AVexford, In Ireland, ..ut
.\nierlca was i ne object of his patrUitism, and the thentre of
hi'usefulncss and honor. In the Revolutionary AVar, which
cstiblished tho Indepcndenco of the t'nited States, he bore
ibe commission of a captain In their infant navy, and aft-
rnnitfl bccamo commander-in-chief. II(! fonght often and
npc bicd In tho cause of freedom Rut his habits of war
iid not lessen In time the peaceful virt '^s which adorn private life. Ho was gentle, 'Kind, ,in«t. and charitable ; and not
'«'« beloved by family and friends than by his grateful country. In a full belief In the d.ictrines of the Oospel, he calmly
rtfijncd his sonl Into tho arms ..f his Redeemer on the lilth of September, isna, In tho flfly-nlnth year of hli- age. Ills
ifetimiate wldo-v hath caused this marble to bo erected, to perpelnato his name after the hearts of his fellow-cltlzens
iiwe ceased to be the living record of his pnbllc and private vlriios."
' Her first lieutenant was David Ross, who was last seen on tbi 80th of November, ITOO ; John Mullowny, who died In
couumioBB iiauiiy's jioni;,ment.
i.iyi.M'.'W'U
mmimammm
M.,
if
102
PICTORIAI FIELD-BOOK
British Outrages. The Obsequiousness of the American Qovernment. lustmctlonR of the Secretory of the Nuvy.
tun, and the Baltimore, 20, Captain Phillips, performed signal service by safely con-
voying sixty American merchant vessels from Havana to the United States, in the
face of several French cruisers lying in that port. Both the British and French au-
thorities in the West Indies were surprised at the appearance of so many American
cruiserc in that region. At the close of the year 1798 the American navy consisted
of twenty-three vessels, with an aggregate armament of four hundred and forty-six
guns.
It was at this time that the first of the series of most flagrant outrages upon the
American flag, which finally aroused the people of the United States to vindicate
their honor and independence by an appeal to arms, was committed by a British
commander. The American ship Saltimore, Captain Phillips, sailed out of Havana
on the morning of the 16th of November, 1 798, in charge of a convoy bound to Charles-
ton, South Carolina, and in sight of Moro Castle met a British squadron. At that time
the governments of the United States and Great Britain were on friendly terms, and
Phillips bore vq to the Camatick, the flag-ship of his majesty's squadron, to speak to
the commander. To his surprise, three or' the convoy were cut off" from the rest and
captured by the British vessels. By invitation Phillips went on board the Camatick,
when he was informed that every man on board the Baliimore who had not a regular
American protection should be transferred to the British flag-ship. Captain Phiilijis
protested agamst the outrage, and declared that he would formally surrender his
ship, and refer the matter to his government. His protest was of no avail. On re-
turning to the Baltimore, he found a British ofiicer mustering his men. lie immc-
tli''tely ordered that gentleman and those who accompanied him to walk to the lee-
ward, and then sent his men to their quarters. After consultation with a legal gen-
tleman on board his ship, he determined to formally surrender her if his men wore
taken from him. Fifty-five of them were transferred to the Camatick, and the colors
of the Baltimore were lowered. Only five of her crew were retained by the British
captain. These were pressed into the service of the king. Tlie remainder were sent
back, and the Baltimore was released. Tlie British squadron then sailed away with
the five captive seamen, and the three merchant vessels as prizes.
The Baltimore hastened to Philadelphia, and her case was laiJ before the govern-
ment. At that time the trade between the United States and Great Britain was ex-
tremely profitable to American merchants ; and the mer antile interest was such a
power in the state that almost any indignity from the " mistress of the seas" would
have been submitted to rather than provoke hostilities with that government.^ The
American Cabinci, in its obsequious deference to the British, had actually instnicted
the commanders of American cruisers on no account — not even to save a vessel of
their own nation — to molest those of other nations, France excepted.* The govern-
ment dismissed Captain Phillips from the navy without trial because ho surrendered
without a show of recistance ; but the outrage of the British commander was passed
by unnoticed!
At about the time of this occurrence near Havana, a small American squadron wa?
1801, was her second lieutenant ; her third was James Bairon, afterwt.-d commodore ; and her fourth was Charles Stew-
art, the venerable commodore, yet (1862) living. Among the midshipmen were Decatur, Somcrs, and Caldwell, who
distinguished themselves at Tripoli. Jacob Jones and William M. Crane Jolu-;d her soon afterward, both of whom \k-
came commodores.
' The country had just entered upon a career of great commercial proaperlty, notwithstanding many perils and hta-
derances beset that branch of nat'onal Industry. American tunnage liad doubled in ten years. American agricultural
products found u ready marltet. The exports had increased from nineteen millions to plmost ninety millions, and .it
imports in about the same proportion ; and the amount of revenue fl-om Imports greatly exceeded tLo most san^ioc
anticipations.
» "The vessels of every other nation (Prance excepted"), ran the Instructions of the Secretary of the Navy, " are on tis
aeeovnt to be mnlesteu ; and I wish particularly to Impress on yonr mind that, should you ever see an American vcfsel
captured by the armed ship of any nation at war with whom we are at peace, you can not lawfully Interfere to prevent
the capture, for it is to be taken for granted that such nation will compensate for such capture if it shall prove to haro
been illegally made."
Naval Engagement
cruising ofl!" G
Retaliation, oi
cruisers, and n
and perceived
French frigate
The Insurgenti
on the ocean.
were pressing
with the officer
ca.sJe, The /;;
armaments ?" tl
twelves and twi
forces, and start
gente, and iinme
obeyed. The A
only a few curse
first cruiser take
The strength <
vessels were lau
tiimn. At the b
uted into four stj
in command of tt
whose general rt
sels, under Comi
and cruised to lee
cruised between (
vessels, watched t
captured many Fj
At meridian oa
off Nevis, a large
chase, and brough
an hour and a qu
and surrendered.
just mentioned as
Frenchman did not
seventy men, killed
fd. Tlie prize wat
and at the end of tl
Kitt's' (St. Christop
This victory proc
elared to be equal
luen; the ConsteUai
great skill and brav
tun. He received c
Woyd's Coflfee-houso
||ollars, on which a i
tives were loud in pi
' Cooper's Ai,raJfffrt<^„^
. I am sorry," Captain Bai
tacterlzeamanofhono,,
hWl make it. duty to pub;
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
108
Karal Engagements.
Increase of the Navy.
Victory of the ConsteUaHon ovei' the InturgenU.
cruising off Guadaloupe. One of the vessels was the captured Ze Croyable, now the
lietaliation, commanded by Lieutenant Bainhridge. They discovered some French
cruisers, and mistook them for English vessels. The Retaliation reconnoitered them,
and perceived her mistake too iate to avoid trouble. She was attacked by two
French frigates (the Volontaire and Insurgente), and was compelled to surrender.
The Insurgente, to whom the lietaliation was a prize, was one of the swiftest vessels
on the ocean. She immediately made chase after two of the American ships, who
were pressing all sail in flight, Bainbridge was a prisoner on the Volontaire, and,
with the officers of that vessel, witnessed the chase with great interest from the fore-
cab. le. The Insurgente continually gained upon the fiigitives. "What are their
armaments ?" the commander of the Volontaire asked Bainbridge. " Twenty-eight
twelves and twenty nines," he quickly responded. This false statement doubled their
forces, and startled the commander. He was the senior of the captain of the Insur-
gente, and immediat^^ly signaled him to give up the chase. The order was reluctantly
obeyed. The American vessels escaped, ar.d Bainbridge's deceptive reply cost him
only a few curses. In this aiFair the lietaliation gained the distinction of being the
first cruiser taken by both parties during the war.
The strength of the navy was considerably increased during the year 1799. Many
vessels were launched, and most of them were commissioned before the close of au-
tumn. At the beginning of the year the active force in the West Indies was distrib-
uted into four squadrons. Commodore Barry, the senior oflicer in the service, was
in command of ten vessels, with an aggregate of two hundred and thirty-two guns,
whose general rendezvous was St. Rupert's Bay. Another squadi'on of five ves-
sels, under Commodore Truxtrn, in the Constellation, rendezvoused at St. Kitt's,
and cruised to leeward as far as Porto Rico. Captain Tingey, with a sn.aller force,
cruised between Cuba and St. Domingo ; and Captain Decatur, with some revenue
vessels, watched the interests of American commerce off Havana. These squadrons
captured many French vessels during the year.
At meridian on the 9th of February," while the Constellation was cruising
off Nevis, a large vessel was discovered at the southward. Truxtun gave
chase, and brought on an engagement at little past three in the afternoon. It lasted
an hour and a quarter, when the antagonist of the Constellation struck her colors
and surrendered. She was the famous French frigate Insurgente, Captain Barreault,
just mentioned as the captor of the lietaliation a few weeks earliei. The gallant
Frenchman did not yield i ntil his fine ship was dreadfully shattered, and he had lost
seventy men, killed and wounded. The Constellation had lost only three men wound-
ed. Tlic prize was put in charge of Lieutenant (afterward Commodore) Rodgers,
and at the end of three days of tempest, danger, and suffering, she was taken into St.
Kitt's' (St. Christopher), and received a salute from the fort.
This victory produced great exultation in the United States, and the navy was de-
clared to bo equal to any in the world. The Insurgente carried 40 guns and 409
men; the Constellation only 32 guns and 309 men. The battle was fought with
great skill and bravery on both sides. The press was filled with eulogiums of Trux
tun. He received congratulatory addresses from all quarters, and the merchants of
Lloyd's Coffee-house, London, sent him a 8.;rvice of plate worth over three thousand
dollars, on which a representation of the action was elegantly engraved. '^ The cap-
tives were loud in praises of Truxtun'a courtesy and kindness ;^ and for a long time a
•1800.
1 Cooper's Natal Hittory of the Unitrd States, 1., 291 , Tmxtnn's dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy.
' IrVyatl'p OmcraUi and Cammodorfii of the American Army andXamj, p. 197.
'" I am sorry," Captain Barreault wrote to Tnixtm, " that onr two nations arc at war ; bnt since I nnfortnnately have
ti government properly directed by authority,
or attempting t.i prevent government officers executing their trusts, or inciting to riot or insurrection. It also pro-
tided for the fining or imprisoning any person guilty of printing or publishing " any false, scandalous, and malicious
writings againrt the government of the United States, or either House of Congress, or the President, with intent to de-
fiime them, or to bring them into contempt or disrepute." This was called the Sedition Late.
The laws brought out the heaviest batteries of denunciation fi'om the opposition, and were deplored by many of the
Federalists. The wise Hamilton perceived the dangers that n;ight arise from the enactment of the Sedition Law, and
immediately wrote a hurried note of warning to Wokott on tha 29th of June, saying, " Let cs not ESTAiiusn a tvban-
»T. Energy is a very different thing fi-ora violence. If we take no false step, we shall be essentially united ; but if we
pnah things to the extreme, wo shall then gi\8 to faction bodu and solidity." The fnars of Hamilton were realized.
Xothing contributed more powerfully to the speedy downfall of the Federal party than these extreme measures.
The Allen and Sedition Laws aroused individual resentments, and led to the public avowal of the doctrine of inde-
pendent and supreme state sovereignty in its most dangerous form. The right of " nullification" was as distinctly pro-
tliimed by Jefferson and others as it ever was by Calhoun or Hayne. In a series of resolutions drawn up under the
seal of secrecy as to their authorship, Mr. Jefferson declared the National Ctmstitution to he a mere compact made by
sovereign states at *late», each having the sole right of interpreting for itself the "compact," and bound by no interpre-
I tttion but its own ; that the general government has no final right, in any of its branches, to interpret the extent of its
ovn powers, and that all its acts not considered constitutional by a state may be properly nullified by such state within
i
•V
III
! I
(08
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Uetbod of Chooilag Blectors.
Oetm uf a new Party.
Jefferson elected Prealdent of the United States.
Most of tlio Presidential electors at that time were chosen by the respective State
Legislatures, and not by the people, as now, and the contest was really commenced
in the election of members to those bodies. New York was regarded as the cuHto-
dian of the balance of political power, and the election of that state which occurred
at the close of April, 1800, was looked to with great anxiety by both parties. A rad-
ical change had taken place. Burr, the most unscrupulous intriguer of the day,
worked incessantly, and New York, which the year before gave the Federalists five
hundred majority, now gave almost as great a majority for the Democrats. The lat-
ter Avere jubilant — the former were alarmed.
At this time the germ of a new party was distinctly visible in Virginia and the
states south of it, which was born of slavery and the doctrine of independent state
sovereignty. Virginia Avas its sponsor and it allied itself to the Democratic party.
And yet, strange as it may seem, Mr. Adams at this time looked to ti.o Southern
States for his forlorn hope in the coming election contest. Believing Pickering and
M'llenry to be unpopular there, he abruptly called upon them to resign. M'llenry
instantly complied, but Pickering refused. Adams dismissed him with little cere-
mony.' The event caused much excitement, and had considerable influence in redu-
cing the Federal vote. Bitter animosities prevailed. Criminations and recrimina-
tions ensued.
The open war in the Federal party against Mr. Adams was A/aged by a few leaders,
several of Avhom resided in Essex County, Massachusetts, the early home of Picker-
ing, and on that account the irritated President called his assailants and opposers the
" Essex Junto." He denounced thera as slaves to British influence, some lured by
monarchical proclivities, and others by English gold. Severe retorts followed ; and a
pamphlet from the pen of Hamilton, whom Adams had frequen<^'y assailed in conver-
sation as a British sympathizer, and an enemy to the National Constitution, damaged
the President's political prospects materially.
The result of tiie canvass Avas the triumph of the Democratic party. Jefferson Avas
elected President of the United States, and Aaron Burr Vice-President,'^ to the great
joy of their partisans, who chanted, in effect,
" The Federalists are down ot last 1
The Monarchists completely cast I
The Aristocrats are stripped of power-
Storms o'er the British /action lower.
Soon we Hepublicans shall bcc
Columbia's sons fl-om bondage tree.
Lord 1 how the Federalifts will stare
At Jeffeeson in Auamb' chiiirl"— r/ie Echo,
its own boundaries. These resolutions were offered to the Kentucky Legislature ; but the one avowing the absolute
right of nullification was modified, or rather substituted by another, before the whole were put upon their passage. This
action was in November, 1798. Within a month afterward John Taylor, of Caroline, an avowed secessionist, introduced
into the Virginia Legislature a series of resolutions drawn by Mr. Madison, similar in spirit, but more cautious in ex-
pression. "They were adopted, and, with a plea in their favor, were sent to the various State Legislatures. In some of
them they were handled roughly, and all that responded condemned them as unwarrantable and mischievous, excepting
already-committed Kcntucliy. These were the famous " Resolutions of 'OS," on which nullification in 1S32 and secefsiou
in ISOl planted themselves and looked for justification. The whole movcc-ut was of a local and temporary nature.
Jefferson and Madison were wielding dangerous weapons in their sturdy warfare for political power (for that was He
animus of the whole matter) ; but they trusted the people, and believed, as Jefferson said lu his inaugural, that great
errors may be tolerated when reason is left free to combat them. That nulliflere and secessionists have no warrant for
their doctrines in the action of the Virginia Legislature at that time Mr. Madison distinctly declared more than thirty
years afterward. " The tenor of the debates," he said, " which were ably conducted, and are understood to have been
revised for the press by most, if not all of the speakers, discloses iu> reference whatever to a constitutional right in an indi-
vidual state to arrest by force the ojKratimi of a law of the United Slates."— See letter to Edward Everett, August, 1S30, in
fleleetions from the Private Correspondence qf James Madison, published by J. C. M'Qulre, of Washington City, for private
distribution.
I John Marshall, who was soon afterward appointed Chief Justice c^the United States, took Pickering's place as Sec-
retary of State, and Samuel Dexter was called to M'llenry's seat in the Cabinet as Secretary of AVar.
' The Electoral College met, and their vote stood as follows: Jefferson, 73 ; Burr, 78 ; Adams, OBj Pinckney, (M: John
Jay, t. The votes for Jefferson and Burr being equal, the election, as provided by the Constitntion, was carried Into the
House of Representatives. The occasion presented exciting scenes. On the first ballot eight states voted for Jefferson,
six for Burr, aud two (Vermont and Maryland) were divided. Two or three members were so sick that they were brought
to the House on beds. For seven days the members were occnpied in balloting. The Federalista all voted for Bun,
as the least offensive of the two candidates, but the n-lends of Jefferson were stronger than they.
Horltflcatlon of the
The mortifl
soon mingled
John Quincy j
idcncy was, uj
slave represent
Democracy ov(
wan the Avhole
ated at the trii
After an exii
Federal party i
chinery of the ;
and Avhich still
—machinery w
-I'G in the mir
eaipe into powei
Vrhig out ofph
c.TCmplified.2
While the nal
tempests of Avar
the vessel of stat
faction and anan
— Avithout prem >
placed the finger
National Congres
18th of Decembe
steed dashed up t
private secretary:
Tlie President Avai
Mr. Adams, Avho r
the death of the ^
twcen tdh and ele^
There was grit
when John Mars
TJiere was grief in
ligence went from
courier. There w£
in cities and villag(
"•as grief in Europe
Contment. Lord I
l^ We Among many other tokens
of respect published at that
lime was a silver medal, a lit-
tle larger and thicker than the
Spanish quarter of a dollar.
Ouo of these Is in the posses-
sion of the writer, and is repre-
sented In the engraving. On
one side is a profile of Waeb-
iugton. Inclosed lu a wreath of
Isnrel, and surrounded by the
words, " iiR IB IN OLonr, tur
WOBLD IN TKAHS." Ou thC rC-
Tcrse Is a memorial urn, and
WAHIIINOTON MEllAi.
around It, forming two circles,
are nhbrovlatioiis, seen In the
engraving, slgnifylug "Born
February 11, 1732; Ucncral of
the American Army, 1776; re-
signed 1783 ; President of the
I'nited States of America,
1789; retired inlTBO; Oener.il
of the Armies of the United
States, 171)8; died December
14, 1700." This medal was de-
signed by Dudley A. Tyng, the
collector of customs at New*
buryport at that time, and en-
jp'svcd and publinhed, immediately after the death of Washington, by Jacob Perkins, the well-known Ingenious me-
chanic and engraver, lie cut dies for this design of two sizes.
> A contemporary wrote as follows concerning Washington's person and character:
"GENERAL WASHINGTON lu bis person was tall, upright, and well-made ; In manner easy and unaffected. His
eyes were of a bluish cast, not prominent. Indicative of deep thoughtfliluess, and, when in action on great occasions,
remarkably lively. Ills features strong, manly, and commanding; his temper reserved and serious; his counte-
nance grave, composed, and sensible. There was In his whole appearance an nnneual dignity and graceftilness which
nt once secured for bim profound respect and cordial esteem. He seemed born to command his fellow-men. In his of-
Hcial capacity ho received applicants for favors, and answered their requests with so much ease, condescension, and
kindness, as that each retired believing himself a favorite of his chief. lie had an excellent and well-cultivated under-
standing ; a correct, discerning, and comprehensive mind ; a »"emory remarkably retentive ; energetic passions under
perfect control ; a Judgment sober, deliberate, and sound. He .ras a man of the strictest honor and honesty ; fair and
honorable in his dealings ; punctual to his engagements. I" - •Uspositlon was mild, kind, and generous. Candor, sin-
fcrlty, moderation, and simplicity were, in common, prominent f0tti.,re8 in his character ; but, when an occasion call-
ed, ho was capable of displaying the most determined bravery, firmness, and Independence. He was an affectionate
hosband, a faithfiil friend, u humane master, and a father to the poor. He lived in the unvarying habits of regularity,
temperance, hnd Industry. He steadily rose at the dawn of day, and retired to rest usually at nine o'clock In the even-
Idi;. The intermediate hours all had their proper business assigned them. In his allotments for the revolving hours
religion was not forgotten. Feeling, what be so often publicly acknowledged, bis entire dependence on God, he dally,
At stated seasons, retired to his closet to worship at His footstool, and to ask Ills divine blessing. He was remarkable
fur his strict observation of the Sabbath, and exemplary in bis attendance on public worship."
it
f
!
I
f
1
112
PICTOUIAL FIELD-IJOOK.
I'eiicorul PromlNi. Th« AchlevtOMliU of BoMpuK.
Ill* Iiifluoiice In Kurnpa,
llntrod of Urett UriUln.
CHAPTER VI.
"The Pejr of AlRlem, not afraid of bin enni,
Hi'iU lo Joiittthiin once for aoine tribnie :
' Ho! lie) 1' Hiiyn Ihp Doy, • If tho rnHcul don't pay,
A cn|»r or two I'll exhibit.
I'm thi' Dcy of Alulcm, wlih a l)cnrd a yiird long ;
I'm a MiinHulninn, loo, and of coufko very utronij;
Kor tlilit Ih my mnxim, dlnpute It wlio can,
That u mail of etout niuiiclo'ij u vtout Musiiuluian.' "
EFFERSON'S adminiHtration commenced imdcr favorable aus-
piccH." Tliere wore omens of peace abroad, and these . jinrchi
jtromiscd calmness and prosperity at home. The ^'""■
league of England and the Continental powers against IJona-
partc had failed to impede his progress in the path toward uni-
versal dominion ; on the contrary, he had brought nearly all
Europe trembling at his feet. Within the short space of two
years ho made himself master of all Italy, and humbled ]>roiul
Austria by a series of the most splendid victories on record. Within the oirdc of
another two years he had returned from his Oriental camjiaigns to receive the hom-
age of France, and accept its sceptre in republican form as First Consul. With the
absolute power of an emperor, which title he speedily assumed, he prepared to bring
to France still more wealth, territory, and glory, by extending her sway from Africa
to the North Cape — from tho Atlantic to the Ural Mountains. Old thrones shook;
and when Bonaparte Avhispered peace all Europe listened eagerly, for they were
words of hope for dynasties and nationalities.
Tho preliminary Treaty of Liineville,^ '' affirming that of Campo-For-
mio,2 made four years earlier," rendered a reconstruction of the map of
Europe necessary, for kings and princes had allowed the successful soldier
to change the geographical lines of their dominions. Great Britain was
left alone in armed opposition to tho conquering Corsican. Even her late allies
against him, always jealous of her maritime superiority, were now his foes. Tlie
league of Northern powers, known as the Armed Neutrality,^ was re-established by
" December 10, treaty*" at the instigation of the Emperor Paul, of Russia, and from their
1800. council went forth the spirit of Cato's words concerning the offending
African city : Delenda est Carthago — " Carthage must be destroyed." Tliey resolved
to contradict by force her doctrine concerning the freedom of neutrals,'' and naval
armaments were put afloat. At the same time Bonaparte was threatening Great Brit-
ain with invasion, and her rich East India possessions with the tread of the conqueror.
Although burdened with taxation to a degree before unknown, and wearied with
her long contest Avith France and the Irish rebellion under her own roof,^ Britain
' The peace conclnded at LnnevlUe between the French Republic and the Emperor of Germany, after confirming the
Treaty of Cnmpo-Pormlo, etipnlated that the Rhine to the Dutch Territories phould form the boundaries of France, and
recoj)^lzinj; the Independence of the Bavarian, Helvetic, Llgnrian, and Cigalpine Republics,
« In the 'Treaty of Campo-Formlo, between France and Austria, the latter yielded the Low Countries and the lonlai
Islands to the former, and Milan, Mantua, and Moden:< to the Cisalpine Republic which Bonaparte bad estabilBtaed in
Italy. By a secret article, the Emperor of Austria took possession of the Veuitlan dominions, in compensation for tbe
Netherlands. ' See note 2, on pafe 88. « See note 1, page 84.
' The Roman Catholics and the Protestant Dissenters in Ireland were snbjected to cmel and insulting disabilities b; j
tho English in regard to both civil and religious privileges. In 1701 a society was formed, chiefly under the direction of
Wolfe Tone, for the purpose of procuring Parliamentary reform In this matter. Tbey were called "United Irishmen."
They were also animated by republican sentiments, and a hatred of England as on oppressor. Inspired by evente in j
•> Febmary 9,
1801.
« October IT,
ITOT.
Great Britain Irlumpt
once more put
Danish fleet at
the other powei
withdrew from
lime, two hundn
or chanting, with
Knpland was w
A peace ministry,
in the spring of |
which had so long
Continental powei
in March, 1 802,'' b
technical friends, n
who would not trii
his object to be res
formidable blows f
to the greater faith
was sunlight abroi
j)cace was about to
tor. England blaz(
and sermons ; fe.ast*
her literature with j
lennium. Forgetfu:
(rimes, Englislimert i
ried back with ther
Tlie sly Corsican, ch
'lesigns, treated the
and received in turn
bhishcd with shame.
Tlie niaohinery of
France, these" United Irlshm
lablish a republican form of..
Jcntlvc directory In ITOT. Th
covered and denounced by n n
Jonly developed all over the t
anticipation of an invasion by
■ France concluded a treaty
'nvarln, August 24; with Por
December r.
'This was a treaty between
ihe 1st of October, 1801. The
t>«nce:Azara, for Spain, and
'Among those who went ov
l-rey, and other leading men
ratures from his brain were sp
I kine, are seen stooping low be
(en^appMrsasaflneladylnft
Noy at the meeting in wan^
I f«Klag person, and to seal on
I aonelenr,yonareatmlywell
I »fKlng George and Bonaparte,
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
113
OfMt Britain trtnmpbMt.
Frtradly RnUttoni with Bonapart*.
TIm loddan Ctauiiie rtdlcaled.
once more put forth hor Htrvngth on the ocean. I'lirkcr and NolHon dcHtroyod the
Danish tii'ct at ('ojicnhatjcn,* and brought that jjovcrnnu'tit to HiihnuHHion ; •Aprils,
tlu' otluT powiTM of the k'amu', ularniod, and di'siTtod by J'.iurH siicoi'Mnor, '^"•
witlii»rdlnn an);clii kuhk the etrain:
liulu Britannia ; Britannia rules the wave* I
BrltouH never shall bo alavca."
England was willing to have peace, but not with the loss of an iota of her power.
A jK'ace ministry, with Mr. Addington at its head, assumed the reins of govern. aent
ill the spring of 1801. It looked witli favor upon the dispersion of the war-clouds
which had so long brooded over Europe. During that year one after another of the
Continental powers wheeled into the line of amicable relations with Bonaparte,' and
in March, 1 802,'' by treaty at Amiens,^ he and (4eorgo the Third became
ii'clmical friends, much to the disgust of a powerful war party hi England,
w ho would not trust the word of the ambitious Corsican for an hour, 'f hey believed
his object to be rest and gaining of time, while he should make prejjaralions for mor*^
t'orniidable blows for the subjugation of Europe. But they were comj)cilcd to yiel..
to the greater faith, or the greater needs, of the government and the majority. There
was sunlight abroad, and a bow of promise in the sky. It seemed as if universal
peace was about to be established in Europe, and Bonaparte was hailed as a i)acifica-
tor. England blazed with bonfires and illuminations ; was resonant with speeches
and sermons ; feasted in public halls in testimony of her faith and joy, and enriched
iior literature with addresses and poems on the apparent dawning of a political mil-
leniiium. Forgetful of the past deeds of Bonaparte, which they had denounced as
i-rimes, Englishmert flocked to Paris to bow before the rising sun of power, and car-
ried back with them French fashions in abundance, as tokens of their satisfaction.
Tlie sly Corsican, chuckling over their obsequiousness, and their blindness to his real
designs, treated the most distinguished of his English admirers with marked respect,
;ind received in turn such fulsome adulation that right-minded men m Great Britain
blushed with shame,^
Tlie machinery of government was all adjusted for the easy management of the
Kraace, these "United Irishmen," whose society extended nil over the kingdom, resolved to strike for liberty and es-
labllsh a republican form of government for Ireland. In this they received the aid of France. They nominated an ex-
OTtive directory In 1T9T. Their plans, carried on with the utmost secrecy, were ripe for execution, when they were dls-
tiwered and denounced by a government spy. Many of the leaders were arrested, bnt an open, ai .jed rebellion was sud-
denly developed all over the kingdom In May, 1T98. Great Britain put forth Its military power, then strong at home. In
Mtlclpotion of an Invasion by the armies In France, and the Insurrection was crushed in the course of a few m-mths.
• France concluded a treaty of peace with Naples March 18, 1801 ; with Spain, March 21 ; with the Pope, July IB ; with
I'.ivarin, August 24 1 with Portugal, September 29 j with Russia, October 4 ; with Turkey, October 9; and with Algiers,
December 7.
> This was a treaty between Great Britain, Holland, France, and Spain. The preliminary treaty had been signed on
the Ist of October, 1801. The definitive treaty was signed by Lord Comwallis, for England; Joseph Bonaparte, for
France; Azara, fur Spain, and Srhimmelpennlnck, for Holland.
> Among those who went over at that time were Charles Jame^i Pox and his nephew, Lord Holland, Lords Erskine,
(irey, and other leading men. These visits excited the ridicule of satirists. Gillray's pencil was active. Several cari-
catures from his brain were speedily published. He ridiculed the visit of Fox and his fHcnds in a caricature entitled
'Introdttction qf Citizen Volprone aiui SuUt at Parit," In which Fox and his wife, I^rd and Lady Holland, and Grey and Er-
I !klne, are seen stooping low before the new ruler of Prance. One of the most popular of his caricatures was entitled " The
irtt Kim this ten yearn, or llie meeting of Britannia and Citizen Franfoia." Britannia, who has suddenly become corpu-
lent, appears as a flue lady In full dress, her shield and spear leaninf; neglected against the wall. The citizen expresses
his joy at the meeting in warm terms. " Madame," he says, " permltter me to pay my profound esteem to your en-
jiging person, and to seal on your divine lips my everlasting attachment ! ! I" The lady, blushing deeply, replies,
"Sonslenr, you are a tmly well-bred gentleman ; acd though you make me blush, yet you kiss so delicately I can not
reftue yon, though I wag sure yon would deceive me again 1" On the wall Just behind these two figures are portrait*
otKlng George and Bouaparte scowling at each other.— See Wright's England under the Houte of nanover, U., 891.
H
bm
>lii
H
VIP
!|
m
li
'i ! J:F
114
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Beginning of Jeffei'itou's AdmlnistrattoB. Appearnnce and Condition of the National Capital. Thomas Jefferson.
new President of the United States. The treasury had never been so full, nor the
revenue so abundant as at that time, and he was enabled to signalize the conimencc-
raent of his administration and to strengthen it by the repeal of the excise and othor
obnoxious acts, which were necessary at the beginning. Commerce, and all the in-
dustrial interests of the country, were
flourishing, and the pathway of the now
chief magistrjite of the republic seemed
plain, flowery, and luminous.
The seat of government had just been
removed to the city of Washhigton, the
new capital of the nation, and then an in-
significant village on the bank of the Poto-
mac, on the verge of a Maryland forest,' in
the District of Columbia.^ There, in one
of the wings of the half-finished Capitol,
the last session of Congress had been
held; and there, on the 4th of March, 1801,
Chief Justice Marshall administered to
Mr. Jefferson the oath of office, and he
became the third President of the United
States. 3
Although Jefferson was a radical Re-
publican, he made no special changes in
the inaugural ceremonies used by his pre-
decessors. He abolished public levees at
the Presidential mansion, and sent mes-
sages in writing to Congress, instead of
' " There is one good tavern about forty rods from the Capitol, and several other houses are bnllt or erecting," Oliver
Wolcott wrote to a friend !u the autumn of ISOO; "but 1 don't see how the members of Congress can possibly fociire
lodgings unless they will consent to live like scholars In a college or monks In a monastery, -crowded ten or twcp'y in
one house. The only resource for such as wish to live comfortably will be found In lieorgetown, three miles distant,
over as had n road in winter as the clay grounds jear Hartford. . . . There are, In fact, but few houses In nny one
place, and most pf them small, miserable huts which present an awful contrast to the public buildings. The people
are poor, and, as far as I can Judge, they live 1ik> fishes, by eating each other. . . . You may look in almost ony direc-
tion, over an extent vlndow, intsrspersed amou); the for-
ests, through which you tra-.el miles without seeing a human being." Concerning the President's hou;>e, which she
speaks of as " npou a grand and superb scale, requiring about thirty servants to attend !\iid keep the apartments in
propel order, and perform the ordinary business of the house and stables," she said, " If they will put me up sonic bells
—there Is not one hung through the whole house, and promises are all you can obtain— ami let me have wood enough
to keep fires, I design to be pleased. I could content myself almost any where for three months ; but, surrounded with
forests, can you believe thot wood Is not to be had, because people can not be found to cut and cart it ! Brleslcr entered
into a contract with a man to supply him with wood : a small part^-n few cords only— has he been able to get. Most of
that was expended to dry the walls rf the house before we came in, and yesterday the man told him It was impo.sfiWc
to procure it to be cut and carted. lie has had recourse to cods, but we can not get grates made and set. We have,
Indeed, come Into a nne country"
' The District of Columbia was a tract ten miles square, lying on each side of the Potomac, and ceded to the United
States by the States of Maryland and Virginia, for the residence of the national government. The portion lylug in^'ir
ginia v/as retroccded to ihat state a few years ago. The city of Wfishington was laid out there in 17511, and the crocliuii
of the Capitol was commenced In 170,% when, on the ISth of AprO President Washington laid the comer-stone, witli ma-
sonic ceremonies. The two wings were completed in 1808. " . government, which had resided ten years In Phlludil-
phia, moVed to Washington in the autumn of 18(10.
' Thomas JefTcrsou was born at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Virginia, on the 13th of April, 1743. He was educated
at William and Mary's College, studied law with the eminent George Wythe, and wab .Jmitted to the bar while yet n very
yuung man. lie was a member of the Virgiiiia Assembly before the RevolntloU; ond won fame as a vigorous thinlicr
and writer. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1776, and in 1770, at the request of a committee of which he
was a member, he drew up the neclarati
representative of his country, and in 1785 snceeded Franklin as minister at the French Court. He remained thereun-
til 1789, when he returned, and entered Washington's Cabinet as Secretary of State. He remained in that positiuu until
1793. He was elected Vlce-PrcBldent of the United States in 1700, and in ISOl was elected to the Presidency. He wn^
Mr. JefTcrson foresbac
delivering speec
in form.'
A small militj
he read his inaii
looked for with s
It was patriotic,
his political oppo
principle. We )i
are all Federalist
In this s]nrit M
of public abuses,
of public offices u
(I'ss his forecast, i
would not disturb
most vehement de
Mr. Jefferson eo
been elevated to
lustful for office.
acquiescence in th
iially filled many c
for whose accomn
Washington and re
iiig proportions th:
which iias worked i
oraments from that
Wtter pr.rtisanship.
wg the advantage
istratioi) as sooii^as
mere game of politi(
rc-clected fn 180S, and In ISO!)
.Montlcelloonthe4th.>fJuIy
iti! Declaration oflndcpend.
vitcplatemadelnaiuatiuta
ncniber of Congress from 18(
I J„™'l7''""''"PP''nrance^
Win«m Plumer, United .Stat^
President, accompanied by s(
came Into the room. He wa
I ''"*"/ "'I'ch soiled, woolen 1
pnsed me by announcing that
1 'InalcttertoNatha-uelMs
I l-cvees arc done away wit
«>«|«KC, to which no answer
rtstcrs. 4. The compensa.l,
1 "haste reformation, fl The
» every department will be re
wndation has been given to t
I lis offices." fe'>tuioii
;^ethe«„/<.^«,„.,^„„„„,
racy General. He retained^
-bertGallatlnwasappolntecU
I M ivas now wholly so
IWnDicklnsoD, two days aft
I "ch, nothing ehall be want!
I * republican g„ve™^;„7
|fpeo|leofothcrcouufries.''
Ill ■!' 7" K'^'" "">c for a
l^o'e who have desired the glv
"tr'""''''"«'-I>"bllcans,
I'lkepttbllc affaire of the State
!, patr:
lor
llrip
t ran
P
■li
, iin
nnou
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
115
Mr. JefTersou furesbadowa hla Policy. His Popularity. > National Party desired. Political Proacriptiou begun.
delivering speeches in person, because he considered these customs too monarchical
in form.'
A small military and civic escort conducted Mr. Jefferson to the Capitol, and ♦here
he read his inaugural address to a large crowd of delighted H^steners. It had been
looked for with an.\iety, as it would foreshadow the policy of the new administration.^
It was patriotic, conservative, and conciliatory, and allayed many apprehensions of
Ills political opponents. " Every d'.fference of opinion," he said, " is not a difference of
principle. We have called by r'lfferent names brethren of the same principle. We
lire all Federalists — we are all Republicans. "'
In this spirit 3Ir. Jefferson commenced his adr.iinisi-ration. He set about the reform
of public abuses, treated every body with kindness, and left most of the incumbents
of public offices untouched for a while.* His political enemies were compelled to con-
fess his forecast, Avisdom, and faithfulness ; and many Federalists, believing that he
would not disturb their friends in office, joined the Republican party, and became the
most vehement denunciators of their old partisans and their principles.'
Mr. Jefferson eoou discovered that he Avas not wholly his 6wn master. He had
been elevated to power by a party whose leaders, like those of all parties, were
lustful for office. He was compelled to listen to their clamors, and finally to yield
acquiescence in their doctrine that " to the victor belongs the spoils."^ He grad-
ually filled many of the most important offices in his gift with his political friends,
tiir whose accommodation faithful men, a Inrge proportion of them appointed by
Washington and retained by Adams, Avore removed. Tlius Avas developed in alarm-
ing proportions that system of proscription commenced by the second President,
which has Avorkcd mischicA^ously in the administration of our general and state gov-
ernments from that time u'ltil the present. It bore immediate fruit in the form of
bitter pr.rtisanship. liie Federalists, noAV become the opposition, and thereby hav-
ing the ad\ antage in controversy, began a relentless Avarfare upon the ncAv admin-
istration as soon as its proscriptive policy Avas manifested. With that Avarfare, as a
mere game of politics, Ave have nothing to do, except so fivr as it had a bearing upon
rwlccted in 1808, and in 1809 retired to private life, from which he was never again drawn. He died at his residence at
Monlicelio on the 4th of July, 1S20, in the 84th year of his age. Like Adams, he departed on the Hftieth anniversary of
ihc Declaration of Independence. The profile of Mr. JefTcrson, given on page 114, is from an impression from a pri-
vate plate made in ariiiatinta aboiit the year 1804, and presented by the President to the Hon. D. C.Vcrplanck, who was a
mtmber of Congress from 1803 until 1800.
1 The personal appearance of President Jefferson at this period may be imagined from the following description by
WiDism Plnmer, United States senator from New Hampshire In 1S02: "The next nay after my arrival I visited the
President, accompanied by some Democratic members. In a few moments after our arrival a tali, high-boned man
umc Into the room. He was dressed, or rather '.mdressed, in an old browii coat, red waistcoat, old coidnroy smali-
cloilica much soiled, woolen hose, and Rlii)pers without heels. I thonght him a servant, when General Varnnm sur-
prised me by announcing that it was the President."— Sec Life of it'illiam Plumer, p. 242.
' In a letter to Natha'iiel Macon, of North Carolina, on the 14th of May, Mr. .Tcfferson indicated his policy as follows :
"1. Levees are done away with. 2. The first communication to the next Congress will be, like all snljsequent pncs, by
message, to which no answer will be expected. 3. The diplomatic establishment In Europe will be reduced to three
ministers. 4. The compensation of collectors depend., on you [Congress], and not on me. 5. The army Is uniiergoing
J 'haste reformation. 0. Tlie navy wiil be reduced to the legal establishment by the last of this month. T. Agencies
ill every department will be revised. 8. AVe shall iwsh yon to the uttermost In economizing, fl. A very early recom-
I niciuliitlnn has been given to the Postmaster General to employ no printer, foreigner, or Revolutionary Tory in any of
I M» offices."
'See the Slatfsman'n Manual, 1., 242, There the President's inaugnral measagn Is printed In full.
'Mr. Jefferson appointed James Madison Secret try of State, Henry Dearborn Secretary of War, and Levi Lincoln At-
I loracy General. He retained Mr. Adams's Secretaries of the Treasury and Navy until the following autumn, when
I .ilberl Gallatin was appointed to the first, and Robert Smith to the second. These were both Republiains, and his Cabi-
I ift W.1S now wholly so.
' Mr. .lefferson dreamed, patriotically, of a consolidated national party and a brilliant administration. In a letter to
I John Dickinson, two days after his Inauguration, he wrote, "I hope to see shortly a perfect consolidation, to effect
»hlch, nothing shall he wanting on my part short of the abandonment of the principles of the Revolution. A just and
I Mlid republican government maintained here, will be a standing monnment and example for the aim and Imitation of
I lie people of other countries." Yet he early resolved on rewards to friends. To Colonel Mor,-oc he wrote on the 7th
'(March, "To give time for a perfect conaolldotlon seems i)rndent. I have firmly refuecd to follow tiie connsels of
Jibose who have desired the giving of offlces to some of the Federalist leaders In "rder to reconcile. I have given, on
I'illcivc, only to Republicans, under existing circumstances."
' This doctrine was first announced In these words by the late William L. Marcy when he assumed the adraUilglratiou
I tlhe public affairs cf the State of New York as governor In ISS;'
i
)
■ : M
f
116
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
' March,
1801.
Reason for giving a Uiatory of Parties. The Mavy reduced. Unwise Economy. Tribute to the Barbary Powers.
public events during the few years immediately preceding the War of 1812, and held
relationship thereto.
It seems proper at this point in our narrative to say, that the sketch of the rise and
progress of the two great political parties which existed in the United States at the
beginning of the present century, and whose animosities and aspirations had much to
do in bringhig about a war in 1812, has been given for the purpose, first, to afford our
general subject that much-needed elucidation, and, secondly, to connect by depondoiit
links of historic outlines the events of the Fibst with those of the Second War foi;
Independence.
At the close of Mr. Adams's administration," Congress passed a law' au-
thorizing the President to place the navy on a rigid peace footing, by retain-
ing only thirteen frigates,'^ and only six of these to be kept in active service. The
act authorized him to dismantle and sell all others, and lay up seven of the thirteen
in a way in which they might be carefully preserved. It also authorized him to re-
duce the complement of officers and men, by retaining in the service, in time of peace,
only nine captains, thirty-six lieutenants, and one hundred and fifty midshipmen, in-
cluding those employed on the six frigates kept in active service, and to discharge the
remainder. Under this authority, and in accordiince with his own judgment concern-
ing rigid economy and the prospect of universal peace, Mr. Jeflferson sold all but the
thirteen frigates named, laid up seven of these, and discharged all the officers and
men in excess after placing the service on a peace footing. And yet, in the matter
offeree, nearly four fifths was retained, for the vessels sold were mostly inferior, and
only fourteen of them had been built expressly for the government service. The Pres-
ident also suspended work on six ships authorized by Congress in 1798. So little did
the American people then seem to apprehend the value of a competent navy fcr the
protection of their commerce every where, as avcU as the honor of the nation, that a
majority of them applauded these measures, while many Federalists assailed them
only for political eifcct. That strong arm of the government which had so protected
commerce as to enable the Americans to sell to foreign countries, during the difficul-
ties with I'rance, surplus products to the amount of $200,000,000, and to import suf-
ficient to yield the government a revenue exceeding $23,000,000, was thus paralyzed
by an unwise economy in public expenditure.
The conduct of the Barbary Powers soon made the want of an efficient navy pain-
fully apparent. The government of the United States had purchased, by the pay-
ment in full of a stipulated sum of money, the friendship, or rather the forbearance of
the Bey of Tripoli, while to the Dey of Algiers and the 13ey of Tunis tribute in money,
military and maritime stores, and other presents was annually paid.^ The su^'inis-
sion of all the Christian nations of Europe to these exactions made those pirate-kings
exceedingly insolent, and finally, in the spring of 1801, the President resolved to
humble the pride and the power of those commercial marauders, release Amerioaii
commerce from their thrall in the Mediterranean, and assert the dignity of his coun-
try by ceasing to pay tribute to another. This resolution was strengthened by tlio
1 Approved March S, 1801.
' Theec were the United Statfs, ConsHtutinn, fhrenident, Chtsaprakf, Philadelphia, Conatellaliim, Congress, A'eic I'orit, fl»<-l
ton, Essex, Adams, John Adams, aud Qeneral Greene. These had an aggregate amiament of 884 guns. The vessels boUI
were the George Washington, Ganges, I'ortsmoxtth, Merrimack, Comtecticut, of li4 gunB eacli ; the Baltimore, Ddawan; aujf
Montezuma, of '20 guns each ; the Maryland, Patapseo, He^ild, TrumlmU, Warren, Norfolk, Richmond, and Pineknqi, of lj|
guns each ; the Eaule, Augusta, and Scamnel, 14 gnns each ; the Experiment, 9 guns, and nine galleys.— CoorKit, i., XH-
3 Colonel Ebenezer Steveiid, an active and eminent merchant of New Yorlc, and who had been a meritorious artlllcrj
officer during the Revolution, was employed by the government as its factor in forwarding the stores to Tunis. II
May, 1801, Secretary Madison wrote to Mr. Stevens on the subject, saying, " It Is desirable that the remalninc cnrgf
of maritime and military stores due to the Regency of Tunis should be provided and shipped without loss of time Tli
powder will be given to yon from the public magazines, and the Navy Department will give orders to its agent at Xel
Yorit or elsewhere, as may be most convenient, to supply the cannon and such other articles as yon may want and c«f
be spared."— W.S'. letter. How much cheaper and more dignified it would have been to have sent the materials In stiia
of war, ta]]y prepared, as they might have been, to Itnock the capitate of those semi-barbaric mlers aboat their canj
and alnlc their corsalt-' In the deep waters of the Mediterranean t
BalDbrldge at Algler
insolent trcatn
year. In May,
out with the us
tal in Septembe
about to leave
the Court of the
when the haugh
you become mv
The guns of the
without their pei
yield to the fore
circumstances, I
assured by Mr.
en, once a capf I , ,
then American co
there, that if he
tempted to leave
harbor, the guns of
eastio, heavy and w
manned, would o
upon his vessel w
destructive effect
ship would be seis
and used for the p
pose, and war won
ensue. To avoid the
calamities Bainbrid
bowed submissive
to the humiliatioi
and he even complie
with the haughty m
the main, and that
Algiers an obedient
freeman, he bore the
to the Secretary of t
unless I am authorize
Under other circu
have been a desirabl,
stnpes for the first
and his great officers
States; but when, .;t
beyond the great sea,
romantic rumors, Bair
Turkish admiral becan
Algiers in January tl
Imce there. The Suit
t^om this visit of a ba
ttie two nations must (
On his return to Al
other errand to Consta
% flew into a rage, t
;■» ence. Bainbridge ,
i«nb-like, and obsequio
OF THE WAIi OF 1812.
117
Bainbridge at Algiers and Constantinople. His Treatment at each. Oood Effect of his Visit to Constantinople.
insolent treatment of Commodore Bainbridge by the Dey of Algiers the previous
year. In May, 1800, BainVjridge, in command of the George Washington, 24, went
out with the usual tribute to the Algerine ruler. He arrived in the port of his capi-
tal in September, performed with courtesy the duties enjoined upon him, and was
about to leave, when the Dey commanded him to carry an Algerine embassador to
the Court of the Sultan at Constantinople. Bauibridge politely refused compliance,
when the haughty and offended Dey said sternly, " You pay me tribute, by which
you become mv slaves, and therefore I have a right to order you as I think proper."
The guns of the castle were looking out vigilantly upon Bainbridge's frigate, and
without their permission he could not pass out of the harbor. He was compelled to
yield to the force of
circumstances, being
assured by Mr. O'Bri-
en, once a capt i and
then American consul
there, that if he at-
tempted to leave the
harbor, the guns of the
castle, heavy and well-
manned, would open
upon his vessel with
destructive effect, his
ship Avould be seized
and used for the pur-
pose, and war would
ensue. To avoid these
calamities Bainbridge
bowed submissively
to the humiliation ;
and he even complied
with the haughty ruler's farther requisition, that he should carry the Algerine flag at
the main, and that of the United States at the fore. He spiled out of the port of
Algiers an obedient slave, and then, placing his own flag in the position of honor as a
freeman, he bore the Algerine embassador to the Golden Horn. " I hope," he wrote
to the Secretary of the Navy, " I shall never again be sent to Algiers with tribute,
unless I am authorized to deliver it from the mouth of our cannon."
Under other circumstances this trip to the ancient city of Constantinople would
have been a desirable one, for Bainbridge had the honor of displaying the stars and
?tripes for the first time before that famous seat of Ottoman empire. The Sultan
and his great ofiicers of state were astonished. They had never heard of the United
States ; but when, ;;t length, they were made to comprehend that it was a country
beyond the great sea, discovered by Columbus, of which they had heard vague and
romantic rumors, Bainbridge was received with the greatest courtesy. He and the
I Turkish admiral became warm friends ; and when Bainbridge was about to return to
Algiers in January, the latter gave hi.n a firman to protect him from farther inso-
I Icnce there. The Sultan, whose flag bore the crescent moon, drew a favorable omen
from this visit of a banner bearing its neighbors, the stars of heaven. He believed
I the two nations must ever be friends, and so they have been.
On his return to Algiers^ the Dey requested Bainbridge to go on an- . ja„nnry 21,
[other errand to Constantinople. Bainbridge peremptorily refused. The **"^-
I Dey flew into a rage, threatened war, and finally menaced the captain with personal
jviolence. Bainbridge quietly produced \\i^ firman, when the fierce governor became
llimb-like, and obsequiously offered to the man he had just looked upon as his slave,
ALOIEBS IN 1800.
1
!
! ;
■y\ j
1
1
i
^ if
1 *
118
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Dcy of Algiers humbled.
Insolence of the Bey of Tnnls.
Commodore Dale In the Hediterraneun.
friendship and service. Taking advantage of this change, Bainbridgo assumed the
air of a dictator, and demanded the instant release of the French consxil and fifty or
sixty of his countrymen, who had lately been imprisoned by the Dey. When Bain-
bridge left he carried away with him all the French in Algiers. His compulsory visit
to Constantinople resulted in great good to his fellow-men.
The IJey or Bashaw of Tripoli,' not content Avith the gross sum that had been paid
him by the United States, when he learned that liis neighbors had received larger
bribes than he, demanded tribute in the autumn of 1800, and threatened war if his
demand was not satisfied withhi six months. Accordingly, in May, 1801, he ordered
the flag-staff of the American consulate to be cut down, and proclaimed war. In an-
ticipation of these events, Commodore Dale had been sent with a small squadron, con-
sisting of the President, 44, Captain James Barron ; Philadelphia^ 38, Captain Samuel
Barron; Essex, 32, Captain Bainbridge, and Enterprise, 12, Lieutenant Commandant
Sterrett. The President was Dale's flag-ship. The squadron sailed fromHamptonlioads,
and reached Gibraltar on the 1st of July, Dale soon proceeded eastward in company
with the Enterprise,
and appeared off'Trip-
oli and Tunis, to the
great astonishment of
the rulers of those
states. On the way
the Enterprise fell in
with, attacked, and
captured a Tripoli-
tan corsair called the
Trijjoli, reducing he:*
in * ihe course of an
engagement of three
hours, almost to a
wreck, and killing and
wounding twenty of
her men, without the
loss of a single man on
her side.^ Meanwhile
the Philadelphia was
of Gibraltar, to pre-
vent two Tripolitaii
corsairs which were
found there going out
uwon the Atlantic ;
and the Essex sailed
aloniT the northern
shores of the Medi-
terranean, to convoy
American merchant
ships. Dale contin-
ued to cruise in the
Mediterranean until
autumn, and his pres-
ence exercised a most
wholesome restraint
over the corsairs.^
Another expedition
was sent to the Medi-
terranean in 1 802, under
Commodore Richard Y.
cruising in the Straits
Morris, It was a relief squadron, and consisted of the Chesapeake, '<8, Lieutenant
Chauncey, acting captain ; Constellation, 38, Captain Murray ; iVew York, 30, Cap-
tain James Bairon; Jbhti Adams, 28, Captain Rodgers; Adams, 28, Captain Cani])-
bell, and Enterprise, 12, Lieutenant Commandant Sterrett, Morris hoisted his broad
pennant on board the Chesapeake. The squadron did not go in a body, but pro-
ceeded one after another from February until September. Meanwhile the Boston,
' This was Jiissuf Carnmnlll. lie was a third son, and had obtained the seat of power by violence. He murderoJ
his father and elder brother, and deposed his next brother, Ilamet, the rightful heir, who at this time was an exile in •
Egypt, whither he fled to save his life, followed by quite a large number of adherents.
> The raU or commander of the Tripoli was Mahomet Sous. Three times during the engagement the Tripoli strucl; |
her colors, and as often treacherously renewed the combat, when Lieutenant Sterrett determined to sfnlj her. She wa^
too much of a wreck to be taken into port — indeed, according to iustmctlons, she could not be mai' > prhe— and six ,
was dismantled under the direction of Lieutenant David Porter. When her commander reached Tripoli, wounded niitl |
heart-broken, he was subjected to great Indignity. lie was placed upon a jackass, paraded through the streets, and aft-
erward received the bastinado.
' Richard Dale was bom near Norfolk, Virginia, on the 0th of November, ITM. He went to sea at the age of twcivcl
years, and continued In the merchant service until 17TB, when he became lieutenant of a Virginia cruiser. He was aiil
active officer during the whole war of the Revolution, and was with Paul Jones In his gallant action with the Sprnjjijilnl
September, 17T9. lie was then only about twenty-three years of age. He was a great favorite with Jones, and the latlprl
presented to Dale the elegant gold-monntcd sword which Jones received from the King of France. It Is now In the p<)f-f
Mission of his grandson, Richard Dale, of Philadelpbin, where I saw it in November, 1801. The handle, guard, and bntil
Tripoli and Its Cnil
commanded b
lutionary nav'
conveying Ho
of Tripoli was
stellation. TJn
others, and not
Tripolitan gun.
shore, with her
The Chesapei
tain Bainbridge
the Adams Jate
cruise along the
commerce. Fin
rendezvous at 3J
1803, and during
fcctually restrah
May. She had a
and land batteriei
in killed and won
next day, and in .
the Americans to
the John Adams
politan corsair lyi
sair soon afterwai
, her. The ships ti
home. He arrivct
the Mediterranean
cidcd that he had n
and the President,
the service witlioiii
TJie United State
Barbary Powers, ai
andthc mountings of the s(
iflilly-wrought devices on i
lowing Inscription: tini.,c
VEBATOB STRENCO VfRTCTI -
valiant nsserter Of the freed
Dale left the service i„ i
one of the sU naval captain
commodore In 1801 bv beinn
ran, and the following year"
competency, and spent then
Phia, where he died in isjc
^.TJ^/^^e of Commodore I
^hS'^t, Philadelphia J
with the following Ine^criptlo
R.™.,H„ Da,.k. born Noven
V, ■ '^" """"est man, an Im
tons conciliating unlvers
?" Ic, he departed this Ilf„ i„
".nTh7r""'tt^'^"
f.t;rn;^em"f^r/cir:
■-y.whodiedlnDecemr;,"
SeeI,osHlng's;^Wrf.a„„i'
'Richard Valentine Morris,
1 r^' "" ^'"' re'Jilned as
«er been considered 8 hlgh-ha
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
110
Tripoli uid its Cruisers blockaded.
Abandonment of ihe Barbary Coast.
Commudorea Morris and Dale.
commanded by the eccentric Captain M'Neill (son of Hector M'Neill, of the Revo-
lutionary navy),' was cruising in the Mediterranean in an independent way, after
conveying Robert R. Livingston, the United States minister, to France. The port
of Tripoli was blockaded by her early in May, where she was joined by the Con-
stellation. The latter vessel was soon left alone, as M'Neill avoided tlic company of
others, and not long afterward she had a severe contest with a flotilla of seventeen
Tripolitan gun-boats. She handled theui severely, as well as some cavalry on the
siiore, with her great guns.
The Chesapeake reached Gibraltar on the 25tli of May, and found the JEsaex, Cap-
tain Bainbridge, still blockading the two Tripolitan cruisers there. The arrival of
the Adams late in July enabled the Chesapeake, in company with the Enterprise, to
cruise along the north shore of the Mediterranean for the protection of American
commerce. Finally orders were given for the different vessels of the squadron to
rendezvous at Malta. They collected there in the course of the month of January,
1803, and durhig the spring appeared off the ports of the Barbary Powers, and ef-
fectually restraining their corsairs. Tripoli was blockaded by the John Adarns in
May. She had a severe engagement toward the close of the month with gun-boats
and land batteries. These suffered severely, and the Americans lost twelve or fifteen
in killed and wounded. An unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a peace was made the
next day, and in June the movements of the Algerine and Tunisian corsairs induced
the Americans to raise the blockade. But, before leaving, Commodore Rodgcrs, of
the John Adams (then in chief command), Avith the Enterprise, attacked a large Tri-
politan corsair lying in a sheltered bay, and drove her people to the shore. The cor-
sair soon afterward blew up, Avith a large number of persons who had returned to
her. The ships then all left the Barbary coast, and Commodore Morris returned
liomc. He arrived toward the close of November, 1803. The conduct of affaii's in
the Mediterranean under his direction was not satisfactory. A court of inqui-^, de-
cided that he had not " discovered due diligence and activity in annoying the enemy,"
and the President, with a precipitation diflicult to be defended, dismissed him from
the service without trial. '^
The United States government had determined to act with more vigor against the
Barbary Powers, and in May, 1803, Commodore Preble was appointed to the com-
andthe monntings of the scabbard are solid gold, with beaii-
liftiUy-wronght devices on them. Upon the blade is the fol-
lowing Inscription: vindioati maris i.iiniviocs xvi. rkmu-
NEBATOR STUKNi'o viRTCTi — "Louls XVI. rawardcr of the
valiant nsserter of the freedom of the sen."
Dale left the service in 17S0. In ir94 he was appointed
one of the six naval captains by Washington. He was mndo
commodore in ISOl by being placed in command of a squad-
ron, and the following year he resigned. He retired with a
competency, and spent the remainder ofhis days in Philadel-
phia, where he died in 1826, in the sixty-ninth year of his
age.
The grave of Commodore Dale is in Christ Chnrch-yard, on
Fifth street, Philadelphia. His monument is a marble slab,
with the folloAving Inscription: "In memory of Commodore
Richard Dai.k, born November C, 1750, died February 24,
Wid. An honest man, an incorruptible patriot, in nil his re-
i.ilions conciliating universal love. A Christian without
i.Tille, he departed this life in the wcU-fonnded and triumph-
ant hiiiic of that blessedness which awaits all who, like him,
die in the Lord." On the same slab is an inscription com-
memorative of the virtues of his wife, who died In Septem-
lier, 1S32, at the age of sixty-flve years. Very near this tomb
ii a handsome marble cross, erected to the memory of Montgomery, a son of Commodore Dale, also of the United State;
navy, who died in December, 1S62, at the age of flfty-flvo years.
' See Losslng's Field-Book (\f the Revolution, ii., 040.
' Richnrd Valentine Morris was the youngest son of Lewis Morris, of Morrlsania, New York, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. He entered the senlco in early life, and in June, ITOS, he wns commissioned a captain In
llie imvy. He was retained as fifth in rank at the reduction of the navy In 1801. His dismissal from the service has
j ever been considered a high-handed political m jasnre. He died while attending the Legislature nt Albany In 1814.
DALE 8 UONUHENT.
^H«!82^
120
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
/^i^^^^2?^
^
Squadron ander Preble in the Mediterranean. Settlement of DIflcalties wltli Morocco. Capture of the PMUulelphia.
mand of a equadron, consisting ,of the
Constitution, 44, Philadelphia, 38, Ar-
ffua and Siren, 16 each, and Nautilus,
Vixen,&r\^Enterprise,\2 each. Preble
sailed in the Constitution at the middle
of August, and the other vessels follow-
ed as fast as they were made ready.
The Philadelphia, Captain Bainbridgc,
had sailed in July, and on the 26th of
August captured the Moorish frigate
Meshboha, found holding in possession
an American merchant vessel which
she had taken as a prize. It was dis-
covered that her commander was act-
ing under the orders of the Moorisli
Governor of Tangiers to cruise for
American vessels. The Philadelphia
returned to Gibraltar with her prize.
On the arrival of Preble he determ-
ined to sail for Tangiers and make in-
quiries respecting the hostile proceed-
ings of the Moors. He was accompa-
nied by Commodore Rodgers, and on
the 6th of October the Constitution,
New York, John Adams, and Nautilus <,
entered the Bay of Tangiers. Preble
had an interview with the Emperor of Morocco, who disavowed the act of the Gov-
<)rnor of Tangiers, and expressed a desire to remain at peace w'th the United States,
The difficulty with Morocco being settled, Rodgers sailed for home, and Preble
made energi'tic preparations to bring Tripoli to terms, A serious disaster soon oc-
curred. On the morning of the 31st of October the Philadelphia chased a Tripolitan
ship into the harbor of Tripoli. In endeavoring to beat off she struck on a rock not
laid down in any of the cliarts. Every effort to get her off failed, and she was at-
tacked and finally captured by the Tripolitans. Bainbridge and his officers and men
were made prisoners, and two days afterward the ship was extricated and taken into the
harbor. The officers were treated as prisoners of war, but the crew were made slaves.
Bainbridge found means to report his misfortune to Preble at Malta, and to sug-
gest the destruction of the Philadelphia, which was being fitted for sea. Preble had
recently appeared off Tripoli for the first time. On the 23d of December the Mit&'-
prise. Lieutenant Decatur, sailing in company with the flag-ship, captured a ketch
called the Mastico, then belonging to the Tripolitans, and bound to Constantinople
with a present of female slaves for the Sultan. Heavy storms arose, and Preble and
Decatur sailed into Syracuse, where the ketch was appraised and taken mto the
service, with the name of the Intrepid.
Decatur had formed a plan for cutting out or destroying the Philadelphia. It was
approved by Preble ; and on the 3d of February, 1 804, he left Syracuse with orders
and preparations to destroy her. Tlie Intrepid was chosen for the service, and sev-
enty-four determined young men sailed in her for the port of Tripoli, accompanied by
the brig Siren, Lieutenant Stewart. Heavy storms delayed their operations until the
16th, when, in the evening, the young moon shining brightly, the Intrepid sailed into
the harbor, and was warped alongside the Philadelphia without exciting suspicion,
she having assumed the character of a vessel in distress. Most of the officers and
men were conce&led until the ketch was placed alongside the Philadelphia. Then,
De8trnctlonofthe/>A,;
for the first, th(
other officers spi
the turbaned del
immediately set
teries and cap Je,
guns of the Phila
imminent danger
men was killed, a
Intrepid, by the i
with their strong
ant breeze both v
people of the towi
roic act Decatur i
companied him wc
>T\m bold act gr
ade of his port by
• 1804. ^^ *''° ^'^se
anchored th
tection lay in heav^
teen gun-boats, a bi
land-soldiers, and a
not dismay Preble.
a heavy cannonade
get near enough ft
place, and finally L
lay his vessel alongs
and captured her af
other, when he had
Tripolitan captain.
finally killed by De(
captured. 2 After a
of the enemy's gun-bi
aheavy loss of life ha(
it prudent to withdrj
The second attack
'AnguBt. »fte'-noonof
passed into
captured on the 3d, a:
with it her command
sey.and eight of her
cleared away her bow
ert T. Spence and elev
with which she was
gun at the enemy, and
men in boats, for the
gone to the bottom.
I Again, after inflictin]
drew, but renewed thf
I >»',r"' ^"P""" Decatur was
I .*c was as bravely emulati,
.Irak Decatur on the forehead
Itjntly. HewastbeonlyAmer,
'Decatur attacked the Tripoli^
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
121
DestroctioD of tbe Philadelphia,
Tripoli bombarded.
A hand to hand Fight.
Gallantry of Decatnr.
•1804.
for the first, the Tripolitans suspected them. At the same moment Decatur and
other officers sprang on board the frigate, followed by their men. In a few minutes
the turbaned defenders of the vessel were all killed or driven into the sea. She was
immediately set on lire, in the midst of the roar of cannon from the Tripolitan bat-
teries and caf Je, and from two corsairs near. The scene was magnificent ; and as the
iruns of the Philadelphia became heated they were discharged. The Intrepid was in
imminent danger from the flames, but she escaped. Not one of the gallant Decatur's
men was killed, and only four were wounded. In the light of the conflagration the
Intrepid, by the aid of oars, swept out of the harbor, where the boats of the Siren,
with their strong sweeps, were in readiness to aid in towing her ofi". Before a pleas-
ant breeze both vessels sailed for Syracuse, where the American squadron and the
people of the town welcomed them with strong demonstrations of joy. For this he-
roic act Decatur was promoted to captain, and several of the other officers who ac-
companied him were advanced.
sThis bold act greatly alarmed the Bey or Bashaw of Tripoli, and the ensuing block-
ade of his port by Commodore Pi-eble made him exceedingly circumspect. Finally,
at the close of July," Preble entered the harbor of Tripoli with his squadron, and
anchored the Constitution two and a half miles from the walled city, whose pro-
tection lay in heavy batteries mounting one hundred and fifteen cannon, nine-
teen gun-boats, a brig, two schooners, and some galleys, twenty-five thousand
land-soldiers, and a sheltering reef of dangerous rocks and shoals. These did
not dismay Preble. On the 3d of August, at three in the afternoon, he opcjied
a heavy cannonade and bombardment from his gun-boats, which alone could
(jet near enough for effective service. Conflict in closer range soon took
place, and finally Lieutenant Decatur, commanding gun-boat Number Four,
lay bis vessel alongside one of the largest of those of the enemy, and boarded
and captured her after a df .perate struggle. ^ He immediately boarded an-
other, when he had a most desperate personal encounter with the powerful
Tripolitan captain. The struggle was brief but deadly. The captain was
finally killed by Decatur at a moment of fearful peril, and the vessel was
captured.'^ After a general conflict of two hours, during which time three
of the enemy's gun-boats were sunk in the harbor, three of them captured, and
aheavy loss of life had been suffered by the Tripolitans, the Americans thought
it prudent to withdraw, but to renew the conflict four days afterward.
Tlie second attack on Tripoli commenced at lialf past two o'clock in the
afternoon of the 7th.'' An hour afterward a hot shot from the town
'AngM. pjjgggj into the hull of gun-boat A^wmfier iVmc, one of the prizes
captured on the 3d, and fired her magazine. The vessel was destroyed, and
with it her commander. Lieutenant Caldwell, of the Siren, Midshipman Dor-
sey, and eight of her crew. Six others were wounded. When the smoke
cleared away her bow only was above water. On it were Midshipman Rob-
ert T. Spence and eleven men, busily engaged in loading the long 24-pounder
with which she was armed. They gave three loud cheers, discharged the
gun at the enemy, and a moment afterward were picked from the water by
men in boats, for the wreck on which they stood, with its great gun, had
gone to the bottom.
Again, after inflicting some damage upon the enemy, the Americans with-
drew, but renewed the attack on the 24th of the same month. This was wkaton.
' While Captain Decatur was thus gallantly nssalling the enemy, his younger brother James, flret lieutenant of the
Ami/dHc, was as bravely emulating his example. In command of gun-boat Xumber Tim. He had caused the surrender of
die of the enemy's largest vessels, and was boarding her to take possession, when the captain of the surrendered vessel
treacherously shot him and escaped. The miscreant's pistol was loaded with two balls connected by a wire. The wire
ilnick Decatur on the forehead, and bending, the two balls entered hie temples, one on each side, and killed him in-
Htntly. He was the only American officer killed in this engagement.
■ Decatur attacked the Tripolitan captain with a pike. The assailed seized It and turned It npon his assailant. Deco-
J^
■i
J
1
t- =s
111
i I
122
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Trlixilt bombarded the Fifth Time.
A floating Mine.
Ita Explosion in the Harbor of Tripoli,
brief, and without any important rcBults. But on the 29th a fourth and more formi-
dable attack was made by the American gun-boats, commencing at three o'clock in the
morning. The conflict continued until daylight, with great fury on both sides, when
the Constitution ran toward the harbor, under heavy fire from the Bashaw's castle
and Fort English. She signaled the gun-boats to withdraw, correctly supposing their
ammunition to be nearly exhausted. This was done under the fire of the Constitution,
which, with grape and round shot, greatly damaged the gun-boats of the enemy and
caused them to retreat. She then ran in, and opened a heavy fire upon the town, bat-
teries, and castle. She soon silenced the guns of the castle and two batteries, sunk a
Tunisian vessel, damaged a Spanish one, severely bruised the enemy's galleys and
gun-boats, and then withdrew, without having a man hurt.
The American squadron lay at anchor off Tripoli until the 2d of September repair-
ing damages. It then sailed for the harbor, where it arrived on the afternoon of the
3d. The enemy, profiting by experience, had adopted new tactics. The change coin-
pelled Preble to modify his own plan. At half past three in the afternoon the bonj)-
ketches opened the conflict by bombarding the town. The Constitution ran down to
the rocky reef and opened a heavy fire, at grape-shot distance, upon the castle and the
city. She poured in eleven eflective broadsides, while the smaller vessels were car-
rying on the conflict at other points. The general engagement lasted an hour and a
quarter, when, the wind rising freshly, the commander, in the exercise of prudence,
gave a signal for the squadron to withdraw.
The ketch Intrepid, used in the destruction of the Philadelphia, had been converted
into a floating mine, for the purpose of destroying the enemy's cruisers in the harbor
of Tripoli. One hundred barrels of gunpowder were placed in a room below deck,
and mimediately above them a large quantity of shot, shell, and irregular pieces of
iron were deposited. In other parts of the vessel combustibles were placed, and slie
was made in every way a most disagreeable neighbor. On the night succeeding the
fifth bombardment of Tripoli she was sent into the harbor on her destructive mission,
under the command of Captain Soniers, who had behaved gallantly during the recent
attacks on the town. He was assisted by Lieutenant Wadsworth, of the Constitution,
and Mr. Israel, an ardent young oflicer, who got on board the ketch by stealth. These,
Avith a few men to work the Intrepid, and the crews of two boats employed in towing
her, composed the expedition.
At nine o'clock in the evening the Intrepid entered the harbor on her perilous mis-
sion. The night was very dark, and she soon disappeared in the gloom. Many eager
eyes were turned in the direction where her shadowy form was last seen. All hearts
in the squadron beat quickly with anxiety. Suddenly a fierce and lurid light streamed
up from the dark bosom of the waters like volcanic fires, and illuminated with its
horrid gleams the rocks, forts, flotilla, caiitle, town, and the broad expanse of the har-
bor, followed instantly by .an explosion that made all surrounding objects tremble.
Flaming masts and sails and fiery bombs rained upon the waters for a few moments,
tnr dre^v his cntloss and attempted to cnt off the head of the pike, when his weapon snapped ot the hilt, and he was left
apparently at the mercy of the Turk. He parried the thrnst of the Tripolltan, ond sprang upon and clutclicd him by the
throat. A trial of strength ensued, ond they both fell to the dc ' "^he Tripolitan attempted, as they iny, to draw a
small ponlnrd from his sash. Decatur perceived the movement, grabpea ^he hand that held the deadly steel, and drew
from his own pocket a small pistol, which he passed round the body of his antagonist, pointed it inward, and shot him
dead. During the affi-ay, Reuben James, a quarter-gunner, performed a most self-sacrificing act. One of the Tripolitan
crew, seeing the perilous condition of his commander, aimed a sabrc-blow at Decatur's head. James, with both firing
disabled from wounds and bleeding profusely, rushed between the Tripolitan and his commander, and received tlic i
sabre-stroke upon his own
head. The blow was not fa-
tal. Decatur took the dirk
from his foe, and afterward
presented it to Captain
(now [1807] the venerable
TBirOLITAN I'ONIABD.
Vice-Admirai) Charles Stew-
art— fi-om which the annexed j
drawing was made. One of the
weapons— a powerful though I
not large sort of a sword or J
long knife, in a shark- skin [
Deatmction of the
when all was
and ears hcnt
imtil the daw
man of that pt
an accident or
a patriotic han
into the hands
the matter has
Lack of pow(
modoro Preble
maintenance of
10th of Septeml
Barron. He ret
highest regards
Congress voted
Oa PrcbJo they
'Waldo, in his £,/»„/ ft,,
Hat as the /n«rfp« moved t
men In each, captured the"
their fate to be miserable ca
elevcD months, considered d
pression a newspaper writer
scabbard— which was taken trom the enemy by Decatur at that time, Is delineated in the engraving on page 121. It |
U in the possession of F. J. Dreer, Esq., of Pbiladclpbia.— See Waldo's Li/e qfjheatur, page 132,
'Edward Preble was born 1
"(i engaged in the merchant
'''i<'7''fd became Ileutena
Wepeudence. He was the fir
ITO cruises in the brig a"L
»Wch he sailed to the East ?n
nio likeness of Preble given,
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
1S8
Deatructlun of tho Intrtpid.
Honora to Commodura Preble.
Biographical Sketch.
when all was again silence and darkness three-fold greater than before. Anxious eyes
and ears bent in the direction of the dreadful explosion. Tho boats were waited for
until the dawn with almost insupportable impatience. They never came, and no
man of that perilous expedition was heard of afterward. Whether the explosion was
an accident or a sacrifice — whether a shot from the enemy, or a brand dropped from
a patriotic hand to prevent the ketch and its freight of men and powder from falling
into the hands of the Tripolitans — can never be known. For more than sixty years
the matter has been shrouded in impenetrable mystery.*
Lack of powder and the approach of the stormy season of the year induced Com-
modore Preble to cease operations on the dangerous Barbary coast, other than the
maintenance of the blocVado of Tripoli. Not another shot was fired ; and on the
10th of September* Preble was relieved by the arrival of Commodore Samuel
Barron. He returned home late in February, 1805, bearing expressions of the
highest regards from his officers, and received the homage of the nation's gratitude.'^
Congress voted thanks to the commodore, and all who had served under his orders.
On Preble they bestowed a gold medal bearing appropriate devices and inscrip"
UEDAL GIVEN TO flO3IM0DOBE PBKOLE.
1 WaUlo, in his Li/e o/ Decatvr, page 14C, says that an eye-witness informed him that the evening was unusually calm ;
that as the Intrepid moved silently into the inner harbor, two of the enemy's heaviest galleys, with more than n hundred
men in each, captured the " Infernal," wholly unconscious of her cl)aracter. The impression was that Somcrs, knowing
ihcir fate to be miserable captivity if taken prisoners into the city, where Bainbridge and his men had then suffered for
eleven months, considered death preferable, and with his own hand flred the magazine of the Intrepid. Under this im-
prewion a newspaper writer, after alluding to the capture, wrote with more feeling than poetry—
" In haste they board : see Somcrs stand,
Determined, cool, formed to command,
The match of death in his right hand,
Scorning a life of slavery.
And now behold ! Jhe match applied,
The mangled foe the welkin ride :
Whirling aloft, brave Somers cried,
' A glorioas death or liberty 1' "
'Edward Preble was born in Portland, Maine, on the 16th of August, 1761. He early evinced a passion for the sea,
and engaged in the merchant service. He became a midshipman in the naval service in 1779 in the state ship Protector.
lie afterward became lieutenant of the sloop-of-war Winthrop, and remained in her during the remainder of the war fbr
iDdependence. He was the first lieutenant appointed in the new naval establishment in 1TO8, and soon afterward made
l»o cruises in the brig Pickerinii ns commander. In 1800 he was made captain and placed in command of the E»sex, in
which he sailed to the East Indies to convoy American vessels. On account of ill health he withdrew from active serv-
ice until 1808, when he went to the Mediterranean Sea. After his succcssfVil operations there he again withdrew ft-om
Ihe service. In 1800 ho suffered severely troxa debility of the digestive organs, from which he never recovered. lie
died on the 26th of August, ISOT, at the age of forty-six years. To his memory a friend wrote In 1807—
" Lamented chief! though death be calmly past.
Our navy trembled when he breathed his last I
Our navy mourns him, but it mourns in vain :
A Preble ne'er will live— ne'er die again 1
Yet hope, desponding, at the thought revives —
A second Preble— a Deoatdr lives 1"
I The likeness of Preble given on page 120 is flrom a portrait of him in Fancoil Hall, Boston.
■'w
i (
ram
11
124
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Commodore Barmti's Sqimtlron In the Mediterranean, The Naval Monument at Annapolli. DeTlcen and Inacrlpttonn.
tions.' Officers of tho navy afterward caused a white marble monument to be erected
at tlie government dock-yard near the National Capitol in memory of their brother
officers who fell at Tripoli,'^
Commodore Barron found himself in command of a much greater naval force thd.ii
the Americans had ever put afloat in the Mediterranean Sea. It consisted of tlie
Prm('w<, 44, Captain Cox; 6'o>t«Sm'«,
16, Captain Stewart ; Arrpis, 10, Captain Hull ; Vixen, 12, Captain Smith ; Enterjmse,
12, Lieutenant Commandant Robinson, and Nautilus, 12, Lieutenant Commandant
Dent, The John Adanis, 28, Captain Chauncey, and the Hornet, 12, Lieutenant Com-
mandant Evans, with two bombs and twelve gun-boats, were expected to join the
Mediterranean squadron. It will be perceived that in this squadron, in actual com-
mand, were many of those who attained to great distinction during the War of 1812.
' The engraving on the preceding page shows tho exact bIzc of the medal,
dore, with the legend, "Ki>waiiiio Pukiilk, duoi btrenco oo.mitia AM^:Ill<^\NA."
barding tho town and forts of Tripoli; legend, " vinuioi oommbboii aheiiioam.
On one side Is a bnst of tho comrno-
On tho rcvcmc, the American fleet bom-
Exergue— \tiiK tbipoli, 18(W."
> The picture repreeenls tho monu-
ment as It appeared when first erected.
It Is of whlto marble, and with Its pres-
ent pedestal (not seen In the engrnv-
Ing) Is about forty feet In height. It
was mutilated when tho navy yard at
Washington was burned In 1S14. It
was afterward repaired, and removed
t The English Constltntion Is not a pemanent Instmment embodying the foundations of all laws, like that of the
United States, but comprehends the whole body of English laws enacted by Parliament, and by which the British peo-
ple are governed. The Constitution of tho United States is superior to the Congress or National Legislature ; the Par-
liameul or National Legislature of England is superior to the Constitution. What Parliament declares to be the Coneti-
tution of England is the Constitution of England: what the Parliament enacts the monarch must bo governed by, and
the courts can not adjudge to be unconstitutional and void. Sheridan comprehensively said, "The King of England \t
not seated on a solitary eminence of power ; on the contrary, he sees his eqvaU in the coexisting branches of the Legis-
lature, and he recognizes his mtperior in the law."
' The latter charge was proven by the seizure of the papers of the French consul at Dublin, in whoso secret Instmc-
tions were the following passages : " You are required to furnish a plan of the ports of your district, vlth a specification
of the soundings for mooring vessels. If no plan of the ports can be procured, yon are to point out with what vriui vee-
sols can come in and go out, and what Is the greatest draught of water with which vessels can enter the river deeply
laden."
3 About twelve thousand English subjects of all ages were committed to ctutody.
TbeXnirllih Paopl* e
flame* the resei
C'liann(>i.
In England o
its ruler. Inmn
over the land, s<
counts of his bar
which had bowe
triotism and cou
able, and yet wit
and ridicule agai
to look UJMMlbofJl
HiiL^tling of hoyH
nioiricnt was niaJ
year 1 80.3 was on
n()iirl»on Royalist
less, the most ini]
('onsj)irators again
the throne from w
!i few years before.
' Bonaparte was somotli
Innghedat. One mornluB
"t Mr. Bull's Menagerie, iH
iloiiapnrto. He has been
clupmfa would otfur In the
Or boastful ballads la woi
The theatres were resonon
"The Wand." began wi"hth
Olllray and other earlcatnrN
Same of these caricatures, whl(
live to any thing lilte ridicule
on BtUhazzar't Peant, by Gllira
Consul and Josephine, his wife
I V"^' ?''/?'•'' '»s'"ck Into St
»?,^1^1"""S'"«« bumper,
I "',««'• of King George. Above
«lgh« down the red cap tndu
Uiree afterward princesses of th
«lvenlnfulllnvrright'8/w"
"operated the p4con3
Onthe2MofJuIytheger^
"t, an eminent barrister, wh™
^selves so unworthy of hims
Wicltlow Mountains. He mltrht
"5 him to linger. n.'^X
OF THE WAR '^w i g I 2.
127
The Entfllih People excited aKatnit Frane*. Invidon i>r (Irrnt IlrttulD by the French expected. WIttlclimt.
flntno thu rcHenttnontB of Freuchiiieii ugiiinHt their KngliHh neighbors ticruss tho
Clmiiiu'l.
In Kiigland ovory nrt wns also employed to cxcito tlio ^jpoplo ftgninst Franco and
itH ruU'r. Iinnu'iiHc immbcrH of "loyal pajxTs" and " loyiil tracts" were Hcattcred
over the land, Homo being atroeioiiH liheln on Honaj)arte ami his family, tiotitiouft ac-
coimtH of hiH barbaritioH, and exaggerated pit^tiires of Iuh treatment of those countries
which had bowed to his power; others were calm and dignified a|)peals to the pa-
triotism and courage of tho nation. It was evident to all that an invasion was prob-
able, and yet wits, and satirists, and vulgar libelers hurled j)erpetual volleys of abuse
aiitl ridicule against Bonaparte and France, aflecting, witli ill-ilisguised trepidation,
to look upon both with contempt.' This apj)arent gayety and unconcern was like tho
wiiistling of boys in the dark to keep their courage up. The government at the same
iiioment was making immense jirejiarations io repel the expected invasion, and the
vciir 1803 was one of alarm and terror for all England.' She was the asylum of the
iJoiirbon Royalists, who were tho traditional enemies of all popular liberty and prog-
ri'Hs, the most implacable foes of tho French ruler, and the sleepless and relentless
conspirators against the lives of all who should stand in the way of their recovery of
tlic throne from which the best of their lineage, Louis the Sixteenth, had been driven
a few years before. These Royalists were petted by the English government and pit-
> nmmpflrte wnn Homctimeii compared to n wild boant, at other times to n pigmy, and at alt tlmcB an a hlnstercr to bo
liuighcd at. Olio moniiiig London would be amused by n large placard announcing mi exhibition thUH: "Junt arrived
lit Mr. Bull's Menagerie, In Brltlflh Lane, the moat renowned and sagoclouH Sfun-tiiier or Qrano-outang, called Napoleon
lluiiapnrte. He hiix been exhibited In Holland, Switzerland, and Italy, nnd lately In Egypt," etc. Another murulug
chapmca would offer in the great thoroughfares songs with words like these :
" Come, I'll sing yon a song. Just for want of some other,
About a nrmll thing thnt has made a great pother :
A mere in»eet—n iti(pnij. I'll tell yon, my hearty,
'TIs tho C'orslcan hop-o'-my-thumb, Buouapart)."
Or boastful ballads In words lllio those :
" Arm, nelghboi j, at length,
And pnt forth yonr strength
Perfldlons, bold France to resist t
Ten Frenchmen will fly,
To shun n black eye.
If one Englishman doubles his flnt 1"
The theatres were resonant with patriotic songs. One of the most popular of those sung in the play-houses, called
"The Inland," began with this stanza:
"If tho French have a notion
Of crossing tho ocean.
Their luck to be trying on land.
They may come if they like i
But we'll soon make 'em strike
To tho lads of tho tight little Island !
Huzza for tho boys of the Island !
The brave volnnteerg of the Island 1
The fraternal embrace.
If foes want In this place,
We'll present all tho arms in the Island !"
GUIray and other earicafnrlsts were exceedingly active at this time in ridiculing all parties, bat especially Bonaparte.
Some of these caricatures, which were grossly personal, annoyed the Corsican exceedingly, for he was extremely scnsl-
livc to any thing like ridicule against himself and family. Tho one which gave him niost offense was a broad parody
on BeUhazzar'g Femt, by Oiilray, which appeared in August, 1803, entitled " The llandwriting on the Wall." The First
Consul and Josephine, his wife (the latter represented of enormous bulk), and other members of his family and court,
>re seated at table devouring tho good things of England as a dessert. When Bonaparte flnt discovers the mysterions
hand, his fork is stuck into St. James's, seen on his plate. Another is swallowing the Tower of London, while Jose-
phine is drinking largo hampers of wine. On a plate bearing tho Inscription " Oh do roast beef of Old England 1" is seen
ahead of King George. Above the fcasters a hand holds the scales of Justice, In which the legitimate cro^vn of Frarco
weighs down tho red cap and its attendant chain— Despotism under the name of Liberty. Behind Josephine stand tho
three afterward princesses of the imperial family— Borghesc, Louise, and Joseph Bonpparte, A copy of this caricature Is
given in ftill in Wright's History of the Howie of Hanover, illustrated by Caricatures aiui Satires. It is said to have greatly
eiiwperated the First Consul and his fk'iends.
' On the iSi of July the germ of another rebellion In Ireland ap|}eared at Dublin. The chief leader was Robert Em-
met, an eminent barrister, who was implicated, with his brother, In the rebellion there in 1T98. His followers proved
Iheraeelves so unworthy of himself and the couse (which was the independence oflreland) that ho fled in despair to the
1 fficklow Mountains. Ho might hove evaded pursuit, but his love for his betrothed, the daughter of the famous Cnrran,
ami him to linger. He was arrested, tried for and found guilty of treason, and hanged on the 20th of September fol-
lowiui!.
'"!
i
m^
1'
i i
1
1 ' :,
! ' ■
128
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
' May 3.
Effects of the British Declaration of War. Fight for the Championship. Bonaparte proclaimed £mperor. His Plans.
ied by the English people ; and thia offense, above all others, exasperated Bonaparte,
for he regarded England as the aceoriplice of the conspirators against himself and
human freedom.
The British declaration of war, said Meneval (who was always at the elbow of the
First Consul), changed his whole nature.' lie had been planning vast beneficent
schemes for France under the serene skies of universal peace, when England, of all the
nations loudest in her professions of concord and sentiments of Christian benevo-
lence, Avas the first to disappoint him — the first to again disturb the peace of Europe
by brandishing high in air the flaming sword of war, instead of the green olive-
branch of amity and good will. Compelled to accept the challenge, he resolved to
gi/e her war to her heart's content.
Each party charged the other Avith acts of flagrant wrong against the peace and
well-being of the world, and the record of impartial history implies that both spoke
the truth. It is not our business to act as umpire on the question, or to delineate the
events of the great war that ensued. We will simply consider the resulting effeetK
of these international strifes on the peace and prosperity of the United States. The
war was waged by both parties Avith an utter disregard of the rights of all other
nations or the settled maxims of international comity. France and England entered
the lists for the champion's belt — for the supremacy in the political affairs of the
Avorld — and t}iey fought Avith the science, the desperation, and the brutality of ac-
complished pugilists.
On the 18th of May, 1 804, Bonaparte Avas proclaimed Emperor of the French, in
accordance Avith a decee of the Senate* and the Aotes of the people. To
give more eminent sanction to the deed, the Pope Avas invited to perform the
coronation ceremony. lie consented, and on the 2d of December folloAving Bona-
parte Avas anointed by his holiness, at the great altar of Notre Dame, "The High and
Mighty Napoleon the First." The republics Avhich he had established by his SAvord
Avere speedily changed into kingdoms, on the thrones of Avhich members of his own
" May 20 family Avere placed. In May, the folloAving year,'' he Avas solemnly anointed
isos. King of Italy at Milan. Then he cast his eyes significantly over Europe, and
contemplated a thorough reconstruction of its map. England, Kussia, Austria, and
Sweden, alarmed and provoked, coalesced against the " usurper," as Napoleon Avas
called. Prussia Avas kept from the league only by a bribe. Napoleon having ofterod
Hanover, Avhich he had stolen from England, as the price of the king's friendship.
Very soon a French army one hundred and eighty thousand strong Avas upon tlie
Rhine. On the 2d of December the strength of the Corsican Avas tested. Against
hiiU; iiear Austerlitz, appeared two great armies, each led, like his OAvn, by ar em-
peror. They met in deadly conflict. Napoleon Avas the victor. The Continental
PoAvers AvithdrcAV from the contest. Prussia received Hanover as her reward, and
England Avas left to fight the Emperor of the French single-handed. Napoleon pro-
ceeded to distribute croAvns and ducal coronets among his friends and favorite gen-
erals Avith a lavish hand, and induced no less than fourteen German princes, Avho
ruied over sixteen millions of people, to form a league, under the supremacy of
France, knoAvn as the Confederacy of the Rhine.
Early in 1800 the English government, under the premiership of Charles Fox.
opened Avith Napoleon negotiations for peace, the restoration of Hanover being oiu
of the proposed conditions. Napoleon considered it, and on that account the Kini:
of Prussia, alarmed and offend'^d, joined the coalition of the Northern PoAvers against
liira. TIk exasperated emperor marched upon Prussia, and, after slaying moiv than
" October 28, tAventy tliousand of the king's subjects in arms, he entered Berlin,' liii-
capital, in triumph. MeauAvhile the Russians had been beaten hack
Second
through Pola
huriiing Avith
the Prussian
Berlin Decree
minions in a si
the ocean to
the United Sta
1 The following is i
"Napoleon, Eniper
"1. That EiiKland
"1 That she dcclni
oners of war not only
same ;
"3. That she extcii
right of conquest, whi
"■1. That she extern
reason and the usages
"5. That she declnrc
l)e considered blockad<
elic declares even i)Iac
ffhiile eini)ire.
"0. That this iincqna
different nations, and U
"7. That this heini; tl
tliat design, and becoini
"S. That this conduc
of other nations;
"». That It being righ
of justice and every libei
"Wc have resolved to
"The present decree s
tlie riijhts of war are the
liersons who are not mi
competent forces. 1
"Art. I. The British Isl
"Art. i. All commerce
Engl.iMd, or lo an English
seized.
"Art. 3. Every Indlvidn
p!o(l l)y onr troops or thos
"Art. 4. Every warchoui
"Art. 6. One half of the
tliall (JO to Indemnify mere
"Art. tf. No vessel com 1 1
ilccree, shall be admitted Ii
"Art. T. Every vessel thi
ud carijo confiscated as Ei
"Art. 8. [This article sU
arise In the Empire and in
"Art. 9. Commtmicalion
^rnlllcs whose subjects as
"Art. 10. Our ministers
With a partiality toward t
lerferc with \merlcan vese
Ik Ciiu«ea nut Co)uiequeiteM
■ml Cmnvtertx of Avifrim, s
ibo French privateers interft
llianintime of profound pc
liecB doubled, and oven trcb
1806.
1 IlMor;i of the Sea»\d War betaeen the United States of America and Great Britain, by Charles J. Ingersoll.
Series, i., 200.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
129
The Berlir Decree.
through Poland, and he was in possession of Warsaw. Strong, bold, and defiant, and
Ininiing with a desire to humble " pei-fidious Albion," he issued from his camp at
tiie Prussian capital" the famous manifesto known in history as the .November 21
Herlin Decree,^ which declared the ports of the whole of the British do- i*"*-
iniuions in a state of blockade, while a French vessel of war scarcely dare appear on
the ocean to enforce it. This brings us to the immediate consideration of events in
the United States, and the effects of the strife abroad upon American alfairs.
1 The fuUowlng ia a copy of the decree:
"Imperial Camp, Berlin, November 21, 1800.
"Napoleon, Eiiperor of the French and King of Italy, considering:
"1. That England does not admit the right of natlouB as nnlvcrsally acknowledged by all civilized people ;
"2. That she declares as an enemy every Individual belonging to an enemy state, and, In consequence, makes pris-
oners of war not only of the crews of armed vessels, but those also of vierchaiU vessels, and even the supercar;,'oe8 of the
same ;
"3. That she extends or applies to merchant vessels, to articles of commerce, and to the property of ludlvlduala the
right of conquest, which can only be applied or extended to what belongs to an enemy state ;
"4. That she extends to ports not fortified, to harbors and mouths of rivers, tlie riijht of btockadt, which, according to
reason and the usages of civilized natiiuis, is applicable only to strong or fortified ports;
"B. That she declares places blockaded bofore which she has not a single vessel of war, although a place ought not to
be considered blockaded but when it is so invested that no approach to It can be made without Imminent hazard ; that
ihc declares even places blockaded which her united forces would be incapable of doing, such as entire coasts and a
whole empire.
"C. That this uneqnaled abuse of the right of blockade has no other object than to intemipt the communication of
different nations, and to extend the commerce and industry of England upon the ruin of those of the C'onllnent ;
"T. That this being the evident design of England, whoever deals ou the Continent in English merchandise favors
tiat design, and becomes an accomplice ;
"8. That this conduct in England (worthy only of the first stages of barbarism) has benefited her to the detriment
ofothernations;
"9. That It being right to oppose to an enemy the same arms she makes nse of, to combat as she does when all ideas
otjiiKtice and every liberal senii nent (the result of civilization among men) are disregarded,
"We have resolved to enforce against England the usages which she hns consecrated in her maritime code.
"The present decree shall be considered as the fundamental law of the Empire until England shall acknowledge that
tlic ritjhts of war are the same on land as at sea ; that they can not be extended to any private property whatever, nor to
|)or»nns who are not military, and until the right of blockading be restrained to fortified places actually invested by
competent forces.
"Art. 1. The British Islands are In a state of blockade.
"Art. 2. All commerce and correspondence with them is prohibited; consequently, all letters or packets written in
Engi.md, or to an Englishman tcritlen in the Engliuli laiujtiage, shall not be dispatched from the post-oftlces, and shall be
•fired.
" Art. 3. Every Individual a subject of Great Britain, of whatever rank or condition, who Is found In countries occu-
fietl by our troops or those of our allies, shall be made prisoner of war.
" Art. 4. Every warehouse, all merchandise or property whatevc ; belonging to nii Englishman, are declared good pi Ize.
"Art. 5. One lialf of the proceeds of merchandise declared to be good prize and forfeited, as In the preceding articles,
stiali go to indemnify merchants who have suft'cred losses by the English oiuisers.
"Art. «. No vessel coming directly from England or her colonies, or having been there since the publication of this
ilccree, shall be admitted into any port.
" Art. 7. Every vessel that by a false declaration contravenes the foregoing dlBpositiou shall be seized, and the ship
mil cari;o confiscated as English property.
"Art.!*. [This article slates that the Councils of Prizes at Paris and at Milan shall have recognizance of what may
arise in the Empire and in Italy under the present decree.]
"Art. 9. Communications of this decree shall be made to the Kings of Spain, Naples, Holland, Etmria, and toouroth-
»r allies, whoso subjects as well as ours are victims of the Injuries and barbarity of the Engll«h maritime code.
" Art. 10. Our ministers of foreign relations, etc., are charged with the execution of the present decree.
" Napoi.kon."
With a partiality toward the Americans that was practical friendship, the French cruisers did not, for o whole year, in-
;irferc with \merlcan vessels trading with Oreat Britain. On this point Alexander F.arlne, M.P., in his Inquinj into
■hr Camea Old CoitHequencen <\f the Orders in Coiiwil, atui an Examination of the Cnniliiet of Great llrilain toward the Xeit-
i' Commerce of Ameriea, said: "Xo cnndemnntion of an Amei ran vr»»el had ever taken plaee tinder it; and so little did
;iio French privateers Interfere with the trade of America with this -^ountry, that the iniwrance on It was very little higher
Ihan 111 time of profound peace ; while that of the American trade with the Continent of Europe has at the same time
liecn doubled, and even trebled, by the conduct of o ir cruisers."
tii-tivi;
I 5
5fc
J,
1
t
)
.
■j
a
'- f
; ■
i
ii I i \ ■':
130
PICTOKIAL i'lELO-BOOK
Prosperity of American Commerce.
Germs of new States appearing In the Organization of Territories,
CHAPTER VII.
" Shall that arm which haughty Britain
In its grlsl'e fonnd too strong— •
That l)y which her foes were smitten—
Shall that arm be palsied long?
See cur sous of ocean kneeling
To a tyrant's stripes and chains !
Partimn! hast thou no feeling
When the hardy tar complains?
See the British press-gang seize him,
Victim of relentless power !
Stout his heart is, but must fail him
In this evil, trying hour."
TuE IjirunssEn Seaman's Appeal.
NCOURAGED by promises of continued peace in Europe, and the
relaxation r>f the " rule of 1756" by Great Britain,^ the commcrco
ant '.env. ' 'nisiness of the United States enjoyed a season of uii-
cxa- ■' .1 . ■ jjperity. The social and political power of the ip-
public rapidly augmented. The. Indians on the frontiers Aveiv
peaceful; and the causes for irritation on the part of the inhabit-
ants west of the mountains toward the Spaniards, who contiGlled
the Lower IMississippi, Avere in a fair way of being speedily re-
moved. The germs of new states were appearing in the late wilderness. That vast
domain northwest of the Ohio, west of a line drawn from the mouth of the Kentucky
River to Fort Recovery on St. Clair's battle-field, and thence due north to Canada, was
ei'ected into a Territory,* and named Indiana. William Henry Hariis-on,
Wayne's efficient aid in 1794 (who had been out of the army since 1798), vps
appointed governor of the germhial state, and established his capital at Vincenncs,
on the Lower Wabash.
At about the same time the Mississippi Territory, organized in 1 798 by Winthrop
Sargent, St, Clair's efficient secret".ry in the government of the Ohio country,
was allowed a representative a ■; laMy,'' and its political machinery was put
in motion.
In the spring of 1802 the United Sta - t t.e into possession, by act of Georgia, of
one bundled thousand square miles )t , ic ', now constituting the State of Ala-
bama. It was inhabited by the Creek ai. aeiokee Indians toward the east, and
the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes toward the a est. With those philanthropic im-
pulses Avhich marked the chai'acter of Jeiferson, he recommended measures for the
well-being of those tribes, and for securing to them equal and exact Justice.
Late in the same year the inhabitants within the present domain of Ohio, in repre-
sentative convention held at Chilicothe, adopted a State Constitution,'
and the Territory, called Oiiio, became a peer among the states of the
republic.
But these political organizations on soil within the domains of the United States,
and over which a civilized popnlat. was rapidly spreading, were of small account
when compared with the importanr fa great acquisition of territory and politieal
power which speedily followed. L > iana, which once comprehended the vast and
undeiinable region of the Valley of the Mississippi and the domain Avatered by its
_ — __ — _ — __ . a ■
1 See note 1, page 84.
• May 7,
18(12.
' May 10.
' November 29.
Lonisiana retroced(
tributaries, fn
ward to the P
France by rig
honor of the G
Inl763Frai
except Florida
render of othei
dicated territoi
While the n
abroad that Sp
of Louisiana in
known as East
gressive power
to exercise an
and permanent i
much uneasiness
mediately instru
of cession was a(
1802.
President Jeffi
and who desired
an caniest letter
the subject. W:
ter in all its beari
lepublic which F]
would completely
nnd would form a
atioii, France is tj
lould have any coi
eaH.ses we Jiave ev
could have occasio
misfortunes ours.
natural and habitu
eighths of our terr
yield more than hal
ants. France, plac
Spain might liave i
state would induce
place would be Jian
circumstance might
thing of more wortl
"^^^ot so can it ev
energy and restlessr
and our character, w
I'igh-minded, de8i)isi
and energetic as an'
fniiice and the Unit
ble a position. . .
seuteiico which is tc
"ni Letter to Robert R. Livingston, April 18, 1802.
» France had no really peaceful and friendly feelings toward the United States at that time. Among the dreams of
glory which filled the mind of Bonaparte was the re-establishment of the ancient colonial Empire of Fnmce. His lirst
essay was in 8t. Domingo ; his next was to be in Louisiana. What would have been his instrumentnllties there in ej.
tending his sway over the country west of the Allcghanies, may be inferred from the following extract of a memorial
whose inspiration was supposed to be the First Consul, and Talleyrand the writer. This documeut was puhll ..-^i in
pamphlet form in Philadelphia in 1803, but was suppressed because of negotiations then pending for the purchnse ot
Louisiana from France. It vindicates the wisdom and sagacity of Jefferson exhibited in the above letter to Mr. Living-
ston. On the forty-tlflh page of the pamphlet it is observed :
" There is still another mean, however, by which the fury of the statks may be held at pleasure— by an enemy placed
on their Western frontiers. The only aliens and enemies within their borders are not the blackx. They, indeed, are tht
most inveterate in their enmity ; but the Indians are, in many respects, more dangerous inmates. Their mvaije iijm-
ratice, (heir undisciplined passiang, their reallem and warlike habitg, their notions of ancient rights, make them thefitUil
tools imaginable for disturbing tub states. In the territory adjacent to the Ohio, Mississiiipl, and Missouri there are !
more than thirty thousand men whose trade is hunting, and whose delight is war. These men lie at the mercy of «nv
civilized nation who live near them. Such a neighbor can gain their fUendship or provoke their enmity with cqnnl eafo.
He can make them inactive, or he can rouse them to fury ; he can direct their movement in any way he pleases, and \
make it mischievous or harmless, by supplying their fury with arms and with leaders, or by withholding that supply.
"The pliant and addressfUl spirit of the French has always given them an absolute control over these savages. The
office which the laziness or the insolence of the British found impracticable was easily performed by us, and will be etill |
easier hereafter, since we shall enter on the scene with more advantages than formerly.
"We shall detach within, a sufficient force to maintain possession against all the efforts of the states, should they,
contrary to all their interests, proceed to war with or without provocation. We shall Hud in the Indian tribes an army
permanently cantoned in the most convenient stations, emUneed with skill ami tntiper best adajttetl to the nature aitd tht |
scene of the war, and armed and Impelled with far less trouble and expense than an equal number of our own troops.
We shall find a terrible militia, infinitely more destructive while scattered through the hostile settlements than an e^uatforo I
of our own. We shall And in the bowels of tuk states a mischief that only wants the touch of a well-directed sjxirk lo in-
volve in its explosion the utter ruin of half their nation. Such will be the power we shall derive from a military station
and a growing colony on the Mississippi. These will be certain and immediate effects, whatever distance and donbi
there may be in the remoter benefits to France on which I have so warmly expatiated. As a curb on a nation whose |
ftiturc conduct in peace and war will be of great Importance to us, this province will be cheaply purchased at ten times
the cost to which it will subject us."
The ^vriter made Bonaparte say : " My designs on the Mississippi will never be officially announced till they arc exe-
cuted. Meanwhile tlie world, if it pleases, may fear and suspect, but nobody will be wise enough to go to war to pre-
vent them. I shall trust to the folly of Knglund and America to let me go my way In my own time."
When the war between the United States and Great Britain broke out in 181'.', British writers urged the governmeni |
to employ the savages, with all their known blood-thirstiness andcrueltv. as allies. One writer soundly berated the gov-
ernment for its apparent apathy toward their "Indian friends," and cii i the above atrocious suggestions ofthcFrcndi j
minister as the true programme of action for the British to pursue in tlie war with the Americans I— See the Sew Quar-
terly Review ami British Colonial Register, No. 4 : J. M. Ricliardeon, Cornhill, London.
' There had been for some time indications of spcc'c hostilltle;. 'letv/een the United States and Spain, growing out I
of the territorial relations of the two countries (m the Oulf of Mexii:ci. By a t-eaty with Spain In 179B that; overnmeiii i
had granted to the United States the right of de\>osit at New f/rleans lor three years, after which the privilep i was either I
to be continued, or an equivalent place assigned on another purt of th 3 banks of the MlBsissippl. The Spanii rds consid-
ered themselves masters of the province while It was unoccupied by the French, even after tlie cession w \s con?uni-
mated. The prlvilego of deposit at New Orleans had been continued; bnt suddenly, in October, 1802, the Si^nnish Id- j
tendant or governor declared by proclamation that the right of deposit at Now Orleans no longer existed, ^hit ;
duced great excitement in the Western country, ond the Americans, when certified of the treaty of cession, did noi doubt J
that the Spanish inteudant acted under orders IVom the French government.
jtnictions only
.Mississippi shot
within the ten-
river.
To the snrj)ri!
naparte,' offerc(
ileiiberation," sa
season. I renou
whole colony, w
bve sufficiently
ilinlomatic act \
I tlie greatest reg
tiate this affiiir
The sagacious
i path of safety fo
glnnd against hir
I tiiat were again 1
I dominion to fade
le was more in ^^
Monroe arrived
commenced. Th(
Livingston and ]V.
before. Every tl:
J signed by which
I extent, undefined
souls and forty th
long," said Mr. Li
treaty, " but this i
just signed has no
I contracting parties
the United St
I glish lose all exclu
Bonaparte, who
lekl similar opinio
J tiation does not le:
I lion that will not
nnexpected capital
J accession of territc
I the United States ;
or later, humble her
' Marbois was secretary i
I hjhow at the head of the
' Tonssaint L'Ouverture,
I ofFrance, in January, 1801,
Itolored population of Quad
I mracnt in October, 1801.
ji«-l»w,LeClerc, to qnell it
I people. A new civil war CI
J Md soldiers perished, and
lnomentary peace ensued.
I lioD to excite another insui
|e«abllsheil in Onadaloupo (
I '"Ircquire a great deal
Iwmmcnce with new contri
I raited States, the indemnit
I plaofd of making o sale. B
' The invasion of Englam
OF THE WAR OF 1812,
188
Efcct of JefTcrson's Letter and Bonaparte'f) Neceneity.
Purchase orLouieiaua.
Blow at England.
stnictions only asked for tlio cession of New Orleans and the Floridas, and that the
Mississippi should be divided by a line that should put the city of New Orleans
nithin the territory of the United States, thus securing the free navigation of that
river.
To the surprise of the American negotiators, M. Marbois, the representative of Bo-
naparte,' offered to treat for the sale of the ichoh of Louisiana. " Irresolution and
ileliberation," said the First Consul in his instructions to Marbois, " are no longer in
season. I renounce Louisiana. It is not only New Orleans that I will cede, it is the
whole colony, without any reservation. I know the price of what I abandon, and I
liave sufficiently proved the importance that I attach to this province, since my first
I'inlomatic act Avith Spain had for its object the recovery of it. I renounce it with
the greatest regret. To attempt to retain it would be folly. I direct you to nego-
tiate this affair with the envoys of the United States."
Tlie sagacious Bonaparte — the Man of Expediency — saw clearly which was the
path of safety for him. Jefferson's covert menace of an American allianc with En-
jlaiid against him, his ill success against St. Domingo,^ and the storm-clouds of war
that were again lowering darkly over Europe, caused the gorgeous dream of colonial
dominion to fade from the mind of the First Consul. He needed troops at home, and
lie was more in want of money than far-off possessions held by doubtful tenure.'
Monroe arrived at Paris on the 12th of April, 1803. The negotiations immediately
I commenced. The intercourse between the three commissioners was very pleasant.
Livingston and Marbois had known each other intimately more than twenty years
t before. Every thing went on smoothly ; and in less than a fortnight a treaty was
signed by which the United l^tates came into the possession of a vast and, to some
I extent, undefined domain, containing a mixed free population of eighty-five thousand
j souls and forty thousand negro slaves, for the sum of $15,000,000. " We have lived
ng," said Mr. Livingston to Marbois, as he arose from his seat after signing the
I tivaty, " but this is the noblest work of our whole lives. The treaty Avhich we have
just signed has not been obtained by art or force ; equally advantageous to the two
contracting parties, it will change vast solitudes into flourishing districts. From this
day the United States take their place among the powers of the first rank ; the Eu-
I jlish lose all exclusive influence in the affairs of America/'
Bonaparte, who had watched the progress of the negotiations with intense interest,
held similar opinions. " It is true," he said to Marbois a few hours later, " the nego-
I tiation does not leave me any thing to desire ; sixty millions [francs] for an occupa-
I tion that will not perhaps last for a day ! , I would that France should enjoy this
ncxpected capital, that it may be employed in works beneficial to her marine.* This
I accession of territory," he continued exultingly, " strengthens forever the power of
the United States; andl have just given to England a maritime rival that will, sooner
I or later, humble her pride.''''
' Marbois was secretary t(i the French cmbaBsy to the United States during a portion of the American Revolution, and
I »i! nov/ at the head of the French Treasury Department.
' Toussaint L'Onverture, an able and courageo'-s negro, seized the Spanish part of St. Domingo, and made It a colony
I olFronce, in January, 180t. He was declared '' 'ent for life. This example was epeedlly followed by the black and
I tolorpii population of Ouadaloupe. They seized thv- ijoven or scut out by Bonaparte, and established a provisional gov-
I trnmont in October, 1801. Meanwhile an insurrection had broken out in St. Domingo, and Bonaparte sent his brother-
litlaw.Lc Clerc, to quell It. Toussaint regarded the army as an Instrument for the enslavement of himself and bis
Jtrnple. A new civil war ensued, while the French army was completely decimated by fever and sword. Twenty thou-
liind BOldicrs perished, and sixty thousand white people of the island were massacred by the InAiriated negroes. A
I Bomentary peace ensued. Toussaint, who deprecated these acts, was treacherously seized on the false charge of inten-
D to excite another insurrection, taken to France, and died in prison there. By direct act of Bonaparte slavery wag
|islal)llshe(l in Ouadaloupe (where his army was more successful), and the slave-trade was opened.
' " I require a great deal of money," the First Consul said to Marbois, " to carry on this war, and I would not like to
Itommcnce with new contributions. If I should regulate my terms according to the value of those vast regions to the
I roiled States, the Indemnity would have no limits. I will be moderate, in consideration of the necessity in which I am
l^crd of making a sale. But keep this to yourself."
' Tlie luvaBiou of England and the prostration of her maritime superiority was then Bonaparte's favorite project
I
■1
^H
,J
wmmm
t
(1
,1 I
i ■!
"i
184
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Secesetun proposed by New England. Condemned by Ilamiltun. Affuirs In the Suutliwest. Transfer of Loululnnn.
Notwithstanding the acknowledged national advantages to be gained by the acqui-
sition of Louisiana, the Federal politicians, especially those of New England, perceiv-
ing that it would strengthen the South, into whose hands the government had fiillen
raised a loud outcry against it as the work of the Southern Democrat '. Tliey pro-
fessed to regard the measure as inimica' ^o the interests of the North and East ; and
having, while in power, become familiar with the prescription of disunion of the
states, always put forth by the Southern political doctors as the great remedy for
apparently incurable political evils, they resolved to try its efficiency in the case in
question. All through the years 1803 and 1804 desires for and fears of a dissolution
of the Union were freely expressed in what arc now the free-labor states east of the
Alleghanies ;' and a select Convention of Federalists, to be held at Boston in the
autumn of 1 804, to consider the question of disunion, was contemplated early in tlmt
year. Alexander Hamilton was invited to attend it, but his emphatic condemnation
of the whole plan, only a few months before his death, seems to have disconcerted the
leaders and dissipated the scheme. " To his honor be it spoken," said Dewitt Clinton
in the Senate of the State of New York in 1809, "it was rejected by him with abhor-
rence and disdain."
The acquisition of Louisiana by the United States was distasteful to the Spaniards,
It brought the restless and enterprising Americans too near the Spanish provinces in
Mexico to promise quietude to the latter. Yrugo, the Spanish minister at AVasIiinc-
ton, therefore entered a solemn protest against the entire treaty. Questions concern-
ing the true boundary of Louisiana were speedily raised, and serious complications
were threatened. Tlie Spaniards were disposed to cling to all the territory east of
the Mississippi included in West Florida, and thus hold possession of New Orleans.
This disposition opened afresh the animosity of the inhabitants of the West against
the occupants of the Lower Mississippi, and the United States contemplated the ne-
cessity of taking possession of New Orleans by the force of arms. Troops under
GeneralJamcs Wilkinson, consisting of a few regulars, several companies of Mississip-
pi volunteers, and a considerable number of Tennessee militia, marched from Nasli-
ville to Natchez.
But a peaceful transfer of the territory took jjlace. Lausat, the commissioner of
France to receive Louisiana from the Spaniards imder the cession treaty, performed
that duty, and a few days afterward he formally delivered the island and city of New
Orleans to General Wilkinson and William C. C. Claibonie, the commissioners appoint-
ed for the purpose by the United States. The Spaniards were left in possession of
the country along the Gulf of Mexico to, the Atlantic Ocean, known aa The Floridas,
lying south of the thirty-first degree of north latitude, and east of a Hue nearly cor-
responding with the present boundary between Mississippi and Louisiana on the
Pearl River.
Upon the soil thus acquired, and which was an important step in the direction of
absolute independence of Great Britain on the part of the United States, some of the
most stirring events of the War of 1812 occurred, and thereon was fought the last
and most decisive battle of the Second War for Lidependence.
The acquisition of Louisiana created in the minds of adventurers visions of personal
and national aggrandizement tho influence of which it was difficult to resist. Anion;,'
those who formed schemes of operation in that direction was Aaron Burr, the Vice- :
President of the United States, who in 1804, by the failure of his political aspirations, \
the general distnist of his political and personal integrity, the exposure of his immoral
character, his hopeless financial embarrassments, and, above all, his cruel murder m
' Jefferson, who was a strict constrnctlonlst of the Constitntlon, was a little embarrassed by this treaty. The aciinlsl-
tion of territory he thonght unconstitutional, and he proposed an amendment of that instrument so as to sanction thi' j
important act. But nothing of the kind was done. All parties coincided in the measure, and on the 20th of Octiilier.
1803, the Senate ratified the treaty by n vote of twenty-four to seven. The purchase of Louisiana became a precedent,
and its accession was one of the glories of Jlr. JelTerBon's administration.
Aaron Burr. Ills Mur(
=ii
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
135
Aaron Burr. His Murder of Ilamilton. Vtrginians honor him for It. Specially houored by Jefferson and his Friends.
the great and honored Hamilton in a duel, liad become a desperate man, and a fugi-
tive from society and from justice, moral and legal. When the correspondence be-
tween Burr and Haniihon immediately preceding the duel was published, it was evi-
dent that the former liad committed a murder by forcing the combat upon his victim.'
The public indignation ivas hitense — so intense that Burr fled before its fury to Gcor-
ffia by sea, " merely," as he wrote to his daughter Theodosia, a planter's wife in South
arch-foe of dcmocra-
cy."'* Attended by d
retinue of Democrats
he visited the thea-
tre in the evening,
where the audience
rose and received
him with cheers.'
At Washington City
he was received with
great deference. The
" President (Jefter-
son) seems to have
been more complai-
sant than usual;"*
and at Burr's re-
quest General Wil-
kinson was appoint-
ed Governor of Lou-
isiana, and Dr. Brown secreta-
ry. These Avere the Vice-Pres-
ident's warm friends.
At the close of his oflicial a.-
m
.j^ Blennerbassett's was in-
deed a beautiful and happy
home. It was the creation nf
wealth, taste, and love. The
mansion was clcgaut. Tlie
gardens were laid out and
planted with care. Conserv-
atories were rich In exotics.
Science, music, paintinj;, farm
culture, and social pleasures
made up a great portion of
the sum of daily life in that
elegant retreat. It became
the resort of the best minds
west of the mountains. The
lately rude island smiled with
perpetual beauty. To the sim-
ple settlers upon the neigh-
boring shore the house seem-
ed like a palace, and the way of living there like that of a prince. Into that paradise the wily serpent crept, and polluted
it with its slime.
Harman Blennerhassett was a descendant of an ancient Irish family, whose seat was Castle Conway, in Kerry. His
education was thoroughly given at Trinity College, in Dublin, and he graduated at the same time with his friend and
kinsman, Thomas Addis Emmett. He loved and studied science. On the death of his father in 1798 he inherited n lurgo
fortune. Having become Involved in political troubles, he sold his estate, went to England, and married the bcantifnl
and accomplished Miss Agnew, granddaughter of oue of the British generals killed at the battle at Germantown, near
Philodclphia. Th^ came to America,
ULKNyKKUAHSElTb BEttlllKMUr:.
Journeyed to the West, purchased the
island in the Ohio which still bears
his name, made their home there, and
for five years before Burr's appearance
they had enjoyed perfect happiness
and repose. A fine library, pictures,
scientific apparatus c^ave them imple-
ments for mental culture, and they improved the opportunity. When Burr's mad schemes failed Blennerbassett's para-
dise was laid waste. He beojime a cotton-planter in Mississippi, but finally lost his fortune. He and his wife flnallr
returned to England, where he died at the age of tixty-one years. His widow came .,i America to seek ffom Concires
some remuneration for his losses. While the matter was pending she sickened and died in poverty in New Ynrlc, in
August, 1842, and was buried by the Sisters of Charity.
i^:^^
Military Preparations
cars of some, di
union of the Wc
To General Eat(
ality of a rcvolu
for himself the c
was apprised of
of a desperate p(
In the summei
into the inner so
hassett's liome w
flotilla was forme
and large luimbe
but believuig the
Saxon einj)ire in
prise. Wilkinson
tjagcd in intriguei'
Union, he was \w\
But in Kentuck
I'cmarkable charac
field of Tippecanoe
He believed Burr t
Henry Clay defend
his guilt. Jacksoi
the West from the
wrote to Governoi
(luced ; but I wouh
disunited !" Wilki
also denounced him
Meanwhile the g
the whole country,
preparations, the pe
piilcis politicians \\
ideiit to take measu
(lid not choose to g
Burr's designs, what
ill a scheme for " inv
Boats at Marietta,
pcdition, were seizec
troops. In February
the Tombigbee Rive
(afterward Major Gc
I and t.'-ere tried on a
court. Burr was acq
history of events in tl
gaged in a wicked coi
«liich, in some form, ]
roiv,and his fears of f{
for several weeks ami
I Edwards. He remain
*re, he would turn Congress
ad declare himself the protect
I ™'™' page 39(U00, inclusive.
; i I
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
187
Mllitai7 Preparattona on the Ohio River. Burr anspected of Treaaon and denonuced. Ills Arreat and Trial. Kxtle.
cars of some, disloyally. Now he Hpoke of an expedition against Mexico, tlien of a
miion of the Western States and Territories into a glorious independent government.
To General Eaton he talked of usurpation — of taking possession, by the instrument-
ality of a revolution, of the national capital and archives, and, Cromwell-like, assuming
for himself the character of a protector of an energetic govomraent.' The President
was apprised of these things, but he regarded Buit's language and schemes as those
of a desperate politician too weak to be dangerous.'*
In the summer of 1806 Burr was again in the West, engaged in his grand scheme,
into the inner secrets of which he had not allowed any man to penetrate. Blenner-
hassett's home was his head-quarters, and a military organization was his w>..fk. A
flotilla was formed at Marietta, on the Ohio, laden with provisions and military stores ;
and large numbers of leading men in the West, ignorant of the real designs of Burr,
but believing the great central plan to be the construction of a magniticent Anglo-
Saxon empire in Mexico, in whose glories they all might share, joined in the enter-
prise. Wilkinson was made the arch-conspirator's willing tool. Having been en-
cragcd in intrigues with the Spaniards in a scheme that would have dismembered the
Union, he was now a fitting instrument for Burr's disloyal designs.
But in Kentucky there was a man not to be deceived by Aaron Burr. It was that
remarkable character, Colonel Joe Daviess, wlio gave his life to his country on the
field of Tippecanoe. He Avas then the United States District Attorney for Kentucky.
He believed Burr to be engaged in treasonable plans, and procured his arrest. Young
Henry Clay defended the prisoner, and he was acquitted ; but Daviess never doubted
liis guilt. Jackson too had become convinced that Burr was preparing to separate
tiie West from the rest of the ITr.lon, and he denounced him. " I hate the Dons," he
wrote to Governor Claiborne,* "and would delight to see Mexico re- .November 12
(luced ; but I would die in the last ditch before I would see the TJ nion ^'''**'-
disunited !" Wilkinson, alamied at the aspect of affairs, turned traitor to Burr, and
also denounced him.
Meanwhile the government had become alarmed. The whole West, and indeed
the whole country, was agitated by Burr's operations; and the magnitude of his
preparations, the persons involved in his toils, and the known disposition of unscru-
pulous politicians west of the mountains to set up for independency, caused the Pres-
ident to take measures to arrest what seemed to be treason, in the bud. Jefferson
did not choose to give it that complexion, and, in a proclamation for the arrest of
Burr's designs, whatever they might be, he warned all persons against participating
in a scheme for " invading the Spanish dominions."
Boats at Marietta, on the Ohio, loaded for New Orleans with materials for the ex-
pedition, were seized, and Blennerhassett's Island was occupied by United States
troops. In February, 1807,'' Burr was arrested near Fort Stoddart, on ^
tl\e Tombigbee River, in the present State of Alabama, by Lieutenant
(afterward Major General) E. P. Gauies. He was taken to Richmond, in Virginia,
and t'ere tried on a charge of treason. Chief Justice Marshall presided over the
court. Burr was acquitted ; but, from that day to this, no intelligent student of the
history of events in the West during the years 1 805 and 1 806, doubts that lie was en-
gaged in a Avicked conspiracy to dissever the Union, and establish a government over
which, in some form, he should be the ruler. His escape from conviction was so nar-
row, and his fears of farther prosecution were so great, that, after remaining concealed
tor several weeks among his friends, he sailed for Europe under the name of G. H.
Edwards. He remained in exile and poverty for several years.
' "He Bald If he conld gain over the marine corps, and secnre the naval commanders Truxtun, Preble, Decatur, and
I olhere, he would turn CongreoB neclj and heels out of doors, assassinate the President, seize on the treasury and navy,
»nd declare himself the protector of on energetic government."— Deposition of General William Eaton. Bee Life <\f
I JSiifm, page 390-400, incloalve. > The same, page 401.
n
IN
i
hill
1 I
138
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Thu " Hule (>r 1760" niuditled. Cummerdal Thrift In the United Btatea. The Jcalimny of Uritlah Morchunti aruuKea.
Wliili! tlio |){'<)j)le of tlio Uniti'd StiUeH were violoiitly ftf^itiitoil by thoHO evi'iitH in
thu West thu war in Europu waH progruHHiiig, and Franuo and England liad com.
munuud tlieir duspuratu game for Buiirunmcy at the oxpunso of the commurcial pros-
])urity of tlio world.
For a long tiinu tliu commercial thrift of the United States, fostered hy a modKica-
tion of thu IJrit'.'th "rule of 1750,"' had been the envy of English merchants. Thiit
modification had been madu solely for thu supposed benefit of IJritish commercial in-
terests. Kelying upon the faith of that governniunt, tacitly pludgcd in the fonnal
exposition of the terms of that modification l)y the law officer of the crown, tlio
American ship-owners commenced and carried on a most extensive and profitubic
trade.2 American vessels became thu cliiuf carrierH of thu products of the colonies of
France and Holland ; also of Spain after her accession to the French alliance. Swe-
den, Denmark, and the Ilansu Towns' wure then the only neutral maritime powers,
and these, in common with thu United States, were fast growing rich.''
First the envious British merchants complained; then the privateersmen and navy
officers, who declared that, as there were no moru prizes to take, their occupation was
' Sec note 1, pnge 84.
» On the accession of Alexander to the throne of RasBta, after the anaanslnntlon of the Emperor PanI In March, 1801,
the most friendly relations were eatnbllshed between that country and Great Britain. On the 17th of June, ISOl, a treaty
was concluded between the two f;nvcrnmcntH "to settle," as the preamble expressed It, "an Invariable detcrnilimllDn
of the principles of the two Kovernmeiits npo.i the rights of neutrality." In that treaty not only the " rule of IT.'W" was
not recognized, but the right of the lu'utral to trade with the colonies of belligerents, n ' from his own country in tlu'
produce of those coloiiies to the mother country, was expressly stipulated. As this wa- avowedly the "settled princi-
ple" of the Rovemmcnt of Great llrltain, American commerce had no more fears. But Its sense of security was soon
disturbed, but Immediately quieted by the prompt action of Mr. King, the American minister at the British court. Karlj
In 1801 he was Informed that a decree of the Vice- Admiralty Conrt at Nassau, New Providence, had condemned the carj,'i)
of an American vessel going from the United States to a port In the Spanish colonies, the cargo consisting of artidos
the growth of old Si)ain. Mr. King imtncdlately presented a respcctflil remonstrance to the British government ngalust
tills infringement of the rights of neutrals. The matter was referred to tlic king's advocate general (Lord nawkeHl)iirj).
who rcjiorted, on the Iflth of March, ISOl, In the following words, the doctrine of England at that time' concerniilg tlic
rights of neutrals:
" It is now distinctly nnderstood, anil 1ms been repeatedly sp decided by the High Conrt of Appeals, that theprodm
of the colonien nftbe enemji may be impnrted by a neutral into hi» o\m country, ami may be exjmrted Jfroitn thenre, ram to Ihe
muther country of such colony; and, in like vianner, the. proihiec ami vianufactures of the motlier country may, in this rir-
cnitou» mode, legally find their may to the rolmiies. The direct trade, however, between the mother country and Its colo-
nies has not, I apprehend, been recognized as legal, cither by his majesty's goveniment or by his tribunals." He tlien
explained what rule should govern the carrying of goods tq cause them to avoid a faii- definition of " direct trade" and
be In conformity to the modlHcatlon of the " rule of 1760," above mentioned, by saying, " that lauding the goods and pay-
ing the duties in the neutral country breaks the continuity of the voyage, and is snch an Importation as legalizes tlic
trade, although the goods be reshlpped in the same vessel, and on account of the same neutral proprietors, and bo for-
warded for sale to the mother country or the colonies."
On the 30th of March the Duke of Portland (the principal Secretary of State) sent the above extracts from the report
of the advocate to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, with a letter in which tie said, " I have the honor to sig-
nify to your lordships the king's pleasure that a communication of the doctrine laid down In the said report should be
immediately made by your lordships to the several judges presiding In them, setting forth what Is held to be the law
upon the subject by the superior tribunals for their future guidance and direction."— Letters from Messrs. Monroe and
PInckney to Lord Howick, August 20, ISOO.
^ Lul)cck, Hamburg, and Bremen. Tliese are all that remain of the ancient Hanseatic League, a commercial union
of a number of Gennan port-towns In support of each other against the piracies of the Swedes and Danes, formed lu
1104, and formally signed in 1241. At one time the league comprised sixty-six cities, and possessed great political power.
They were reduced by various canscs to their present number more than two hundred years ago. The Congress at Vi-
enna In 1S15 guaranteed the freedom of these cities.
• The following table exhibits the export trade of the United States for fonr yearn;
Veabh.
FoHBlolr.
DouisTic.
TOTAL-
180H
13,604,000
30,231,000
6,1,170,000
00,283,000
42,200,000
41,408,000
42,3'i7,000
41,263,000
66,800,000
77,cno,ooo
06,500,000
101,6!li>,00f
180-1
1806
1800
103,287,000
107,314,000
830,001,000
This exhibit was made peculiarly annoying to the English, because the foreign articles were principally productions
of the colonies of the enemies of Great Britain.
• Montesquieu, writing ten years before the English "rule of 1760" in regard to the rights of neutrals was promnl-
gated, said, concerning the spirit of that people, " Supremely Jealous with respect to trade, they bind themselves but lit-
tle by treaties, and depend only on their own laws. Other nations have made the Interests of commerce yield to those
of politics; the English, on the contrary, have ever made their political Interests give way to those of commerce."— See
r/ie Spirit of Laws, 11., 8.
Reuaertton of the
greatly interf
iiuTchant vus;
the neutral fia
maritime foes
175(1," it was I
Tlieso com J)
to suggestions
cases, a mere i
early in the su
(Ired measures
intimation that
gated, was the
Courts of Ainc
writers put fort
the old j)ractice
have been emph
and elaborate cs
Neutral Flags,"
he said, " the net
its partial appli(
inies of England
" AVar in Disg
merchant,"* and
answered in Eiiir
O
I In May, 1806, the dec
cliallng English cruisers.
It had already been decl
Iheimyment of duties, th
CourtofAppeals, In thei
says Alexander Baring (i
not actually been paid in
.\mcrica excepting that li
Baring, "and In the cou
crowded our jjortg for tria
' Sec page S4.
' This assumption was (
lions ;" and having the po
able maritime nation— ev
it;" as If a wroiui unresenu
"Armed Neutrality" of 17f
|)osed the assnmption. Fr
10 Lord Lyons, the British
doctrine concerning the pr
accoinitofthecaseofthe,!
' Madison.
' The eminent English n
ment), put forth a pamphlet
"', etc. It was published i
and sophisms of this essay,
potent canscs of the war bet
the outrages of the British I
orders in council, and delin
Ihe author of War in tHsgui
grec incredible."
War in Disgutue was follov
one entitled The Pregent Clai
and was published In Londo
the following memorandum
olatlon broke ont In 1776, an
" Jnne 6th, Cth, 7th, and 8t
the consideration of my capi
10 exerci.-.e. Inmofoplaioi
less to their hostile threats,!
Of the French colonies to the
IfTOwing Insolence of the Am
"Read 'War In Disguise,'
OF THE WAIt OF 18 12.
130
Reueertlon of the "Rule oflTSO."
BrItUb Perfldy defended by Britlih Writers.
Barliig't Bxpoinre.
(fivatly intorfori'd witli. Tlio ciK'tnics of Great Britain, luiviiisr full use of lu'utral
mcrcliant vesHols, had none of tlii-ir own on the oci-aii. Ariiu'tl Nliii)H, j)roto<'U'(l by
the ni'iitral flag, jiorfornied all the duties of jiractieal conuncrcc, and the trade of the
maritime foes of Kngland was l)ut little interrupted by existing war. The " rule of
1750," it was alleged, was wholly evaded.
These complaints were lieeded. The Courts of Admiralty began to listen willingly
to suggestions that this allegation of neutral ju'operty was in many, if not in most
cases, a mere fraud, intended to give to belligerent goods a neutral character; aiul
early in the summer of 1806 the "rule of 1750" was revived in fidl force.' Like kin-
dred measures on previous occasions,'' it was put into oj)cration secretly; and the first
intimation that the maritime law laid down by the king's advocate in 1801, was abro-
gated, was the seizure by British cruisers and condemnation by Britisli Admiralty
Courts of American vessels and their cargoes. At the same time English public
writers ])Ut forth specious defenses of the action of their government in its revival of
the old practice. One of these was James Stephens, a lawyer of ability, supposed to
have been employed for the purpose by the government. He wrote* an able . octoiier
and elaborate essay, under the title of" War in Disguise, or the Frauds of the ^^*''-
Neutral Flags," in which, taking the " rule of 1 756" as tlie law of nations, " to which,"
he said, " the neutral powers have all assented, in point of principle, by submitting to
its partial application,"^ he argued that the immense trade carried on with the ene-
mies of England under the Americ.in flag was essentially war against Great liritain.
" War in Disguise" was " written in the s\nrit of a lawyer stimulated by tliat of a
merchant,"* and was full of dogmatic assertions and bold sophistries. It was ably
answered in England by Alexander Baring,* and in America by James Madison, then
1 In Mny, ISOB, the decision Bf the Lords of Appeal on the cnso of the cnrgo of the American ship Essex unchained the
ohatliig English cnilscrs. It was necessary, for the sake of decency, to give to the world a fair excuse for that decision.
It had already been decided that when goodH had been made a common stock of America by a fair Importation and
theiHiyment of duties, they might he re-exported from thence to any part of the world. To evade this decision, the
Court of Appeals, In the case above alluded to, established the Illegality of the neutral trade, " founded on a discovery,"
mya Alexander Baring (see note B, below), "now made for the first time, that the duties on the cargo Imported had
uot actually been paid in mottej/, but by l)ond of the importer." This decision contracted the whole foreign trade of
.\mcrica excepting that In her own produce. " It circulated rapidly among our cruisers and privateers," continues Mr.
Baring, " and In the course of a fortnight the seas were cleared of every American ship they could find, which now
crowded our ports for trial."— See Baring's Inquiry into the Causes mut Ctmmquencea n/ the Orders in Council, pages 81, 82.
2 See ])age S4.
' This assumption was characteristic. Kngland, on her own motion, promulgated the " rule of 1750" as a " law of na-
tions;" and having the power to enforce It for half a century In the face of the most vehement protests of every respect-
able maritime nation— even armed protests— her statesmen and publicists agreed that those nations had "assented to
it;" as if a toronfi unresented on account of the weakness of the sulTerors became a riijht 1 It was never assented to. The
"Armed Neutrality" of 1T80 and isnn were marked protests against It, and the American principle and policy always op-
|)Osed the assumption. From the first protest against it In 1793 until the close of ISCl, when Secretary Seward, in a letter
to Lord Lyons, the British minister at Washington, In the case of the San Jacinto and Trent, reiterated the American
doctrine concerning the protecting powers of a neutral flag, the Americans have opjjosed the "rule of 1760." For a full
account of the case of the San Jacinto and Trent, see Losslng's Pictorial History of the Civil War.
< Madison.
» The eminent English merchant, Alexander Baring (afterward Lord Ashburton, and at that time n member of Parlia-
ment), put forth a pamphlet In February, 1808, entitled .1 1> Inquiry into the Causes and Conscqttences of the Orders in Coun-
ril, etc. It was published In February, 1808, and contains a most searching exposure of the mischievous exaggerations
and sophisms of this essay. It Is not extri: vagant vo say that that essay. In Its Injurious Influence, was one of the most
potent causes of the war between the tJnltcii states md Oreat Britain in 1812, because It justified in a semi-ofllclal manner
the outrages of the British government, t irough ltd navy, on the commerce of the United States, under the sanction of
orders In council, and deluded the Englls)! mind vlth a semblance of justice. Speaking of some of the statements of
tlie author of War in Disguise, Mr. Baring said, " Via appears Ignorant of every thing relative to American trade to a de-
gree incredible."
War in Disguise was followed by other pamphlets of lesser note on the same side. Among the most noted of these was
one entitled The Present Claims and Complaints of A mcrica Briefly ami Fairli Considered. It was an echo of War in Disguise,
and was published In London at the close of May, 1800. On the back of the title-page of the copy in my possession Is
tlic following memorandum in manuscript by Brooke Watson, who was an eminent Canadian merchanv when the Bev-
olation broke out In 1775, and was a violent partisan of the crown ;
"June 5th, Cth, 7th, and 8th, 1800. Read this pamphlet with all the attention In my power to give It, and under all
tlic consideration of my capacity, accompanied with as much disinterestedness as the nature of the subject will permit
to exercise. I am of opinion that, should this conntry give way to the solicitations of the American States, and much
less to their hostile threats, they will, by so doing, that Is, by allowing the Americans to be the carriers of the produce
of tiie French colonies to the mother country, sacrifice the deepest interest of this nation to the views of France and the
growing Insolence of the Americans.— East Sheen, 8th June, 1806. Bbooke Watbom.
" Head ' War In Disgnise,* Lord Sheffield, etc." . .
«lll|p!
wmmm
i
i i
I ■
1 '\ \
' ,|;
, -
i i'
'li
^ • 1
1 '' mI^
- ,
\ iiH
140
.iCTOIlIAL FIELD-BOOK
Amwer to " War In DUgnlM."
Foiwlgn Aalattoni napronlaing.
ExpMtcd DlfflcnltlM with QrMt Britain.
tho Socrotftry of Stato. In that answer, rofcrrinpj to monacoH in l\[r. Htophcns's OH«ay,
Madison utti'n'l(>
condition, and, whatever may be their opinion on (piestions of national i)olicy, %cill
firmly nuj>port the national rights. Our government must therefore ho permitted to
judge for itself No minister, however s]>lendid his talents, no prince, however great
his jiower, must dictate to the IVesident of the United States."'
The foreign relations of the United States at the opening of tho year 1 800 were
unpromising. Tho conduct of tho Spanish goveniment in reference to Louisiajia
seemed to render war with that nation inevitahle. Forbearance on the i)art of the
•January 8, Americans was exhausted, and a select committee of Congress reported"
18(H). ^im^ j),p aggressions of Spain afforded am])le cause for war. But as the
policy of the conntry was always a peaceful one, it was ])roposed, while prepariiiir
for hostilities, to endeavor to avert them, and settle all matters in dispute l)y the
purchase of a part or the whole of the Floridas from Spain. Action to that end was
taken, but the war-cloud soon passed away.
Not 80 with the harbingers of a storm that was evidently brewing between the
United States and Great Britain. The depredations of British cruisers and priva-
teers on American commerce, commenced under the most absurd and frivolous ])rc-
texts,'* and fully sanctioned by the British government, produced the most intense
indignation througuuiit the country ; and when the Ninth Congress had assembled at
Washington in December, 1805, the subject was speedily presented to their notice.
Mr. Jefferson had been re-elected President of the United States, and the Democrntie
party, of which he was the founder and head, had an overwhelming majority the
National sjislature. Its power became somewhat weakened" by the defect on of
John R di, of Roanoke, one of its leaders, a quarrelsome and ambitious man of
varied ^v solid attainments, who carried with him several of his Virginia col-
leagues, and filled tho halls of legislation during tlie entire session with unprofitahle
bickerings.
On account of British depredations, memorials from the merchants of nearly all of
the maritime towns of the United States north of the Potomac, argumentative and
denunciatory in substance, and numerously signed, were presented to the President ;
and on the 17th of January these, with a special message on the subject, were
laid before Congress by Mr. Jefferson, together with parts of the diplomatic corre-
> This reply to Mr. Stephens was published anonymonsly in Fcbmary, 1906, with the title otAn Aiuutr to "War in
DisgvUe;" or. Remarks on the A'dc Doctrine 0/ England concerning Neutral Trade.
After the capture of the Macedonian by Decatur in the autumn of 1812, the following epigram appeared in Cobbott's
Political Register, an English pablication :
"WAR IN DISGinSK; OR,
AN AFOI.OST FOB IIIB MAJESTY'S NATT.
" One Stephens, a lawyer, and once a reporter,
Of war and of taxes n gallant supporter.
In some way or other to Wllburforce kin.
And a member, like him, of a borough bonght in,
Who a Master in Chancery since has been made.
Wrote a pamphlet to show that Jonathan's tkadb
Was a ' War in Disauisn ;' which, though strange at flrst sight.
Events have since proved may have been but too right ;
For when Garden the ship of the Yankee Decatur
Attacked, without doubting to take her or beat her,
A FBioATE she seemed to his glass and his eyes ;
But when ^oitpn himself, liow great his surprise
To find her a sevintt-foub in disqcise I
" If Jonathan thns has the art of disguising,
That he captures our ships is by no means surprising;
And it can't be difgracel^il to strike to an elf
Who Is more than a match for the devil himself.— Puss."
> Baring's Inquiry, etc., page 96.
Mtmorialaorifan
.spondence on
i«h(!ourt. Tl
insist on righi
The mentor
it is a notai)l(
it is destructi\
eall((d eamcNtl
and navy, if u
AnuM'ican intei
1'hero were
Philadelphia, a
pectation tliat
Tho Boston
proinjjtly adopi
mpport the diyn
The merchan
and an aj)j)oal t(
position to decl
Relying on tho
(t-'cl no hesltatioi
which may be aa
The merchants
of the governmei
New Haven calle
the rights of net
give aid and sui
object."
The New York
their country that
tion of the authoi
of a Hsurj)ation w
by saying, " We pi
vindicate and seen
The merchants c
sistcnt with honor
arms might be nee
" whatever may be
These memorials
eigners doing busir
greatly from the vai
greatly aggravated
American commerce
errors, and were com
and sent in every vt
Here encouraged by
with cargoes wholly
I daily practice of taki
Cor one or two hundr
says Mr. Baring, "th(
against the captors, v
essarily excited. The
OV THE WAR OF 1819.
141
XMDorfaUa of MtrchanU ou th« Hnl^ect of Britlib Uoprodatloni.
Conduct of the Brttlih OrniMn,
Hpotulencc on the saniu topio by Mr. Monroo, tlio lliiitcd States ininiwtor nt the Hrit-
wh court. Tho Prt'siduiit iiHsiirod Coiigivnn tluit Mr. Monroe liuil liccii inHtructttl " to
insist on rij^htH too evident and too important to \w Hurrendored.'
Tho memorials from tlic merchants were generally drawn witli great ability ; and
it is a notable I'act that these nu>n, who, as a class, naturally deprecate war becanso
it is destructive to commerce, and are willing to nuike great concessions to avoid it,
ciilU'd earnestly upon the government to i)Ut forth the stronij powers of the army
ftiul navy, if necessary, in defense of tho rights of neutrals and tho protection of
American interests.
There were nu-morials from Uoston, Salem, Nowbury])ort, NeM' Haven, New York,
Philadelphia, and JJaltimore, and all tailed loudly lor i-edress, under the evident ex-
pectation that to insist npon it would cause war.
Tho Boston merchants said that they fvilly relied tl)at"such measures would be
promptly adopted as would tend to disembarrass commerce, aaaerC our rights, and
support the dignity of the l/tdted States,"
The merchants of Salem said, " If, however, conciliation can not effect tho purpose,
and an appeal to arms be the last and necessary protection of honor, they feel no dis-
position to decline the common danger or shrink from tho common contribution.
Relying on tho wisdom and firmness of the general government on this behalf, they
teel no hesitation to pledge their lives and properties in the support of tfie measures
which mag be adopted to vindicate thejtublic rights and redress the public lorongs,"
The mercl'.tnt8 of Nowburyport relied" with confidence on the firmness and justice
of the government to obtain for them compensation ami protection ;" and those of
New Haven called upon that government " firmly to resist every encroachment upon
the rights of neutral nations." They tendered " assurances of their ie practitioner. II
«t appearance was in oppoH
I ^on became known and app,
National Convention of :TS7h
«,amUhc next year was el,
."'.^"'"NcwYork.andinl
Mho was a member of the!
^;e».Iary,b„t in health c„mp
^ Mr. Pickering to M.. King,
The same to the same, Sept
The same to the same, Octo
i\
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
143
Correspondence on the Subject of Impressmeuts.
Rufu8 King.
His Airalgnmei I of the British Oovernment.
of-' and in November he expressed to Mr. Pinckney the hope tliat he might " be able
to make the British ministry sensible of the necessity of punishing the past and pre-
venting the future.'"'''
In 1796 Timothy ry on board their
Pickering, then Sec- zs^^'^Slifct. sliips for American
retary of State, in J^f 9|^n seamen," and there-
his instructions to l^Blk jif^^-'^^BB • ^"^^"^ " ^^'^" doom is
Mr. King, Ameri- 3B9^^^ /■* fixed for the war.
can minister at the "^W^^^ [M Thus," he said, " the
Court of London,^ ^^^ \MmL rights of an inde-
spoke of " the long ^^ jmr^^. ^^" pendent nation are
and fruitless at- ^:^^ J^f^^^^^^ , - to be sacrificed to
tempts that have f^ \^^^M^^^^B^ British dignity,
been made to pro- A. .^V^-^fl^^^^^^lfeL. Justice requires
tcct American U^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^VLch. inquiries
men from British ' ' ■ { ' r^^^i-^^^^^^^^^^^^^K^ and examinations
impress," and di- - ^ ^^^K^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^(^ made, because,
rcctcd him to do all K: j^^^e|^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ the lib-
his power to en- ^^j^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^I^P^ ^^ ^^^^
able the American ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^B/K^^^ xi\(tr\ will be
Hag to "protect '' ^ff^^^^^^^^^K^^^KK^^^^^ possible. For the
those of whatever ^^K^^K^^^EBBK^^iw^ ^-^^^ British govern-
nation Avho sail un- '^^^^^^B/^^^^^'^^f '<^ raent then to make
der it."* In anoth- -^-^-^^ ^^^ — ^' professions of re-
cr dispatch the same year he ^^ ppcct to the rights of our cit-
alludes to the fact that the (Jf. -{jjyi /X»->->^ izens, and Avillingness to re-
British government had gone / rj lease them, and yet deny the
so far as not to " permit inqui- only means of ascert.aining
those rights, is an insulting tantalism. If the British government have any regard
to our rigiits, any respect for our nation, and place any value on our friendship, they
will even facilitate to us the means of releasing our oppressed citizens."^
A little later he wrote, " The British naval officers often impress Swedes, Danes,
!\nd other foreigners frpm the vessels of the United States. They have e\ en some-
times impressed Frenchmen ! , . . They can not pretend an inaljility to distinguish
these foreigners from their own subjects. They may with as much reason rob the
American vessels of the property or merchandise of the Swedes, Danes, or Portu-
guese, as seize and detain in their service the subjects of those nations found on board
American vessels."^
During the following year very many complaints concerning impressed American
seamen were made to the government of the United States, and cases of absolute
'|:t
,i
I Mr. Jeffei oon to Mr. Plncltney, October 12, 1T02.
' Tlie same to the same, November fl, 1792.
' Riifiis King was born in Scarborough, Mainp, in the yoarlTBB. He was a student In Harvard College in 1778, when
the breaking out of the war for independence suspended that institution. He chose the law for his profession, and be-
f«me an able practitioner. He was In Sullivan's army in Rhode Island In 177S, and was admitted to the bar in 1780. His
ilrst appearance was In opposition to his great instructor, Theophilus Parsons, of Newburyport. His oratorical talents
won became Icnowu and appreciated, and in 1|S4 he was elected to a seat in the Legislature of Massachusetts. In the
National Convention of ".7S7 he was an efficient member, and nobly advocated the ratification of the Constitution there
iilopted. Having married the daughter of an opulent merchant of New York, Mr. King made that city his residence in
IM, and the next year was elected to a seat In the Legislature of New York. lie was one of the first United States sen-
ilore from New York, and in 1790 was appointed minister to Oreat Britain. He returned home In 1803. From 1813 to
I'iChc was a member of the United States Senate. At the close of his term ho was sent to England as minister pleni-
potentiary, but 111 health compelled him to relinquish his post and return home after a residence of about a year there.
He died at his home near .lamaica, Long Island, on the 29th of April, 1S27, at the age of seventy-two years.
Mr. Pickering to M,. King, June s, 179(1.
' The same to the same, Septeuiher 10, 1796.
' The same to the same, October 20, 1796.
-sasfs
saa
i ; i
144
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Cruel Treatmeut of American Seamen in the British Navy.
Secretary Marshail to MlniBter King,
cruelty exercised toward and hardships endured by American seamen thus impressed
were reported.'
The United States government, always inclined to peace, frequently urged upon
that of Great Britain the necessity of a convention which should settle the questions
of impress and neutrality, but without success, for the British government ])rac-
tically assumed the right to be a law unto itself. Early in 1799 Mr. King made an
earnest representation on the subject to Lord Grenville, denying, as he had on former
conferences, any right of the kind on the part of Great Britain, and suggesting that
Americun ships of war, by permission of their government, might with equal rii»hi
pursue the same practice toward British merchantmen. He pi'otested against the in-
discriminate seizure onboard of American vessels of seamen of several nations, ami
pressed him for some definite assurance of a change. But Grenville, as usual, was
evasive, and the conference ended without a prospect of satisfaction. Grenville; as-
sured Mr. King that all Americans so impressed should be discharged on application
for that purpose ; but the American minister very properly considered that offer far
short of satisfaction. "Indeed," he said, "to acquiesce in it is to give up the right.""-
Late in the year 1 800, John Marshall, then Secretary of State, wrote an able and
eloquent letter to Mr. King hi London on the subject of the impress. " Tlie impress-
ment of our seamen," he said, " is an injury of very serious magnitude, which deeply
affects the feelings and the honor of the nation. . . . They are dragged on board
British ships of war with evidences of citizenship in their hands, and forced by vio-
lence there to serve until conclusive testimonials of their birth can be obtained. . . ,
Although the Lords of the Admiralty uniformly direct their discharge on the produc-
1 Investigation rcveaied the following facts : on the 4th of July, 1T94, Captain Silas Talbot, of the United States Knvr.
wrote from Kingston, Jamaica, to Secretary Pickering, that Admiral Sir Hyde Parker had " issued a general order to nil
captains and commanders of ships and vos'jels of war, directing them not to obey any writ of hahtaa corptm, nor suffer
any men to leave their ships in consequeiici of such writ." This order was issued because Talbot had made tucco!>!-ful
applications to the civil authorities on thai island for the release of enslaved Americans on board British vessels. Tal-
bot, however, persevered in his humane efforts, and he wrote that, while all the writs which he hud obtained were
served, n(me ol them were obeyed. The naval ofBcers on that station set the civil authority at doiuiucc, and Talbot
wrote, "The laws in this island, it seems, can not be administered for the relief of American citizens who are held in
British slavery, many of whom, as they write me from on board Captain Otway's ship, have been brought to the gangitay
and ichipi>ed for toritiny to their agent to get them discharged !"
William Cobbett, an Englishman, wrote afterward in his Political Register, saying, "Onr ships of war, wlion they meet
an American vessel at sea, board her and take out of her by force any seamen whom onr officers assert to be l)i itish
subjects. There is no rule by which they are bound. They act at discretion; and the consequence is that great numbers
of native Americans have been impressed, and great numbers of them are now in our navy. . . . That many of these
men have died on board our ships, that many have been wounded, that many have been killed in action, and that many
have been worn out in the service there can be no doubt. Some obtain their release through the application of the
American consul here ; and of these the sufferings have in many instances been very great. There have been instancee
where men have thuB got free after having been flogged thrmigh the fleet/or desertion.' But it has been asked whether we
are not to t ake our sailors where we find them t To which America auswers, ' Yes.' . . . She wishes not to have in her
ships ai'y Uritish sailors, and she is willing io give llicm up whenever the fact of their being British sailors can be
proved; but let not men be seized in her ships upon tlie hiirh seas (and sometimes at the mouths of her own rivers),
wherj there is nobody to judge between the parties, and where the British officer going on board is at once acccbie,
WITNESS, JUDOK, and c.\PTon 1"
a M.-. King to Mr. Pickering, March 16, 1799.
* There is ample testimony to prove the cniel treatment experienced by impressed American seamen on board Britlph
Tessels, Richard Thompson, a native of New Paltz, Ulster County, New York, testified at Poughkcepsic on the 17th of
April, 1793, that, while on the sea in a merchant vessel, he was impressed on board the British vessel of war iVnwt in
1810. He was not allowed to write to his friends. When he and two other impressed American seamen heard of the
declaration of war in 1S12, they claimed to be considered prisoners of war, and refused to do duty any longer. They
were ordered to the quarter-deck, put in irons for twenty-fonr hours, then taken to the gangway, stripped naked, "tied
and whipped, each one dozen and a half lashes, and put to duty." When the Peacock went into action with the llnml
they asked the captain to be sent below, that they might not flght against their countrymen. The captain called a mid-
shipman and told him to " do nis duty." That duty was to hold a pistol at the head of Thompson and threaten to hloff
his brains out if he and his companions did not do service. They were liberated on the capture of the Peacock by the ;
Ilornet. Another seaman from Ulster County, named .Tames Tompkins, testified to greater cruelties inflicted on hiragelf j
and three others, who v.ere impressed on board the British ship Aetemi in April, 1S12. When they refused to do duty
they were whipped "five dozen lashes each." Two days afterward they received four dozen lashes each. They still
refused to do duty, and, after the lapse of another two days, they received two dozen lashes each. They still reftisej,
and, after being whipped again, they were put in irons, where they were kept three months. On their arrival in London J
they heard of the capture of the Onerriere. With a shirt and handkerchiefs they made strijies and stars for Americsn j
colors, hung it over a guo, and gave three cheerR for the victory. For this ODtburst of patriotism they received tivoj
dozen lashes each.
Argument against 1
tion of this tes
sidcrable time
of a friendly ni
prevent tJie coi
of the injured, t
past, and ho se
lively that thoi
elsewhere, shall
naturalized or n
iiied. . . , Alier
to be equally ex
them, and have .'
I'ontracted to be
their service. 1
and an injury. ;
alluding to the f
iillow retaliation
that something ii
shall concludes b
I'ectual measures '
wrong, to excite
force our governi
tare ?"'
These suggestio
.■ilightest visible ef
on vigorously ; but
the Peace of Amicj
in excess of the den
imtaught by past (
Vincent ^ ill ],^. \,^^
pre.ssmeiii of our se
'v ill the yeai
'""itted to
liu- ot iKsertor?!, «
hilt to exci'|it ' .„{j
iState,said, "It up,,,,
|mt>nts."3 The Sec.
■ all consequences, thai
tilings not to be entc
ji'cted to it because
I 'M.'" TJie Secrctai
article [the seventh h
It IS utterly inadmissi
"lion the broad princi
'loHii at the begimiini
™I of that sanctity.'''
I JVheiniostilities bei
MlverWoIcotttolhePresId
l^n at eir """"""■• "'«^« he:
r"' »' t^a". "-ere aliens. -Ltaia
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
145
Argument against ImpressmentB. The Brltlgh Govcruraent refnsce to listen. Its Proposition on the Subject rejected.
tion of this testimony, yet many must perish unrelieved, and all are detained a con-
siderable time in lawless and injurious confinement. It is the duty as well as a right
of a friendly nation to require that measures be taken by the British government to
prevent the continued repetition of such violence by its agents. . . . The mere relecee
of the injured, after a long course of serving and suffering, is no compensation for the
past, and no security for the future. . . . The United States, therefore, require posi-
tively that their seamen who are not British subjects, whether born in America or
elsewhere, shall be exempt from imi)ressinent. The case of British subjects, whether
naturalized or not, is mftre questionable ; but the right even to impress them is de-
nied. . . . Alien seamen, not British subjects, engaged in our merchant service, ought
to be equally exempt with citizens from impressments. We have a right to engage
them, and have a right to and an interest in their persons to the extent of the service
contracted to be performed. Britain has not a pretext of right to their persons or
their service. To tear them, then, from our possession is at the same time an insult
and an injury. It is an act of violence for whi^i there exists no palliative." Afler
alluding to the fact that the principles of the United States government would not
allow retaliation by impressments from the British merchant ships, and suggesting
that something in that way might be done by recruiting from that sei'vice, Mr. Mar-
shall concludes by saying, " Is it not more advisable to desist from, and to take ef-
fectual measures to prevent an acknowledged wrong, than, by perseverance in that
wrong, to excite against themselves the well-founded resentment of America, and
force our government into measures which may possibly terminate in open rup-
ture?'"
These suggestions were all submitted to the British ministry, bu.
slisrhtest visible effect. While the war continued, the nefarious practici
■ Febroary 4.
Ithout the
IS carried
on vigorously ; but Avhen the general pacification of Europe took plac 1801, and
the Peace of Amiens gave a respite to British ships of war — when their m .imen wore
in excess of the demand — impressments ceased, and the American minister in Lonlon.
untaught by past experience and observation, wrote, "I am in hopes that Lord St.
Vincent will be inclined to attend to our reiterated remonstrances against tlii' im-
pressment of our seanh a and the vexations of ottr trade."^ Vain expectation !
<:\\ ill the year 1800* Mr. Liston, the British minister in the I'nit.
vbmitted tn President Ada in pposition for the rec'iirocal d(
livii oi ' ert' so u > rotary of
State, said, " li app ars utterly ladmissilde, unless it would put an end to impress-
ments."^ The Seciv tar\ of the Xuvy "aid, "It is better in have no arti. American citizen. It may be safely affirmed that this is an
outrage which has no precedent, and which Great Britain would be among the last
nations in the world to suffer, if offered to lier own subjects and her own flag.*
Ic^lclciltiltiltilcilciieil:
"Great Britain has the less to say on the subject, .is it is in direct contradiction to
the principles on which she proceeds in other cases. While she claims and seizes on
the liigh seas her own subjects voluntarily serving in American vessels, she has con-
stantly given, when she could give, as a reason for not discharging from her service
American citizens, that they had voluntarily engaged in it. Nay, more ; while she
impresses her own subjects iVom the American service, although they have been set-
tled, and married, and naturalized in the United States, she constantly refuses to re-
lease fro n hers American seamen pressed into it whenever she can give for a reason
that they are either settled or married Avithin her dominions. Thus, when the volun-
tary i^o'iscnt of the mdividual favors her pretensions, she pleads the validity of that
consent. When the vohmtary consent of the individual stands in the Avay of her
preteuf ions, it goes for nothing. When marriage or residence can* be pleaded in her
favor, she avails herself of the plea. When marriage, residence, and naturalization
are against her, no respect whatever is paid to either. She takes by force her own
subjects voluntarily serving in our vessels. She keeps by force American citizens
involuntarily serving in hers. More flagrant inconsistencies can not be imagined."
No trguments, no remonstrances, no appeals to justice or the demands of interna-
tional ccniity, could induce the British government at that time, when waging war
with all itt: powers, to relinquish so great an advantage.
' In the spring of iSflS Mr. King made a dtlermlned effort to prevent a revival of the practice of Impreesmcnt. On thf
7th of May he submlttti the following article to the British ministry: "No person shall he Impressed or taken onthi
high sens out of any ship >-r -.Coel belonging to the subjects or citizens of one of the parties by the public or private
armed ships or men-of-war belonging to or in the service of the other party." Lord St. Vincent, the First Lord of the
Admiralty, and Lord Hawkesbury, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, at tlrst nsspnted to this article ; but, after
oonsnltatlon with Sir William Scott, an exception was required in favor of the narrmr sen*. This proposal was rejected
by Mr. King. It was regarded as a subterfuge. The government, at the opening of another war, was detcrniiucd nol
to relinquish the practice of impressments from American vessels, and this revival of an obsolete claim of Enj»l»ncl to
exclusive jurisdiction over the seas surrounding the British Isles as far south as Cape Finlstcrrc and north to a \m\K
(ni the coast of Norway, which it was known the Americans would reject, was done as an excuse for terminating tlic ue-
gotlation on the practice of the Impress.
5 Hooper, in his yaval IliMory of the United States, 11., fi4, says : "On the 12th of June [1806] No. T [gun-boat] fell In
wltli the fleet of Admiral Colllngwood off Cadiz, and, while Mr. Lawrence was on board one of the British ship?, a boat
was sent and took three men out of No. T, under the pretense that they were Englishmen. On his return to his own ve§-
sol Mr. Lawrence hauled down his ensign, but no notice wai taken of the proceeding by the British. It is a fitting com-
mentary on this transaction that in the published letters of Lord Colllngwood, when he speaks of the Impressment of
Americans, he says that England would not submit to such an aggression for au hour."
Kttional Iudei)eudenre
OP THE WAR OF 1812.
147
>'i(ioniil ludepdudeiire and Honor imperiled. Memorlais to Congreee for decided Action. Hesitation uf Congress.
Day after day proofs were received of the sufferings of American citizens on ac-
count of tlic impreiis; and so flagrant and^frecjiient were these outrages toward the
close of 1805, that, ir. the memorials presented to Congress on the subject of British
depredations upon American commerce, already alluded to, tlie impressment of Amer-
ican seamen was a prominent topic.'
Action in Congress on these subjects, so vital to the interests of the people and the
dignity of the nation, was prompt. It was felt that a crisis was reached when the in-
dependence of the United States must be vindicated, or the national honor be imper-
iled. There was ample cause for most vigorous retaliatory measures toward Great
jJritain, ay, even for war. But the admhiistration itself, and the host of its oppo-
nents, were willing to bear a little longer than take the responsibility of an open rup-
ture witli Great Britain. A resolution offered in the United States Senate, declaring
that the depredations upon American commerce under tlie sanction of the British
government Avere " unprovoked aggressions upon tlie property of the citizens of the
United States, violations of their neutral rights, and encroachments upon their na-
tional independence," was adopted by unanimous vote ;" but when, four . Febmnry lo,
days afterward,'' another resolution was offered requesting the President
to "demand the restoration of the property of those citizens captured and
condemned on the pretext of its being employed in a trade with the enemies of Great
Britain, indemnification for past losses, and some arrangement concerning the impress-
ment of seamen," there was hesitation. To obtain the redress sought, there were
only four modes — namely, negotiation, non-intercourse, embargo, and war. The first
had been tried in vain ; the second and third would be menacing and oft'ensive ; and
(he fourth, all parties at that time depi'ecated. There was a division in the vote.
There Avas unanimity hi denunciation, but differences when the test of positive action
was applied. There were twenty votes in the affirmative, and six in the negative.
It was resolved to try negotiations once more. William Piiikney,^ of Maryland,
who had considerable diplomatic experience, was finally appointed a minister
extraordinary to England,' to become associated with Monroe, the resident
1800.
*• February 14.
■ May.
' "Tlie impressment of onr seamen, notwithstanding clear proofs of citizenslilp, the violation of our jurisdiction by
cipturos at the mouths of our harbors," and insulting treatment of our ships on the ocean, arc subjects worthy the se-
rious cousidcration of our national councils."— .S'nlcm Memorial.
"The constancy and vc'or of the seamen of the United States are justly themes of patriotic exultation. From their
connection with us, v,e consider their cause as our cause, their rights as our rights, their interests as our interests. Onr
Mings are Indignant at the recital of their wrongs."— A'cm York Memorial, signed by John Jacob Astor and others.
"That our seamen should bo exi)08ed to meanest insults and most wanton cruelties, and the fruits of their Indnstr-
and enterprise fall a prey to the profligate, can not but excite both feeling and indignation, and call loudly for the aid
and protection of government."- PAf feuftlp/iia Memorial. The New Haven and Baltimore memorials expressed similar
fenliments.
" William Pinkney was bom at Annapolis, Maryland, on the lith of March, 1T64. His father was a Ix)yall8t, but Wil
Iiain,n8 he approached manhood, toward the close of the Revolution, espoused the cause of his country. At the age of
wcnly-two years he was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of his profession in Harford County, Mary-
land, where he married the sister of (afterward) Commodore Rodgers. He was a member of the Kxccutlvo Council of
Marjlnnd in 1702, and In 1706 was chosen to the Legislature. The next year he was appointed one of the commissioners
imder the provisions of Jay's treaty, and proceeded to England. He remained there until 1805, when ho returned, and
made Baltimore his residence. He was distinguished for his legal learning and eloquence, and was immediately ap-
pointed Attorney General of Maryland. He was sent to England for the object mentioned in the text, in 1800, where he
remained until isil, when he returned home. He fought bravely in the battle near Bladensburg in 1814, and was soon
ancrward elected to Congress. In 1810 he was appointed minister to Russia. I!c remained there until 1820, when he
letnriii'd, and was chosen to a seat in the Senate of the United States. In that body, and In the United States Ciiurts, he
libored Intensely until IS'il, when his health suddenly gave way. He died on the 26lh of February, 1S22, In tlie flfty-
alnlh year of his age.
' Th'- had been done repeatedly. The American waters were almost continually plowed by British craisers at this
lime. A few weeks later an event occurred which aroused the greatest indignation throughout the country. A small
fowling vessel, navigated by Captain John Pearce, of New York, running for Sandy Hook, was fired into by the B; itish
fniiser Leander, Captain Whitby. Captain Pearce was killed. It was, morally, a gross act of piracy. The act itself called
forth bitter denunciations at a meeting held at the Tontine Coffee-house, in New York, on the following day (April 20,
1S(I6). A resolution proposed by a committee, of which RufUs King, late minister to England, was chairman, declared
iliat an administration that would enffer foreign armed ships to " impress, wound, and murder citizens" was "not en-
titled to the confidence of a brave and free people." The public indignation was Increased when It became known that
Captain Whitby, who was brought to trial in England for the murder of Captain Pearce, and his guilt fairly proven by
evldenco dispatched thither by the United States government, was honorabli/ acquitted I
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Minister Extraordinary sent to BngUnd. The old Party Llnea again eatabllshed.
War and AntUwar Piirilc*.
minister, in negotiating a treaty tliat should
Bcttlo all disputes between tlie two govern-
ments. It was thought expedient, at tlic
same time, to use the second metliod pros-
pectively, as an auxiliary to tlie American
ministers, for it would appeal potentially t(]
the commercial interest of Great Britain,
then, as ever, the ruling power in the state.
Accordingly, after long and earnest dehatos,
the House of Representatives passed an
act" prohibiting the importation .M„r,,|,2s
into the United States of a great i^"«.
variety of the most important manufactures
of Great Britain. It passed the Senate on
the 10th of April, and on tlie 18th beoanic
a law.' To give time for the negotiations,
the commencement of the prohibition was
l)ostponed until the middle of the foUowini;
November.
In the debate upon the Non-importatii)ii
Act in Congress, and in its discussion among
the people, the old party lines, which, to
some extent, had appeared faint when great
national questions were fnirly discussed,
became perfectly distinct. The measure
was regarded by the jealous opponents of Jeiferson and his Cabinet as a display ot
that hostility to Great Britain because of love for France, which the President and
his Secretary had so frequently manifested during the administrations of Washington
and Adams. It was regarded as a measure calculated to lead the country into a Avar
with Great Britain. The administration party, on the contrary, cliarged the Feder-
alists, because they were unwilling to support the measure, with being friendly tn
their country's oppressor. The old political war-cries were sounded, and " Frciieli
party" and " British party" became familiar words again on the lips of partisans.
The Federalists affected to regard Great Britain in her wars with France, and cs])e-
cially in the current one with Napoleon, as the champion of the liberties of the world
against an audacious aspirant for universal empire ; while the Democrats aifectcd to
consider the Emperor of the French as a great regenerator, wlio was destined to bene-
lit the world by prostrating tottering thrones, effacing corrupt dynasties, purifying the
political atmosphere of Europe, and giving new life and vigor to the people. Sueii
M^ere the antagonistic ideas then distinctly developed. The Non-importation Act
was passed by a strictly party vote — ninety-three Democrats, against thirty-two Fed-
eralists and "Quids," as John Randolph and his six secessionists were called. The
heat of tb \t debate in the first session of the Ninth Congress developed the germ of
the War and Anti-^ear parties, so strong and implacable just previous to and durin<;
the War OF 1812.
' The following is a list of articles prohlMted : All articles of which leather, silk, hemp or fiax, and tin and brain (lin
cheets excepted) were the materials of dilcf value ; woolen cloths ivhofo Invoice prices sliould exceed five shillings ilor- ;
ling a yard: woolen hosiery of all kinds; window-glass, and all the mannfuctures of glass; silver und plated wnre; pa-
I)cr of every description ; nails and spikes; mate, and clothing ready made ; millinery of all kinds; playing-cards ; beer,
ale, and porter ; and pictures and prints.
Iliipes created by a ne
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
U9
no|ie!< rrcatoil by a new BritlHh Ministry. DiHappotntmcnt. Ncgotiatiung rcupcnod. CharUw .IniiicM Fux.
!1
CHAPTER Vin.
" You nil remember well, I guess,
The Chemjtmkc disaster,
When Brltdus durod to kill nnd press,
To please their royal master."
Bono — Rodoebs amd VioioaT.
" Prom the deep we withdraw till the tempest be past.
Till our Hag can protect each American carj^o ;
While British ambition's dominion shall last,
Let us Join, heart and hand, to support the KHUAsao:
For Emiiaikio and Peacik
Will promote our iucreaBC ;
Then embargoed we'll live till injustice shall cease :
For ne'er, till old Ocean retires from his bed,
Will Columbia by Europe's proud tyrants be led."
Sosd — EiiDAitoo AND Peace.
IIILE the debate on tlie Non-importation Act was at its heiglit
in Congress, intelligence came of a cliange in tlic British minis-
try that promised a speedy adjustment of all matters in dis-
pute between tlie two countries. William Pitt died in Janua-
ry," and at the beginning of February a new Cabi- 'January 28,
net was formed, known in English history as " All- ^^"''•
the-talents Ministry," of which the peaceful, humane, and lib-
eral Charles James Fox was the most influential member,' as
Secretary of State for Foreign Affiiirs.
Under the impression that the new ministry would be more ready to act justly to-
ward the Americans than the old one, Mr. Pinkney sailed for England. He was soon
mideceived. England's policy in the conduct of the tremendous war in which she
was engaged was too firmly established to be disturbed by the private opinions and
wishes of individuals, and Mr. Fox appears to have imbibed the views of his prede-
cessors in office concerning the complaints of the Americans on the subject of the
impress and neutral rights.
Before Pinkney's arrival Fox had expressed to Monroe some sensibility at the
passage of the Non-importation Act. lie declared that it embarrassed him, because
it '.vould place him in the position of treating under seeming compulsion. Monroe
wave a satisfactory explanation, and, on the arrival of Pinkney, Lords Holland and
.\uckland were appointed to negotiate with the American envoys.
Tlie negotiations commenced in August.'' As the American commis-
>icner8 were instructed to make no treaty which did not secure the vessels
of their countrymen on the high seas against visitations from press-gangs, this topic
naturally occupied the early and earnest attention of the negotiators. The American
roraraissioners, under instructions, contended that the right of impressment existing
by municipal law could not be exercised out of the jurisdiction of Great Britain, and,
consequently, upon the high seas. In reply, the British commissioners recited the old
' Fox and Burke stood side by side in the opposition to Lord North in the long struggle before and during the Amer-
ican Revolution. He was always on the liberal side in politics, of the Whig school, and was intensely bated l)y the king.
Si oiie time, at the close of the Revolution, the nation appeared to be divided into parties, one known as the liing's, and
the other as Fox's. On one occasion Dr. Johnson said, " Fox is an extraordinary man ; here is a man who has divided
aliingdom with Cffisar, so that It was a doubt which the nation should be ruled by— the sceptre of George TIT. or the
longuc of Fox." He was always nn advocate for a peace policy, and his accession to power in 1800 gave the thinkini;
men of England hopes of a cessation of the wasting war with the all-conqnerlng Napolecm. To that end he labored,
and had well-nigh accomplished measures for pacificutiou wheu, on the 13tb of September, 1800, he died.
' August 2.
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ProgresB and Character uf Nogotlatlons.
Treaty agreed to.
The Berlin Decree consldcreil.
doctrine that no subject of the king could expatriate himself— " once an EngliHhinan
always an Englishman" — and argued that to give up that right would make evory
American vessel an asylum for Uritish seamen wishi: g to evade their country's si-rv-
ice, and even for deserters from British ships of war. They were sustained in tliis
view by the law officers of the crown and the lioard of Admiralty, and would not
yield the poiiit. Here tl.c American commissioners might have terminated the nego-
tiation, because the vital object of their appointment could not bo obtained.
At length this impressment question was placed in an attitude to allow negotiations
upon other topics to go on. While the British commissioners declared that their gov-
ernment would not relinquish by formal treaty the right of impressment on the liigh
seas, they agreed that special instructions should be ^iven and enforced for the ob-
servance of great caution against subjecting any American-born citizens to molesta-
tion or injury. They gave the American commissioners to understand, althougl. it
was not expressed in terms, that the intention of the British government Avas not to
allow impressments from American vessels on the high seas except under extraordi-
nary circumstances, such as having on board knoAvn deserters from the British navy,
• November 8, ^^^ ^^^^ gradually to abandon the practice. This proposition was put in
1800. Avriting," and the negotiations on other topics proceeded.
The terms of a treaty considered in many respects more favorable to the Americans
than that of Jay in 1794, to continue for ton years, were soon agreed to. The trade
between the United States and the European possessions of Great Britain were placed
on a footing of perfect reciprocity, but no concessions could be obtained as to tiie
trade of the West Indies ; while in the matter of the East India trade terms as fovoi-
able to the Americans as those of Jay's would not be granted. The provisions in
that treaty concerning blockades and contraband were adopted, with an additional
provision that no American vessels were to be visited or seized within five miles of
the coast of the United States.
In regard to the carrying-trade, in which American vessels were so largely con-
cerned, the modification of the " rule of 1756" (stipulated in the treaty with Russia in
1801, already alluded to)^ was agreed to, but to operate only during the current war,
by Avliich such vessels could transport to any belligerent colony not blockaded by a
British force, any European goods not contraband of war, providing such goods were
American property, and the continuity of the voyage had been broken by their hav-
ing been previously landed in the United States, and a duty paid of at least one per
cent, above the amount drawn back on re-exportation. In like manner the produce
of the colony might be carried back, and taken into any port in Europe not blocjj-
aded.
At this point in the negotiation, intelligence of the issue of the Berlin Decree,^ whicli
we shall consider presently, reached the commissioners. It produced hesitation on
the part of the British negotiators. They required assurances that the United States
would not allow their trade with Great Britain, and in British merchandise, to be in-
terrupted and interfered with by France without taking measures to resent it. This
assurance the American commissioners refused to give, as they were not inclined to
pledge their government to quarrel with Franco for the benefit of English trade.
Holland and Auckland waived the point and signed the treaty, at the same time pre-
senting a written protest against the Berlin Decree, reserving to the British govern-
ment the right, should that decree be actually carried into force as against neutrals,
and be submitted to by them, to take such measures of retaliation as might be deem-
ed expedient.
Had this ./eaty not been based in a degree upon contingencies and promises, leav-
ing American commence still, in the absence of positive treaty stipulations, at the
TTMtjr withheld from
1 See note 2, page 133.
• See page 189.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
151
Treaty withheld from the Senate.
War on the Administration.
Blockade of the European L'oaiit declared.
mercy of BritiHli policy, it migJit have been considered so advantageous to the mer-
chants of the United States, being an advance in the right direction, as to have re-
ceived the favor of tlie administration, liut it was too loose in its actual guarantees,
and the experience of the past was too admonitory to allow such a treaty to be ac-
cepted as a satisfactory settlement of difficulties between the two governments. It
also failed to secure the most vital advantages contemplated in the appointment of
the commission, namely, the abolition of the impress from American vessels and re-
linquishment on the ])art of Great Britain of its claims to a right of search. Such
l)eiiig its character, the President, at the risk of being charged with usurpation, did
not even lay the treaty before the Senate, but, on his own responsibility, seconded by
tlic co-operation of Mr. Madison, his Secretary of State, he refused to ratify it. That
refusal destroyed all hope of negotiating another treaty so favorable to the Amer-
i vns, for, long before it reached the Jiritish government in official form, the Fo.\ and
Grenville ministry had disaj)peared. It had been superseded" by one in which , March,
Liverpool, Percival, and Caiuiing, all disciples of the more warlike Pitt, were ^^^''■
tlie leading spirits. The remains of Fox had lain in Westminster Abbey six mouths
when this change in the administration took place.'
As might have been expected, Jefterson was vehemently assailed by the opposi-
tion ; and the merchants, as a class, misled by the deceptive clamor of politicians,
swelled the voice of denunciation. The Federalists, ever suspicious of the President,
their arch-enemy in former crises of the government, charged him with insincerity
when he protested his earnest desire for an honorable adjustment with England ; and
they were inclined to regard the rejection of the treaty as a deliberate mancEuvre to
rherish popular passion, and thus to strengthen the party hold of the President and
his destined successor, Mr. Madison.^
The war against the administration was waged unrelentingly. Another great
struggle between the Democrats and Federalists for the prize of the Presidency and
national nile now commenced, and some leading men of the opposition who, when in
power, had bitterly denounced the course of the British government because of its
course on the impress and neutral rights, now became either silent spectators or vir-
tual apologists for England. Yet the Democratic party steadily gained in numbers
and influence even in New England, and the war feeling became more and more in-
tense and positive among the people.
We have already alluded to the seizure of Hanover by the Prussians at the insti-
lation of Napoleon.^ This offense against the Crown of England was immediately
resented ; or, rather, it was made the pretext for employing against France a measure
which, as in 1756 and 1792, was calculated to starve the empire. By orders in Coun-
cil, issued on the ICth of May, 1806, the whole coast of Europe from the Elbe, in Ger-
many, to Brest, in France, a distance of about eight hundred miles, was declared in a
state of blockade, when, at the same time, the British navy could not spare from its
other fields of service vessels enough to enforce the blockade over a third of the pre-
scribed coast. It was essentially a " paper blockade," then valid according to En-
glish " laws of nations" — laws of her own enactment, and enforced by her own mate-
rial power. The almost entire destruction of the French and Spanish fleets oflp Tra-
falgar, a few months before,*" had annihilated her rivals for the sovereign- 6 October 21,
ty of the seas, and she now resolved to control the trade of the world, by ^®**-
ffhich she might procure pecuniary means to carry on the war.
The British oi'ders in Council somewhat startled American commerce, and by
some was considered, so far as that commerce was concerned, as not only a counter-
vailing measure in view of the Non-importation Act of the American Congress, but a
positively belligerent one. But its effects were slight in comparison with the pros-
I 8oe page 128.
> Uildreth'B History of the United States, Second Series, ii., 6C3.
•
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
n» Berlin Decree.
The "Coutlnental Hyitem."
Amerlcani the only Neutral*.
Their Kkpevtattoni.
trating blow inflicted upon the American fihippinp interest when, fVom the " Imperial
Camp lit IJcrliii" on tlie 2lHt of November, I HOO, Napoleon isHued the fumoiiH (lecitc
whi<^h (leciiired the Uritish Iwhinds in a state of blockade, forl)ade all eorrespondeiKc
or trade with England, defined all articles of Kiiglish manufacture or j)roduce as con-
traband, and the property of all Hritinh nubjectH as lawful prize of war.'
llcHting for moral support upon Kngland's cherished " law of nations," Napoleon
made this declaration of a practically universal blockade when he had scarcely a sliip
at liis command to enforce it ; for Lord Nelson, as we have just observed, had ahiiosi
. octoiinr 21, demolished the wliole French and part of the Spanish fleet oft" Trafalgar
IHUB. jjj^j thirteen months before.*
On land the power of Napoleon was scarcely bounded by any river in Euro|ic',
Within his grasp was seemingly the sceptre of universal empire, of which he dreaincMJ
with the ambition of an Alexander. State after state had been added to his doinin-
ions, and brother after brother had been placed upon thrones of his own construction,
amid the ruins of old dynasties. He now endeavored, by the ))ractice of Englaiul's
logic, to dispute with her in a peculiar way the sceptre of the seas.^
This was the beginning of what was afterward called the Continental System , com-
menced avowedly as a retaliatory measure, and designed primarily to injure and, it
possible, to destroy the commercial prosperity of England. Najtoleon adhered to it
for several years as a favorite scheme, to the delight and profit of smugglers created
by the system, and the immense injury of the commerce of the world. He compelleil
most of the states of Europe to become partners in the league against Great Britain.
A refusal to join it was considered a just cause for war. Yet England, with suih
powers against her, and such an injurious system impinging heavily upon her inaii-
time and trading interests, defied Napoleon and his allies, and exhibited a moral and
material energy which commands our wonder and highest res])ect.
America was at this time really the only neutral in the civilized world. Ilcr iso-
lation enabled her to maintain that position, and enjoy prosperity while Europe was
resonant with the din of battle, clouded with the smoke of camps and nr 1 towns,
and wasted by the terrible demands of moving armies. But her secui 1 pros-
perity were likely to be disturbed by this unrighteous decree from i Imperial
Camp." It Avas so broad in its application, that it would be equally injurious to neu-
trals and belligerents. The commercial world perceived this Avith its keen eye, and
American commerce was convulsed by a thrill of apprehension. Rates of insurana'
ran up to ruinous heights at the beginning of 1807, and commercial enterprises of
every kind were suspended.
This panic was somewhat allayed by a letter from John Armstrong, American min-
ister at Paris, who believed the operations of the decree would be only municipal,
and was assured by the French Minister of Marine that the existing commercial re-
lations of the United States and the French Empire, as settled by the Convention of
1800,3 would not be disturbed.* This assurance was subsequently strengthened by
the fact that the decree was not enforced against America'n vessels until about a year
afterward,* Napoleon doubtless hoping the United States, growing every day more
and more hostile toward England because of her injustice, would be induced to join
the league against that power. Tlie Americans were also taught to rely upon the
traditional policy of France concerning the rights of neutrals, so plainly avowed in
the Armed Neutrality Treaty in 1 780, earnestly proclaimed ever since by the French
' See note 1, page 12<>.
' Napoleon at this time had been compelled to abandon his achemes for the Invasion of England. He had lost St. Do-
mingo, and all prestige in the West Indies, and had no means of annoying bis most potent enemy, on the sea.
' See twelfth and fourteenth articles of that Convention In Stalesman'ii Manual, iv., .142, i543.
♦ On the lOlh of December, Minister Armstrong asked for an explanation of the Berlin Decree. Monsieur Dccrcs, tho
Minister of Marine, replied on the 24th that he cimsidered the decree as in no way modifying "the regulations at pres-
ent observed in France with regard to neutral navigators, nor, consequently, of the (Jonventlon of the 3nth of September,
1800, with the United States of America." ' Baring's Inquiry, etc., page 116, cited in note 1, page 123.
Change Id the Polli
rulers, and rei
decree under i
The promisi
Decree were >
of 1807. The
duties in the
coasts of Euro
tein into activ(
on the contrarj
ter of Justice, '
nies, by whonb
Ainericiins wer
with the intent
operation with
lihertics of that
interpretation of
liiirs, coolly repi
'inly not issued ji
t(» make it eft'ecti
gations in the m:
maritime powers,
to make common
Xapoleon in enfoi
hut really agains
stipulations regar
the American sliii
violation of every
under liegnier's d
niercliandiso of Hri
precedent for the i
property.
Almost simultan
of the Berlin Deere
more destructive at
ed by either party
"1 the 17th of Nov
iiidess through Grei
'This was a treaty of pea
tolhe Prussian monarch ont
, Hon of Napoleon's three bru
I pballa.
' Letter to the Imperial Al
'"Allthedlfflcultloswhicl
rthease If the government
look, with the whole Contlm
I tar an entire disregard for tl
On this point the interest ol
Kplomaeii of the United Slate,
This was all very trne, but
I milrely Inconsistent with th(
IiiyoflTSn. The Berlin Dec
I igalnst which tho Americana
wnoed "monstrous and Ind
I 'Mr. Baring, In his able I,u
oftlio extremely lengthvdocu
J All trade directly from Ar
I Msh flag Is excluded. Is tot
I ff/ofSartll'ila, Is include
I Mt Of the colonies re-exporte
3
OF THE VVAK OJf 1812.
158
Cbiuii;e In the Policy of the French.
SeUnre of American Bhipa.
Britlih Orderi In Conoell.
lulds, 1111(1 ri'itcratctl in tlic diargca agaiiwt Eiiglaiul in the pi-eamblc to the famoun
(licnu luider fonHJili'iiition.
Tiio promiHcs of accurity to Ainoricaii coiniiu'rco fiom the operatioiiH of the llt-rlin
Decree wviv. sooii broivcn. Tin; j)o\vorH of that dt'CToo wt-re jtut forth in tlio aiituiiui
of 1807. Till' IVaco of Tilnit' liad ifloaHcd a liiigc iiumlu'r of Freiicii noldiors from
duties in tiie camp and tield, and these were employed at varions ports along the
coasts of Knrope in strictly enfon^ing tlie l»lt)(;kade and putting tlie (Jontiiienta) Sys-
tem into active opei'atif)ii. Even American commerce did not remain undisturbed ;
on the (contrary, it was directly threatened l)y a decision of Kegiiier, tlie Kreiich Min-
ter of .f ustice, who declared that all merchandise derived from ICngland and her colo-
nies, by whomsoever owned, was Habit! to seizure even on lioard neutral vessels.- Ah
Aincricaiis were then the only neutrals, this decision was aimed directly at them,
with the intention, no doubt, of forcing the United States into at least a passive co-
opoiiitioii with JJonaparte in his (U-adly designs against Uritish commerce and the
liberties of that people. When Minister Armstrong made in(|uiries concerning this
interpretation of the HeiTin Decree, t'hampagny, the French Minister for Foreign At-
tiiirs, coolly replied that the prhicipal jiowcrs of Europe for eleven nu)nths liad not
(inly not issued any protest against the decree, but had agreed to enforce it, and that
to make it eft'ectual its execution must be complete, lie disposed of the treaty obli-
gations in the matter by saying that, since England had disregarded the rights of all
maritime powers, the interests of those powers were coinmon, and they were bound
to make common ciuisc against her;' that is to say, any nation that woidd not join
Xapolcon in enforcing his iniquitous Continental System, ostensibly against England,
Init really against the commerce of the Avorld, forieited its claim to have its treaty
stipulations regarded ! This doctrine was speedily followed up by practice, Avheii
the American ship Horizon, stranded upon the French coast, was, with her cargf), in
violation of every principle of humanity, confiscated in the French j)rize court, acting
under Kegnier's decision,* on the ground that that cargo consisted of • November lo,
merchandise of British origin. This decision and confiscation became a *^'"'
precedent for the speedy seizure and sequestration of a large amount of American
property.
Almost simultaneously with this practical illustration of Regnier's interpretation
of the Berlin Decree in the case of the //orizox,'' Great Britain made a ,^,
- . 1 1 • 1 o 1 » November 10.
more destructive assault on the rights oi neutrals than any yet attempt-
ed by cither party. By orders in council, adopted on the 11th and promulgated
n the I7th of November, all neutral trade was prohibited with France or her allies
unless through Great Britain.* This avowed measure of retaliation for the issue of
1 This was a treaty of pence concluded between France and Hiissia on the Tth of June, 180T, when Napoleon restored
to the PniBBlau monarch one half of hU territories, and Knssln recognised the Confederation of the Rhine, and the eleva-
tion of Napoleou'H three brothers, Joseph, Louis, and Jerome, to the thrones respectively of Naples, Holland, aud West-
phalia.
' Letter to the Imperial Attorney General for the Conncll of Prizes, September 18, IfiOT.
' "All the difflcultlea which have given rise to your reclamations," said Champagny to Armstrong, " would be removed
wltheuse If the government of the United States, after complaining In vain of the Injustice and violations of England,
i loolt, with the whole Continent, the part of gnarantccing Itself therefrom. England has Introduced Into the maritime
»«ran entire disregard for the rights of nations : it is only In forcing her to a peace that It Is possible to recover them.
" I this point the Interest of all nations is the same. All have their honor and Independence to defend."— Lvman'h
[ Oiplmnaen o/Ihe United Slateit, 1., 411.
Tills was all very trne, but the terms on which the United States were Invited to join that Continental league were
I (ntirely Inconsistent with their principles concerning blockades— principles Identical with those of the Armed Neutral-
ity of nsfl. The Berlin Decree asserted principles the very reverse of these, and In an extreme degree— prlnclplcwner8. Ah the AiiiericmiH were tlie only neutralw, it wan a di-
rect blow against their coininercc, of which, for ten ye;irs, the Uritiwh hud been ex-
ceedingly jealous. The eflect was to deprive American vesselH of all the advantages
of neutrality.
In O'taliation for the issuing of these orders, Bonaparte promulgated another de-
cree, dated "At our Palace at Milan, December 17, 1H07," which extended and niudo
more vigorous that issued from lierlin. It declared every vessel which should kuIi-
mit to be searched by British cruisers, or shoidd pay any tax, duty, or license-money
to the British government, or should be found on the high seas or elsewhere bound
to or from any Jiritish jjort, denationalized and forfeit.' With their usual servilitv
to the dictates of the coiKjueror, Hpain and Holland immediately issued similar de-
crees. Thus, within a few months, the commerce of the United States, carried on in
strict accordance with the acknowledged laws of civilized nations, was swept from
the ocean. Utterly unable, by any power it then possessed, to resist the robbers upon
the great highway of nations, the independence of the republic had no actual record.
It had been theoretically declared on parchment a quarter of a century before, but
the nation and its interests were now as much subservient to British orders in cotni-
cil and French imperial decrees as when George the Third sent governors to the col-
onies of which it Avas composed, and Beaumarchais, in behalf of Louis the Sixteenth,
Kuj)plied their feeble, rebellious hands with weapons wherewith to fight for liberty
and independence.
While the commerce of the world was thus becoming -the sport of France and En-
gland — traditionary enemies and implacable duelists for a thousand years — unscru-
pulous gamesters for power — an event occurred whicli excited in the United States
the most intense animosity toward Great Britain, and created a powerful war party
among legislators and jieople.
To give efficiency to the Orders in Council, the British government kept a naval
force continually hovering along the American coast. They frequently intruded into
American waters, and were a great vexation and annoyance to navigators and mer-
chants. They were regarded as legalized plunderers employed by a strong nation to
despoil a weaker one.^ Every American vessel was liable, on leaving poit, to he ar-
rested and scizeil by this marine police, sometimes under the most untenable pretexts,
and sent to Engl;ind as a prize. The experience of the Zean(?er, already mentioned
(see page 147), was the experience of hundreds of vessels, excepting the murder of
their commanders; and, as we have seen, remonstrances and negotiations were of no
avail. A crisis was at length reached in the summer of 1807.
"The trade from America to the colonies of nil nations remains unaltered by the present orders. America may ex-
port the produce of her own country, but that of no other, directly to Sweden.
"With the above exception, all articles, whether of domestic or colonial produce, exported by America to Europ«,
must be landed in this country [England], from whence it is intended to permit their re-exportation under such regula-
tions as may hereafter be determined.
"By these regulations It is understood that duties are to be imposed on all articles so re-exported ; but it is intimated
that an exception will be nr.ade in favor of such as are the produce of the United States, that of cotton excepted.
"Any vessel the carijo whereof shall be accompanied with certificates of French coiisuls abroad of its origin, shall,
together with the cargo, be liable to seizure and confiscation.
" Proper care shall be taken tfiAt the operation of the orders shall not commence nntil time Is aflforded for their behig
Itnown to the parties interested."— See Inqvin/, etc., page IB.
When Introducing this analysis of the orders of the llth of November, Mr. Baring remarks that "they are so mncli
enveloped In official Jargon as to be hardly Intelligible out of Doctors' Commons, and not perfectly so there." In a note
he says, " I beg to disclaim any intention to expound the titnal text ; it seems purposely intended that no person should
profane It with his comprehension withou'; paying two guineas for an opinion, with an additional benefit of bemg able
to obtain one directly opposed to it for two more."
> "These measures," said the fourth article of the Milan Decree, "which are resorted to only in Just retaliation of the
barbarous system adopted by England, which assimilates in its legislation to that of Algierti, shall cease to have any
effect with respect to all nations who shall have the firmness to compel the English government to respect their flaj,'.' i
It declared that the provisions of the present decree should be null as soon as England should " abide again by the j
principles of the law of nations which regulate the relations of civilized states in a state of war." j
' Privateers with French commissions were guilty of depredations upon American commerc;, but the occasions were ]
rare.
RearKiulxBtlon of t
Notwithstai
creaning menai
tlio efficiency (
war with the 1
•■illy reduced, b
IH, and brig JJ
IV ar, were bean
In the spring
portance was cc
fion of gun-boa
these vessels. .
the war with Ti
(brded coninumt
States in 1 806, t
Imrs and rivers.
much ori;uilMtlan of the Naval H«rvlc«.
Th« "Qun-boat Policy."
DMarten from BrItUh Bhipt.
NotwithNtaiidiiip the m.iny doprodations upon American pommorco and the in-
cri'iising nii'inu't's oftlic l)olli}j;orc'iits in Kuropi-, vi-ry littlu had bocn done to iiicrcaso
the cfficioncy of the navy of the United StateH Hince its reduction at the cloBe of the
war witli the Harbary StateH. Tlie Hquadron in the Mediterranean had been gradu-
:jlly reduced, but several • mall veHHcls had been built. Two of thcNC, the Hliip Wasp,
IH, and briff Jloruet, 18, < niHtructed ailer Freiuih models, and ranking as sloops-of-
ttiir, were beautiful, stanch, and fast-sailing crafl.
In the spring of 1800 the naval service was reorganized,' yet nothing of great im-
portance was c()ntem|)latcd to increase its material strength excepting the construc-
tion of gun-boats.' The President had imbibed very strong jjiejudices in, favor of
these vessels. A flotilla of them, obtained from Naples, had been used eftectively in
the war with Tripoli in 1804, and they were favorites in the service because they al
t'oiJi'd commands for enterprising young officers. A lew were built in the United
States in 1805, their chief contemplated use being the defense and protection of har-
liors and rivers. Then was inaugurated the " gun-boat policy" of the government, so
imicli discussed for three or four years afterward.
Towanl the close of 1800 the President officially announced that the gun-boats (fifty
in number) "authorized by an act of the last session" wore so far advanced that they
might be put in commission the following season.^ Yet only in the Mediterranean
St'U was there a foreign station of the navy of the United States where an American
cruiser might be seen at the beginning of 1807, notwithstanding American merchant
vessels to the amount of 1,200,000 tons were afloat. Nor was there a home sipiadron
worthy of the name ; while British and Fren.^h cruisers were swarming on our coasts,
;iml Hritish orders and French decrees were wielding the besom of destruction against
imr conuncrce.
In the spring of 1807 a squadron of British ships of war, whose rcndczvons was
Lynnhaven Bay,'' just within Cape Henry, in Virginia, were watching some French
frigates wl^jcli had been for some time blockaded at Annapolis, in Maryland. One
of the British vessels was the Melampus, .38. Three of her men deserted, and enlisted
among the crew of the United States frigate Chesapeake, then being fitted for sea at
tlie navy yard at Washington to join the Mediterranean squadron. Mr. Erskine, the
British minister, who had been sent to Washington by Fox to supersede Merry, the
successor of Liston, made a formal request of the President for their surrender, but
without any warrant found in the laws of nations, or in any agreement between the
two governments. A proposition to deliver up British deserters had been made by
Monroe and Pinkney during the late negotiations, as an inducement for the British
to abandon the practice of impressment, but nothing on that point had been accom-
plished.
The United States government, willing to be just, and anxious for honorable peace,
j instituted inquiries concerning the deserters. They were actually enlisted for service
I By an act of Congress in April, 1800, the President was anthrrlzcil to employ as many of the pnbllc vessels as he
I misht deem necessary, bnt llmitiug the number of offlcers and scnmen. The list of captains was increased by the act to
Airteen, that of the masters and commanders to nine, and that of the lieutenants to seventy-two. In consequence of
I Mils and resignations there were many promotions, and sixty-nine midshipmen were raised to the rank of lieutenant.
The names of the captains under the new law were as follows : Samuel Nicholson, Alexander Murray, Samuel Barron,
I John Hodgers, Edward Preble, James Barron, William Balnbridge, Hugh Q. Campbell, Stephen Dccatnr, Thomas Tin-
I »*, Charles Stewart, Isaac Hull, John Shaw, and Isaac Chauncey. Of these Commodore Stewart is now (IStiT) the only
I ,m'ivor.
The names of the masters and commanders were as follows: John Smith, George Cox, John H. Dent, Thomas Bobin-
I Kn, David Porter, John Carson, Samuel Evans, and Charles Gordon. Not one survives.
' The act of Congress for " fortifying the Ports and Harbors of the United States and for building Gnn'boats" was ap-
I proved on the 21st of April, ISftfl. It provided for the con.itrnction of fifty gnn-boats.
' Annual message, December 2, 1800.— See Statfsmati'it Manual, I., 282.
' Hero the Frenqh fleet under the Count de Grasse lay early In September, 1T81, when the English fleet nnfier Admiral
I liraves appeared off' Cape Charles, entering the Chesapeake Bay. The French prepared for conflict, and pn t to sea. The
I British bore down upon them, and on the afternoon of the 6th of September a partial action took place. 1.''he two fleets
litre within sight of each other for Ave consecutive days, but hud no other engagement. For an account of these eventa
I ud a diagram, see Lossing's Field-book of the Revolution, 11., 300, latest edition.
'.Jf ..-«
156
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
l\
IM
ti!!!
I.V.NMIAVKS ItAV.
The Deserers Amerkan Citizens. '''huirSurrcudcr refused. The Chesapeake wutched by a BritisU Squadron
Oil board the Chem-
peake ; but it Avas es-
tablished by conipo-
teiit testimony tliat
one was a native of
the Eastern Shore of
Maryland, that anoth-
er was a colored man
and a native of Mas-
saehusetts, and in tlic
ease of the third there
was strong cireuni-
stautial evidence of
liis being a native-
born citizen of Mary-
land.i Under tliese
circumstances, as tlie
claims of British citi-
zenship could not 1)0
established, and as the
government was not
disposed to surrender any seamen who claimed its protection, a refusal in respectful
terms was communicated to Mr. Erskine. No more was said upon the subject ; but
it appears to have stimulated Vice-Admiral Berkeley, on the Halifax station, under
whose command Avas the squadron inLyimhaven Bay, to the assumption of authoritv
which led to much trouble.
At about the beginning of June the Chesapeake sailed from Washington to Nor-
folk, and on the 10th she was reported to Commodore James liarron, the ajyjiointed
flag-officer of the Mediterranean squadron, as ready for sea. She dropped down tn
Hampton Poads, and on the morning of the _'2d of June — a bright, beautiful, hot
morning — at about eight o'clock, she weighed anchor, under the command of Captain
(lordon, and bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Barron. She was armed with
twenty-eight 18-pounders on her gun-deck, and twelve carronades'^ above, makiiift a
total of forty guns. She Avas a vessel of ordinary character, and bore a ciew luiin-
berinf three hundred and seventy-iivc.
•June, ^» tl>o evening of the 21st,* the British squadron in Lynnhaveu Ray.
1S07. <;Iiiirged with the double duty, it seems, of watching the French frigates
and the Chesapeake, consisted of the Bellona, 74; the Melanipiis, .38; the LeopanJ,
30 ; and another wliose name was not mentioned. T\\g Leopard, Captain Humphreys,
was charged with the duty of intercepting the Cuesapeake. She was a small two-
decker, and is said to have mounted fifly-six guns. She preceded the Chesapeake tu
sea several miles, her sails bent by a gentle northwest breeze.
The Leopard kei)t in sight of the Chesapeake until three o'clock in the afternoon,
when the former bore down upon the latter and hailed, informing Commodore Barron
that she had a dispatch for him. The Chesapeake responded by lying-to, when some
of her officers discovered that the I^eopard^s ports Avere triced up — an evidence of
belligerent intent — but they did not mention the fact to Captain Gordon or the com-
' The nftmen of the deserters were William Ware, who had heen pressed from an American vessel (m hoard the \U-
tampug In the Bay of Biscay ; Daniel Martin, colored, pressed at the same time and place ; and .Tohn Strachan, prcfscil
on board the same vessel fi-om an EnjiHsh Onineaman off '.'ape Finlsterre. Ware and Strachan had protections, bin
Mariin had lost his.— See Commodore Barron's Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, dated April 2, 1S07. It Is proper lii
Htatc that Mr. Hamilton, the British consul at Norfolk, made repeated ofllcial demands for these three seamen and an-
other, and was as often rcfiiscd by the oftlcera of the Chrmpeake, acting nndcr sovernnient orders.
3 A carronade is a short piece of ordnance, having a large calibre, and a chamber for the powder like a mortar. It itc-
riveB its uame f^om CBtron, In Scotland, where it was first made.— Ifoftnter.
The Chempeakt boardad
modore. A Briti
received by Barrc
he was in search
the authority of
Berkeley. Those
tall in with the
orders, and " to pi
commander of tin
search for deserte
nations on terms
from Captain Hun
re.'specting the de
sistiiig between tli
Barron was just
tions of Berkeley.
to the British nav
practice had been ;
and twice alreadj
miisers and denou
the kind had cause
manders of nationa
own officers. He
of no deserters on 1
not to enlist Britis
iie mustered except
While the lieute
peake, suspicious 01
She had left port a
countering an enei
I'ither in the tirillii
and lumbered by vi
When the lieutei
stration miglit foil
silently called to qi
received a trumpet
aware that the ordt
ilid not understand.
from the Leopard a
liy another, and as q
iii'Ipless friga1;e.
and when one broat
a small quantity wa
a shot could be roti
lance, and in smootl
ins; three men and 1
standing in the jraii^
liwiuently expresset
' VIce-Admlral EcrUclovV
ilie Itriiish Navy, had doert
"mke, and had openly paia
!li«' magistrates of the town i
uflhc ships to which they bi
' See the account of ontra
loat overhauled by one of
made for the formiir outrage
OF THE WAli OF 1812.
157
The Chfsapeake boarded.
The Demand for the Deserters refused.
The Leopard flres into the Cheeapeake.
modore. A British boat came alongside, and the lieutonant in command was politely
received by Barron in tlie cabin of the Chesapaake. He informed the commodore that
he was in search of deserters, and, giving their names, he demanded their release, on
the authority of instructions issued at Halifax on the 1st of June by Vice-Admiral
Berkeley. Those instructions directed all captains under his command, should tliey
fall in with the Chesapeake out of the waters of the United States, to show their
orders, and " to proceed and searcli" for sucli deserters ; at the same time, should the
commander of the Chesapeake make a similar demand, tliey were to allow liim to
search for deserters from the American service, " according to the usages of civilized
nations on terms of peace and amity with each other,'" He also presented a note
from Captain Humphreys of the Zeo/jor^?, expressing a liope that every circumstance
respecting the deserters might "be adjusted in a manner that the harmony sub-
sisting between the two countries niiglit remain undisturbed,"
Barron was justly astonished at the impertinence of Humphreys and the assump-
tions of Berkeley, The " customs and usages" referred to by the latter were confined
to the British navy, and were subjects for complaint by " civilized nations." The
practice had been advocated only in the British Parliament and by the British press ;
and twice already the "usage" had been applied to American vessels by British
cruisers and denounced as outrageous.^ Barron knew well that the first outrage of
the kind had caused the issuing of a standing order from his government to the com-
manders of national vessels never to allow their crews to be mustered except by their
own officers. He tlierefore made a short I'eply to Humphreys, telling him he knew
of no deserters on board tlie Chesapeake, that he had instructed his recruiting ofliccrs
not to enlist British deserters, and explicitly assuring him that his crew should not
be mustered except by their own officers.
While the lieutenant was Avaiting for Barron's answer, the officers of the Chesa-
peake, suspicious of some mischief brewing, were busy in clearing the ship for action.
She had left port all unprepared for conflict. Without the least expectation of en-
countering an enemy, she had gone to sea without preparation for hostile service,
cither in the drilling of her men or in perfecting her equipments. She was littered
and lumbered by various objects, and her crew had been mustered only three times.
When the lieutenant left, Barron seems to have imagined that some hostile demoYi-
stration might follow liis refusal to allow a search for deserters. His men were
silently called to quarters, and the ship was regularly prepared for action. He soon
received a trumpet message from Humphreys, saying, •' C-onmiodore Barron must be
anare that the orders of the vice-admiral must be obeyed." Barron replied that he
did not understand. The hail was several times repeated, and then a shot was sent
from the Xeo/iflJY? athwart the bows of the Chesapeake. This was speedily followed
by another, and as quickly the remainder of the broadside was poured into the almost
iielpless frigate. Owing to obstructions it was difficult to get her batteries ready ;
and when one broadside was ready for action there was no priming-powder. When
a small quantity was brought, there Avere no matches, locks, nor loggerheads, and not
a shot could be returned. IMeanwhile the Leojmrd, at not more than ])istol-shot dis-
tance, and in smooth water, poured several broadsides upon the imresisting ship, kill-
ins; three men and wounding eighteen, Barron and his aid (Mr. Broome), who were
>tanding in the gangway Avatching the assailant, Avere slightly hurt. The commodore
fre(iuently expressed a desire that one gun, at least, might be fired before he should
' Vlco-Admlral Eerkclcy's rirculnr order recited that many peamcn, Buh.lectn of ht« Britannic majeaty, and serving in
ihe liritisliNavy, hud dcertcd from several British ships, which he named, and had enlisted on hoard the frigate Ches-
I'pniAT, and had openly paraded the BtreetH of Norfollt, in slfjht of their ofllrers, nnder the American colors, protected by
;h(> magistrates of the town and the recniltinc oflicer, who refused to give tliem up, either on demand of the commanders
lit the ships to which they belonged or on that of the British consnl.
' See the account of outrage in case of the llallinwre, <^:aptalii Phillips, on page 102, and that of the American gun-
Iwat overhauled by one of Admiral Colllngwood's vessels in the Mediterranean, note 2, page 140. An apology was
made for the former outrage, but the latter was passed by.
■:«
(. . 1
mm
^1
1!^^
158
PICTOKIAL FIELD-BOOK
! I
m
w
\>
i
: !
i
Surrenclcr of the Cltenapeake.
The Deserters carried away.
JThe Outrage retented.
strike liis flng, for he perceived tlmt a surrender would be necessary to save the ship
from utter destruction. He was gratified. Just as tlie colors in their descent touched
the tailrail, Lieutenant Allen, who had made ineffectual attempts to use a logirerhead,'
ran with a live coal between his lingers and touched off" one of the guus of the second
division of the ship, of whidi he was commander.
The Leopard liad kept up her cannoiuide, witliout any response, for about twelve
iijinutes. Twenty-one of her round shot had hulled the Chesapeake, and her grajjc
had made considerable havoc with the victim's sails and rigging. When the Amer-
ican ensign was lowered, two Kritish lieutenants and several midshipmen went on
board, mustered the crew, arrested the three deserters from the Melampus, dragged
from his concealment in the coal-hole the fourth, named John Wilson, who had desert-
ed from the IJalifax, and bore them all away to the Leopard. Barron, meainvliile.
had informed Humphreys by note''* that tlie Chesapeake was his prize; but that com-
mander refused to receive her, saying, " My instructions have been obeyed, and I de-
sire nothing more." Tie then expressed regret because of the loss of life, and offered
any assistance the crippled ship might recpiirc. His proffered sympathies and aid
were indignantly rejected ; and the Chesapeake, with mortified officers and crew,
made her way sullenly back to Norfolk.
The unfortunate deserters were taken to Halifax, tried by a court-martial, and sen-
tenced to be hung. The three Americans were repiievcd on condition that thev
should re-enter tlie British service, but Wilson, the English subject, was hanged.
When Canning, tlie British JMinister for Foreign Affairs, heard of the outrage, lie
ex[)ressly disavowed the act in behalf of his government, and informed Monroe and
Pinkney tliat orders had been sent out for the recall of Berkeley from his command,
Humphreys also suffered tlu; dis})leasure of his government because he had exceeded
his instructions, and he was never again employed in service afloat. One of the
Americans remanded to slavery in the liritish navy died in captivity; the others,
•June 13, after five years of hard service, were restored" to the deck of the ship from
1812. which they had been taken. Provision was also made for the families of
the slain.
Tlie attack on the Chesapeake created the most intense excitement and indignation
tlu'oughout the United States, and for a time all local politics were forgotten, and all
parties, Federalists and Democrats, natives and foreigners, were united in a firm re-
solve that Great Britain sliould make reparation for the Avrong, or bo made to feel
the indignation of the insulted republic in the power of war. Public meetings were
held in all the ]nincipal cities from Boston to Norfolk,^ in Avhich the feelings of the
people were vehemently ex])ressed. " It is an act of such consummate violence and
wrong," said the citizens of Philadelphia,' "and of so barbarous and murderous char-
acter, that it would debase and degrade any nation, and much more so a nation of
freemen, to submit to it." Such were the sentiments every where expressed, and there
' A logfrerhend is a spherical mass of iron heatcfl and uspcI in place of a match in firing cannon in the navy.
s Barron's dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy, June '.'il, I'^OT ; Cooper's .Vnidl llintor;/ of the Uniteil Slates, ii., 91-114:
IliUlrcth'e Hintorti of the United ,Slate», Second Series, ii., 07s ; Perlsins's llintory of the Late War, papc 22.
5 On the return of the Chrmpeake to Norfollt a ])ul)lic meetlnp was held there, when it was resolved that no inter-
course of any kind »hiiuld he held witli the ISrltish squadron in the vicinity nnlll the pleasure of the President should
be known, t'aptnin Doujjias, the commander of the squadron, made some insolent threat*, when t'ahell, Governor of
Virginia, ordered detachments of militia to Norfolk and Hampton. Pou(;Ias, flndinc; his threats to be working misctiief
for himself, became as obsei)uious as he was l)ef()re insolent, and withdrew from a menacing position in Hampton Road?
to Lynnhaven Bay. Decatnr, then in command of the Amcricon naval force at Norfolk, was ordered not to molest him
while he remained there. Home rather spicy correspondence with Erskine, tlie British minister, ensned, in the coarre
of which he asked indemnification for some water-casks belonging to the British fleet destroyed by the Indignant peo-
ple of Hampton after the return of the i Imapeake I In a letter to the Secretary of State from Montlrello, conccrninL-
this demand under such eircumstauees, President Jefferson wrote : " It will be very diftlcnit to answer Mr. Erskinc's de-
mand respecting the water-casks in a tone proper for snch a demand. I have heard of one who, having broken his nw
over the head of another, demanded payment for his cane. This demand might well enough hove made part of nn offer
to pay the damages done to the Chempeake, and to deliver up the anihora of the murders committed ou board her."
* Jnly 1, IHOT. The secretary of the meeting, who drafted the resolutions, was Joseph IIopkinsoD, Eeq., a leading Fed-
cr.illst, and author of Wiii7, Columbia t
British Vessels ordcrec
75-.
. U
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
160
British Veseclg ordered to leave American Waters.
Harbors to be defcudcd.
Punlehment of Barron.
was a {jeiieral desire for an immediate declaration of war against Great Britain to re-
dress all wrongs and grievances. ]{ut the President and his Cabinet, averse to war,
preferred a pacific course, and determined to allow Great Britain an opportunity for
a disavowal of the act, and to make reparation of the wrong. The former, as we have
observed, Avas promptly done by Mr. Canning ; the latter, embarrassed by intricate
negotiations, was accomplished more l.irdily.
In response and submission to the popular will, the President issued a proclamation
on the 2ritisli
cruisers, expressed his belief that the present outrage was unauthorized, and ordered
all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the United States immediately. As
his government possessed no power to compel compliance Avith this order, he directed
that, in case of their refusal to leave, all intercourse with them, their otticers and
crews, should be at once suspended. He forbade all persons affording such vessels
iiid of any kind, unless in the case of a ship in distress or charged with public dis-
patches. I'rejjarations for defense were also made. IMpst of the gun-boats in com-
mission were ordered to New York, Charleston, and New Orleans; military stores
were purchased ; one hundred thousand militia wore ordered to be detached by the
different states, but without pay, and volunteers were invited to enroll themselves.
Commodore Barron was made to
feel the nation's indignation most se-
verely. He was accused of neglect
of duty, and was tried by a court-
martial on specific charges of that
nature. The navy, government, and
nation appear to have predeterm-
ined his guilt. The Avotuided na-
tional ])ride needed a palliative, and
it was found in the supposed de-
limpieucies of the unfortunate com-
modore. He was found guilty, and
sentenced to five years' suspension
from the service, witJiout pay or
emoluments.* Captain Gordon was
tried on the same charge, but his of-
fense was so slight that he was only
privately reprimandeil. Such also
was the fate of Captain Hall, of the
marines ; while the gunner, for neg-
lect in having priming-powder sufH-
cicnt, was cashiered.
It was the opinion of Mr. Cooper
tliat these officers were made the
' Jamca Barron was born in Virginia in 1T6S, and commenced his scrvlccfl In the nn\'y nnder his fntlirr, who was
"commnrtore of all the armed veasels of the Commmnvpalth of Virfrliiin" during the Kcvoliitlon and the I'onfed'Tatlon.
lie was cumnilHs'.oucd a lieutenant under Barry In IISS, and the following year was promoted to the highest grnde then
known to the navy, namely, captain. With, and pnbordliiate to his brother Samnel, he sailed to the Mediterranean that
renr, where he soon Hequlred fame for his skill In seamnnship. He was one of the best offlrcvs and disriplinariaiis in
Ihe navy. The afTair of the Chempeake and its effects njion nlmself cast ii shadow over his fntnre life. lie was restored
loofflciftl position, bnt, somewhat broken in spirit, he never afterward entered the service afloat. In lS2(t he and Ueca-
larhad a correspondence on the affair of tlic Clirmitcakr, which resulted in a duel, the particulars of which will he given
bprcafter. The duel was fought near Bladensburg, four miles from Washington City. Both were badly wounded. De-
fatur (lied ; Barron recovered after months of Intense suffering.
Barron held several Important commands in the service on shore, and at Ihe time of his death, on the 21st of April,
1S51, he was the senior ofllcer of the United States Navy, lie died at Norfolk, in Virginia, and was buried in St. Paul's
Chiirch-yard there, with military and civic honors, on the morning of the 23d of April. A fimeral sermon was preached
in the venerable nnd venerated church by Rev. William Jackson. It was a beautiful tribute to the worth of a brave and
illroqulted patrl"t.
^fwmt^^mam
i|
•
■nil]
160
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Keparation de-mande '. of JSugland.
Failure to obtniu It.
Iloynl Proclamation concemlDg British 8camcu,
scapc-j^oats of the government, where divided jjowcr is too often not only irrespons-
ible but inefficient. "It may well be cjuestioned," he says, "if any impartial person,
who coolly examines the snbject, will not arrive at the conclusion that the real de-
liiupients were never put on their trial." He then adveits to the fact that four
mouths had been consumed in fitting this single vessel for sea, under the innnediatc
eye of the government, at a time when there was pressing necessity for her service;
that she did not receive all her guns until a few days before she sailed ; that her
crew were coming on board until the last hour before her departure ; that hei- jieoplc
had been quartered only. three days before she put to sea, and that she was totally
unfitted for active service when she was ordered to leave port. " When it was ibund
that the nation had been disgraced," continues Mr. Cooper, " so unsound was the state
of lioj)ular feeling that the real delinquents were overlooked, while their victims be-
came objects of popular censure."'
The President's proclamation was followed by the dispatch of the armed schooner
Mevcnffc to England with instructions to the American ministers (Monroe and Pink-
ney) to demand reparation for insults and injuries in the case of the Chesaj)eakc^M\A
to suspend all other negotiations nntil it should be granted. Unfortunately for the
success of the special negotiations, these instructions also directed them, in addition
to a demand for an apology and' indemnity to the families of the killed, to insist, by
way of security for the future, that the visitation of American vessels in search of
British subjects should be totally relinquished. This was inadmissible. The Priiisli
government refused to treat upon any other subject than that of reparation. A dis-
avowal f)f the act had already been made, and every disposition to be just and friendly
had been shown. The ministry even placed their government in the position of an
injured party, inasmuch as the proclamation c.mauder might be-
long, that measures for redress might be employed.
Mr. Monroe formally objected to this proclamation, as shutting the door against all
future negotiations on the subject of impressments.' Canning replied that it was
" October IT.
Special Envoy to the I
1 Cooper'fl Kaval lUatmni nf the United StalfJt, il., 110. ' See page 151.
' .luiiicK Monroe was horn In Westmoreland County, In VIrglnIn, on the 2d of April, ITBO. Ills vonth wap epciit nmonp
polittrnl excitements when the old war for independence was kindling. lie left the College of William and Mary for
the cnnip, and enrolled himself a soldier for freedom. lie was severely wounded in the van of battle at Trenton, mid
was promoted to captain. In other battles be was conspicuous for bravery ; and after that of Monmouth he left the array,
aud commenced the study of law with Mr. Jefferson. When Arnold and Cornwallis Invaded Virginia In IW, he again
took np arms as a volunteer. lie was elected a member of the Virginia Legislature in 1782. He was promoted tollif
Executive Council, and at the age of twenty-live was elected to u scat In the Nationol Congress. lie remained iu iiublic
II
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
161
Special Envoy to the United States.
IIU MUsion frultleea.
Critical Sltnatlon.
only a declaration
of existing law, and
necessary for the in-
tbrmation of British
commanders who
might be placed in a
situation similar to
that of Captain Ilum-
jilireys, of the Leop-
ard.
It Avas evident to
both parties tliat the
topic of that outrage
0011 Id not be satis-
tiictorily treated in
London, because the
American ministers
oouM not se]iarate it
tViini that of impress-
ment. The British
u'overnment re-
solved therefor
to send a sp>'cial
minister to Washing-
ton, provided with
instructions to bring
the unhappy dispute
to an honorable con-
clusion. II. G. liose,
a son of one of the
ministers, was ap-
pointed for the deli-
cate duty, and ar-
rived "" Anna}»olis in
January, 1808. His
mission was fruit-
less. He was instruct-
ed not to treat of the
attair of the Chesa-
peake while the re-
cent proclamation of
the President was in
force, nor to connect
^^_^ thesubjectwith
^^L^ that of impress-
ments from pri-
vate vessels. As the proclamation had reference to the conduct of British armed
vessels in American Avaters from the beginning of the current European war, the
President refused to withdraw the document, and Rose returned in the same vessel
that bore him to our shores. Meanwhile Monroe had returned home, leaving Pinkney
resident minister in London. All hopes of settling existing difficulties with England
were at an end, and from the beginning of 1808 the political relations between the
two governments foreboded inevitable hostilities at no distant day.
Tlie critical condition of foreign relations induced the President to call the Tenth
Congress together as early as the 25th of October. The administration ])arty had an
nverwhelming majority in that body, and was daily increasing in strength through-
nut the country. The confidence of the Democrats in Jeft'erson's wisdom, sagacity,
and patriotism was nnboumled. In the United States Senate there were only six
Federalists, and one of them, John Quincy Adams, soon left their ranks and joined
those of the dominant party.' A new Democratic member appeared at about the
same time, and began a career as a national legislator which forms a wonderful chap-
ter in the history of the government. It was Henry Clay,- who had been ai)])ointed
to till, for a single session, the seat made vacant by the resignation of General John
lifc.f J(l, with Patrick Ilcury and others of his state, he opposed the ratification of tlic National Constitntion. He was
i line of the flrst United States senators from Virginia under it. lie was sent to France as embassador in lT!i4, and was
recalled by Washington In 1780. In liflS Ik' was elected Governor of Virginia, and three years afterward Mr. .Tcfferson
fent lilin to Paris to assist in nenrgo CBtabllslicd.
Adair, then under a cloud because ot'his recent participation with Aaron Burr in his
schemes in tlic Valley of the Mi88issij)pi.
In the House of Representatives the Democratic party hud about the same avoiaitc
majority as in the Senate. Tiic opposition, even with the "Quids" — John Kandoijili
and his Vii'assed by a strictly party vote — ayes twenty-two, noes six. John Quincy Adams
thus signified his adherence to the dominant party by voting Atith tlieni. In tlu
House, which also sat with closed doors, the passage of the act was pressed with
equal zeal by the friends of the admhiistration, and was as warmly opposed by the
Federalists and "Quids." The bill was debated for three days in Committee oftlio
Whole, the sittings continuing far into each night. The bill Avas passed on Monday,
the 21st, at almost midnight, by a vote of eighty-two to forty-four, and became a law
by receiving the signature of the President on the following day. It prohibited all
vessels in the ports of the United States from sailing for any foreign port, except for-
eign shijjs in ballast, or with cargoes taken on board before notification of the act;
and coastwise vessels were required to give heavy bonds to land their cargoes hi the
' December 11.
December 18.
'' December 18.
' "The framers of onr Constitntlon," sulci the President, " certainly supposed they had guarded as well Uicir govern-
ment against destruction by treason, as their citizens against oppression nnder pretense of it ; and if these ends are not
attained, it is of importance to inciuiro by what means more effectual they !nay be secured."— Stafcxman's Maimal, I., '.W.
.Tcflerson, lilfe many other sagacious men, felt at that time that the Union had barely escaped dissolution from the in-
fan»)us machinations of Burr and his dupes.
5 Sec page V.'it. ' Special Message to Congress, December is, isni
» The President was charged with having recommended an embargo before receiving positive information of the Ber-
lin Decree and the Orders in Council. Ihts was a mistake. Of the former he had been informed for a weelc prevlDUsly ,
to his commnnicatioa to Congress on the subject by an ofiicial letter from Mr. Armstrong ; and on the morning of the i
dny on which the message was ni'nt in, the Nationnl IniMiqencer, of Washington City, contnlued a paragraph Ihim a
London paper of the 10th of November, announcing the Orders In Council "awaiting his majelity's signature." Private j
letters had also reached him, by which ho wiw satisfied that, by the combined action of the belligerents, the foreign com-
merce of the United States was utterly destroyed.
Eftctsof (he Eml)arg(
I'nited States,
of the orders an(
The Embargo
an cvj)eriment n
cotirse from all t
them to respect i
tossed objects we
neutral conimerc(
lint it accoinplis
their Continental
I hail upon France
at stake, and belie
iiifliet in both con
nnder the pressure
came prophetic.
Iiargn poh'cy be a
voked, and we lea
those iiations. .
cnce on another as
line of policy."!
Opposition to th(
topic was made a (•
iiiinciatory shot a^i
ilie ])co])l{' were st:
iirtioii. TJie Presid.
:iieeofthe United !
liatred by the Dcni«
liistory of six years
■il'jects.2 The Nev
1 ilio result of a comb
liiionwealths; and cv
I ill tlie service of the
[ traction, and real di>
'Irtiiiinant party that
[itw months later, the
Speech in Congress on the
Unthe course of debate on
ilienholeafTairasasIy, cumii
JTofettle that point," he sai(
iBfantotnke part with the' O
»i'lo the car of the imperial cf
"The commercial portion of
|mi;niithe2flthof,rannarv
lidil'Mnsdom and patriotism,
jilej supposed, as I do, that it
iwnor to pull down the power
■b.' the provinces of the 'empei
V'Kreatly regret the retalinti
Jnllyetbeurgedby theProsi,
ikonld have pursued our onii,,
Iraisers. This would have om-i
Nnlvmmtary spirit pervadin
t- ""''stance, we should be tr
I This remarkable letter, now b
F 'k. 8 cited to show, first, hov
Kl""'';f«''''<'l-V,howmncJ
f treat Britain. "While BHtn
f-pelled that servile spirit. '
OP TH^. WAR OF 1812.
103
EffcctmiftlK' Kinlmr(,'(>.
Prophecy nf Juninh Qiilucy.
Party Spirit violently iiroused.
ITnitt'cl States. Wliat little Hie was left in American commerce under the pressure
of the orders and decrees of the helligerents was utterly crushed out by this act.
The Embargo Act, universal in its ai)plication and unlimited in its .
bates upon these acts that the acrimony already noticed apjieared. Gardinicr, (if
New York, made the most sweeping charges of corruption, and affiliation Avitli the
"French usurper" against the majority in Congress. His violence and abuse clicitiMl
some personal attacks, and one of them so incensed him that he challenged his assail-
ant (Campbell) to mortal combat. They met at Bladensburg. Gardinier was slidt
through one side of his body, but, after weeks of suffering, lie recovered and came
back to Congress, not a whit subdued. Disputes ran liigli throughout the countiv,
and public speeches, newspapers, and pamphlets teemed with the most vehcnu'ut as-
saults upon the dominant party.^ Many men, dreading the liorrors of a Avar with
' Baring's Inqmrii, etc.
> Timothy Pirliering to James Sullivan, Governor of New Hampshire, February 10, ISOS.
' Among the few political pamphlets of that j)erio(l, now extant, is a rcmnrkalile one before me, entitled The IMm-
(to; or, Sketcheit nfthe Th>iei<: a Satire. It is a poem, and was written by Wii.i.iam Ciixen Huvant, then a lat' only nboni
thirteen years of age, who is still (1807) in active political life, and holds a front ranlc among the literary celcliritifs of
the age. In rhythm, vigor of thought, and force of expression, tliis production of his early years gave ample as«iiri\ii(.
of the fntnre distinction of the author as a poet and political writer.* But politics were seldom the theme for his mnse ]
after this early effusion of that nature.
In the preface he spolce of the "terrapin policy" of the administration— the policy designed 1)y the Embargo nf slim-
ting the nation up in its own Bholl, as it were, lilte the terrapin. His epigraph, from Pope's i'osai/ oti Satire, coulaliifd |
the Biguiflcant line,
" When private faith and public trust are sold."
He assailed the President and his supporters as vigorously as if his weaixm had been wielded by the hand of long ei- j
perience. Seriously believing that his country was in great peril, he wrote—
" Ill-fated clime I condemned to feel th' extremes
Of a weak ruler's philosopliic dreams ;
Driven headlong on to niin's fateful brink.
When will thy country feel, when will she think f "
Of the Elnbargo he wrote—
" Curse of our nation, source of countless woes,
Prom whoso dark womb unreckoned misery flows,
Th' Embargo rages, like a sweeping wind-
Fear lowers before, and Famine stalks behind."
Influenced by the common opinion of the opposition, he said to his countrymen—
" How foul a blot Columbia's glory stains !
How dark the scene! Infatuation reigns!
For Frencti intrigue, which wheedles to devour,
Threatens to fix us in Napoleon's power.
* In a notice of the second edition, with other poems, printed in 1809, tbc Mimthly Antliohmi for June of that yearr
"If the young l)ard has met with no assistance in the composition of this poem, lie certainly liids fair, siimild hecoDl
timie to cultivate his talent, to gain a respectable station on the Parnassian Mount, and to reflect credit on the literntirt
of his country."
\n Insulting Proposl
England, wliicl
(loin to the coi
menaced it, rati
l)iit patriotic si
States as of fiir
tlic most string
.March" the suj)f
At about the
0(1 an act,'' as ii
Sncden) to trad
ve.sscls engarred
and tulce out a I
wit!) as much ii
"Pay mo tributi
yoii." This was
iininent would n
cffieiciitiy resenti
weeks later," in tli
the Iialf-demented
('(1 to induce Ame
administration res
whicli a free peoj
ilie British ministi
ivahn.2
Evasions of the
tiie navigation of i
1111(1 more bitter do
Ihave cited the above as
politically opposed to .Toffcr
' This was essentially ,i tr\
Jroiiscd the American colon!
fommcrce was required by t
Mmely, cotton and tobacco
Hl,800, would be snl)jected
« To this would be ad
iioiislieads would be subject
riKS.OOfl. It was projiosed
The following is „ copy o
OeorgeR..Iu„r„cti„,-^l
'■;liermitting them (United States ant'
• Mnrcu 26
Sweden) to trade with France and her dependenciies, on the condition that
vessels engaged in such trade should first enter some Hritish port,/J«»/ a transit duty,
andtulce out a license!'^ In other words, the United States were told by England,
witli as much insolence and hauteur in fiict as the Dey of Algiers ever exhibited,
"Pay me tribute, and my cruisers (or corsairs) will be instructed not to plunder
vou." This was properly regarded as a flagrant insult — one which the IJritisli gov-
uinment would never have offered except to a nation siii)posed to be incapable of
tfticieiitly resenting it. When to this insult was added a positive injury, a few
weeks later," in the form of instructions issued by ministers, in the name of
tlic half-demented king, to the British naval commanders, ex])ressly intend-
ed to induce Americans engaged in commercial pursuits to violate the blockade, the
administration resolved to plant itself firmly u]ion that dignity and independence
which a free people ouglit always to assert. Those instructions, so disgraceful to
the British ministers, were severely condemned by every honest man in the British
reahn.2
Evasions of the Embargo continued, and another supplementary act, applying to
tlie navigation of rivers, lakes, and bays, increased its stringency, and awakened new
and more bitter denunciations of the measure. But the government was immovable.
Oh ne'er coiiPcnt, ol)sc(i\il(ins, to advniico
The willvKj vanml of iinporloua Krnnce !
Correct that snffrnne you niisuscrt before,
And lift your voice above a Congress roar.
Rise, then, Columbia 1 heed not France's wiles,
ITer bullyin}; mnndales, her seductive smiles ;
Seud home Napolccm's slave, and hy him say
Ko art can lure us, and no threats dismay ,
Determined yet to war with whom we will.
Choose our allies, or dare be neutral still."
I liave cited the above as nn example of the intensity of feeliuf; against the ad\ninIstratlon at that time among those
pcliticnlly opposed to .Tctrcrsou and his party— a feeling that made even boys politicians.
' Tills was essentially a tribute in the form of a ilutu, more odious in principle and application than the stamp tax that
iroiiJed the American colonists In 1766. The effect may be illustrated l)y showing the amountof tribute which American
commerce was required by the act to pay upon only two of the many articles spccitled, with the jiercentage of the tariff,
namely, cotton and tobacco. The amount on a cargo of cotton, at the then current prices, costing at New Orleans
^43,500, would be subjected to a tax in some English port, before it would be allowed to depart for a French port, of
JffiOfl. To this would be added about $2000 more on account of other charges. A cargo of tobacco of four hundred
hocsheads would be subjected to a tribute of about $13,000. The estimated annual tribute upon tobacco alone was
Ji.iir.S.OoO. It was i)roposed to tax a great variety of American productions in the same way.
" Tlie following Is a copy of the instructions :
"Oeorge R. : Instructions to the commanders of our ships of war and privateers. Given at our Court at Windsor, the
mil (lay of April, 1S0.S, in the 4Sth year of our reign :
"Our will and pleasure is that you do not interrupt any neutral vessel laden with lumber and provisions, and going to
.my of our colonies. Islands, or settlements In the West Indies or South America, to whomnnefer the. prirpertii may a])pear tn
yimy, and nolmlhstandint) utich vessel via;/ not have refliilar clcaranees and diieuments on board. And in case any vessel
^hall 1)0 met \vlth, and being on her due course to the alleged port of destination, an indorsement shall be made on one
I or more of the principal papers of such vesnel, specifying the destination alleged and the place where the vessel was so
risitert. And in case any vessel so laden hhall arrive and deliver her cargo at any of our colonies, islands, or settle-
[ mciits aforesaid, such vessel shall be permitted to receive her freight and to depart, cither in ballast or with any goods
that may lie legally exported In such vessel, .ind to proceed to any unblockaded port, notwithstanding the present hog-
lilities, or any ftitnre hostilities which may taVe place. And a passjmrtfnr such vessel may be granted by the governor, or
I tlhtr person having the chief civil cmnmand i\f s.ich colnny, island, nr settlement."
.4 British-bom writer of the day, after dcclai ng that this order war, n sufficient cause of war, sold, " What 1 one of the
I most potent monarchs in the world, rather than do justice to an unoffending nation, on which, for fourteen years, his
I ninisters had perpetrated the most flagrant outrages. Invites, and tempts, and affords facilities to Us citizens to violate
I Ihe laws of their couutry, and openly pursue the infamous trade of smuggling."— J/ot/iew Carey.
«' 5
M^
wmmm
I'i
* !
ii , . !
fii
lee
PICTOBIAL FIELD-UOOK
The Embargo douounced aa miicldnl.
DiiiiKerB of Natiunal Vuuity.
A notable Illn«trution
It was (leaf to tlic [iraycrs for a repeal made in petition after petition tlmt poured
into t'ongress, OHpccially from N(!W England. A propowition for repeal, and to allow
merchant vesBcls to arm and take caro of themHelvoH, was voted down l)y a large
majority; and the oidy glimpse of light was seen through an authorization given to
the President to suspend the Embargo Act, according to his discretion, in ease of
peace in Europe, or sueh changes in the jjolicy of the belligerents as might, in his
judgment, make the navigation of the seas safe to American vessels. It was in tin
debate on this proposition that Josiiili Quincy, Avho had then taken a place anioni^r
the acknowledged leaders of the Federal party, used the language already quoted on
page 163, He denounced the whole ]M)licy as fallacious and mischievous. "The
language of that policy i:i," he said, " ' Rescind your decrees ami your orders, or wo
will, in our wrath, abandon the ocean !' And suppose Great Britain, governed by
the spirit of mercantile calculation, should reply, 'If such be your mode of venge-
ance, indulge it to your heart's content ! It is the very thing we wish. You are our
commercial rivals, and, by driving you out of the market, we shall gain more than we
can lose by your retirement.' . . .
" It is to 1)0 feared," continued Mr. Quincy, " that, having grown giddy with good-
fortune, attributing the greatness of our prosperity to our own wisdom, rather than
to a course of events over which u c have had no influence, we are now entering that
school of adversity, the first blessings of which is to chastise our overweening cdiiceit
of ourselves. A nation mistakes its relative importance and consequence in tliinkini;
that its countenance, or its intercourse, tlniatcd the number of cotton factories bnilt and in coarse of erection at tliat lioii;,]
eastward of the Delaware River, at live hundred.
rrovialoos for strei
The measure was
passed by a vote (
I'll of $l,ooo,OOC
eoast and harbor
'liaseofanns, and
upon the goverrioi
liiindred thousand
ness to march at a
was also .-luthorize
, *200,OOO was place
\ .the whole body of
;ippropriated to pa
iniraent appropriat
Efforts were mac]
men already in the
on board the gun-h
ber" the President I
•'ight additional gu
liundred and fifty-gc
•The formation of new re
.iTifc'adler general. Amon
, '''ii'evoort,ofNewYork ai;
j-nViufleld Scott and Zae^':
I fr.'J^" ^''J^'^^'^S on the fol
framdrawmgspresentedtoi
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
167
I'ruvlaluns fur strenKthiliinu the Ann; and Navy.
Increase In the Nnmber ofOnn^boati.
CTIAI^ER IX.
" Let trnltonj, who foci uot tho patrloiv ftnmo,
Talk of ylcldlnij our honor to Enjjllshmcii'? sway;
No vnch blpmlnh xhiill Kiilly our coiiiitrj'H fair famv: •
We've uo cluliiiH to Kurieiidcr, nor tribute to puy.
Then, though foc« gather round,
We're ou Liberty's );round,
Both too wIhu tu be trapp'd, and too strong to bo bunnd."
SoNu— Kmuaiiuo AMU Peaob.
" Where are ycni from?" hold Rodgers cried,
Which made the llrltlch wonder:
Then with a (jun Ihey quick replied.
Which made a nolce like thunder.
Like lljjhlnlng we returned the joke.
Our matches were bo handy;
The Yankee bull-do^'n nol.ly npokc
The tune of Uoodlc Dandy."
SONO— RODOEBS ASD VlOTOIlY.
lA^JM^r'" RESIDENT JcffcrHoii's policy liad been to keep the army und navy
uf)()ii tlie clieuj)est footing compatible with a due regard to the
public good. It was now evident that these arms of the public
service must be materially strengthened, in order to secure the
national safety, and the I 'resident asked Congress to augment
the number and efficiency of the regular army. They did so.
'Die measure was opposed by the Federalists, but a bill to raise seven regiments*
passed by a vote of ninety-eight to sixteen. Other provisions for war followed. The
ini of 11,000,000 was placed at the disposal of the President for the erection of
coast and harbor defenses. Another sum of #300,000 Avas appropriated for the pur-
chase of arms, and $150,000 for saltpetre. The President was also authorized to call
upon the governors of the several states to form an army, iu the aggregate, of one
liuiulred thousantl militia, to be immediately organized, equipped, and " held hi readi-
iii'ss to march at a moment's warning" when called for by the Chief Magistrate. He
was also authorized to construct arsenals and armories at his discretion; the sum of
«'200,OOO was placed at his disposal for providing arms and military equipments for
.the whole body of the militia of the republic; and about a million of dollars were
appropriated to ])ay the first year's expenses of the seven new regiments. The gov-
cmnient appropriated altogether about $.5,000,000 for war purposes.'
Efforts were made to increase the efficiency of the navy by adding to the few sea-
men already in the service twelve hundred and seventy-two additional men, to put
on board the gun-boats then ompleted or in process of construction. In Decem-
ber' the President had been authorized to procure one hundred and eighty-
eight additional gunboats by purchase or construction, making, in all, two
hundred and fifty-seven.^ Mr. Jeflerson's idea appears to have been to liave these
' The formation of new reclments brought Into the service several men who became consplcnons in the War of 1812.
.\moug them was Wade IIani])tou, of South Carolina, who had been In the army of the Revolution, and was now made
1 brit'adlcr general. Among the colonels were Smythe and Parker, of Virginia, and Boyd, of Massachusetts. Peter
(iiisevoort, of New York, also of the Continental army, was made a brigadier. Zebulon Pike was promoted to major,
iD'l Wlufleld Scott and Zacbary Taylor both took ofHces in the army, the former as a captain, and the latter as a lien-
ifuant.
' The engraving on the following page shows the different forms of the gun-boats at that time. The group Is made
tram drawings presented to me when visiting the navy yard at Gosport, opposite Norfolk, In Virginia, in the spring of
• 1807.
^ !
• ■.«' I lllllil l l p l
■ I
ii^
l!ii||>^
168
I'lCTOKlAL ilKLU-UOOK
Otu-boMi ridleaUd.
Vluleot Ituitllltjp to • Mavr.
ItoMaillwi.
boats in readiness, properly (listributorl, but not netuiilly manned until necessity
should call for tluir beiiii; put into eoniuiissiou. This proposition excited iniicji
ridicule, not only among i»aval otlicers, but anionj^ the people at hirj^e.' Tlu' wlioli
gun-boat system was (IcouMced as " wasteful imitecility, called by the nanu- ofccnn.
omy," and JetVerson was pointed at as a dreaminit phili.so'her without a whit of mil
itaiy knowledge, as eviiuied when (Jovernor of Virginia iii 1781.^
Tlu re seeme In the political poem quoted from on page 104, the author thus alhules to Mr. Jefferson at that time :
" And thou, the scorn of every patriot name.
Thy country's ruin, and her councils' shame!
Poor, servile thing I derision of the brave I
Who erst from Tarleton lied to Carter's cave ;
Thou, who, when menaced by perfidious Oaul,
Didst prostrate to her wiiisliercd minion fall ;
And when our cash his empty bags supplied.
Did meanly strive the foul disgrace to bide.
Oo, \vretch, resign the Presidential chair.
Disclose thy secret measures, foul or fair ;
Go search with curious eye for horned frogs
'Mid the wild wastes of Louisiana bogs ;
Or where Ohio rolls his turbid stream,
Dig for huge bone.«, thy glory and thy theme."
.fanioii Hadiion elect(
OF THE WAR OK 1812.
160
juMtMaOwn alMMd PrMldmt.
ElTei't (if IlnrliiK'x Imiuiry.
UpiMMltlou to the nrllUh OrlMftte OWHMU.
(fnited StatiM, 4 t, IW.aiii, nt, 1 1, l'Xii\,\ :!•.>, and John A(lant«, 24, the latter vcuol hav-
iiiir Ik'CII ••lit down from n trij^iitc to ii Mloop of war.'
Tlu" <'ounlry w.-is now iijiitatnl ])y an upproachintj election for I*n'Hident nnd Vice-
I'rt'sident of the I'nited Staten, and for a time tiie political ealdnm neetlied violently.
Ivirly i" I^"^ 'I Demoeratie eaiienH of members of ("onifress nominated JaineH Madi-
Mill liir President, ami (Jeor^je Clinton for Vice-President of the repuhlie. Tliere was
ilicu a schism in the Democratic pai'ty, cansed hy the amhition i»f Iciiders. ,Mail-
i^dii, .Monroe, and Clinton were each candidates for the Chief Majjistrate's chair;
;iii(l the Fetleralists, pereeivini;, as they thonuht, some chance for success in the can-
vass, nominated C. ('. Pinckney, of (South Carolina, for I'resident, ami Kuliis Kins',
(if New York, for Vice-ProHideiit. The result was the election of Madison and
Clinton.
.Meanwhile events wore transpiring on both sides of the Atlantic, apparently tend-
inis to a jj;en(M'al aliandonment of the p >licy of the Orders, Decrees, and Kmharifo.
Tlie aide lin/iiir!/ of .Mr. Marini; concerninLi; the orders in Council, already cited, made
;i iMiwcrful impression u]tniifacfurers of Hull, .\fanchester, Liver-
midl, and London, were jiresi'Uted to the House of Lords on the 17lh and iilHt of
Miurli," while a bill aflirminu; the action of the Privy CoutK'il in the matter was
* 1809
iicMiliiiii;. Henry Hrounh;im, iin eminent barrister, was the advocate of the
|iditiiiners, and was heard with profound attention, on the (ith of April, in that body
,it' peers of the realm of which, a little more than twenty years afterward, he became
iidistiiiijuished member.- iMready, in t)ie month ofMiirch, resolutions moved aj^ainst
iln'iii by Lords Krskine, St. John, Holland, and Lauderdale, and a protest sif^ncd by
ilu' Karls of Lauderdale, Kintf, an IJiitisii
commerce, and by so much weakened the effect of the American Embargo on that
commerce. A repeal of the ordei's in Council as ihey related to Spain, and iilso to
Portugal, whose royal family had lately fled td Brazil and opened a vaMf <'oimliy
there, immediately followi d. On the receipt of intelligence concerning these facts,
])etitions from si'veial maritime towns in the United States were sent to the Presi-
dent, pi'aying for a su.-ipension of the Embargo Act as to Spain an.
under the present aspect of the case. lie could not see the impartiality of the Km-
' ArmsironR's Inptnictloop cntd, " 31: ,ra1d Bhc fPrnnrel set tho example nj ■•ovocntlon, Oreat Britain wonld 1)p obliged,
either liy follii\vlii>> it, to restore to Friinoc the ftill bi'iietif nf iiciitrni Irado which hIic neertH, or, by persevering inhfr
obnoxloua orders after llie pretext for them had cca^od, to i.ndor colliKitm with the I'nltpc'. States inevitable."
P nl::iey's In.'t'urtionH s.iid, "Should Ihe Krcneh vovcrnmnnt revr/ke no niiieh of itK deerncs as violate our nciitr.il
rtiihiK, or kIvc exptaii.ilion!" and nKHiriincCh huvinn the like effi'i t. and eiitltllnir it. therefore, to a rninnvfll of (he Em-
l!,irj{o as It applies' o Kr'iiire, It will be inipoMlblc to view « (K'r,"Overn"nre of Ovcat Britain In her retaliatory orders io ;
any other light than that of w:ir, without • vwn the pretext now assiim.'d l)y her."
tanning's offeoaiv.
-'" "Hill
I" the Eastern Sta
©F THE WAR OF 1812.
IVI
i.annlng's offenolve
Plukney'H Opinion of Ac Knbargo. Silence ofNapulcon. Oppui . c'd, and the administratiou that made the overtui'c, not a
little.
Mr. Pinkn».'y expressed his views strongly against a repeal of the Embargo Act in
I letter to Mr. Madist)n. "The spirit of monopoly," he saire from the Embargo than thcv
do, and if they will but hold out a while we m'>st .'ilvnulon it. It is true, the time will
come wlien we must abandon it. But if this is before the repeal of the orders in
Council, wc must abandon it only for a state of war. The day is not distant when
that will be preferable to a longer continuance of the Einbai-go. But we can .>e\('r
remove that, and let our vessels go out and be taken under these orders, Avithnut
making reprisals. Yet this is the very stat>' of things which these Federal monarcii-
ists are endeavorhig to bring about ; and in this it is but too possible they may suc-
ceed. But the fact is, if we have war with England, it will be solely produced by
these mana'uvres."2
An "Anglican party," a mere political myth in former years, was now a practiciil
reality.^
Another form of oj)positioii to the Embargo Avas a declaration of several eminent
lawj'ers of Massach\isetts t/iat it was unconstitutional ; and very soon the doctrine (if
the Virginia, nullifiers, as ])ut forth in the Kentiu'ky and Virginia resolutions ft,l!l2,n(10
Fi)ur Middle States B31,Tii(i,onO
Six Southern States and District of Columbia 60li,08',i,000
or for the New England States loss llian imo fnurtli of the whole amouut.
» JeO'erson to Dr. Mel), of l'hllndoli)hia,.Iiim- 2!t, ISdS.
' The following' clause in a resolution adojited at a public meetlus In Topsfleld, Massachusetts, on the l.lth nf .Iaii:i.
ary. I -.07, expressed the sentiments, r.ud illuwirated the actlims of a larjre class of Am 'vicaus at that time: "Thlsnswm.
blv cnn not refrain from exprcssinir Its cunviclloM that neither the himor nor the perninnent iutcrCHta of the ruiloil
States require that we "hould drive (4real Britain, If it were in our power, to the Kurreuder of those claims jrltrht (it
search, impress, and coiiliscatlonl so essential to her in the miirhty coulllct in which she is at present engnccd-a con-
f.lct interesting t'l humanity, to morals, to religion, and the last strnu'gle of liberty."
* A memorial from the town of Hath, in Maine, lo the Massachusetts Legislature, dated December 27, ISOS, contalnoil
the following resolution : "That li respectful address be forwarded in the name of the people of tlds town to the Lciii-
lature of this commuuwealtb, stating to them the wrongs and grievaucoj we alreaJy suffer, and the painful uiipielii'u
The dangerous Wei
1 798 agiiinst t
the P^inbai'go
conflict of j)ari
just ch.'irity, d
at lieart than i
the ]ie()]>le, ven
acy, feeling, as
.safety in tolera
The second f
bcr," and, at tin
oj)ened their b;
motions for a r
ilebafes ensued.
iiig tlie measure
])asscd by the ]
•/urn, the Carol]
sioii of tJie que).
commerce was t
conversation.
Tlie history of
at that time, bea
lime, form a vcr\
• if'ourliistory. C
j)iirely ])artisan ct
.siiocdily caiiserl v
The policy of tl
enforcing the PJni
such .opposition a
in State Legislatu
union sentiment.s,
of the longitude o"
j)ossil)le,i'fnot ine
Congress were dis
fioBs we experience of sp
laws; expressing to them
ihfia to take such other ii
comnierclal states, as thee
111 Oioucesler, M, .snclui
talk for counsel, protectloi
Tbc people of Boftou, In
Hire (ifour state, to whom
:'mt'riinient: that yoi.r po'
The opposition press mi
.Veiihiiryport which nmtai
-l/vtcb forth his hand and
''fut in botii houses tlierc was a decided majority in I'avor of sustain-
ing tiic measure, and these Avere sujjported by resolutions in favor of the Embargo
passed by the Legislatures of New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Yir-
cliiiiii, the C'aroiinas, and Georgia. Tlie wiiole country was agitated by the discus-
sion of the question, aiul in private and ])ublic assemblies the great incubus upon
commerce was the topic Avhich occupied all minds, and shaped the tenor of general
conversation.
The history of parties, their tactics and manoeuvres, their struggles and animosities
at that time, bearing as they do, more or less directly, ui)on tlie subject of this vol-
iniu', form a very interesting chapter in the chronicles of the nation for the student
of our history. Our plan and sjiaee do not admit of even an outline narrative of those
purely ])artisan conflicts, and we must jiass on to a rapid consideration of events which
speedily caused war between the United States and Great liritain.
The policy of the administration being fully sustained, more stringent measures for
enforcing the Embargo Avere adopted. The Enforcing Act, as it Avas called, caused
such :>pposition and exasperation in New England, that action among the p.eoitle and
in State Legislatures assumed the aspect of incipient rebellion. Then it Avas that dis-
union sentiments, just alluded to, Avere freely uttered in nearly all the region eastward
iif the longitude of tlie Hudson Kiver. 3[any Avise men began to regard civil war as
possible, if not inevitable. Some Aveak-kneed members of the administration ]iarty in
Congress Avere disturbed by the muttevings of the thunder indicating an approaching
fioDswc experience ofppeedlly having our calamity Increased by tlie addition of still more restrictive mid arlillrary
laws; cxpresshif; to them our apjirobatlon of the men'sures they have already adopted upon the Huliject, and renuectluf;
ihfiu to take piu-h other Immediate cteps for relieving the people, either by themselves alone or in concert with other
fommerclal etatcB, as the cxtraordiimry circumstances of our situation require."
In Giouce.iler, M.' snchusetts, a town mcethi!,' resolved, on the I'.'th of January, ISOO, " that to our state gotxrmnent we
IcKik for clfepf Wherefore does jihe niihnit to 'he nitineiuriiin nfoxemien in the Smith t Have wo no Moses who l8 Inspired by the
liiKlnfour fathers, and will Imil i(« nut »f Kpnjitt"
"This periietual KmharKO," said Kussi II, in the nonton CctUineU " bciu); nneonstltullonal, every man will perceive that
hi u imt Imund tn rrtmrri it, but may nend kin priilvce irr merrhandixe to afiircvjn inarkei in the navie manner an i/ the fwr-
mmmtt had never vnderlah'n to jyynhihil it. If the pe'ltions do not produce n relaxation > ir removal of the Embarijo, the
liodlilc mii?ht to immediately r.ssume a higher tone. The government of Massachusetts has also a dnty to perform. The
'l»l« Is '■'.ill mrereiijn ami indcitemlent."
The above pasBiiges have been cited to give nn Idea of the state of public feeling nnder the iiressnre of the Embargo.
Never had the pntrlollsm of the jieoplo greater temptations than at the gloomy per' .i; , f utter •Dmiucrdal staguatioD
[ otralnous lluciuallon h'om ISOS to ISlli, iuclusive of those years.
\rM
PICTOlilAL IIELD-BOOK
I ■! II
■ed Alteraathre.
Qnincy luhea the War Party.
Effects of hU Denunciations.
t< ^ aai^fcrtftfi purpose of pacifying the discontented people, the majority passed
Mtaet* ii^)pointing the hist Monday in May following as the tune for the
^^''- MdHiAfia^ of the new Congress, when a repeal of the Embargo woald
oe<>!)|iy, and w alti-mative nf war with (Ireat Britain be accejjted.
This postponement of the repeal and
the expressed intention of going to war
called forth from Quincy,^ the Federal
leader in the lower House, a most witii-
ering, denunciatory speech — a speech
that stung the dominant party to tlie
quick, and rankled like a thorn for a
long time. lie treated their assertion
that Avar would be the alternative (if re-
peal witli the most bitter scorn. He liad
heard enough of that " etenial clamor,"
he said, and, if he could help it, tlie old
women of the country shoiild no longer
be frightened by the unsubstantial bui;-
bear. He taunted them with cowardiec .
and declared his conviction that no in-
sult, however gross, that might be offer-
ed by France or Great J}ritain, could
force the majority into a declarati'Pii of
war. ' To use a coarse but 'common ex
prcssion," hi' said, "they could not be
i/' r < ^-TL c^e^-C^*^ j^.^j^^^i .^^^^^ ^ ^^,^^^„ jj^ ficeljircd that
— ^ (ill ihe o(Hc(MH for the iicw nrmy were
imrtisans of the administration. "II llic llililinmi IkhI been," he said, " to Kfiili (In
nation as one man against a foreign enemy, is nol IIiIk (he IiihI jioliey wliich any ad
ministration ought ever to have adopted? Is not a party army (he iiiuhI dreadful
and detestable of all engines, the most likely to awaken suspicions and to inspire div
content?" lie then sneered at the idea of going to war with Kngland — the great
maritime power of the world — with "but one frigate and five sloops in commission,"
while the administration had not " resolution enough to meet the expenses of the
paltry littla navy rotting in the Potomac !"
Quincy's lash stirred u]> a strong Avar feeling throughout the Democralic jiarty,
and stimulated the administration to more vigorous efforts for increasing the army
and navy. The Southern members, Avith Williams, of South Carolina, at their head,
1 .losinh Qnincy was born In Boston, Massnolineetts, on tlie 4th ofFebmnry, 1772. He was eilncated at Harvard Uni
versify, in Cambridge, wljerc ho was sraduated in 171)0. He entered upon the pracMce of the law ';i Boston. In InW he
was oicctcd to a teat in the National Congrps?, and held that position eight sncco^nidhurgt {son of Copley, the painter) were born ii. llu.'toii
on the same night, and the same physician attended both mothers.
Tiie writ"r visited him when he w.is In hi.'! ninetieth year, and had the pleasure and prortt of his conver. :ition con-
cerning past days; and when he spoke of having a distinct recollection oi being carried out of Boston by way oftho
British fortifications on the Neck In 1V76, anil undergoing a iinriflcatirm by sulphur vapor on account of sniall-pos in
the elty, I seemed lo be talking with a patriarch Indeed — n man wh((se metiK rw embraced the stirring events of nnich
of the two centuries. He W!i8 boni at the i>iiening nf the jnst rebellion of a ■_" ?"t people against real tyranny, andllveil
to speak patriotic words in condemn;'.tion of a most nnrighteoi^s rebellion of few demagogues agaiugt, a» one of their
nu;ul)cr had but recently said, " lue mosi; boueflceut governme on the face oi ilio earth."
Cotton supposed to I
vehemently opj
the shallowness
biitthatof eo«(
neutral inercliai
of Ills ire and as
zlcd by the inci
the King of Cor
or courtiers. "'
any tAvo others,
e.\portation alto
ions, and noAvhoi
sijin])tion of the
of Avar! All the
of ships, Avant of
from standing ai
teraptible coAvard
Yet, AvJien Jose
flip, a Aviser fore^
-ailing fi'igates foi
ind the support o
»as to be found f
and Williams decl
ti)r abandoning th
"ittoii-groAvers, he
U'hile urging the
forcing a ivider ni
HISS about the sel/
niitruthful and uiin
''.V iin' ipulous (i(
"'iiiit .nd cspeci
The outride pros
''•0 great for resist;
"iinter liling nica
i" iitrals, a IVon-inte
opened to all the av,
of war Avere equally
lienounced by tJie oj
It Avas declared to h
liates— an attempt i
for the benefit ofK-
lliis Gallic mask of dt
ivo.and the country
'""tinued. The win
licoanse its imaginati
belief soon came
the administration, ',
I tt'iidcd j)ui-j)oses, had
! i^ter resident at WasI
mmii>iits, an UIldreth'B Uuilory of the r:iii.xl ShUa, Sucond Seiiee, ill., 136.
iSfSSBSi-
ssmtBs^s
!
) i-
J
II
ill
176
PICTORIAL FJELD-BOOK
Mr. Erskine'a Proposition.
A Juat Arrnngemeiit.
General Satisfaction,
Disappearance of Party Strife,
<5^^*--«»
^^ (U^ ^^^ 4^*%^
•1809.
Mr. Erskinc had made hucIi reprofiontatioiis
to liis govonimont that Mr. Canning instniot-
cd liiiii to otter to |»roi)ose to tlie Anicricinis
a reciprocal /epeal of all the proliibitorv
laws upon certain conditions. But tliosf
conditions Avere so partial to England — re-
quiring the Americans to submit to the Av-
tested "rule of 1750," and to allow IJritisli
cruisers to capture all American vessels at-
tempting to trade with Fraiicc — that tlioy
were rejected. But an arrangement was
:il)eedily made, hy which, upon the orders in
Council being recalled, the I'resident shoiiM
issue a proclamation declaring a restoration
of commercial intercourse with Great Ihit-
ain, but leaving all restrictive laws ayaiiM
France in full force. Mr. Erskinc ottered.
in addition, reparation for the insult and in-
jury in the case of the Chesajteake, and alsn
assured the American government that Great
Britain would immediately send over an en-
voy extraordinary " invested with full jiow-
ers to conclude a treaty on all points of the relations between the two governments,"
This arrangement Svas completed on the 18th of Apr i'.'' On the followiiK.'
day the Secretary of State received a note from Mr. Erskinc, saying, "I am
authorized to declare ^' .it ins nuijesty's orders in Council of January and NovendxT.
1807, Avill have been withdrawn, as respects the United States, on the tenth day ^l'
June next." On the same day President Madison (only forty-four days after his in-
auguration) issued a proclamation'' declaring that trade Avith Great Britain
might be renewed after the tenth day of the following June.'
This proclamation was hailed »vith the greatest joy throughout the United States
as an omen of brighter days. The voice of partisan strife was hushed, and President
Madison was lauded as the representative of the whole American jjcople, and not dt
a i)arty only. He was toasted and ])raised by the Federalists, invited to their feasts.
and hailed as a Washingtonian worthy of all confidence. The foolish idea of" Freiitli
influence" was dispelled, and every body indulged in millennial anticipations, En-
gland was lauded for her generosity and magnanimity, and in the House of Bejin-
sentatives John Randolph offered the following resolution on the 2d of May : "/iV
so^yerf. That the promptitude and frankness with which the President of the United
States has met the overtures of the rjovernment of (Tivat IJritain toward a restoration
of harmony and freer commercial intercourse between the two nations meet the ap-
probation of this House." The warmest Federalists su|)ported the resolution, and a
contemporary says that the praise of the President by his former political enemies
was so universal that "the Democrats grew jealous. They were afraid of losing the
attachment of the President, whose election they had made such exertions to sccmT."
The joy of the Americans was brief. On the ;}lst of July Mr. Erskine coininmii-
cated to the President the mortifying fact that his government had refused to affirm
his arrangement. This refusal was made ostensibly because the minister had exceed-
' After the nsnal prcninblo citing the action lictween the frovernmont and "the Ilonorahle David Montniric Erfkine.
his majcsty'B envoy extraordinary," he said, "Now, t'lercforc, I, Inmes Miulison, President of the United Stntc.«. do
hereby proclaim, that the orders In Council afor 'said will li.ivc I)een withdrawn on the eald tenth day of Jinic iicsi;
nfier ivlilch day the trade of the I'nl'ed States with Great Britain, as cnspciidcd liy the act of Congress aiiovo nicntioDcJ.
an net laying an embargo on all ships n.id vc.'sels In the purts and liartxirs of the United States, and the several acts j
Biipplemciitary thereto, maybe renewed."
" April 19.
Krekluc's Arraogemer
ed ills instructit
cliiirged that th
jieHectly just t(
.States. To Ani^
mciit for tlie oiii
ilir advantages
Kiurse ()etw(!en 1
•lie disavowal of
'le llritish gove
ne of the letters
;iitIi, who liad ah
ilioreoent violent
hiiibai'go Act dec
immont M'ould bi
England's restrict
true rwison for tl
would interfere in
netioiial antagoni.s
Two yeai-s later it
iredited agent in :
|iosiii!iwve(le(] m. ErskiiK
illuityiu the unwarra
N'Deninark in early St
SocrelnrynobertSiimMir
Ifeitait 10 state that, while h
I «l.le of the Justice muluM
^efrom his nrliannlc majesty
i;:"""f'»"''°f'l'ismatt,
J M. Erskine was the eldest s
l-«:'lilorof(!oneral.IohnCadH
|'«.™ert Thomas Americs a
|«l »?»!». This win, died „
^™« Cnlrterwood Durham
filler's titles in 1S2.T n„ ' .,
l-aslicBcrvice. He w„« bhh
kZi'T™''"'-' ""■'"'''■-
III"! British govomment stro
Knf '""."">•'"■"'« con,,,,
rf, *"■.« "••"•"f-re sent a f„
Mate with the Danish gover
OF THE WAR OF 1812
17:
ErFklnt'''* Arrangemeiitii repudiated by his Oovcrnment. The Buppoaed Reasons. Party Rancor a^ain revived.
,.,1 IiiH instructions, and was not authorized to make any such arrangement. It was
(liinLtctl tliiit this was not the true reason, because the arrangement as made was
ncitictly just to Loth i)arties, and more I'lvonihle to P^ngland than to the United
>t;ittH. To America it ofl'ered simj)ly a rejieal of tlie orders in Council and atonc-
nit'iit for tlic outrage on the Chesapeake ; to England it ottered a restoration of all
ill, advantages of a vast and valuable commerce, and a continuance of non-inter-
iiiiso hetween the United States and France. The most plausible conjectures for
luMlisavowal of an arrangement so desirable were, iirst, that the inijdied censure of
IJritish government respecting the conduct of vVdmiral IJerkeley, contained in
n' of the letters of the Secretary of State to Jlr. Erskine,' so irritated the old mon-
;ireli, who had always hated the Americans, that he refused his assent; secondly, that
iho recent violent ])roceedings in New England in relation to the enforcement of the
Ijiibargo Act deceived the British ministry into the belief that the American gov-
tnmu'nt woidd be compelled by popular clamor to repeal the Embargo, and leave
Knglaiurs restrictive policy unimpaired. To the coinpiehension of the writer, the
line reason for the rtyection may be found in the fact that such an arrangenu'iit
woiilil interfere hi a deep-laid scheme to break uj) the American Union, by fomenting
H'l'tional antagonisms based chiefly ujjou the clashing of apparently diverse interests.
Two years later it was discovered that the British autliorities in Canada had an ac-
iivdited agent in Boston for that ]»ur])ose, the Jiritish government ignorantly sup-
liosinjj; the opposition of the Federalists to be real disloyalty.''^ Whatever may have
lirtii the true reason for the rejection, the historical fact renuiins that England s])iirn-
t.ltlio olive-branch so confidingly offered. The orders in Council stood uni'cpealed,
Mr. Erskine was recalled,^ and a proclamation of the President of the United States,
ibitc'J !)th of August, 1809, dechired the Non-intercourse Act to be again in full force
ill regard to Great Britain. The British government also issued orders to ])rotect
I'niiii cajiture such American vessels as had left the United States in consequence of
the President's proclamation of April preceding.
The blessings of the opj)osition, so freely showered upon the administration when
the blossoms of May and the leaves of June were unfolding, returned to their bosoms,
and at the season of the liarvest-moon curses flowed out as freely. It was charged
I that Madison and his Cabinet were acquainted Avith Caiming's instructions to Er-
skine ; that they knew the latter liad exceeded his instructions, and that there was
I III) expectation of the arrangement being continued by the British govermnent ; and
iliiit the whole affair was a pitiful trick of the administration to cast the odium of
intinued restrictions upon commerce from their own shoulders upon that of the
I jiritish ministry. The partisan Avar was soon revived in all its rancor.
Francis James Jackson, Avho had been the British minister at Copenhagen in 1807,
jiiaveded Mr. Erskine. lie was an unscrupulous diplomat, and, because of his com-
licity in the unAvarrantable attack by British land and naval forces upon the capital
liifDeiiinark in early September, 1807, he was knoAvn as " Copenhagen Jackson."* The
■ !i«crctnry Robert Smith, In n letter to Mr. Erpklnc on the 17th of April, sold, " I have it in express charge from the
Ihesideiit to state that, while he forbears to Insist on a farther punishment of the offending ofllcer, he Is not the less
Ikh'IIiIc of the Justice and utility of such an example, nor the less persuaded that It would best comport with wliat Is
J(i(rrom his Britannic majesty to his own honor."
• For an account of this matter, see Chapter XI. of this work.
' Mr. Erskine was the oldest son of the cel(0)rated Enplish orator and lord chancellor. In the year isoo he married the
|f!ii;hlcr nf (icncral .lohn Cadwalader, of I'hiladelphia, with whom he lived until ISM, when she died. Ills eldest son
ll- named Thomas Amerlcus, and Is still living', I believe, the successor to his father's title. In 1S4S Lord Erskine mar-
|trf a secretary who Is about arriving from \merica. Send by a courier extra- 1
ordinary n dispatch In cipher to make then\ understand that that government is not represented here ; that its miiiii'ter|
don't understand French— is a morose man, with whom one can not deal ; that all obstacles would be removed if we liajl
an envoy to talk with. Write in detail on the matter. Let me know what effect the letter from Altenburg has liailiil
the United States— what has been done, nn(. what is proposed. Write to America in snch manner that llie Prcfidraq
may know what a fool has been sent here. NArmtus." i
' Letter of PInkuey to the Secretory of State, February 28, 1810, In American State Paiycra.
Tlic Berlin and Mllai
1811, as that tli
ami if the otiici
voke or niodifv
Iaw8 should, at
iccting or refusi
Wlien this ac
addressed a noti
ill? that " the d
"t'tllC folio winrr
ill conscfpu-nce c
and renounce tin
or that the Unite
upcctcd by the I
sincere. Therefo
lie issued a procl
Kiviich decrees, a
of all commercial
same day tlie Sec
tonis to act in coi
Enj,di.sh war vessi
I'd of the followir
ceivcd by the Pre^
The United Stat
mint at M'hat seen
restri<'ti\-e acts, Boi
ves-sels and their c;
"hen notified that
viirorous protest,'' a
«mimorce Iiad suffc
iiiiirencrously resjio
the2;Sd of March, ]
ter French port.s, oi
tfred." Under this
crty were seized. ]]
2dofXovember wo
tlic contrary, the Fn
Prize.s'^ until Februa
■'^tatcn would enforce
;"«• At the same ti;
i|"iii government wit
'ion of former edicts
tlic Duke of Cadore (
G'cat Britain tool
«iiid her orders, on t
ilwrees had been resc
^n.v edict for this rev(
I'licit declaration, on
"^ «'t'll as a general oi
'oms' not to apply tl,
!('"tcring French ports
''w'aratioiis of the F
Joidd have been for (
Awees from the same
OF Tllli; WAR OF 1812.
179
The Berlin anil MIIbu Decrees rovuked.
The BrltiBh Orders In Council maintained.
1811, as that they Hhoiild cease to violate the neutral commerce of the Ignited States,
and if the otlicr iiatinn Hliouid not, witliin tiiree nioiitlis tliereaftiT, in Wkv manner re-
viiiic or modify its edicts, the provisions of the Xon-intercourse ami Non-importution
liiwH sliouhl, at tlie expiration of the three months, be revived agauist the nation iieg-
liH'tiiig or refusing to comply.
Wlicn tliis act Avas communicated to the Frencli government, M. de Cliampagny
ailihvssed a note to Minister Armstrong, ih'ited 5th of August, 1810, officially declar-
iim that "the decrees of Berlin and IMilan are revoked, and that after the first day
(]fthe following November they will ce.-ise to have effect; it being understood that,
in consequence of this declaration, the Englisli sliall revoke their ordi'rs in Council,
and renounce tlie new principles of blockade which they have wished to establish,
(iitliiit the United States, conformably to their law, will cause their rights to be re-
siKcti'l by the English." This was explicit, and the I'resident doubted not it was
sincere. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the act of the 1st of ^Fay,
he issued a proclainaiion on the 2d of November announcing thi>' revocation of the
FniH'h decrees, and declaring the discontinuance, on the j)art of tiie United States,
iif all commercial restrictions in relation to France and her dependencies. On the
same day the Secretary of the Treasury issued an order to all collectors of the cus-
toms to act in ci'iformity with the Prt. ident's proclamation, but to enforce against
Kniilish war ves ils, and against her commerce, the law of May* after the .Mayi,
•jd of the following February, unless, meanwhile, information should be re- ^*'^'>-
(cived by the President of the revocation of her ordei-s in Council.
The United States had been made to doubt Gallic faith. Professing to be indig-
iiimt at what seemed *to be partiality shown to England by the Americans in their
restrictive acts, Bonaparte had caused the seizure and confiscation of many American
vessels and their cargoes. Armstrong remonstrated from time to time, and finally,
when notified that a large number of these vessels Avere to be sold, he presented a
vi<'oious protest,'' and recapitulated the many aggressions which American
. . March 10
commerce had suftered from French cruisers. This just remonstrance Avas
imsencrously responded to by a decree, issued by the Emperor from Rambouillet on
the 23d of March, 1810, Avhich declared that " all American vessels Avhich should en-
ter French ports, or ports occui)ied by French trooi)s, should be seized and seques-
tered." Under this decree, many American vessels and millions of American ])rop-
erty were seized. But it Avas supposed that the proclamation of the President on the
2(1 of November would annul these hostile proceedings, and release the vessels. On
the contrary, the French government simply suspended the causes in the Council of
Prizes'^ until February, 1811, in order to ascertain Avhether the United
States would enforce the proclamation of November against Great Brit-
I iiin. At the same time the French government abstained from furnishing the Amer-
[ an government Avith formal official evidence of any decree relating to the revoca-
jtion of former edicts, and the Avhole matter rested upon the simple letter of
the Duke of Cadore (Champagny) to Mr. Armstrong.''
Great Britain took advantage of this fact, and resisted the application to re-
I soind her orders, on the ground that she was furnished with no evidence that the
Jilccrees had been rescinded, because the French government had never pronuilgated
laiiy edict for this revocation. But she had the evidence of the French minister's ex-
I Illicit declaration, on Avhich the action of the United States government Avas based,
lis well as a general order of the French government to the Director General of Cus-
jlonis' not to apply the Berlin and IMilan Decrees to American vessels
lentering Fri'ncli ports after the 1st of November, 1810. These official
iWarations of the French government Avere sufficient for the United States, and*
lAoidd have been for Great Britain, fi)r, if faith could not luue been placed in them,
ik'crees from the same source Avould have had little value. But France and England
' December 26.
'' August 5.
t (
II
I'i
II
mli
li!
180
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
EiiKlflud and Franco retwrr t>
iiiat.
Friendly Propoaltlon of the United Btstes unheeded.
were pliiyiiii? siicli u (leHi)eriite ^iniio, that tlicy not only right fully HUH|tePt»'(l oadi
otiior of diiplieity continually, luit dimhted the tiiiiccrity of the I'nited States, al-
though that government had never, in the smallest degree, broken its faith witli ci-
ther. EngliMid refuHed to reeall her orders in Council; IJonaparte refused to iiiuki
any indemnity for the seizureH under the Hayoiuie and IJamboiuUut Decrees, ami
American cominerco was left hi a state of the most i)ainful suspense.
Having exhausted all arguments in endeavoring to convince the British ministry
of the reality of the French revocation,' and to effect a recall . i'the orders, INfr. I'ink-
ney left England and returned home, satisfied that,wliile she could sustain herself in
the jiroseciition of the war, she would never yield an iota of her power to ojijiress the
weak. At this very time, spurned as they had been, the United States proceeded tn
open another door of reconciliation, by an act of Congress jiroviding that, in case at
any time "Great Britain should revoke or modify her edicts, as that they shall cease
to violate the neutral commerce of the United States, the President of the Uiiitiii
States sliould declare the fact by proclamation, and that the restrictions previously
imposed should, from the date of such proclamation, cease and be discontinued. "-
To this friendly proj)osition England was deaf. She would listen to no apjieals tu
her justice or her magnanimity. For long years she had been the aggressor and tin
oppressor, and yet she refused to heed the kindly voice of her best friend when it
pleaded for simple justice. At that very time she Mas exercising, by the might of
her navy, the most despotic sway upon the ocean, and committing incessant injiniis
upon a friendly poAver. She liad, at that time, impressed from the crews of iVnierican
merchant vessels, peaceably navigating the high seas, not less than six xiitu sand
MARINEUS who claimed to bo citizens of the United States, and M'ho were denied all
o])j)ortunity to verify their claims. She had seized and confiscated the conimorcial
property of American citizens to an incalculable amount. She had united in iIk
enormities of France in declaring a great proportion of the terraqueous globe •• ;i
state of blockade, efFectually chasing the American merchant from the ocean. >
had contemptuously disregarded the neutrality of the American territory, ami tin
jurisdiction of the American laM's within the Avaters and harbors of the United Statis.
She was enjoying the emoluments of a surreptitious trade, stained Avith every spccio
of fraud and corrruption, Avhieh gave to the belligerent poAvers the advantage of a
peace, Avhile the neutral poAvers Avere involved in tlie evils of Avar. She had, in short,
usurped and exercised on the Avater a tyranny similar to that Avhich her great antai;-
onist had usurped and exercised on the land. And, amid all these proofs of ambition
and avarice, she demanded that the victims of her usurpations and her violence should
revere her as the sole defender of the rights and liberties of mankind !^
At about the time Avheii Mr. Pinkney left England, Augustus J. Foster, Avlin liad
• Febnmryis, l>Pen Secretary to the British legation at Washington, Avas appointoil'
1811. envoy extraordinary to the United States, .charged Avith the settleniont
of the affair of the Chesapeake and other matters in dispute betAvccn the two gov-
ernments.'' He had just fairly entered upon the duties of his peaceful mission, Avhen
an event occurred that produced great complications and ill feelings.
1 The British ministry, in their refusal to rescind the orders, made a Btrong point of the fuel that one of the condition! i
in Champngny's letter was the renouucing by the English what were called the " new British principles of bidcknde,"
namely, the blockading of all commercial uufortitied towns, coasts, harbors, and months of rivers. Bonai)«rte clainicil
that it onght to be confined to fortified places. Great Britain would not relax an lota of her pretensions in this matter.
» Act of Congress, passed 2d of March, ISll.
3 See Dallas's Exposition of the Cannes and Character if the late War.
* In announcing this appointment, the British ministry assured Mr. Pinkney of the most pn' ' feelings of their gov- .
ernment toward that of his own, and that the delay In filllns; the place cause I liy the recall of ....iksou was not becmisel
of any indisposition to keep np friendly diplomatic relations, but from a desir.- to make a satisfactory appointment, awl J
also from late interruptions to ofllcial business owine to the mental disability of the king and the establishment ofsj
regency. The king had shown signs of insanity in 1"S«. and a Regency Bill was submitted to Parliament in l>rpmhcr|
of that year. The king recovered, and In February following it was withdrawn. In 1810 the physicians of the kincj
announced his confirmed Insanity, and on the 6th of February, ISll, his eon, the Prince of Wales, afterward George thej
Ontrage by s BrltUI
Since the In
American eoa^
.Vincrican vess
Vork;' and ca
ruiv, ( '.iptain I
and a young m
into the Britisli
resolved to seiii
of the coast tra
The I'l-eshkm
''I'.in'iig the broad
The commodore aa
PnsuknCs saiIinloop-of-war Argus, '>''"» "C'li* the President, the ,.;ig was seen, about five miles dis-
tant, sailing at the rate of ten miles an liour, witii the commodore's broad pennant
Hying, denoting that he was on board." Ilodgers was soon on the President'' s quar-
ter-deck. He had received orders" from his government to put to sea at once • jjny o
ill search of the offending British vessel, and on the 10th he weiglied anchor i^"-
Fnartti, wont before the Privy Council In great stute, nnd was sworn In as regent of the kingdom. lie held that office
antll the ilcnth of his father In 18'J(i, whtu he became king.
I liililrctli, Second Series', ill., 245.
» .Mlhouu'h the cea was nmnlng high, the captain of the Spitfire (the arrested brig) went with the young man on board
the frifjate, and ansured the conimander that he had known him from boyhood as a native of Maine. The Insolent reply
KiV, "All that may be so, but he has no protection, and that is enough for me."— .Vcip York lleraM, May 11, 1S11.
' The American navy then in active service consisted of the President, Cnnxtittitiim, and Uni'ed Stativ, 44 each ; the B«-
«, 3'2; Jiilin AdaniK,'24i Wan]' and Hornet, IS each; Arywi and Siren, 10 each; Xautilus, Entirjirinr, and Vixen, \2 each;
.10(1 a large flotilla of gun-boats, commanded principally by sailing-masters selected from the officers of merchant veg-
Kls.-Cooper, ii., lis.
' The present Fort or Battery Severn, composed of a circular base and hexagonal tower, Is upon the site of a f irt of
the same name, erected, with other fortifications, in 1770. It was then little more than a ,';ronp of breast- works. These
wre strengthened at the beginning of the war in 1R12. The present fort, seen In the picture, is r.ither a naval than a
military work, its principal use being for a practice-battery for the students in the Naval Academy there, and for the de-
fense of the naval arsenal, school, and ofllcers' quarters. That academy (which was removed to Newport, Rhode Island,
on the breaking out of the civil war in the spring of ISOl, and its buildings at Annapolis used for hospital purposes dur-
insthe conflict) was to the navy wliat the We.^t Point Academy l» to the army. The grounds ab(mt Fort Severn are very
bfaalifiil, and delight the eyes of all visitors. In addition to the Naval Monument there, already m.ntloned (page 124),
I «e others, both elegant and cipensive.
' The residence of Commodore Rodgers at Ilavre de Orace, at that time, was yet standing when I visited that town iu
I November, ISOl, It stood at neai- the juiicti(ni of W.ashlngton and St. .lohn Streets, and was occupied by William Pop-
I l«r. It was a two-story brick honse, siilislantially built, and well preserved, as seen in the engraving on the ue.\t
I [«ce. It will be referred to again. In an account of my visit to Ilavre de Orace above alluded to.
' Letter from an officer on board the PresideiU in the JVeio York Herald, June 3, ISll.
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
/y
f ^ .^A
%// \g
Is always downward) of the signal with which It is hoist-
MP^|&I$
r^i^
H1U.>AI.H.— MU. 1.
MOMAL-BOOK.
* These signal-books, when prepared for actual service at sen are cot-
ercd with canvas, containing a pinte of lead on each side sufficient to sink
them. This is for the purpose of destroying them, by throwing them
into the sea when a vessel Is compelled to strike her colors, to prevent
their falling Into tl.e bands of the enemy. The annexed picture of «
signal-book so covered and leaded Is IVom a drawing of one before m
which was used by Commodore Barney. It It about nine inches In length.
The lead is stitched Into the canvas cover. It was found among Barney'*
papers, which that Indefatigable antiquary ofPhlladolDhla, John A. M'AI-
ilslcr, secured from destruction, and deposited for safe keeping with the
collections of the Pennsylvania Historical Society. Those papers were
kimily placed at my disposal by Mr. M'Allister, and ttom them I gleaneil
much valuable material used In the preparation of a portion of this work.
A Chase by the Preside
Anxious to spea
and at three in 1
ed; the 2d duplicate re
2d, hoisted singly. Is A'o
uant, hoisted singly, is ,
Engraving No. 2 shows
ampli'8 of the use of the
in all of which the dupllc
used. By attention to th
explanations, the operat
be readily unlerstood. ',
section of the cngravin
represents the number 2
posito which. In the signt
ivill be found the wordt
commodore wishes to sci
The second section rep
Ilie number 2.329 — "c«
-p-ire a compass f " In th(
ihe 1st duplicate is used,
ing the number of the fli-»|
lierllag. In the third sec
represented number 6404-
HKJ.VAI.B.— .\
from the President, then ly-
iogin Hampton Roads, rec-
iimmending a change in
Ihe naval signals, several
.wrs having elapsed since
tlie system of day signals
then In use had been Intro-
tod. He thought It had
'■■'orae known to the Brit-
navy. In that letter,
< "Ted In the Depart-
, »• at Washington, he
OTt a drawing made in ac-
tordance with the proposed
"Mge. His suggestions
t '"'* adopted, and the sig-
I Mil delineated in the en-
I Wing No. 6, on the next
we. copied from Rodgers's I
I we those.. dcd during the M
I * "^,<"«">' change In the .
"'Iliesignal flags Is necessary
hfi^ons Thecodeofsignalg
rnlted States Navy Juet'pre,
Weolvll war was prepared b]
*™ consisting of commod
rand Lavalette, and Commi
ttodandStcedman. It was
««vyDep„rtmentInm
^''""^o'offieers tested ar
2»" "'Bht signals Invon
•«,I88I, they were adopted In
M^Uearmy. A new system of
r,r M„''""y''"'J»»vywas
L;„?.i^ '■*•'*'■'"" the chl
I "Mt of the army.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
183
A Chase by the Premdent.
Signaling.
A Chungp In Signals.
Anxious to speak with her, Rodgers gave chase. Tlie President gamed upon her,
and at three in the afternoon was so near that her hull was seen upon the horizon ;
edi the 2d duplicate reiieats the weond flag, and bo on. The first duplicate, hoisted singly, is anmnering pennant ; the
id hoisted singly, is No; the 3d, hoisted singly. Is Vea; and the 4th, hoisted singly, la numeral signal. 0, or cipher pcn-
ianl, hoisted singly. Is alphabetical sir/ii, a.
Engraving No. 2 shows four ex-
amples of the use of the signals,
in all of which the duplicates are
u«ed. By attention to the above
eiplanatlons, the operation ivlll
be readily unlerstood. Theflrst
fcction of the engraving No. 2
fopreseuts the number 22flB, op-
posite which, in the signal-book,
irlll be found the words, "The
commodore wishes to see you."
Tlie second section represents
the number 2.129 — "Can you
•pare a compass ?" In these two
ihc 1st duplicate is used, repeat-
ing the number of the flvst or up-
licrllag. In the third section Is
rpprescntcd number 0404—" Prepare for action
SIGNALS. — NO. 2.
In the fourth section, number 7220 — " Strange sail on the starboard."
In these two the second duplicate repeats the number of the second
C.ig hoisied. The. recipient of the information conveyed by the sig-
nals >^Tlte8 d..wn the numbers on a slate, and then readily finds the
meaning by referring to the corresponding number iii the signal-book.
In a calm the signals are displayed on a more horizontal line, as
seen In engraving No. 3, which represents number 130T— "Is be-
calmed, and rcq-ircs a steam-boat to tow."
The same flags and pennants are also nsed for alphabetical signals,
to spell a word or name. The 0, or cipher signal, is hoisted singly, as
the preparatory signal, after which the or cipher signal is placed
above or below the flags where required, as seen in engraving No. 4,
and indicated in the alphabet below.
During the autumn and winter of ISll and 1812, when wor with En-
gland seemed to be Inevitable, the attention of Commodore Rodgers
wa.s much occupied with the subject of land telegraphs for ormy pur-
HiGNAi » —.NO .> poses, and naval signals. He invented a telegraph which was adopt-
ed. On the Sltjt of April, 1S12, he wrote to the Secretary of the Navy
(rora the President, then ly-
ing in Hampton Roads, rec-
ommending a change in
the naval signals, several
vears having elapsed since
tlie system of day signals
then in use had been Intro-
daced. He thought It had
■■'■orae known to the Brlt-
navy. In that letter,
i Tved In the Depart-
mt at Washington, he
sent a drawing made In ac-
cordance with the proposed
change. His suggestions
were adopted, and the sig-
nals delineated in the en-
pravlng No. 5, on the next
page, copied ftom Rodgers's manuscripts,
were those i .sed dnrlng the War of 1812.
A tjrequent change in the arrangement
ofthe signal flags is necessary, for obvious
reasons. The code of signals used In the
Tnited States Navy just previous to the
lite nivll war was prepared by a board of
oficers consisting of Commodores M'Can-
l*y and lavalette, and Commanders Mar-
[ (liind and Stcedman. It was adopted by
! 'ic Navy Department In 186T. In 1SB9 an-
ntlicr board of oflicers tested and approved
•ijitem uf night signals Invented by B. F.
Coston, ofthe United States Navy. InOcto-
IWilSOl, they were adopted In the United
I Sutcs army. A new system of signals for
■"til the army and navy was arranged by Major (afterward Colonel) Albert J. Mycr, which was used throughout the
w>r. Major Myer was the chief signal ofBcer during all that time, and Is now (1807) at the head of the signal depart-
Bentofthearmy.
r.iuwLS. — NO. 4.
A
B
3
C
4.
D
5
e
F
7
G
H
9
I
10
20
K
i^O
M
50
60
O
10
P
80
Q
90
R
01
S
02
T
03
17
04
V
03
oe
07
Y
08
z
09
FiDith
»
*
i
'
I
4 !
184
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Purener and the Pursned in Conflict.
The President aud the Little Belt the Combatants.
BlU.\.VI.ti. — NO. 5.
but the breeze slackened, and night fell upon the waters
before the two vessels were near enough to each other
to discern their respective characters.
At twenty minutes past eight in the evening the Pres-
ident bi'ought-to on the weather-bow, or a little forward
of the beam of the stranger, and, when witliin about ;i
hundred yards of her, Rodgers hailed, and asked "Wlnu
ship is that ?" No answer was given, but the question
. , was repeated from the stranger, word for Avord. After ;i
^ilH[ HHB iIbI pause of fifteen or twenty seconds Kodgers reiterated liis
IJBrfB W^MR [/_ — ' inquiry, and, before he could take his trumpet from his
\ ^ 'j&gy^ 1"'"'^---^ mouth, was answered by a shot that cut off one of the
I ^_ J ^p^ l^"^^ main-top-backstays of his vessel, and lodged in her maiii-
° "^ "*" mast. He was about to order a shot in return, wlicii a
gun from the second division of his ship was fired.' At
almost the same instant the antagonist of the President
fired three guns in quick succession, and then the rest of
her broadside, with musketry. This provocation causci!
the President to respond by a broadside. " Equally determined," said Rodgers, " not h>
be the aggressor, or suffer the flag of my country to be insulted with impunity,! gave
a genei'al order to fire."^ In the course of five or six minutes his antagonist was si
lenced, and the guns of the President ceased firing, the commander having discovered
that his assumed enemy was a feeble one in size and armament. But, to the surprist'
of the Americans, the stranger opened her fire anew in less than five minutes. Tlii-
was again silenced by the guns of the President, when Rodgers again deniancUil
"What ship is that?" Tlie wind was blowing freshly at the time, and he was abk'
to hear only the Avords, " His majesty's shij^ — " but the name he could not understand.
He immediately gave the name of his own vessel, displayed many lights to show his
whereabouts in case the disabled ship should need assistance, and bore aAvay.
At dawn the President discovered her antagonist several miles to the leeward, and
immediately bore down upon her to offer assistance. Lieutenant Creighton was sent
in a boat to learn the names of the vessel and her commander, to ascertain the extent
of damage, offer assistance, and to express the regret of the commodore that necessity
on his part had led to such results. Lieutenant Creighton brought back the informa-
tion that the ship was the British sloop-of-war Little Belt, 1 8, Captain A. E. Bingliam,
who had been sent to the Avaters off Charleston, South Carolina, in search of the Gucr-
riere, and, not finding her, Avas cruising northAvard for the same purpose, according to
his instructiops.^ Captain Bingham politely refused aid, because he did not need it,
and sailed aAvay to Halifax, Avhere he reported to "Herbert SaAvyer, Esq., Rear-admi-
ral of the Rod," the commander-in-chief on the American station.'' The I^'esident pro-
ceeded on her voyage toAvard NeAV York, and " off Sandy Hook," on the 2.3d,'
Commodore Rodgers wrote the dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy fioni
which the foregoing facts haA'e been draAvn.
The reports of the occurrence by Rodgers and Bingham Avere utterly contradictory
' Two English seamen, who professed to have been deserters from the President, testified at Halifax that ihis gnn was
discharged by accident.— London Tinws, December 7, 1811.
» Rodgers's dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy, May 23, IRll.
3 These instructions were dated at " Bermuda, this 191h day of April, ISll," signed by H. N. Somerville, by comraniiil
of Admiral Sawyer, and addressed to "Arthur Batt Bingham, Esq., commander of his majesty's sloop Little Belt." h
the instructions he was enjoined to be " particularly careful not to give any just cause of off ice to the govcriiraeut or
subjects of the United States of America ; and to give very particular orders to this effect to the offlcers you may hnve
occasion to send on board ships under the Anifriean flag,"
' Bingham reported his vessel m:ich damaged !n her masts, sails, rigging, and hull ; many shot through lictwcoii
wind and water, and many shot Imb.'tded in her side and all her upper works, with the starboard pump shot nwa.v.
lie told Creighton that he had all necessary materials on board for making sufficient repairs to enable him to rescii
Halifex.
•May,
ISll.
Contradictory Stater
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
185
'ISII.
Contradictory Statements of Rodders and Bingham. The Testimony. Indignation of the American People.
in respect to the most essential fact, namely, as to the aggressor, liodgcrs stated
positively tliat he hailed twice, and his words wore repeated by the stranger; that
she first tired one shot, which struck his vessel, then three shots, and imniediatoly
afterward the remainder of her broad-
side, before he opened his guns upon
her, except the single one which one of
the deserters declared was discliarged
by accident. This account was fully
corroborated, before a court of inquiry,
by every officer and some of the sub-
ordinates who were on board the Pres-
ident, under oath. On the contrary.
Captain Bingham reported that he
!)ailed first, and that his Avords were
twice repeated from the President,
when that vessel tired a broadside,
which the Little Belt immediately re-
turned. This statement was fully cor-
roborated before a court of inquiry,
held at L-lifax on the 20th of
May," by tlie officers of the Lit-
tle Pelt, and two deserters from the
President, under oath. Binghani and
his supporting deponents declared
that the action lasted from forty-
five minutes to one hour ; Avhih;
Rodgers declared that it lasted al-
together, including the intermis-
sicms, not more than fifteen min-
utes.^ Bingham also intimated in his dispatch that he had gained the advantage in
the contest. 2
When intelligence of this affair went over the land it pi'odiiced intense excitement.
Desires for and dread of war with England were stimulated to vehement action, and
conflicting views and expressions, intensified by party hate, awoke spirited conten-
tions and discussions in every community. The contradictions of the two command-
ers were in due time made known, and added fuel to the fires of party strife. Each
government naturally accepted the report of its own servant as the true one. Not
so with all the people of the United States. The opposition politicians and news-
papers, with a partisanship more powerful for a while than patriotism, took sides with
the British; and, eager to convict the administration of belligerent intentions, wdiile
at the sarae time they inconsistently assailed it because of its alleged imbecility and
want of patriotism in not resisting and resenting the outrages and insults of Great
1 John Rodgers was bom at Havre do Grace, In Maryland, In HTl. lie entered the navy as lientenant, on the !)th of
March, ITiiS, and was the executive ofHcer of the Constellation, under Commodore Tnixtun, when the [.minjente wa!<
taken. See page 103. lie was appointed captain in March, ITOO, and he was in active pervice during the naval opera-
lions in the Mediterranean until 180B. He was the oldest officer in rank in the navy at the time of the oc urrence narrated
in (lie text. He was the first to start on a cruise with a squadron after the declaration of war in 1S12. Kis efficient serv-
ices during that war will be found detailed In future pages. From Aj ril, ISIS, until December, IS"-!, he served as presl-
ilent of the board of Navy Commissioners, and from 1824 until 1327 he vas in command of a squadri^ti in the Mediterra-
nean. On his return in 182T he resumed his place at the board, and h> Id It for ten years, when he relinquished it on
account of failing health. lie died at Philadelphia in Angnst, 18a8. The portrait above given was copied fVom an orig-
inal painting in the Navy Department at Wnelilngton.
' "The action then V .'cnme general, and continued so for about th-ie quarters of an honr, when he [the American]
ceas-ed tiring, and appeared to be on tire about the main .lutchwny. lie then filled. I was obliged to desist ftom firing,
«« llie ship falling off, no gun would bear, and had no after-sal' to keep her to."— Dispatch to Admiral Sawj-er, May
8i,i5n.
{dyyW'^/T^c^
(
i
\ ■
^MMB^
■P^P
186
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
m M
The domurallxluK Kffecta of Party PoIIiIck.
Commodore Hod|{eri BBWilled,
KodKcra vlndlcalcd
Britain, or inakiiit; ofticient |)rt!|)anitioiis for such resistance and resentment, cireulatuil
a rejiort, witli the fiercest denunciations, tliat llodgers had sailed with orders fnnii
Wasliinjjton to rescue by force tlie young man lately impressed from a I'ortlaml
Itrig.' They cxultingly drew a comparison between the late and present Denioc latic
administration, the formci' denying the right of the Jjeojmrd to take a seaman hy
force from the Chesaj)eake, the latter ordering Rodgers to do what Captain Hum-
phreys had been condenmed by the Americans and punished by his own goveniinciit
for doing. Kodgers himself, who had behaved most prudently, gallantly, and mjicr.
uanimously in the matter, received his full share of personal abuse from the opponents
of the administration ; and, strange as it may seem, when the question was reduced
to one of simple veracity on the part of the two coraraander8,si large number of his
countrymen, even with the OAcrwhelming testimony of all the officers and many ot
the subordinates of th'. l^esident against that of five officers and two deserters pro-
duced by Captain Bingham, were so misled by party zeal as to express their beliif
that the British commander uttered nothing but truth, and that Rodgers and his j)eo-
pie all committed perjury ! But these ungenerous and unpatriotic assaults soon lost
their chief sustenance when the Secretary of State officially declared that no orders
had been given for a forcible rescue of the impressed American ; and the satisfaction
of Mr. Foster, the British minister at Washington (who liad requested an inquiry into
the conduct of Rodgers), that the statements of that commander were substantially
true, was manifested by the fact that the subject was droj)ped in diplomatic circles,
was never revived there, and the aifair of tlie ChesapeaJe was settled in accordance
with the demands of the government of the United States.
But while the two governments tacitly agreed to bury the matter in official obliv-
ion, the people of the respective countries, highly excited by the event, would not let it
drop. It increased the feeling of mutual animosity Avhich had been growing rapidly
of late, and widened the gulf of separation, whicli every day became more and more
difficult of passage by kindly international sentiments ; and when the Twelfth Con-
• November 4, grcss assembled, a month earlier than usual,* the administration party in
^^^^- and out of th.at body was found to be decidedly a war party, while the
Federalists, growing weaker in numbers every day, were as decidedly opposed to
war.
1 The charge was apparently Justified by the tenor of a letter, already referred to, purporting to have been written by
an offlcer on board the fi-esident on the 14th of May, bnt whose name was never given. He wrote : " By the ofBcers who
came from Washington we learn that we are sent in pursuit of the British frigate who had Impressed a passenger from
a coaster. Yesterday, while beating down the bay, we spoke a brig coming up, who informed us that she saw the British
frigate the day before oft"tl:c very place where we now are ; but she is not now in sight. We have made the most complelp
preparations for battle. Every one wishes it. She is exactly our force, but we have the Arffua with us, which uoue of
us arc pleased with, as we wish a fair trial of courage and skill. Should we see her, I have not the least doubt of an en-
gagement. The commodore will demand the person impressed ; the demand will doubtless be refused, and the battle
will instantly commence. . . . The commodore has called in the boatswain, gunner, and carpenter. Informed them of
all circumstances, and asked if they were ready for actiou. Beady was the reply of each."— iVeto York Ucrald, June 3, 1811.
Tta Indiina Territiir
>on, then an enei-gei
^™or. He liad res
for a few years Jiad
islature was organiz
and Vincennes, an
HaiTison was popuL
managed the public
h^fmany difficulties
Jians, and the machi
contend against in tl
siite people, especia
J % a succession o
?uished Indian titles
ana. Every thing hf
]and,hadthegoverno
I lave had cause to cor
I in many cases, the pe
I Jans, were intensified
leasts of the forest, t
|»d tioated them witl
|»» old chief to Harris,
lod r!!A°i,'"" ''^"e^e." wrote G,
l«Hlrrt the quantity of whisky
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
187
The Indlsn* Territory.
narrison Us Qovernor.
Ill* wise Admlnlitration.
CHAPTER X.
"On Wnbnxli, when the siiu wlthtlrcw,
And chill Nuvemhcr's tenipOHt blew,
Dark rolled thy wiivf», TI|i|)ccaiioc,
Amhbl thut lonely .'lolltiidc. ""^
But Wiibiish Bnw another night \
A martial hoHt, in armor bright,
Kncanii)cd upon the hhore that night.
And lighted up hor Bccncry."
8o;;o— TlPPEflA^0E
" Bold Boyd led on his steady band,
With bristling bayonets burnished bright. , '
\Vhat could their dauntless charge withstand ?
What stay the warriors' matchless might ?
Rushing amain, they cleared the field ;
The savage foe constrained to yield
To Harrison, who, near and far.
Gave form and spirit to the war."
Battle of Tippeoanoe.
UTILE the nation was agitated by political contentions, and the
low mutterings of the thunder of an oncoming tempest of war
wei'e heard, heavy, dark, and ominous clouds of troulile were
seen gathering in the northwestern horizon, where tha Indians
were still nui.ierous, and discontents had made them restless.
In tlie year 1800, as we have seen (page IGO ), the Indiana
Territory (then including the present States of Indiana, Illinois,
^- and Wisconsin) was established, and the late President Harri-
son, then an energetic young man of less than thirty years of age, was appointed gov-
imor. He had resigned his commission of captain in the IFnited States anny, and
for a few years had been employed in civil life. In the year 1805 a Territorial Leg-
islature was organized, much to the discontent of the French settlers on the Wabash,
and Vincennes, an old town already spoken of (page 40), was made the capital.
Harrison was popular among all classes, and particulurly with the Indians ; and he
managed the public affairs of the Territory with prudence and energy in the midst
I uf many difficulties arising out of land speculations, land titles, treaties with the In-
ilians, and the machinations of traders and the English in Canada. He had much to
1 contend against in the demoralization of the Indians by immediate contact Avith the
white people, especially effected by whisky and other spirituous liquors.*
By a succession of treaties. Governor Harrison, at the close of 1805, had extin-
I suished Indian titlea to forty-six thousand acres of land witliin the domain of Indi-
ana. Every thing had been done in accordance with the principles of exact justice,
and, liad the governor's instructions been fully carried out, the Indians would never
liavc had cause to complain. But settlers and speculators came, bringing with them,
I in many cases, the peculiar vices of civilized society, which, when copied by the In-
J ilians, were intensified fourfold. Regarding the natives as little better than the wild
jlteasts of the forest, they defrauded them, encroached upon their reserved domain,
land treated them with contempt and inhumanity. "You call us your children," said
jan old chief to Harrison one day, in bitteniess of spirit — " you call us your children
'" I do not believe," wrote General Harrison In 1805, " that there are more than sli hundred warriors on the Wabash,
luul ret the quantity of whisky brorght here annually for their consnmption Is said to amount to six thousand gallons."
< f
M
SSSBHI
\ t
;ii ■ '
liii
188
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bncroachmonts on the Indlnus.
British EmtsBarles again at Work.
Tecuintha and hlrt Famllr
— why do you not make us happy, as our fathers, tlie French, did ? They never took
from us our lands; indeed, tliey were conmion between us. They j»lanted where they
pk'ased, and they cut Avood where tliey pleased, and so did we. But now, if a jioor
Indian attempts to take a little bark from a tree to cover liim from rain, \i]> comes u
white man and threatens to shoot him, claiming the tree as his own."' And so, with
ample reason, they murmured on. Emissaries sent out by the British authorities in
Canada fanned the flame of discontent; and Elliott, the old onemj' of the Ameripans,
still living near Maiden, observing symptoms of impending war between the Uiiitid
States and Great Britain, was again wielding a potent influence over the chiofs of the
tribes in the Nortliwcst. Their resources, as well as privileges, were curtailed. Na-
poleon's Conthiental System touched even the savage of the wilderness. It eloumd
and almost closed the cliief markets for liis furs, and the prices were so low that hi-
dian hunters found it difficult to purchase their usual necessaries from the traders.
At the beginning of 181 1 the Indians were ripe for any enterprise that i)romised tlicm
relief and indepei;dence.
A powerful warrior had lately become conspicuous, who, like IMetacomet, the Warn-
panoag, and Pontiac, the Ottawa, essayed to be the savior of his people from tin
crushing footsteps of the advancing white man. He was one of three sons born of a
Creek mother (Mcthoataske) at the same time, in a cabin built of sapling logs un-
hewn, and chinked with sticks and mud, near the banks of the Mad River, a fvw
miles from Springfield, Ohio. They were named respectively Tecumtha, Elkswatawn,
and Kamskaka. Tc-
cumtha^ was the war-
rior alluded to. His
name signifies, in tin
Shawnoese dialect, " n
flying tiger," or "a
wild-cat springhig on
its prey." He was a
well-built man, about
five feet ten inches
in height.^ Elkswata-
wa, " the loud voice,"
also became famous
or, more properly speaking, notorious ; but Kumskaka lived a quiet, retired life, anc
died in ignoble obscurity.
As early as 1805, Elkswatawa, pretending to have had a vision, assumed to be .i
prophet, and took the name of PemsquataAvah, or " open door." Up to that pcrioil
he had been remarkable for nothing but stupidity and intoxication. He waa a
cunning, unprincipled man, whose c ^untenance was disfigured by the loss of an
UlRTllPLACE OF TEOI^ITUA AND UIS IIROTIIESB.
' Governor Harrison to the Secretary of War.
' The late Colonel John Johnston, of Dayton, Ohio, who was Indian Agent among the Shawnoese and nelghborin: j
tribes for many years, and knew Tecumtlia well, informed me that the proper way to spell that waiTlor's name, accord-
ing to the native pronunciation, is as I have given it. On such authority I have adopted the orthography in the text, j
From Colonel Johnston, whose name will be frequently mentioned in the course of our narrative, I obtained much val-
uable information concerning the Indians of the Northwest from the year ISOO to 1812, during a visit with him in the
autumn of 1800.
The birthplace of Tecumtha and his brothers was at the Piqua village, about five miles west from Springfield.* The j
engraving, copied by permission from Howe's Historical Collectium tjifOhio, shows the place of hla birth as it appeared!
a few years ago. It is on the north side of the Mad River. A small hamlet, called West Boston, now occupies the fiioi
of the Piqua village. The Indian fort at that place, consisting of a rude log hut surrounded by pickets, stood upon tbe|
hill seen on the left of the picture. ' Colonel Johustou.
* This was ancient Piqua, the seat of the Piqua clan of the Shawnoese, a name which signifies " a man formed out ofl
the ashes," and siguiflcant of their alleged origin. See Howe's Hintoriml Collections of Ohio, page 302. Modern Flmu,j
oftentimes confounded with that of the ancient one in speaking of Tecumtha, is a flourishing village on the Great MiaJ
mi Kiver, Miami County. Upper Piqua, three miles above the village, is a place of considerable historical interest. Tbej
reader is referred to Mr. Howe's valuable work for interesting details concerning the events which made it famous.
The Prophefa VIgloi
eye' While J
liLs j)ipc one (
fell to the eart
(lead. Prepar
Here made for
rial. Wlienliis
Hcre about to r
liiin, he opened h
and said, " Be nc
(ill. I have been
Land of the Bl
Call the nation t<
er, that I may tell
"hat I have seei
lieard.". His p,
were speedily a
''led, and agaii
-poke, saying, "
lieaiitiful young
uere sent to me b'
Great Spirit, who ;
The Master of
veighed against d
10 do Avith tJie pa
every imitation of
tlia, possessed of a
•ill this imposture.
the Northwestern
iishing the wonder
The PropJiet's he
est degree, and for
H-as almost omnip(
iiini, but the people
acquired power for
"iser and judge, an,
charge of witchcraf
vine mission was re<
liistances to see the
Their numbers beca
Tecumtha's deep
■The portrait of the Prop
11808. He made a sketch
"«beclnls«,„„dbywh«n
"'ring partly to hi. cxcessin
l^ll^^-^ Book ^ the India,
, , /he Prophet was without
rille, in Ohio, where Wayne
, "on of Tecumtha, no doubt,
rophecy that the earth was
.Alarm caused many to flock!
I »« large number, his plans f,
I :'7- H'«11scipIesVeV
»«ofthe ground as lar-e as
l^rendabeliefthatthebody.
• said that so great a numb
f were quite depopulated
te »„e third -ver returned, 1
iT'coresupo, heir weary pii
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
189
The Prophet's Vision.
Teeunuhn's Craft.
Ills Inspiration.
The siipt-rptltioiis Indians excited.
•HIE ruopaET.
is ivngry with you all.
IIo will ik'stroy you
uiiloss you rolVain IVoiii
(Irunkenuess, lying,
stealing, and witch-
craft, and turn your-
selves to him. Unless
the red men shall do
this, they shall never
see the beautiful place
you are now to he-
hold." lie was then
taken to a gate which
opened into the spirit-
land, but he was not
permitted to cnter.-
Sueh was the proph-
et's story. lie imme-
diately entered upon
his mission as a pro-
fessed preacher of
righteousness. lie in-
cvc' While lighting
Ills pipe one day, he
toll to the earth, as if
(lead. Preparations
were made for his bu-
rial. When his friends
were about to remove
him, he opened his eyes
iiiul said, " lie not fear-
tiii. I have been in the
l,aiid of the Blessed.
Call the nation togeth-
cr, that I may tell them
what I have seen and
heard." , His people
were speedily assem-
bled, and again lie
>poke, saying, "Two
lieautiful young men
were sent to me by the
Great Spirit, who said,
Tlie Master of Life
veighed against drunkenness and witchcraft;, and warned his people to have nothing
to do with the pale-fac?«, their religion, their customs, their arms, or their arts, for
every imitation of the intruders was oft'ensive to the great Master of Life. Tecum-
tha, possessed of a master mind and a statesman's sagacity, was tlie moving spirit in
all this imposture. It was a part of his grand scheme for obtaining influence over
tlie Northwestern tribes for political purposes, and he went from tribe to tribe pub-
Hshiiig the wonders of his brother's divine mission.
The Propliet's harangues excited the latent superstition of the Indians to the high-
est degree, and for a while his sway over the minds of the savages in the Northwest
was almost omnipotent. The chiefs and leading men of his own tribe denounced
him, but the people sustained him. Success made him bold, and he used his newly-
acquired power for the gratification of private and public resentments. He was ac-
cuser and judge, and he caused the execution of several hostile Delaware chiefs on a
charge of Avitchcraft. A terrorism began lo prevail all over the region where his di-
vine mission was recognized. The credulous — men, women, and children — came long
distances to see the oracle of the Great Spirit, who, they believed, wrought miracles.*
Their numbers became legion, and the white settlers Avere alarmed.
Tecumtha's deep scheme worked admirably. In the great congregation were lead-
' The portrait of the Prophet is from a pencil sketch made by Pierre he Drn, a yonng French trader, at Vincennes,
11 1S08. lie made a sketch of Tecnmtha at abont the same time, both of which I found In possession of his son at
Quebec In 1848, and by whom I was kindly permitted to copy them. That of Tccumtha will be found in Chapter XIV.
Offing partly to hip excessive dissipation, the Prophet appeared much the elder of Tecumtta.
' Drake's Book of the Iiidians, page 624.
' The Prophet was without honor In his own country, and he leftPlqua and settled In a villnpe of his own at Green-
ville, in Ohio, where Wayne held his great treaty in 1TO6, on lands already ceded to the United States. At the lusUga-
lion of Tccumtha, no doubt, he sent emissaries to the tribes on the Lakes and on the Upper Mississippi, to declare his
prophecy that the earth was abont to be destroyed, except In the Immediate residence of the Prophet at Greenville.
Alarm caused many to flock thither as a place of refuge, and this gave Tecnmtha an opportunity to "divulge with case
10 a large number, his plans for a confederacy. The Prophet made many predictions concerning the future glory of the
todians. His disciples spread the most absurd tales about his wonderful power— that he cori;d make pumpkins spring
oat of the ground as large as wlgwsms, and that his corn grew so large that one ear would feed a dozen men. They
I fpread a belief that the body of the Prophet was invulnerable, and that he had all knowledge, past, present, and future.
It is said that so great a number flocked to Greenville to sec him, that the southern shores of Lakes Suiwrior and Mich-
I igan were qnlte depopulated. The traders were obliged to abandon their business. Of these deluded fanatics not more
that une third -ver returned, having died in consequence of the privations of hanger, cold, and fatigue. They perished
by scores iipoL their weary pilgrimage.— J/S. Life and Timen of Tecamteh, by Henry Onderdonk, Jr., 1S42.
1 it
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190
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tecnrathii'g Project of u Confedcrntlon.
HarrlRon deDoiinceii the Prophet.
Tecumtha'ii Bolilucsii
ing mon from all the Burrounding trilwB, even from the Upper MiBsisHippi, and lie liad
a rare opportunity to confer with them together on the subject of his darling ijrojcci,
a grand confederation of all the tribes in the Northwest to drive the white in.ui
across the Ohio, and reclaim their lands which they had lost by treaties. He declaieil
to assembled warriors and sachems, whenever opportunity ottered, that the treaties
concerning those lands northward of the Ohio were fraudulent, and therefore void;
and he always assured his auditors that ho and his brother, the Prophet, \\ ould resent
any farther attempts at settlement in that direction by tlie white people.
Governor Harrison perceived danger in these movements, and early in 1808 he ad-
dressed a speech to the chiefs and head men of the Siiawnoese tribe, in which he de-
nounced the Prophet as an impostor. " My children," he said, " this business nnist
be stopped. I will no longer suffer it. You have called a number of men from tin
most distant tribes to listen to a fo(»l, who speaks not the words of the Great Spirit,
but those of the Evil Spirit and of the British agents. My children, your conduct lias
much alarmed the white settlers near you. They desire that you will sewl awiiv
those people; and if they wish to have the impostor with them they can carry liim.
Let him go to the Lakes ; he can hear the British more distinctly."
This speech exasperated and alarmed the brothers. The Prophet and his follow-
ers, frowned upon by the Shawnoese in general, who listened to the governor, t(;(ik
up their abode in the spring of 1808 on the banks of the Wabash, near the mouth of
the Tij)pecanoe liiver. Tecumtha was there too, when not on his political journcvs
among the neighboring tribes, but he was cautious and silent. The Proj)het, more
directly aimed at in Harrison's speech, hastened to deny any complicity with the
British agents, or having hostile designs. He visited Vincenncs in August to con-
fer in person with the governor, and to give him renewed and solemn assurances tliat
he and his followers wished to live in harmony with the white people. So specious
w'cre the words of the Avily savage, that Harrison suspected he had misjudged the
man, and he dismissed the Prophet Avith friendly assurances.
The governor soon had reason to doubt the fidelity of the oracle. There avcu
reported movements at the Prophet's town on the Wabash, half religious and half
warlike, that made him suspect the brothers of unfriendly designs toward the Ameri-
cans. He charged them with having made secret arrangements with British agents
for hostile purposes, and jiressed the matter so closely that, at a conference between
the governor and the Prophet at Vinceimes in the summer of 1 809, the latter acknowl-
edged that he had received invitations from the British in Canada to engage in a war
with the United States, but declared that he had rejected them. He renewed his
vows of friendship, but Harrison no longer believed him to be sincere.
' September 30, Soon after this interview Harrison concluded a treaty at Fort Wayne'
1S09. ^yjjij Delaware, Pottawatomie, Miami, Kickapoo, Wea, and Eel Ilivcr In-
dians, by which, in consideration of $8200 paid down, and annuities to the amount of
$2350 in the aggregate, he obtained a cession of nearly three millions of acres of land
extending up the Wabash beyond Terre Haute, and including the middle waters of
the White River. ^ Neither Tecumtha, nor his brother, nor any of their tribe had any
claim to these lands, yet they denounced those who sold them, declared the treaty
void, and threatened to kill every chief concerned in it. Tecumtha grew bolder ami
bolder, for he was sanguine of success in his great scheme of a confederation, and the
arrest of the white man's progress. He had already announced the doctrine, opposoil
to state or tribal rights, that the domain of all the Indians belonged to all in common,
and that no part of the territory could be sold or alienated withont the consent ot
all. This was the ground of the denunciations of the treaty by Tecumtha and his
brother, and the justification of their threats against the offending chiefs — threats the
1 The Weag nnd Klckapoos were not represented nt the conncll, but the former, in October, and the latter, in Decem-
ber, confirmed the treaty at Fort Wayne.
SIgna of Indian KoatI
more alarming,
whom all the tr
k'coine the aliii
hi the spring
i)fho.stility. TJ
ttho took it to t
i)f hostility cans
lirothcr. Finall
known to and re
JUHcru u.
I'iimtha appeared at
ty warriors with hii
grove on the outskii
»ere startled by thi
'Statement of Mr. Barron.
Dews employed by Ilnrrlso
iiMnd very interesting In CO
JMOD a prominent nose, sn
w„ iabaclf. Ilewnsafac,
fnmslc, and played the Indit
tel88ipp. In 1S37 he accord
ibe same tribe in 1838 to thei
;"ciedim,es8,diedonlhe31a
I Uneiire with the Eei River.
J Mr. Bnrron was at the battle
I operated the Inulans again,
jScMraportantdidtheyconsid,
I W« of trees, and Bent them
I ta. One of these was for son
jwiedtoGermanybyaCatho
I W, was preserved a long tlm
taz a private soldier at Mac;
I'flMl sent me a tracing of It
l-i the information concerLim
lM^f'!!'""^"'« Portrait o
■w Md Wiliiam Prince, were li
■"messengers to the Indians.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
101
sigat of Indian HotUUli**.
The MiMlon of Joieph Barron.
Hii hoatllu Recrptlon by the Prophet.
more alarniinjj, bi't-auso the warlike Wyaiidots, on the Houtlurn shurea of Lake Erie,
whom all the tribes ho feared ami reKi)eeteil that they ealled them uncles, had lately
iK'Ooine the allies of these Shawaiioese brothers.
In the spring of lolO the Indian^^ at the Prophet's town gave unmistakable Higns
iit'liostility. They n'fused to reeeive the "annuity salt," and insulted the boatmen
who took it to them by ealling them " American dogs." These and other indications
(if iiostility caused llarri; on to send frecpient messengers to the l*roj)het and his
lirotiier. Finally, iii July, i e sent a letter to them by Joseph l?arron, a Frenchman,
known to and respected by.dl the Indian tribes in that region as a taithful and kind-
hearted interpreter, lie was instructed to in-
vite the brothers to meet the governor in coun-
cil !»t Vineemies, and lay their alleged griev-
ances before him. Harron was received by the
Prophet in a most unfriendly spirit. The ora-
cle was surrounded by several Indians, aiul
when the interpreter was formally presented
his single eye kindled and gleamed with
fiercest anger. Gazing upon the visitor in-
tently for several minutes without speaking,
he suddenly exclaimed, " For what purpose do
>/oit come here ? Bronillette was here ; he was
a spy. Dubois was here ; he was a spy. Now
>/0H liave come. You, too, are a spy." Then,
pointing to the ground, lie said, vehemently,
" There is your grave, look on it !" At that
moment Tecumtha api)eared, assured Uarron
of his pc'.sonal safety, heard the letter of
Governor Harrison, and promised to visit Vin-
cennes in the course of a few days. '
On the morning of the 12th of August Te-
iiimtha appeared at Vincenncs. Ho had been requested to bring not more than thir-
ty warriors with him ; he came with four hundred fully armed, and encamped in a
grove on the outskirts of the town. The inhabitants, most of whom Avere unarmed,
were startled by this unexpected demonstration of savage strength, and, partly on
• statement of Mr. Barron, qnotod by Dtl'ion in his Uimry of Indiana, page 441. Mr. Barron was a native of Detroit .
He was employed by Harrison H8 interpreter abont eighteen years. lie was an uneducated man, of much natural abll-
I itr, and very interesting in conversation. lie was slender In form, about a medium height, had black eyes, sallow com-
lileiion, a prominent nose, small month, and wore his hair in a cue, UKTHUXEB.
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103
riCTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
TMomtb* kt VlneannM.
Bis Arrogauce.
Uarrlion's Hpcech.
Iloitlle DcmnDitratloni by the ludUni.
account of their foarK, and partly becaiifc of tlie fume of Tociuntlia aa an ora'or, they
flocki'tl to the govcrnor'H house. Seats liad heen i>rej)areato in tiie council under the portico of the governor's residence; but when 'IV
cuintha, after jilacing the great body of his warriors in camp in the shade of a grove
near by, advanced with about thirty of his followers, he refused to enter tlie area wiili
the white j)eople, saying, "Houses were built for you to hold councils in; Indiiuis
hold theirs in the open air." He then took a position under some trees i'l front of
the house, and, unabashed l)y the large concourse of people before him, opened the
business with a spee( !i marked by great dignity and native eloipience. When lie liml
concluded, one of the governor's aids, through Havron the interpreter, said, to tlie
chief, ])ointing to a chair," Your father retpiests you to take a seat by his side." The
chief drew his mantle around him, and, sWuiding erect, said, with scornful tone, "My
father! The sun is my father, and the earth is my mother; on her bosom I will re-
l)0sc," and then seated himself upon the ground. •
Tecumtha's speeches at this council Avere bold, arrogant, and sometimes insolent.
He avowed the intention of himself and brother to establish, by a confederacy of tin
tribes, the principle of common interest in the domain as intended by the Great Siiir-
it, and to not only i)revent any other sale or cession of lands, but to recover what hml
been lately ceded by the treaty at Fort Wayne. He declared Ids intention to kill all
the " village chiefs" who had made the sale if the lands were not returned, because
be was authorized, he said, by all the tribes to do so. " Return those lands," he saiij,
"and Tecumtha will be the friend of the Americans. He likes not the English, who
are continually setting the Indians on the Americans."'
Governor Harrison, in his reply, ridiculed the idea that the Great Spirit had intend-
ed the Indians to be one j)eople. " If such had been Ins intention," he said, " he woulil
not have put six dilferent tongues into their heads, but would have taught them all
to 8j>eak one language." As to the lands in dispute, the Shawnoese had nothing to
do with it. The Miamis owned it when the Shawnoese were living in Georgia, (ml
of which they had been driven by the Creeks. The lands had been purchased fioni
the Miamis, who were the true owners of it, and it was none of the Shawnoese's busi-
ness. When these asseverations were interpreted, Tecumtha's eyes flashed witii an-
ger. He cast ofl' his blanket, and, with violent gesticulations, pronounced the goveni-
or's words to be false. He accused the United States of cheating and imposing upon
the Indians. His warriors, receiving a sign from him, sprang to their feet, seized tluir
war-clubs, and began to brandish their tomahawks. The governor started from his
chair and drew his sword, while the citizens seized any missile in their way. It was
a moment of imminent danger. A military guard of twelve men, who were under
some trees a short distance ofl', were ordered up. A friendly Indian cocked his pis-
tol, Avhich he had loaded stealthily while Tecumtha was speaking, and Mr.Winans, a
Methodist minister, ran to the governor's house, seized a gun, and placed himself in
the door to defend the family. The guard wei-c about to fire, when Harrison, perfect-
ly collected, restrained them, and a bloody encounter was prevented. When the in-
terpreter told him the cause of the excitement, he pronounced Tecumtha a bad man, !
and ordered him to leave the neighborhood immediately. Tecumtha retired to his
• AiKTiat 20 camp, the council was broken up," and no sleep came to the eyelids of the j
1810. people of Vincennes that night, as they expected ar attack from the savages. I
On the following morning, Tecumtha, with seeming sinceri'y, expressed his regret!
because of the violence into which he had been betrayed, ile found in Harrison ai
man not to be awed by menaces nor swayed by turbulence. "With respectful words!
he asked to have the council resumed. The governor consented, and then placed twol
companies of well-armed militia in the village, for the protection and encouragementf
of the inhabitants. Tecumtha, always dignified, laid aside his insolent manner, am|
' Onderdonk'g MS. Life of Tecumteh.
l/giiK '-fMfttI Attntfit
OF TOE WAU OF 1 8 1 S.
103
irgiii< r<"«nil Attempt! to conclllit* Ttcamtb*.
Roving Plnoderen.
TMnmtha's Feara Mid Pnplldtjr,
iiiiblicly (liHnvowod any intention of uttnckinjj tho governor and his friends <»n the
precodiiiij day. Wlieii asked wlietlier lit; intended to perHist in liis opponitioii to tho
lute treaty, lie replied tinnly that he Hhould "adhere to tho <)I>1 l)<)nndary." Chiefs
t'roin five different tribes iininedintely arose, and deelared tlieir intention to support
Tcc'umtha in tlie stand lio liad taken, and their determination to establish tho pro-
posi'd confederacy.
Harrison well knew the great ability and influence of Tecumtha, and was very anx-
ii)us lo conciliate him. On tlie fallowing day, accompanied only by Mr. Barron, ho
visiti'tl the warrior in his camp, and liad a long and frietully interview with liim. Ho
told Tecumtlui that his principles and liis claims would not l;o allowed by the Presi-
dent of the United States, and advised him to rclinquisli them. " Well," said the
warrior, " as tho (4reat Chief is to determine the matter, I )\opo the Grd&t Spirit will
put sense enough into his head to induce him to direct you to give up this land. It
is true, he is so far off ho will not be injured by the war. He may sit still in his town
and drink his wine, while you and I will have to iiglit it out."' The conference end-
1,1 l)y the governor's promising to lay the matter before the President.
War with the followers of Tecumtha and the Prophet now seemed probable, and
Harrison commenced measures to meet it. A small detachment of United States
troops, under Captain Cross, stationed at Newport, Kentucky, were ordered to Vin-
cennc's, there to join three companies of militia infantry and a company of Knox Coun-
ty dragoons, in the event of an attack from tho savages. The governor had paid par-
ticular attention to drilling the militia, and now, when their services were likely to
1)0 needed, they felt much confidence on account of their discipline.
The Indians on the Wabash, grown bold by tho teachings of their great military
leader, the oracular revelations of the Prophet, and the active encouragement of the
I British in Canada, began to roam in small marauding parties over the Wabash region
1 in the spring of 1811, plundering the houses of settlers and tho wigwams of friendly
j Indians, stealing horses, and creating general alarm. Tecumtha was exceedingly ac-
tive, at the same time, in efforts to perfect his confederacy and inciting the tribes to
or; and, early in the summer, the movements of the Indians were so menacing that
Governor Harrison sent Captain Walter Wilson, accompanied by Mr. Barron, with an
Itnergctic letter to the Shawnoe brothers.* He assured them that he was •jnnc24,
lly prepared to encounter all the tribes combined, and that if they did not ^'*"-
[put a stop to the outrages complained of, and cease their warlike movements, he
lihould attack them.
Tecumtha was alarmed. lie received the messengers very courteously, and prom-
lisod to see the governor in person very soon, when he would convince him that he
Ibl no desire to make war upon the Americans. Ho accordingly appeared at Vin-
jcennes on the 27th of July, accompanied by about t ee hundred Indians, twenty of
Itliem women. The inhabitants were alarmed. It w. believed that the wily savage
Ikad intended, with these warriors at hand, to compel the governor to give up the Wa-
Iksh lands. But when, on the day of his arrival, he saw seven hundred and fifty
pellarmed militia reviewed by the governor, ho exhibited no haughtiness of tone and
anner. He was evidently uneasy. He made the most solemn protestations of his
fondly intentions and desires to restrain tho Indians from hostilities, yet he eamest-
rbut modestly insisted upon a return of the lands ceded by the treaty at Fort
fayne. His duplicity was perfect. He left Vincennes a few days afterward with
Tenty warriors, went down the Wabash, and, as was afterward ascertained, visited
! Southern Indians — Creeks, Chocta\7s, and Chickasaws — and endeavored to bring
m into his league against the white people. The remainder of his followers from
Bie Prophet's town, astonished at the military display at Vincennes, returned to their
plezvous on the Tippecanoe, filled with doubt and alarm.
> Dawson's Life of Ilarrison, page S9 ; Drake's Book of the North American Indians.
N
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104
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Preparations for fighting the Indiand.
Colonel John P. Boyd.
Reeponse to a Call for Volanieen.
c^J^fLA./P/^.
The government had suggested to Harrison
tlie propriety of seizing Tecumtha and the
Prophet, and holding them as hostages for tho
good behavior of their followers. The gov-
ernor, in turn, suggested, as a better method
of obtaining peace and security, an increase of
the military resources of the Territory, and the
establishment of a military post high up the
Wabash toward the Prophet's town. The wis-
dom of this suggestion was conceded. T' .
Fourth Regiment of United States Infantry,
under Colonel J ohn P. Boyd,' was ordered from
Pittsburg to the Falls of the Ohio, now Lou-
isvill i ; and Governor Harrison was author-
ized'' to employ these troops and call . j,,,^ ..
out the militia of the Territory for the wi
purpose of attacking the hostile savages on
the Tippecanoe, if he should deem it advisable.
This authorization gave the inhabitants about
Vincennes great relief They had already, be-
fore the arrival of the order, appointed a com-
mittee at a public meeting'' to ask the "July 31,
government to uirect the dispersion of the hos-
tile bands at the Prophet's town,^
The government was anxious to preserve peace with the Indians, and Harrison's I
orders gave him very little discretionary powers in the matter of levying war upon
the savages. They Avere sufficient for his pui-pose. He determined to push forward,
build a fort on the Wabash, make peaceful overtures, and if they were rejected, open j
war vigorously. He called Colonel Boyd to Vincennes with his detachment, consist- 1
ing of a part of the Fourth Regiment and some riflemen, and asked for volunteers.!
The response was quick and ample. Revenge because of wrongs suffered at tliej
hands of the Indians north of the Ohio slumbered in many bosoms, especially in Ken-j
tucky ; and when the voice of the popular Harrison called for aid, it was like the!
sound of the trumpet. Old Indian warriors in Kentucky like General Samuel Weiisj
' John Parke Boyd was bom in Newbnryport, Massachiisetta, Uccember il, 1704. His father was from Scotland, nnd
his mother was a dcsoendnnt of Trietam Coffin, the flrpt of tht>t family who emigrated to America. He entered i!iJ
army In 1780, ae ensign In the Second Regiment. With a spirit of adventnre, he went to India in 17S!), having BrJ
touched at the Isle of France. In a letter to his father from Madras, in lunc, 1790, he says, " Having procured recomi
meudatory letters to the English consul resii'Mj at the conrt o' 'lis highness, tue Ni/am, I proceeded to his capital, IlrJ
drabad, 460 miles from Madras. On my arrival, I was presente i lo h"s highness in form by the English consul. Myref
ceptlon was as favorable as my inoet sanguine wishes had anticipated. After the usntl ceremony was over, he presenll
od mo with the command of tvi-o kansolars of Infantry, each of which consists ( i 600 inen." His commission and mI
were in accordance with his commii:u{. He describes the army of the Nizam, which had taken the Held agalii°t TIpixii
Saltan. It consisted of 160,000 infantry, 00,000 cavalry, and 600 elephants, each elephant supporting a " castle" cimuiil
Inc a nabob and i rvants. He remained in India several years, in n sort of guerrilla service, and obti;'.ied much famj
He was in Paris early In 1808, and at home in the autumn of that y2ar, when he wag appointed (October 2) colonela
the Fourth Regiment of the U. 8. Army. He was in the battle of Tippecanoe in November, 3811, and on the ronime"M
ment of war with Great Britain he was appointed (August 20) a brigadier general. He held that rank thronghuni ilj
w.ir. He was at the capture of Fort George, and in the battle of Chrysler's Field, or Williamsburg, in Canada, lie 1(
the army in 1816, and the following year he went to England to obtain indemnity for the loss of a valuable car^o (il il
petre, capturcd*by an English cmiser while on its way from the East Indies. He procured only a single I'lstallmenlf
$30,000. President Jackson appointed him Naval Officer at Boston ia 1830. lie died there the same year, on the4lb1
October, at the age of sixty-six years. I
General Boyd was a tall, well-formed, and handsome man ; kind, courteous, and genevous. I am indebted to l|
courtesy of the Hon. William Willis, of Portland, Maine, for the materials of the above brief sketch and the profile c
general.
' The committee consisted of Samuel T. Scott, Alexander Dcvln, Luke Decker, Ephraira .Jordan, Daniel M'l'lm
Walter Wilson, and Francis Vigo. In a letter dated August 3, 181 1, and addressed to the President, they said, "In ll
part of the country we have not, as yet, lost any of our fellow-citizens by the Indians ; but depredations upon the pra
eity of those who live upon the fl-imtlers, and Insults to the families tliat are left unprotected, almost daily occur.^
Dillon's Uiatory nf fndiana, page 460.
BuriBou'a March up
and Colonel Ov
eloquent Kentu
tain Peter Funl
Chum, Edwardi
ville. All of tJi
Oil the 2et'i (
abx/Ut nine huiui
October halted <
village, >\here tli
in Indian traditic
tiveen tribes of
had named the sr
erection of a quat
and the-e the go\
(lians, wJio a8sure(
III war-speeches t
Americans ; and t
tthen some prowli:
sent-nels, Ilarrist
sage to the impo8t<
to their respective
horses in lijs posse
the Indiana and 111
The fort was cor
or forty feet above
ol'its completion it
Harrison, in honor
Standing over the g
^'™^"^''thename^
j Ill's Fort Harrison "
sol-^ier, standing ne:
vhisky in that way-
wd that littk- fort
paylor, which we shs
' I visited Terrellau
8«0.« I had spent
fetching the grave c
l^i^wt^that^histori
I 'lam Indebted to Mr D^
"if by him fVom the li',!.' ,
IB.^ . lertlle farm eiirnt
Ibklnr,,, "r"""" descent. I]
Ua.h."X%rn^«xt,
^-•UUwr„re'rt -;"■
I '™»t.Lonl»ini8fl2 ~L\i
tifr'"''5.«inF^r
;;« Knox was erected by M,
OF THE T/AU OF 1812.
196
Bairlsou'a March up the Wabash with Troops.
Fort Httrrison built.
Deputations of fhendl; ludiaus.
and Colonel Owen instaiitly obeyed. They hastened to the field, accompanied by the
eloquent Kentucky lawyer, Joseph Hamilton Da'dess, Colonel Frederick Geiger, Caj)-
tain Peter Funk* at the head of a company of cavalry, and Croghau, O'Fallon, Shipp,
Chum, Edwards, and other subalterns, who had been mustered by Geiger near Louis-
ville. AH of these have praisers for bravery in the annals of their country.
Oil the 20th of September Governor Harrison left Fort Knox,'^ at Vincennes, with
alK*ut nine hundred eft'ective men, marched u]> the W abash Valley, and on the 3d of
October halted on the eaatern bank of the river, about two miles above an old Wea
village, where the town of Terre Haute, Indiana, now stands. It was a spot famous
inhuliun tradition as the scene of a desperate battle, at some time far in the past, be-
tween tribes of the Illinois and Iroquois. On this accor.nt the old French settlers
iiad named the spot " Battaille des Illinois." There they immediately commenced the
erection of a quadrangular stockaded fort, with a block-house at three of the angles ;
and thee the governor received deputations from friendly DelaAvare and Miami In-
dians, who assured him that the hostility and strength of the Proj)het was increasing.
In war-speeches to them he had declared that the hatchet was lifted up against the
Americans; and this information was affirmed on the night of the 10th of October,
when some prowling Shawnoese, who had come dWar.
I /
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196
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Night at Peru.
A Political Campaign.
Uopleagant Experience at Indianapoiu.
when we left, at two in the afternoon, for Indianapolis. We arrived at Peru, a little
village on the Wabash fifty-six miles west of F^ort Wayne, at sunset. The dull clouds
had lifted the space of a degree from the horizon, and allowed the last rays of the sun
to give glory to the thoroughly saturated country for a few minutes, before the lu-
minary disappeared behind the forests that skirted a wide prairie on the west.
At Peru, a railway leading -outhward to the capital of Indiana connects with the
Toledo and Wabash Road, over which we had traveled. But there was no evening
connection, and we were compelled to remain among the Peruvians until morning.
Theirs is a small village. Town and taverns were filled with people, drawn t'.iithcr
by the two-fold attraction of a county fair and a desire to go to Indianapolis in tlie
morning, where the late Judge Douglas, one of the candidates for the Presidency nf
the United States, was to speak. I found a crowd of railway passengers around tlie
register of the inn where I stopped, all anxious to secure good lodgings for the niglit.
The applicants were many, and the beds proportionately few. I was fortunate enough
to have for my room-companion for the night, Judge Davis, of Bloomington, Illinois
a gentleman of great weight in the West, and an ardent personal friend of the late
President Lincoln. He declared that, if his triend should be elected, he would be
found to be " the right man in the right place. ' Judge Davis is now (1867) one of
the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Having half an hour to spare before supper and the approaching darkness, I strolled
around the village, that lies »ipon a rolling plain and along the banks of the beauti-
ful Wabash — beautiful, indeed, because of variety in outline, greenness of verdure,
and its fringes of graceful trees and shrubbery. Many of the trees were more ancient
than the dominion of the w.iite man there, and others were as young as the town
near by, so lately sprung up from the shadows of the wilderness. A canal, with
muddy banks, dug along the margin of the river, somewhat marred the beauty of
the scene. It was quite dark when I retired to the inn, having called on the way at
the house of Mr, Grigg, whose wife is a daughter of the Little Turtle. They were
absent, and I missed the anticipated pleasure of an interview with one whose father
bore such a conspicuous part in the history of the Northwest.
I left Peru, in company Avith Judge Davis, at six o'clock the following morning,
and reached Indianapolis at ten. It was a sunny day. The town was rapidly filling
with people pouring in by railways and common roads from all directions. Flags
were flying, drums were beating, marshals were hurrying to and fro, and the ciowdsj
were flowing toward the " Bates House," the common centre of attraction, wherei
Judge Douglas was receiving his friends in a private parldr, and waiting for the ap-
pointed hour when he should go out and speak to the people on the political topics
of the day. Over the broad street a splendid triumphal arch was thrown, and evei
avenue to the hotel was densely thronged with eager expectants. I made my waj
through the living sea, and registered my name for dinner at the " Bates," expcctins
to leave for Terre Haute at evening. After spending an hour with Mr. Dillon, ai
thor of the latest history of Indiana, I was informed that a train would leave forth^
West at meridian. So I again elbowed my way through the crowd just as Juih
Douglas was entering his carriage, and, with the shouts of twenty thousand voi«
ringing in my ears, I escaped to the empty streets, and reached the railway static
just in time for the midday train. I was soon reminded that I had invcluntarili
made a liberal contribution to some light-fingered follower of the itinerant candidal
for the crown of civio victory. I had been relieved of the present care of that subtj
magician thus apostrophized by Byron :
"Thon more than gtone of the phlloHnpher I
Thon touchstone of Philosophy herBClf!
Thon bright eye of the mine ! thon loadstar of
The sonl ! thon tmc mn^etlc pole, to which
All hearts point duly north, like trembling needles !"
Vtoit to Terre Haute
Terre Haute
pleasant vilJaw
thousand inhal
one of the mosl
at four o'clock i
ing, so as to lea
to whom I had
attractions of a
men, women, an(
kind could be for
more than an he
reserve, and start
too dim to make
there in their ear
tween the canal t
still be seen the fi
nothing of the fo
then (I860) formec
■ifle. I had the go
ii.'ime), when near i
loi's defense of it.
description of the
that I made a rouo
of it on the spot,1
copy of which is 8e
picture. He prono
perfect according tc
collection. Jtg trut
«as confirmed on m
to the Terre Hautt
I'.v a picture, made
manner a few years a
(lie recollections of <
pip, and lithographe
m placed in my ha
Mr, Kalston, of the
"■^''•ks; and I was j,,
Itofi'id such a perfect
|Mit,even in detail
h doubt the engravin
?»<"" i3 a truthful rop,
M'eft Terre Haute ff
M.„ing,» checking vu
kencastle, the capita
fi'eago Railway croHs
™k was checked for
*gra])h operator in J;
»^sage with eflfect beft
J'anapolis, making its
,, .^> W'nged elec
»f fugitive at Richmor
"^^ntjvasbrought ba
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
197
visit to Terre Haute and the Site of Fort Harrison.
Sketch of the Fort.
A Traveler In Trouble.
Terre Haute (high land) is seventy-three miles westward of Indianapolis. It is a
pleasant village, and the capital of Vigo County. It then contained less than two
thousand inhabitants. It is on a high plain on the left bank of the Wabash, and is
one of the most delightful summer residences in all that region. We amved there
at four o'clock in the afternoon. Hoping to visit the site of Fort Harrison that even-
iiiff, so as to leave in the morning, I immediately sought a gentleman in the village
to whom I had a letter of introduction. The town was almost depopulated by the
attractions of a county fair in its neighborhood. The afternoon was so j)leasant that
men, women, and children had al gone to the exhibition, and not a vehicle of any
kind could be found to convey me to the fort, over two miles distant. After wasting
more than an hour in fruitless attempts to procure one, I fell back on my unfailing
r >serve, and started off on foot. It was twilight when I reached the spot — twilight
too dim to make a sketch of the locality. The old sycamore and elm trees that were
tliere in their early maturity when the fort was built yet stand along thj bank be-
tween the canal and the ruin, and on the western shore of the Wabash opposite may
still be seen the fine old timber upon the low anu frequently-overflowed bottom ; but
nothing of the fort remained excepting the logs of one of the block-houses, which
then (1860) formed the dwelling of Cornelius Smock within the area of the old stock-
ade. I had the good-fortutie to meet an old man (in my haste I forgot to inquire his
name), when near the site of the fort, who was there in 1813, soon after Captain Tay-
lor's Jefense of it. He pointed out the exact locality, and gave me such a minute
tk'scription of t lie structure,
that I made a rough outline ^^ ^l%SHK8^sfi'*J^^** ''^^i
of it on the spot, a finished
copy of which is seen in the
picture. He pronounced it
perfect according to his rec-
ollection. Its truthfulness
was confirmed on my return
to the Terre Haute House
I l)y a picture, made in like
manner a few yeara ago fiom
I the recollections of old peo-
ple, and lithographed.' It
Uti3 placed in my hands by
I Mr. Ralston, of the gas-
I Works; and I was jurprised
I to find such a perfect agree-
jment, even in detail. I have
Ido doubt the engraving here
Igiveii ia a truthful representation of Fort Harrison and its surroundings in 1813.
I left Terre Haute for Crawfordsville, Indiana, at three o'clock in the • September ST,
lUKTiing," checking my luggage (as I thought) to the Junction near '•***•
^reencastle, the capital of Putnam County, where the Louisville,^ New A'bany, and
lieago Railway crosses that of the Terre Haute and Richmond. By mistake my
unk was checked for Philadelphia, and was not left at the Junction. I found the
telegraph operator in his bed half a mile from the station, but he could not send a
Bpssage with effect before seven o'clock, at which time my luggage w juld be beyond
dianapolis, making its way towaid Philadelphia at the rate of twenty-five miles an
lour. The winged electricity was more fleet than the harnessed steam. It headed
jit fugitive at Richmond, a hundred miles distant, and at two o'clock In the after-
ion it was brought back a prisoner to Greencastle Station, much to my relief. I
1 rubltshod by Modealtt and Hager in the year 1S4S.
PUKT IIAUUIKU.N.
t !>•,
It!
'/ 1
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198
riCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
OreeocaBtie and Crawfordsvillc.
A Visit to the Founder of CrawrordBville.
Two of Wayne's tioldleni.
think I never saw so much beauty in an old black leather trunk before nor since.
Meanwhile I had pretty thoroughly explored Greencastle, chiefly before daylight,
when trying to find my way back to the station from the te'egrapiiist's lodgings.
Every street appeared to end at a vacant lot. At length, just at dawn, I rcijcived
directions from an Irishman, with an axe on his shoulder, more explicit thaii tlcar.
"Is it the dapo' you want?" he inquired. "Yes." "Wi' thin," he said, "jist tnni
down to the lift of the Prisbytarian Church that's not finished, and go by the way of
the church that is finished ; turn right and lift as many times as ye plaze, and budad
ye'll be there." Perfectly satisfied I walked on, found tlie station by accident, wait-
ed patiently for the telegi'aphist, and then went to the villags, half a mile distant, to
breakfast.
Greencastle is pleasantly situated u,jon a high table-land, sloping every way, about
a mile east of the Walnut Fork of the Eel Run, and then contained between two
thousand and three thousand inhabitants. I remained there until three o'clock in
the afternoon, when I left for Crawfordsvillc, twenty-eight miles northward, wlicre I
met my family and remained a few days, the guest of the Honorable (afterward JIa-
jor General) Lewis Wallace, the gallant commander first of the celebrated Eleventh
Indiana Regiment in Western Virginia, and afterward of loyal brigades and di-
visions in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northeni Mississippi, in the late Civil War.'
since 1833, and for fifteen
years was Judge of the Cir-
cuit Court. From him I
obtained much valuable in-
formation concerning tlie in-
There I met the Honorable
Isaac Naylor, who was with
Harrison at the battle of
Tippecanoe. He had been
a resident of Crawfordsvillo
cidents of the battle of Tippecanoe and the preceding marcli of the army from Vin-
cennes.'^
I also visited, at Crawfordsvillc, the late venerable Major Ambrose Whitlock, one
of the last survivors of General Wayne's army in the Northwest. lie was first undei-
the immediate command of Hamtramck, and afterward served as aid to Wayne, and
became lieutenant in the company of which Harrison was captain. Major Whitloclc
was the founder of Crawfordsvillc. He was at the head of the Land-oflice in Indiana,
as receiver of the public moneys of the United States, for eight years. William 11.
Crawford, Monroe's Secretary of the Treasury, appointed him to that station. The
office was at Terre Haute. It was finally determined to establish an oftice in another
part of tlie Territory for the convenience of the settlers, and the selection of the lo-
cality was left to the judgment of Major Whitlock. He found in the wilderness near
Sugar Creek, in a thickly-wooded dell, a spring of excellent water, and resolved tn
establish the new Land-oflice near that desb-able fountain. Settlers came. He laid
out a village, and named it Crawfordsvillc, in honor of his friend of the Treasury De-
partment. He resided there ever afterw.ird. His house was upon a gentle eminence
eastward of the railway, and the wooded deli and the ever-flowing spring of sweet
water formed a part of his premises on the eastern borders of the village. Major Whit-
lock^ was ninety-one years of age at the time of my visit, yet his mental faculties
• For an account of Gefxal Wallace's military genices, see I^osBlng's Pictorial Hittory of the Civil War.
"> Judge Naylor was bom in Rockingham Com'* "i VI- •'•ilii, on the JiOth of July, 1790, and at the age of three ycare was I
taken hy his far.ily to a settlement near Huddle's ouiilon, Bourbon Connty, Kentucky. lie removed to Clarke Cnmitt, I
Indiana, in 1806, aud In 1810 made a voyage to New Orl janu on a flat-boat. He repeated it next year, and soon after |
his return, and while preparing for college, be Joined Harrison's army at Vincennes as a volunteer In Captain Jaires Iti:-
ger's company. He assisted In the construction of Fort Harrison, participated In the battle of Tippecanoe soon after-
ward, and, at different times during the war with Great Britain that ensued, served as a volunteer, but was not to siy j
other buttle. In 1880 he was elected Judge of the Common Pleas of Montgomery County. !
' Ambrose Whitlock was born at Bowling Green, Caroline County, Virginia, on the 26th of April, 1T69. At an early
age he went to Kentucky. He enlisted in Wayne's army, and was with htm throughout bis Indian compalgns. Atone j
time he was his aid. He was Ave years in garrison at Fort Washington (Cincinnati) as sergeant. President Adam! j
commissioned him lieutenant in ISOO. In 1802 he was appointed aesistant military agent at Vincennes, and also ateulanl j
PBymaster. He became district paymaster in 1806, a first lieutenant in the regular army in 180T, and a captain in ISl!' I
Journey from Crawf(
were quite vi|
diers of the pa^
was blessed w
aud fortune.
On the cvonii
one of Septemb
for Lafayette, Ii
northward, with
the Tippecanoe
niorning. The c
passed for the fin
Iieavily timbered
ginning to assun
autnmn. It was
seen of the actual
nearly all Septeii
August in terape
soon readied a si
had seen, uvA at
Lafayette. The t
thousand inhabit
j)olitical excitemei
public meetings tl
V.JoIin.son, ofGeo
Slates ; the latter.
Congress from Mic
Lane, of Crawford
"Little Giants"2fo
the same streets at
tor that it war difli
the moving illumii
were kept up until
He relinquished his rank in
met composed of Kentucky
years and a half, and attain
■™ as receiver of the put
els". It is BHppoRed that ui
'"» »' InJiannpolis I saw a
Mken from life J and In Ban
W, who was also In" Mud >
I ^k'fl'tnls engraving was m
I talsvllle on the 2Gth of J„„
. ' ^""^ was a schism In th
»« John C. Breckiuridg
Breckinridge Democrats ••
few rears' standing, comoosp
"tension of slavery beZdt
««minated John Bell, of Ten
"re freqnently called the Bel
J ttcr respective friends. ;
I Me. Mr. Bell had already
,ti"°""y-^'''''«"'™«tor
I ™%, and the payment of h
r''''''':'7-»n
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200
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Indian Portraits.
Jonrney to the-Battle-ground of Tippecauoe.
IIurrUoD'8 March up the Wabaab Valle)-.
At Lafayette I met Mr. George Winter, an English artist who has resided many
years in Indiana, and had the pleasure of inspectuig his fine collection of Indian por-
traits and scenes painted by him from nature. His collection possesses much histor-
ical and ethnological value, and ought to be in the possession of some institution
where it might be preserved and the individuals never separated. He was intimati-
ly acquainted with many of the characters whose features he has delineated, and ho
lias collected stores of anecdotes and traditions of the aboriginals of the Northwest.
The memory of Mr. Winter's kind attentions while we were in Lafayette is \cn
pleasant.
The first day of October dawned brightly, and the temperature of the air was like
that of early June. Before sunrise we visited the artesian well of sulphur-water in
the public square, the result of a deep search for pure water. A neat j)avilion covers
it ; cups are furnished for the thirsty, and noi far off are baths of it for invalids and
others.
At an early hour we departed for the battle-ground of Tippecanoe, seven miles
northward. We passed over a level and pleasant country most of the way, crossing
the railway several times. Within three miles of the battle-ground we crossed tiie
Wabash on a cable-bateau,' and watched with interest the perilous fording of tlie
stream just above, near the railway bridge, by a man and woman in a light wagon.
Twice they came near being submerged in
deep channels, but finally reached the shore
with only wet feet. The man saved the fer-
riage fee of twelve cents.
We arrived at the Battle-ground House at
ten o'clock, passing the scene of the conflict
just before reaching it. Resting in the cool
shadows of the stately trees that still cover
the spot, let us turn to the chronicle of the
Past and study the events which have made
this gentle elevation, ove'-lookhig a " wet prai-
rie," classic ground.
Fort Harrison, as we have seen, was com-
pleted on the 28th of October. It was gar-
risoned by a small detachment under Lieuten-
ant-colonel Miller — the " I'll try, sir !" hero of
the battle of Niagara, three years later. The
main body of the army moved forward the
•October 29, "^^* "^^y*" '^"'^ *'" *'^^ 3l8t, SOOn
*'^ii- after passing the Big
Raccoon Creek, crossed to the
western side of the Wabash, near
the site of the present village of
Montezuma, in Parke Count y.^
Tliere the troops were joined by some of the Kentucky volunteers, under Wells, j
Owen, and Geiger.-* Harrison was commander-in-chief by virtue of his oftice as gov-
1 These were large flat-boats for conveying passengers, teams, .ind freight. They are pushed across by poles at low j
water, and at high water arc secured and assisted in the passage by a huge cable stretched from shore to shore.
« Dillon's HtHtory of Indiaua, page 4«2.
' Having been Informed that the Indians were more numerous in his front than he had anticipated, Govomor Hirri-i
son had sent Colonel Daviess and one or two others to Kentucky to apply for a re-enforcement of five hundred men.
nrigadler General Wells Immediately ordered out his brigade and beat up for volunteers. The privates hanging back, j
Wells and several of his off.cers stepped out, and being Joined by some of the file, the volunteers mustered thlrty-tV'i;
men. They elected Colonel F. Gelger as their captain. The reluctance of the men to turn out was owing in part (ol
their scruples, the brigade having been ordered out wUhoat orders from the Governor of Kentucky. The goTeroor be-l
Ing at Frankfort, there was no time to consult him.— jPunt's Narrative.
Flnt Appearance o
cmor of the 1
sisted of nine
regulars under
tia. The mou
hundred and 8(
and of the rifle
The army wi
western bank <
eight men were
the army. On
5th encamped w
been careful, on
whose banks, for
where a few tnci
From tJieir enc
rie, extending far
the guides assertc
of the Wabash, w
from the contenip
.-ies. Until now i
the following day,
tliey were seen lio'
of the trooj)s had
cions, wa- hed evt
the same order of
eral in 1794,2 he no
ofthe path, and th(
To facilitate the mi
tion into battle ord
iinins of companies.
ofthe time throng
Nians were continna
tried, but in vain, to
of the Prophet's tow
tlie mongrel warrior
|Mon turned back, an
I The alarmed savas
Inson that the Proph(
Jooiiriers, but that the
ITliey were surprised i
la their women and c
lie was ready to have
iMinprncnt. They pd
[lacreeklessthana
TTji.vlor and Clarke) wei
M that the situations
*e out to meet him
jommenced until an im
P^for the encam
Ll' "lit '«'"eved that the Indl
Mammal] force as hit^haa the
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
20T
Firtt Appearance of hostile Indlaue.
The Prophet's Town approached.
The Indians alarmed.
ernor of the Territory, and Boyd was his next in command. The whole force con-
sisted of nine hundred and ten men, and was composed of two hundred and fifty
regulars under Boyd, si\ty volunteers from Kentucky, and six hundred Indiana mili-
tia. The mounted men, consisting of dragoons and riflemen, amounted to about two
hundred and seventy. The command of the dragoons was given to Colonel Daviess,
and of the riflemen to General Wells, both having the relative rank of major.
The army was near the Vermilion River on the 2d of November, and there, on the
western bank of the Wabash, built a block-house twenty-five feet square, in which
eight men were placed, to protect the boats employed in bringing up provisions for
the ami}'. On the following day* the army moved forward, and on the •November a,
5th encamped within eleven miles of the Prophet's town. Harrison had ^*"-
been careful, on the preceding day, to avoid the danger ^us passes of Pine Creek,
whose banks, for fifteen or twenty miles from its mouth, were immense clifis of rock,
where a few men might dispute the passage of large numbers.'
From their encampment on the 5th, looking northward, stretched an immense prai-
rie, extending far beyond the limits of vision. It reached to the Illinois at Chicago,
the guides asserted. It filled the troops, who had never been on the northwest side
of the Wabash, with the greatest astonishment; but their attention was soon drawn
from the contemplation of nature to watchfulness against the wiles of their own spe-
cies. Until now they had seen no Indians, though often discovering their trails. On
the following day,** when within five or six miles of the Prophet's town, ^
they were seen hovering around the army on every side. Tht nproach
of the troops had become known to the Prophet, and his scouts, numerous and saga-
cious, wa' hed every step of the invaders. Great caution was now necessay, and
the same order of march which Harrison, as Wayne's aid, had planned for tiiat gen-
eral in 1794,^^ he now adopted. The infantry marched in two columns on both sides
of the path, and the dragoons and mounted riflemen in fro'it, re»»r, and on the flanks.
} To facilitate the march, and keep the troops in position for ii quick and precise forma-
i lion into battle order in the event of an ambusoade, they were broken into short col-
! limns of companies. They had now left the open prairie, and were marching most
I of the time through open Avoods, the ground furrowed by ravines. Parties of In-
dians were continually m.''\ing their appearanco. and Barron and other interpreters
tried, but in vain, to speak to their leaders. Finji^ ly, when within a mile and a half
I of the Prophet's town, Toussaint Dubois, of Viri. amies, offered to take a message to
mongrel warrior-pontiff". The menaces of the savages were so alarming that he
I won turned back, and the army pressed forward toward the Tippecanoe.
The alarmed savages now asked for a parley. It was granted. They assured Har-
Irison that the Prophet had sent back a friendly message by the Delaware and Miami
Icoiiriers, but that they had gone down the eastern bank, and missed him on his march.
IThey were surprised at his coming so soon, and hoped he would not disturb and fright-
len their women and children by occupying their toAvn. Harrison assured them that
Ike was ready to have a friendly talk with them, and desired a good place for an en-
Icampment. They pointed to a suitable spot back from the Wabash, on the borders
lof a creek less than a mile northwest from the Prophet's town. Two officers (Majors
jTwlor and Clarke) were sent with Quarter-master Piatt to examine it. They report-
I that the situation was excellent. Harrison then parted with the chiefs who had
»e out to meet him, after an interchange of promises that no hostilities should be
[ommenced until an interview should be held the following day. " I found the ground
lestined for the encampment," Harrison wrote, " not altogether such as I could wish
I ' It was believed that the Indinnsi mii;ht mnke n stand there, as they did in ITSO, when General Ocnrge Rogers Clarke
■dertool: a campaign against the Wabash Indians, and again, in ITftO, when MiOor Hnmtrnmck penetrated that region
Hih a small force as h.fb as the Vermilion River, to malie a diversion in favor of General Uarmar's expedition on the ,
Mimee. ' See page 04. .
1 ' ;
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Is
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202
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ilarrtson'g Bncampment on the Tippecanoe Battle-groand.
It8 Arranxcmeot and Cumpoaitlnn.
it. It was, indeed, admirably calculated for the encampment of regular troops that
were opposed to regulars, but it aflbrded great facility to the approach of savages.
It was a piece of dry oak land, rising about ten feet above the level of a marshy prai-
rie in front (toward the Prophet's town), and nearly twice that height above a simi-
lar prairie in the rear, through which, and near to this bank, ran a small stream clothed
with willows and other brushwood. Toward the left flank this bench of land wideiud
considerably, but became gradually narrower in the opposite direction, and at the dis-
tance of one hundred and iifty yards from the right flank terminated in an al)ni|)t
point."' No doubt the wily savages recommended this position that they might
employ their peculiar mode of wariiire advantageously.
The above is a good description of the locality as it appeared when I visited it in
the autumn of 1860. It was still coVered with the same oaks ; on " the front," toward
Wabash and Ti))pecanoe Creek, stretched the same " wet" or frequently overflowed
prairie ; in " the rear" was the same higher bank, and prairie, and Burnet's Creek ; and
at the " abrupt point" the Louisville, New Albany, and Chicago Railway strikes the
". bench of land," and runs parallel with the common wagon-road along the bank over-
looking the " wet prairie." In the annexed sketch, taken from " the abrupt point,"
looking northeast over the camp-ground, is seen the southern portion of the inclosure
of the battle-field, near
which Spencer's rifle-
men were posted, indi-
cated on the j)lan of
the encampment on
page 205. The horse-
man denotes the direc-
tion of the wet prairie
toward the Prophet's
town, and the steep
bank seen on the left
of the picture has Bur-
net's Creek flowing at j
its base, and was still
"clothed with wil-
lows," shrubbery, and
vines.
Harrison arranged
his camp with care on
the afternoon of the
6th of November, in
the form of an irregular parallelogram, on account of the slope of the ground. On the]
front was a battalion of United States infantry, under Major George Rogers Clarke j
Floyd,^ flanked on the left by one company, and on the right by two companies of In-i
diana militia, under Colonel Joseph Bartholomew.^ In the rear was a battalion ofl
United States infantry, under Captain William C. Baen," acting as major, ivith Capj
tain Robert C. Barton,* of the regulars, in immediate command. These were support-T
ed on the right by four companies of Indiana militia, led respectively by Captains!
1 Harrison's dispatch to the Secretary of War from Vincennee, November 18, 181 1.
s Was appointed Captain of the Seventh Infantry In 1808, and Mi^jor of the Fourth Infantry In 1810. In Angnst, I?l8
he W08 promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of Seventh Infantry, and resigned In April, 181.S. j
3 Afterward Lieutenant Colonel of Indiana Volunteers under Oeneral Harrison. He was appointed United States Md
jor General of the Indiana Territory in 1816.
* Appointed Captain of the Fourth Infantry in 1808, and died of his wounds received in the battle of Tippecanoe c
the nth of November, 1811.
> First liientenant in Fourth Infantry in 1808, promoted to captain in 1809, and resigned in September, 1812.
VIKW AT TII'PKUA.NOE llATTLE-OBOtlNU.
Uarrisoo's Instruct
Josiah 8neIIin
mandc'J byLi(
filled with moi
red and fifty y
eral .Saniuol W
IMvid liobb, a
viess, acting as
and at a right
of cavalry as a
tents, etc., were
Having comp,
tlic field-officers
each corj)s tJiat ;
of an attack, unt
rado di.Hmounted,
ca{)tain.s' guards,'
detailed to defenc
•lay. Thus prepj
soundly sleeping.
«as intense, excet
through.
Quite difl'erent h
fee. Bothpartic
no excitement; bui
, "nprinciplpd Proph,
j soon as the curtain
^^7'. In one hand
oi beans which he
irlien toucJied. His
I invulnerable, and th(
Accomplished, the P
movements; then tij
jKiie told them th'
|purpower,"hesaid
J*q' now, and will n
|»os8 to the white me
^^JfliKlemen. In April h
^H; and when tL^'°"">«
f"« retained as J^rr"'"'
liirasnm.!, ! J ^'eutenant (
k*^ new"l°;;'''^ j.^n Posey "t^jITT^^-^^^^^^
maiKlfJbyLieutcnnnf n i , y> ^ """las Scott anrl To« u «r
lilled with^momue ri? "'' ^"^^ ^'-"^kor. ^e wit fl ^'''"'^' ^^'^ ^^olo corn-
el and fifty ;;:^^"":r;:;;; "-'- ^'^p^-^- v- w "^ r'« --'j^s r^
oral Samuel VVelLs.a comma "in ' '*'"''''''*^^^ «^ '"oEnted rifl^ '**' ''^"* ""« ''""d-
vie«s, acting as maj^r, ve;o ^1^0 "T "^ ^'•'^g««"«, under Cor^'r^r'^ ^^^'•'^'"' «"d
and at a right angle wTth th .'^o "''^ '" '^'^ rear of tie front ,?'"""^ ''"^^J''' ^f- Da-
of cavalry as a ro^.ryTZtrkT-^''''''^ '"^ the rear Xt rrV''" '"'^ ^''''i^;
ten;., etc.. wore i„ the ; n" f ' " ''''"•^■""^° P-'^^- ^ wl:L'Sf ' ""^ '-^ ^'-""l^
Having completed the arLrr ' ''''^S"^'^' ««i«.r8'
•fan attack, „„t„ Xf/ """"O' l-o of ,h„ camp .i™'™""™- "« »*,.,! that
o, d™„„„tcd, with .It J^^ -"' f ? "W"' «'-" h cavX"""' "' "»»
aptains' guard, of fortv i,^„ • "-"■ •»"'■ and act ■« n "»™lry were to iia-
-led to dcfc'd tKm; T"' T''' """ «»<> ™w"™a^''o?: * T""- T-o
Quite different was the cond.V . "' moonlight camo
•»-" which he cIl" oy\:»,°'f '"■•«l.,or"Med;a„?;^:S "'th ""' **
irlien toucJied. His fnll^ ^' ^ ^'"^ accounted to h^ ■ ^ "^^^^' » sti-inff
-•"lnerable,and « en t tk^^^^^ .'" ''^^"•-^ toto:^^^^'^''''' - ^^^-r cffecf
^^on-pli-shed, the Pro, Lt tent T^ *" ^^t^^rminate the l^o l^l'^'^'V^'^ ^« '"'^de
"■ovements ; then turn n^^.? . '""^'^ '"^ ^«"& serieronn. '"'• ^^^'" «»« ^vas
>r,i.e told them that f^ ^'' h'^hJy-cxcited band aho f *^''^"' ''^"'^ '"vstical
.P,w i^^ ' — — — — — __ ' ^ weapons shall be al-
JFirst Llentenant in Pnn,fh t_,._. . ^ ■ ^ '^ **'
'First Llentenant in Vnn,n, r , ' '
P WM commissioned Lieutenanff'.^^!'' ^"^ '" Febrnary
V^' "t Riflemen. In AnH hf ,'""'" ■"■ ^^« Fourth HpT
V«"r general, with fhe „'„k ''0;:'?' ?« ^'"nmiss.or ^•
"bed at Lyon's Creelj, o„ the rh.l °''- «« «-«« distln-
!■ and When the arm; was .l^i"'"""'' "•"'"^ Oeneral Bi".
N™ retained as LlenteTant Sn ? ^P"«^« '■""""K In 1816 /
N™ Promotod to Colonel of ?h?p,11 '^" ^'^'^ 1"^™ ^
"vrap/iy, by Samuel Q. Drake,
^1 -
j
1!
"Ti
fe *l
■Ji \
1
i
;4"
li It
r I
I' (
'111
ItHll
204
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Furloiu Attack on Ilarrinou'B Camp.
Quod Behavtur uf raw Truopa.
Uallaulry uf M^ur DavlcH.
ways fatal." Then followed war-songH and dances, until the Indians, wrought up to
a perfect frenzy, rushed forth to attack Harrison's camp without any leaders. Stealth-
ily they crept througli the long grass of the prairie in the deep gloom, intending to
surround their enemy's position, kill the sentinels, rush uito the camp, and niassaeri'
all.>
Harrison was in the habit of rising at four o'clock in the morning, calling his troops
to arms, and keeping them so until broad daylight. On the morning of the 7tli of
November he was just pulling on his boots at the usual hour, when a single gun was
fired by a sentinel at the northwest angle of the camp, near the bank of Hunut's
Creek. This was instantly followed by the horrid yells of numerous savages in ♦liat
quarter, who opened a murderous fire upon the companies of Baen and Geiger tiiat
formed that angle. The foe had been creeping up stealthily to tomahawk the senti-
nels, but the sharp eyes of one of them had detected the moving savage in the gloom,
and fired upon him with fatal eifect.'' Their assault was furious, and iu their frenzy
several Indians penetrated through the lines, but never to return.
The whole camp was soon awakened by demon yells and a cry to arms, and the
oflicers, with all possible speed and precision, in the faint light of smouldering tires,
placed their men in battle order. These fires were then extinguished, for thej wtrt
more useful to the assailants than to the assailed. Nuieteen twentieths of the trooiis
had never been in battle, yet, considering the alarming circumstances of the attack.
their conduct was cool and gallant, and very little noise or confusion followed snih a
sudden awaking from sleep and call to defend life. The most of them were in lini'
before they were fired upon, but some were compelled to fight defensively at the doors
of their tents.
Harrison called for his horse — a fine white charger — but in affright tlie animal had
pulled up the stake that held his tether, and could not be found. The governor im-
mediately mounted a fine bay horse that stood snorting near, and with his aid, Colo
nel Owen, hastened to the angle of the camp where the attack was first niadc.^ He
found that Barton's company had suflfcred severely, and the left of Geiger's was en-
tirely broken. He immediately ordered Cook's company and that of the late Captain
Wentworth, under Lieutenant Peters, to be brought u\> from the centre of tiie rear
line, where the ground was much more defensible, and form across the angle in sup-
port of Barton and Geiger. At that moment the governor's attention was directod
to firing at the northeast angle of the camp, where a small comj)any of United States
riflemen, armed with muskets, and the companies of Baen, Snelling, and Prescott, of
the Fourth Regiment, were stationed. There he found Major Daviess forming the
dragoons in the rear of those companies. Observing heavy firing from some trees
about twenty paces in front of them, ho directed the major to dislodge them with a
part of his dragoons. " Unfortunately," says Harrison in his dispatch to the Secre-
tary of War, " the major's gallantry determined him to execute the order witli a
smaller force than was sufficient, which enabled the enemy to avoid him in front and 1
' During the night a negro camp follower who had been missed from dnfy was fonnd Inrking near the govemort
marquee, and arrested. He was tried after the battle by a dmm-head conrt-martlal, and was convicted of having de-
serted to the enemy, and returned for the purpose of murdering the governor. He was sentenced to be hung immedi- 1
ately, but was saved In consequence of the kindness of heart of the governor. His Imploring eyes touched narrlwn'! j
tender feelings, and he referred the matter to the commissioned officers present. Some were for his immediate execn- j
tion, when Snelling said, " Brave comrades, let us save him. The wretch deserves to die ; but as our commander, whoK i
life was more particularly his object, is willing to spare him, let us also forgive him. I hope, at least, that every officer j
of the Fourth Regiment will be on the side of mercy." Ben was saved.— Harrison's letter to Governor Scott, of Ken- J
tucky, cited by Hall, page 140. Captain Funk, in his narrative, says the negro was the driver of Governor Harrison'i j
cart, and that ho informed the Indians that the white people had no cannon with them. Cannon were the dread of lb( J
savages. Doubtless this Information caused a change In the policy mentioned in note 5, page 203, and caused the nr-f
ages to conclude to attack the pale-faces. I
» Judge Naylor, of Crawfordsville, already mentioned as a participant In the battle, Informed me that the name ofthe j
sentinel who first fired and gave the alarm was Stephen Mars, of Kentncky. He fired, and fled to the camp, bat w
shot before reaching it.
' Statement of Judge Naylor. Captain Funk says that Harrinon's own white borse was ridden by Hivjor Taylor, t
general's aid, against his wishes.
BntIe<)fTli>pecano«
attack him on
back. "2 Ifarri,
tciligence was
had driven the
G
The battle now I
rtole front and bot
'•erity upon Spencei
nek's company, wJiit
. liis lieutenant were
I gallantly maintained
men, who had been d
toward the centre o
Fourth Regiment wa
!Weingjo_rnainl
•The letter Bin the plan „,
'enearsago. It is «*;«„ ,„
L.rt., '.'^"' «^''"'"" and I
Xnt h"'?I!'*'^''''"hIspo
i Si ?"'''»"'>''»«' an hon
l^eltKhr/''"'''^''"
|^',&'»"l^k attended hi
JJfaeta.t.'T'"'""'8''thip
iHee^,!/ «•'"""■ Daviess w;
l«ea«ed a promise lh)m Cap
OF TFIE WAR OF 1812.
205
Battle of Tippecanoe.
The Severity of the Battle.
Death of Hajur Davleai.
uitiic'k him on Iuh fliiiikH, The major was mortally woundt'd,' and hiH party driven
back."* IlarriHon immediately promoted ('aj)tain I'arke to Daviess'H rank jiiHt an in-
telligence was brought, to him that Captain Snelling, with \m company of regulars,
had driven the savages from their murderous position with heavy loss.
TIPPECANOE
^amp and Battle?^
^0 ^ ^}
X^ (»(> ^ V^/^
^'^N. ' ^ X, COLLEGE
* %
.5^
A>*
'*B^
JJ
,< "
-1.
±.
A
-VW.O^HtTS
W^r PRAIRIE
The battle now became more general. The Indians attacked the camp on the
whole front and both flanks, and a portion of the rear line. They fell with great se-
verity upon Spencer's mounted riflemen on the right and the right section of War-
rick's company, which formed the southwest angle of the encampment. Spencer and
Ills lieutenant were killed, and Warrick was mortally wounded, and yet their men
gallantly maintained their position. They were speedily re-enforced by Robb's rifle-
men, who had been driven or ordered by mistake from their position on the left flank
i toward the centre of the camp, and at the same time Prescott's company of the
[ Fourth Regiment was ordered to fill the space vacated by the riflemen, the grand
I object being to maintain the lines of the camp unbroken until daylight, when the as-
' The letter B In the plan marks the spot where Davieaa fell. It was near an oak whose top was blown oflf In a gale
I itew years ago. It Is seen In the sketch of the battle-ffronnd as It appeared In 1800, printed on page 209.
I ' Davlesa was gallont and Impatient of restraint. One of his party was General V/ashington Johns, of Vlncennes, a
I quarter-master of the dragoons, who was Intimate with Harrison. Daviess sent him to the governor when the Indians
I Urn made the attack at this point, asking permission to go ont on foot and charge the foe. "Tell Major Daviess to be
I pJllent; he shall have an honorable station before the battle Is over," Harrison replied. In a few moments Daviess
I itpeated the request, and the governor mtde the same reply. Again he repeated It, when Harrison said, "Tell Major
I Djvicsa he has heard my opinion twice ; he may now nse his own discretion." The gallant major, with only twenty
I picked men, Instantly charged beyond the lines on foot, and was mortally wounded. He was a conspicnons mark In
I lie gloom, because he wore a white blanket coat.— Statements of Jndge Nnylor and Captain Funk. The latter says Col-
Jwel Daviess's horse was a roan bought of Frank Moore, of Louisville. Tlie Indians were masked by some fallen tlm-
|l*r. Captain Fimk attended him at about nine o'clock ; assisted in changing his clothes, and dressing his wounds. He
I wu (hot between the right hip and ribs, and it was believed that the ihtal bullet proceeded fi-om the ranks of his friends
I iHog In the gloom. Daviess was aft'aid the expedition might be driven away hastily, and leave those wounded behind.
I Et exacted a promise ttora Captain Fonk that in no event would he leave him to fall into the hands of the savages.
(.' '
♦
i\
"I,
w
i I
200
PICTOniAL PIBLD-BOOK
Dttnt or tbe IndUnt.
The Pniphet In IMigncc.
Retnra of tha Army to Vln'
Hailed would bo able to make u general (tluir^e upon a viHiblu foe. To do tliJH r^
<|uin'il ^reut activity on the part of the coiiiriiiiiider. HarriHoii whh coiiHtjiiitly i'i,|.
iii^ from point to point within the earn p, and kept the aHHuiled ponitioim rc-eiitontil,
Finally, when the day dawned, he iliHcovered the larger portion of the Indiaiix to In.
on the two flankH. lie accordinj^ly Htrengthened theHe, and wan about to order iIk
cavalry, under I'arke, to charge upon the foe on the lelt, when Major Weils, not ini-
derHtanding Ilarrison'H intentionH, led the infantry to perform that duty. It was ex.
ecuted gallantly and etfectiialiy. The Ind the impostor was deserted by his disappointed followers, and conipelkil
to take refuge with a small band of Wyandots on Wild-cat Creek. The foe had
scattered in all directions into places where the wliite man could not well follow.
" Sonud, Bound the charge I epur, spur the steed,
And swlfl the ftigltlves pnrcuo:
'Tl» viiln ; rein In— your utmoxt speed
Could not o'ertiike the recrennt crew.
In lowlnnd miirsh, In dell or cnvc,
Ench Indliin nought his lire to save ;
W*' Jnce peering forth, with fear and ire,
Ho saw hU Prophet's town on Are."
• November 8 When, on the day after the battle," Harrison and his amiy advanecJ I
'*"■ upon the Prophet's town, they found it deserted. After getl ing all tin
copper kettles they could find, and as much beans and corn as they could i arry away,
they applied the torch, and the village and a large quantity of com were speedily re-
duced to ashes. Six days afterward the array, bearing the wounded in twenty-two i
wagons, reached Fort Harrison on its return to Vincennes. Captain Snellin^, witli
his company of regulars, was left to garrison the fort, and, on the 1 8th of the month,!
the remainder of the army, excepting some volunteers disbanded the day bct'ore,!
were at Fort Knox, in the capital of the Indiana Territory. The immediate resultl
of the expedition was to scatter the Prophet's warriors on the Wabash, frustrate tliel
scheme of Tecumtha, and give temporary relief to the settlers in Indiana.
Tecnmtha, who was really a great man (while the Prophet was a cunning demaJ
gogue and cheat — a tool in the hands of his brother), was absent among the SouthJ
1 Harrison's dispatch to Dr. Enstis, Secretary of War, Noven.ber 18, 1811 ; V'Afee's Ilialoni of the Late War in the Vi*
en» Country, pages 2'2-30 ; Onderdonk's MS. Life of Temmimh ; Drake's Indian Btography ; Hall's Life of JIarrimn, paK^
132-146 ; Dillon's Ilistorn of Indiana, pages 44T-4T2 ; statements to the author by Judge Naylor, of Crawfordsville, I
diana, and Mi^nr Funk, of Kentucky.
The Tth was passed In burying the dead and strengthening the encampment, for rumors were plenty that Tecnmta
was coming to the aid of his brother with a thousand warriors. "Night," says Captain B*unk, "found every ma
mounting guard, without food. Are, or light, and in n drizzly rain. The Indian dogs, daring the dark hours, prodocv
rreqnent alarms by prowling in search of carrion about the sentinels."
Temmtha diaappi
pni Indians i
and fr>und all
|H)|)iilarity of
(it' Ills c()iif(>(K
of a true j)ati
vexed, and ex
in Ih'm projmsit
thoughts of p(
In the hatt|<
('ii;lity-eight.*
ckill and brave
topics for muci
ponents of the
liieiid of Presi(
target for denii
courage, were a
victory gained,
' Elkdwatiiwii (the I
'Mppl, all of which h
of others who had not
• MfopiiHuport (hrout;!
brother. He c- rjod ||
»nme lltrht materlnl, an
uf this ho iniidc great n
By his oxtniDrillnary on
rarlh tronihle to Its ecu
'fry time an enrthqunk
spiieared In the north w
CI. The Hiin was ecllp«(
uoMbccniKieof hiN Intei
slfpnofthe Prophet, del
' He lost, In klllc '. anc
wrgeant, and two corpo
ibeattnck commenced, (1
.Abraham Owen, Uarrlso
"f first attack. Letter A
bimii mark for tho hull.
chanijcd horses with Owi
mounted the tlrst one nc
mhadjolnedhimnsap
KB and a brave soldier, n
.tmong the mortally wo
ltd Warrick. Daviess, cc
! ''"^ "« be was brilliant
He took a lending pnrtng,
tbeNlcholnPcslnpoliticn
(tolons, used a hewn blo(
ibe leader of that art In K(
Mug to this power, a Tei
, '"ISO^'tWMr.Dnvlessw,
'Wd n the Supreme C,
I Bi-irict of Kentucky. Hen
ft"*-.. County, Ken'iucky.v
l»d.thletlc. He was bora I
!&''"»'. who was one o
|MDdlanawhileltwasaT(
!.««», 0-1 the 1st of .January,
' '"'^ dispatch to the /ec
OP THE WAR OP 1812.
307
il
Tefomths dlii»ppolnted.
RecrnltlDK-tonr of tta* Propbet.
Lite and CbaracMr of M^Jur UaTttw.
(>ni IniliiHiH wlu'ii tho bnttlo of Ti|)|H'C!ino»* occurred. lie rt'turiiod tiooii nrtcrwnrtl,
iiiid iiiuml nil liirt HcliPiiu'M frustniti'il by tho folly of the l*ro|)hft. The HiuliU-n un-
iMiiiiiliuity of tlie impostor deprived him of ft Htrong iimtnimeiit in the 'N)nHtnietioii
1)1' liin coiifederucy, to which h'w life and laborn had been long directed with the zciil
of a true patriot. lie miw his brightest visiuns dissipated in a moment. Mortified,
vi'xc'd, and exasperated, and failing to obtain the ae»juieseence of (lovernor Harrison
ill his jiroposition to visit the President with a deputation of chiefs, he abandoned all
tlioiights of peace, and became a firm ally of the British.'
Ill the battle of Tippecanoe Harrison lost, in killed and wounded, one hundred and
oinlity-eight.* It was a hard-fouglit and well-fought battle, and attested both the
nkiil and bravery of Harrison.^ The expediency and conduct of the campaign were
topics for much discussion, and elicited not a little severity of censure from the op-
ponents of the administration and of war. Harrison was a personal and political
tViciid of President Madison, and this gave license to the opposition to make him a
target for denunciatory volleys. His prudence, his patriotism, his military skill, his
courage, were all brought in cpiestion ; and some claimed the chajilet of fame for tho
victory gained, for the brow of Colonel IJoyd.* But time, the great healer of dissen-
1 Elk»wtttiiwn (tlie Prophet) now Btnrtod on n rccrultlng-toiir nmon); tlie varloui tribes on the IFppcr Liikea nndMis-
"Iwlppl, all of which he viBltcd with iiBtonlshliiK shccciib. Ho entered the vllln((eH of his most Invetorjite cuonileii, and
of (ithcru who hiid not even heard hl« name, and so mauoBUvrcd as to make his mystcry-tlre nnd sncrcd strliin of beans
I nafe pasuport tlirongh all their settlements. He enlisted sonic el^ht or ten thousand warriors to tlj'ht the bnttles of his
brother. He c- ricd Into every wlKwuni an Imane of a dead person the size of life, which was Injjenloiisly made of
nnmc liKht material, and kept concealed under baudafjes of thiu white muslin, and not to be opened to public srrntlny.
Of Ihls he mode jjreat mystery, and ijot his recruits to swear by touchlntj the strluR of while beans attached (o Its neck.
By his extraordinary cunning ho carrlei' terror wherever he went. If they did not obey htm ho threatened to make the
cirlh tremble to Its centre nnd darken tho ll^ht of the sun. Nature seemed to conspire with the Prophet, for at this
Tcrv time an earthquake extended along tho Mississippi, demolishing houses and settling the ground. A comet, too,
spi>enred In tho north with fearM length of tall, and seemed a hnr'ilngor to the (lilflllment of the prertlctUms of the Proph-
(1. The sun was eclipsed, to tho groat terror of tho savages, but, as the Prophet declared, It resumed Its wonted brlght-
iieM because of his Intercesislon. Hut while In the l\ill tido of success, two rival chiefs of his own tribe dogged the fool-
slepn of the Prophet, denounced him as an Impostor, and exposed his tricks.— Onderdonk's MS. Li/e n/Teemn»fh.
> He lost. In kille *. nnd wounded, ton officers, namely, one ntd-de-camp, one major, three captains, two Bubaltems, one
htrgeiint, and two corporols. Judge Naylor told me that the sergeant and himself were asleep at the samo fire when
ihe attack commenced, and that a bullet from an Indian's musket killed him as he was springing to his feet. Colonel
.\b™ham Owen, Harrison's ald-dc-camp, was killed early In the engagement, when ho and the governor rode to the point
lilllrat attack. Letter A In tho plan on page 2<15 niarkF, the spot where he fell. lie rode a white horse, and this made
him a mark for the Indians. Tho enemies of Harrison afterward asserted that the latter, to conceal himself, had ex-
ebjngcd horses with Owen. Tho fact was as I have stated— his own horse had scampered away in a fright, and he had
moiintcd tho first one near, which happened to bo n dark-colored one. The horse Owen rode was hlf own. That offl-
fer had Joined him n« a private of Oeigor's company, and had been accepted as bli volunteer aid. He was n good citl-
lenand a brave soldier, and had been a member of the Kentucky Legislature.
.\raong the mortally wounded, nnd who died before Harrison made his report, was Major Daviess, and Captains Baen
ind Warrick. Daviess, commonly called "Joe Daviess," wos the most bt'liiant man In that little army, and was as
brave as he was brilliant. He was n Virginian by birth, and at the time of his death wos only thirty-seven years of age.
Betook a lending part against Aaron Burr In the West in IROO. Prev'.ms to that he had been a successful opponent of
the Nicholases In political movements, they being Republicans and he a Fedoraiist. Ho was a great student, very ab-
itemlous, used a hewn block for a pillow, and a bed nearly as hard. Ills oratory wns powerful, and Wilson C. Nicholas,
Ihe leader of that art in Kentucky at the close of the last century, was often compelled to bend to his young rival. Al-
iidlng tu this power, n Tennessee poet (Robert Mack) wrote as follows, in n rhyming eulogy, after his death :
"Emerging from his studious shed,
Behold, behold him rise !
All Henry bursting fl-om his tongne,
And Marshall from his eyes.
Chained by the magic of his voice,
Pierce party spirit stood ;
E'en prejudice nimoat gave wny.
While with rcststiesB rensoning's sway
O'er far-famed Nichoins he rolled
The orntorial flood."
In ISOl, '02 Mr. Dnvless went to Washington City on professional business, and was the first Western lawyer who ever
I ippearcd In the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Jefferson made him Attorney of the United States for the
I Bijtrlct of Kentucky. He married a sister of Chief Justice Marshall, and always held a fl-ont rank in hie profession.
I DjvleM County, Kentucky, was named in his honor. He was wounded at about five o'clock in the morning of the 7th
lolNovember, and survived until one o'clock In the afternoon of the same day. Ho was nearly six feet high, vigorous
I hkI sihlctlc. He was bom in Bedford County, Virginln, on the 4th of Mnrch, 1T74.
' Harrison was continually exposed during the action, but escaped nnhurt. A bullet passed through iiie hat. Mi\|or
iHrarj Hurst, who was one of his alds-de-cnmp (nnd an active one) In this buttle, nnd was the only lawyer who resided
lb Indiana while it wns n Territory, died at Jeflfersonville, on the Ohio, opposite Lonlaville, where he had lived forty
|!Mr«,on the 1st of.Innuary, 180B, In the eighty-fifth year of his age.
' In his dispatch to the Secretary of War, Hnrrisou said of Colonel Boyd: "Tho whole of the infantry formed a small
i' •
>' — , 'lUW
mmmmmm
i i
',1 II
208
nCTOBIAL FIELD-BOOK
liarrlson and the Tippecanoe Battle.
The Battle-groand.
A eolemn Memorial Poem.
sions, corrector of errors, and destroyer of party and personal animosities, has lone
since silenced the voice of detraction ; and the verdict of his countrymen to-day, as
they study the record dispassionately, is coincident with thai of his soldiers at the
time, and of the Kentucky Legislature shortly afterward, who, on motion of the
late venerable member of Congress, John J. Crittenden, resolve-l, " That in the late
campaign against the Indians on the Wabash, Governor W. H. tiarrison has, in the
opinion of this Legislature, behaved like a hero, a patriot, and a general ; and that
for his cool, deliberate, skillful, and gallant conduct in the late battle of Tippecanoe
he deserves the warmest thanks of thi' nation." History, art, and song' made that
event the theme for pen pencil, and voice ; and when, thirty years afterward, the
leader of the fray was a candidate for the Presidency of the Unitjed States, he was
every where known by the familiar title of Old Tippecanoe, His paitisans erected
log-cabins in towns and cities, and in them sang in chorus,
" Hurrah for the fathei of all the green West,
For the Bnckeye who follows the plow I
The foemon in terror his valor confessed,
And we'll honor the conqueror now.
His country assailed in the darkest of days,
To ner rescue impatient he flew ;
The war-whoop's fell blast, and the rifle's red blaze.
But awakeued Old Tippecanoe."
The battle-field of Tippecanoe has become classic ground. It belonged to the State
of Indiana, and had been inclosed with a rude wooden fence for several years, which
we were told, was soon to give place to an iron one. The inclosure comprised seven
acres. It was a beautiful spot. The ground, gently undulating, and sloping from
Jiattle-ffround City^ (an infar.t in years and size), wa3 still covered with the nohle
oaks. In the sketch here given, made when I visited it in October, 1860, the specta-
tor is supposed to be standing just northward of the place where Major Wells's line,
on the left flank, was foi-med (see a plan of the camp on page 205), and lookinnj south-
west over the once wet prairie toward the Wabash. On the extreme left, in the dis-
tance, is seen the gentle eminence on which tho Prophet stood during the battle, sini;-
?ng his war-songs. Farther to the right, near the row of posts, is a large tree with
the top broken off. It raai-ks the spot near which Daviess fell. Tliere is only space
enough between it and the verge of the prairie below for the common road and the
railway.
brigade, under the immediate orders of Colonel Boyd. The colonel thi'onghont the action manifested equal zeal ond
bravery in carrying into execution my orders. In keeping the men to their posts. ,;,d tho village was soon afterward laid out. Both college and "city" hk Hiur-f
ishlng. The former was under the charge of Rev. B. H. Staley when I was there, and contained almost three hundred 1
pupils. The college Is situated in a grove of oaks on the upper border of the battle-ground, and the shaded Inctarej
forms a delightfiil promenade and place for out-of-door study. Several stnduuts, with their books, were seen unde'tlie|
trees when we were there.
Departure for Chicag
We dined at tht
forty miles distani
pleasure. Soon a:
seventy miles, pass
late prairie-flowers
reetion, as far as tl
which appeared lik
black clouds gatht
City that stands ar
ire ran into a heav
curve of that inlar
late in the evening
ning descended in
of the dashing railv
stars were beaming
?rcat prairie g:i tlie
and the night at thi
OF THE Vr'AR OF 1812.
209
Uepartiire for Chicago.
Jonniey across the Prairies.
Thunder-Btorm.
Arrival at Chicago.
^!^
^^:-i
^J-^
r ' if V
''"'^ro^.^mm
TH'PJJOANOE BATTLK-QEOUJiD IN IbtiU.
We dined at the Battle-ground House, and departed for Chicago, one hundred and
forty miles distant, at three o'clock in the afternoon. The journey was one of real
pleasure. Soon aftet leaving, we entered a prairie, and traversed its dead level for
seventy miles, passing some little villages on the way. It was rich with verdure and
late prairie-flowers, and the broad expanse was dotted here and there in every di-
rection, as far as the eye could comprehend, Avith clurap« of tall trees and shrubbery,
which appeared like islands in the mulst of a vast green sea. Toward evening heavy
black clouds gathered in the northwesiern sky, and when we approached Michigan
City that stands among the sand dunes at the head of Lake Michigan, just at sunset,
we ran into a heavy thunder-shower that was sweeping around the majestic southern
curve of that inland sea. Darkness soon came on, and as we approached Chicago,
late in the evening, we encountered another shower. On lake and prairie the light-
niiig descended in frequent streams, and the thunder roared fearfully above the din
of the dashing railway train. But all was serene when we arrived at Chicago. The
stare were beaming brightly, and a young moon was just dipping its horn below the
great prairie on the west. It had been a day of exciting pleasure as well as fatigue,
and the night at the Richmond House was one of sweet repose for us ail.
..v..«*-^i»v '■:-:*fZ:.
|iu«iim
m\
!'' i it
I W'Ml'J
210
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Meeting of the Twelfth Congress.
Strength of Parties In that Body.
CHAPTER XI.
" Hark I the peal of war is rung ;
Hark ! the song for battle's snng ;
Firm be every bosom strong,
And every soldier ready.
On to Qoebec's embattli a halls I
Who will panse when glory calls f
||. Charge, soldiers ! charge its lofty walls.
And storm its strong artillery !
Firm as our native hills we'll stand,
And should the lords of Europe land.
We'll meet them on the farthest strand ;
We'll conquer or we'll die !"
FaoM lUE Tbsnton Tbue Amebioas.
NTELLIGENCE of the battle of Tippecanoe reached Washing-
' ton City soon after the Tw alfth Congress had asseml led, and
produced a profound sensation in that body. They had been
convened by proclamation a month earlier* than the . November 4
regular day of meeting. The affairs of the coun- i^"-
try were approaching a crisis, and this session was to be the
most important of any since the establishment of the nation,
Both political parties came lully armed and well prepared for a
desperate conflict. The Federalists were in a hopeless minority in both houses, but
were strong in materials. They had but six members in the Senate, where even Mas-
sachusetts, the home of the " Essex Junto," ivas represented by a Democrat in the
person ol' the veteran Joseph B. Varnum, the speaker of the last House, who had
been chosen to supersede Timothy Pickering.^ Giles, of Virginia, having joined a
faction pimilar to Randolph's " Quids" in its relations to the administration, Wm. H.
Crawford, of Georgia, became the leader in the Senate of the dominant party proper,
and was «bly supported by Campbell, of Tennessee.
In the lower House the Federalists had but thirty-six members, whose great leader
was Quincy, of Massachusetts, ably supported by Key, of Maryland, Chittenden, of
Vermont, and Emott, of New York. Connecticut and Rhode Island were still num-
bered among the Federal states ; but in the remainder of New England and the State
of New York the Democrats had a decided majority. Thei'c were but ten Federal-
ists for all the states south of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Tlie more radical mem-
bers of the last Congress had been re-elected ; and in Cheves, Calhoun and Lowndes,
of South Carolina, Clay, of Kentucky, and Grundy, of Tennessee — all young men and
full of vigor — appeared not only Democratic members of ability, but enthusiastic
champions of war with Great Britain. With these came the veteran Sevier, the Iiero
' The contest for power between the Federalists and Democrats of Massachneetts had been long and bitter, IiilSU j
the latter succeeded in electing their candidate for governor (Elbrldge Gerry), and a majority of both houses of the Loc-
ialaturo. In order to secure the election of United States senators in the fnturc, it was important to perpetuate this
posuession of power, and measures were taken to retain a Democratic majority in the State Senate In all ftitnre years. •
The senatorial districts had been formed without any division of counties. This arrangement, for the purpose alluded j
to, was now disturbed. The Legislature proceeded to rearrange the senatorial districts of the state. They divided |
counties in opposition to the protests and strong constitutional arguments of the PederailBts ; and those of Essex and j
Worcester were so dir; ded as to form a Democratic district in each of those Federal counties, without any apparent re- 1
gard to convenience or propriety. The work was sanctioned, and became law by the signature of (Jovemor Gerry, He j
probably had no other hand In the matter, yet he received most severe castigations ft-om the opposition. |
In Essex County, the arrangement of the district In its relation to the towns was singular and absurd. nuesetl,tbej
Teteran editor of the £o«ton CentiTiel, who had fought against the scheme valiantly, took a map of that county and des-l
Henry Clay chosen 8pe
OF THE WAll OF 1812.
211
Uenry Clay chouen Speaker.
The President's focblo War-trumpet.
History of the Qerry-mander.
of King's Mountain, and first Governor of Tennessee — " stiff and grim as an Indian
arrow ; not speaking, but looking daggers."* The young and ardent members, with
the 'mperiouB Clay
at their head, imme-
diately took the lead ;
and the warlike tem-
per of I lie House was
manifested by the
election of Mr. Clay
to the speakershp by
the d-^cided vote of
seventy-five, against
thirty-eight given for
William Bibb, the
peace candidate, and
a dozen scattering
votes.'' A detei-min-
jtion that inactivity
and indecision should
no longer be the pol-
icy of the administra-
tion was soon manifested, and the
timid President Madison found
iiimself, as the standard-bearer of
his party, surrounded, like a can
tious sachem, with
irrepressible young
warriors eager for a
fray.
The President, in
his annual . November
message, " "*> **"•
sounded a war-trum-
pet, though rather
feebly. After allud-
ing tb the condition
of the national de-
fenses, he said, "I
must now add, that
the period has arrived
which claims fro^n the
legislative guardians
of the national rights
a system of more am-
a/ /y pie provision for maintaining them.
// Cc6ty Notwithstanding the scrupulous
justice, the protracted moderation,
and the multiplied eflbrts on the
part of the United States, to substitute for the accumulating dangers to the peace of
ignated by particular coloring the towns thus se-
lected, and hung it on the wall of his editorial
room. One day Gilbert Sluart, the emlueut paint-
er, looked at the map, and said the towns which
Bussell had thus distingn'shed resembled some
monstrous animal. He took a pencil, and with a
few touches added what might represent a head,
wings, claws, and tall. "There," Stuart said,
"that will do for a salamander." Kussell, who
was busy with his pen, looked up at the hideous
figure, and ccclairaed, " Salamander 1 call It Gerry-
mander I The word was immediately adopted into
the political vocabulary as a term of reproach to
the Democratic Legislature. — See l>peeimena of
Xewspaper Literature, with Permiial Memoirs, A n-
eedolf^, and Reminiscence*, by Joseph T. Bucking-
ham, 11., 01.
Stuart's monstrous figure of iUd Oerry^nander
was presented upon a broadside containing a natu-
ral and political history of the animal, and hawked
about the country. From one of these before me,
kindly placed In my possession by the late Edward
Everett, I copied the picture given In this note,
which is about one half the size of the original.
After giving some ludicrous guesses as to its
character and origin— whether It was the gcnnine
Basilisk, the Serpens Monoeephahta of Pliny, the
Oriffin of -omance, the Great Red Dragon or Apol-
hjon of Banyan, or the Monstrnm Ilorretidum of
Virgil — the writer of the natural history of the
Gerry-mandcr sayp that the learned Dr. Water-
Ml proved It to be a species of salamander, engendered partly by the devil In the fervid heats of party strife. " But,"
KMTii, "as this creature has been engendered and brought forth under the sublimest auspices, the doctor proposes
usname phould be given to it expressive of its genus, at the same time conveying an elegant and very appropriate
mpllment to his excellency the governor, who Is known to be the zealous patron of whatever Is new, astonishing, and
tillc, especially of domestic growth and manufacture. For these reasons, and other valuable considerations, the doc-
»hin decreed this monster shall bo denominated a Gebky-mandek." ' Hildrclh.
'Mr, Clay was elected on the first ballot. The vote stood— for Clay, TB ; for Bibb, 88; for Bassett, of Virginia, 1 j for
" ron, of Virginia, 2 ; and for Macon, of North Carolina, 8. Mr. Clay was declared duly elected speaker. A corre-
THB oebbt-manubb.
• ■ r*iw i r»TniT'-M
Ci J
M
111 f!!S
I li
riiil:
! HI H
212
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Report of the Committee on Foreign Relatlonn.
Its Charges agalnHt Great Britain and warliljc Tone.
the two countries all the mutual advantages of re-established friendship and confi-
dence, we have seen that the British Cabinet perseveres not only in withholding a
remedy for other wrongs, so long and so loudly calling for it, but in the execution,
brougiii. homo to the threshold of our territory, of measures which, under existing
circumstances, have the character as well as the effects of war on our lawful com-
merce. With this evidence of hostib inflexibility in trampling on rights which no
independent nation can relinquish. Congress will feel the duty of putting the Unitid
States into an armor and an attitude demanded by the crisis, and corresponding with
the national spirit and expectations." Yet Mr. Madison, like Mr. Jefferson, was anx-
ious to avoid war, if possible.
A war-note in a higher key was speedily sounded by the Committee on Foroiffti
Relations, of which Peter P. Porter, of New York, was chairman. Tliey made a sliort
but energetic report on the 29th of November." They referred in severe terms
to the wrongs which for more than five years the commerce of the United
States had suffered from the operations of the conflict for power between England
and France — wrongs inaugurated by British orders in Council, and imitated, in re-
taliation, by French decrees. They charged Great Britain Avith the crime of persist-
ing in the infliction of these wrongs after France, by abandoning her decrees, so far
as the United States were concerned, had led the way toward justice to neutrals.
They then arraigned Great Britain upon a more serious chai-ge — that of continued
impressment of American seamen into the British service. While tlicy pleaded for
the protection of commerce, they were not, they salt!, " of that sect whose W()islii|i
is at the shrine of a calculating avarice Although the groans of those victims
of barbarity for the loss of (what should be dearer to Americans than life) their lib-
erty — although the cries of their wives and children, in the privation of protectors
and parents, have of late been drowned in the louder clamors of the loss of prop-
erty, yet is the practic of forcing our marir.c:'s into the British navy, in violation of
the rights of our flag, carried on with unabated rigor and severity. If it be our duty
to encourage the fair and legiti"iate commerce of this country by protecting tlie
property of the merchant, then, indeed, by as much as life and liberty are more esti-
mable than ships and goods, so much more impressive is the duty to shield the per-
sons of our seamen, whose hard and honest services are employed, equally with those
of the merchants, in advancing, under the mantle of its laws, the interests of tiieir
country. To si.m up, in a word, the great cause of complaint against Great Britain,
your committee need only say, that the United States, as a sovereign and independ-
ent power, claim the right to use the ocean, which is the common and acknowledged
highway of nations, for the purposes of transporting, in their own vessels, the prod-
ucts of their own soils and the acquisitions of their own industry to a market in the
ports of friendly nations, and to bring home, in return, such articles as their necessi-
ties or convenience may require, always regarding the rights of belligerents as de-i
fined by the established laws of nations. Great Britain, in defiance of this incontesta-
ble right, captures every American vessel bound to or returning from a port where]
her commerce is not favored ; enslaves our seamen, and, in spite of our remonstranees,
perseveres in these aggressions. To wrongs so daring in character and so disgraceful,
in their execution, it is impossible that the people of the United States should remain
indifferent. We must now tamely and quietly submit, or we must resist by thos
means which God has placed within our reach.
Hpondent of the New York livening Poet wrote : " He made a short address to the House on talcing his seat, which, froa
the lowneHiS of his vole at that time, could not be distinctly heard." lu the same letter the writer said, "It is bolicvM
Clay was not tbongbt of for Speaker till Sunday ; be certainly was not pnbllcly mentioned. The Democrats had n caij
cus Sunday evening, and fixed ou Clay. This waa dune to prevent the election of Macon, who has too much lioDe thei
some severe wor
verse policy advc
in 1798, when th(
tion was prepari
Fiance. He taun
but now, in their
heavy national de
people— fraternal
Randolph's spec
more sensitive anc
soned arrows fron
houn, then less tha
effort in that grea
contested.^ With
' John Randolph claim
uree miles fi-om Petersbn
Colombia College, New Yo
sNled law, but never prnc
N'atlonal Congress, and for
«ane for a time in 1811, and
mi the war with Great 1
friend of General Jackson
conid not endure the wlntei
M return his constituents
klm, and he died In a hotel
rope.
' ?P««<:li In the House of
'John Caldwell Calhoun
"8 a native of Virginia. T
"Id great promise. He was
lonncctlcnt, and entered up
(arolin«lnl808,andinl8U
e«bly supported Mr. MadI
MVVar. He was elected Vic
wdedHayne In the Senate
«8 8ecretaryofStateInl84a
PO'ltloanntn his death, whic
^arsofage. Our portrait
wforty-cight years of age.
U
! !l
OF THE WAB OF 1812.
215
m
Itindolpb Bcolds the UemocrntH.
Juhn C. Calhonn.
SketclieH of Kandolph uiid C'ulhuun.
iirived the slave of all moral restraint,"
he continued, addressing the Democrat-
ic members; "you have tempted him
to cat of the tree of knowledge just
enough to perfect him in wickedness;
you have opened his eyes to his naked-
ness God forbid that the South-
ern States should ever see an enemy
on these shores with their infernal prin-
ciples of Frencli fraternity in the van !
While talking of Canada, we have too
much reason to shudder for our own
safety at home. I speak from facts
when I say that the night-bell never
tolls for fire in Richmond that the fright-
ened mother does not hug her infant the
more closely to her bosom, not know-
ing what may have liappened. I have
myself witnessed some of these alarms
in the capital of Virginia."
Raudolph' then gave the Democrats
gome severe words concerning the ad-
verse policy advocated by their party
in 1798, when the Federal administrj
tion was preparing for a war with
France. He taunted them with bemg preachers of reform and economy heretofore,
but now, in their blind zeal to serve their French master, were willing to create a
lieavy national debt by rushing into an unnecessary and wicked war with a fraternal
people — fraternal in blood, language, religion, laws, arts, and literature.^
Landolph's speech had but little effect upon his auditors other than to irritate the
more sensitive and amuse the more philosophic. A few members, at the risk of poi-
soned arrows from his tongue, ventured to give him some home thrusts, while Cal-
houn, then less than thirty years of age, made this the occasion of his first oratorical
effort in that great theatre of legislative strife wherein he so long and so valiantly
contested.^ With that dexterous use of subtle logic which never failed to give him
> John Rnndolpb claimed to be sevedth in descent from Pocahontas, tbe fkmons Indian princess. He was bora
three miles from Petersburg, in Virginia, on tbe 2d of June, 1773. He was educated at Princeton College, New Jersey,
Columbia College, New York, and William and Mary College, in Virginia. Prom infancy he suffered from ill health. He
studied law, but never practiced it. His first appearance in public life was In 1790, when he was elected to a seat in the
National Congress, and for thirty years, with an interval of two years each, he held a seat in that body. He became in-
sane for a time in 1811, and had returns of his malady at intervals during the remainder of his life. He strenuously op-
posed the war with Oreal Britain in 1812, and after that event bia political career was very erratic. He was the warm
friend of General Jackson in 1828, and in 1830 that gentleman appointed him ttnited States Minister to Russia. He
conld not endure tbe winter on tbe Neva, and bis stay in Russia was short. He resided in England for a while, and ofter
his return his constituents elected him to Congress. But be did not take his seat. Consumption laid its hand upon
him, and he died in a hotel In Philadelphia, on the 2Sd of May, 1833, while on his way to New York to embark for Ea-
rope.
' Speech In the House of Representatives, December 10, 1811.— Nlles's Register, I., 816.
' John Caldwell Calbonn was bom in Abbeville District, South Carolina, on the IStb of March, 1T82. His mother
was a native of Virginia. He entered Yale College as a student in 1802, where be was marked as a young man of genius
and great promise. He was graduated in 1804 with the highest honors of the institution. He studied law in Litchfield,
Connecticut, and entered upon its practice in his native district. He was elected to a seat in the Legislature of South
Carolina In 1808, and in 1811 he took his seat as member of the National Congress as a stanch Republican or Democrat,
ne flbly supported Mr. Madison's ndminisfration, and in 1817 President Monroe called bim to his Cabinet as Secretary
of War. He was elected Vice-President of the Onited States in 1826, and was re-elected with Jackson in 1828. He snc-
teeded ilayne In the Senate of the United States in 1831, and became the leader In tbe disloyal movement of bis native
slate known in history under the general title of Nnlllflcation, in 1882-'B3. President Tyler called bim to bis Cabinet
as Secretary of State in 1843, and be again entered the Senate as the representative of bis state in 1846. He held that
position nntll his death, which occurred at Washington City on the 31st of March, 1850, when he was Just past sixty-eight
Tears of age. Our portrait of Mr. Calhonn, on the next page, is tiom one taken from life about the year 1830, when be
was forty-eight years of age.
1,
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216
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Calhuan's Reply to Randolph's Speech.
The Policy of the Fedcrnlliitn.
I'repiirntlons for War.
ingenious arguments in favor of any views ho might desire to enforce, ho replied to
Randolph at some
length, insisting
that it was a prin-
ciple as applicable
to nations as to in-
dividuals to repel
a first insult, and
thus command the
respect, if not the
fear of the assailant.
"Sir," he said, "I
might prove the
war, should it en-
sue, justifiable by
the express admis-
sion of the gentle-
man from Virginia ;
and necessary, by
facts undoubted
and universally ad-
mitted, such as
that gentleman
did not pretend
to controvert. The
extent, duration
and character of the
injuries received ;
the failure of tlioso
peaceful means Imro-
tofore resorted to for
the redress of our
wrongs, is my proof
that it is necessary.
Why should I men-
tion the impress-
ment of our seamen;
depredation on ev-
ery branch of our
commerce, includ-
ing the direct ex-
port trade, contin-
ued for years, and
made under laws
which professedly
uridertake to reg-
ulate our trade
with other nations ;' negotiation resorted to time after time till it became hopeless ; tlii'
restrictive systems persisted in to avoid war and in the vain expectation of returninr;
justice ? The evil still grows, and in each succeeding year swells in extent and pre-
tension beyond the preceding. The question, even in the opinion and admission of our
opponents, is reduced to this single point. Which shall we do, abandon or defend our
own commercial and maritime rights, and the personal liberties of our citizens in ex-
ercising them ? These rights are essentially attacked, and war is the only means of
redress. The gentleman from Virginia has suggested none, unless wo consider tlie
whole of his speech as recommending patient and resigned submission as the best
remedy. Sir, which alternative this House ought to sustain is not for me to say. I
hope the decision is made already by a higher authority than the voice of any man.
It is not for the human tongue to instill the sense of independence and honor. This
is the work of nature — a generous nature that disdains tame submission to Avrongs.
This part of the subject is so imposing as to enforce silence even on the gentleman
from Virginia. He dared not deny his country's wrongs, or vindicate the conduct
of her enemy,"
In this dignified strain Mr. Calhoun charmed his listeners, steadying the vacillat-
ing, convincing the doubting, and commanding the respectful attention of the oppo-
nents of the resolutions. He treated Randolph's bugbear of slave insurrection with
lofty contempt. " However the gentleman may frighten himself," he said, " with the
disorganizing efiects of i^'rench principles^ I can not think our ignorant blacks have
felt much of their baleful influence. I dare say more than one half of them m
heard of the French Revolution. "^
The Federalists said very little on this occasion. It had always been their policy
to be prepared for war. The resolutions appended to the report of the Committee j
• December 10, on Foreign Relations were adopted,* and bills were speedily prepared j
and passed for augmenting the army. Additional regulars to the nnm-
1 See pnge IfiS.
« Abridgment vf the Debates of Congrett from 1T89 to 1886, by Thorons H. BentOD, Iv., 449,
1311.
Augmentation ofthi
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
217
Augmentation of the Army. Pntrlutlsm of leadlni; FederollstR. Reasons of Quincy and Emolt for tlioir Courto.
Jaiinary 4,
1S12.
5
dxAAAMy
ber of twenty-fivo thousand were authorized by a vote of tlie Houso early in Jann-
nry." Tlio bill also provided for the appointment of two major generals
iind five additional brigadiers ; also for a bounty to new recruits of sixteen
dollars, and, at the time of discharge, three months' extra pay and a certificate for
one hundred and sixty acres of land.' On the 14th of the month anotlier act was
|i!is8cd, appro[)riating a million of dollars for the purchase of arms, ordnance, camp
equipage, and quarter-master's stores; and four hundred thousand dollars for powder,
ordnance, and small-arms for the nnvy. Tlius, In a brief space of time, the little army
of the peace establishment, which had been comparatively inactive, Avas swelled in
prospective from about three thousand men to more than seventy tliousand regulars
and volunteers. The President was authorized to call u])on ♦he govei-nors of states
1 Seven of the thirty-seven Federalists In the House voted for these measures. These were Quincy and Reed, of ^fa»•
mchtMlts; Emott, Blcccker, Gold, and Livingston, of Aeu- York; and Miluor, of Piiniuiiilvania. The latter was the late
James Mllnor, D.D., Rector of St. George's Church, New York. It was diftlng this session of Congress that he hccnme
(la'ply Impressed with religious sentiments, and felt himself called to the Gospel ministry. Ho abandoned the lucrative
profession of the law and the turbulent field of politics, and took orders In the Trotestaut Episcopal Church, of which,
uutil his death, In the spring of 1S44, he was "a bright and shining light."
The position taken by these leading Federalists at that critical time, In opposition to the great body of their colleagues
ID Congress and of the party In New England, was patriotic in the
hiKhest degree, and yet, so donbtful were they of the verdict which
mtcrtty might pass upon their actions, that two of them (Quincy
aD(l Emott) prepared quite an elaborate defense, in which the rca-
fons for their course were ably set forth. It was drawn up by Em-
otl, slightly amended by Quincy, and signed by both. It was left
ill Emutt's bauds, to be used at any future time by bim or his de-
scendants in vindication of their course. Posterity— even contem-
pQrgries— have pronounced their course wise and patriotic. The
original manuscript. In the possession of the Hon. James Emott, of
Ponghkecpsle, New York, a son of one of the signers, is before me while I write. It is in the delicate and neat hand-
writing of the cider Emott,* and dated January 1, 1812. After clearly stating the position of public afTairs, they say : " Wc
thought it therefore worthy of an experiment to allow the administration to make ont their case before the great bar
otlhe pnbiic without, as heretofore, aiding it by an early opposition ; and we hoped, and yet hope, that by withdrawing
the aliment of party rancor it will ceose to exist, and that the people will see the ;irecipice to which they have been
drawn, and the danger which awaits the country unless there Is a speedy and radical change of men or measures. . . .
By leaving the government In the first instance unmolested, in Its measures the people may receive a dlBlinct imprcs-
(ii)D of its objects. If they are really of that high and commanding character as to effectnate what their friends prom-
ised, relief to our country, it is of little consequence ft 'm whose hands so desirable a blessing is received. But if the
character of the plans of the administration continue ime-serviug, self-oppressive, and hypocritical, on it and Its sup-
porters would fall the responsibility, without the possibility of transferring it to those who had neither shared nor op-
posed their purposes."
These gentlemen then allnde to the prevalent opinion that if the Federalists should withhold their opposition, the
British government, hopeless of a party in its favor in the United States, would relax Its restrictive measures. They
j then declare that if the British government or people believe that opposition of the Federalists arises from any unpa-
triotic motives, "bottomed on a desire for power to be obtained at the expense of the interests of the nation," there has
I tmn an essential and lamentable mistake.
In reference to the truaaures proposed for putting the country In a state of adequate strength in the event of war, for
I rtich these gentlemen voted four days after the date of the paper under action, they remarked : " In re-estimating our
dntlesnpon this occasion, we have not deemed it necessary to take into considerntlon the causes which have led to our
I present embarrassments. We certainly do not entertain the opinion that the course which has been pursued by the ad-
I ministration is either correct or to be justified : hut we can not but perceive that our present difilcultles are not so appa-
I rently and exclusively attributable to the American government as to justify a resort to a policy which would leave the
I ution nnprotected and defenseless. ... It is because we wish for peace with security that we are willing to add to the
I present military establishment. . . . Onr country and our firesides arc dear to ns. We think they are in danger, and
I n wish to protect them. . . . When, by measures In which we have had no agency, and for which wc do not hold onr-
Istlres responsible In whole or in part, we discover that a necessity has been produced for defensive preparations, wo
Ian not permit onrselves to resist such preparations fi'om motives of general opposition to the administration, or from
jideslre to render It odious to the country."
' James Emott was bom at Poughkeepsie, New York, on the 14th of March, 1771. He chose the profession of law as
|ki! vocation, and commenced its practice at Ballston Centre, New York, a growing village a few miles from Bails-
ton Spa. In 1797 he was appointed a commissioner, with Robert Yates and Vincent Mathews, to settle disputes con-
■"ming titles to lands in the military tract of Onondaga County. The commissioners held their sittings at Albany,
nd to that city Mr. Emott removed about the year 1800. In 1804 he was chosen to represent Albany County in the
tile Legislature. He soon afterward removed to the city of New York, and after practicing law there for a while he
A to Poughkeepsie, and was elected to represent the Duchess District in the National Congress. He took his
ejtin 1S09, and continued in possession of It by re-election until 1813. In politics he was a Federalist, and was one of
cpromincntleaders, yet his patriotism was never In subjection to the behests of party. He was representative of
hichess County in the New York Assembly In 1S14, and was Speaker of the House. He was a member of that body
m conaccntlve years. In 1817 he was appointed first judge of Duchess County, and held the oflBce until 1823, when, for
(olitical reasons, he was removed to make room for the late Maturin Livingston. He was appointed judge of the sec-
►Bd circnlt by Governor Clinton In 1827, and held It nntil 1831, when he was sixty years of oge. Judge Emott then rc-
Ired from active life. He died nt Poughkeepsie, New York, on the 10th of April, 1S60, aged seventy-nine years.
• ir
#ii
! I
J !
218
PICTORIAL FIELD-HOOK
Vulccs of tbe Htnto LeKlalaturca.
A Plttouce fur tbe Sawj.
Uiiaucceaitful Kffurti fur Its Iiktimioc.
each to furnish his rcspoctivo quota of one hundred thousand militia, to bo held in
readiness to instantly obey the cull of the chief nuigistrato. For the expense of this
reserve one million of dollars were appropriated.
The State Legislatures, meanwhile, spoke out emj)hatically for war if necessary.
Now Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, and Ohio, resolved to stand
by the general goveriunent when decisive measures should be adopted ; and, in tlii-ir
reply to the aimual message of Governor Gerry, the House of Representatives of
Massachusetts exhibited the same sentiments, denouncing Great Britain as a "pirat-
ical state," and her practice of impressment" man-stealing."
The navy, important as it proved to be in the war that followed, was neglcctfil.
Chcves, of South Carolina, made a report in favor of its augmentation ; and ho ami
Lowndes, in supporting speeches, hinted at the expediency of constructing forty frjir.
ates and twenty-five ships of the line. It was urged by tliese members, in direct o])-
position to the narrow views of Williams from tho same state a year before, tliat
" protection to commerce was protection to agriculture." Qnincy also argued that
protection to commerce was essential to tlie preservation of the Union, and, with a
covert but significant threat, ho gave as a reason that the commercial states could
not be expected to submit to the deliberate and systematic sacrifice of their most im-
portant interests.' Their pleas were in vain. A bill, containing only an appropria-
tion of four hundred and eighty thousand dollars for repairing three frigates — Con-
atellation, Chesapeake, and Adams — and two hundred thousand dollars annually fijr
three years, to purchase timber for the purpose of refitting three others, was passed,
and sent to the Senate, where Lloyd, of Massachusetts, moved to insert an appropria-
• Jannnry IT, tion for thirty new frigates.* " Let us liavo the frigates," he said ; " \m\:
1812. pj.fjj| ^g Great Britain is, she could not blockade them. With our haz-
ardous shores and tempestuous northwesterly gales froiu November to March, all
the navies in the world could not blockade them. Divide them into six squadrons,
Place those squadrons in the northern ports ready for sea, and at favorable moments
we would pounce upon her West India Islands, repeating tlie game of Do Grasse and
D'Estauig in '79 and '80. By the time she was ready to meet us there, we would
be round Cape Horn cutting up her whalemen. Pursued thither, we would skim
away to tho Indian Seas, and Avould give an accoimt of her China and India shijis
very different from that of the French cruisers. Now avo would follow her Quebec,
now her Jamaica convoys ; sometimes make our appearance in the chops of the Chan-
nel, and even sometimes wind north almost into the Baltic. It would require a hund-
red British frigates to watch the movements of these thirty. Such are the means hy
which I would bring Great Britain to her senses. By harassing her commerce with
this fleet, we could make the people ask the government wliy they continued to vio-
late our rights."
Crawford, of Georgia, replied at some length, and the Senate, unmoved by the glov-
ing pictures of naval achievements drawn by the senator from Massachusetts, not
only refused to sanction Lloyd's amendment, but reduced the appropriation for n-
pairs to three hundred thousand dollars.
While the war party, strong in Congress and throughout Ihe country, were ener-
getic in action and impatient of delay, Mr. Madison showed great timidity. It wai
owing, doubtless, in a great degree, to the character of his Cabinet, which unfortunate
ly surrounded him at that momentous crisis. Mr, Monroe, the Secretary of State, wai
the only member who had any military taste and experience, and he had seen onl;
limited service in the Revolution. Gallatin, the Secretary of the Treasury, was
civilian, and was avowedly opposed to the war with Great Britain. Eustis, the Se(
i-etary of War, knew very little about military affairs. Hamilton, the Secretary
the Navy, had no practical knowledge of naval affairs to qualify him for the statioi
niildreth, Second Seriee, iU., 2TT.
Mtdlaon threaten
and Mr. Mad
iT-iii-chief (,f
iliict of puhli
vacillating.
The admin
(Iccided stund
and it was kn
the State of >
satisfied with ]
then mayor of
pretension.s we
cd tlie propriet
different j)arts (
In this state
loading Democi
war with Engla
his administrati
efficient course c
war took pJaeo i
party might be c
fralists ; that, un
(IccJaration of wa
the Presidency c<
liis own objection
he could for the i
ability. ' '
Mr. Madison's fi
form of a confide
preliminary to a d
embargo on all ve
after enter, for the
very great exciten
who had become a
rears in Canada, a
'"? early in Febru
Jiadison from Gov(
pressed with the tn
I ;,';""'».he proposed t
following evening ^
astounding secrets' c
i part of the British
;™ct a separation of
P"fain. He told Ml
nuristrfld. T. •' itioE
!:=tr"i?-i
OF THE WAlt OF 18 12.
910
IKadliiuii thrt^atpiipd witli Denurtlou by the War Piirty. Ho rpconimencU au GmliarKo. A Brltlnh Plot dlicovored.
and Mr. MadiHon hiniHclf waH utterly unable, though by virtue of his office command-
cr-iu-fhief of tlu' army and navy of the United States, to j^rawp with vigor the eon-
duct of public aftairs in a time of war. Consciousness of this made him timid and
viK'illnting.
Tiie administration members of Congress at length resolved to take a bold and
decided stand with the I'resident. His first term of office was drawing to a close,
and it was known that he was anxious for re-election. The leading Democrats in
the State of New York, whose voices were potential in the matter at that time, dis-
satisfied with Mr. Madison's weak course, contemplated nominating De Witt Clinton,
tlieii mayor of the city of New York, for the Presidency of the United States. His
pretensions were sustained by Gideon Granger, the postmaster general, who doubt-
od tlie propriety of a war with JMadison as leader. Other influential Democrats iu
different parts of the country held similar views.
In this state of things, Mr. Madison was waited upon" by several of the • March 2,
leading Democratic members of Congress, and informed, in substance, that ^^^'^'
war with England was now resolved upon by the dominant party, the 8upi)ortcr8 of
Ills administration; that the people would no longer consent to a dilatory and in-
efficient course on the part of the national government; that, uidess a declaration of
war took place previous to the Presidential election, the success of the Democratic
party might be endangered, and the government thrown into the hands of the Fed-
eralists ; that, unless Mr. Madison consented to act with his friends, and accede to a
declaration of war with Great Britain, neither his nomination nor his re-election to
tlie Presidency could be relied on. Thus situated, Mr. Madison concluded to waive
his own objections to the course determined on by his political friends, and to do all
he could for the prosecution of a war for which he had neither taste nor practical
ability.'
Mr. Madison's first step in the prescribed direction after this interview was in the
form of a confidential message to Congress on the Ist of April, recommending, as
preliminary to a declaration of war, the immediate passage of a law laying a general
embargo on all vessels then in the ports of the United States, or that might there-
after enter, for the period of sixty days. Meanwhile another subject had produced
very great excitement throughout the country. An Irishman, named John Henry,
who had become a naturalized citizen of the United States, and had lived several
years m Canada, appeared at the Presidential mansion one dark and stormy even-
ing early in February, '' 1812, He bore a letter of introduction to Mr,
Madison from Governor Gerry, of Massachi^etts, who seemed to be im-
pressed with the tnithfulness of Henry, and the great importance of the information
which he proposed to lay before the President. '^ An interview was arranged for the
following evening, when Henry divulged to the President what appeared to be most
astounding secrets concerning eflbrts that had been in progress for two years on the
part of the British authorities in Canada, sanctioned by the home goveniment, to
effect a separation of the Eastern States from the Union, and to attach them to Great
Britain. He told Mr. Madison that, up to the year 1809, ho had been living for five
1 statement of James Piek, a Democratic member of CongreBS from Vermont, who was one of the committee, cited in
Ihe Statetman'a Manual, i., 444. The feeling against Mr. Madison on account of his timid poiicy had begun to manifest
I Mf very strongly omong his political friends in Congress before the close of 18U. The New York Eveniittj Pott, of
Jinaary 6, 1S12, says : " The Houses of Congress refused to adjourn on the 1st of January In order to wait on the chief
I nigiBtrate. It was an Intended insult."
I Henry Dearborn, an officer of the Berolution, then in Washington, and who had lately been appointed a m^or gen-
I ml tn the national army, wrote to his daughter, saying : " Yon may tell yonr neighbors they may prepare for war ; we
I ihall have it by the time they are ready. I know that war will be very unwelcome news to you, but I also know that
I jon possess too much Spartan patriotism to wish yonr father to decline a command for the defense of the honor of our
I Wloved country. You would, if necessary, urge him to the field rather than a speck of dishonor should attach to him
I liT declining such a command."
I ' Henry had spent a week in Baltimore. He left that city for Washington on the morning of the lit of Febmary.—
I Inter hi Nlles's ii(!;i«(er, li., 46,
'' February 2.
"i
mm
) i
i
220
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Million of John Henry in New KiiKl*nd.
An Attempt to dMtroy the Sepnbllc by Uliunlua.
yonrs on hiH fnrm in V'lTi.iont, ncnr the Cnnadn lino, and aintiHod liimm>lf in writitif;
essiiyH for the uewsjuiin'rH aj^iiiiiNt r(.'i)ublk'un j^oviTiinii'iits, wliicli hi' dt'toHtcd. ThoM'
t'Hsays, 111' Huid, liad anvHti'd tlio atti-n-
tioM of SirJaiiU's Crai^, tlioii (Jovi-riior
(ti'iicral of Canada, who invited him t( (icy tending to irritate the Southern and conciliate the Northern peo-
ple. . . . litis, I am aware, is an object of much interest in Great Britain, as it
would forever insure the integrity of his majesty's possessions on this cohtinent, and
make the two goverments, or whatever member the present confederacy might join
with, as useful and as much subject to tlie influence of Great Britain as her colonics
can be rendered."^
' Sir James Craig's Instrnctions to John Henry, dated at Quebec, 8th Febmary, 1809.
' Ilcnry was fUmished with the following credentials, to be nsed If circumstances shonld reqnlre :
" The bearer, Mr. John Henry, Is employed by me, and tu]\ confidence may be placed In him for any commnnication J
which any person may wish to make to me on the business committed to lilm. In faith of which I have given him tliis|
under my hand and seal, at Qnebec, the fith day of Febmary, 180D. J. H. Ciaio."
Henry was also furnished with a cipher to be nsed In his correspondence.
' Henry to Sir James Craig, 13th of March, 1809. Mr. Erskine's arrangement greatly disappoicfed the British aatliot^
Itles In Canada, who doubtless expected to reap great rewards from the home goveniment by a snccessftil effort to disj
rupt the American Union. For twenty years they had been IncUIng the Indians on the Northwestern frontiers to ffil
upon the Americans, and now they hoped, by a snccesefhl movement among those whom they supposed to be as men
""T'sthemselvp. ..> ^
J^Bfury on th« i . '-'" '^^^"'^
Co,^h"'°'='"'""'hlsfet;e
'jir. >>".""'""""' and ace,
hweZ Jh. *'"" '"Sefher.
— •^-•lun, — — — - •* *
'!-■ ordinary r.-nis,:;:,; ,;;'•'* ;'"«•'. tlu- V.^.-rnUt'^^uTf 'T "" 'l'"""
"•■"'•y''^ JH'.fi.nn«n,-oH seem i ' " '"'"' ''"• ''^'Hsioi..'' ^'' "''' «"»•« to
IH' ', t'.o liritiHj. H,,y H 1 ''''\l"'""i,sc., anil Hn. ;*s ' '''''' «•.'"-"»• 'fonry
Canada, with ^^^^^^ "l^: 1'^'^'^" »""o«ie SiX^"'^ '•^•^'^'' ^^^
States. Kobert Pec-I the F,w r '*''' ''"'""^^ « your or a t '""''**' "'"r^owor
;;i'". politely rcferr^,' t.";"' ^S-^'l"'''"''''^ -"^r^ce^nT^''!' !!■' *''^' ^'"'^-^
I'revost. The snv t^„ ^ '^"" •'«"'^'s CraiL^V «.,«, ^.' ''i'''iil< Of (hat o«i
""•-•o" to ti.o United St^u-rJ^" '"""'*''"' ''^ ^^'v £ r^euf '"' '•^"^"''■^'' f'^"
"O'ation whieh ho Jmd v.T i ^"^""'»ent, and, if nossil.h ^ ^ '"'''' ''«'"-«t of his
™ satisfied of tt " ;" ">; '*''>;';^ "• K».'lan'd. ^fe t ^ Z."" /'T '* ^''^' '"-»"-
England was about ti be de ' ^V'''"'^'" •'i«<^^'osure« at t'L e^ '^^' ' ^''•- ^^^^'^>^on
f - of the Britisl! got. t ^^^^^ ?^'-^^'"ve overwht J r^^^'-; -- against
'I'e secret serviee fund „7V"^"t to destroy the new re... T^-^ ?^''^^''« "t-eret de-
™tirc eorresponden of theV"r"^'°" ^'^" ^'^ve nc'ryS'!,"' *''^^-t. Out of
After receiving, t^he no IT/'"' '^ '''« ««"«"• in this o2 / 'I'^^ ''^'""'^ «"• tl.e
.«me (lay the President aid f .! tj ''"^'' ^« ^^ft^' f.om British v ' ''^'"'"^ '^««y
'" «l.ich he said. " Thev n 1 .K ""^^ documents3 before ft ^'^"^'*^«"«<'- On the
'""'Standing the wrS/ ' •^''^^ "* ^ '^^'^'^t period .^.nf'fr' '"'^'^ '-* '"^^Bago
'i«n« on the part of he fiSb" ^ "' '^'' '"'^st of am elide nrof ''' '''' ^"^« ^^ "'^"-
Masecritagentoffh/^'''''™'"''"**^'-""^^^^^^^^^^^^
I«tit«ted authoritifs of r '" ^^'**«-^««f'"«etts4„ fl' 'T ^/.^tes-more espe-
Wose of bringing abol ""''""' '^"^ i" "'trigne wTth .^'^ J.-^affeetion to the
r_ _ _&^^ff_about resistance to the laws r^ "^ disaffected for the
l»S"edoc, the coneldemHon hoi "r "'""■^ """""d to Bam """i''"'^ k '^'"»* ">"""'c "giw ,„^"r^- "' "'«' '""d"
»
; .'
Mlitii
\
J
i[
1^ . iif
i i 1 bin
* ' ['ill
llj^il
332
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Henry's Disclosures make Political Capltnl. 'ihe British Ministry suppress the Correspondence. Embargo i)ropo6e(l,
a British force, of destroying the Union, and forming the eastern part thereof into a
political connection with Great Britain."
The indignation against Great Britain was intensified by these disclosureR, and the
inhabitants of New England felt deeply annoyed by this implied disparagement of
the patriotism of their section. Both political parties endeavored to make capital
out of the aifair. The Democrats vehemently reiterated the charge that the Fr-der-
alists were a " British party," and " disunionists ;"' while the opposition allegcl that
the affair was a political trick of the administration to damige their party, insure the
re-election of Madison, and to offer an excuse for war. The feeling excited in New
England against the administration was intense, and the indignation of the people
was almost equally divided between the President and the British sovereign. It
was charged that the whole matter was a fraud ; that Monroe wrote the letter pur-
porting to have been sent by Henry from Philadelphia to the government, and that
the paper on which Lord Liveqjool's communication to Henry, through Robert Peel,
was written, bore the mark of a Philadelphia paper maKufacturer,
These charges were all untrue. Every thing about the matter was genuine. The
British minister at 'Yashington (Mr. Foster), two days after the President's message
• March 11 ^^^ published, declared in the public prints'* his entire ignorance of aiiv
1812. transaction of the kind, and asked the United States government to consid-
er the character of the indivr'luaP who had made these disclosures, and to "suspend
any farther judgment on its merits until the circumstances shall have been made
known to his majesty's government." That government was called upon for an ex-
planation, early in May, by Lord Holland, who gave notice'' that he should
make a motion to call for the correspondence in relation to the intrigue.
Ministers were aiarmed, and their guilt was apparent in their efforts to suppress in-
quiry. Every pretext was brought to bear to oppose the motion. When they could
no longer deny the facts, they endeavored to throw the obloquy of the act upon the
dead Sir James Craig. The ministerial party in the House of Lords, when the mo-
tion was made, prevailed, and, by a vote of seventy-three against twenty-seven, re-
fused to have the correspondence produced. Lord Holland declared in his closing
speech that, until such investigation should be had, the fact that Great Britain had
entered into a dishonorable and atrocious intrigue against a friendly power Avould
stand unrefuted. And it does stand unrefuted to this day. It was so palpable, that
Madison, in his war message on the 1st of June, made this intrigue one of the serious
charges against Great Britain as justifying war.
The President, as we have observed, sent a confidential message to Congress on
the 1st of April, recommendinc; the laying of an embargo for sixty days. It was
avowedly a precursor of war ; and Mr. Calhoun immediately presented a bill in Com-
' May 6.
' They called up hi formidable array the proceedings of the New England people against the Embargo Laws dnrins
the past two or thiee years, and In an especial manner they arraigned Mr. Qnlncy, the great opposition leader of the
House, who, a year before (January 14, 1811), In the debate on the bill to enable the people of the Territory of Orleans to
form a State Constitution preparatory to their admission Into the Union, had declared that the passage of the bill would
"Justify a revolution In this country." ' look," they said, " to the signification of this passage In Mr. Quincy's fiwch
— a passage which, when called to order, he reduced to writing: " I am compelled to declare It as my deliberate nplnlon
that, if this bill passes, the bonds of the Union arc virtuully dissolved ; that the states which compos? It are free from
their moral obligations, and that, as It will be the right of all, so it will be the duty of some to prepare definitely fw «
separation, amicably if they can, violently if they must." For an abstract of Mr. Quincy's speech on that occasion, sw
Benton's A bridgvietU of the Debates in C John Ilenry was a native of Ireland. He appeared In Philadelphia about the year 1T9.1 or 17M, having come over m
a steerage passenger. He possessed considerable literary ability, and became editor of Brown's Philadelphia Oairiti.
He afterward kept a grocery, and married in that city. Having become natnralized, and obtained a commission in Ihf
army In the time of the expected war with France, he had command of an artillery corps under General El/cncier
Stevens, of New York, and was superior officer at Fort Jay, on Governor's Island, for more than a year. He afterward
had a command at Newport, where he quitted the service, settled upon a farm In Northern Vermont, studied law, Md
after Ave years entered upon the service recorded in the text. " He was a handsome, well-behaved man," says Sa"
van, " and was received In some respectable families in Boston."
Effoits to alarm the Pe(
Kt morning,'' wher
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
223
EffoiU to alarm the People.
War predicted.
The Sins of F-ance.
Embargo Act passed.
niittee of the Whole in accordance with the recommendation. ^ The opposition sound-
ed an alarm. The weakness of the country, and its utter want of preparation for war,
became the themes of impassioned appeals to the fears of the people. The continued
iffgressions of France — equal, they said, to those of England^ — were pointed to as
causes for war with that nation, and it night be necessary to encounter both at the
same time.
To these alarmists Clay vehemently responded. He charged them with having
cast obstacles in the way of preparation, and now made that lack of preparation an
excuse for longer submission to great wrongs. Weak as we are, he said, we could
liffht France too, if necessary, in a good cause — the cause of honor and independence.
He had no doubt that the late Indian war on the Wabash had been excited by the
British ;' and he alluded to the smployment of Henry, as a spy and fomentor of dis-
union, as another gross offense. " We have complete proof," he said, " thiit England
would do every thing to destroy us. Resolution and spirit are our only security."
He viewed the Embargo as a war measure, and " war we shall have in sixty days,"
he said.
John Randolph implored the House to act with great caution. He said the Presi-
Icnt dared not pbinge the country into a war while in its present unprepared state.
There would be no war within sixty days. He believed the spirit of the people was
not up to war, or the provocation of an Embargo Act would not be needed.
Other remarks were heard from both sides. The bill, by the aid of the previous
question, was passed that evening* by a vote of seventy against forty-one. . April i,
I it was sent to the Senate the next morning. That body suspended the ^'*^2-
i rales, took up the bill, and carried it through all the stages but the last, with an
amendment increasing the time to ninety days. It Avas sent back to the House the
next morning,'' where it was concurred in, and on Saturday, the 4th of April,
it became a law by the signature of the President. It had been violently
assailed by Quincy, when it came back from the Senate, as an attempt to escape war,
not as a preliminary to it. It was absurd to think of creating a sufficient army and
I navy in ninety days to commence war. He coincided with Randolph in the belief
I that the Embargo was only intended to aid Bonaparte, by stopping the shipment of
" April 3.
' When t|- Embargo project was first siif gested in the Committee on Foreign Kelatlons, it was proposed to dlscnss
liunder a pledge of secrecy. John Bandolph reftieed to be bound by any such pledge, denying the committee's author-
iliTto impose it. Mr. Cnlhonn, with frank generosity, ou the ground that all should have an equal chance, communi-
lutfdto Mr. (Julncy the fact that an embargo was to be laid the day before the committee's report to that effect was made.
i(lnincy, Lloyd, and Emott immediately sent expresses with the information to Philadclphio, New York, and Boston.
tt'8 message appeared in the New York livening Pout on the 3l8t of March, the day before the President's message
|n>H!nt hi. In consequence of this information, several vessels at these respective ports loaded and escaped to sea
|Worc the Embargo was laid.
i Those assertions contained much truth. According to a report laid before Congress on the 0th of July, 1812, it np-
huKi that the whole number of British seizures and captures of American vessels since the commencement of the
ICoBtiuental War was 917. Of these, 82S had occurred previously to the orders in Council of November, ISOT, and 389
iSeraarii. The French seizures and captures were B6S ; of these, 20« were before the Berlin and Milan decrees, .117 afler-
I, and 45 since their alleged repeal. Recent Danish captures amounted to 70, and Neapolitan to 47. Besides these
kere had been extensive Dutch and Spanish seizures, -.nlch. It was alleged, shonld properly be placed to the French
connt, as those countries were under the control of Napoleon. It was also stated that more than half th<' captures by
Wish cniisers had been declared invalid, and restoration ordered, while in France only a quarter of the vessels seized
fm to treated. It must be confessed that France was guilty of direct and indirect spoliatiou of American commerce
M" extent equal, if not exceeding that inflicted by Great Britain.
[' On the nth of Juno the Secretary of War laid before Congress nnmerons letters trom military and civil officers of
ifgovernment from various portions of the Northwestern, Western, and Southwestern frontiers, dating back as far as
i. and giving overwhelming evidence of the continual efforts of British emissaries to stir up the Indians to hostilities
piMt the United States, and to win them to the British interest In expectation of war between the two countries. I
11 i|iiote as a matter of fact, not speculation, trom a speech of Red Jacket, the great Seneca chief, in behalf of himself
Mother deputies of the Six Nations, in February, ISIO:
"BsoTHEE,— Since you have had some disputes with the British government, their agents In Ca' iida have not only
ideavored to make the Indians nt the westward your enemies, hut they have sent the wa^belt among our warriors [in
1 New York), to (ralson their minds and make them break their faith with yon. At the same time we had In-
MIon that the British had circulated war-belts among tha Western Indians, and within yonr territory."
" plons extracts from the letters above mentioned as having been laid before the Secretary of Wat may be found in
I ITccWr/ IteyUter, ti., Si .
ii-:i
•! ■
){
, I
s!
til
Ivi , !
224 PICTORIAL TIELD-BOOK
Supplemtntur; Smbnrgo Act. Opposition to the Embargo. Delueivc Hopes ol Jmilte.
provisions to Spain, where the British armies were then beginning to win victories.'
It was called, in ridicule, " a Terrapin War."^
The Embargo Act (which prohibited the sailing of any vessel for any foreign port
except foreign vessels, with such cargoes as they had on board when notified of the
• April 14, ^^^) '^'^^ speedily followed by a supplement" prohibiting exportations by
1S12. land, whether of goods or specie.^ Farther provision was also made for the
immediate strengthening of the army.
These belligerent measures were hailed with joy throughout the country hy tlic
war party, who were dominant and determhied. They alarmed those who wiskd
for peace ; yet these, unwilling to believe that the administration would push mat-
ters to the extreme of actual hostility, acquiesced in the embargo because of a delu-
sive hope that it might be the means of causing Great Britain to modify its system
concerning neutrals, and thereby avert war. Tt was, indeed, a delusive hope. The
letters of Jonathan Russell (who had succeeded Mr. Pinkney as minister to Engl.ind)
at this time gave no encouragement for it. On the contrary, they were discouraff-
ing. To Mr. Monroe he wrote, after attending discussions on the orders in Council
in Parliament : " If any thing was wanting to prove the inflexible determination of
the present ministry to persevere in the orders in Council, without modification or re-
laxation, the declarations of leading members of the administration on these meas-
ures must place it beyond the possibility of a doubt. I no longer entertain a hope
that we can honorably avoid war."*
' One great object of the Embargo appears to have been to detain ait ' merchant ships as popslWp, for
the twofold purpose, in view of iijiproaching war, to keep them from Bi .1 , , .^-ers, and to engage them for thai
service on the part of the Americans. Mr. Alison, the British historian, Buggesty only part of the truth in sayliii tbat
it was to prevent intelligence of the proceedings of the Americans in their preparations for war reaching Enjilan(i, and
to f^irnish then with means, fVom their extensive commercial navy, of manning their vessels of war. To do this, m\
the nation a g ;at sacriflce. A writer in the American lieviein of April, 1S12, estimated the loss as follows:
Mercantile loss $24,814,249
Deteriorated value of surplus produce and waste 40,19(!,02S
Loss sustained by the revenue t),non,nno
Total national loss $i4,(llO,27T, or $8,107,623 a month.
» See note 3, page 104. Arpnment, ridicule, satire were all employed against the "Terrapin War." Durini; the laic
spring and early summer of 1S12, the subjoined song was sung at all gatherings of the Federalists, and was very popular:
" Huzza for onr liberty, boys, Then bring up your ' regulars,' lads.
These are the days of our glory— In ' attitude' nothing ye laclc, sire,
The days of true national joys, Ye'il frighten to death the Danads,
When terrapins gallop before ye 1 With lire-coals blazing aback, sirs !
There's Porter, and Grundy, and Rhcn, Oh, this is true Terrapin war!
In Congress who manfully vapor, " As to powder, and bullet, and swords,
Who draw their six dollars a day, poj^ ^a they were never intended,
And light bloody battles on paper I They're a parcel of high-sounding words.
Ah 1 this is true Terrapin war. But never to action extci.ded.
"Poor Madison the tremors has got. Ye must /rijjAten the r.!!" 'il.^ nway,
'Bout this same arming the nation In ' rapid descerie or ij.irters;
Too far to retract, he can not Then the plunder dl - !■ miy,
Go on— and he loses his station. And drive them he, " ^ .le -.Tatei*
vl ^—- k f Oh, thislSi/rp-" , Ki.r!"
' The oppo.sition speakers ana :ic ■. .or enminocd th(
Embargo (especially the "Land Embargi.. 1 .tie • npplorafnt
ary act was called) in unmeasured terms, i!.* '^w' trade will
Canada, so sudcienly arrested and thrown into cunfiislon btil
was represented by a bewildered serpent, which had hecn m
denly stopped In its movements by two trees, mnrki'd rofpcl
ively Emiiaroo and Non-inteuoourse. The wonilerlng mal
is pnzzlcd to know what has happened, and the head cries m[
" What is the matter, tail f" The latter answers. " I caii'l
ont." A cock (in allusion to France) stands by, rrowlDjt Joyfiill]
• Letter to Secretary Monroe, March 4, 1H12. Mr. Pfirclval.oi
of the Cabinet, and a leading administration member. Mid.
the course of debate: "As England Is contending for thf
fense of her maritime rights, a'"1 for the preservation ofhor
tional existence, which essentia lepends on the mnl11lp11.11
of these rights, she could not ho • pected. In the prosecullon
this great and primary inters ■ ' " rrest or vary her copw
liMen to the pretenirinns ofneiKi ' «m*, or to rnmtetht
haieerer the]/ tniuM be rearetted, uMch the uni/orm ^loliajitt
FAO-biMiUi <
York on the 2flth of Jnly, 1739, and died at Washington on the 2flth of.M"(
1812, in the 73d year of his age. He was a soldier and statesman of the f
olution, eminent in council, rtlstlngulBhed In war. He filled, with unex'
nseftiineas, purity, and ability, among many other high offices, those •
emor of his native state, and of Vice-President of the United States. Wtii
he lived, his virtue, wisdom, and valor were the pride, the ornament, and li
security of his country j and when he died he left an Illustrious e.xtr-.^
well-spent life, worthy of all imitation. This monument is affectionately de<
Cttted by his children."
' For the message in fbll, see SUUesman'a Mamtal, i., 3H7.
» The committee was composed of John C. Calhoun, of Sonth Carolina; Felix Grundy, of Tennessee ; .John 8Dii|
of Pennsylvania ; John A. Harper, of New Hampshire ; Joseph Desha, of Kentucky ; and Ebenezer Seaver, of Mu
cbusetts.
Ul.lNTON S TOjdll.
Action of the Eons
on the fact thj
that their proi
mittee," said 1
which have a t
of a permanent
and wound so
the United Sta
Tlie control of
ling it almost :
have been carri
their cargoes, as
ing of their dan
on the high seas
icnce of tJieir oj)
geroiis tendency
these be the onl'
might, for a whil
tensions would s
mission to its auf
fidence that there
not be carried."
On the present
;hem was denied
presented a bill, a
ilepcndencies and
Ten votes were g\
in the declaration.
the repeal of all n
postpone the whoh
liill, as Calhoun pre
nine for it and fort
When the bill re,
appouited to consid
t»clve days. Mea;
by conflicting emot
-Massachusetts ; and
A.stor, reeommendin
lield in various plact
I'-.ontheirth ofJu
some amendments, v,
I W to the House on
l"i. The hill was en^
[tliat day became a la
|kfrnromPenn8ylvar
.e^"^""'"'"" of the Unite
•""fythe same Into effect, an
«^7:j™'jrP'^Ml.Mns„ch
Tl^Hlf^^fteofthe govern
^ofrobbery or piracy, were*
™'['"-f''»«fn«tcommer
""'>", It is only legalized pira
OF THE WAR OF 1813.
229
Action of tbe Honse of Representatives in Secret Session.
Action of tlie Senate on a Declaration of War.
on the fact that the United States were considered by it as its commercial rival, and
that their prosperity and growth were incompatible with its welfare. " Your com-
mittee," said the report, " will not enlarge on any of the injuries, however great,
which have a transitoiy effect. They wish to call the attention of the House to tliose
of a permanent nature only, which intrench so deeply on our most important rights,
iiiul wound so extensively and vitally our best interests, as could not fail to deprive
the United States of the principal advantages of their Revolution, if submitted to.
Tlie control of our commerce by Great Britain, in regulating at pleasure and expel-
lii)(» it almost from the ocean ; the oppressive manner in which these regulations
have been carried into effect, by seizing and confiscating such of our vessels, with
their cai'goes, as wjre said to have violated her edicts, often without previous warn-
ing of their danger ; the impressment of our citizens from on board our own vessels
on the high seas and elsewhere, and holding them in bondage till it suited the conven-
ience of their oppressors to deliver them up, are encroachments of that high and dan-
eerous tendency Avhich could not fail < o produce tliat pernicious effect ; nor would
these be the only consequences that wouil result from it. The British government
might, for a while, be satisfied with the ascendency thus gained over us, but its pre-
tensions would soon increase. The proof which so complete and disgraceful a sub-
mission to its authority would afford of our degeneracy, could not fail to inspire con-
fidence that there was no limit to which its usurpations and our degradation might
not be carried."
On the presentation of this report the doors were closed, and a motion to open
them was denied by a vote of seventy-seven against forty-nine. Mr. Calhoun then
presented a bill, as part of the report, declfiring war between Great Britain and her
dependencies and the U uited States and its Territories. Amendments were offered.
Ten votes were given for a proposition by M'Kee, of Kentucky, to include France
in the declaration. Mr. Quincy endeavored, by an addition to the bill, to provide for
tlie repeal of all restrictive laws bearing upon commerce ; and Randolph moved co
postpone the whole matter until the following October. All were rejected, and the
bill, as Calhoun presented it, was passed on the 4th day of June by a vote of seventy-
nine for it and forty-nine against it.
When the bill reached the Senate*- it was referred to a committee already • jnne 5,
appointed to consider the President's message. It remained under discussion '***•
twelve days. Meanwhile the people throughout the country were fearfully excited
I by conflicting emotions. A memorial against the war went from the Legislature of
Massachusetts ; and another from the merchants of New York, led by John Jacob
Astor, recommending restrictive measures as better than war. War-meetings were
in various places, and the whole country was in a tumult of excitement. Final-
lly,on the 17th of June — the annivei-sary of the battle of Bunker Hill — the bill, with
I some amendments, was passed by a vote of nineteen against thirteen. It was sent
Ibackto the House on the morning of the 18th, where the amendments were concurred
I in, The hill was engrossed on parchment, and at three o'clock on the afternoon of
Ithatday became a law by the signature of the President.^ In the House, the mera-
prs from Pennsylvania, and the states South and West, gave f' -two votes for it
' The act declaring war was drawn up by William Pinkney , late minister to England, and then Attorney General of the
Irtlted States. It is as follows: "That war be, and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom
ifGreat Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof and the United States of America and their Territories ; and
lit the President of the United States is hereby authorized to nse the whole land and naval force of the United States
li tiny the same Into effect, and to issne to private armed vessels of the Un ited States commissions, or letters of marqno
: i 'fmn\ reprisal," in such form as he shall thlnlt proper, and nndcr the seal of the United States, against the vessels,
"sand effects of the government of the said United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the subjects thereof."
' Utttrt nf marque and repriml, or commissions to seise the goods of an enemy in time of war and not Incur the pen-
pltjot robbery or piracy, were tssned in England as early as Edward the First. It has ever been a powerful belligerent
11 in warfare against commercial nations, and the system was of great service to the Americans during their war with
Ell Bittain in 1S12-'15. Efforts have recently been made to abolish the system among nations. It should be, for,
IHfrjll, It is only legalized piracy.
."'"IPW^Bf
1^^^
/
'^n
wm
228
riCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Declaration of War.
The Prealdent proclaimB the Fact.
A Protest.
"Joelah the Pint;
to seventeen against it. In the Senate the same states gave fourteen for it to five
against it. " Thus," says a late writer, " the war may \m said to have been a meas-
ure of the South and West to take care of the interests of the North, much against
the will of the latter."'
When the War Act became law, the injunction of secrecy was removed, "1 on the
• June 19 following day" the President issued a proclamation announcing the fact, and
1S12. calling upon the people of the United States to sustain the public uuthoii-
ties in the measures to be adopted for obtaining a speedy, just, and honorable peace.
" I exhort all the good people of the United States," he said, " as they love their coun-
try; as they value the precious heritage derived from the virtue and valor of their
fathers ; as they feel the wrongs which have forced on them the last resort of injured
nations ; and as they consult the best means, under the blessing of divine Providence,
of abridging its calamities, that they exert themselves in preserving order, in promot-
ing concord, in maintaining the authority and the efficiency of the laAvs, and in sup-
porting and invigorating all the measures which may be adopted by the constituted
authorities."
This was soon followed by an able protest against the measure. It was chicflv
written by Mr. Quincy, who then stood at the head of the opposition, not only in Con-
gress, but throughout the country. The
prestige of his father's name as a leadini;
patriot of the lievolution ; his own Ions
services in the National Legislature ; lijv
family connections and influence ; liis ster-
ling worth in private life ; his witlierinc;
sarcasm of tongue and pen ; liis fluency
of speech in declamation or debate, anil
his handsome and commanding presence,
all combined to make him jjcerless ns
a leader. He was consequently assailed
with the greatest bitterness by the friends
of the administration ; and squibs, and
epigrams, and caricatures^ frequently at-
tested the general acknowledgment of
his commanding position. Mr. Quincy
outlived all of his contemporaries. Not
one of the members of the Twelfth Con-
gress — the Congress that declared w ar
against Great Britain in 1812 — was liv-
ing at the time of his death. He was horn]
with the nation, whose full indejiendemc]
was only achieved at the close of tliiitj
' Edwin Williams, in tiie Statmman'a ifanunl, I., 450.
' One of the caricatures of Mr. Quincy is before rac. It was engraved and pnblifihed by William Charles,* of Philii
dclphia, and is entitled " Josiah the First." He is represented as a king, in reference to his political domiimtiou.
* Of William Charles, the engraver above mentioned, who publixhed several caricatures during the War of 1812-']^
very little ' remembered. The venerable Doctor Alexander Anderson, of New York, the father of W(M)d enp-nvliiL'
America, and yet (1807) a practitioner of the art at the ajre of ninety-two years, informed the writer that he knew CharliJ
when he first came to America, about the year isoi. He was a native of Ediuburg, Scotland. He carlciilurcd one (
more of the magistrates of that city, and, to avoid the consequences of prosecution, he left and came to the I'niiej
States. He practiced his art in New York for a number of years without success, and then went to PhiliidelpUa,
venerable John M'AUIster, of Phlladplphia, now (ISOT) more than eighty years of age, writes me that he reniembi
Charles and his small book-store and print-shop, which he opened in Philadelphia Just Iwfore the War of 1S12. Afll
the suspension of specie payments by tlie hanks in ISU, he engraved, printed, and vended a great quantity of not»tl
■fractions of dollars, commonly known as " shinplasters." He died in Philadelphia In the year 1821, and his widowft
tinned his bookselling and stationery business. I am indebted to Mr. M'AUIster for the caricature of Mr. Qiilncyalx
given.
SnbataDceofthe P
war, and livet
nal and inheri
tack purified ;
impressed upc
3fr. Quincy,
the war. Ho
made by other
rcsentatives, ar
tlieir conduct i
ously the state
(IS in Congresf
necessarily lead
aijainst her — a
the United Stat(
two, and looked
, the French edic
'• had not the pow
portion of the w
affected by the a
ize the American
tcctors, and go m
seizure of Canada
i^idered an attemj:
iincertain in the is
unprepared state
'■^V^ith a navy coi
liie greatest marin
every ocean, we pi
wealth of which w
iiics of a power whi
soldier into pay, oai
lioard. Before ade
or money are provi
fontest, which is la
I the present war ao-i
lii( head is a crown. His co
« hand he holds a sceptre!
J"'.do,bythlsroynlp;„cl^
taerofthe noble Or"
" n the sea behind him"
His defense on the floor of
,!»« representation of a codfls
«*a memorial," In the lnn„
f^oodflaherytothewelfire^,
I 'On the Mth of June, 1861
«»'«cy,M„8sach„sett«.' ni'v
Wl»of,he Northern sec":„
Jl'lnvhat pride and joy wo
BOBe man, With one mind a,
to'Vorth,andtheWe8tth«f
Mting their gaing and r!
'*..«„, Cvr^oXh
I ^lie fnliowloB are tho „
«"«« printed in newspaper.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
229
mm
9ul»ti>nce of the Protest of the Minority-
Names of those who signed it.
war, and lived to see it, in sturdy maturity, not only resist a most dangerous inter-
nal and inherited disease that threatened to destroy its life, but to rise from the at-
tack purified and strengthened, with every promise of long and vigorous existence
impressed upc every fibre of its being.'
Mr. Quincy, ;t has been observed, wrote the most of the minority's protest against
the war. He was aided by Mr. Bayard, of Delaware, and some suggestions were
made by others. It was signed by all the minority members of the House of Rep-
ivsontatives, and was issued in the form of an address to their constituents, in which
thfir conduct in voting against the war was vindicated.'^ They set forth perspicu-
ously the state of the country, and the course of the administration and its support-
ers in Congress. They professed to believe that a war with Great Britain would
necessarily lead to a political connection with France, then waging bitter hostilities
against her — a connection which would be extremely hazardous to the liberties of
tiie United States. They professed to regard France as the great^er aggressor of the
tivo, and looked upon her commerce as not worth contending for. Notwithstanding
the French edicts, a profitable trade might be carried on with England, for France
liad not the power to enforce their edicts to a very great extent. Indeed, a large
jiortion of the world where American commerce might be made profitable was not
atfected by the actions of either of the belligerents. They would, therefore, author-
ize the American merchantmen to arm in their own defense, become their OAvn pro-
tectors, and go wherever they chose to risk themselves. As to the invasion and
seizure of Canada, which was a part of the programme of the war party, they con-
sidered an attempt to carry out that measure as unjust and impolitic in itself, very
uncertain in the issue, and unpromising as to any good results. They pointed to the
unprepared state of the country as vehemently forbidding a declaration of war.
"With a navy comparatively nominal, we are about to enter into the lists against
the greatest marine on the globe. With a commerce unprotected and spread over
every ocean, we propose to make profit by privateering, and for this endanger the
wealth of which we are honest proprietors. An invasion is threatened of the colo-
nies of a power which, without putting a new ship into commission, or taking another
soldier into pay, can spread alarm or desolation along the extensive range of our sea-
board. Before adequate fortifications are prepared for domestic defense, before men
or money are provided for a war of attack, why hasten into the midst of this awful
contest, which is laying Avaste Europe ? It can not be concealed that to engage in
the present war against England is to place ourselves on the side of France, and
hl< heart Is a crown. His coat is scarlet, his waistcoat browu, his breechc tight green, and his stockings white silk. In
I one liand he holds a sceptre, and in the space near his head (omitted in our reduced copy) are the words : " I, Josiah the
First, do, by this royal proclamation, announce myself King of New England, Nova Scotia, and Passamaquoddy ; Grand
Jlaster of the noble Order of the Two Codfishes." On his left breast are seen two codflshes crossed, forming the. order,
I mi In the sea behind him that kind offish is seen sporting in the water. These were probably introduced in allusion
10 Ms defense on the floor of Congress of the rights of the New England fishermen ; or possibly because of the fact that
I Ihc representation of a codfish has hung in the Representatives' Hall in the State-house at Boston since the year 1784,
I "as a memorial," in the language of John Howe, who that year moved that it be placed there, " of the importance of
I Ihe cndflshery to the welfare of the commonwealth of Massachusetts."
' On the 29th of June, 18«1, Mr. Qulney made a speech to the officers and soldiers of Captain Porbes's Coast Guard at
I Qtincy, Massachusetts. He was then in his ninetieth year. In the course of his remarks on the great uprising of the
I !«ople of the Northern section of the Union to put down the demagogues' rebellion in the South.,, u section, he remarked :
"With what i)riile and joy would the founders of this republic have hailed the events of our day— a whole people rising
liionc man, with one mind and one heart, In support of the Constitntion and the Union ; npspringing from the East,
like North, and the West, the farmer from the field, the mechanic fW)m the work-bench— all classes and all professions —
Ibrgetting their gains, and ready to make sacrifices with one thought and one will to protect, to preser\'e, and to render
Itkf union of these states immortal. These are the true glories of a republic, evidencing that the masses which compose
llunilerewnd the value of their liberties, and arc prepared to sacrifice property and life In their defense."
' The following are the names of the signers of the protest :
George Sullivan, William Held, Epaphroditns Champion, Benjamin Tallmadge, H. M. Ridgeley, Joseph Lewis, Jr.,
MjuhBrigham, Leonard White, Jonathan O. Moseley, Asa Fitch, Philip Stuart, Thomas Wilson, Abtjah Bigelow, Laban
feton, Lyman Law, James Emott, Philip B. Key, A. M'Bryde, Josiah Qnincy, Ellsha R. Potter, Lewis B. Slnrges,
Ihnes Milnor, James Breckinridge, Joseph Pearson, William Ely, Richard Jackson, Jr., Timothy PItklu, Jr., Thomas
TtGonld, John Baker, Martin Chittenden, Samuel Taggart, John Davenport, Jr., H. Bleecker, C. Goldsburgh. The pro-
■ i was printed in newspapers and on broadsides, and widely circulated.
hi -i
; 1
f '.
'Ii;fe
230
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Issue fairly before the Country.
Organization of a Peace Party.
Its unpatriotic Courw,
expose U8 to the vassalage of states serving under the banners of the French em-
peror."
" It is said," thoy remarked, " that war is demanded by honor. Is national honor
a principle which thirsts after vengeance, and is appeased only by blood ; which
trampling on the hopes of man and spuming the law of God, untaught by what is
past and careless of what is to come, precipitates itself into any folly or madness to
gratify a selfish vanity or to satiate some unhallowed rage ? If honor demuiuls a
war with England, what opiate lulls that honor to sleep over the wrongs done us by
France ?"
" What are the United States to gain by this war ?" they asked. " Will the grati-
fication of some privateersmen compensate the nation for that sweep of our legiti-
mate commerce by the extended marine of our enemy which this desperate act in-
vites ? Will Canada compensate the Middle States for New York, or the Western
States for New Orleans? Let us not be deceived. A war of invasion may invite a
retort of invasion. When we visit the peaceable, and, as to us, innocent colonies of
Great Britain' with the horrors of war, can we be assured that our own coast will
not be visited with like horrors ? At a crisis of the world, such as the present, and
under impressions such as these, the undersigned can not consider the war into which
the United Statjs have in secret been precipitated as necessary, or required by any
moral or political expediency."
Tims the issue was fairly placed before the country. The time for discussion was
ended; the tirre for action had arrived. While one portion of the people — tlie vast
majority — wert^ nobly responding to the call of the President to sustain the govern-
ment by word and deed, another portion were preparing to cast obstacles in the way
of its success. An organization was soon visible, called the Peace Parti/, composed
chiefly of the moi° violent opponents of the administration and disaffected Demo-
crats, whose party-spirit held their patriotism in complete subordination. Lackinj
the sincerity or the integrity of those patriotic members of the Congressional minor-
ity, whose protest wsis the voice of their consciences made audible, they endeavored,
by attempting to injure the public credit, preventing enlistments into the armies,
spreading false stories concerning the strength of the British and weakness of the
Americans, and by public speeches, sermons, pamphlets, and newspaper essays, to
compel the government to sheathe the sword and hold out the olive-branch of peace
at the cost of national honor and independence. These machinations were kept up
during the whole war to the great embarrassment of the government and the injury
of the country. To this unpatriotic Peace Party a large number of the leading Fed-
eralistfi gave no countenance, but, with a clear perception of duty to their country,
and in accordance with the principles of the true spirit of republicanism, many of
them, bound to the expressed will of the majority, yielded their private views to tlie
necessities of the hour, and lent their aid, as the President desired all good citizens ;
to do, " to the constituted authorities for obtaining a speedy, a just, and an honorable]
peace."
Having resolved on war, the next important labor for Congress to perform was]
making adequate provisions for prosecuting it. One of the most important consid-|
erations was finance, for money has been justly styled the " sinews of war." In ¥ch-\
• February iTi ruary* the Committee of Ways and Means reported a system of finance
^^^^- adapted to a state of war for three years. Its chief features conteni'^
plated the support of war expenses wholly by loans ; and the ordinary expenses of
the government, including the interest on the national debt, by revenues. They es
timated the war expenses at $11,000,000 for the first year. Aware that a state o(
> The House of Representatives resolved that, In the event of a determination to Invade Canada or other BrilUi
provinces, the President should be authorized to issue a proclamation assuring the inhabitants thereof that all tbe^
rights, of every kind, shonld be respected if their territory gbonld become a part of the United States.
Meuuroa for raising
war would din
be doubled, fbj
.ind an extensi
cial scheme gei
not exceeding t
Secretary of th(
ill the United f>
Iwnks to subscr;
posits until caJh
When war wj
111,000,000 loan
«1,928,000, leavii
dent was authori
nual interest of ii
Treasury. This v
the circulation of
try for the fiscal
the interest on $4,
On the 26th of J
and reprisal, and j
the regular force t
«oom, and one of i
of thirty-six thous;
•liscipiined, and eff
under arms at thai
were raw recruits.
duty, notwithstandi
eight millions. TJi^
?o beyond the limit
the country looked
I a footing with the r
I . y^'' navy consiste
h'jht, oneofthirty-8
ranging fi-om twelve
Congress adjourne
ommendadayofpui
United States for tht
t;<>ir cause, and the ,
the President issued
|.?.irt of the third Th;
Ifla}' was generally obi
Joordance with the spir
[President, while from
K 1818, was ^tatd?"^*""
\!'"^J<^thePblitieal
and Mil
lllllli
»ar would diminish the revenuTZT^ :::^:t,___^ J^^DiiT^^^^JiH^
be doubled, foreign 1011,^^.^-' 1 ^ P''«P««ed a tariff bTu^^T^^
and an extensive ,y,tZ 5, T'^'" " ^°"«»- ^nd a Iml/aT . '' ""P'^^^^ ^^ould
cial scheme generX 'Tk? V".f ""' ^"^''^^ ^^^ «^ci«e ' lit ' ^f ^^ «3,000,000,
not exceeding six per cent «uthonzed» a loan of |i ,,ooo 000 !' '^"P''^*^ *'»« «"«»■
.Secretary of fheCrr^dt^^^^^^^ '"l^-H
«11,000,000 loan th^t *k V ^^^ "'""d, by the retnma ^^*i,
«l,928^0jeavltl ""'V^«^ «"bBcribedt i *f,ln?n"n^'''"P*'«"« *« the
dent;asa;tho"!dtotrS:.;'*'''^^'«°«- ^o ^.Ip^ly't'i '2ci"'' 'f^'^"^"'
nual interest of five and two mhT^ ^^tes, payahle Ke tar a^'h"^' '''' ^'■^^'■
Treasury. This was intended to t ^"' ''"*" *« ^' ^eceivable^b Lu 1 """^ "" """
the circulation of bank-notef It ^ "' '"'"^"^y' ^»d supersede to l^T'' "' *^^'
try for the fiscal year TlT^o ^ o^"' ^«timated that the entTre 11 '''*'"'" "^*«"t'
the interest on $45154 OOo7^^ ' '"''"'^'"^ ^^^ $11,000 OOO fin^""'' "^^'^^ ^«"»-
On the 26th of June Pn ^ ' '""^""* «f the public lebn^ iT'^'" P"'-P««^«, and
and reprisal, and a„ol£rT:?""*' ''*" '^''* -'p- ng th i^^e ff^.f ''''^«'«^«-^
t^e regular force to cltlt ftVn^^^^^^^ «^ ^'- omZ7:^^TLtT^'''
,?oons,and one of ri<1«tr. , . :'^"ty regiments of foof f«,... i^ """/"e new levies:
of thirty-six thola 'dT:ra "f •-""^''"^^- -^ -^cer^^ *r ^''^^^■
.liscipHned, and effective-was "n ! T"' '"^^ '''^^-' reguTaVw T ' " '"''^^
"nder arms at that time wir.hn^ f ''"* ^^''"^ thousand men ^^^''r'-^Pf »«nced,
«ere raw recruits. littH, ''"* **^" t'>«"«and men but m or. ^ ?^"'^'" ^^'''^e
duty, notwithstanding thevi"""'-'?"^'^ ^« P^«««^^ on the miZ '" ^/'^ "^ *''«™
eight millions. They we' ."" ''^''* '^""^''^'^ thousand Tro -""''P* ^^'' ^^"'i^on
?o beyond the liinits^of .u "*"* ''«»>P«"«d by law to serve '*'''"f, '" ^ Population of
the country looked 1- T "''^''''''' states. To vo un^'' *^" '^''"^^ J^^'^r^. nor
a footing with the - ^ "' ''"'^ ^^^ President 11..' '^' government and
The n^avy con'fstelof'' Tl' ^"•^' ^^^^^ their conle't to t""-' *" ^''-^^^ *^-"^ "n
eight, one oVtSt fxl?'>*';"^ ^"^^^^« of fortS "?''"? *'."'" "«^^«^«-
ii
'H
;
tVt
i
m
'■^i
232
PICTOllIAL FIELD-BOOK
How the Pant Day wai< observed. William Ellery Cbannlng'a Oisconrae. Webiter's Oration and Bryant'a Odt.
war, and the alleged authors and abettors of it.' The national anniversary that year
was also made the ocoasion for political speeches, songs, and toasts condemnatory of
the measures of the administration. Home of these were Herce, othere were mild, and
still others were dignitied and patriotic — lirm, outspoken, manly arguments against
the necessity, the wisdom, or the justice of the war, but evincing a love of country
more potent than love of party or opinions.*
' Already the (jovomor of MagBachui'ctts had uppofntcd the 23d of .July aa a day of humiliation, fiintlnj;, and prayir.
It was made the occasion for plain »penkiiip from the pulpit against the war. Sometimes there was blttcrne>8 ln'the
words, but generally these sermons breathed a spirit of sorrow because of the calamities threatened by the war. AnKjii,.
others, William Ellery ChannhiK, of Boston, on both the state and the national fast-days, spoke out plainly, but wltli Hut
charitable and sweet Christian spirit which characterized liia whole life. "The cry has been," he said, "that wnrlsde.
dared, and all opposition should therefore be hushed. A sentiment more unworthy of a free country can hnrilly [^
j)i(ipagated. If this doctrine be admitted, rulers have only to declare war, and they are screened at once from scrutiny.
At the very time when they have armies at command, when their patronage Is most extended, and their power nii«t
formidable, not a word of warning, of censure, of alarm must be heard. The press, which is to expose Inferior ul)u»e!,
must not utter one rebuke, one Indignant complaint, although our best Interests and most valuable rl'^hts arc put [!,
hazard by an unnecessary war. The sum of my remarks," ho said, in concluding his discourse on the slate fasi-day,
" Is this : It is your duty to hold fast, and to assert with rtnnness those truths and principles on which the welfare uf
your country seems to depend ; but do this with calmness, with a love of i)eacc, without ill-will and revenge. Iiiipmvo
every opportunity of allaying animosities. Strive to make converts of those whom you think In error. Dlscouraiii', in
decided and open language, that rancor, malignity, and unfeeling abuse which so often And their way Into our piil)!!,
prints, and which only tend to Increase the already alarming Irritation of our country." "Our duties to our rulers," in.
said, on the natioual fast-day, " are not so easily presented. It is our duty toward them to avoid all language niiil coii.
duct which will produce a spirit of Insubordinatiou, a contempt of laws and just authority. At the same tinu', wc mnsi
not be tame, abject, and see, without sensibility, without remonstrance, our rights violated and our best blessings thmwD
away. Our elective form of government makes it our duty to expose bad rulers, to strip them of unmerited conflileiife
and of abused power. This is never more clearly our duty than when our rulers have plunged us Into an unjustifiable
and ruinous war— a war which Is leading us down to poverty, vice, and slavery. To reduce such men to a private sla-
tion no fair and upright means should be spared, and, let me add, no other means should be employed. Notliiiif; can
justify falsehood, malignity, or wild, ungovcrned passion. Bo firm, but deliberate ; In earnest, yet honest and jii»t."
' In the New York Evening Pout, July '21, 1812, nuiy lie found the following notice of a speech l)y the afterward eiuincnt
Daniel Webster, who had not yet appeared prominently in public life. He entered Congress the next year.
'Wf.hstke'b Ohatio.n A gentleman of this name, distinguished In the State of New Hampshire for the superiority
nt _..._. _
will be read with pleasure :
of his talents, delivered an orAion to the Washington Society at Portsmouth on the 4th of July. The following exlracU
' With respect to the war in which we are now involved, the course which our principles require us to pursue ran
not be doubtful. It is now the law of the land, and as such we are bound to regard it. Resistance and Insurrection
form no parts of onr creed. The disciples of Wanhiniiton arc neither tyrants in power nor rebels out. If we are la.\e(l to
carry ou this war, we shall disregard certain distinguished examples, and shall pay. If our personal services are re-
quired, we shall yield them to the precise extent of our constitutional liability. ^'. t the same time, the world may hea.'-
sured that we know our ritihts, and shall exercise them. We shall express our opinions on this, as on every nieasnre
of government, I trust without passion, I am certain without /rar. We have yet to learn that the extravagant proirren
of pernicious measures abrogates the duty of opposition, or that the Interest of onr native land Is to be abandoned byns
in the hour of the thickest danger and sorest necessity. By the exercise of onr constitutional right of suffrage, by the
peaceable remedy of election, we bhall seek to restore wisdom to our councils aniX peace, to onr country.' "
Those who remember Mr. Webster's patriotic course in the Senate of the United States in voting for the " Force Bill,"
to crush incipient treason and rebellion in South Carolina in 1833, will perceive In the above extract the visible cerm
of that stinch patriotism which distinguished him through life. On the occasion referred to he said, with the spirit thai
animated him in 1S12, " I am opposed to this administration ; but the country Is In danger, and I will take my bhareof
the responsibility in the measure before us."
The Evening Post of the same date contains an "Ode for the Fourth of July," written by William Cullen Bryant, ,
then seventeen years of age. He Is now (1807), after a lapse of flfty-flve years, one of the proprietors and the editor 1
chief of that journal, which 1 ■• has ably conducted for a very long period. The following stanzas selected from that]
Ode give a specimen of Its cb .racter which made It very popular at the time:
' Lo ! where our ardi ut rulers
For Herce assault iirejjare.
While eager " Ati" awaits their beck
To "slip the dogs of war."
In vain against the dire design
Exclaims the indignant land ;
The nnbidden blade they haste to ba:c,
And light the unhallowed brand.
Proceed 1 another year shall wrest
The sceptre from your hand.
"The same ennobling spirit
That kindles valor's flame.
That nerves ns to a war of right.
Forbids a war of nhavie.
For not in Omqueitt'H impious train
Shall Freedom's children stand ;
Nor shall in guilty fray be raised
The high-souled warrior's hand j
Nor shall the Patriot draw his sword
At Gallia's proud commaud."
AKejrencyeatabl
insanity of the o
Tliis change in tj
tiic|irince^tothog
Fcbniaiy, I812, a.;
ni'Iical change in t
.woiintofthemur
ChaiiccIJoroftho 1
.1 liverpool sJiip-bi
oonimercial losses ,
f might reveng,
'•'"ff servants. U
I'fntcd Secretai-y (
tt'irowby Lor,] Pr^
»;'J^>fr.Vansittart (
,;''^q-'t''-. LordCastI
tor Foreign Affairs
, Great Britain was
f "'Ions war again.st
P'^""*'' Peninsula, an,
Knt energy,,,;,,.^
fy-reatened J,er wit
H autumn of j 812 «.
«nion clouded wit'
r "S^'nst Great B,-i
»™'.v,c,-os8edtheNien
^P'-^hed on toward
' "eH ninety thons-
^'^^ Mosco^ ,>;; ;
I j:'« hundred and ,
^^ France. Six „,on
'.w slam, wounded,
A««Kenc^^«tnblN^^
OFTHE WAK OP ,8,2.
If
-^^^^^^°^°^^!^^^^
11
CHAPTER XIT.
"^■■^ 5'.i^'Tirr''.T'''« "•'«"' •""' blown
Th«t, prep,, e t^ en.V. " "T" ""« "" v"" '
W e submit without murn nr . 'r'""" '" '""■
"""""' '" daugcr and toll."
«»»'o actual .ovc,-ci„rof r ?'i? ""<"'.?« "'« Fou H,) n,, ,,„
'0 court j.hysicians "^"^ '"'» '-fgoiit of the realm
i-anity of the old St TT-'"''^ *''«
Tliis chancre in f 1 1 , ^ -"^ ''' "'^"'-able.
''''■!-- 1: tilt ;;r^^^^^
ra.Iical ohanire in the P./-^ ^'Howing a
-o,,„t of tit mntr^ftrP """"''«"
Chancellor of the Exoh. ^"'''^''^l the
■^ Liverpool shiXfct^^^^^^
, oom,.,crcial losis npo^' TC" f''^''^ '"^
•™l nought revenge^in «hvin^''""""'^"^'
pointed Secretary of S I '"^ "''"'« ^l'"
»J Mr. Vansi l^'cit"^ ?f *'- ^^«"no",
[■^eq,.c.,-. Lor C ele err""'' "^*^^ Ex-'
for Foreign Affahu ^ "^^^ ^'^^''^tary
J Grout Britain was still ,. •
|niencIo„s war a.>-ainst Si! V^"'^ ''* t'''^" ^"^ '— «.„,,,
l«n.o„ clouded with feal, i w ''" ""'^'^'^^^ ^^^Pero; of ''I'f"^ '^'"^ «""-'™er
h against Great Britain [" t'/ ' ^''^ '^^J^^ afte?the Unit > « "^ ""'■'''^••««'
K crossed the Niemen"'i„ thl f "''? ^^Poleon, with an iT ^'''''' ^^'^^"••ed
['"'pushed on toward Mnl ^''''^ ""^^^^^^ hundred /, """'^n^e and splendid
konted their inTni b"^- ^^ Borodino t^f. '"'"'^"'^ Russians
I'^'ed Moscow in t . 2 »^ '^"'^ ^«""ded soldi ^ "''"" *'^« ^«t- 'Sept.«.
,:ill
t
i I
1 i
,,
1
lii
1 '
/I'M '
Irtil
n
234
PICTOKIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Brltlib Nkvy.
Britlih Land Force In Cintd*.
Their Kruntt
ital of Upper Canada. On the eastern extremity of the lake is Kingston, with a fine
harbor, and Avas defended by a small battery of nine-pounders on Point Frederick.
It was the most populous town in the Upper Province at that time, and formed the
principal naval depot of the British on Lake Ontario. There were some military
works at Montreal, and very strong ones at Quebec,
At the time when war Avas declared the United States were at peace Avith all the
world, and had very little commerce exposed upon the oceai', jwing to restrictions
> Steele's List, 1812.
• These consisted of the Porty-flrat Regiment, 900 men ; Tenth Veterans, 260 ; N^wfonndland Heglment, 260; Eoyal
Artillery, 60 ; Provincial Seamen, 60. These forces had to occupy the Ports St. Joseph, Amherstburg, Chippewa, Erie,
George, York (Toronto), and Kingston, and to defend an assailable frontier of nearly thirteen hundred miles.— i« o*!
Correspondence of Major General Sir Itaac Brock, K.B., by Ferdinand Brock Tnpper, p. 108.
liMOMt and Front
OF THE WAR OF 1813.
23S
tK(4»Mi >iiMition of the
ffiivcrnnient at an early period. A sehool for military instnietit)n, espi ially for tho
wliiciitioii of engineers, to he estahlished at West Point, on the Ilndson, was author-
ized by Congress in tho spring of 1802;*' and from to time to time ap})ro- • March i(W
nriiitioiis had heen made for fortifieations, and works hail heen ereeted. "**•
Till' corps of engineers, authorized by the hiw just named, eommeiiced their funetions
,iH constructors of new forts or repairers of old ones in the year 1 H08, when a war with
Enaianil was confidently expected ; and that body of young men cc^jitinucd thus ein-
iiloyctl, iu a motlerate way, until the breaking out of the war in 1812, when they
were sent to tho field, and all won military distinction.* The forts completed pro-
vioiis to 1 800 were the only fortifications for tho defense of tlio sea-coast of tho
riiited States at tho commencement of the war in 1812.'
1 ,' aihliiBton recommcnrtod the e8tab1!shmsnt of n military academy at Wcot Point «o early an 17S3, when, on the ap-
proach of i-uncei hl« thouKhts were turned to tho future mllUary condition of hlH country. Soon after ho becami' I'ich-
lilint of thi' United Statex, he Mffnln called the attention of nl8 countrymen to the Importance of a military academy,
jnil attain liKlieated Went Point «» the proper place. In 171)4, Colonel Uochcfontalnc, a French officer In the nervlce of
the United Staten, and other olHcerit of artillery, were Htatlouod nt Went I'olut for the |)ur|><»ie of estabUHhlng a miliary
irhmjl there. They rebuilt tho front of Fort Putnam, on the monutalnH In the rear, in UUR, and coiiHtructed Hvo or kIx
imall canemateii, or bomb-proofx. Fort Clinton, on the Point, was then partly In ruinn. Itii magazine, tweuty-flve by
iwd hiuidrcil feet In hIzo, built of Htone and lined with plank, and trcncheH, was quite perfect. Hevcrul bulldinKa wero
erected, and the whole pout waH under the charge of Major Jonathan WilliamH. The library and apparatUH were com-
inenccil, but the school was hoou Hunpcnded. It waa revived In isoi by Mr. .lefTerson, and In the Hprlng of the follow-
iDj! year Congress, as wo have observed In the text, authorized the cutablishment of a military academy there. Mean-
wlillc the harbors on the coast were defendeil !y by small redoubts. They were luslgnitlcant affairs. " It is worthy
o( remembrance," observed the late veneralil lueral J. O. Swift, in a letter to the author In February, 1800, "that the
ollctnpon which these small works wore bin i were those selected in the lievoiutlouary struggle, and they remain to
thiKday the best for their purpose."
' letter of Oeneral Swift to the author, February 18, 1800. In November, 1802, the engineers nt West Point formed a
miilarii aiut Philnmiphicat Sm^ietii, the object of which was tho promotion of military science. The following are the
Dimea of the original members : Jonathan Williams, Decius Wadswortb, William A. Barron, Jared Manstleld, James
ffil«on, Alexander Macomb, Jr., Joseph O. Swift, Simon M. Lcroy, Walter K. Armistead, and Joseph O. Totten. These
ncrc the members present at the flrst meeting. Swift and Totten were the latest survivors of this little company. The
former died In tho summer of 18(16, and tho latter in the spring of 1804. Their portraits will be found in this work.
Totlcn was the chief military engineer of the United States at the time of his death. Tho society consisted of many
persons besides military men. Its membership, during Its ten years' existence, comprised most of the leading men In
the country, especially of the army and navy. The MS. records of the society, In four folio volumes, are iu the New
York Hintoricai Society.
' The following statement of the names, locations, and conditions of the coast fortifications previouij to 1808, 1 have
tompiled ffora a manuscript general return of such works by Colonel Jonathan Williams" and Captain Alixander Ma-
coml), which I found among the minutes of the ttiUtary ami PhiUmrphieal Society of West Point, mentioned in a preced-
ing note. Some of these forts were somewhat strengthened before the declaration of war iu 1812, but the change in
their general condition was not very great.
Furt Sumner, Portland, Maine.— A square block-house.
Flirt William and ilanj, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.— A rnln.
fort LHxj, Gloucester, Cape Ann.— Three sides of an unfinished flgnro, being one f^ront and two diverging lines. A
iqnare block-house in the rear.
Fwt riekering, at Salem, Massachusetts.- Three sides of a rectangular figure, without bastions, flanks, or any promi.
mncc whatever. The lower part of the sides is stone-work, with par.ipets of earth. Closed in the rear by barracks, a
' Jonathan Williams was bom in Boston In 1760.
Hr was appointed Major of the Second Artillery and
Engineers in February, ISftl, and in December follow-
ing Inspector of Fortifications and Superintendent of
the Military Academy at West Point. In July, 1802,
he wag promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers,
Hid resigned in June the following year. In April,
IW, he resumed the service among the Engineers,
with the Slime rank, and In February, 1808, was pro-
moted to colonel ; he resigned in July, 1812. In 1814
he was elected to a seat in Congress from Philadel-
phia, bat never occupied it. He died on the 20th of
Jlay,1816,at the age of slx^-flve years.— Gardner's
tietimatii of the Army, 487. Colonel Williams was
ihe author of A Mentnir of the Thentunneter in Savi-
I jnft'on, and Elements of Fortification.
! I Ml
II
236
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Coast Defenses of the United States in the year 1812.
A new eysteni of naval Avarfare liad lately been siigjjfested by llobert Fu'ton, who
•December, had been a long time abroad, and who had recently returned home' to
achieve an immortal triumph in science and art, and the beginning of a
ISOO.
briclc wall, and gate. A square block-honse in the centre, and an old btone building in the rear and on the left, without
the lines. A sketch of its appearance in 18(Mi may be fcmnd in another part o'this voiumc.
Fort Setcall, at Marblehead, Massachusetts, is an irregular oblong figure, with a square block-house. It is fDundod on
one side, on a r()ck, and on the ojiposite side has a wail and arches, forming a n\agaziiie below. One stone hou.«c within
the lines. A sketch of this old fort as It appeared in 18G0 may be found in another part of this work.
Fort Indejtemlenre, In Boston Harbor New worV-. An irregular pentagon and well fortified, with five bastions. Three
bastions and one curtain lluished. This fort (whose present appearance is seen In the engraving) is on Castle Ulaud
FOBT INnKl'K.MlK.NCK.
on the site of a fortiflcatiop erected during the early years of the Massachusetts colony. It was rebuilt in lim,,™i
burned in 1073. A new I'ort of stone was then erected, and other works, and it became the shelter of the Britisli (liiiin-
the years preceding the Revolution. After the Revolution it was called Fort Adams, In 17!)il Castle Island was mH
to the United States, and President Adr.nis named the works Fttrt Indejmidence. The present structure was ercrlcil in
1801, '2, and '3. It and Fort Warren, on an islaud opposite, command the entrance to Boston Harbor. The fort may
contain a thousand men in time of war.
Fort IVolcott, near Newport, Rhode Island.— BuiK of stone cemented with lime. Had a brick and stone masnzhip.a
sally-port and ditch, revcrberatory furnace. Supported by two wings or bastions, both fating the harbor. Kevetiiieiiis
In stone laid in lime cement; parapets supplied with sod-work ; the batteries intended for ten pieces of cannon. Had
five pices, 32-poundcrs each. Barracks two stories high, composed of brick, and bomb-proof.
Fort Adamn, Newport Harbor.— Form similar to Fort Wolcott. Situated on Brenton's Point, nearly oppni>iio the
Dumi)llngs Fort on Canonicut Island. Similar In all its arrangement and construction to Fort Wolcott. It wu» then
iTnflnit;hed.
Fitrt Hamilton, Narraganset Bay, near Newport, a mile northwest of Fort Wolcott, on Rose Island E.\ton«ive forii-
flcalions, commenced in 1802. Quadrilateral in form, presenting two regular and two tower bastions. Worlvs fus]ieiiil.
cd ii. IS03. It was intended to be wholly constructed of stone, brick, and sod-work. The barracks were conijili'lcd, ami
were considered the finest in America at that time. It was intended to mount seventy cannon. About half conipleicd
when the war broke out.
North Hatterii, Rhode Island, about three fonrths of a mile northeast of Fort Wolcott, on a point of land nearer New-
port Semicircular, a. id calculated for about eight guns. It was unfinished.
Dum]iHoii» /•'or*.— Kntrance to Narraganset Bay, nearly opposite Fort Adams. A round towor bastion, built in hiy.
of stone well cemented. It was about eighty feet above the water, and rose fifteen to twenty feet above tlic rurk nn
which it was !■ lit. It contained a good magazine, and three other bomb-proof rooms for the men. No oniinon were
mounted. The platforms were not completed. Calculated for seven pieces, exclusive of howitzers and nio-tars. Ii was
believed that thirty men might defend it.
Toicninci Hill, near Newjxjrt, Rhode Island, one mile east of the North Battery, and due north ftom the city.— It cnm-
niandcd the whole town, the country around, and a part of the harbor. Remains of Revolutionary works there. A small
block-house built in ITDfl or 1800 was entire.
Fort Trumbull, New London, Connecticut, on a rocky point of land projecting into the River Thames.— Fiirm irrem-
Inr. T'.ie walls fronting the water bnilt of solid stone, elevated to the usual height, and finished with turf nud Kravfl,
Badly situated against an enemy on land, as the hills around it and ocross the river are higher than the fort, ll liails
small n-.agi.zinc and stone block-house, and fourteen guns mounted. A view of this fort may be seen in another pan
of this work.
Fort Jay, on Governor's Island, New York Harbor,* thirteen hundred yards south of the Battery, at the lower esliem-
Ity of the city oi ""w York.- It was a regular fort, with bastions, quite strong, but then unfinished. It had a haudsinif
gateway, with a oorpn rie iiarde draw-bridge. In the centre of the fort was a square block-house of timber, twd florie* '
high, but probably not cannon-proof; under it was a well. It had two detached batteries, one mounting four IS-pdiuid-
ers and an 8-Inch French mortar, with platforms for four others ; and the other ten pieces, 18 and 24 pounders ; origin-
* Governor's Island was called Paii-finnek by the Indians, and Nutten Island by the Dutch. It was purchased, a» a j
public domain, by Governor Van Twiller, in the early days of the Dutch rule in New York. In the settlement .tih( )
accounts of the Revolutionary debt, New York agreed to erect fortifications in the harbor in front of the cityofNf» ■
York, in i)ayraent of .he quota required from that state. In accordance with an act passed by the State Lcglcliitiire in j
March, IVM, the sum of one hundre'i and fifty thousand dollars was expended, under the direction of a commlllci.ii j
constructing fortlficatiors. The committee consisted of George Clinton, Matthew Clarkson, .lames Watson, Richard j
Vnrick, Nicholas Fish, Ebenezer Stevens, and Abijah Hammond. A further sum of one h'-ndred thousand dnllare nas J
granted on the 0th -if April, ^TBR, to complete the works on that and Oyster (now Ellis's) Island. Fort .Jay km hulll, ]
and in February, Diio, the '.siiud and all Its appurteuau 9 were coded to the United States. The Islaud cuutalut (t\-\
enty-two acres of land.
wonderful rev
steam." Whi
hy introducing
allv Intended for thirtec
parapet. The fort, beiti
asagiiardtotheentrau
KlIii'H mid Ikdloe'H Isli
soiithH-est from the BatI
llnished. Twelve 12-poi
Imiidred yards distant ; i
men. It was an exccllei
island then belonged to i
On ISedlite'n Inland a bat
ill? two (ield-pieces that!
.1 defeucivu work. M^joi
under his supervision. (
sloii to write hereaRer.
f'lrt Mifflin, on the soi
')val. It was the old Brit
constnicted of stone, brie
llie Mililnry and Phitonoj)!
f»rMf7/ran/, at Baltim
a roliit of land between t
Ixir. It was a regular pci
vetinent; also a magazine
(■™pa.iy. The countersci
to be made. On the watei
tat not yet inclosed. It l,
vent ships reaching Baltim
miles from the city. At the
taise heloiigiiig to a citizt
neit the cvlicme point, an
l"e-'vouldhavetol,ebattc
;«1. A picture of the foi
fonndmciutherpartofthl
J"rt.y„y.„,,„t Annapolis,
Mte ■!, on p,i;re isi
*"i Hivor, near Norfolk V
««te. The former, on the N
jndahalfMow,,,,.,,,,,.,;-^
»"".;'» in Dad condition.
ftiKlers, two brass 8-inch I
*V.ll dismounted, were l'
"j.::V[-'"« works thro,
,; '■'""''"■''" "hout ami
^'iilj of (he river. Us
covered „„„Hy,w„„„e/,
«<■• In it were one large
•'■onndors m\ „„« 12 ,^^
'»;''';. «'«HMt.u.ded to g"^;
"^■%h. Themagazl„^ew„«
OF THE WAIl OF 1812.
237
Coast Defeneeti of the United States.
wonderful revolution in commerce, by the successful introduction of navigation by
steam." While abroad, Mr. Fulton had conceived the idea of destroying ships
hv introducing floating mines under their bottoms in submarine boats, and ex-
'1807.
»»
OAHTLK WILLIAUB.
allyinlcndort for thirteen guns. The pnrnpet had flfty-nne embraenres, and it wonld take one thousand men to man the
parapet. The fort, beins; commanded by hills on the Long Island shore, was not constrnctcd to withstand a siege, but
as a guard to the entrance to the East Hiver, and to operate against an enemy in the harbor or in the city.
Eltn'i and Ikdloe's Isiands both had fortiflcntions on them. The former, lying a little more than two thousand yards
soMliwesl from the Battery, had a semicircular battery calculated for thirteen guns. The parapet, of timbers, was un-
llnislicd. Twelve 12-poundera lay there, but no guns were mounted. It was commanded by Bedloe's Island, twelve
hundred yards distant ; also by Panlus's Hook (Tersey City), lying north of it. There were good quarters for ofliccrs an(i
racn, It was an excellent position to defend the harbor IVom an enemy coming in at the Narrows. Only a part of the
island then belonged to the United States.
On Beillne's htand a battery had been commenced, and brick buildings for quarters. No cannon were mounted except-
iiijtwofleld-pieees that belonged to Fort Jay. A dismounted '24-poundcr lay upon the Island. It was almost useless as
adefenKivi! work. Mivlor Declns Wadswortli was then in command of the District of New York, and these works were
under his supervision. Of the islands in New York Harbor, and the modem fortifications upon them, I shall have occa-
sion to write hereafier.
Flirt MijUiii, on the southeast extremity of Mud Island, in the Delaware, just below Philadelphia, was an irregular
oval. It was the old British fort of the Revolution. It had been strengthened, and was a very important work. It was
ccnstnicted of stone, brick, and earth, with heavy guns mounted. A long account of it is given in the MS. records of
Ihe Mililanj and PhiUimphiml Society (New York Historical Society), vol. iv.
FortM'lIenrji, at Baltimore, was a new work situated on
apint of land between the Patapsco River and the har-
bor. It was a regular pentagon, with a well-executed re-
vetment; also a magazine, and barracks sufficient for one
compa.iy. The counterscarp, covert, and glacis were yet
to be made. On the water side was the wall of a battery,
Imt not yet inclosed. It is a well-chosen position to jire-
vent ships reaching Baltimoi ", and is about two and a half
miles from the city. At the ti,ne wo are considering, a large
lionsc lielonging to a citizen stood in front of Ihe battery,
acit the extreme point, and, in the event of a ship's pass-
ine, would have to be battered down, as It won. 1 cover the
recjcl. A picture of the fort as it appeared in 18C1 may be
(oiind in r uother part of this work.
Ftirt Senm, at Annapolis, has already been noticed. See
note 4, on pnge ISl.
t'ortt Sor,i'.^
ri..VN OK KOUT M'ni.NBV.
! s
19
lU
i! lii
Mfi'i
238
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Military Posts on the Northwestern Frontiers.
Fulton's Toriiedocs.
'ill! i|i!
ploding them there. He was filled with the benevolent idea that the introduction
of such secret and destructive agencies would have a tendency to do away with naval
warfare, and thus would be established what he called the Liberty of the Heaa,
Impelled by this grand idea, he left France, where he had been residing several
years, and M^ent over to England in 1 804, for the purpose of otfering his invention
to the British government.' He finally obtained permission to make a public ex-
periment of his Torpedo, as he called his " infernal machine," and he was furnished
For the protection of Charleston Harbor there were several works, some of them as old as the Revolntion. Fort John-
son, on James's Island, was enlarged and strengthened in 1793, and afterward repaired and patched at various times
The chief worlcs were of brick. The barracks were of wood, one-story high ; there was also a block-house. A larm
portion of the fort was carried away by a hurricane in 1804, and the remainder was inundated, sapped, and destroyed
Fort Pinckney, built in 1798, stood upon a marsh in front v,f Charleston called Shutc's Folly. Built entirely of brirk. |'
mounted eight 'ifl-pounders en barbette. At the best it was an incfflcient work, and in 1804 it too was sapped durlne the
great hurricane, and rendered almost useless. Fort Moultrie was built on the site of the fort of that name in the Kcro-
lution. It was constructed in 1798, chiefly of brick and palmetto logs. It mounted on the ramparts ten 26-ponnder8 en
barbette, on double sea-coast carriages ; one mortar, and six 12-pounders and a howitzer in the ditch. This fort was also
greatly damaged by the hurricane. The counterscarp and glacis were entirely swept away ; no ditch remained ; every
traverse, and gun, and the reverberatory furnace were washed away and buried in the sand. All the wood-work of tbe
fort was rotten, yet the fort was in a condition to be repaired. At the south end of the city of Charleston were tlie re-
mains ot Fort Mechanic, a redoubt In ntter rain.
Such was the general condition of the sea-coast defenses of the United States when war was declared in 1812,
On the Northern and Northwestern frontiers were some military posts and fortifications. First was the fort on the
island of Michlllimackinack, in the strait between Lakes Huron and Michigan. At Chicago, on Lake Michigan, was ftri
Dearborn ; at the head of the Maumee, Fort Wayne ; a strong fort at Detroit ; a battery and block-house at Erie ; a bat-
tery at Black Rock, just below Buffa'.o ; Fort Xiagara, a strong work built by the French, at the month of the Niagara
River; another considerable fort at Oswego, and a military post and a ba.tery, called Fort Tompkins, at Sackett's Har-
bor. All of these will be noticed in the course of onr narrative.
• Mr. Fulton took up hir residence in Paris with Joel Barlow, and remained with him seven years. It was during
that time that he planned his submarine boat, which he called a nautilus, and the machines attached to which he
styled submarine bor..bs. He offered his invention several times to the French government, and once to the Dutch em-
bassador at Paris, but did not excite the favorable attention of either. He then opened negotiations with the British
government, and went to London in 1804. There he held Interviews with Mr. Pitt and Lord Melville, and explained the
nature of his invention to them. Pitt was convinced /fits greet value, but Melville condemned it. In the couise of a
month a committee wus appointed to examine, whose chairman was Sir Joseph Banks. They reported the Rubmarinc
boat to be impracticable, when Mr. Fulton abandoned the idea of employing a saomarinc vessel, and turned hi? atten-
tion to the arrangement of his bombs, so that they might be employed without submerged boats. These he called Toe-
PEiioEs, and, in a memorial afterward presented to the American Congress,* he thus describes their construction, and
method of operation :
Plate I. This shows the torpedo anchored,
and so arranged as to blow up a vessel that
should strike it. B is a copper case, two feet
long and twelve inches in diameter, cnpalile
of containing one hundred pounds of gun-
powder. A, a brass box, in which is a looli,
similar to a common gun-lock, with a barrel
two inches long, and holding a musket-chanic
of powder. The box, with the lock cocked
and barrel charged, is screwed to the copper
case B. H is a lever, having a communica-
tion with the cock inside the box A, holding
the lock cocked, and ready to fire. C, a deal
box filled with cork and tied to the case B,
so as to make the torpedo fifteen to twenty
pounds lighlo' than the water spcciflcally, so
as to give it buoyancy. It is held down toi
given depth by a weight. A small anchor it
attached to the weight to prevent its beins
moved by the tides. The torpedo was ennk
not so deep as the usual draft of vessels to lie
acted upon. In flood-tide it would be oblique
to the weight, at slack water perpendicular
at D, and during the ebb again bbllqnc at E.
At ten feet below the surface the tide would
not be likely to disturb it seriously. When
a ship in sailing should strike the lever H,
an instantaneous explosion would take place,
and the utter destruction of the vessel would follow. Fulton proposed to anchor a hundred of these in the Narroirs,
approaching the harbor of New York, in the event of war. The figure on the right shows on end view of the torpedo, :
with a forked link, by which the chances of being struck by a vessel were increased.
* Mr. Fulton's memorial, pnblished in pamphlet form in 1810, by William Elliott, 114 Water Street, New York, bean j
the following title : Tobpkdo War and Siibmarink Explosion, b;i RoneRT Fci.ton, Fellow o/ the American Phihin^ihnl ]
Society, and of the United State* Military and Philotophioal Society. Its motto— TAe Liberty qf the Seas will be the Ilapfi-
ne»snfthe Earth.
Ul'KlK). — rLATK 1.
with a Danisl
purpose. On
Plaik II. This re
at anchor or under s
pounds or more of ;
!cven inches In diam
dcr and wad, which
work, moved by a co
which may be detern
instant the pin is witi
number of minutes f
long and six or eight
the surface, no weigh
being nsert. To this
pended. The line of
b« long enough to 1
well back toward the i
From the torpedo an
lines, each twenty feet
From these a single lim
length, Is attached to
when the vessel is harp
ivill bring the torpedo i
It about midships, of a
harpoon J is a round p
an inch in diameter, tv
abuttofoneinch, whlci
ibre of the gun from v
projected. In the head (
poon Is an eye ; thepoli
cslong. Into the eye th
poon is spliced, and a sn
copper link runs on the
poon. To this link the
at such length as to fo
when the harpoon is In i
ini, the link will slide a
of the harpoon, and, holdl
the harpoon parallel to
rope Hill act like a tall or
•The late Henry Pras8e,w
Misrials, made the clock-wor
, "W-Mr.FnltonanVPr,
;«M»y,,8,n._uF„f(™
Jftn^ewaa then the on^
Hii.'
OF THE WAR OP 1813.
239
Description of Torpedoes ouil their Uses.
ffith a Danish brig, named Dorothea, and two boats, with eight men each, for the
purpose. On the 15th of October, 1805, the Dorothea was anchored in Walmer
PuTE II- This represents another Itlnil of torpedo— a clocli-work torpedo*— intended to attack a vessel while lying
at uichor or under sail, by harpoouing her on her larboard or starboard bow. B, a copper case containing one hundred
Donnde or more of gunpowder. C, a cork cushion, to give buoyancy to the whole. A, a cylindrical brass box, about
(even Inches In diameter and two deep, in which is a gun-lock, with a barrel two inches long to receive a charge of pow-
der and wad, which charge is fired with the powder of the case B. In the brass box A there Is also n piece of clock-
work moved by a colled spring, which being wound up and set, will let the lock strike fire in any number of minutes
which may be determined, within an hour. K is a small line fixed to a pin, which holds the clock-work inactive. The
Instant the pin Is withdrawn the clock-work begins to move, and the explosion will take place in one, two, three, or any
number of minutes for which it has been set. The whole Is made perfectly water-tight. D Is a pine box, two feet
lone and six or eight inches square, filled with cork to give it buoyancy, as in Plate I., although In this case It floats on
the surface, no weights for submergence
being nsed. To this the torpedo is sus-
pended. The line of suspension should
be long enough to bring the torpedo
well back toward the stem of the ves"' 1
From the torpedo and float D arc tvo
lines, each twenty feet long, united at E.
From these a single line, about fifty teet in
length, is attached to a harpoon. This,
when the vessel is harpooned in the bow,
will bring the torpedo under the bottom,
at abont midships, of a man-of-war. The
harpoon lis a round piece of iron, half
an inch in diameter, two feet long, with
jbnit of one inch, which is the exact cal-
ibre of the gun from which it is to be
projected. In the bend of the barbed har-
poon Is an eye ; the point about six Inch-
es long. Into the eye the line of the har-
poon Is spliced, and a small iron or tough
copper I'nk runs on the shaft of the har-
poon. To this liuk the line Is attached
at snch length as to form the loop II
when the harpoon is in the gun. When
llred, the link will slide along to the butt
oflhc harpoon, and, holding the rope and toupkim, im atk .i
ihc harpoon parallel to each other, the TourKi>o.-i late it.
rope will act like a tall or rod to a rocket, and guide it straight. F is the harjjoon gun, acting upon a swivel fixed In
the stern-sheets of a boat. The
harpoon is fixed in the vessel's
bow, with the line fl-om the tor-
pedo attached ; the torpedo clock-
work is set in motion, the ma-
chine Is thrown overboard, and
the tide, on the motion of the ves-
sel, quickly places it under the
ship.
Plate III ' ' per portion
of the pi its the stem
iifarow-bii ivitli the harpoon-
gun ind torpedo just described.
A [1' iiirm, four feet long and
thr< 'l wide, l^< made on the
stern, j, vcl with the gunwale, and
projectli!;; o->. the stom fifteen
or eighteen hps .., tli the
'I'rpedo, in fiuuun into the water,
■y clear the rudder. The ropes
' care Cully disposed so that
iierc may be no entanglement.
'I'hc letters in this figure (A, B, and
C) (!• ii,it>- the parts, as in the last
plaie 'I i)ln D, which restrains
the 'lo lork. Is drawn, when
tl,i .> is cast off, by the line
11 • to the boat at E. The
bar^uuuer, stationed at the gun,
* The late Henry Frasse, who for many years kept a shop In Fulton Street, New York, for tlie sale of watch-maker's
I Micrlals, made the clock-work for Mr. Fulton. In bis account-book before me is the following entry at the time we are
1 Mnsiderlug :
" Dt. Mr. Fulton a Il'y Frasse ;
"2(lth May, ISin.— a Fulton repare un tnrpedos, le grand ressort, volant et rone, 4.Bfl."
Mr. Frnsse wag then the only machinist of note in the city of New York. Ue died in Fobroary, 1840, at the age of sixty
I 'Ight years.
I i - 1
■i- i
ill Hi'
■
:
■
240
PICTORIAL riKTD-BOOK
The Uorothea destroyed by a Torpedo.
An Ai,count of Fulton's Kxpcrlmcut
Road, not far from Deal, and in sight of Walmer Castle, the residence of William Pitt
the English prime minister, and there, in tlie presence of a large number of naval offi-
cers and others,' he made a successful exhibition. He first practiced the bdatimn
with empty torpedoes. One was placed in each boat, and connected by a small rope
eighty feet long. The Dorothea drew twelve feet of water, and the torpedoes were
suspended fifteen feet under water when cast from the boats, at the distance of sev-
enty-five feet ajjart. They floated toward the brig with the tide, one on each side
of her. When the conneoting-line struck the hawser of the brig, both torpedoes were
brought by the tide under her bottom.
Having exercised the men sufliciently, Fulton filled one of the torpedoes Avitli one
hundred and eighty pounds of gunpowder, set its clock-work (explained in note 1
page 238) to eighteen minutes, and then went through with the same mananivrcs as
before, the filled and the empty tornedo
being united by a rope. At the expira-
tion of eighteen mimites from the time
the torpedoes were cast overboard, and
were carried toward the Dorothea, a dull
explosion was heard, and the brig was
raiser' uodily about six feet,''* and sciia-
rated in the middle ; and in tweny min-
utes nothi.:;!' was seen of her but some
floating fragmciits. The pumjis and fore-
masts were blown out of her ; the fore-
topsail -yards were thrown up to the
cross-trees ; the fore-chain plates, with
their bolts, were torn from her sides, and
her mizzcn-mast was broken off" in two
places. The experiment was perfectly
satisfactory; b;'t the IJritish government
refused to purchase and use the invention, because it was thought to be inexpedient
also steers the bont, and fires according to his judgment. If the Imrpoon sticks into the bow of the vessel, the boat i-
immediately moved away, the torpedo cast out of the bo it, and the clock-work set in motion. If the harpoon mi.<^e!
the ship, the torptdo may be saved, and another attack bf made. Fulton proposed to hi>vc twelve men in each bciai.ail
armed for their jirotection or offensive movements, if ue .-essary. The figure in the lower part of the plate is a bird's-
eye view of a vessel (A) at anchor. H, her cable ; E F, t' <-o torpedoes ; C I), their coupling Hues, twelve feet lonj;. li is
touching the vessel's cable, and the torpedoes being driv n\ under her by the tide. In this way the Dorothea, mentioned
in the text, was attacked. Those were clock-work torpi;does.
Pi.ATK rv. represents n bird's-
eye view of a vessel at (luohnr.ur
under weigh, attacked by n flniilla
of mortar-boats. A is tjic ve.«ffl,
and B C two torpedoes opernliiiy
by means of the harpoon move-
ment. When il was olijci'led lliai
these l)oats would be cxpufod to I
grape, canister, and musliel balls
from the vessel, Kullon cstimalfd i
Ihat the time of danger, liv npn \
movcnieniB, would not e.xcoi'd funr
mliiutes— two in approadiinfiuear j
enough to fire the hnrpniiu, t
two for retreating. lie eiilcred j
into a calculation of tiie pealfrj
efllcicncy and less exposure iif Ihe I
DESTKUOTION OF TilF. llOltolllKA.
TonPEnoEs.— ri.ATK IV.
tori)edo system, in harbor defense, than ships of war. I have given this description of Ihe torpedo as illustrntive nfi
part of the history of the times we are considering. Science aud meclianical skill have since produced far moro del
Btructive engines of war, and yet Fulton's dream of establishing the liherlii n/tlic sens by means of Ihe tori)edo, (ir aiijj
other instrumentality, remains unaccomplished. A Mnnitor of to-day is worth a million oftorpedoeix for harbor defrnM.!
' Admiral llolloway. Sir Sidney Sinilh, Captain Owen, Captain Kingston, Colonel Congreve, and a greater portion ofl
the otflcera of the ilenl under Lord Keith were present. Pitt was in Ij Mr. Fulton invited the Governor of tlie State of New York, the Corporation of the city, olid many others, to witness
[bhciperira(!ntH. They assembled atFort Jay, on Governor's Island, on the 2nth of Jnly, and In the shadow of the great
I »jte»ay ho lectured on the subject of his torpedoes. He had a blank one for bio explanations, and his numerous audi-
I inn gathered close around him, with great eagerness, to catch every word from his lips, and see every part of the ma-
I thine. At length he turned to one of the torpedoes lying near, under the gateway of the fort, to which his clock-work
|»L< attached, and drawing out tlie plug, and setting it in m.Hion, he said : "Gentlemen, this is a charged torpedo, with
Irtlfliipicclcoly in its present state, I mean to blow up a vessel. It contains one hundred and seventy pounds of giin-
jioitdcr, audifl were to snfTer the clock-work to run fifteen mi.iutcs, I have no doubt that it would blow this fortlfloa-
jiioii to ntnins." The circle of the audience around Mr. Fu..on immediately widened, and, before five of the fifteen min-
liifs had elapsed, all bnt two or three had dlsajjpeared from the gatewa}', and retired to as great a distance as possible
|«ith the utmost speed. Fulton, entirely confident In his machine, was perfectly calm. "Uow frequently fear arises
tamlgnnrauce," ho said.— Coldcn's Life ofFiUlnii, page T.f.
' Letter to .loel Barlow from New York, dated August 22, ISOT.
'For a tleFcription ofthe Monitor, a new style of vessel of war, first made known to the world by a terrible enconn-
|l(rwiih the Merrinmrk, another efllclcnt vessel of war, in Hampton Roads, Virginia, In March, 1802, see Lossing's Pic-
1 fial llitlnrij n} the Civil War.
Q
;
'
mi
mn
1 ' ; 1 • '
: i ' I
242
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK.
Farther Kxijerimcuts with Torpedoes.
A wholeeonie Fear of them.
Kobert FuUod.
page 238. They were deeply impressed with the value of the invention, and in March
Congress appropriated five tiiousand dollars for further experiments, to be publicly
made in the harbor of New York, under the direct superintendence of Conunodoic
Rodgers and Captaui Chauncey. The sloop-of-war Aryus was prepared to (k'lWul
herself against Fulto'Ts torpedo attacks.' The experiments were trinl
and October, in the autumn." They failed, so far as attacks upon the Arr/us wci,
concerned, and Rodgers reported the scheme to be wholly impracticable.
Commissioners, among whom were Chancellor Livingston, Morgan Lewis, ami Cad-
wallader Colden, re
ported in its favor.
But Fulton, then still
deeply engaged in
steam-boat matters,
nuide no farther ef-
forts to induce the
government to adopt
his torpedo system;
yet his faith in its val-
ue was not abated.
When war was de-
clared in 1812, Ful-
ton revived his tor-
pedo scheme, but
could not win the
countenance of the
government. Sever-
al attempts to put
it in execution Avere
made by inexperi-
enced persons, and
failed, and torpe-
does did not enter
into the system of
warfare carried on
at that time. Bm
Avhile they were uot
actually used, ex-
cept in a few isola-
ted cases, against
the British vessels
of war, a wholesome
fear of them was
abroad in the Brit-
ish navy. There was
great anxiety inaiii-
fested on the part
of the British naval
commanders, when
they approached
our coasts, to know
where ]\Ir. Fultoii-
Avas ; and, such was
their caution, thev
seldom attenipteil to
enter the harbors
of the United
States during the
,^ war. No doubt
the fear of Ful-
ton's torpedoes j
KIILTON'S BIBTII-ri.AOE.
1 Fiilton had also invented a submarine machine for cut-
ting the cables of ships at anchor. Experimeuts with this
were tried at the same time.
' Robert Fulton was born at Little Britain, Lancaster I
County, Pennsylvania, in 1T05. His parents were from Ire. f
hind. His «arly education was meagre. At the age of sev-
enteen he was painting miniatures* at Philadelijlila, andl
indulging his taste for mechanics In the work-shops of thatl
city. His friends sent him to London, to receive iiistrat-j
tlons in painting, when he was twenty-one years of «Lf.j
The celebrated WeSt was his Instructor. The Karl of Slan.|
hope, who took great interest in mechanics, became hiil
friend, and encouraged his taste for the useful arts. HC
heard of the experiments of Pitch and Evans in the nn
of steam for imvigation, nnd his active mind began to f|K
ulate on the subject, and have glorious perceptions of fiJ
tnre achievements. He left painting, and 1/ecame an ei|
gineer. He entered the family of Joel Barlow, at Pari!, i
1797, and there he became acquainted with Chancellor M
ingston, with whom he carried on experiments in navifi
tion by steam. They saw wealth and honor as the rewjrf
of success in that line on the inland waters of the fiiita
States. They came home, and were sncceesfnl. The lirf
voyage from Albany to New York silenced all donbt.
• In White's PMImelpliia Directory, 1788, is the following : "Robert Fulton, miniature painter, corner of Second s
Walnut StisetB."
A "Peace Party."
feared several c
in 1814, will b«
Notwithstan
approved by ai
istration was a
ernments at th(
large and powe
izatioii, called tl
the government
took groimd eai
perceived that t;
;,'overnment had
against the Unit(
iiecticut refused
ately after the d(
the Constitution,
sition for the mil
evidence of any d
ary and Legislatii
The Legislature c
most dangerously
House of Delegate
MassacJiusetts, Rhi
in the Senate oppc
linked the action <
:i"d unexpected oc(
result of solemn del
tare of Ohio declai
.io:gressions of Grca
imworthy to defend
in support of the na
ted into the Union,
the one which our c
repose in the confide
The.se conflicting i
was aroused in alf it
I ml in the city of B
I iinirder and maiming.
I ISShe obtained his flrsT^,
I '1! directed by Congress to i
I Ulerward (February 24 181 ^y
JiTbe,.,v„,avloIento;rH
ll'enlMx years of „ "|™^
I».tli6 interest, which had suff
l»« that when that declaratm
|«lio«tospenkas freely a" "w
"Peace Party."
OF THE WAR OF 18,2.
:Zrr_Zf^!^^^c™mentg — — __
leaved several of our sea-port town« fi \ ___^___Riot in Baltimore^
NotwithstaiKlitig ^var had bee d "oaie, launched
™m™t. n. the Ia°, mt, '">"<'™W« .Man, (br avmim ', J"!""' ""■ "'tai"-
against the United States T . n ' ''' g^nt^^'-nHy loyal and ,to 7 ! *^ "»I^^"al
necticut refused to com,l . ^ ^«^'«™ors of Masiachu V? 1,^ f I" '''^'^^ "1' «™s
a'ely after the dc^TlaiS f j;f, *'" '■^^"-^'- "'-^e ' po^ £t' '''/•'' "'^^ ^«"-
the Constitution, and t n nef Jf n "^"^ P'-«"">Igated. The! 1 " ^,^' "»'"'« "»'«edi-
^ition for the nr litia which "^^^^''^^^ ^utlu^ri^ing the Pre 'f^''^''^'^^'^'^^ "P«n
evidence of any da Ir Jft '°"*^™PJ«tefl the exigencv of ov . '," "'•'*^'^' " ^'^i"-
The Legislature of New TeT ?''*'^' ''''''' they e '.o £ -'f^ ^^ *^'« J»'Ji«i-
most dangerously imnoL'^.^^""«""«ed the war as « o. T^'"* ^^^ ^'^'fi'-^nce.
!."ked the actio?:? the tllr^ 'T ^^''"•^^-•^- ThVSatuTo^ f P '^ ^""•' ^^''"'^
'-"•' ""oxpected occu to »' ^T "^"^1"^' ^«-™orsf a d 'a ,ed '^'""^^?"'''^ -
result of solemn delihprnf ^^ J'esol ved that « the rW • * '■*" •'^Janning
- of Ohio f^£^tTc^^:^^ -' ^-pet.::r:^; f s r • f
in «Wort of the na Lnj^t '''™'^" "^^«^^ York ex L ed IT"" " •'"■^^ ^^"«« ^^
'«' ">to the Union, .-bfr"™-"*' ""^^ ^he new State of j,'-'''*^ ^^"'•••^noe
tie one which our couLJ^ /'^"'^ "^^^s governor « If pvn""'''^"''^'J"«t «<^'nit-
^pose in the confid nc o/their'"''''"'''' ^^ ''^'^ -a " If e/er: T'' ^^ •'■"^^'«^'^^^'
These conflicting virs'^ ^T™"-*. - are that HlZr^''^ '^-^ -- to
"aroused in all its fierceness P^r"'^'"^ «°"fl'^t of action P .
i^d "1 the city of Baltiraorr! ^^'"^^'^al collisions became fl ^''*''*^^ "P"''*
^^^andm^mingf"""^ ^ ^««* f-rf«l not ««cuS, tL t^X of'S "was
I m directed by Congressto . " ?^ ^°'^^'> scheme farnnTT^ ^ — — ^
I=.«ilteimere8t,whirhad ^.fcV'"' ""=" » ""' Sine com ^^" ^'"'^«'^'^' «^t e'duli'ir*'^ appearance
Jaw that when that decl«iH ''®'' ""^ ''cclnration of w^^ , ""' •ncsnreg, and was nn» T . ^^ '"''?«» "f »ie mer-
ino" to speak a, free ;S^'^°" -^« once made aU opJ^suCt." b'*'""'^'' °^'»"mat on^^au dll' "^ "■" ""P"""-
|» !■ In the matter of the All' "'7^'"'"'«t'-ation and Z ™„ ""^ '""■■ ""«' cease, the editor ^, ^'° '"'"'« '" Con-
IvWe, that the w«r ,« „,! " "'"' Sedition Laws " w """"""'•'s as before, thereby r„v„? "'""'"need his detenn-
|^™.-npon theiXnt CrlTnr '■^'•"''^'''''"«nfr«nd ItlZTl" 5" '"''''• '''"Sent tat*; '' P^-'^y °f "s part^
Non Saturday, June 2ntb «n/""'^"'^'"'«<='' ''■'■•clffn inm,e' '"l"! ^""" P"""'. Person"' and » ""^."""'^ »'' '^^ a'^
r« "f '"at pape; and demo'lfshn.' u*'""""^ ^^«n"'^, the 2?/?'''''?'' ««» "ot be mistaken " tmV" '''"''"'' '"""ves
JWMme vessels, and comm.?,^'"' "• "a^lnff thus comm! ' ^ """'• '»«a(ied by a French n„ .T '* """"nncement was
^n> attacked. The m„ J , ".'" Baltimore attor a sH™^ iT '''"' "s«d ^for the mirnosp -r J"'"'''' '" «'-<'«tabII«h
m
m
)
IK
ji
Wi
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III!' :f ili|j
244
nCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Inhubitantn of Cnnada.
llcasoDH for tlioir Loyalty.
A(ltlie.-8 of the Caimdiau Legislature.
The people of Canada, whoso soil was about to bo invaded, were filled with ''•"lintrs
of doubt and alarm, especially in the Upper Province. A large number ot tlie in.
habitants in that section were natives of the United States who had emigrated tliitli-
er to better their condition. Many of them still felt a lingering affection for the land
of their birth, and were unwilling to take up arms against it; but there was another
class of emigrants — Loyalists, or the children of Loyalists of the Revolution — uolit.
ical exiles — occupying a large tract of land lying between Lakes Erie and Ontaiin
and westward, who were indebted to the liberality of the Britisli government for the
soil they were cultivating, and to their own industry for tlie roofs that slu'ltoroil
them. These retained bitter feelings toward the United States, and took up arms witli
alacrity against a people whom they regarded as their oppressors. When war was
actually commenced — when American troops were actually encamj)ed on Canadian
territory, these old Loyalists formed a most energetic and active element in the firm
opposition which the invasion encountered. To these the Legislature of Upper Can-
ada, whose loyalty was at first considered somewhat doubtful, addressed a most
stirring appeal, soon after the American declaration of war was known, to the delitrht
of the governor and the English party. " Already," they said, " have we the joy to
remark that the spirit of loyalty has burst forth in all its ancient splendor. Tliu mi-
litia in all jDarts of tlio province have volunteered their services with acclamation, and
displayed a degree of energy worthy of the British name. They do not forget the
blessings and privileges which they enjoy under tlie protective and fostering care
of the British empire, whose government is only felt in this country by acts of the
purest justice, and most pleasing and efficacious benevolence. When men are called
upon to defend every thhig they call precious, their wives and children, their friends
and possessions, they ought to be inspired with the noblest resolutions, and they will
not be easily frightened by menaces, or conquered by force ; and beholding, as we
do, the flanio of patriotism burning from one end of the Canadas to the other, wc (;.m
not but entertain the most pleasing anticipations. Our enemies have, indeed, said
that they can subdue this country by a proclamation ; but it is our part to prove tn
them that they are sadly mistaken ; that the i)opulation is determinately hostile , an 1
that the few who might be otherwise inclined will find it their safety to be faitliful."
The address then proceeded to warn the people that, " in imitation of their Euro-
pean master (Napoleon)," the United States Avould " trust more to treachery than to
a Federalist, Joined him, and about twenty others made up the defensive party. They were well-armed and provisioned
for n siege. On the evening of the 2{ith of July (tlie evening of the day on which the revived newspaper first iippcatedi
the mol) assembled, ^fler assniliut; the building with stones for some time, they forced open the door, and when ascend-
ing the stairs they were fired upon. One of the ringleaders was killed and several were wounded. After miicli solici-
tude, two magistrates, by virtue of their authority, ordered out two companies of militia, under General Strieker, to
quell the mob. A single troop of horse soon appeared, and at about daylight the mayor and General Strieker apprated.
A truce was obtained, and it was agreed that the defenders, some of whom were hurt, and who were all charged with
murder, should be conducted to prison to answer that charge. They were promised not only personal safety, but iiro-
tection of the premises by n military guard. On their way to prison the band played the rogue's march. The mol) im-
mediately sacked the house. Only a few more of the military could be persuaded to come out, and the mob had its omi
way to a great extent. At night they gathered around the prison, and the turnkey was so terrified that he allowed them
to enter. The prisoners extinguished their lights and. rushed out. They mingled with the mol), and thus several e--
caped. Some were dreadfully beaten, and chree were tortured by the f^irious men. General Lee was made a cripple k
life, and General Lingan, then seventy years of age, distinguished for his services In the field during the old war for in-
dependence, expired in the hands of the mob.* In the treatment of their unfortnnate prisoners the most intcDW sav-
agism was displayed. The riot was at length qnelled, and the city magistrates, on investigaticn, placed the entire blame ,
on the publishers of the obnoxious newspaper. It was decided that in a time of war no man has a right to cast ob- \
stacles In the way of the success of his country's undertakings. The course of the Federal RepnUiean was condcnracd
ns treasonable— as giving aid and comfort to the enemy ; and its fate was not mourned outside of the circle of its polil- |
ical supporters. While all right-minded men deprecated a mob, and condemned. In unmeasured terms, its atrocities, '
they as londly condemned the unpatriotic course of the offending newspaper.
* Funeral honors were jiald to General Lingan, at Georgetown, on the Isl of September following, by a great proces- j
slon, and an oration by the late George VVasliington Parke Custis, the adopted son of Washington. His oration raj
extemporaneous, and was an eloquent and impassioned appeal to the feelings of his auditors. Only three years and j
six months after the death of the orator, the blood of other patriots, not engaged in the immediate defense of the liber-
ty of the press, hut hurrying to the national capital to save it from tl. grasp of frntriciii. , were slain in the streets o( j
lialtimore by a mob (April 10, 1801), who, as in 1S12, were tenderly dealt with, if not encouraged, by the mngietrate! ot j
the city.
Enllatmcuts In the
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
240
Enllstmcutt In the UritiKh I'rovluces.
Peaceful PrnpoHiliuug.
ActluD on the UrderH in Cuunctl and Uocrees,
t'orce;" that they would bo falsely told that armies como to give them freedom
1111(1 peace ; that emissaries " of the most contemptible faction tliat ever distracted
the aft'iiirs of any nation — the minions of the very sycophants who lick tlie dust from
the feet of Bonaparte," would endtiivor to seduce them from their loyalty.
Tliis address had a powerful eft'ect. The prudence and sagacity of Sir George Pre-
vost the governor general of Canada, had allayed the political agitations in the Low-
tr Province, which had assumed a throatening aspect during tlie administration of
Ills predecessor, Sir James II. Craig. Now, when war seemed impending, the Legis-
hiture of the Lower Province, laying aside their political bickerings, voted to furnish
two thousand unmarried men to serve for three months during two successive sum-
mers. Besides these, a corps, called the Glenga'T Light Infantry, numberhig, on
the 1st of May, 1812, four hundred rank and file, and drawn chiefly from the Lower
Province, was organized. Its officers promised to double that number. At the same
time, enlistments were made in Acadia r»>d Nova Scotia, while Lieutenant M'Donell
ijathered under his banner a large number of Highlanders, settled upon the Lower St
Lawrence and the Gulf.' It was soon made evident to the Americans that no de-
pendence could be placed upon disloyalty among the Canadians, and that, instead of
timliiiaj friends and allies north of the lakes, they would find active foes.
Wliile these events were transpiring in America, there were movements abroad
which faintly promised an adjustment of difliiculties between the two governments
without a resort to arms. Liimediately after the declaration of war, President Mad-
ison, through Secretary Monroe, sent a dispatch* to Mr. Russell, the Amer- .j,u,o20,
icau minister at the British court, by Mr. Foster, the English minister retir- ^®^*- ,
iiif,' from Washington,'^ instructing him to offer an armistice preliminary to a definite
anangement of all differences, on condition of the absolute repeal of the obnoxious
onlers in Council, the discontinuance of impressment, and the return of all American
seamen who had been impressed and were still in the British service. He was au-
thorized to promise, on the part of the United States, a positive prohibition of em-
ployment for British seamen in the American service, public or private, on condition
iif a reciprocity in kind on the part of the British government. He made still more
liberal advances toward reconciliation in a subsequent dispatch,^ offering
to agree to an armistice on a tacit understanding, instead of a positive
stipulation, that no more American seamen should be impressed into the British
service.
The British government had already taken action on the orders in Council. We
liave noticed the efiect of Brougham's efforts in Parliament, and Baring's potent In-
(juiry on the subject of those orders. In the spring of 1812 a new order was issued,
declaring that if at any time the Berlin and Milan Decrees should, by some authori-
tative act of the French government publicly promulgated, be withdrawn, the orders
iu Council of January, 1807, and of April, 1809, should be at once repealed. Mr. Bar-
low, the American minister at Paris, immediately after receiving information of this
I new order, pressed the French government to make a public announcement that those
ilecrees had ceased to operate, as against the United States, since November, 1810.
1 Tlie Duke of Bassano exhibited great reluctance to do so, but finally, persuaded that
I the Americans would resume trade Avith Great Britain in defiance of the few French
craisers afloat, and that the tAvo governments might form an alliance against the em-
jieror, produced a decree, dated April 28, 1811, directing that, in consideration of the
resistance of the LTnited States " to the arbitrai-y pretensions advanced by the British
orders in Council, and a formal refusal to sanction a system hostile to the independ-
' Angnst 24.
I A nintnrii nf the War betieeen Great Britain and the United States qf America during the Years 1812, 1813, atid 1814, by
O.Anchinleck, \mees 48-48 inclusive.
'Mr. Foster sailed from New York for Halifax In the brig Colibri, on Sunday, July 12, accompanied by Mr. Barclay,
I to British consul at New York.
iiM^^
m
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f»
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ii
ilJ'i
246
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dl«graceful Conduct ufa Freuch Miulater.
Cundltiuual Hevucatluu uf the Urdora In Council
' 1818.
enco of neutral powers, the Berlin and Milan Decrees were to bo considered as not
having existed, as to American vesseJH, since November 1, 1810."' Barlow perceived
by the date of this document, that there was dissimulation and lack of candor in tin!
whole matter, and, by pressing tiie duke with questions, caust-d that minister to ut-
ter what were doubtless absolute falsehoods.^ In truth, the French had, throughout
this whole matter of decrees, and the enforcement of the Continental System, Ih,,,,
guilty of deception and injustice to a degree that would have justified an honest na-
tion in suspending all diplomatic relations with them.
On receiving a copy of this decree Barlow dispatched it to London by the Warn
for Mr. Russell's use. It reached there just in time to co-operate Avith the Biiti>;li
manufacturers, who had procured the appointment of a committee of the House of
Commons to inquire into the effects of the orders in Council on the commercial inter-
ests of the nation.^ Castlereagh, to whom Russell presented the decree, consider
it too limited to induce the British government to make any change in its policy.
But he and his colleagues were compelled to yield. The new ministry, who came in
after Mr. Perceval's death,* were very strongly pressed by Brougham, Baring, and oth-
ers, and menaced with the desertion of their supporters in the manufacturing dis-
tricts. Finally, on the ICth of June," Brougham, after a minute statement of
facts brought out by the inquiry of the Commons' connnittee, and an eloquent
exposition of the absurd policy jjursued by the government,'^ moved an address totlio
Pruice Regent, beseeching him to recall or suspend the orders in Council, and to
adopt such other measures as might tend to conciliate neutral poAvers, without sacii
Being the rights and dignity of his majesty's crown. Castlereagh deprecated tliis
" hasty action," as he called it, and stated that it was the intention of the government
to make a conciliatbry proposition to the Cabinet at Washington. On an intimation
that tliis definite proposition avus decided upon in the Cabinet, and would ajipear in
^ the next Gazette, Brougham AvithdrcAV his motion. On the 23d'' a declaration
from the Prince Regent in Council Avas published, absolutely revoking ail or-
ders as far as they regarded America. It Avas accompanied by a proviso tliat tin
present order should have no eflect unless the United States should revoke their Xon
intercourse Act, and place Great Britain on the same relative footnig as France. The
order also provided that the Prince Regent should not be precluded, if circumstances
should require it, from restoring the orders in Council, or from taking suclr other
measui-es of retaliation against the French as might appear to his royal highness just
and necessary."
Intelligence of this conditional revocation of the orders in Council reached Mr, Fn-.
ter before he sailed from Halifax, and he obtained from the naval commander on tha;
station (Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren) consent to a mutual suspension of pro-
' The new decree was dated " Palace of St. Cloud, April 28, ISll," and signed by Napoleon as " Emperor of the Frencb.
King of Italy, Protector of the Confederation of the Hhine, and Mediator of the Swiss Confederacy."
' Barlow asked Bassano if the decree, apparently a year old, had ever been published. He was answered no, addiii;
that it had been shown to Mr. Russell, when Charge d'Affaircs at Paris, and had been sent to Serrurier, at AVashtngton,
to be communicated to the American government. The records on both sides of the Atlantic proved this statement to ;
be untrue. The decree was a fresh one, antedated for diplomatic effect.
' The examination of this committee, wlio were authorized to summon persons and papers, commenced on the I'l'lh
of April, and continued until the 13th of June. Witnesses from almost every part of Great Britain were examiuoiUijil
in every case the transcendent Importance of American commerce to the welfare of England was made manifest liy tes-
timony. The folly, wickedness, and stupidity of the orders in Council were fully exposed ; and in the volnme of alino-;
seveu hundred pages, filled witli the minutes of that examination, an awful picture is given of the calamities to trade
which those orders had produced. ♦ Sec page 833.
5 He decried the sort of half-piratical commerce which England was then pursuing in unmeasured terms. " It Is ihis
miserable, shifting, doubtful, hateful traffic that we prefer to the sure, regular, increasing, honest gains of AraerlcaD j
commerce— to a trade which is placed beyond the enemy's reach ; which, besides enriching ourselves in peace and hen- 1
or, only benefits those who are our natural friends, over whom he has no control ; which supports at once all that re- j
mains of liberty beyond the seas, und gives life and vigor to its main pillar within the nation— the manufactures mi]
commerce of England. . . . That commerce is the whole American market, a branch of trade in comparison of which, j
whether yon regard its extent, its certainty, or its progressive increase, every other sinks into insigniticance, II is a j
market which in ordinary times may take off about thirteen millions [$85,000,000] worth of oi. • manufactures, and iii'j
steadiness and regularity it Is unrivaled." ' American Sttite /Vijws, ii., 83.
An Armlatlve.
cceflhigs agal:
IJriti.sh secretf
ter also stated
to propose a si
the commande
to an armistice
prosperity; bu
riitify this armi
President doul)
I'ortain hoAv far
selves; saAV no
dark cloud on t
as it would affc
President Avas a
an answer from
like waiving tha
When Mr. Rm
jeot of an armis
heen already pre
to Admiral Wan
that basis. At t
tal subject of inif
.surprise tJiat, " as
emmcntoftheUi
eminent should d
seamen from the t.
shall hcreafVor be
or commercial ser
discuss any propc
substitution of son
practice; "but thi
upon which the na\
object might be at
Of all tlie grievi
the most serious.
»fthel7nited State
than all blockades
degree, the patriotis
sensibilities of a free
ascnse of social wrc
of impressment of i^
H-as believed that a
rnstlereagh admitt(
ilimisand five hnndn
ican seamen, but sai
•American citizens, ki
and made slaves in I
'General Dearborn's head-
bash, opposite Albany, in Nc,
, •'»( his adjutant general, Ba
l»ll.e iisent," he said, " to suspend the exercise of a right
upon wliich the naval strt f the empire mainly depends^'' unless assured that the
object might be attained ui .some other Avay.^
Of all the grievances complained of by the Americans, that of impressment was
the most serious. It was a practical violation of the sovereignty and independence
iif the United States, and was of more consequence to the character of the nation
than all blockades or other obstructions to commerce. It oft'ended, in the highest
degree, the patriotism of every true American; and it touched not only the political
sensibilities of a free people at a most tender point, but it impressed them keenly with
a sense of social wrong. At that very time there were upward of six thousand cases
of impressment of American seamen on the records of the State DejHirtment, and it
was believed that as many more, never reported to the government, had occurred.
Custlercagh admitted, on the floor of the British Parliament, that there were three
thousand five himdred impressed servants in the British navy, claiming to be Amer-
ican seamen, but said that they miglit be dischargt'd on proving their citij^enship.
American citizens, kidnapped from the decks of American vessels by British cruisers,
and made slaves in British ships, were offered freedom only on condition of prt>ving
^'ill
1 General Dearborn's hcnd-qnarters at this time were at Green-
bmh, opposite Albany, in New York. Thither Sir Oeorpe Prevost
sent Ills adjutant general, Bayncs, to propose an armistice, and
clotbeilwith power to conclude one. Dearboni and Baynes sijnied
iionthe 0th of AHguet. The aKreemcnt was to affect only Dear-
koraand the frontiers of New York, and the armies of fho PHtUh
along the opposite and corresponding line.
/<^
^Z^>^^>^^
' Anierican State Paper), ix., T3.
•"^1
n^
/f
]'. '
248
PICTORIAL FIELD-DOOK
Pallnrj c)r Peace N«gotUti, Second Series, Hi., 3R2.
• The Americans Justly contended that the ftag should protect every man who was innocent of crime, who snuiiht !f-
cnrity under its folds, wherever his birth-place might have been. It represented the sovereignty of the nntlon, and,
as such, claimed full respect.
» Auchlnieck's IJiatonj of the War of 1812, page 38. • See enb-uote *, page 138.
/
II
II
II
Ci
'(■
h(
Ntiioad Mlwhlaf-mak
repetition in fhi
(lie class Jillii(h.,l
|irt'hend the fiict,
lienplc iii;iy (.,„|(
Tliat class of «-ri
lielieved that a .s
alpjtrt siihini.s.sioii
the Stephen and (
cimccHsion to Am
dependence; mi,|
iNfil could not cd
-triiggling for ii^
|irit'iK'i' in t
^otwithstandiiiir ,
of the old Avar had
joiiniey of lifo, and „
Ion-,' enjoying the qui
it was thought to bo
ilic'Mi to the head of
tlieir small e.vporienco
than to trust to those
""I'pi- fire. Tho colic
lioston, Henry Dcai-ho
^Var, an active Dohkx
■Ffbrnary, one years of
h'l'st major gc
! mandcr-in-ehief, jlavin.,
liartmeiit under Ids 1
I 'March. Thomas Pinckn
^^i^vasappointe
1 27'^ ^i^-w^^Tb,^!^
»d cine with Dr. Jackson Jack" o
n.mpc„d|,,g,,,etook«„,,c,,vo
»ouM„||,„v to military matters
h"JseattheheadofsUhme, ■ I
«,andbythemidd^'^M
;^a.a„u on Quebec at h^'C';:
I'lhmlyonthofleMofSnratoenwi;
I .'"eii, and in the sle™ of V„ .v? ' ^
»r.son-s Cabinet, as Secretarv^f
Ikkci I Tn-Pe""'! him to ,
I'rtCltj. lie retired to private lift
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
240
<,'„!,, mil Mlachlef-mukera,
Thn Mm lo Ix' cliuncn ni Military Leaden,
The aeneril-ln-cb!er.
icpi'titioM ill tliiw coiiiu'ctioii. In fHtiiimtiiii^ tlic cliariictcr of other iiMtioiis, iiu'ii of
llif cliiHS iilliitletl to aic iilwiiys <;ovonii'tl by tin- cnnuiienitU idi-a, and can not coni-
iiitIii'IkI the faet, IVeiiueiitly iUuHtrnted in liistory (even sliu^htly in tlieir own), that :i
|ii.ii|i|(' may confend lor sonii'tliiiii^ nmri' noble tliaii iioiinds, ^^lliilin^^<, and jtence.
Tliiit class of writeiM and statesmen, wiio governed Knijhiiid uIkmU a eentury aj^o,
lii'lieved that a sliijlit reynission of tuxes on tea woidil pureliuso the allettianee and
iilijt'ct submission oftlie Ainerieans. Tlie same class of writers and statesnicn, of
the Stephen and I'astlereaj^h stainj>, who ji;overned Kn^fland in 1812, belli' ved that a
concession to American coniinerco would bo an equivalent for national honor and in-
(li'pi'iidence ; ami the sanu^ class of writers and statesmen who i^overnecl Kiiijland in
iMil could not comprehehend the fjreat fact that the American government was
stnigiilins for its life against household assassins, without counting the co8t in
iKiiuuls, shillings, and ponce. They are a class who never learn, and arc prominent
Hilly lis national mischief-inakerH.
The door of reconciliation, as wo have scon, was shut in the antumn of 1812. The
war had been already commenced on sea and land. Provision had bt'en made by
(iiiigicss for the organization of an adecpuite army. One of the most important
measures was the appointment of officers to command the troops. A greater portion
111' the most distinguished and meritorious officers of the IJevolution liad passed away,
;iiul there were none of ex})erii'nce left who hail held a cor.;mission above colonel in
the Continental army. A long season of j)eaco, except during difficulties with the
Indians, had deprived the younger army of-
tia'is ill the st'rvice of the opj)ortunity of
ival experience in the practical art of war.
Notwithstanding the surviving soldiers
of the old war had advanced iiir in the
journey of life, and most of them had been
Inns enjoying the quietude of civil pursuits,
it was thought to be most prudent to call
lliein to the head of the new army, with
their small experience of actual field duty,
than to trust to those who had never been
under tire. The collector of the port of
lioston, Henry Dearborn, late Secretary of
War, an active Democrat, and then sixty-
'Febraary, o\w years of age, was appointed'
'-'''• first major general, or acting com-
luander-in-chief, having tlie Northern De-
liartmcnt under his immediate control.'
Thomas Pinckney, of South Caroli-
' March.
na,wa8 appointed** second major gcn-
nBSBY DXABUOSN.
I Henry Dearborn was born In Hampton, New Hampshire, In March, 1761. At Port^raonth he slndied the science of
meiiiciue with Br. Jackeou Jackson, and commenced Its practice there In 1772. When the old war for iudepcndonce
i «a« inipendhiK, he took an nrtlvo part In politics on the po|)nlar side, and gave as much attention as his enuaticmpnts
miilil allow to military matters. On the day after the skirmish at Lexington, in April, 1775, he marched toward Cam-
briilfc nt the head of sl.xty men. He then rctnrned to New Hampshire, was commissioned a captain In Colonel Stark's
I rtiimeiit, and by the middle of May was back to Cambridge with a fiiU company. He was In the battle of Bnnker's
"I, and accompanied General Arnold In his perilous expedition through the wilderness of Maine to (Juebec in the a\i-
inmn of that year. He suffered dreadfully from privations and a fever, but was sufficiently recovered to participate io
:he assault on Quebec at the close of the year, when he was made a j)rlBoner. He was not exchanged until March, 177",
I then he was appointed a major In Scammcll's regiment. He was In the campaign opposed to Burgoyne, and behaved
1 iillanlly on the field of Saratoga, where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He was at Monmouth, In Sullivan's cam-
I f«;!ii nud in the siege of Yorktown. In 1784 he settled on the banks of the Kennebec as a farmer. Washington appoint-
I (ihim marshal of the District of Maine In 17S!), and lie was elected to Congress fl-om that Territory. He was called to
|jeirersoirs Cabinet, as Secretary of War, in isni, which position he filled for eight years. Mr. Madison apiiolnted him
i illector of the port of Boston In 1S(>!> : and In February, 1812, ho was commissioned a major general in the United States
ImT. Ill heiilth compeHed him to relinquish that position, and he assumed command of the military district of New
Ikli City. He retired to private life in 1S18. In 18'2'2 President Houroe appointed him minister to Portugal, where he
li
«■
y ••won^uBt
li I!
li i
ill I'll
■ ! I
mM
250
VICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Nan'(!8 nf the general Ofllccrs uppolnte<1>
Declaration of War announced to the Troops,
The first Prisoner.
oral, an<; plav^oa in command of the Southern Department. Josepli Bloointickl, Gov-
ernor of New .Tersi y,' James Winelies'er, of Tennessee, J. P, J^oyd, of Massacliusctts,
and William Hull, Governor of tlie Tenitorj^ of Miehigan, were comniissioned luiira-
» April s, i8r«. diers.* The same commission was given'' to Tliomas Flournoy, of (Joor.
"July 4. S''^' John A; mstrong, of New York, also receivwl the coinmission'Oi ^
••July «. brigadier, to iill ihu vacancy caused by th« recent death'' of (ileneial ]V
'Julys, tor (iansevoort. This was soon followed by a like commission" for John
Chandler, of M line. Morgan Lewis, of New York, was appointed (piarter-mnstcr (jcn-
' Ai).i; 3. oral,' and Alexander Smyth, of Virginia, late Colonel of the IJilles, was
"Miirchnn. ai)])oi.itcd inspector ger General Bloonilield was in New York when \. nr was declared, lie had arrived on the 2il of
.Tune, to take charjre of the furtlHcations theie. lie was the Hrsi to announce the de-^laratlon of war
to triK.ps in a formal manner. This he did i". the fillowiug brief order, issued on the'iOUi of tfuno:
" iW nera' Bloomllcld announces to the troops that icnr id dwlaml htj the United Stales agaiimt Great Britain.
" Uy order, li. II. M'Pukhbos, A. D.C."
Ooverumeu' expresses had passed through New York City for All)nny and Boston with the news at teu o'clock thai |
moniint;-
The tlr^t prisoae; taken after the declaration of war was Captain Wilkinson, of the Royal Marines, who cxritod (he I
suspicions of the people of Norfolk, Vir(jiuia, that he was about to coniinunicatc the fact that war was dcclincilttDaJ
liritish man-of-war known to be hoveriuf; on the coast. He was seen makinc his way rapidly fnmi (he lioui-c of ihel
llritisli consvl thrf^'.:f;h back streets to a mail-boat about to start for Hampton. He darted on board the limit, iuuiiu-f
tempted to conceal himself. A boat from the navy yard, anil another from Fort Norfolk, were disj)atcho(l iiftcr tli«|
niail-boa;. Captain Wilkinson was brought back, and conveyed to tlie navy yard as a iirisoner.
2 Thomas II. '^ushiuK was appointed captain of infantry in ITOl. He was In the Snb-letrlon in 1702. In 171)7 lie \m||
appointed inspector of the 'Minv; and in April, 1802, he was nnide adjutant and inepcctor, with the rank of liciitoiianf
colonel. He was promoleii to colonel in ISiW, and commissioned ad.intant general In P-Il', with the rank of l)rlpi(iicr|
He was disbanded in lsi6, and the following year was appolutcd collector of the port of New Louduu. Uc died on tht
l»th of October, ISii.—dardmr't IHttiomirij ufthe Army.
Plan of the first (
re; I
tliat Canatliun
Tlii,s achieved, ;
m\co to Jfontrc,
«'iile Nova Scot i
i,'iiim>), .synipaHiiz
'"'<' i" North Am
'•'>">.'m fleet on the
President Madison
ttnvart was ordered
l^and also orders <
I '™—*'a'imnn'g//,v„ry,
Jvlii
•f 11
!!!:il!!!l^!!!L£!!llp^^
O^ THE WAR OF ,8,2
_^Jj|dlclo„« necommenOatlon,.
s- ^'-^"^- ^^-p'^^ s;^^^ r •"'^'Mr«^t,^;7r '^^"-'^^^^-'
;'"""'), .syn.patl„-,i,,,,';'i^;ri^'-»''«Hiek (according to til n"" ^''""' '^''''i^'' n.l..
r''.^t» <'o justice to an i,f' ""^ ^^^''^'^ -'<"• ^1 -h I 'T"''''"'^ '^>^ t'H.ir
''-« forgotten the ooH,^ ^ 1 i "f """ '''''^ «'-ign^ o^ nl/ """'" '" '•"^^-•
'■"»«■ "-c-'-o in,]uJ-.,.,l. ''^' ^■^"'^•^••^ ^v-us made, and si mil-n "" '""''•""• ''^^^""'I't
<«'vornor Ii„ir „f jvj. , . ' ''"''^■" ^^-Poctation.s of wel-
■^.^"'-^* '>'. Ho kno>v tl.r LTv", '^" "' «ffi<^'-'-" c-i ills ;, ' I" ^'••^•?'-^"««- The i„.
^™ to all the prinein. r r ''*"'' ^^""lorities in f ' .' ^'" '"'^^ >vas heard
"'■'f I'is Territory walthroJ: ''^^'"■''' I^ntain in th! ! ■'"' "'"' 1"-^''^^"«S ov-
Preparations even for ; '.w "'' '^'' ^^'''''^' ''"''^l MPs^^ ^'Svages, and ,hat, wi h
^"^^•^'«'^«" invasion of th t"' m"^ *''° ''^'"•'•ito'-y v. h .'"^^ ":'*'' ^''^ ^''-l-iun
:'^S^''I the President to it. ""-'""'•"'.^ P-'ovince w-l , "/'"''^'•'' *''« '''-'^ of a
J-; and, for the U, ^l' • ^if?,^'- "f ^ary fo.,, h ;' , '^^ ;;j^;-- Ho therefil:
" "^""'"O^". Pnsc 1,«,. ""• ^ '"-' '•«n"'i»
(lent made a requisition upon Governor Meigs, of Ohio, for twelve hundred militia, to
be detached, drilled, and prepared to march to Detroit ; and he requested Hull to
accept the commission of a brigadier
general, and take command of them.
Hull declined the proposed honor and
service, expressing a wish not to engage
in military employment. He was iinal-
ly persuaded to accept the api^ointmeut,
but with no other object, he said, than
to aid in the protection of the inhabit-
ants of Micliigan against the savages.
He retained his office of governor of the
Territory, and returned to the North-
west, prepared ibr any duty in that re-
gion, civil or military, to which his gov-
onmient might call him.
• April fl, Governor Meigs's call* for
'■''-• troops to assemble at Dayton,
at the mouth of the IMad River, on the
Great Miami,' was heartily responded to.
At the close of April, the time api)oint-
ed for the rendezvous, more than the re-
quired number had flocked to the cam]).
The Indian wars and dej)redations, which
had been instigated by British emissaries, had greatly exasperated the settlors iioitli
of the Ohio, and they were anxious to strike an avenging blow. Many of tliu best
citizens sought tliis opportunity to serve their country, and these were found at the
])lace of rendezvous, enduring ail the privations of camp life, Avithout tents or other
conveniences, for more than a fortnight. It was the middle of May before blankets
and camp equipage arrived from Pittsburg by way of Cinciiinati. But the troops
had not been idle. They liad organized three regiments, ami elected their field offi-
cers ; and when General Hull arrived there on the 25th of May, and took formal com-
mand, they were nearly ready for a forward movement. Duncan ^['Artlmr Avas
chosen colonel of the First Kegiment, and James Denny and William Triinbio were
elected nnijors ; James Findlay was chosen colonel, and Thomas Moore and Thomas
Van Horn majors of the Second Regiment; and the late Lewis Cass, of Detroit, then
thirty years of age, was chosen colonel of the Third Regiment, with Itobert MoitIsou
and J. R. Munson as majors. The veteran Fourth Regiment of regulars, stationed at
Port Vincennes, and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel James Miller, since the pro-
motion of Boyd, had been ordered to join the militia at Dayton.
Governor jNIeigs, nnder the same date,"* ordered Major General Elijah |
Wadsworth, commanding the fourth division of the Ohio militia, to raise,
without delay, three comj)anies of men. Wadsworth obeyed Avith alacrity, and the
requisite number were soon in the field, selected from the brigades of Generals Mil-
ler, Beale, Perkins, and Paine, which composed the fourtli division.^
• The present fine city of Dnyton, the county scat of Montgomery County, then contained about four hundred sonls. I
It derives its name from General Jonathan Dayton, of New .Jersey, wlio, with Generals St. Clair and Willilu80D,aDtf
Colonel Israel Ludlow, purchased a larprn tract of land in that section of the state.
" The followini; Incident connected with the volunleeriui; was communicated to the author by the late venerabMi
Elisha Whittlesey, then (1S(V.') First Auditor of the Treasury Department at Washlnfxlmi, who was one of OcueralWnd^
worth's aids: Colonel ,Tohu Campbell, of Paine's briijade, called out his corps at Kaveuna on the 2.'ld of May. Afle)
some stirriufr music, he placed himself In front of his regiment, and re(piesledall who were willing to ioluntc('rtoi"te|
forward. Many cimii)lled, but far too few to maiie the proper number fiU' a company. Finally, Colonel Campbell vi
compelled to stimulate them by threatening to resort to n draft. Their colonel had volunteered. It was a hri^'lit, fusj
uy day, and be euw, high lu the heavens, a brilliant star. lie told his men that it was n good omen. £ uc, who baf
' April 6.
»
Rendezvous of o
The place
the Mad liiy
spot late in S
jmssing away
Fort Jfaiuilto
that beautiful
P'M eight o'cl
g.athering of j]
to allow a cor
Colonel Jeffers^
onel John Johi
formance of otJ
ill the apparent
her of his years
by the burden (
law, I spent nes
profit, to the na
Uc hud been we,
red, since the be;
"•ith the Shawno
the Little Turtle
hi.s Life and Tim
promise of centen
the grave. '
W(i back, declared (hat i(
and the company ,v„3ao„
The accompanying ,,
"" «f Colonel .MnMo,
« a plate publisi.e^
Moore's Hamn/c JteHma
fcbarkofadaguerre;,(v
"fli™, which he showed,
;Mbet,meofmyv|Hi,,„.
aidl'bunhand-writing-
Wiud,.M,irch 25,1775. E,„
" bifp.irentslni7s«,",'
,^'Wm Cumberland c
I f^-oxxyhnnUu Was vi
I "■'?«■' •••™y on the Ohio a
|«4biai„f7iS*!'r::;j;;
■"MVarnepartment age^t
f""d,au Affairs n X
>;«l';ve..t (hirty-ono yUa-
P-^--'-wa-:}
'"'heir removal westwartj:
Iff^ankfort, Kent,,,),;, r,.,
f fbiral .Society „rnM ^"''
twpC.^/sm;;!;""""
|-»"^Pnb„che.ov'd-s„'^,
uiel
inei
)|h I
r sonic
wai
a
^^^^^^((^jpv^h^^^^
The place of th. , — -^^^i^"i!?!lif^|]i^i^ ■ ^Z
that beautiful region tl.ir v fT -f ^''''*' Cincinnati at u ; r v. '^'"''^""' t^^e site of
1-t eight o'clock. At ;^etr ?'^'' ''''''^'''- '- ^-yion .vl if '' ''""^ *''«> t'^-^vors^l
gathering of Hull's arn y 1!?",^^ ^'"- '^' "«vt monS.^i i? H "'"'•'^'^^^ ^^ « little
to allo,v a comfortabK ;,! ''"™' ^'''-^^ '""I '-'ogu fnw, :' "^ ^'*'- «'« P'ace of t e
Colonel Jefferson PattersoT^ ' T '^'' ^'^^^ ^ol "ode w ' 'J'^'''*' "''"^^ too fio ee
onol John Johnston IvLt, T"" ^'' '"«•'« «•« n the tol • '"'''""* "^■''"•'^'•on of
formancc of other go^e^n tt ^'"" '" *^''^' ^'>»"t J .as Ind ! ''"* ^^"^^ venerable Co/-
i" the apparent enjL^em of !,,!'■ "'^^''' ^^'^ '"«'■« tl,a' h ' f? ■"^S^^"^' ''^"•l i" the per-
ber of his years .vasS 'It" ^'iV'^^-'^'^-S "'ent f^ .^ LiTr"?^- ^ f«>'" the nu,^
I«»-, I spent nearly ?, e wh 1 *''' ^'"^P^table roof of r %'' i ''""' "«t at all 1 2
Font, to the narration :?;;: ^'•^^' '^"^^ ^-tened ;:^,f,t;r'f '""•««"' ^'- - ""
I^l-d been .ell aeq.^^^^ilrr';'^"^"''-'^ ^>g ^Sl^ "'^f ^^'^ ^"^
re.I, s„,ce the beginning of the 1 . "'* "^^^^^^ ^««f J
' The accompanyinj; j.ke
« a plate p„bli,hed i
Ioore'8 «,.,„,„■, y,,„^ J
I "fc-rk of a daguerreotype
■ n>»h,ehhe8ho,vedne
,;«WinC„mheWa„;icC
- jP™i.«ylva»ia. Was „■ ,
«»vne'. army on the Ohio „
;"'b.narDepartment ajeu
rliuhau Affaira in tC
"«1 commissioner o?ohio
ftrtheir removal westwardj.
Johnston" """'iJoiin
f'-nteriiity rr,! ' ""'sonic
c<...rt-ho,f.e(":;^„ ;'";;'^-«
'"cky-i.nhe,vi„tero r,^7'-
■As secretnpv „(• ■ '""•'■'-5.
'^»«. When Oenernl f ""' '"
'I'mnced hi- r ^''^ P''"-
"> " '.-t te :'ir*'""«'>
•T"lins(on __•«;, ,^ '^"'""el
™nmer of', «,''"'"'!''''
•If JJaniel I! ' " "'"laiiis
.i^^
piiiiiiiP^i^
mry, „ua ti,g fratricidal
m
msm
w^mM
■n
•iii i
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Visit to the Field of Kendezvous. Storm and Accident on the Railway. The Country between Dayton and Sandiisl'
PLACE OK BENDKZVOIIB, NKAB DAYTON, AS IT Al'PtlAUEl) IN ISijO.
It Avas late in the afternoon when I left Colonel Johnston, and rode to the place
of the gathering of the Ohio
militia. Wo crossed t ho JIad
tliver at Dayton, rode uj) the
turnpilve a short distance be-
yond the toll-gate, and, turn-
ing into a road on the rii^lit,
found the place about half a
mile farther in that direc-
tion. It is a low ])rairie.
and Avhen I vis- . SeptemberSd
ited it" it was '""••
covered with Indian com, some standing and some of it harvested. The distant
trees in the little sketch show the line of the Mad River.
I returned to Dayton in time to take the cars for Sandusky at six o'clock. As we
left the station, an immense deep hlue-black cloud came rolling up from the west.
In a few moments large drops of rain fell Avith the sound of hail on the car roof.
Suddenly a flash of vivid lightning broke from the cloud, and a crashing tliinulcr-
peal rolled over the land. A shoAver of cold rain folloAved. Before it ceased the sun
beamed out brilliantly in the west, and Ave seemed to be enveloped in a falling flocul
of glittering gold. Then from many lips in the car Avere heard the exclamations,
" IIoAV beautiful ! how glorious !" and all eyes Avere turned eagerly toward the cast.
Avhere,
"In pomp transcendent, robt a in heavenly dyes,
Arch'd the clear rainbow round the orient skies."
Twilight soon folloAved, and Avhile moving at a moderate speed, nrar Cross's Stu
tion, eighteen miles above Dayton, a "switch" in Avrong position thrcAV our train oft'
the track, but Avith no other serious eftect than producing a detention for three hours
in a most dreary place. Tiiere Avas a hamlet of a fcAv houses near, and some ofiis
went out in the chilly night air to search for food and drink. In every house hut
one nearly all the inmates Aveiv sick Avith fever and ague, and only at the dAvelling
of a pleasant-spoken and kindly-acting German Avoman could any thing be procured.
There I obtained some fresh bread and milk, and Avas offered coffee. I laid in stores
sufficient for a night's campaign, hardly expecting to see Springfield, six miles be-
yont', before morning. We Avere agreeably disappointed. Through the exertions
of the mail agent and others, Ave were in the enjoyment of comfortable quarters at
the " Willis House," in Springfield, before midnight.
The morning daAvned brilliantly. The sky Avas cloudless and the air Avas cool, and
at about eleven o'clock I departed for Sandusky. From Springfield nortlnvanl flu
poverty of the soil became more and more apparent, until Ave reached the higli
swampy land of the summit near Kenton. The road lay much of the Avay tlirongli
forests or recent clearings. About a mile north of Iludsonville Station (six miles
south of Kenton) we crossed diagonally the road made by Hull in his march from
the Mad River to the Maumee. It was visible on each side, as far as the eye could
comprehend it, as a broad avenue through the forest, running from southeast to nortii
west, noAV filled with a delicate second groAvth of timber.
From Konton^ to Tiffin,^ on the Lak" Erie slope, a distance of forty miles, the coun-
try Avas newly cleared of the Avoods most of the Avay. Fcav other than log bouses
assaBsln was at the doors of the capital. HIp clear and active mind comprehended the danpcr to the liberties of lii«
country, lie nickened, but, it was believed, not seriously. lie kept his room ; and, in the absence of his nttcudam.
laid down upon ' h bed and expircil His body was buried at Piqua, with the remains of his wife and eight childrcD.
' Named in h^- -r of SiHHMi Keii(..ii, a noted i)ioneer.
- Named In h( ... ir of Kdward TIlHn, who was president of the Convention that fl-amed the Constttntlon of the Sinlf
of Ohio, and flrst governor of tlmt state.
.\rrival at Suudusky.
OF TIIK WAR OF 18 12.
265
Arrival ut Sauduaky.
Hull takfs Command of Ohio Voluutccre.
He AddresBes the Troops.
were seen. Tiffin is the capital of Hardin County. It is quite a laige town, spread
over a considerable surface of a gentle einiiience on the east bank of the Sandusky
River. On the lower ground opposite is the little straggling village of Fort Ball,
the SIR' of a stockade of that name, which the Oliio Volunteers erected there during
the curly part of the Avar of 1812. It occupied about a third of an acre of ground, ;ind
was named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel James V. Ball, commander of a squadron
of cavalry under General Harrison, whose exploits Avill be mentioned in connection
with events at Lower Sandusky (now Fremont), nearer the lake. We passed Tiffin
anil Fort liall at iive o'clock, and reached Sandusky City, on Sandusky Jiay, a little
after sunset. There I sojourned two or three days at the house of an esteemed
kinswoman.
The command of the little army of volunteers near Dayton was surrendered to
(loneral Hull by Governor Meigs' on the morning of the 25th of May." The
I'overnor made a stirring , had fouixht for free-
■ 1812.
doin in the War of the
Kevolution. Colonel Cass
also addressed the troojis
with eloquent Avoi'ds,
Avhich were loudly ap-
jdauded. General ITull
speech on the occasion,
anil congratulated the sol-
ilicrs on their good for-
tune in being placed un-
ilcr the command of an
experienced officer who
then came forward, took formal command, and, in a patriotic speech of some lenj^.th,
lie stirred the blood of the volunteers, and made them eager to meet the dusky foe
on the distant frontier. " In marching through a wilderness," he said, " memorable
tor savage barbarity, you Avill remember the causes by Avhich that barbarity has been
heretofore excited. In viewing the ground stained Avith the blood of your fellow-
oitizens, it Avill bo imi)0ssible to suppress the feelings of indignation. Passing by the
ruins of a fortress,^ erected in our territory by a foreign nation in times of profound
]itace, and for the express purpose of exciting the savages to hostility, and supi)lying
them with the means of conducting a barbarous Avar, must remind you of that sys-
tem of oppression and injustice Avhich that nation has continually practiced, and
whieh the spirit of an indignant people can no longer endure."^
Tills speech touched sharply a tender chord of feeling in every bosom, and they
save their general their fullest confidence. Most of them had never seen him before.
His manner Avas pleasing ; his general deportment Avas familiar, yet not undignified ;
ami his gray locks commanded reverence and respect. There Avere some, Avho pro-
tlssed to knoAV him avoU, avIio doubted the Avisdom of the government in choosing
Mm to fill so important a station at a time so critical, yet they generally kept silent,
' Return Jonathan Meigs was born at Middleto\vn, Connecticut, in 17C5, and was graduated at Yale College. He
chose the law as a profession, and commenced its practice in his native town. lie was chosen chief justice of the Su-
preme Court of Connecticut in the winter of 18n2-'3. In the following year President .Icfferson ai)pointed him com-
mandant of United States troops and niilllia in X'pper Louisiana, and soon afterward he became one of the judges of
that Territory. He was commissioned a judge of Mlchig."-i Territory In 1S07. He resigned the following year, and was
(letted governor of Ohio. His election was nnconstitu' lonal because of non-residence, not having lived four years In
Ohio prior to the election. He was appointed United States senator for Ohio in ISOS. That odlce he resigned, and was
elected governor of thi'.t state in 1810. He was govcnior during the greater part of the War of 1812, and was one of the
most energetic men o'. (he West in the prosecution of that war. He was appointed postmaster general in March, 1S14,
aii managed that important department of the government with great ability nntii IS'i.'i. He died at Marietta, Ohio,
oiilhe2!ith ofMarch, 18'26. Governor Meigs was a tall and finely-formed man, and in deportment was dignified, yetnt-
fflne hi the extreme.
The «inguliir name of Governor Meigs suggests Inqnlry as to Its origin. The answer may thus be briefly given : A
brisht-cyert Connecticut girl was disposed to ciKiiiette with her lover, Jonathan Meigs ; aud on one occasion, when he
U pressed his snit with great earnestness, and asked for a positive answer, she feigned coolness, and would give him
no ratlBfiiction. The lover resolved to be trifled with no longer, and bade her farewell forever. She perceived her er-
I w, but he was allowed to go far down the lane before her pride would yield to the more tender emotions of her heart.
Then she ran to the gate and cried, " Return, Jonathan ! return, Jonathan !" He did return ; they were Joined in wed-
lock, and, in commemoration of these happy words, they named their flrst child Helarn Jonathan. He was born In
r*): w,i« the heroic Colonel Meigs of which history says so mnch, and was the father of the governor of Ohio, who
I boTehl* name. » Fort Miami, on the Lower Maumee, just below the Falls.
' Uintarij of the late War in the Wotem Country, by Bobcrt B. M'Afce, p. 01.
mm
la
ii
i
II
;i!i
256
I'ICTOlilAL FIELD-BOOK
Hull's Troop8 Joined by Regulars.
Honors pntd to the Inttcr.
The Army Id the Wlldcmcgg.
wishing to give him every opportunity to disappoint tlieir expectations, win success
for his country, and honors for liiniself.
On the Ist of June* the little army commenced its march up the Miami.
General Hull hud ai)pointed his son, Captain A. F. Hull, and Robert Wallace
Jr., his aids-de-camp ; Lieutenant Thomas S. Jesup, of Kentucky, his brigade major-
Dr. Abraham Edwards his hospital surgeon; and General James Taylor, of Ken.
tucky, his quartermaster general.' He proceeded to Staunton, a small village on
the east bank of the Miami, and thence moved on to Urbana,^ where the volunteers
were joined by tlie Fourth Kegiment of regulars under Lieutenant Colonel Jaines
Miller.^ They Avere met about a mile from the village by Colonels M'Arthur, Cass
and Findlay, at the head of their respective regiments, by whom they were escorted
into camp. They were led under a triumphal arch of evergreens, deckiil with flow-
ers, surmounted with an eagle, and inscribed with the words, in la ..;e letters, " Tip-
pecanoe — Glory."* On their arrival. General Hull issued an order comjilimentarv
to the regulars and congratulatory to the volunteers. "The general is persuaded"
he said, " that the^'e will be no other contention in this army but who will most ex-
cel in discipline and bravery. . . . The j)atriots of Ohio, who yield to none in spirit
and patriotism, will not be Avilling to yield to any in discipline and valor."
The troops were now at a frontier town. Between them and Detroit, two hund-
red miles distant, lay an almost unbroken wilderness, a part of it the broad morasses
of the watershed between the Ohio and the lakes, and beyond these the terrible
Black Swamp in the present counties of Henry, Wood, and Sandusky. There was no
pathway for the army, not even an Indian trail. They wn'e compelled to cut a road,
and for this purpose JM'Arthur's regiment was detached. The difficulties and laljors
were very great, for heavy timber had to be felled, causeways to be laid across mo-
rasses, and bridges to be constructed over considerable streams. They also erect-
ed block-houses for the protection of the sick, and of provision trains moving forward
with supplies for the army. Lidustry and perseverance overcame all obstacles, and,
on the IGtli of June, the road Avas opened to the scouts at a point in Hardin County,
not far from Kenton. Two block-houses were built on the south bank of that strciim,
stockaded, and the whole work named Fort M'Arthur. The fortifications did not in-
close more than half an acre. There were log huts for the garrison, and log corn-
cribs for the food. It was a post of great danger. Hostile Indians, and especially
the warlike Wyandots, filled the forest, and were watching every movement with
vigilant eyes and malignant hearts.
The army halted at F'ort M'Arthur on the 19th, and Colonel Findlay was detadioil
with his regiment to continue the road to Blanchard's Fork of the An Glaizo, a trib-
utary of the Mauniee. Three daj's afterward the whole army followed, e.\cei)tiii<; li
small garrison for Fort M'Arthur, under Captain Dill, left to keep the post and tai;i
care of the sick. Heavy rains now fell, and the little army was placed in a perilmis
position. They had reached the broad morasses of the summit, and had marckl
onlj'^ sixteen miles, Avhen the deep mud impelled them to halt. They could go no thi-
ther. The black flies and musquitoes were becoming a terrible scourge. Tiie cattle
were placed on short alloAvance, and preparations were made to transport the bag-
' Geucrnl Tnylor wiis yet living, nt the nge of scvciity-iiinc, in ISIS, nt Newport, Kentnrky.
2 Urbnnn is the cnpitnl of C'hampniKn County, Ohio. It was laid out by Colonel William Ward, n Virgiiiiiui, in l'^.
The army of General Hull encamped in the eastern part of the vlilago. This beini; n frontier town, it was nf!cr\wr{i .
used as a place of rendezvous and departure for troops goin^ to the frontier. The old court-house, built in 1S07, nr |
used as a hospital.
3 These troops came from Vlncennes. They had come by the way of Louisville, through Kentucky, and hnd boen j
every where received with honors. Their services at Tippecanoe were duly appreciated. At Cincinnati the siiure n> ]
lined with the inhabitants waiting to receive them as tliey crossed the Ohio from Newport. A triumphal arch hnd Imcii j
built, over which, in large letters, were the words, "The Herokb or Tippkoanok." They were received with cti(or> I
and a salute of seventeen guns (the number of the states nt that time), and they, only, passed under the nrch. Foodnnd j
liquor in great abundance were sent to their cnmp.—Lietitenant CnUmel Miller to Inn Wife, Juuo 12, ISli—Avtmaphi
Ldtjr. * Lieutenant Colonel Miller to bis Wife, June 12, 1812— Autograph Letter.
Hall's March toward
ijf.ige aiul store
stances, they ca
Here Hull w
William Denny
acting Governoi
jiresent at a coi
uasorChippew
of the Wyandol
t'riendly words.
collected a consii
and well supplic
made them fast 1
the Americans.
tion; and to IIul
seemed, as it rea
forwnrcl. At len
under the guidan
ivitli wood-craft),
Colonel Findlay h
about fifty yards
«as on the south'
The fort stood at i
At Fort Findlaj
iiient directing hin
! H-as dated on the
word concerning tl
Hull ordered all
for an immediate
open a road to tlu
arm)-, excepting de
ia.stei-n bank of tli
Kcaried troops had
nere taken across t
lap at the foot of
[ Miami, where they (
So wearied and W(
lers connecting witi
fible. Ho accordinc
Itoga for Detroit Avit
Ike hospital stores, ii
I striictions from the "V
j The wives of three
j tliirty soldiers as pn
hoi, under the charge
[ Ciiyahoffa for the cc
Arm8rong'8AohV,,„^,^ I
.'Miami and Manmee mean
J* their pronunciation of , •
tami) that empty ,nt;
Wort Wallace, one of oen
I m3,andqnotedintheAnn,
l;o Has ..ISO an aid), in exec
["'kearmy, for which he was,
OF THE WAll OF 1812.
287
Hull's March toward Detroit.
Alarming Reports concerning tlie Inillans.
,f(i(re a.id stores on pack-horses. Tliey built a fort, whicli, in allusion to the circura-
stiinceH, they called Fort Necessity.
Here Hull was met by two messengers from Detroit — General Robert Lucas and
William Denny — whom he liad sent from Dayton to that j)ost with dispatches for
iK'tiaj? Governor Atwater. Their report was disheartening. General Lucas had been
iiiescnt at a council of the chiefs of several tribes at Browiistovvn — Ottawas, Ojib-
wfls or Chippe waSjWyandots, and others. All but Walk-hi-thc- Water, princii)al chief
of the Wyandots, made j)eaceful professions. The latter spoke many bold and un-
friciKlly words. The British, too, were m.'iking hostile manifestations. They had
colli't'ted a considerable body of Lidians at Maiden, where they were fed, and armed,
and well supplied with blankets and ammunition. Kind and generous treatment
made them fast friends of the British, and eager to go out upon the war-path against
the Americans. Tecumtha was also wielding his great influence in the same diix'c-
tioii; and to Hull and his friends the situation of Detroit, with its weak defenses,
seemed, as it really was, in great peril. The danger made him impatient to ])ush
fonvanl. At length the rain ceased, the earth became more firm, the army mandied
under the guidance of Zane, M'Pherson, and Armstrong (three men well acquainted
witli Avood-craft), and at the end of three days were on Blanchard's Fork, where
Colonel Findlay had erected a stockade fort, which was called by his name. It was
about fifty yards square, Avith a block-house at each corner, and a ditch in front. It
was on the southwest side of the stream, where the village of Findlay now stands.
The fort stood at the end of the present bridge.'
At Fort Findlay General Hull received a dispatch* from the War Depart- • jnnc24,
mcnt directing him to hasten to Detroit, and there await farther orders. It ^^^" •
was dated on the morning of the day Avhen war was declared, but contained not a
word concerning that measure.^ This will be mentioned again presently.
Hull ordered all the camp equipage to be left at the fort, and made preparations
for an immediate advance. Colonel Cass was sent forward with his regiment to
open a road to the Kapids of the Miiumee;^ and a few days afterward the whole
army, excepting detachments left in the forts, were encamped upon a plain on the
eastern bank of that stream, opposite Wayne's battle-ground of 1 794. There the
wearied troops had the first glimpse of civilization since they left L^rbana. They
were taken across the stream, and marched down its left bank, through a small vil-
lage at the foot of the Rapids,'* to a level spot near the ruins of the old Britisli fort
Miami, where they encamped.
So wearied and worn were Hull's beasts of burden when he reached navigable wa-
ters connecting with his destination that he resolved to relieve them as much as pos-
sible, lie accordingly dispatched, from the foot of the Rai)ids, the schooner Cuya- ^ . ^ ^i
kga for Detroit with his own baggage find that of most of his officers ; also all of
I the hospital stores, intrenching tools, and a trunk containing his commission, his in-
I'tructions from the War Department, and complete muster-rolls of the whole army.*
The wives of three of the officers. Lieutenant Dent, and Lieutenant Goodwin, with
thirty soldiers as protectors of the schooner, also embarked in her. A smaller ves-
hel, under the charge of Surgeon's Mate James Reynolds, Avas dispatched with the
I (Jmjaho(ja for the conveyance of the anny invalids, and both sailed into Maumee
' Howe's IliKtorical CoHfctions of Ohio, page 238.
' Armetrong's Xoticea nf the War qf 1S12, i., 4S. ITiiU's Hfenwir of the Campaign of the Northwestern A mr,, page M.
'Miami and Manmee mean the same thing. The latter method of Rpeliing more nearly indicates ti.e prnniumintlon
J!) in English ear than the former. Thclndianc prononnced it as if spelled Me-aw-me. So the French spelt it, cccord-
liijlo their iironunciation of i and n, Mi-a-mi. To distingniah this stream from the two of the same name (Greut and
I Ijltlp Miami) that empty into the Ohio, this was frequently called the Miami of the Lakes.
•XnwMnnmee City, nearly opposite Pcrryshurg, the capital of Wyandotte County.
iRnhcrt Wallace, one of General Hull's aids-dc-camp, In a letter published in a newspaper at Covington, Kcntncky,
111 W'}, and quoted in the Appendix to General Hull's MiHtarii ami Civil I.ife, page 44S, says, " His son, Captain Hull
I 'howaa also an aid), in executing this order, unfortunately shipped a small trunk containlug the papers and reports
|t!tke army, for which he was afterward severely reprimanded hy his father."
K
r.^
'^^mnp
1 1
:ii
"iilH1lir-H
«*li
hliiii
1 1,1 '
258
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hull Informed of the Decliiratlon of War. Oaptnre of a Schooner with his Baggage and PuperH
Bay, where Toledo now stands, on the evening of the Ist of July, On the same day
the army moved toward Detroit through tha beautiful open country, by the way of
Frenchtown, on the River Raisin, now the pleasant eity of Monroe, in Michisjan.
• July, When approaching Frenchtown toward the evening of the 2d,* 1 lull was
1812. overtaken by a courier, sent by the vigilant postmaster at Cleveland, with a
dispatch from the War Department, which read as follows :
" Sir, — AVar is declared against Great Tiritain. You will be on your guard. Pio-
ceed to your jjost Avith all j)()ssible exj)edition ; make such arrangements for tlu' du-
fense of the country as in your judgment may be necessary, and wait for farther
orders."
This dispatch was explicit and easily understood, but its date, and the time and
manner of its reception, perplexed the general. It bore the same date as the one re-
ceived a week earlier at Fort Findlay, in which there was no intimation of a declara-
tion of war. T/iat iiad been sent by a special courier from the seat of governiiient •
this had been sent by mail to Cleveland, to be there intrusted to such convoyanoe as
"accident might supply," through one hundred miles of wilderness. ^ The former
contained an important order; the latter contained information more important.
This fact was inexplicable to Hull, and remains unexplained to this day. The cir-
cumstance made him feel serious apprehensions for the safety of the schooner and her
consort. The question pressed heavily upon his mind whether the British connnand-
er at Maiden, past which the vessels must sail, might not already have lieard of the
declaration of war. In that event they might be seized, and valuable plunder as
well as valuable information would fall into his hands. Moved by these considera-
tions, he dispatched an officer with some men to the mouth of the Raisin to stop the
schooner, but their arrival Avas too late. With a fair wind she had passed that point.
A few hours afterwiu-d Hull's apprehensions were justified by events, for he learned,
on the morning after his arrival at Frenchtown, that the Cuyahoga had been eaji-
tured. While sailing past Maiden, unconscious of danger, at ten o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 2d, she was brought to by a gun from the shore. The British armed ves-
sel Hunter went alongside of her, and schooner and cargo became a prize. Tho
troo])S and crew were made prisoners of war. The vessel with the invalids, heini; he-
hind the schooner, passed up the more shallow channel on the west side of Bois Blanc
Island, and reached Detroit in the afternoon of the next day*" in safety.-
The British commander at Maiden, and those of other posts, hadhccu noti-
fied of the declaration of war through the vigilance of British subjects in New York.
Sir George Prevost, the governor general of Canada, was informed of the fact on the
24th of June by an express from New York to the Northwest Fur Company, which
left that city on the 20th, the day when intelligence of the declaration of war reached
there. On the 25th, Sir George sent a courier with a letter to Sir Isaac Brock, the
lieutenant governor at York (now Toronto), but it did not reach him until the .3d of
' I am indebted to the Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, of Ohio, late First Auditor of the United Stt.tes Trea.siiry, for tlic fol- j
lowing interesting acconnt of the transmission of thi.'^ dispatch from Cleveland to the camp. Mr. Walworth, the posi
master -it Cleveland, was requested by the postmaster general to send the dispatch by exi)ress. Charles Slialer, Esi]., a 1
young lawyer, then in Cleveland (brother-in-law of Commodore M'Donough), was persuaded to become the l)C!ircr, cft- 1
tuiuly as far as the Rai)idH of the Manmee, and possibly to Detroit. The compensation agreed upon was thirty-flve dol- :
Inrs. On searching the mail the dispatch could not be found. It was suggested to Mr. Walworth thai it miglitliciiij
tiie Detroit mail. Having been informed by letter of the declaration of war, and believing the dispatch to be of great j
importance, he considcnnl it his duty to open the Detroit mail. He did so, but with reluctance, and found the (lispatcli.|
At about noon on the 2Sth of June Mr. Shaler started from Cleveland on horsebaclc. He was obliged to swim all I
streams excepting the Cuyaloga at Cleveland. No relays of horses could be obtained. He reached the Kapiiln on thd
night of the Ist of July. There he was informed that the army was mo^Mng rapidly toward Detroit. He purracil an™
overtook it not far ftom the Raisin, at two o'clock in the morning of the 2d, Just as the moon was rising. Aftorfom(g
formality he was ushered into the presence of Hull, who was dressing. He was requested to be silent in the prefCDCi
of camp listeners. A council of olBcers was immediately summoned. The army was put in motion at dawn. Ilf stfl
oompanicd it to Detroit, where his horse died from the effects of the rapid Journey through the wilderness. Mr.Shaleq
remained in Detr,-)it until he saw the flag of his country raised over the soil of Canada. lie returned to ClcvelaD|
partly on foot, and partly on hired and borrowed horses. » Letter of Dr. Reynolds, dated at Detroit, July 1, 1812.
' July 3.
How British 0/llcor
July, when he
oCthc event b
(reorge, at Mai
ed Hull ; and
J()se])li, at the
The letters to
American Secrc
llir no man bell
enemy of his cc
leport that he
scheme wliicli r
who charged wii
iioiin, withheld i
it would, hj anil
icil influence oft
in the affairs of
were prevalent a
Hull's army re
■T bridge across t
Tliey Ind passed ,
en hoai'd at Male
ilians, Hull's trooj
inoraing; and at
ciinped at Spring
irich in Canada, '«
liver opposite Det
lilca.sant eminence
liiii'Ied a fi\w heavy
' Tlie late Honorable Wi
ftrliament, was an active i
very valuable narrative of
tad.'. In that narrative 1
Inilfd States on (he 2rthc
•■*:«"'» J'-'Ils. Theexpres
•Letter of GeneralJesup
'It is said that when (as
■ '™f . 'n n pamphlet, boldl
mhiirawn, and the whole!.
«Mofthel«te AlvanSl
Mter as follows: After not
toyhnd. Generals Wilkins.,
WlDggenerals, with their I
NWng taken by the men G
to stales from Canada, if c
«nor But the South fnrnis
"i™!™"^' '■'''" Secret
>|^;M(.h.S7«i. politicians (he spoke
torof Commodore Stewart
It was the intention of the
J ™ communication to the caw
l^« Hull had sent for"
IfcBritish commander to con.
K Speaking of this event
Jv /!«;,■,„,, Covington, Ken
Nappearedtohave'noCe
I'wa.d to prepare me for taki,
L^^'~"y "-as sometimes
l»rt^P«hed out, and these gav
■aw 11 Belle Fontaine. Thes«
"ill
THE WAR
18 12.
oHk cvont by exproHs 'Jh,,,, 'S'y" ^''^^ ^^^Snr^ frontier. Ho |,„,
..1 "nil; u„,i c ;^ri t;r'- '' '* '^ '""-• - tiu' oth t: /""r . ^"''"-' ^'•
letters to II. ' .l^!^^ ""'-' «- "otifie.! W ^ ^ "" ^^ '''"'' '' ''■
.f.«e|>l., at the J .■ F f T f'S '" '""""'"""J «f tJ.c J rM ' . *'"^' ^'^^"'^ '* '-^'"ch-
Tl.e let'ters to the - t 1 "'"""' "'"^^ '-fi«-l by tU T "' ^ ^' '■^'-'•' "^ ^t-
American Seo.o a^ of the T """'"' ^'""""-'^l--^ were 'o ve! "" '^" ""' "^"•^"'j'-
enemy <>f his oountr^^a^-,;::;' l'- --'^l bavo lent s.k! " , ::!:r;::' ^ '"f ^^T.
lenort that he wis Avili;. V "** '"* ^^'^s o|)f)ose(l to ., ^'"""'^^•^"^'' *« Hny knoAvn
seLno which .r,yV . 'on^ ^'^^'^^'^^ " 'tV- vay ^f ^o";!'"-" '^T"^'^ *« ''
iioiin, withheld aid fmn. IT , "ifl'ioiiee of Yirrri,,;., „,,.;,. •. ^"'; ^'«<1'son was
it «-o'uld, by annevaUo to"n ' "'r *• '^'' ^«"1"^«t of Ca n h nT';? ""' '^'' ^^''^ Cal-
in the affairs of the Z. *^" ""''y' «'»1 more Hpeedily snitl^l '*"'''''' '"^'"^ P"'if-
WO.V prevalent at th?td '?/'•"'" *''« ^'-ve-lab, r s ^i ''^' 'a' '"'V' oUhmLon
/M. ar.y r::t:^: t^:::^::i:z --r' ^" -^e!^^^^"^"^ ^'^^^^^ ^^"''
.1 bridge across the Huron R; '^"^"*"" ". and sj)ent the 4th of T„i •
Tl.oy had passed a lu^^::^^'' ^''''''''^"' ^-^^^f^f^^CT'''''''
on board at Maiden V ^'?"''«tte vdlanre, and observerl iu '" I^^'t''oit.
'lians, Hull's tro„ns"len^^^^'''""? "" '"'^'^ W a con L ,!ecW -^^ 'Tf'' "■'^'' *'-""P«
■"orning; and a7ev^! • "^^ *^''"' •''™« that ni<.ht " Thl "'"' ."* ^^'•'^'■^'^ ""^ In-
-"i-^ats,'i::^x?;'tr"7 """^ ^"^ ^^-- I^^:::t'T/^^'""-*
>nVh in Canida/whe e a R i. I' ^''''' '"'^ "^ *''« ^^otroit seSrV"'^ ^^""^^' ^"■
'ivor opposite Detroi tL ''' ^''''' ''''' ^^ationed a^d noTf .' ' "^P"^''''" ^^'''^■
I'loasanV eminence e^^'^g^ ^'^ ''"""'"'- "'^ ^-^iiva . ^ The'cT ""^'^' "^^ ^''^'
--"'e^;;::;::::^;:^ — — - — .____!:!!:!^^ ""'"''^'- ^^ '"'"-^wtants
tad.'. In tlmt n>M'elt^tT'i "f "'« «'«r iu^,h,,t ZlZT'" "^""^ "■''^'"> '"e
Iniled States on the 2Tth of i^,. '""/"""^^inff statement - wJ "'""">'"lpf, which his fam'i'i; V.":,",""'"- "« '«ft «
' The late Honorable Wilila^TT"" " ______j;— — ' «! mhabitant.
Wiling general', with hi ^ '"* "a"'l)ton, then of fn, f ''''^'' General Snivth of v> ■ ^^''' '"' n"i"1e.l to this
"I'liiiigton City on n nhi. ? , "^ Stewart (now the voZllT,' J^- P"*'" *'■ 'finniM and Speeelies qfAlvan
»« communication tn .i,„ 1 »""8h to attack Hnll in «,» '^'''® ^i"ion."_Scp
pIKVpearedtohavenrjen."'";^^''"^'' "»»'«g that div it ,"'""»' "»"'« "id^ writ „!?";;'?„"" '""'"1 De-
A I
'i
^ll
i f
i
•
200
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Impatience to Invade Canada.
Uull determine* to do lo.
Detroit hi m;
vory (itiick."' Tlicrc, iiiid ru'iir Kurt Dotfoit, Hull allowi'fl IiIh troops to wnsli tlicji'
clothes and liave tliuir arms lojtairi'd, wliilo lie was awaiting larther orders from liis
governincut.*
Ottieers and men, anxious to invade Canada, were impatient, and oven a niiitinons
spirit was manil'ested by some of the Oiiio N'olnntiers. 'lliey Imrned willi a dtsiiv
to cross the river and attack tiie foe. Tlie siglit of growing fortifications, tliat would
endanger the town and fort of Detroit, and soon become too tMimidahle to t\ur ji,
crossing the river, maddened them, and it was with great dittiitiliy that their otiici i
restrained thein.^ To quiet their tumultuous impulses, Hull called a council of tju
Held officers. lie assured them that he had no .-luthority to invade Canada. Tlicv
insisted that it was exj)edieiit to do so immediately, iind drive oft' the fort-l)ui|i|(.|j
"While I have ominand," he saiil, firmly, "I will obey the orders of my govern-
ment. I will not cross the Detroit until I hear from Washington." The VDiinir df}).
cers heard this iinnouncement with compressed lips, and doubtless many a rebeiliuiis
heart — rebellious toward the commander — beat ([iiickly, with deep emotion, for hours
after the council was dismissed. The general was perplexed; but, hap]»iK lor all
concerned, a letter came from the Secretary of Wiir that evening, din iting him to
"commence operatiims immediately," and that, should the force under his command
be ecpial to the enterprise, and "consistent with the safety of the American |iosts''
he should take possession of Fort Maiden at Andierstburg, and extend his conquests
as circumstances might justify. ' He was also directed to give assurance to the in-
habitaiits of the province about to be invaded, of protection to their persons and proii.
erty. With such official warrant in his hands, Hull determined to cross into Canada
at once, to the delight of his army, both officers and privates.*
Detroit at that tinic stretched along the river at a convenient distance back, and
the present Jeftei Avenue was the ])rincipal street. It contained one lamdred
and sixty houses, aii> about eight hundred souls. The inhabitants were chiefly of
French descent. Only seven years before, every building but one in the villatfe wi\-
destroyed by fire." On the liill, in the rear, about two hundred and fifty yards finm
the river, stood Fort Detroit, built by the English after the conqtiest of Canada a
hundred years ago. It was quadrangular in form, with bastions and barracks, and
1 Ltentennnt Colonel Miller to his Wife, .Tilly 7, 1S12— Antogrnph Letter.
■i Colonel Wllllnm Stanley Hatch, of " Kiver Homo," near Cincinnati, kindly placed In my hands n chapter of his m.
pnblishcd " Mfmiiin nf the War i\f 1S12 in the Xorthirext, contalnin;,' a niiiuite acconnt of events which came iinilir his ]
t)wu observation during the campaign of General Hull from May until the middle of August. Colonel Hutch was a I
volunteer in the Cincinnati Light Infantry, commanded l)y Captain .John F. Mansflcld of that city, and frnm ilie Inva- 1
sion of Canada to the surrender of the army he was acting assistant quartermaster general. To his nnrnitivc I nm in- 1
debtcd for a number of facts given In this sketch not found recorded in history. He says that on Mon'■''■, tr()0|)s and I,,).,
I'wvcd silently in, f)
ri'crtoBJoodyBri,],,,
■'""■'eandaJiaJfabo"i
fort Detroit, and p,,
pared to cross thei-,
l^""l"ig all silent -d
•y%' Well.s, the de
iff'vcdliritish believed
iiffhoAmericanshad
;* .stealthily down
|,,"^'^'-t" attack
Jfaldci. Under thj.
h'rcssion, they loft
Mwwh, and in the
fornmg the Ameri-
h^iiadnoonetoop-
J;AUh,t,l„,e the Americans h,
['mniewl„fr",^«?^^i"""eir
^"eW, R,:;™™,"'' bridge t
NilCH 1
OF THE Wau nr. .
♦>AK OP 1812.
.eight, «ith u (loot) ,lrv (li,,.)? '^'"' ''"'I'ankmonfN u .... , ~
■— •-' • ' *'"' ''• "'"I «"•-" "■•" " " '"' "•■'■"-ly t^v,.,.(y feet in
height, «ith u (loot) ,lrv (li,,.)? '^'"' ''"'I'ankmonfN u .... ^ ^
'lei t">-<, tliat Htoo,I on ; ' '"! '"y .^'•ill^-.l a/>v,,W, ^1.,.,., I"-"J<'«-><.I from the
lerson Avenue. I'ill,!,'' .:f ' "'/''^' I>--„t A... r,',;.;?*; -"•'^, -11..,! ,heCut
river, an,l ronUl not ,la,„a„, !uf ^ '' '""' ""'"'"•tunatelv i. ^ ""' "'^'"- 'tM
;-'• «t.eet, on thn.!:^^ ™- ..^'i •^^"«'-.. A.':::: i^t'i^i^r^^"" ^ '- '^"-;
l:a.l iH-on erected as de/en«c. ' TT" ^''*^'« ^^^''e I'l. ce,] T, "'.'"""^ "" ^t-
"^'2.= "^"'^^■^ •'o''-""«t Indian inonrsion' • . f, \''*"" J''^'^*''^, which
^ The fortifioation.s wi.ioh the «..;.= . ^' "■^'" l"-"^""-^>J i"
?' ""''■•^" the boa «;;.';; ;;f 'r --'-t-l to .tra e^; "?: "' ^ '^«^- of the en-
--"' point. The Brit- " ^'"'""^'' ^^^'A>'thnr, with Ju'h.el ' '' '" '"^' ^''"v of the-
'*M"'q>ared to di,s,,„te .--- ^ ^. '^m^^^-.r.-.r~Jl^ ' marched to the
?poi
i*'i|"'q'aredtodi,sp7ire
liity passage. After
^ *ire, troops and l,oats
"loved silently „p the
nvertoBloodvBrid.re
.'inileandalialfabnve
hn Detroit, and j,re-
parod to ci-oss there
M""Ii"g all silent at"
hpnn- Wells, the l,
kmningsofthpov).,
'no Iiiindred barrels
niilitiiry stores. TIk
■i'-Uiidcn,andyot I
-"^foiiiwhile small t
'Hull sent a copy of his „.
Imnmit." Such l« h.„
I I,.! Ik '* "'f record
»» the proclamation was „
I;«»s been always cited ,1,'
t. seduce, he Canad':;
If; "^proclamation... As Bra
-•■■beenreffardednsaueloq.q
J^H': »VAU OF ,8,2.
torturo at imnouvTH, ho warned th., i . , • ^-- '"^''^^^iktVU^
••H".i"^.r.' Hc J of . IZC'k''^':'''" ''« «"i<«, " will., t ; • '" ' •'. ••"""'""^•k.
. ^'";i.-v "atiol.;r :;.. ;;:!';;;f;':--i in ufHX:^ ''' ^""^ "'•-» ^"■
'l"«'-'^-H, a spot assonatJ r „ /,, ^"""'r"""''^'' '•i''« i" the annals of '''. '"""'^ "'" tl'o .ro.,,,!,. of , u '"' ''*'"'- '"'•
"TMt upon .l.n^wh^; '''';''''•/ -'I't'''" '^""-y irh.'v of T:- '"^'"'f'vs; ,.n,
^"-t tu-o h 1... 1. , : ^:;;;;' "^!- '-h.; tho ca,;. , i;".;;^;-""^ -'th i„,.,„i:
Ivi",? i" an.l.nsh at the s ,.; ■'" ^*'''""'""i (tluM. in I |I, " '" *"''"■""''' ''"'t
'-o.st ,vas fnJI <.f pnu ,i, '""■" '"'^ "^" ^''" '"-''.- < v , • f ""■^''^'">' ''''"' ''^'-^
'" "'^- rivor, Im- va,n, . n „ ,' f ^•""","" ^'*' '""' to l.o pi, , /'''"'i' ^" >'- to.-ti-
"P to co-o,„.rato wlh a ,V ''""•'''"* ''"' '''"'•^'' »■ ' o • .. '""'T *"' ^''^' ''•'"'k
•"'•-•'-"• Thoy o . Vo , V""l '. •'^■^••"•'""-'^' <>t'S loa ", ''"■■""'• ^^-''^ns also
«>l' ^-•'»-
"«m>r had fled Tl, . '' ^''■'»* «f Isaac If,, 1 o . *'''" '■''■^''- A-none
»•'"»>>'-« of the ov ■•.• *^*' ''*"^^' tho sti-oani «•, 1 • "'•^''''■*'- T''^' .'ere
'« L-d:;!. t m!;r ; T ^ ^f -> ^'- ^ ^th m^i,^: : .:;;:::'' -^ ^-<^od ,,, «;:
' '""* '^ "» doubt that it would
I ■
i
264
msmm
mmm
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Affair ou the Tn-ron-tee.
First Battle of the War.
The "Here of Ta-rou-tee."
two hundred and eighty men, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Miller, of the rce-
ulars, pushed forward to the Ta-ron-tee, as the Wyandots called it, or liiv'-ire Aiix
Canards, as it was named by the French, a wide and deep stream that passes throutrh
Lil^E^^^^^
viK»v AT luii itiviiati: Ai:x i A-SAUnt^.
broad marshes into the Detroit Riv^r, about four miles above Maiden. On the soiuli-
ern side of this stream, at the end of abridge, was a British picket, composed of some
of the Forty-first regiment, Canadian militia, and Indians under Tecumtha.' Leav-
ing a rifle company of forty men in ambush, Cass marched three or four miles up tlie
stream to a ford, came down on the south side, waduig across streams aiinpit deep,
and confronted the enemy at sunset. There he was checked by a deep tributary of
the Aiix Canards, and compelled to make a circuit of more than a mile to gain tin
shore next to the enemy. Tiiis was soon accomplished. Forming witli his riHeim n
on each Aving, Cass dashed upon tiie foe will gn at impetuosity, avIio fled at the II
fire. He had been re-enforced; and three t,nies he rallied, changed front, and tii.-i
upon the pursuers. Cass chased tlie fugiti\ os about half a mile, the drums beutiiii;
Yankee Doodle ; when night fell, the jnirsuit was relinquished, and the attackinif jjai-
ty returned to the bridge. A courier was sent to head-quarters to ask permission to
hold the bridge, as it would be of great importance in the march of the army toward
Maiden. Hull refused to grant it. It was too near the enemy, ho said, to be Iiclil
with safety by a small detaelunent ; and, not having received his heavy cannon I'nmi
Detroit, he was not prejjared to attack strong Fort Maiden at Amherstburg.'- Tlu'
impatient oflicers and soldiers were irritated by the refusal, and murmured lomlly.
but Hull was unyielding. This was the first battle and victory in the second \v:ii
for independence. It was hailed tliroughout the L^^nited States as an omen ot'sia-
cess, and Colonel Cass was called the "Hero of Ta-ron-tee." He took two prisoners;
and fi'om deserters he learned that some of the cifemy were killed, and nine oi ten
wounded, while he did not lose a man.
That the Americuus might have takc'n Maiden with the means at their cemniaml
when tiiey first cnissed into rmiada there can be no doubt. Why Hull did not at]
terapt it is a question not easily answered to-day, unless we look for a solution k thid
fact that the Americans had no roiiable information conceniing the real strength!'!
' On thp mnrnlncr of the ITtli n re-enfnrd racnt of trnoii- arrived at the IvHdiii', coneistlng of the rcmaim!'' M-W
Konrth United St tps regiineut, and ii piece of artillery, u'ut.'r Captain Bnstman. A council of ofBcers was coiivciieL J
A majority of them ii>!'ted on leaving the hrldge, while Colonel Cass and t;aptaiu Snelliiig luHinled on holding it,«>
wo"k! be of the utmost importance in niarchinu; upon Maiden. The ovorriilln}? of 'heir oplrion, and the rofiif.il oflliilll
to allow the hrldRe to he held, cauBed its ahiHMionment. Tl'ls was one of the nio«t fat*! of the del.iys of Hull iu th^
early moveriir-nls of this Canadian invasion.
» " This rlriprmination," says Wallace (f/iVJfJw I'allfii iteqi»ler. 1S4'3), " orcasloned a df lay ot'n^Mrly thue weeks, wbiclj
proved in -! fm.:! to the result? of the Cflnipniirn. Hid we been prepared for an Inimertiaie attack on Maldtu, ouicam
paign w- ' have l)een a» glorions as It was other* < dlsnstroii ■, aud the name of Oenerul Hull would have been t^
alted to Ui> ikies."
il'eakaess of Port
the fort and ^
iiiiJitia and I
flanking a dr'
liole.s for n^;;.<
slielLs would J
liiindred men
lain Muir; a i
•■iilwlteni com
"fhidiaiis thei
tlic j)o.st, was S(
iliat orders we;
ivorks. He p,.£
-ieo-e in a fortifi
Hiit Hull did
strengthened. ]
none were so im
'''''«]> 'ift', while
cprs .said. "lea
scrihe the event
sajs/'fi-om this
•^ijiinion of his abj]
A report reach
Ohartotte, a Hritig]
"'« "ver, and com
""""''''■•II<''V detae]
toKhhophmksoi
^'""'' «'■'• f '-e bank of tho
rff • no also ca,
f ''^' <^ tachmont e,m
«»'''^rei-e^ommandtCi
t^ '■'" rtixtnnce no ih . t>
fmimmsi^iSSii.
Heakaeag of Fort Maiden.
JEffect« of Delay?
the fort and garrison Th^ f - -— — __ Swounou^Zr —
"'"'■"■■•I "'Hi Indians ;orIn""'^^'^^«'' ^eT^^Tl — "'-'— .nt..„i.„
lioliM for n.u3ketry A ,t '''"^.^ '"t^*"or dertv-««.. i:^ <^0'nj>osc'd of nl,n„* *
'V'°* ■ "»■' «> well convinced , . '.''"»»" C„l„„„| ,<,'(.'':„ ?^^ '' '''•'«'« '"""be,-
^^^.t „.e,...d .lie's; ^'^-llf-toconren;:^ "^^ ^"^ ^--'> and U^j^
«^'"g possession of tL ii ' ^'"^^ ^''^^t advanta-^^^o ^'^"'«""> of t}.e ri ' ■
m, "nder (',,„,,•„ s ^ „ »'" '^'•"^ '"^^''-Jv lost ?f f, *^""'^''^ ''.V Colon^.I Cnsl 7
''^"-* orde, Cl ; V-:-^-te n,arel. on ^^d ^ "TTT""^"'^-^^ ^- ^
'""™"'S o^'the inth J;;, ■,''"'■' *^« senior offi,!, "' Vf ' *^'" '^''-^'^fon ""^"'^W-
MArtlun- was instrn,-ed fn ' '* '•" '""'^^ a'>ove tjfe'
, '^ '"I'- to reconnoitiv If,. ., ?^* "^ a ridge, abonf t!„ , '"' '"■'* :^>VviUmt
, ' n, ,..,„., — ^'"^ ammunition of *i,„ „ ^''■^* ^^'t"
•^^f^^^-rmBimp^ mmmmmi^ mmf
'M
f I !^ H!
t
200
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ui?tni?t of Oeneral Mull.
M 'Arthur in Command.
iiig scarce, they fell back, and
M'AiUmr sent an expressi Xu
ciiinp for rL'-euforcomciits. On
tho arrival of the incssenra'r,
Colonel Cuss hiisteued down
with one hundred and fifty
men and a ' six-poundcr. He
met the retreating detachment
at Turkey Creek Bridge, wncn
the nnited forces pusshed on to
I Petit Cote, and tlierc ei;campetl
lor tiie night. Tlie enemy had
]ieen re-enforced in tlie mt'sn
time with both men and artil-
lery. Cass was anxicas t at-
tack them, and, at his request,
M'Art uir ordered the whole
force toward tlie bridge-. A
few shots of the six-|)(iiin(kr
i were excbanged with the artil-
,1 lery of the e-iemy, but with lit-
tle effect ; and toward cveni:
the whole detachment nunclu
liaek to can-
piriied, and bereft of all conli-
dence in tlie commaiiding gen-
eral. All accused liini of in-
capacity ; many of them di-
nounced him in j)rivatc coiivo
sation as a coward, and a liw
ex])ressed the bclieflhat he wii'^
treacherous. Tlv'se suspicions were confii-med to their minds by his leaving his aiiny j
on the 21st of July, and remaining at Detroit four days, without, as they alle!.'ed,j
any but frivc^loiis pretexts.'
i)uring the absence of J lull, tlie command of the troops in Canada devolved nn|
Colonel M'Arthur,^ who resolved to make an effort to attack Maiden, lie dispatelud,
» M'Afee, pseen fi« to (Vs.
' A bloj:nii)hical iskctcli of M'Arlhur will be found In anotber part of tbls work. See Index.
gy ^^^i ii e-iUji^ P ^ J^
Skirmishes with t
tcT^
crossed the bridi
fiarty returned t.
the FiitsT hlooj) •
Wliile tlie litth
1'} (li'cadful siisp
i-imefi-om the hdi
was considered th
nalers of tlie 8tr;
Icngtli and four
breadth — stands
limestone rock, ali
^^cven nules in cire,
ft'i'eiiee, rising in
tt'iitre to an'altifii
of nearly thiw Ji;„
r^'I ft'ct, an.l cover
«'t'i a rough a I
Mierous soil,' out (
»'"cli (.i,' tlie Alg,„„,
"'"'<"li signifies Th(
■Britisliaull.oritlesf.aytl,
■laclilnlock, page r,2
* V General nr,„.I<,:; ,
fmr Thf.vleu-I, fi,„„„„|
|'^«l>.nevi,|,e(,s,.^,ui„,!;;,:
Skirmishes with the Intllnns.
^^-^ ^^^ u4€i/i^:..
267
_, , _______Michilllni,,ckhii;^
Captain JVrCuIIoucjh .yuu t.
i;a.^Hai,'o for a.tillefy ; 'ro^ "'^f'^' ^ '^^^ -
tlio bridire, so -IS to n, , , ^ axarcls above
rnfonnccl tl^at tt 'lU ri^^'r""^ ™"^'^-
twoen the Auv Ton ., i , '''^" ■''^^^'" ^P"
^^I'Arthur ^^^"^^ '^"^^ ^"'■'^•T Crook,
^v}.e.•e he capturod o F. , *' ^fttlouiont,
«»;';3 for t.-„ ,nile.s a„^ .,
JaIU)ythoT,Kl.ia„,s.' Kear
^'^'ulth- stands a ^*'''»t <«rty nulos m
'"'K'stone rock, about
weinniloH hi circuni-
fcreiico, risinij in its
w'ntre to airaltitiido
of nearly tliroo Iiund-
rc;l foot, an.l oo^erod -
«'fli a roush and
?>'n<'ro,is soil, out of
"'"*■'' •'^J^-iii.iTs hoavv
'""''^■•- Thol„,ii.,„; ^m^mmm^^^^mmr
■i;;';-"",!? tho Alo-o,„j,;i„ . --0.^.,,,,, ,„,„ „,.^^^„ .„..,„;. — - ■-
wliioli siirnifies Tl.n n "-"f^' "nprossod Avitli iis .),.,
^hejrih^f,,,, ,,„,,j^ ^^^^ ^j^^ ^ o h Cr'r i' ^^'^■''■"--^•kinaok,
'^« M. l''*<''i". .';L ■.,.„..,, «..„„ . „ ■ ' "''■""S^''""«"on I. „ general onUr
"•■i.iiil, aiullsproiiomicHibyii,,:.
^i'lM
M
-BiO K
Pontine'* Confederacy.
Trt*iii»ftM'
A Masmicie.
Scenery at Mackiuaw
• June 4.
eriy pmnt of the peninstik fjf lftl«M5gM^, Ab- FBearfi Jesuit niisHionaries planted the
Hymfeol of" Christianity as i-^fiy nn /'WJ. aaJ-eafci tike Hei^land Point of lonatins.
La .Sa4i«». the discoverer of liv ' ^ ,1, "ithtT Hennepin and otluis, m, n
there in 1479; and by tl>e side sif ]*Vince of Peace they eivitcd a
strong-hold of war, anara,
The jjrincipal tribes of that region M^ere the Ottawas and Ojibwas, or Chippcwas.
The latter were the most jx>werful. Tlieir most important village was upon tli(
baok of Miclalliraackinack,The Great Turtle, in the strait, where a hundred warriors
resided.
On the morning of the king's birthday,* 1763, the forests and Fort Mack-
inack was tilled Avith the Ojibwas. They professed warm friendship for the
English, and invited the garrison out to see their great game of ball, the favonto
amuwment of th* Indians. It was a gay and exciting scene. At lengtli a ball wont
mp frot; i ',<■ inid«€ if>f the players in a h>fty curve, and fell near the pickets of the fort.
It was '4 yrrconceri^'A signal. The warriors ruslu;d toward the fort as if in quest of
the hull. J .' ir liands were soon filled with gleaming hatchets, whicli the squjifls
hft'1 /'()/i''eale(J beneath ^jt ManketB. A bloody massacie ensued. After a satur-
IIKJhi //f'p( by (he hands of friendly Indians. The
flilhiHing year I'orl Mackinack was garrisonetl by (he Iflii/jllpli, The Iri(||iiiiH had
I|(mI from the island, and ; i iiji ments upon it immediately comn](ii('( d ll H \\ \\\m\
delightful spot. As seen from (lie water, it presents a most striking ])ietiii(' ofwliili
ell "s, contrasting beautifully w((h the green foliagi' lliat hall' covt is them, hi (he
centi'e the land rises in wooded heights, in some jihiees (liree liiindretl feet above iIk.
lake. The rocks tbriii fantaslie shapes. Here may be seen a ease, there a (iiwcriiirr
])innacle, and in other jilaces gorges are sjjan-
ned by natural l)ridges. One of the nuM
noted of tliese is the Arch Hock, seceinl (ii;h
in ])icturesqueness (o the fainnus Natural
ISridge in Virginia. The crown is over nm
hundred feet above the 'water, and aliiuM
forty above the ground. It Avas Coiiikm] liy
the falling out of great masses of stone. The
l{iibbi;V T'eakjthe Sugardoaf, Plutonic Cave.
lieviPs Kitchen, Ciant's Causeway, a'ni the
!jo\er's I, cap, are ail faiiious jdaees, ami clus-
tered with stirring legends connected iviili
the French and English occnp., 'ion. or run-
ning back to the dim old I radii ions efiln'
Children of the Forest. But J wid not ocni-
)iy more space in describing this now famous
summer resort for Ineiists and sportsmen— a^
place T have never visited. I was .about to
take passage at Chicago for the strait in the autumn of 1800, when I heard that sno«s|
had tidkii there, and that the sceptre of Boreas was omnipotent over all those Dorth|
AliUll KI>v- an
;j- of the United Stit^
Mackinack came into the
P"-o.ss,o„ of the United
^^LJ" .!?«' -^'-^ the
British; and in 1812 For. TT T"' fi„anv'"""""*''""-'^J*"^^=^ ^^•"'•^'
lookin. the fine hrrLf"' ''"''''' "" *''« '"'.'^^'^ «o„thwe "bl J'"J!r^''r^'^ ^>' the
«as a very imnort-mf / 'lanckH, of the United *-». T,fo sr;.:: :;;;,r„",;!;"'""« r '"« ««™itt* :,\^'rr ™? >•«
i" ovtont, with an nnJnf '''"^ "verlookino- the fine LJt ■ . "''^" the In-
^Mn,nn on t , v^ ' ir^'' ^'^^^ "'*« Lake u';: ZZ""'': ''''''''-^ ^ '""''
'•''«'v'. which ^Lrickl, ;\''''*"'^^^
-pounder wn^ 0,^,0, 'T'"^ ''^ *-> '''ook-Ion^e LS""/''?""'^ "^ t'.e
■'■''" 'm>U„u ,v„W.o „ ' r'';".""^'''- '^ • commanded tJef '""^T""'^^'''^^' ^^^o
tr „ „„, ' ^^^ '"'-" ■■- «-»• -r;;::: i;'.ts
!«'.. orocted in the .''">'•■» Veteran Battah-on fort J ' ■^'''^"■'«oned with a de-
-nnstaJ^ ad "iv "'^ "' ^'^^ "^y -'^^ oJ^^'^^^^,"' "'""'^-^ This fort Z
"'"^''^^ '•"^•^•ivod of th i r,''''"'^^^^''^ to J.im hv tr dei . ; .,"'""'•" "^ ^xpeet-
"'^ morning of Mo ntujf ;l^'c'aratio„ of war m .s fiom^ "'' ''^;^''«t kno„ I.d.„
•Named In honor of LlPutonnnt 17 i " — ^ (IPfkratlon of war he
-«^^HI|HBSs
nCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
;i ■ ■
Kxpedition ognlust Mackluack.
]C the Secretary o
liostilities nearly u
instead of British
fwve hmi a British
'"frcrwh of the enemy t
'^'foi-r officers; Canadian
, ™ and 0l(an-a,, 57-2 r",
Briiish two day. afte; „,„',;'
I /.'""■e course of a debate
p' (Earl of Chatham) S,
host aI)onii„al,le avowal",
mi,ei-(.ho,.,,tho :;:;[,,.
"*, am. to vindicate tie
. employment Of, he «av,a,
';.^'^'Wis,d„^rhe^rn1h:/;r;^
''t^fthelndmmr '^
AiiuTican crent cmo,. {TTi Z ~~ ^mpioyi
* ""' 1" the fort iiwl :* — — s^—""''"yinoBrh.
a-Kl tl.oso of Great Jrita '; '' '"' !"''-'^^'=*" the A,„er can -fw H-nornhl, terms
(lie Lonons of ^vav T "^ ^"'* '" their niaee T I, "^'"■' ^^'^''-^ taken d,nv„
uann,,,. all those „»o„ M, l'.„^^V''^'' ''^''^'^ to Detroit. aT ^ 1'" ^^^'''^'^"'1 »<> I<-avo
'■^ffi: !
l.tion. All |„-i,,„, ,,m'". , ° "'»"'l "•"liin •■> .i,„„.|? ," ' "* """Siancc to tho
believe not a sonl nfih *^'f"o'it firin.r a sin-ests,
I" ' > the possessio . of tllTj'-' '^'"' '^'^'^^ ^^ tl e L t"! of^'^" ^^^-tly'
I J'Fr Lakes, ,vith all its IZT"" "' ^''^ ^^"'tecl State Th ' '''* '■'"'"" ^^'«^
i;n.o„ bar that kept back t},l ^^^^^'^'"tages, was transferal t .'i '"°"'''*'"^ ^^ the
-l'-.i«-n, ai'd T)(>f j' ^"^ "'e .savages of that recrfon '^' ^ ''"'^^'' to that ene.nv Tho
'r':r!!!^,"''''-- >vi.u:r"°"'>-'' ''-'-•:n.t;\S^^^^^^
"ftl» Secretary of War V, °'™"""' ■"..issue, „.|llfi I ,
ke*e„,„. of the e"!'"'/!"!"^"; "■"" ""ere mson,ZrZZ~~~~ ■
ll,1
I!
Illl
272
PICTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
AlarmlDK RnmorH nnc) FactK,
A mntliiong Spirit In Hnir» Array.
CIIAPTER XIV.
"They who hnvc nothing more to fenr may well
Iiululfic a cmile at that Avhich once apiiiiU'd,
A» chilUrcu at diucovereU bugbcuiH,"
Bybon: Sardanapalm.
ISASTIIOUS in the highest degree to the American cause 'vas
the fill! of Mackinack, aiul tlie prospect whieli it presented lo
Hull Avas justly appallhig. Ilis uneasiness was increasetl by in-
telligence that came almost hourly of the web of extreme ditti-
culties fast weaving around him. He liad sent to the (iovern-
ors of Ohio and Kentucky for re-enforcements and 8up])lies, but
' he had, as yet, no positive tidings of their approach. Fnim the
'"•^-^^ " north came sounds of dreadful import to a handful of isoiatod
soldiers. The savage chiefs in alliance Avith the British at Mackhiack had sent cou-
riers to all the villages south as far as the Maumee, informing their warriors of that
alliance, of the fall of Mackinack, of the investment of Chicago, and of their activi
preparations to proceed to Maiden in great force, to join other warriors there, and
attack Detroit. From the east came a rumor that the Canadians and savages in that
direction Avere also hasting toward Maiden, and that a detachment of iJritish sol-
diers, with artillery, under the command of Major Chambers, had landed at th(
Avest end of Lake Ontario, penetrated in the direction of Detroit as far as the Kivor
Trench, or Thames, and Avere receiving great accessions of militia and Indians on
• their march. The alarm created by those facts and rumors Avas hnmediately intcusi-
• AnKn8t4, fit'd by farther reports* that Colonel Proctor, of the British army, had ai-
1S12. vived at Maiden Irom Fort Erie Avith re-enforcements.' Then caniu over
from SandAvich an intercepted letter from a member of the NorthAvest Company ai
Fort William, dated two days after the fall of Mackinack, saying that, on the recfiiit
of the declaration of Avar, their agents ordered a general muster of their forces, wiiidi
amounted to tAvelve hundred men, exclusive of several hundreds of the natives. "We
are equal, in all," ho said, " to sixteen or seventeen hundred strong. One of our gtn-
tlemen started on the 17th Avith several light canoes for the interior country to ioum
the natives to activity, Avhich is not ha rd to do on the present occasion. We liki-
Avise dispatched messengers in all directions Avith the ncAvs. I have not the least
doubt but our force tAvo days hence Avill amount to iive thousand eftective men,
Our young gentlemen aiid engagees offered most handsomely to march imnKHliatciy
for ]\Iichillimackinark. Our chief, Mr. SIuxaa', exnressed his gratitude, and uraftod one
hundred. They are to proceed this evening for St. Joseph's. lie takes about as
many Indians. Coidd the vessel contain them, he might have had four thousaitd
more. It noAV dejjcnds on Avhat acct.nnts we receive from St. Josej)h's, Avhether these
numerous tribes from the interior Avill proceed to St. Joseph's or not."^
In addition to these causes for alarm, Hull discovered a spirii, of mutiny in his owiij
camp Avhich gave him more uneasiness still — a spirit, he said, " Avhich before hadj
manifested itself in Avhispers, increased and became more open. It Avas evident it|
Avas now fostered and encouraged bj-^ the principal officers of the miliiia, and wn*
' Hnll's Cavipnign qf 1S12, page 6S.
« Letter of Mr. M'Kenjsle, of the Northwest Company, at Fort William, to Mr. M'lutosh, of SaucU. ;ch, July W, ISl^
cited by Hull in hid Campahjn vf ISI'2, page 5;>.
Ibtrgy and Vlglla
fast rising in
jire.sently.
Such was t
ueek in .Viiirti
Ijriisli, of Cliii
Ix'cf cattle am
.sin, thirty-five
The eiiei'gy ;
at this time in
a 111 ia hie Sir Ge
Quebec in ahso]
K"i»n,haa
iiient of ITpjjor
moment of his f
ai'cordingly. Jj,
Ill's inadequate n
"|'|»O.S.'(I to tliQ ,
•House tJieir resei
"ly cumjjclied hi
iiioto military pos
ply of ordnance ai
ter post early i„ j
Forty-fii-st IJegimt
-is late as his deuj
ties to be near, rec
''vpenditiire, and tc
Jilculty of raising
^^'lien intelJigcrK
Toronto, the capita
'«' sons, v.'ith tJieir
!ii>nHoIcroft,oftJ,e
mnmmj when the
Inordinary session <
'"■wand his aid-,h
••?.™ frontier, and t)
to cross the Niagara
P»t}'e shrank from t
:ln'ctio„s,atthesam(
I oiuid necessary, in ],.
|6r offensive or defend
l»f the peninsula betw
m hundred men re
I'Pon.tJie Indians on th
f™?";g promise of th
/.' f'le 3d of Jujy t,
pJ-^ considerable for
I)r
i Ini
I
«"*MM
^^'TilE WAH OF .8,3.
«;ch was the situation of Go„en, ir M "'''"* ^' "^'"^ ^^"^^^^^'r
Mc.ttl. and other' .Soli's. '^'^ '"'"^''•''^^I an 1 th ■ v ''," '''"* ^"«Ptain IW
>iMi.iny-fivo n.i,e:;,cr"' ^"'^ ^ -^'' -- - ^"c.;s::^v^T ^'"""'^
Quebec i„ absoJutt unl S 'f ' ^^''"'■"'"- g^'»^''-al wi^ ?''""" '"^'''^i"' • The
K" 1«11. had boon "^if .f^;.;"|-^"d'ng -a!-, whil^ B .:ek'";;f "^ ^;r''«"« thno a
met of Upp,r CanadI" H ^''''^''''"t ai,d administra or' 7 /'' "' ^^''^^■
moment of his ardval aM^* '' *" ''^y- ^i-tena t ' ^ *''"' S*^^'^''-"- '°'"""'"'-
opFsecl to the employment of fiT "."''"" «"!""• From "'^- ''^' '»««t of
arou«e their resentnfonf a^ ,;/,^ ,J"^^"^««. and discount,"! :':^;«'"""'g ''« ^v^as
^'ty -mpcHed him to ac«^ 1*^ '^ ^ before wa' was do ,*'"', ""^''"l'^« to
motennJito When L '"■''^''^•' He end, omW "''"'' '^"^ ''oces-
ply of ordnance and store o^rf'"" °J^"^"^ *« the sorh ' ", f '■^'"^'*'^<^" the re-
'"•Post early i„ June tili,, ^ " f^^^'Ph's and to Ami « ^ ""^ T^'^'' «^'''t a sun-
Forty.fir.st l^™,,;^ ^^^J "|^ -th „,, , re-enforce!; r':;;^ , ^'^^ visited the ll
-i^l«te as his departure for In ^"l "^«vements he wa tt ' '"f '"' "'^'^ "^ the
fe« to be near, reoommemLf " 'T'^"'"^'' ^'' «^'o'-ge iwl !'?^ '"'^ «"l'^->ior.
^vpenditure, and to avo dall . *^ '''"l^^^^ the molt ,S ' ""* ^^'''^'V'""g I'ostili:
^'Jnlty of raising „,;"' "^^ ^^'l^'-^^ not absolutely efarrr'""^ '' ^^'" P"*'^^
IVhen intelliironce of th', 1 , '*'*' ^' '^^''^ause of the great
Toronto, the capitaTofV '^""'''*™tioi, of war reaob„ , t. ,
»"y<"-. and his aid-de-camn r "'■'' ^^as summoned • " ' i ^"^^'^'Pted. An ev-
^- th>ntier, and t^^^^fe'" ^''^^^ f- '-s;^:^,'^f jj^lfi^-ns, his briga^ ^
!» cross the Niitrnvo i>- ^""^'^""shed his militn,.,r h / ^'t Gcoi-ge. on th.T\r-
•<•"<■">•", .« ti,c .1" tirr'*'"'^ <"■ ""<"« d. t tr"'""" '"" ■"■"■»' '.»mr
PMf^. on mt fl^, ^.^r^" '^ovos,, wrUte^ n'' ^T ^*"' "'"''"s work ^ —
s
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1
^HRBlii
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i
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II
A i
274
PICTORIAL FI£LD-BO£)K
Alarm cauied by IIull'i Invnalon.
Brock before the CaaadUn LoKUIatnre,
That HiMly (i(.f|, ,||,i,,|„^
''^■^■^sr^sse^.ip*
FORT NIAUAIIA, lilMM I OUl (il.ulU.L.
along a line of tliirty miles from Buffalo to Fort Niagara, and estimated by Gcncial
Brock to be twelve hundred strong.'
On the 20th of July Brock received intelligence of Hull's invasion; also a coiiv of
his proclamation, with hints of its effect. Those hints, and a knowledge of tlie wiak-
ness of Fort Maiden, alarmed hun.^ The Legislature, about to meet at York, wouM
require his presence, and he could not leave for the field in the West, as he disircil
to do. Divided duties perplexed him. He instantly recalled a portion oftliu iiiilitiu
whom he had permitted to go home to gather in the grain harvest, and they mm-
mured. lie dispatched Colonel Proctor, of the J'orty-first Regiment, Avith suoli iv-
enforcements as he coidd spare, to assume command at Amherstburg, and the iiilial-
•July 22, itants of the Niagara border felt themselves abandoned. He issued a eoun-
1812. ter-proclamation" to neutralize the effect of Hull's, and hope revived.
Leaving the military along the Niagara frontier in charge of Lieutenant Colonel
Myers, Brock hastened to York, and, with much parade, opened the Legislature in
person. His address was cordially responded to ; but he soon found that tiie Legis-
lature partook, in a large degree, of the despondency of a great portion of the pcojik'
of Upper Canada, which Hull's menacing proclamation and actual invasion had pro-
duced. Five hundred militia in the Western District had already sought Hull's pro-
tection ; the Norfolk militia, most of tliem connected by blood with the inhabitant-ij
of the United States, peremptorily refused to take up arms; and the Luliaiis on tlii'f
Grand River, in t] le heart of the province, after some 'of their chiefs returned from A
visit to Hull, refused, with few exceptions, to join the British standard, declariug tliiirl
intention to remain neutral. With such promises of failure and disaster before then
if resistance should be made, a majority of the Assembly were more disposed to sub
1 Brock wns very anxious to cnpture Fort Niagnrn, but was restrained by l\is superior. Sir George Prcvost IjoIIcvm
it to be a party war, and was unwilling to do that which might rouse the national spirit of the American?, and nnid
both parties against the British. Ue believed that tho war party could not carry on hostilities long. He thereforj
commanded Brock t', •ill sent forwai
I H'liijer soon bore ih
.;";''_"■• Tecumtha, an
-'LiMeii, ai„l wore ly
pie miles belon- Fo
,'%Oeor;fe Prevost seen,!
H*""""ofitlnLoZ
|'''™''«P^"clan.atiort
*W.» mniestv'» .^^ -""^ '^'
K"'y and wealth aV"7;'-'
^^-^i-'^onacco,,'."/,
tan. " Ar„ „,' " "" ''''n;:c
"•ins under thl" '''"P''^
"'"i'lea war, and aT .""""""'^
, iM not make (h„ "^ """'
Ht.'h»n ',W,!!'?K''"-<""i'"
K'" "Bvwh"'/''"^'"'''""^
b'l'tanot.-'a'd^'y™'"
F'Mn ■ anH „ " """ exi
m
■' B-fc .■.•.ol„.,l ,„ ,,„ ,,„,; ' ",","'™"a.iT ; l.«l, after "Z^3" ^'"*«'- C»7.i
'-WcI to write to S r G oo ' zV'"^"" «-"tin..„t "s ?o ''" "" *''^' ^'''^'•"it fro,.":
Iircctcd to moon^A ,...., '"• 1 i'avo scJeofprl ^„„ / I'- 't of tJio Movii.f.,. _
« . have „,,.„„e J ,h,. ,|,„ ^_ . '^ ' " """' '"""""d by a8 ^n^
kr martin, ufu . rnj-^-;,,^--'". a.ul r^,!:, ^, ~ ^■'om yo/r ^ - = " <« thereforet ^o , '[7:™'''?"
h'«^e,«„„, „„ „ccom t .f m" .'"^ ""'bit// 8^n!'T '« '" be found "mv"?'' ""« ^''" '"Z n.vT"™""''"''
h^' liberality of their » ',''^"' '"yn'ty, not „ . '' ""' ""Irty yea« h!^,''"''' "' ">« ^vorld a „ .!7v. ^ «''^''"'-
h ^.'- 'heir auce«,o ' '""?;<"?■>. ""s not „cn , "r"""'»« "f these hi ' " ■"""' "^ veterans evlCj '" "P'" i"
h«"^« Britain .,1 ■ ""^ "'on Wnrnll ,h "" " ^'"P^'tv wdV" '"'"P'" '« '«> he Tmrnllu ^""^ "'<=''• for-
' "f Coniinen „, F '^"""'« <>f Canada to hlr " ""'" «trn»,„.,| ^ ''" f "^'^ff a Territory of
" kins'8 ,.p„, ,"' ^"™P« «'(th a rod Jul^^'t""' vvim„„ „„„.^' ' fr^-n the protection of nl".
•",c uiuain, the ^ip,,.„„, "■araed them nf.i ,' "•' ""d meana r.V » • " "" '"'"Hi wl
^["ited States, ^nd llu , """-'"me natio,!°^n L '* '""nen«o adva ?1 ""J^y^fnt s'lpcrior t
I fo (. I *or wqicJi every
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27«
PICTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
Re^nforcementa and Hupplien «t the River Raliln.
Defeat of X^)or Van Uorne at Browattawn.
Brush, 80 precious to the littlo army. Brush was unwilling to dsk those treasures
and his small force without an escort, and he appealed to Hull to send him a detaeh-
mont of men for that purpose. The general hesitated, and, when the Ohio colonels
joined in a reipiest that an escort should be sent, ho flatly refused compliance. At
length better counsels prevailed, and, after much persuasion, ho ordered Major Thom-
as H. Van Home, of Colonel Findlay's Ohio regiment, to proceed to the Raisin witli
a detachment of two hundred men from that corps, to join Brush, and aft'ord a safe
convoy for the cattle, provisions, and mail. The major obeyed with alacrity. He
crossed the Detroit with his command on the 4ih of August, and encamped that
night on the banks of the Ecorces Kiver, where ♦Jie soldiers slept on their amis.
Tljey resumed their march early on the following mornnig, A light fog veiled the
flat country along the borders of the river. The air was still and sultry. Four
spies, under Captain William M'CuUougli, preceded the troops, to watch for the en-
emy. They lost their way, and, while passing around a corn-field in bloom, tliev
were fired upon by a dozen Indians who lay in ambush there. M'Cullough fell from
his horse severely icounded, and, before the detachment could reach the spot, tlic
savages had scalped him and bore away his shining locks in triumph. His coimtrv
Avas thus bereaved of one of the bravest and most devoted of its defenders, and the
whole army sincereiy mourned a real loss.
The d(!tachment was moving very cautiously half an hour after this sad occiii-
rence, when it was joined by some mounted militia, and a few gentlemen who had
taken this opi)ortunity to travel in safety to the Raisin. These, with ]\[ajor Van
Home, stopped at the house of a Frencliman for water, and were informed by iiim
that several hundred Indians and British soldiers were Ij ing in ambush, near Browns-
town, for the purpose of intercepting the party. Van Ilorne had become accustoineil
to aiai-mists, and did not credit the story. He marched on in fancied security, his
front guard of twenty-
four men in two col-
umns, each column pre-
ceded by three dra-
goons, and the main
body in the same or
der. The mail, with a
mounted escort, was
placed in the centre.
Where the ground
would permit, the col-
umns marched a hund-
red yards apart. As
they approached
Brownstown the road
passed through a nar-
row prairie skirted with
thick woods, and a
creek on the right.
Tlie woods on the creek
came to a point toward
the town, through
THOMAS B. Vj^ UOBNK.
which the road passe,!
to the ford. On the
left were corn-fields ami
thickets of thorn biisli-
es ; and near the creek
the columns were com-
pelled to approacii eacli
other on account of i
narrowness of the wa
Just as they readied its
margin, and were en-
tering upon the open
ground around the vil-
lage, near the house of
Adam Brown, a heavy
firo, at only fifty yards'
distance, was openeil
upon them from hotli
sides by a large body of
Indians who lay in am-
bush in the thickets and
the woods. The attack
was sudden, sharp, and deadly, and the troops were thrown into confusion. Appre-
hensive that he might be surrounded, Major Van Home immediately ordered a re-
treat. This movement was conducted with much confusion. The Indians pursued,
and a ninning fight was kept up for a considerable distance, the retreating Americans
frequently turning upon the savage foe, and giving hira deadly volleys. The retreat
PerlboraSnpptj
continued to
followed abo
the Hntisli a
and disaffect:
written freely
seventeen kil
Hull was g
colonel.H urgci
liegged him t
tween Detroit
the suj)])lies ii
and no time a
men at once,"
red men," wai
terprise was a
and his savairi
niinent peril.
The inutinoi
ed. There wfi
eral, and cause
was an agreen
sued for the ir
field ; for the s
officer at Sand v
and planks for
of the 8tli, by t
"all artificers, i
diately.
This order d
for energetic a-
summer's day w
eral east a clone
night tliat spee(
Detroit/— an or
iniment the inh
to take up arm
'liicnceofintellii
litia, and Indiani
lii'ock.
Hut Canada v
aiul thirty convf
li'ft " to hold pr
to the well-disp
''wn stockaded,
;;^(ling in Sam
' For his gallnutry In
wHalaeTweuty-slxt
•Thebatrle-gronndv
Amoni; the killed w
'want Jacob Pentz, nn,
i"yofWar,,iatortSnn;
cjlumus of smoke are rising. These compose the copper smelting-works at Spring Wells. A long wharf on the Sand-
I!
' I
.i;:
,:mm
m
ii: ill
278
PICTORIAL F^ELD-BOOK
The Arm; racroMed to Detroit.
Expedition to Buccor the Sapply-tralu.
Colonel Miller and hl« iioi.
HABBAOKB AT HAMDWIOII.
valescents were placed, and Denny was ordered to defend the post to the last ex-
tremity against musketry, but to leave it in the event of artillery being brought
against it so powerfully as to make it untenable.'
Sullenly that humiliated army obeyed their overcautious commander, and (liirinij
• Augngt, the night of the 7th and morning of the 8th* they crossed the deep, dark
^"*- rapidly-flowing river in sadness, and encamped upon the rolling plain be-
hind Fort Detroit. Hull's reason for this mortifying termination of his invasion of
Canada was the receipt of intelligence, as we have observed, that General Brock Mas
hasting toward Amherstburg with re-enforcements, and the necessity of securing a
permanent communication between his army and the sources of its supplies in the
Ohio settlements. He accordingly dispatched six hundred men, under Lieutenant
Colonel James Miller, on the afternoon of the 8th, to open a communication witli the
Raisin and escort Brush to Detroit. The detachment consisted of the Fourth Regi-
ment of regulars ; two small corps of the First Regiment, under Lieutenant Dixon
Stansbury and Ensign Robert A. M'Cabe ; detachments from the Ohio and Micliigan
volunteei-s — the latter, sixty in number, from the "Michigan Legion,"^ mostly French,
under Captain Antoine Doquindre ; a corps of Captain Dyson's artillerists, then sta-
tioned at the fort with a six-pounder, under Lieutenant John L. Eastman (who was
Miller's brigade major on this occasion), and a howitzer, under Lieutenant James
Daliba ; and a part of Captains Smith and Sloan's cavalry, under the latter. Majoi's
Van Home and Morrison were associated with Lieutenant Colonel Miller as field
officei"8. " Commodore" Brevoort, who was a captain of infantry, and appointed com-
mander of any government vessels that might be placed on the lakes, and Captain
A. F. Hull, the general's son, who was afterward killed at the Battle of Niagara Falls,
volunteered as aids to Lieutenant Colonel Miller.^
The troops paraded on the north side of Jefferson Avenue, in Detroit, nearly op-
posite where the Exchange now stands. When placed in marching order, Lieuten-
ant Colonel Miller rode up in front of them, and in his clear, loud voice, said to the
volunteers and militia, " Soldiers, we are now going to meet the enemy, and to btat
them. The reverse of the 6 th (Van Home's) must be repaired. The blood of our
brethren, spilt by the savages, must be avenged. I shall lead you. You shall not
disgrace yourselves nor me. Every man who shall leave the ranks or fall back with-
out orders will be instantly put to death. I charge the officers to execute this or-
der," Then, turning to the veteran Fourth Regiment of regulars, he said, " 51y
brave soldiers, you will add another victory to that of Tippecanoe — another laurel to
that gained on the Wabash last fall. If there is now any man in the ranks of the
detachment who fears to meet the enemy, let him fall out and stay behind." A loud
\vich Bide of the river is seen toward the right of the position. The British picketed this bnilding, and used it for bir-
racks in 1818. > M'Afee, page 77.
» This " Legion" had been organized daring the winter of 1811-'12, as a home guard against the Indians, who were
then mouacing the Mici
Ml
■'u
m
t
1
1:.^^
280
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battle of the Oak Wr a
larger force of Europeans and savages to bar the way to the Raisin, and attack Hrush
there. He therefore cent this laconic disj)atch to Hull : "Siu, — Colonel Miller is Kick-
may I relieve him? — L. Cass." Receiving no reply, he returned to Detroit, meeting
on his way an express bearing to Miller positive orders for the whole detachment to
return to head-quarters. Thus another favorable moment for achieving great food
was lost by what seemed the timidity and instability of the commanding genorai.
Miller was oidy twenty-two miles from the Raisin. Dispirited in the extreme, he
and his troops left their camp at noon on the day after the battle, and made their
way slowly back to Detroit.
Hull's shortcomings were freely spoken of, and the belief was inculcated among
the troops that he was either traitorously inclined, or had become an imbecile. At
times he would be shut up in his room' for hours, inaccessible to all but his son, who
was bin aid-de-camp; at others he appeared abstracted and confused — "sullen in de-
portment, and wavering in his orders. "^ His incompetency to meet the crisis at hand
was felt by all, and his officers of every grade, after consultation, oame to the conclu-
sion that the salvation of the little army would only be found in depriving him of
the command and giving it to another.^ Lieutenant Colonel Miller was invited to
accept it. He declined, but expressed his willingness to unite with them in giving
the command to M'Arthur, the senior officer of the volunteers, and one of the most
vigilant and active soldiers in the army. J*, would be a bold step for subordinates
to strip a commanding general of his sword and epaulets while at the head of his
army, and, when they were ready to act, they naturally hesitated. Relief might
speedily come from Ohio. Governor Meigs, it was suggested, might accompany it
in person, and upon him the honor might properly be laid. Colonel Cass acted
• AuRHPtiz, promptly on this suggestion, and wrote* an energetic letter to the gov-
^'*^''^' ernor, urging him to press forward with re-enforcements and supplies.
He informed him that the army had been reduced to a critical situation " from causes
not fit to be put on paper." He told him that the golden opportunity for success
had passed by, and mildly remarked that, unfortunately, the general and the princi-
pal officers could not view the situation and prospect of aifairs in the same light.
"That Maiden," he said, "might easily have been reduced, I have no doubt. . . .
But instead of looking back, we must now look forward. . . . Our supplies must
come from our state." He called for two thousand men at least, and added, " It is
the unanimous wish of the army that you should accompany them."
Before this letter was shown to the other officers a change in affairs had taken
place. The British were congregating in force at Sandwich, and, in view of this men-
ace, the following postscript was ad'ied to the letter : " Since the other side of this
letter was written, new circumstances have arisen. The British force is opposite, and
our situation has nearly reached its crisis. Believe all the bearer will tell you.
Believe it, however it may astonish you, as much as if told by one of us. Even a
c**** is talked of by the ***** The bearer will supply the vacancy.* On you wc
1 " In my boyhood," says Judge Witherell, "I knew him well. His appearance was venerable and digiiifled ; his heart
was the scat of l^indnesb ; he was unquestionably an honest man. TJie general had a n.ost excellent family. Mrs.
Hull, a portly, flne-looking woman, made It the principal business of her life to visit the sick and provide for tlic desti-
tute poor." ' M'Afee, page S2.
> Colonel Hatch says, "On a private conenltation on the 12th of August with those known to be the most active of
the subordinate officers and men of the volunteer regiments, it was decided to get up a Round Robin* (so callcii), ad-
dressed to the three colonels, requesting the arrest or displacement of the general ffgm his command, and vesting, by
common consent, the eldest colonel, M'Arthur, with all the powers incidental to chief command.
* " The donbtfiii fate of this letter rendered it necessary to use circumspection in its details, and therefore the blank!
were left. The word ' capitulation' will All the first, and ' commanding general' the other."— Colonel Cass to the Sec-
retary of War, Washington City, Septembe r 10, 1812.
• A phrase (rond mban) originally derived ftom a custom of the French officers, who, on sigrning a remonstrance or
petition to their enperiors, wrote their names in a circular form, so that it might be impossible to ascertain who lud
beaded the list.
raeunliry Aid
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
288
r«conl»ry Aid for Brock.
Be proceeds to Fort Maiden.
Coolbrence with IndUni.
depend." This was signed by CasB, Findlay, M'Arthur, Taylor, and Colond Elijah
Bnisii, of the Michigan militia.
General Brock joined Proctor at Amhersthurg or Maiden on the night of the
ISth." Relieved from civil duties on the 0th, he procured pecuniary aid .AjiRnBt,
from an association of gentlemen, and, with two hundred volunteers, he ''*'''•
sailed from York for Burlington Bay, at the west end of Lake Ontario. lie had been
called upon to repel a formidable invasion with few troops, and witho\it a money-
chest, provisions, blankets, or even shoes for the militia whom ho exj)ected to muster
into the 'service. Those gentlemen known as "The Niagara and Queenston Associ-
ation" supplied him with several thousand pounds sterling in the form of ban? -notes,
which were afterward redeemed v/ith army bills. He had sent forty of the Forty-
firet Uegimcnt to Long Point, on Lake Erie, to gather the militia there, and fifty more
of the same regiment were sent to the Lidians in the interior, to induce them to en-
gage in the expedition. On his way across the country he held a coun-
cil^ at the Mohawk settlement on the Grand River, and sixty warriors °^"'
promised to join him on the 10th.
With his few regulars and three hundred militia. Brock embarked in boats, bat*
teaux,and canoes (sup-
plied by the neighbor-
ing fanners) at Long
Point," a u d,
' Angnot 8, ^ ,
alter a rough
voyage of five days
and nights, nearly two
hundred miles in ex-
tent, he reached Am-
herstburg a little be-
fore midnight of the
13th. The patient en-
durance of his troops
(klightedhim. He was
welcomed by a feu de
joie of musketry from
Teoumtha and his band
on Buis Blanc Island,
before Amherstburg.
Half an hour after-
ward that warrior was
brought over by Colo-
nel Elliot, the Indian
agent whom we have
already spoken of (who
lived near Amherst-
burg), and Brock Avas
introduced to the great
chief of the Shawno-
ese.^ It being late, the
conference was snort,
and they parted with
the understanding that
a council would be call-
ed immediately.
Brock held a confer-
ence with the Indians
on the morning of the
1 4th. About one thou-
sand were present. The
general opened the in-
terview by informing
1 Coptain J. B. Olcgg, Brock's aid-de-camp, hes left on record tlie following description of Tecnmtha at that inter-
view: "Tecumieh's appearance was very prepossessing: his figure liglit, and finely proportioned ; ilia age I imagined
to lie about f. .e-imd-thirty [he was aI)out forty] ; \u height, five feet nine or ten inches ; his complexion light copper ;
countennnco oval, with bright hazel eyes, bearing cheer(\ilnes8, energy, and decision. Three small silver crosses or
coronets were suspended from the lower lartilagc of his nqalline nose, and
a large silver medallion of George the Third, which 1 believe his ancestor
had received from Lord Dorchester when Governor General of Canada, was
attached to a mixed-colored warapnm string and hung r"und his neck. His
dress consisted of n plain, neat uniform, tanned" deer-skin jacket, with long
trowsers of the same material, the seams of both being covered with neatly-
cut fringe, and he had on his feet leather moccasins, much ornamented with
work mode from the dyed quills of the porcupine."
The portrait of Tecuratha above given is from a pencil sketch try Pierre le Dm, mentioned in note 1, page 189. In
Ibis I have given only the head by Le Dm. The cap was red, the bond ornamented with colored porcupines' quills, and
m front was a single eagle's feather, black, with a white tip. The sketch of his dress (and the medal above described),
in which he appears as a brigadier general of the British army, is from a rough drawing which I saw in Montreal in the
.'nmmer of 1868, made at Maiden soon after the surrender of Detroit, where the Indians celebrated that ..vent by a grand
fei\«t It was only on gala occasions that Tecnmtha was seen in flill dress. The sketch did not pretend to give a trae
liliencss of the chief, and wa:< valuable only as a delineation of his costume. Prom the two we are enabled to give a
pretty faithful picture of the creat Sbawnoese warrior and statesman as he appeared in his best mood. When in frill
(itess he wore a cocked hat iinil plume, but would not give up his blno breech-cloth, ted legglns firinged with buckskin,
sod backskiu moccaains.
TEOUMTHA.
^ .K
m
m'
VilBI
284
nsnoMpi
PICTOr.IAL FIELD-BOOK
Amneitjr oflfered and accepted.
Preparationa for attacking Detroit.
Its Snrrender prcdetemloed.
them that he had come to assist them in driving the Americans from Detroit and
their rightful liunting-grounds north of tlie Oliio. His speech was highly aj)pliiu(l((l
by Tecumtha, who replied in an elocpient and sagacious manner, and gave Brock a
higlkopinion of his genius.' Not deeming it j)rudent to reveal too much of his plan
of operations to the assembled savages, the latter invited Tecumtha, with a few old
chiefs, to Colonel Elliott's quarters, and there he laid the whole matter before tlu'ui.
The chiefs listened with great attention, and assured lirock that he should liave their
cordial co-operation. In reply to his question whether the warriors could be re-
strained from drinking whisky, Tecumtha re))lied that, before leaving their country
on the Wabash, they had i)romised liim that they would not taste a drop of the fire-
water until they had humbled the biff-knives — the Americans — and that they might
be relied on.'^
Brock had issued a general order early in the morning of the 14th, in which he
calmed the fears of those inhabitants who had deserted from the British army, or liad
taken protections from Hull, by expressing his willingness to believe that their con-
duct proceeded more from their anxiety to get in their harvests than from " any pre-
dilection for the principles and government of the United States." This ingrnlous
offer of amnesty by implication was sent out upon the roads northward, and was ac-
cepted by the great body of the inhabitants, who were alarmed and exasperated l>v
Hull's desertion of them ; and when, en the same day, Brock marched from Maiden
to Sandwich, he passed through a country of friends.
• AuRust 11, Major Denny had already evacuated Fort Gowris,* and, with the con-
1S12. valescents and troops under his command, had crossed the river to De-
troit. The American camp at Sandwich and vicinity was immediately taken pos-
session of by British troops, under Captain Dixon, of the Uoyal Engineers (whcmi we
shall meet at Fort Stephenson), and a battery was planted so as to command Detroit.
The American artillerists begged permission to open upon them from the fort with
twenty-four pounders,^ but Hull would not grant it, and the enemy was allowed to
complete his preparations for reducing the fort without molestation. The brave
Captain Snelling asked pel-mission to go over in the night and take the works, hut
Hull would listen to no propositions of the kind. He seemed unwilling to injure or
exasperate the enemy.
That General Hull had determined to surrender Detroit, under certain contingen-
cies, rather than risk an engagement with, or a protracted siege by the British and
Indians, at least two or three days before that deed was accomplished, the careful
student of the history of that affair can not doubt. All of his movements indicate
this, according to the positive testimony given by M'Afee, and of Colonel Stanley
Hatch's narrative, already cited. Hatch was Hull's assistant qnartennaster general.
Hull seemed convinced that, under all the circumstances, the post would be untenahle
against such a force as the enemy might bring to bear upon it, unless his communi-
cation with Ohio might be kept up. Dearborn had failed to make any diversions in
his favor on the Niagara or at Kingston, as he had been directed to do.* His com-
munication with Ohio (his only source of supply), lyhig beyond a trackless wilder-
> Brock wrote of Tccnmthn as follows : " A more eagacions or a more gallant warrior does not, 1 beHeve, exist. He
was the admiration of every one who conversed with him. From a life of dissipation he has not only become, In evpry
respect, abstemious, but he has IlkewlL;e prevoiled on all his native, and many of the other tribes, to follow his ex-
ample." " Tapper's Life of Brock, paj;c t».
' The execution of heavy giius at long distances at that time was feeble when compared to that of the rifled cannon
and conical balls used at the present day. In the year 1812, the late Ichabod Price, of New York (who died in that city
on the 1st of March, 1862, at the age of eighty-one years), suggested to the War Department both rifled cannon and con-
ical balls. He was then a sergeant of an artillery corps of tlie State of New York, who volimteered for the defense of
the state. The department would not listen to Price's proposition ; but his genius was so well attested in the presence
of President Madison that be commissioned htm a lieutenant in the regular army of the United States.
* Letter of the Secretary of Wor to Qeueral Dearborn, Aagnst 1, 1812. Of the position of affaire on the Ningnra front-
ier at this time much will be said hereafter. Suffice it to say now that Qcneral Dearborn agreed to a conditiounl nr-
mistice ^vith Sir Oeorge Prerost, an arrangement which the government of the United States subsequently repudiated.
Hi 'I deceived
noss two h
ing too soi
from Proof
from that i
a|)|iointmer
old ,'ige, ma
at 3Iahlen 1
kiMw that i
the militia (
Ho was too
tioiis of thit
inated by th
of another n
uniphed ovei
sistance of a
mayed antag
On the lit
sufficient det;
directing Jiim
attempt a for
with Colonel .
evening of th<
to escort Bru!
Cas.s, Avho not
permitted to (
3rArthur, as 8(
without a suffi
et» for repose i
between the lli
remonstrated b
• promised to sei
al with him to
provisions recei
The detachmt
ing," and the nc
head waters of
tangled in a sw
tigued by their i
when, just as tin
nions from Hull i
'I was informed by tl
m de British army In <
W8 cnusldorable, and tl
lions, was Intercepted, a
flown upon his rear, whi
» I visited the Long Pr
«s Informed, from the I
nelghoorhood were dres.
raw recruits were mixed
»a« deceived into the bel
«e soon won ,^g
'hfromAmherstburg:
ftlls, take his place. As
"jcnmstancetoshowhov
Hul'sjfr,^,.^^^^^
'teller of Colonel Cass
OF THE WAK OF 18 12.
28S
III 'I deceived by M»e Keporta nud Appearancef.
Ktcort Rent for Bruiih.
lu Fate.
iiess two hundred miles away, was cut off. His provisions, lie thought, were becom-
iiii' too scarce to warrant the risk of a I'rotractcd siege, and an intercepted letter
from Procfor to Roberts at Mackinack tiireatened a descent of live thousand Indians
from that region. Ilenmied in on every side, and his force- wasting Avith disease, dis-
appointnu'Ut, and death, his kindness of heart, and the growing caution incii' it to
ol(l age, made him timid and fearful. He diil not know that the letter from 1 octor
at Maiden had been sent for the purpose of interception to alarm him.' He did not
know that a large portion of Brock's troops, reported to him as regulars, were only
till- militia of Long Point and vicinity, dressed in scarlet uniforms to deceive him.^
IL' was too honest (whatever may be said of his military sagacity) to suspect decep-
tions of this kind, and he sincerely believed that his little army would bo exterm-
inated by the savages should he exasperate them by shedding their blood. " A man
of another mould, full of resolution and resource," says Ingersoll, " might have tri-
umplied over the time-serving negligence of his own government, and the bold re-
sistance of an enemy who could not fail to perceive that he had a feeble and dis-
mayed antagonist to deal with."'
On the 14th General Hull sent a message to Captain Brush informing him that a
gufficient detachment to escort him to head-quarters could not then be spared, and
directing him to remain where he was until farther orders, or, if ho thought best, to
attempt a forward movement by a circuitous and more inland route, after •suiting
with Colonel Anderson and Captain Jobard, the bearers of the letter. ' ^Toward the
evening of the same day, he changed his mind, and concluded to send a detaclwnent
to escort Brush to Detroit. ^ He communicated his plan to Colonels M'Ai-thur and
Cass, who not only approved of it, but volunteered to perform the duty, ^hey were
permitted to choose three hundred and fifty men from their respective regimentb. ,
jr Arthur, as senior officer, took the command ; and they left in haste in the e^^ening
without a sufficient supply o*^ provisions for a protracted absence, or even of blank-
ci» for repose in resting, for they were assured that they would doubtless meet Brush
between the Rouge and Huron, and not more than twelve miles distant. When they
remonstrated because they were dispatched with a scanty supply of provisions, Hull
, promised to send more after them on pack-horses. But Brush's orders left it option-
al with him to remain or move forward. He was not found on the way, nor were
provisions received from Hull as promised.
The detachment under M'Arthur and Cass crossed the Rouge that even- • August 14,
ing," and the next day pushed forward by a circuitous route toward the *'^**'
head waters of the Huron, twenty-four miles from Detroit, when they became en-
tangled in a swamp, and could proceed no farther. Half famished and greatly fa-
tigued by their march through the forest, they had prepared to bivouac for the night,
when, just as the evening twilight was fading away, a courier arrived with a sum-
mons from Hull to return immediately to Detroit.* The order was obeyed, and they
1 1 was inrortned by the venernble Robert Reynolds, of Amherstbnrg, who was a deputy assistant coramtssnry general
in the British army In Canada dnrlng the war, that Proctor sent a letter to Cnj/tain Roberts telling him that his force
was considerable, and that he need not send down more than five thousand Indians. This letter, according to instruc-
tiong, was intercepted, and placed in the hands of Hull, who had visions immediately of an overwhelming force coming
dowB upon his rear, while a superior army should attaclt him in fi'ont.
' I visited the Long Point region at NorwichviUe in the autumn of ISCO, where early settlers were yet living. There I
was Informed, ftom the lips of Adam Yelgh, of Bnrford, who was one of the volunteers, that all of the recruits ttom hig
neighborhood were dressed in scarlet uniform at the public expense. When they approached Sandwich he said these
raw recruits were mixed with the regulars, each volunteer being placed between two regulars. By this stratagem Hall
mw deceived into the belief that a large British force was mnrcliing against him. Yeigh was an energetic young man,
and soon won the confidence of Brock, who gave him the following directions on the day that they marched upon Sand-
wich IVom Amherstburg : If your lieutenant falls, take his place : if your captain falls, take his place ; if your colonel
falls, hike his place. As no blood was shed on the occasion, and nobody fell, Yelgh failed of promotion. He cited this
circnmstance to show how nearly he came to being a Britisli colonel.
> HMorinil Sketehe* qf the Second War, etc., 1., 81.
< Hull's Memoir oif 1M Campaisfn i\f 1812, page 73.
' l.etter of Colonel Cass to the Secretary of War, September 10, 1812.
i
in
'11
li!
(1
1 ' i ; I cf
111 ill ^
m 1^
is :|
286
PICTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dtuuuid tot tb« Bnmnder of Detroit.
Tb« Oarrlioii tbrMtaned with Mmmck.
Th« Demand rarii>«<|.
M
tan-
111
approachod )i(>it(l-pearanee, and nineh attention and rema<'k waH elicited by it, < Hpcciiij-
ly heeauHc itH top was ornamented with red and bhie HtripeH, which made it coiiHiiic.
W0U9 among the tents.' The Ih'itiuh iiad been in coimidera'de force on the ojjpositc
shore Mince tlie l'M\\, and liad been j)ermitted to throw uj) intrenchnuMitH, and to plant
a baMiiy for two eigiilcon-pounchTH and an eiglit-inch howitzer in a position to com-
mand the town and fort, notwithstanding the latter wan armed with twenty-eij^ht
pieces of heavy ordnance, whicli the artillerists were anxious to use in drivini,' the
enemy from his works. When hi.s preparations for attack were comi»let« 1, (n-ncral
Brook, at little past meridian on the Ifith, sent Lieutenant Colonel M'DontU and^Iu-
jor Olcgg from Sandwich, with a flag, to bear to General Hull a fuimm.mH for tlii'
unconditional surrender of the post. "Tiic force at my disposal," said Jirock, "au-
thorizes me to require of you the surrender of Detroit. It is far from my inclination
to join in a war of extermination, but you must be aware that the nimierous bodydf
Indians who have attached themselves to my troops will bo beyond my control the
moment tho contest commences."*
This covert threat of letting loose the blood-thirsty savages upon tho town and
garrison of Detroit deeply impressed the comnninding general with contending emo-
tions. His pride of character, and his patriotism, for which all venerated him, hmh
him figlit ; his fear of the consequences to the army and the inhabitants under liis
charge bade him surrender. His whole eflectivc force then at liis disposal did net
exceed one thousand men,' and the fort was thronged with trembling women, and
children, and decrepit old men of the town and surrounding countiy, who had fled
tliither to escaj)o the blow of the tomahawk and the keen blade of the scalping-knil'e.
For full two hours he kept the flag waiting while revolving in his mind what to do.
His troops wera confident in their ability to successfully confront the enemy, and
were eager to measure strength with him; and at length Hull mustered resolution
Buflicient to say to Brock, " I have no other reply to make than to inform you that I
am ready to meet any force which may be at yotir disposal, and any consequencos
which may result from its execution in any way you may think proper to use it."
He added, apologetically, that a certain flag of truce, sent to Maiden at about the
time Colonel Cass fell upon the British and Indians at the Aux Canards, proceeded
contrary to his orders; and that the destruction of Gowris's house at Sandwich was
also contrary to his orders.*
Hull's response to Brock, when made known, was welcomed by the troops with the
most liv(dy satisfaction ; and when the flag touched the Canada shore, the bearere
were staitled by a loud huzza from the fort at Detroit and the adjacent camp. The
time for trial, and, as Hull's little army believed, of victory for them, was at hand, and
the most active preparations to meet the foe was seen on every side. Major Jcsup
rode dow u to Spring Wells to reconnoitre the onemy at Sandwich. He was satisfied,
from the position which the Queen Charlotte had taken, that the British intended to
land ai tliat place under cover of her guns. Having selected a commanding point
for a battery from which that vessel might possibly be driven away, he hastened
back to head-quarters, and requested Hull to send down a twenty-pounder for the
puqjose. Hull refused. Jesup returned to Sjjring Wells, where he found Captain
1 M'Afee, page 86. a Brock to Hull, dated Sandwich, Angnst 15, 1812.
' Hull, In hlB report to the Secretary of War, Augmt 26, 1S12, said It " did not exceed eight hundred men." Colonel
Can, In a letter to the mme Cabinet minister, on the Iftth orSeptemher, said that the momlDg report of the 15tb " made
onr effectWe men present fit for dnty 1060." Mnior Jesup estimated them nt 980.
« When Major Denny evacuated Fort Qowrls he set Are to the picket and other works used for strengthening It, when
the flames accidentally seized the house and destroyed it.
OF THE VVAIl OF 1812.
287
BombinlmtntonrortDrtroU.
ItrltUh «nd In pliico ho iiiul Hclcctt'd for
liJH buttery. Tlii'y jKTtviv.'d tiii. t tin* ^^roiiter juirt ot'tlu' J5i ilJHli fon'o.s wt-rc iit SuikI-
^'ii'li and bot!i liUHtenod to lu-ti l-<|iiarti>rM. Jchii|) now aHktMl for oiio luindrcd mid
fifty iiH'ii to K" "^■*''' "'"' •♦p^ko t!u ciu'iny'H guns oppoMito Detroit. Hull said he eould
not spiire ho niiiny. "(Jive mo one hundred, then," Hiiid llie hnive Jewup. "Only
one hundred," wild SnelHng. iniph rhigly. " 1 will think of it," wuh llulPs reply; and
so(m iiHerwiird he c,.t»k refuge in tiui fort, for iit four o'eloek in the afternoon tlie
IJrilicli buttery of five g\inH opposite, under t)ie direction of t'uptain Dixon, of the
Koyiil EngineerH, opened upon the town, the fort, and the eanip, with Hhot and shell.
AH the troojJH, except Findlay's rei^inient, which was Ht:itioned three hundred yards
northwest oi'tho fort, wero ordoretl witlii-i the walls, crowding the work tin beyond
iU capacity.^
The Hritisl'. kept up their cannonade and bombardment nntil toward n\idnight.*
Tiie lire was returned with great spirit, and two of ihe enemy's guns were silenced
;iiul disabled.' At evening twiliglt it was suggested to Hull that as tlie fort diil
not command the river, a strong buttery might be placed near the margin of the
stream, so as to destroy the enemy as liist as they should attemj)t to land. An
clisjihle point for the purpose, in the direction of Spring Wells, was selected, but the
oeiieral, whose mind seemed to have been bcnuml)ed from the moment the enemy's
battery was opened, would listen to no suggestions of the kind; and when that ene-
my, in full force, crossed the river during the early morning of the 10th — a calm and
beautiful Sabbath morning — completing the passage in the nnuin twilight, they
wiTC allowed to land witliout the least molestation from ball or bu'let. Colonels
Elliott and M'Kee, with Tecumtha, had crossed during tlie night two miles be-
low, with six hundred Indians, and taken position in the woods to attack the
Americans on flank and rear, should they attempt to dispute the debarkation of the
rcifulars and militia, who numbered seven hundred and seventy men, with live pieces
of light artillery.* When all had 1 reakfasted, the invaders moved toward the fort;
the white troops in a single column, their left flank covered by the Indians, who kopt
ill the woods a mile and a half distant. Their right rested on the Detroit River, and
was covered by th" guns of tjie Queen Charlotte.
Lieutenant Colonel Miller, with the 4th Regiment, was now in ,o fort; and the
Ohio Volunteers and part of the Michigan militia were jiosted behind the town pali-
eailes, so as to annoy the enemy's whole left flank. The remainder of the militia
were stationed in the upper part of the town, to resist the incursions of the Indians,
I nittorical Sketches of the late War, by John Lewis Thomson, page 30.
' Durhig the evening a larj^c shell was thrown from a battery opposite where Woodward Avenue now is. It passed
over the present Jefferson Avenue, then the principal street of the town, and fell upon the roof of Aufjustus Langdon,
irhlcli stood on what is now the southerly c • of Woodward Avenue and Congress Street. Coming down through
Ihe bonne, which was two stories in l.cight, it i upon a table around which the family were seated, and went through
to tlie cellar. The family had just time to flee im tiie house, when the shell exploded, almost wrecking the building.
-Mije WilherfU. ,
' Tlie battery that did the greatest execution was placed, according to Judge WItherell, in the rear of the spot where
tbe'Jnlted States Court-house now stands. It was commanded by tieutenant Dullba, of Dyson s Artillery Corps. He
wu a brave soldier. Daring the cannonade ho stood in the ramparts, and when he saw the smoke or flash of the enc-
my'i cannon, he would call (jut to his men "Down 1" when they would drop behind the parapet until the shot had struck.
k large pear-tree stood near the battery and was somewhat in the way. Colonel Mack, of the Michigan militia, or-
dered a young volunteer named John Miller to cnt it down. John obeyed with alacrity Seizing an axe, he hewed
ma; diligently until be had about half severed the trunk, when a cannon bail fi-om the enemy cut away nearly all of
the remainder. The young man coolly turned toward the enemy and called ont, " Send us another, John Bull : you can
cil faster than I can."
It ig related that a negro was seen, on the morning of the lAth. when the shot were striking thick and fast around the
tiirt, behind a chimney on the roof of one of the barracks in the fort. lie watched the smoke of the cannon across the
tiier, and would then dodge behind the chimney. At length an eight-pound ball struck the chimney Just over his head,
iemollehed it, and coverea the skulker with brick and mortar. Clearing himself from the rubbish, and scratching his
woollf bead, he exclaimed, " What de debble you doin up dar I" He fled to a saflsr place.
i ■ According to Brock's official account, the number of troops which he marched against the fort was a little over thir-
I Iten hnndrcd, as follows ; 30 artillery ; 200 of the 4l8t Regiment ; 50 Royal Newfoundland Regiment : 400 militia, and
iboat 600 Indians. His artillery consisted of three 6-pounders and two 3-poundera.— Tapper's Life of Brock, page 260.
I Tie number of Indians was probably greater than here stated, as 1000 warriors attended a cooucil a few days before.
tJHil
MP
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li
•i t } 4
, .
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288
PlCTOllIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ilttll'ii Troopn rimtrnincd ttnm Action.
All ordered Into tbo Fort.
8ceue« within the Port.
whoHQ chiof motive in joining the Ih'itiHh Htandanl wa» plunder, and tlio free and safe
indulufenco of their foroeity. Two twenty-tbur-j)()uiitierH had Ix-en placed in brttlcry
on ill) eniinenee from which they couki sweep the advaiif ing eoliimn.' Tiie Anu'iiciin
force was eoiiKiderabiy k>ss tiian tiiat of the Britisli, white and red eombinvil, but
tlieir position was nmeh Huperior. They had four iiundred rounds of twemv-four.
pound nliot fixed ; about one hundred tiiouwtnd eartridgen prepared ; ample provisions
ibr tilU'en diiyw and more approaehing, and no lack of arms and hume animunition.''!
The invaders advanced cautiously, and had reached a point within live lunuliod
yards of the American line, near the site of (Jovernor VVoodl)riung men from the best families in Ohio, showed syinpioins of positive
mutiny at first ; and the twenly-four-])oiinder would have j)oured a ilestructive stoini
of grape-shot upmi the advancing column, notwithstanding the humiliating order, had
hot Lieutenant Anderson, who commanded the guns, acting under the general's di-
rection, forcibly restrained them, lie was anxious to reserve liis fire untii the a|i-
proachiiig column should be in the best j)osition to receive the most destructive
volleys. The guns were heavily chr.rgeil with grape-sliot, and would have wnt
terrible messengers to many of the "red-coats," as the scarlet-dressed British weiv
generally termed. The eager artillerists were about to apply' the niatch too soon,
when Anderson sprang forward, with drawn sword, and thruatem;d to out down the
first man who should disobey his on ers.
The infuriated soldiers entered the already over-crowded fort, vhile the enemy,
afler reconnoitring the fort und discovering tlie weakness of the fortification on the
land si le, prepared to storm it. Hut, before they could form for the purpose, the oc-
casion iiad ceased. The fire from the battery on the Canada shore, kept up slowly
since dawn, had become very vigorous. I']) to this time no casualty had resulted
from it witliM. the fort. Now a ball came bounding over the fort wall, dealing death
in its passage. A group standing at the door of cme of tlie ofticers' quarters were
almost annihilati'd. Captain Hancks, of Mackinaw, Lieutenant Sibley, and Dr. Rey-
nolds, who accoin])anied lluirs invalids from the Maumee to Detroit, were iimtaiuly
killed, and Dr. Blood wr..: severely winnided. Two other soldiers were killed almost
immediately afterward by another bail; ai\d still two others on the outside of the
fort were slain.
Many women and cliildrcn were in the Iiousp where the ofKeers were slain. Among
them were Genc'-al Hull's daughter and her children. Some of the v.-omen were j.ot-
rifled with affriglit, and were carried senseless to the bomb-proof vault for safety.
Several of them were bespattered with blood; and the general, who sav; the effects
of the ball from a distance, knew not whether his own child was slain or not. These
casualties, tlic precui-sors of future calamities, almost unmanned him, and he paced
the parude backward and forward in the most anxious frame of mind. At that mo
ment an officer from the Michigan militia in the town, who had observed the steady
approach of the enemy without a gun being fired from the fort or the twenty-four
' This WHS In .TelTerson Avenue, in front of the C'sbd farm, before the hill was cU down. The elevation was then aliont
the same as It Is lowat the Intersection of Wtioiiward Avenae. These giins were placed there by Mcntcniint Andersoo,
of the United Slates Kniflneera. Althoufih the landlnif-placu of the enemy at Sprinf; Wells was about three milts olTf
Aadcraou o|)eued npon the foe while they were crosslm;, but wlthont dolDg much damage.
» Colonel Care to the Secretary of War, September 10th, 18H. ' The same to the eome-
DgrrtuderofDetrul
pounders outs
cral to allow t
ish and Indian
|)ly, Imt, stej)pi
to liiK son, ('aj:
the Willis of th(
n» (> me. Th
[lectcdly seen
;i boat, with a
shore.
Captain Ifiil)
Lieutenant (^ol
negotiate the ti
ful suspicions ;
lison. Hull ha(
render.' His a^
Not a shot had
inade. For a m
dier of the Itevr
his incensed peo
disappointment.
The terms of
sued a general o
to the North »vee
to auicles of ea
' "Leonard IlarrlBoii
ilandlii); near (Joloniil i
Undliiy finid, ' Colonel
Fiiidlay f nni a soldier
imy lie would obey lili
oflhom would luive Ink
Miller's true soldierly
bcvfroloc(iiiceriilii({ lli
«(terl, wlUi six huudiT
took Fort Detroit, mul i
liuin KoliiR on below i
"Valiistiisisyotunknc
«l it. But Ocncrul Hi
Braih and I miule the b
' The white " ttnn" «
ment, by order of Oeiiei
' In his iMspntch to I
wll know the IiIkIi ros|
Mil a fiill conviction of
lifTond any former exni
Eumpe do !s not furnlsli
brave an IgBllniit omicr
l*iidod and the baydiiot
kncwitwna imposslb;,.
bm been fHrnishcd wit
iwk-horses, ihronuh a i
little army, worn down l
raliectal force of all ihc
lion consists of more thi
o'the regnlar forces of |
among the Indians, w:,!,,
Afler alludluR to Coloi
Piaradurinfjtheearapaii
sti should be dlsapprov
J«%atlonofhl8condu
■ ™ll«oflhe brave me
' It was stipulated tha
"at..'MlohipinTorritor
l^liPoommuudofCaptai
"I'll, iwhuled In the car
iliatlney should return!
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
2H9
gorrtmieroflJotrolt.
Indignation of the Troop*.
Hull Bii^w.-naii all Rfliiponttblltty.
pounder
LTS outside, cam« in haato to inquire whether it wivh tlie intention of the gon-
orul to uUow thut b(<(ly iih)iie to deiciid tlie placv ; aluu to iiiiorm hiiii tliat tlie lirit-
ishaud Indians were at tlu) tan-yard, clocc upon tiio town. Th», general inado no re-
ply, lmt,8to|>iting into a room in tlie barrickH, he pr(!j»arod a note iiastily, lianded it
10 liJK rton, C'aptain Hull, and directed him to diHplay a whitt flag immediately I'roni
tlio wallH of the fort,' where it might he Keen by Caj)tain Dixon ov(m- the river.- This
was (iwe. The liring hooii ceaHed, and in a ' announced the virtual betrayal of the gar-
rison. Hull had asked no man's advice, nor suggested to an^ the possibility of a sur-
render.* His act was quick, and as unexpected as a thinulerbolt from a (;lear sky.
Not a shot had been lired upon the emuny — not an effort to stay Ids course had been
iiiiulo. For a moment nothing hut reverence for gray hairSj and veneration for a sol-
dier of the Revolution, saved the commander from ))eisonal violence at tlie hands of
his incensed people. Many of the soldiers, it is said, shed tears of mortification and
diMppointment,
The terms of capitulation wore soon agreed to,* and the American commander is-
sued a general order saying that it was " with pain and anxiety" that lu! announced
to the North \vest Army that he had been compelled, from a sen.ie of duty, to agree
to ftuides of capitulation. M'hicli were appended to the averment. He tlien sent a
> " Leonard Ilarrion, iif Dearborn, told lao that Hoon nttcr n will e Unit whh luilHled nt the fort ho hap|>«ned to be
Minding near Ooluiiol Findlay, of the Ohio VohiiitccrH, and Li«utcnai\t Ooloiivl Mllltir, of thu Fourth Infantry. Colonel
Vlmlliiy said, ' Coloiiol Mlllur, the giiiicral tulks of u aiirrouder ; let ut put hlin under nrreBt." Miller rejilled, ' Colonel
Fiiidln.v I am u soldier ; I (shall obey my .'•upcrior ofHrcr,' Intimating that if Fiudlay would aeiumo the command of the
arm; \\« would obey him. U d the eterii old M'Arthnr, or the younger and moru impetuous Cass been priiiient, either
ottliom would have taken the reaponslbllity."— Jim/i/o U'ltherett.
MIller'K true" ooUllerly ipialitleH of obedience and ucquio'iccnco la aaown lu the carcftil manner In which, to hli wife,
hewnito conremluK tlie nurronder, from his prison at Fort Oeorgc, on the '27th day of Auguat, 1H12. " Only one week
niter I, with nix huiulred men, ooranietely conquered nlnmat the whole force which they then had, they came onttand
tiKik Fnrt Detroit, ntui made nearly two thousand of um priaouerH, on Sunday, the 10th inatant. There beliiK no opera-
tii)ii« i;ulii); on below uh I meaning Nlacura frontier] ga\.
This paroxysm of feeling was soon succeeded by dignifi>^d calmness; and in the dim
tAvilight M'Arthur and Cass, Avith their Avhole detachment, Avere marched into tlie
fort, Avhere the arms of the soldiers Avere stacked. Befoi-e the curtain of night had
been fairly di-aAvn over the humiliating scene the act of capitulation and sunendii
Avas completed — an act Avhich produced universal mortification and intense indiirna-
tion throughout the counii*y.* In less than tAvo months after war Avas declared, ami
the favorite scheme of an invasion of the enemy's provinces had been set in inotioi,
a strong military post, a spirited army, and a magnificent territory, Avitli all its in-
habitants,* had been given up Avithout an eflfbrt to save them, or a moment's Avaitiiig
lor the arrival of powerful re-enforcem(;nts and ample supplies, then on their way
from the southAvard. About two thousand men in all® became prisoner of nar,
' "Such part of the Ohio militia," he said, "as have not joined tl e army [meaning Brush's detachment at t! e RaUim
will be permitted to return to their hemes, on condition that they will not serve duriiij; the war. Their arras, tow-
ever, will be delivered up, if belonging to the public."
' They had been discovered by Broclt's scoutB, and their presence in the rear caused the British general to move \«
the attack sooner than he intended to. "Hearing," says Brocii, in his ufflclal dispatch, " that bis [M'Artliur'B] cavalry
had been sean that morning three miles in our rear, I lieclded on an immediate attack."
' On the evening of the 17th, Captain Elliott, son of Colonel Elliott, with a Frenchman and Wyandot Indian, ap-
proached Brush's encampment at the Raisin bearing a flag of truce, a copy of the capitulation at Detroit, and nuthoritv
to receive tlie surrender of Brush an 1 his command. Lieutenant Couthler, of the Kaisiu, the officer of the day, blind-
folded Elliott, and led him to the block-house. Brush was not satisfied that his visit was by autliority, or thai the ilw
ument was genuine, so he ordered Elliott's arrest and confinement. M'Arthur's letter testified to the gomiincncfs of
Blliott'B document and authority, when Brush hastily packed up the public property at the Kaisin, and, with hla wlidlo
command and his cattle, started for Ohio, directing Elliott to be released the next day. The angry Elliott scut for Te-
cunitha to pursue Brush. It was too late.— Statement of Peter Navarre (who was an eye-witness) to the Author in S«p-
tember, 1S60 ; Letter to the Author from the Hon. Elisha Whittlesey, of Ohio.
♦ Among other demonftrations in dlflfercnt i)artt of the couptry, the newspapera of the day noticed that at Grceni'-
borongh, North 'Jarolina, General Hull was hung and burat in cfllgy, " in accordance with the prescription of a public
meeting."
The whole white population of Michigan at that time was between four and five thousand. The greater part wfrt
Canadians. Tlielr settlements were chiefly on the Maumcc, Raisin, Ecorce, Rouge, Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, aoii
the island of Mackinack. They paid very little attention to agricuUnre, being engaged chiefly in hunting, fljihins;, anit
trading with the Indians. They did not produ''e siifllcient from the earth to give tliemseiveg sustenance ; and their beef.
pork, corn, and flour were brought from a distance.
< Estimates of the number actually included in the capitulation vary from 1800 to 8000. I have examined all, and
think the number was not far trom 2000.
Effect of the Surrei
These con,3i8ti
.States Keginu
teera, and one
Illation (for it
of wliich, espei
to the provin
.iiiother invad
time for prej);
ivho, as usual,
and safest as a
The formal s
At the same h
with other ofHc
from the esplai;
capituLition. 1
OK OcfOItEU, 1 7
some of tlieni g
tliein reniai'ked
liicts, " Ave must
TEOIT AuousT ]
Canada shore, a
the river from ti
rcctiy in front o)
It Avas on thi
lie took off his o
the chief Teem
ill? day Jie appei
ll'.'ise had been gi
modesty and Avitl
liody of Round I
not wan? to weai
myself is present.
The volunteer
officers, wefe pei
c!ia:-ed at Detr(
«liich point they
•IS prisoners of a»-
cmharkcd on boa
veycd to Fort Er
('corgc, Aviiere thi
post they were es
General Hull ai
^'6th of August,
siiiTeiider and att
•Hal at Montrea
' The spoils were 2Nio
po'lier, a stand of colors
f "• She was immedlai
lerherenfte^ln til" Brit' '
'Tbegnnisoniiagsurr
loi" cannon was retal
«««l Frankfort, Kentuck
'"yb. It ha, the Brit
"er the surrender, O
»>» then (X'cupicd by Mr
' II WMUnll'g Intention
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
291
Effect of the Surrender.
IncideiiU.
DlnpoBnl of the Prisoners.
These con.?i8ted of two squadrons of cavalry, one company of artillery, the 4th United
States lii'giiiient, and detaclinients from the 1st and 'Ml ; three regiments of Ohio Volun-
teers, and one regiment of the Michigan militia. The British obtained by this capit-
ulation (for it was not a victory) a large amount of arms, ammunition, and stores, all
of wliieli, especially arms, were greatly needed in I'pper Canada.' It was a godsend
to the provinces in every aspect. The surrender caused months of delay before
another invading army could be brought into the fieid, and thus gave the British.
time for prejjaration ; and it secured the friendshij) and alliance of savage tribes,
who, as usual, were ready to join whatever side seemed to be the stronger party,
iind safest as an ally.
The formal suri-ender of the fort and garrison took place at meridian, on the 16th.*
At the same hour the next day (Monday, the 1 7th) General Brock and his statt",
with other officers, ai)peared in full uniform, and in their presence a salute was fired
I'roin tiic esplanade in front of the fort, with one of the brass cannon included in the
capitulation. It bore the following inscription: "Taken at Sakatoga on the 17tii
OF OcrroKEK, 1777." When the British officers saw this, they were so delighted that
some of them greeted the old British captive, now released, with kisses ; and one of
them remarked to Colonel Hatch, from whose raannscript narrative I have gained the
facts, " we must have an addition put to that inscription, namely, ' Retaken at De-
troit August 16,1812.'"^ The salute was ansAvered by Di.von's battery on the
Canada shore, and by the Queen Charlotte, which came sweeping up the middle of
thi' liver from tlie waters between Spring Wells and Sand^vich, and took position di-
rectly in front of the town.*
It was on this occasion that General Brock paid marked respect to Tecnmtha.
He took off his own rich crimson silk sash and publicly placed it round the waist of
the chief. Tecumtha received it with dignity and great satisfaction ; but the follow-
ing day he appeared without the badge of lionor. Brock apprehended that r.ome ol-
fnse had been given to the chief, but, on inquiry, he found that Tecumiha, with great
modesty and v/ith the most delicate exhibition of prai**e, had placed tho sash upon the
Iwdy of Round Head, a celebrated and remarkable Wyandot warrior, saying, " I do
not want to wear such a mark of distinction, when an older and abler warrior than
myself is present."
The volunteers and militia who were made prisoners, and some minor regular
otiieers, wei'e permitted to return home on parole. Those of Michigan were dis-
cliarged at Detroit, and the Ohio Volunteers ^vere borne in vessels to Cleveland, from
which point they made their way home General Hull and the regulars were hold
as prisoners of war, and sent to Montreal.^ They M'cro taken to Maiden, and there
eml)arked on board the Queeti Charlotte, Jlitntcr, and other public vessels, and con-
veyed to Fort Erie, opposite Buffalo. From that point they were marched to Fort
George, where they were agtiin placed in vessels and sent to Kingston. From that
post they were escorted by ?and to Montreal.
General Hull and his fellow-prisoners reached Fort George, on the Niagara, on the
■Ml of August, when the commander immediately wrote a lengthy report of the
surrender and attendant events, but was not pennitted to forward it, until his ar-
rival at Montreal.^ Information of the disaster bad already reached General Van
' The spoils were 2P0O stand of arms ; twcnty-flve Iron, and eight brass pieces of ordnance ; forty barrels of gnn-
pos'der, a stand of co'ors, and a great quantity and variety of military stores. The armed brig Aitnmii also became n
priif. She was immediately put in complete order, and her name changed to Detroit, under which title we sliall meet
ter hereiifter, in th" Brit'fh service.
' The gun ison il»g surrendered on that occasion was taken to Montreal by 'Captain Glegg, Brock's aid-de-csrop.
' This cauuon was retaken ftom the British at the battle of the Thames, in October, 1S13. I saw it in the state arse-
Mlat t^riuikfort, Kentucky, when I visited that city In April, 1S«1. It Is a .imall three-pounder, three feet four Inches
in length. It has the British mark of the broad arrow upon It, and the date of " ITTS."
'.\nerlhe furrenrter. General Hull returned to his own house, where he haci resided as Governor of Hicbigan, It
nr then wcupicd by Mr. Hickman, his son-in-law. A British guard at. -nded hii.n.— Wallace.
' U was Unll's intention to forward his dispatch from Fort George by Mi-jor Wltherell, of the Michigan Volnr.teers ;.
i
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Courier's remnrkable Ride.
British Occnpatton uf Detroit and Michigan.
General Brock knighted.
/2i'J^
* Angnst 16,
1812.
ReriS8ela«r, at Lowiston, and he had
promptly sent the news by express to
General Dearborn, the senior comnmnd-
er in the army, whose heafl-quarters at
that time were at Greenbush, opposite
iMbany, on the Hudson River. For
th.s important errand Van Rensselaer
emj)loyed Captain Darby Noon tiie
leader of a fine company of A]l)anv
Volunteers, who were then stationed at
or near Fort Niagara, Captain Noon
was a man of great energy, and lie ne,-.
formed the service in an incredibly
short space of time. He rode express
all the way, changing his horses by ira-
pressing them when necessary, assur-
ing the owners of remuneration from
the government. He neither slept on
the way. nor tasted food, exceptinf
what he ate on horseback. When he
arrived at Greenbush, he was so much
exhausted that he had to be lifted from
his horse, and he Avas compelled to re.
main in his bed for several days. '
On the djiy of the surrender,* General Brock issued a proclamation to
the inhabitants of Michigan, in which they were assured of protection in
life, property, and religious observances, and were called upon to give up all public
property in the Territory. Having made arrangements for the civil and military oc-
cupation of the Territory, and leaving Colonel Proctor in command of a garrison of
two hundred and fifty men at Detroit, he hastened back to York, where he arrived
on the 27th,'' and was received with the greatest enthusiasm by the peo])le,
who regarded him as the savior of the province. In the short space of
nineteen days he had met the Legislature, arranged the public afiairs of the prov-
ince, traveled about three hundred miles to confront an invader, and returned the
possessor of that invader's whole army and a vast territory, about equal in area to
Upper Canada. Henceforth, during his brief career, he was the idol of the Canadi-
ans, and the Prince Regent, representing the majesty of Great Britain, cre-
ated him a baronet.'^'*
Wliile General Hull was on his way toward Montreal, Colonel Cass, at the request i
of Colonel M' Arthur, was hasting to Washington City, " for the purpose," as he said,
" of communicating to the government such particulars respecting the expedition j
lately commanded by Brigadier General Hull, and its disas*''ous results, as might en-
able them correctly to appreciate the conduct of the officers and men, and to devclopi
the causes which produced so foul a stain upon the national character."^ This coni-i
but Brock having gone directly to York, the commander of the post wonld not take the responsibility of nllowiii!; hiil
prisoner to correspond with his trovernment. Fi „m Montreal he sent bis dispatch, dated August 'iflth, by LlfuloDantl
Anderson, of the Artillery, to the Secretarj of War.— Hull's Ijttter to the Seeretar;/ of War, Montreal, September S, WIS. J
' Darby Noon was a native of Ireland, and a man of great personal worth. He raised and equipped a volunteer com-l
pany at Albany, almost entirely at his own expepse, and In ISIS was commissioned a majoi In the 41st Regiment or]
New York State Mlll'ila. His wife was Caroline Broome, daughter of Lieutenant Governor Broome, of New York. MiJ
Jor Noon survived the war only eight years, dying in September, 1823. Prom his widow, who died In 1S01, 1 recelvei
the above portrait of the g|
|ntCD3llt|
B,1SU.
rer comj
Imcnt otj
Ik. «>■!
|recelve<
lofOcloi
IretedJ
kytotbl
OF THE WAIt OP 181?.
203
ColoDcl Caas'B Stateineut about fhe Surreuder of Detroit.
Public ludlguation.
A mlHcliievons Arinlatice.
raunication was made in writing on the 10th of September, in wliich was given an
outline history of events near Detroit, from the landing in Canada nntil the surrender.
It exl>il)ited mucli warmth of feeling, and its cii'culation in print prijudiced the pub-
lic mind against Hull, and intensified tb j indignant reproaches which the first intel-
ligence of the surrender liad caused to oe hurled at the head of the unfortunate gen-
eral. It also diverted public attention for the moment from the palpable inefliciency
of the War Department,' the effects of the armistice, and the injurious delays of
General Dearborn,^ to Avhich much of the disaster should properly be charged. Col-
onel Cass's opinions, as well as facts, were eagerly accepted by the excited public as
veritable history, and few had words of palliation to offer for the captive veteran
when they read the following glowing, dogmatic words at the conclusion of the young
colonel's letter : " To see the whole of our men, flushed with the hope of victory,
eagerly awaiting the approaching contest — to see them after\)fard dispirited, hope-
less, and desponding, at least five hundred shedding tears, because they were not al-
lowed to meet their country's foe and to fight their country's battles, excited sensa-
tions wliich no American has ever before had cause to feel, and which, I trust in God,
will never again be felt wliile our men remain to defend the standard of the Union.
Confitftnt I am that, had the courage and conduct of the general been equal
to the spirit and zeal of the troops, the event would have been as brilliant and suc-
cessful as it is disastrous and dishonorable.^
General Hull and his fellow-captives amved at Montreal on Sunday afternoon, the
6th of September, and attracted much attention. The prisoners numbered, rank and
file, three hundred and fifly. They were escoi-ted from Kingston by one hundred and
thirty men, under Major Heathcote, of the Newfoundland Regiment. At Cornwall,
opposite St. Regis, they were met by Captain Gray, of the Quarter-master's depart-
ment, who took formal charge of the prisoners. They had other escoi of troops until
iUt of government, Huntington accompanied him to Washington, at the roqueat of General Wadsworth. When
fflthln two days ride of the national capital, Cass was prostrated by sickness. Huntington pressed forward, and was
ihe llrst to give positive information of Hull's surrender, to the Sesretary of War. This made Dr. Enstls impatient for
the arrival of Cass. " The Secretary at War," wrote Huntington, " was very desirous to see him, and requested me to
(" ifter hlra in a carriage. X met '..im the first day, about thirty-flve miles from this. He had recovered sufflciently to
parsne the journey."— Autograph Letter of Governor Huntington to Oeueral Meigs, Washington City, September
12,1S12.
1 Secretary Kustie seems to have been so conscious of his fatal mistaiie in not sending his letter to Hull, announcing
the declaration of war, by which his vessel and its precious contents, captured at Maiden at the beginning of July, jnlght
hire been saved, that, as late as the 16th of December, four months after the surrender of Detroit, he gave evidence of
hi! belief that public opiulon would lay the responsibility of the disaster upon him. In a letter to General Dearborn
of that date, he said : " Fortunately for yon, the want of success which has attended the campaign will be attributed
to the Secretary of War. So long as you enjoy the confidence of the government, the clamor of the discontented should
Dotbe regarded." Governor Huntington, in his letter to Governor Meigs, mentioned in the preceding note, sold : " The
ithole blame is laid at the dooi' of the present administration, and we are told that if De Witt Clinton had been our
president, the campaign would have been short and glorious— it would have been short, no doubt, and terminated by an
ingloriuns i)eace."— Autograph Letter, Washington City, September 12, 1812.
> General Dearborn, early In August, signed an armistice, entered Into between himself and Sir George Prevoat, for a
cessation of hostilitie.i until the will of the United States government 3hould be known, there then being, it was supposed,
propositions for peace on the part of Great Brltniu before the Cabinet at Washington. On this account Sir George had
issued positive instnictlons for a cessation of hostilities. Dearborn signed the armistice on the nth of August. Had he
HDt a notice of It by express to Hull, as that ofllccr did of his surrender to Dearborn, Detroit might have been saved,
tir it would have reached Hull before the 16th of August, and the imperative commands of Provost would have pre-
vented Brock's acting on the oflfenslve. Meanwhile Hull's supplies and re-enforcements would have arrived from Ohio,
udmadc him strong enough to invade Canada again at )hc conclusion of the armistice. But instead of sending ii
notice of the armistice to Hull by express, Dearborn, like the Secretary of War with his more Important dispatches,
iitniBted his letter to the Irregular malls, and It wa^ actually nine days going from Albany to Buffalo 1 The first
Mmatlon of an armistice which Hull received was while on his way toward the Niagara as a prisoner of war.
' Lewis Cass was bo.-n at Exeter, New Hampshire, on the nth of October, 1782. At the age of seventeen years ho
dossed the Alleghany Mountains on foot, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, where he studied law, and was active in pro-
(Ndiogs against Aaron Burr. JeflTerson appointed him Marshal of Ohio in 180T. He took an active part in the war of
ISIiintheWest, and, late in 1813, President Madison appointed him Governor of the Territory of Michigan. He held
that position till 1831, when he was called to the Cabinet of President .Jackson as Secretary of War. In 18i«( he wenl
to France as American Minister at the Court of St. Cloud. He returned home in 1842. He was elected United States
Senator by the Legislature of Michigan in 1846, and he held that position until called to Buchanan's Cabinet in 1867. He
nsiinied that position at near the close of 1860, because he could not remain associated with the President's confidential
I idtisers, who, he was satisfied, were plotting treason ngainst bis country. He retired froiu public life, and died at
Detrult OP the ITth of June, 1S66, at the age of elghty-fuur ye«rb.
\Y^
^K— 1
I
H
i!
ill!
Ill I
I 'l^liii
! I
204
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hull In Captivity.
A Court-martial callei* to Try bim.
Its Cuniposltiou and DeclnloD.
they reached the vicinity of Montreal
when they were left in cliargo of tin'
militia until preparations coukl be made
for the formal entrance into tlic citv.
This was not accomplished until quite
late in the evening, when they were
marched in in the presence of a great
concourse of rejoicing people, who had
illuminated the streets through which
the triumphal procession passed, (ien-
oral Hull was received M'ith great jxilite-
ness by Sir George Prevost, the Gov-
ernor General and Commander-iii-chief
and invited to make his residence at his
mansion during his stay in Montreal,
On Tliursdav following," .„ . ,
General Hull and eight of I812.
his officers set out for tm3 United States
on tlieir parole.
General Hull retired to his farm at
Newton, Massachr setts, from wliieh ho
was summoned to appear before a court-
martial at Philadelphia on the 2oth of
February, 1813, of which General Wade
Hampton was appointed president. The members appointed consisted of three
brigadier generals, nine colonels, and three lieutenant colonels ; and the eminent A. J.
Dallas, of Pennsylvania, was judge advocate. This court was dissolved by the Presi-
dent without giving a reason for the act ; and, almost a year afterward, Hull wa?
summoned to appear before another, to convene at Albany, New York. It met on
the 3d of January, 1814. General Dearborn was the president, and he was assisted
by three brigadier generals, four colonels, and five lieutenareauf
ill?-
Ihill had warne
"The rolls of the army
tail- The general court-:
I ' These were published
"tfrn Army of the United
liml in the vessel in whic
I iraliong he vainly applied
I MlnnHlJohn C.Calhoun I
wed copies to bo made r
j»rt mentioned.
I ' "» ''"s 'ilways calm, tr
liistary wonid nt last do hi
ifcerarrender of Detroit, ai
*romp«,v,no/lsi2Kvhi8
I ?*'' «"h the general at
i Too retnrn to your family
h»e™j-ed the Inhabitant^
""tVnllace.oueofHul
W me that he thought the.
"terans who took the field
pulages. Oursuperaununi
j!
liK'tt
lis
\>
liH'li -'''"
^\'^'
iill
ilH^B
fl 1
„Md
(Iwira
1 1
O F T 11 E WA U OP 18 1 2.
295
Uoll pardoned by the Pre»tdeDt.
A Conaideratluu of Hull's public Character.
tlla uwu Uofeuse.
The court strongly recommended him to tlie mercy of the President, on account of
his nfi;e and his revohitionary services. Mr. Mudison pardoned him, and lie retired
to liis fiirm, to live in comparative obscurity, under a cloud of almost universal re-
proach, for iibout twelve years. He wrote a vindication of his conduct in the cam-
naiiju of 1812, in a scries of letters, jjublished in the American Statesnian newspaper
ill Boston,' and on his dying bed he declared his belief that he was right, as a sol-
ilier and n, man, in surrendering Detroit. lie had the consolation of feeling, before
his death, a growing sympathy for him in the partially disabused public mind, which
urophesied of future vindication and just appreciation.^
I have given, in tills and the preceding chapter, as faithful a general history of
Iliiii's campaign as a careful and dispassionate study of documentary and other con-
ti'inporaneous narratives, written and verbal, have enabled me to do, I have record-
ed what I believe to be undoubted facts. As they stand in the narrative, unattended
hy analysis, comparison, or argument, they present General Hull in his conduct of the
campaign in some instances in an unfavorable iight : not as a traitor — not as an act-
ual coward, but as bearing to the su[)erficial reader the semblance of both. But,
after weighing and estimating the value of these facts in connection with current cir-
cumstances to which they bore positive relationship — after observing the composition
of the court-martial, the peculiar relations of the court and the witnesses to the ac-
cused, and the testimony in detail, the writer is constrained to believe that General
Hull was actuated throughout the campaign by the purest impulses of patriotism and
humanity. That he was loeak, we may allow ; that he was wicked, we can not be-
lieve. His weakness, evinced at times by vacillation, was not the child of cowardice,
but of excessive prudence and caution, born of thi noblest sentiments of the human
heart. These, in his case, were doubtless enhanced by the disabilities of waning
physical vigor.' He was thus far down the westem slope of lif ,when men counsel
more than act. The ]> He was always calm, tranquil, ond happy. He knew that his country would one day also understand him, and thnt
hLMarjr wonld at last do him justice. He was asked, on his death-bed, whether he still believed he had done right in
theinrrender of Detroit, and he replied that he did, and was thankfiil that he had been enabled to do it.— HMory of
fcromjKiii/nn/lSlZ, by his grandson, James Freeman Clark, page B(i6. Mr. Wallace, one of his aids, says that when he
pirted with the general at Detroit to return home, the white-haired veteran said, " God bless you, my young friend 1
Ton return to your family without a stain ; as for myself, I have sacrificed a reputation dearer to me than life, but I
ksve saved the inhabitants of Detroit, and my heart approves the act."
' Mr. Wallace, one of Hull's aids, whose testimony we have before alluded to, sayg : " General Cass has since declared
I » me that he thought the main defect of General Hull was the ' imbecility of age,' and it was the defect of all the old
«leran8 who took the field In the late war. A peaceftil government like ours must always labor under similar diaad-
Tutages. Our Bupcraunuated officers must be culled Into gervlce, or men without experience must command our nrrn-
ift"
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Government more to H'.me than Hall.
A Bcape-Kont wanted und found.
BlogrBpblcal Sketch of Hull.
aila without better preparation. But the yottng hot-bloods of the administration-
Clay, and others — coultl not wait ; and the President and his Cabinet, lacking all tin-
essential knowledge for planning a campaign, had sent him on an errand of vast im-
portance and difficulty without seeming to comprehend its vastness, or estimating the
means necessary for its accomplishment. The conception of the campaign was a huge
blunder, and Hull saw it ; and the failure to put in vigorous motion for his sniiport
auxiliary and co-operative forces, was criminal neglect. Wlien the result was foinid
to be failure and humiliation, the administration perceived this, and sought a rcfujrp.
Public indignation nmst be appeased — the lightning of the j)ublic wrath must be
averted. General Hull was made the chosen victim for the peace-offering — the sin-
bearing scaj)e-goat ; and on his head the fiery thunderbolts were hurled. The grass
has grown greenly upon his grave for more than forty years. Let his faults (for, like
all men, he was not immaculate) also be covered with the verdure of bliad Charity.'
Two generations have passed away since the dark cloud first brooded over his fair
fiime. We may all see, if we will, with eyes unfilmed by prejudice, the silver edglnf;
which tells of the brightness of good hitentions behind it, and prophesies of evanish-
ment and a clear sky. Let History be just, in spite of the clamors of hoary Error.
" ' TIs Btrnnge how many nnimagincd charges
Can Bwarm upon a man, when once the lid
Of the Pandora-box of contumely
Ib •
drizzling rain moi
» We listened
in the afternoon f
the prospect of fin
the aflernoon, but
At nine o'clock a
rain until past mi(
morning —
Tiie sky was clou(
liad felt since the
fame from the far-
' the hills.
jUan^arly houi
!*n above tide water Is!
I The residence of the lal
tteooraorofFortandCaB.
"wtorled building, wlthl
•fSecond Street.
OF THE VVAK OF 18 12.
207
Journey from Chicago to Detroit
A BabbBth in Dttrott.
CHAPTER XV.
"And '.vlio Hupplies the murderous mcol /
And who preparcH the ba8o rowurd
Thnt wiikcs to ileedB of desperate zeal
The fliry of each Hlumbcrin); horde f
From Britain conien each fatjil blow ;
From Britain, still our deadliest foe."
TiiK Kentucky Voi.itntiiib ; ut a Ladt,
[T was a beautiful, clear breezy morning, early in October, 1800, when
/-^ t' T writer left Chicago, with his family, to visit tlie theatre
Oi events described in the two preceding chapters. We took
the Michigan Central train for Detroit, and soon lost sight of
the marvelous metropolis of Illinois, and Lake Michigan, on
which it stands.* We swept rapidly around the magnificent
curve of the head of the lake, and after leaving the sand dunes
of Michigan City, and the withered bud of a prospective great
mart of commerce at New Buffalo, traversed a beautiful and fertile country in the
western half of the lower part of the peninsula and State of Michigan. Large streams
of water, mills, neat villages, broad fields covered with ripe corn, spacious barns, and
hurdy people, seen all along the way to Marshall, where we dined, and beyond, pi'o-
cLiimed general prosperity. Among the most considerable sti'eams crossed during
the day were the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Huron. Over the latter,
in its crooked course, we passed several times when approaching the metroi)oli8
(Lansing is the capital) of Michigan. It was the dusk of mere starlight when we
traveli'd over that section of the route, and it was late in the evening when we reach-
ed Detroit, and found a pleasant home at the Russell House for the few days of our
sojourn in that neighborhood.
The following day was the Sabbath. The air was as warm as in early June. A
drizzling rain moistened all the streets and caused small congregations in the church-
es. We listened to the full, powerful voice of Bishop M'Coskry in the moniing, and
in the afternoon strolled with a friend far down beautiful Fort Street,'* and enjoyed
tlie prospect of fine residences and ornamental gardens. The sun shone brightly all
the afternoon, but in the evening heavy clouds came rolling up from the southwest.
At nine o'clock a thunder-storm burst over the city, which sent down lightning and
rain until past midnight. No traces of this elemental tumult were seen above in the
morning —
"The thunder, trfimplng deep and loud.
Had left no foot-marks there."
Tiic sky was cloudless, and a cool breeze from the northwest — cooler than any we
hi felt since the dog-days — reminded us that autumn had succeeded summer. It
came from the far-off region beyond Mackinack, where snow had already \> uitened
the hills.
At an earl y hour I started for Monroe, on the site of old Frenchtown, on the river
• This is the largest of the lakes that lie wholly within the United States. It is 830 miles long, and has an average
>idth of (io miles. It contains lt(,981 square uiiles, or 10,868,000 acres. Its average depth is about 900 feet, and its ele-
ntion above tide water is about .SOO feet.
' The residence of the late General Cass was on this street. It was a spacious but very modest wooden bnildiner, on
He comer of Port and Cass Streets, a little westward of the site of the ..Id fort. IIIb former residence — a small, low,
me^torled building, with four dormer windows— was yet standing, ou the west side of Lamed Street, near the corner
of Second Street.
: ■
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PICTOniAL FIELD-BOOK
A Trip from Detroit to Amheratbnrg.
One of the " oldeit Inhuhltant'a" Recollection! of the War iit im.
Itiiisiii, to visit tlio |»Iiicoh of hintoric intcrcHt in tluit vicinity, wlicro I spent tlic day
lilcjisantly and profitably. Oftlii' events of tliat day I siiall write lien-after. On the
■Ociobcro, fbllowiiifi niorning" I j)roeured a horse and ii^Jit wajjon, erossed tlic tiny
1800. to the Canada shore at Windsor, and started for Andierstbiirj^, eightoeii
miles down the stream toward Lake Erie. In the lower part of Windsor I sketcluMl
Colonel Habie's house, delineated on pajrc 202, and then rode on to Sandwich, two
miles below, where 1 met one of that famous class known as " the oldest inhabitaiitH"
in the ))erson of Mr. John H. Laufjiiton, who was born in Detroit, but who has been a
British subject from his early years. When, in 1700, the post of Detroit was evinu.
ated by the British, according to the provisions of the treaty of 17h;j, many residents
of English, Irish, and Scottish line.
Jige, preferring "not to be Yankees,"
!is Mr. Laugliton said, crossed the
river and settled a" )ng its Canail;i
shore. Mr. Laughton was a num-
ber of the Kent militia in 1812 ; and from Sandwich he saw the white flag that |)ro-
claimed the surrender of Detroit. He was then a young man twenty-two yt;.rs of
age. He was afterward in the affair known as the V)attle of the Long Woods, in
Canada ; also at the battle of Chippewa, where he lost a brother killed ; and at that
of Niagara, where he lost his own liberty, and was sent a prisoner to Greenbush, op-
posite Albany. He related many interesting circumstances connected with flie sur-
render. He spoke of the Canadian Volunteers in the uniforms of regulars, by whioli
Hull was deceived ; and said that among the Indians who followed Brock into the
tort at Detroit were several Canadians, [)ainted and dressed like the savages, who
each held up a white arm to show Hull that they had defied the menace in his j)roi'-
lamation respecting the treatment of such offenders.
Sandwich was an exceedingly pleasant village. Around it were orchards of pear
and apple trees of great size, which attested the fact that it is one of the oldest settle-
ments in Canada. Here the disbanded French soldiers settled after the peace of
Paris in 1703. The houses had pleasant gardens attached to them; and as the town
was the capitjil of Essex County, it contained a jail and court-house, and the resi-
dence of the county officers.
I left Sandwich toward noon, and a little past meridian crossed Turkey Creek.
For i?everal miles below SandAvich the banks of Detroit are low and sandy. The
road, lying much of the way in sight of the river, was in excellent condition, and
with the picturesque and interesting scenery forms a most attractive drive in pleasant
weather. Passing through the Petit Cote settlement,.! arrived at a neat little tavern
near tlie northern bank of the Atix Canards, where I met an old French Canadian
who was present Avhen Cass, and Findlay, and M'Arthur, and Snelling made thoir
military visits there in 1812. He was loyal then, but quiet; and wiien it was safe
to do so, in the absence of the Americans, he furnished the Queen Charlotte with
vegetables. He pointed out the ridge from which JM'Arthur reconnoitred the whole
position, and also the spot where Colonel Cass planted his six-pounder, and " blazed
away" at the enemy on the southern sJiore of the stream. The bridge seen in the
centre of the picture on page 264 was upon the site of the old one, and, like it, was
reached by a causeway at both ends. I sketched the scene, then crossed the Am
Canards over the causeway and the bridge, and hastened on to Amherstburg, for
the day was rapidly wearing away. Most of the way from Aux Canards, or Ta-
ron-tee, to Amherstburg, the river bank is high, and the road passing along its niargin
was thickly settled, for the farms were narrow. Most of the houses were large, with
fine gardens around them. Among the most attractive of these was " Rosebank," i
the residence of Mr. James Dougall, an eminent horticulturist, about three miles from j
Amherstburg.
Tin Vicinity of Ai
It was neai
ence. I soon
on the lefl by
in heigiit, witl
hundred and t
anninited Brit
riijht of the i-c
H-as Fort Mall
|)iii-|)oses than
parent nsylurn
remained. Tii
"Patriot War,'
break in tho Cn
Anilierstburg
by the French.
irreifular stones,
ordering dinner
and other jilaces
lieet on Lake Er
n large red stone
'fnsive view of th(
Island on the right,
for wood, was precii
'lie ship under sail (
Erie. Looking a 11
house, near which i
hroupofsailsat th
I'I'lock-liouse on th
slup-yai-fl, near the f
After dinner I vis
'ion, surrounded by
'''"'•g. From his grc
|IO'f|i^
OF THE WAH OF 1812.
200
Th« Vlclnliy of Amhoriitbiirg.
Illitorlcal LucaUtiei.
It was nearly thrco o'clock when the stoeplcH of Aniherstburg announced its preB-
onco. I •*""" crosHcd a beautiful open plain, whereon cattle were grazinj;, bi>uii(lc,'ed with Putnam in Nortliem
New York, arrived with re-enforcements for the fort at the chisc of tiie montli, aixl
obtiiined permission of the comnmndant to attack Pontiac at once. A perti within the fort api)arently unmoved by Ww tenors of
the scene. He related many interesting particulars of occurrences within the fort at
that time, and i., was with real regret that I felt compelled to make the interview
short, for I had made an engagement to call on Mr. Robert M. Eberts, a native of De-
troit, and a resident of that place since his birth in 1804. Mr. Eberts Mas full of in-
teresting remmiscences, and the half hour passed M'ith him M'as one of real pleasure
and protit.^ Late in the evening I returned to the RasBpll House, copied the ])itture
of Mackinack on page 207, and early the following morning — a cold, blustering, The place of confllctat the Sand Tlills wnH on the site of a lot (vacant when I visited It in 1860) in the rear of the
honro of the late Widow Clark, between Indiana and Michigan Avenuea, .'lut south of North Street, and about flily rudi
frjm the lalie. .
Incidents of the
"^^
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
809
Incidents of tbe Conflict with the Savaf;e8.
Death of Captain Wells.
Bravery of Women.
and gained a sliglit eminence on tlie prairie near a grovo called Tlie Oak Woods.
The savagea did not ])ur8iie. They gathered upon the Sand IlillH in consultation, and
cave signs of willingness to parley. Farther conflict with them would be rashness ;
so Taptain Ileald, ac A writer, signing his communication "An Officer," under date of "Buffalo, March 8, 1818," speaks of the nrrlvsl
there of Mrs. Helm, and her narrative of sufferings at and after the massacre at Chicago. "She knows the fact," be
says, " that Colonel Proctor, the British commander at Maiden, bought the scalps of our mnrdered garrison at Chicago,
and, thanks to her noble spirit, eh'! boldly charged him with the Infamy In his own house." This independence was
probably the cause of the cruel treatment which she and her husband received at the h>f'« of Proctor. She and her
husband, after several weeks of captivity among the Indians, were united at Detroit, whviv. i .. -tor caused them both
to be arrested, and sent on horseback, in the dead of a Canadian winter, across the wilderness to Fort George, on tbe
Niagara frontier. The writer farther says concerning the statements of Mrs. Heald, " She knows, f^om the tribe with
whom she was a prisoner, and who were the perpetrators of those murders, that they intended to remain true, bnt that
they reixived orders bom the British to cut off our garrison whom they were to escort."— NUes's Weekly RegitUr, April 3,
1818.
. > John Kinzie, who bore so conspicnouB a part in the events we are considering, was bom in Quebec, in 1763, tml
was the only offspring of his mother's second marriage. His father died while he was an infant, and bis mother mar-
ried a third time, and with her husband (Mr. Forsythe) removed to the city of New York. At the age of ten yean
guvlrors of thi
OF THE WAlt OF 1812.
811
gurlvora oflhs Manaor* at Chicago,
Sketch of Mr. Klnxle.
Remain! of the Fort.
house, where they were greeted by the friendly lilack Partridge. Mrs. Helm was
placed in the house of Ouilmette, a Frenchman, by the same friendly hand. But these
and all the other prisoners were exposed to great jeopardy by tlie arrival of a band
of fierce Pottawatomies from the Wabash, who yearned for blood and plunder. They
scarelied the houses for prisoners with keen vision, and when no farther concealment
and safety seemed possible, some friendly Indians arrived, and so turned the tide of
affairs that the Wabash savages were ashamed to owu their blood-thirsty iuten-
tlons.'
In this terrible tragedy in the wildeniess fifty-five years ago, twelve children, all
the masculine civilians but Mr, Kinzie and his sons. Captain Wells, Surgeon Van V'wr-
heeo^Knsign Ronaii, uiid twcnly-six private soldiers, were murdered. The prison-
ers were divided among the captors,^ and were finally reunited, vr restored to their
friends and families. A few of them have survived until our day. Mrs. Rebecca
IleaUl died at the St. Charles Mission, in yissouri, in the year 1800. Major John II.
Kinzie, of Chicago (husband of the writer of " Wau-bun"), his brother Major Robert
A. Kinzie, and Mre. Hunter, wife of General David Hunter, of the National Army, arc
[1867] surviving children of Mr. Kinzie, and were with their mother in the boat.
The brothers were both oflicers of Volunteers during the late Civil War; and a most
promising sou of John Kinzie became a martyr for his cou? try in that war, Paul do
Ganno, another survivor, was living at Maumee City, Ohio, when I visited that place
in 1860, but I was not aware of the fact until after I had left. Jack Smith, a . '*ilor
on the lakes, who was a drummer-boy at tlie time, was alive within the last two or
three yeai'S. It is believed that no other survivors of the massacre are now [1807]
living.
On the morning after the massacre the- fort was burned by the Indians, and Chi-
cago remained a desolation for about four years. In 1810 the Pottawatomies ceded
to the United States all the land on which Chicago now stands, when the fort was
rebuilt on a somewhat more extended scale, and the bones of the massacred were col-
lected and buried. One of the block-houses of the new fort remained, near the bank
of the river, until 1850, when it was demolished. The view here given (by whom
joang Ktnzie was placed In a school in Wtlllamsbnrg, near Long Island. One day he made his way to the North River,
got ou board of an Albany sloop, and started for Quebec. Fortunately for him, he found a passenger who was on his
way to that city, who took charge of him. At Quebec the boy apprenticed himself to a silversmith. Three years after-
ward, his family, having returned to Canada for the purpose of moving to Detroit, discovered him. They hud supposed
him lost forever. When he grew up he loved the wilds. He became a trader, and lived most of the time on the ft-ontler
and among the Indians. He eBtabllshed trading-houses. He married the widow of a British officer in ISOO, and settled
at Chicago iu 1804. There ho became a captain in 1812, and In January, 1813, Joined his family at Detroit. There he
was badly treated by General Proctor, who cast him into prison at Maiden. Ho was Anally sent to Quebec, to be for-
warded to England, for what purpose was never known. The vessel In which he sailed was compelled to put back,
when he was released and returned to Detroit, where he fonnd General Harris In possession. He and his family re-
turned to Chicago in 'i810, when the fort was rebuilt. Mr. Kinzie died there on the 6th of Jonuary, 182S, at the age of
slity-llve years. This was two years before the town of Chicago was laid out into lots by commissioners appointed by
the state.
' The leader of the friendly party was Billy Caldwell, a half-breed and a chief. The Black Partridge told him of the
etldent intentions of the Wabash Indians. They had blackened their faces, and were then seated sullenly In Mr.
Kinzle'B parlor, preparatory to a general massacre of all the remaining white people. Billy went In, took off his ac-
coutrements, and said, iu a careless way, " How now, my friends 1 A good day to you. I was told there were enemies
here, but I am glad to And only friends. Why have you blackened your faces f Is It that you are mourning for your
friends lost in battle f Or Is it that yon are fhsting t If so, ask our friend here (Mr. Kinzie), and he will give you to
eaL He is the Indian's fl-iend, and never yet refused them what they had need of." The hostile savages were sur-
priaed and overwhelmed with shame.— Mrs. KInzte's Wmt-fmn, page 238.
' John Cooper, M.D., of Poaghkeepsie, New York, was the Immediate predecessor of Doctor Van Voorhees at Fort
Dearborn. They were natives of the same town (Flshkill, Dutchess County, New York) and class-mates. Van Voor-
hees was a yonng man of great powers. Dr. Cooper left the fort in 1811, tendered his resignation, and left the army.
He died at Poughkeepsle in 1863, where he had been for many years the oldest medical practitioner in the place.
' Captain Heald was quite severely wounded and made a prisoner by an Indian from the Kankakee, who had a strong
personal regard for him, but who, on seeing the feeble state of Mrs. Heald, released him and allowed him to accompany
her to the month of the St. Joseph's, in Michigan. On returning to bis village, the Indian found himself an objeot of
great dlsBatisfaction because he had released his prisoner ; so he resolved to go to St. Joseph and reclaim him. Friend-
ly Indians gave Heald warning, and he and his wife went to far-off Mackinack iu an open boat, and surrendered them-
selves tn the British commander there as prisoners of war. This kept them out of the hands of the savages.— Wai»-buu,
page 243.
^—
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nCTOUiAL klELD-BOOK
Block-hoDM at GUcago.
Tb* Aatlicw of RDiN-ltm.
Amariag Omwth of Chlctgo.
ULOUK-IIUUHE AT UUIUAdO,
sketched I know not) was drawn not long before the demolition. On the left of tlio
picture is seen the light-house and a steam-boat in the Chicago River, above theHusli
Street bridge, at the terniiiiation and junction of Wabash Avenue and River Street.
On the right, across the river, not far from the site of the Kinzie mansion, is seen tlie
hotel called the lake House, and in the foreground, on the right, is seen two vener-
able trees, one of which was standing on the vacant lot where the block-house was
when I visited Chicago in 1860. At that time I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs,
John II. Kinzie, the author of Wmtrbim, at her own house, and heard from her own
lips interesting reminiscences of Chicago in 1831, the year after state commissioners
laid it out into town lots. To Mrs. Kinzie's skillful pencil we are indebted for the
sketch of Fort Dearborn and the Kinzie mansion printed on page 303 ; also for tlie
map on page 308. Although she was a woman of about middle age, she and her Ims-
band were the " oldest inhabitants" of Chicago. They are the only persons now [1867]
living there who were residents of Chicago in 1831, within the present city limits.
Tliere were two settlers living without the city limits in 1860 who resided on the
same spot in 1831. These were Archie Clybourn and John Clack, the latter generally
known as " Old Hunter Clack." They were originally from the Kanawha Valley, in
Virginia. These had been witnesses of its marvelous growth from a stockade fort
in the wilderness, and a few rude houses, to a city of almost two hundred thousand
inhabitants in the course of only thirty-six years I Chicago is now the great en-
trepot for the grain of the teeming Northwest — the central point to which about a
dozen important railways converge' — and yet there, only thirty-six years ago, Mm
Kinzie and her family, during a whole winter, were compelled to use the greates*
economy for fear they might exhaust their slender stock of flour and meal before it
could be replenished from " below !" At the same time, the Indians of that neigh-
borhood were famishing — " dying in companies from mere destitution Soap
made from the bark of the slippery elm, or stewed acorns, was the only food that
many had subsisted on for weeks. "^
' The Hichigan Centrat ; the Michtgan Sonthern and Northern Indiana ; the Pittsbnrg, Fort Wayne, and Chicago ; tbe
Chicago branch of the Illinois Central ; the St. Lonie, Alton, and Chicago ; the Chicago and Kock Island ; the Xllinolt
Grand Tmnk : the Chicago, Falton, and Iowa ; the Oalena, Chicago, and Union ; the Chicago and Northwestern ; ud
tbe Chicago and Milwaukee, with nnmerons tribntaries.
' For a fall description of Chicago bfi 1S31, the reader is referred to the seventeenth chapter of Mrs. Eeuzie'a ITau-hiit.
Cklcigo a Ueoei
I lii
OF THE WAR OF IBIS.
619
I-
CUetfO • Gtanwatlou •tfu. Iti blilortoal Loctlltlw. Tccamtha'i Uop«s rerlvad. Oetlgni *Ktinit Tort Wsjnw.
The city of Chicago now covcrH the entire theatre of the eventH just described.
The ohi channel of the river, froai the fort to its mouth, has been filled or (lovered,
iind the present harbor constructed. The Sand Hills have been leveled ; and where
the battle on the prairit — the struggles of brave warriors, an See page 66. ' See page 19T.
•James Rhea was a native of New Jersey, and was lieutenant and adjutant of "Rhea's levies" in 17B1. He was en-
tii-n and second lieutenant of infantry in 1T99, and was promoted to first lientenant In 1800. He was commissioned a
uptaUi in July, ISOT, and resigned at Fort Wayne at the close of 1818.— Gardner's JXetionar}/ qf the Army, page STT.
• 1812.
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
1 I
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•fBttUwi.
▲tUck on Fort Wajm*.
••QnUMrGaiM.''
TtasUwrUoaiia,
• 1819.
tary of the Whito River, within tho limitH of tho prcHt'iit Scott County, in Hoiithem
Indianii, on the Hd of tcptemher.'' They tirMt kiUod two bee-hunterH of the Het-
tienient ;' and between BunHet and diirit tliey murdered one iniin, five woiiit'ii
an tliuir
wiiy, under tho cover of the night, to the houHc of ii settler hix nul<« diHtiiiil. Om,
hundred and fifly mounted ritlemen, under Major John M'Coy, gave (^hawe to the
•> September 4. niurdererH tho next day.** They followed them twenty milcH, but they
OHcaped during tho night. Tho militia of Scott, JefliTson, Clarke, and
• SeptcmiHir T. Knox Counties were Hoon aHHombled, and wore joined'^ by about three
hundred and titty volunteerH from Kentucky, under Colonel Geiger, for tho imrpone
ofdoHtroying the towns of tho Dela wares, on the White liiver, wlio were Huspccleil
of boijig the nmrderors. Evidence of tho inLocence and even friendlinesH of those In-
dians was not wanting, and they wore spared. From that time until the close r"
tho war, the settlers in that region lived in a continual Ktato of fear and excitement.'
For several days the Indians, in large numbers, liad been seen hovering in tho woods
around Fort Wayne, and on the night of the 5th of September thoy commenced a sc-
ries of attacks by tiring upon tho sentinels, without effect. Up to tluit time, the Mi-
amis in tho neighborhood, who had resolved to join the British, had made great pro-
fessions of friendship, hoj)ing, no doubt, to gain possession of the fort by a surprise.
This hypocrisy availed them nothing, so they cast oft' all disp uise and opened liostili-
ties. On the nioniing of the 0th they were invisible, and some of the soldiers ven-
tured out of the fort. They had not proceeded seventy yards when bullets from a
concealed foe killed two of their number. Their companions hastened back, currying
tho bodies of their comrades with them.
On the niglit of the 6th the wliole body of Indians, 8uj)posed to have been six hund-
red strong, attacked tho fort. They attempted to scale tho palisades, but so vigilani
and skillful were the garrison tliat the savages were not permitted to do the least
damage. Perceiving such assaults to be useless, they resolved to employ strategy in
the morning. Two logs were formed into the Blia])e of cannon, and placed in battery
before the fort. A half-breed, with a flag, ajjproached and informed tho commandant
that the British, then on their march, had sent them two battery cannon, and that il'
a surrender Avas not immediately made, the fort would be battered down. lie also
threatened a general massacre of the garrison within three days, as a re-enforcemenl
of seven hundred Indian warriors were expected the next day. The troops were not
frightened by tho " Quaker guns." They were aware that friends were on the way
to relieve them,* and resolved to hold out while their provisions lasted. For nearly
three days after the menace there was quiet. Then the savages renewed the at-
> Jereminh Pajme and Fiederick Kaupftnan.
' These wcrp Henry CiillingB and his wife ; the wife of Jeremiah Payne and eight of her children ; Mrs. Richard Col-
llngg and seven of her children ; Mrs. John Morris and her only child, and Mrs. Morris, the mother of her husband.
' Mrs. Jane Biggs and her three children, and the aged William Collings and Captain John Morris, with two oftht
children (John and Lydla) of Urs. Collings who was murdered. They all escaped to the house of Zebalon Collings.-
Dlllon's HUtory of [ndiaim, page 402.
• Mr. Zebulon Collings, to whose honse the fugitives from The Pigeon Roost escaped, has left on record the foUowlD!;
vivid account of the sense of peril felt by the settlers during those dark days between the summer of 1812 and 1$15:
" The niauuer In which I used to work was as follows : on all occasions I carried my rifle, tomahawk, and butcher-knifr.
with a loaded pistol In my belt. When I went to plow, I laid my gun on the plowed ground, and stuck up a slicli by
it for a mark, so that I could get It quick In case It was wanted. I bad two good dogs. I took one Into the bouse, leav-
ing the other out. The one outside was expected to give the alarm, which would cause the one Inside to bark, by vhlcli
I would be awakened, having my arms always loaded. I kept my horses in a stable close to the house, having a pon-
hole so that I could shoot to the stable-door. During two years I never went from home with a certainty of returaliij;,
not knowing the minute I might i jceive a hall from an unknown hund ; but. In the midst of all these dangers, tbat GoJ
who never sleeps nor slumbers has kept me."— Dillon's Hintorj/ of Indiana, page 498.
» Qeneral Harrison, then at Piqua In command of Kentucky troops, sent M^or WillUm Oliver, a gallant officer, with
four Shawnoese, to Fort Wayne to assure the garrrison of speedy re-enforcement. Tbeypushed through the wildemc!!
for about slzty miles. Oliver was In Indian costume. When they approached the fort they came upon the ont-piards
of the savages. With great skill they evaded them, made tlielr way through the lines of the besiegers, and, with fleei
•^ot, gained the fort. Oliver and his companions remained there until the close of the siege. —Early Hiiiory c/thtMati-
.tnee KoUeyi by H. L.Ho8mer, page 88.
OF THE WAR OF 1 8 H.
Mf
I of Fort Wcyne raited.
HaTiR*! of the Indlanii,
Th« any of Little ToHto.
t»ok,* and kept np ii Hre at, intorvnlM for twelve hount. Oi. tliw tollow!::^ •H«ipt«'mbor»,
jjiy tlit'y raiHod a trt^iiitMuIoiiH wiir-wlioop, to tVi^litcn tlie jj;arriHon, uixl '^"''
airain i-otnini'iiccd an UHHuiilt, with um little hiiik^ohh an on previoiiH oc^c-aHioiiH. Tlio
patii'iit little xarriHon reiiiaiiieil iiiiharnied ; and on the 12th, the heHJej^erM tletl preeip-
itiitely, havinji heanl of the approach of a larji;e re-eiiforceincut for the fort. '''••"*
evening the delivererH arrived, and Fort Wayne was Haved.'
That
run WAYNK IN MVi.
Before they left, the Indians destroyed every thing outside the fort — live-stock,
crops, and dwellings. Among the latter was the house of Captain Wells, who was
killed at Chicago. It was on his reservation of rich bottom lands on the north side
of tiie St. Mary's River, opposite the present city of Fort Wayne, and not more than
half a mile distant from it. When I visited the spot in/ the autumn of 1860, in com-
pany with the venerable Mr. Hedges, already mentioned,'* and the Hon. I. D. G. Nel-
son, more than twenty apple-trees of an orchard planted by Captain Wells — the old-
est iti Northern Indiana, having been set out in 1804 or 1805 — were yet standing,
sketch of that group "" ""■•' '"'"■''"'« "^'''"'- es was at his funeral.
' Thomson's Skelehe* of the War, page 60 ; M'Afee, page 12T. ' See page 44.
> Ur. Drake, iu his Book of Ihe Indian*, qnotea.the following notice of the Little Tortle'a death from one of the pnbllc
prints of the day : " Fo vt Wayne, 81 July, 1812.— On the 14th instant the celebrated Miami chief, the Little Turtle, dl?d
It this place, at the age of slzty-flve years. Perhaps there Is not left on this continent one of his color so dlsthignished
itcooncilandln war. Hla disorder was the goat. He died in a camp, becaose he chose to be in the opeu air. He met
_ - *- -T
!l
■'} 1 fill
»
M I
r
iJ'llilii^ll
tfff
PICTORIAL FIELD-ROOK
ForU Wayne and MinniL
Treachery of the Indiana,
Site of Port Wayne.
By tho side of liis romains reposed those of his sister, tlio wife of Captain WcIIh,
Tlioir graves were tiiiiioiiore(!), in the
autumn of 1 794. It was not on the site of the old Freneli stoekade, known as Koit
^liami ;' nor on that of tiie t)iu' 'vhich was oeeuj)ied by an Enjflisli tfanison, consist-
inu;of a (•a|>tain's eommand, at tin lime ofl'ontiae's eonspin.ey in 17(i;t. At liialtiiiie
tiie old Fori, ISIiami was a ruin, and the stockade to which reference is here made was
in perfect order. It was about half a mile from the |)resent bridge across the Man-
nu'c, on the east bank of the St. Joseph. The eoiMinander was a surgeon, and liis ino-
fession was the cause of his own deatli .and the capture of the jjarrison by the Indiiuis
at that time. He was asked by an Indian gir! to ljo out of the fort to see a sick sav-
au[e at the Miami village near by, where a young woman of the tribe, eliosen for the
purpose, to show the contempt of the savages for the English, murdered him. The
garrison became prisoners to the I\Iiamis.~ When, three years later, (leorge Crofrlimi
visited the spot, tlie fort was "somewhat ruinous." He foiintl forty or fifty Indian
cabins at the village across the Mauinc;' (that " stood on both sides of the St. Josciih"),
besides " nine or ten French houses." yVmong the latter was that of Dronet de Hich-
urdville, a French trader, and fiither of Chid' Hichardville, already mentioned as ijie
successor of the Little Turtle.^ Tlie tort of 1794-1812 stood on the bank of the Man-
IIUIIKIE AT TUK UBAU OK TlIK MAUMKK, AT FOllT H AV.NE.
mee (see map on ])age '208), at the junction of the present Main and Clay Streets,
Fort Wayne. The Wabash and Erie Canal passes through a portion of it. It was a
l\is dfiith with pn at flrmucPB. Ttie Ajient for Indian Affairs liad hlni burled witli tho honorn of war, and other m«rk»
of distinction suited to liis ch .. icter." A writer, quoted hy Mr. Dralje, says that he saw the Little Turtle, soon iiftcr St.
Clair's defeat, iit Montreal, anil describeil him as ab(mt «U feet in height, sour and morose, and apparently crafty and
subtle. Kt! wore Indian moccasins, a blue petticoat that came half way down his thighs, and a Kumpean walstcuiil auJ
surtout. On his bead was a cap that hnii); tialf way down his back, hespaBcled with alxint two hundred silver brndclio.
In eatii oar wore two rlnirs, the upper parts of each bearlti); tl.ree silver medals about the ri/.f of a dollar, and lliv liuvcr
parts quarters of a dollar. They fell more than twelve iuilies from hi« cars. One from ejich ear fell over his lircast,
the others over his back. He also had three larjie nose Jewels of silver, cunningly painted. Little Turtle was of niixiii
blood -half Mohican and half Miami. Colonel .Johnston, who knew him well, called him " the geiitlcman of his rncr."
' The French governor of Louisiana mentioned this stockade In a letter in 1761. It was situated near tlic St. MnryX
probably in the vicinity li'Mic canal aqueduct. The dim outlines of this fort were traced by Wayne in IT'.W, uud by
Colonel .lohnston in 18(10.— Lecture by J. L. Williams before the congregation of the First Presbyterian Chiirdi of Fort
Wayne, March ith, 1800.
' Oral statement of Colonel John .Tohnaton, of Tlayton, Ohio, to the writer, who knew the murderess, she bcini; a red-
dent of the Miami village when he went to Fort Wayne In the year IHOO. Colonel .Johnston gave nie the nanu's of Iho
United States commandcs of the fort in regular succceslon, as follows; Colonels. J. F. Hamtramck, and Thomas Hunt;
MaJorsiJohn Whistler, Thomas Pasteaur, andZebuIon M. PIrie; Captains Nathan lleald, .James Khea, and Hugh Mitorc;
and Colonel Joseph H. Vose. The fort was iibandonedln iSlS. Captain Vose was a citizen of ManclieBter, andliadbecn
commissioned a captain in the Twenty-flrst Infantry In April, 1812. Colonel .Tohuston, in a letter written in 1S6!>, eaid
that Captain Vose was the only army offlcer within his knowlcnge. In 1812, who publicly professed Chrlstlaiiit). He
was in the constant habit of assemoling his men on the Sabbath and reading the Scriptures to them, and coiiversiof
with them on religious subjects.— Wllliama's Lectu'e, p. 12. Captain Vose was promoted to major during the War of
1812. In 1842 he received the commiesiou of colonel. He died at the NewOrlean8barrack8,Just below the city, on the
15th of July, 1840. 3 Dillon's auturi/ nf Indiaixa, p. 403.
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
911
Fort Harrison beoleged.
PorilB (if the Garrison.
Firmness and Conrngo nfCnplain Taylor.
ilnry f.
laiitl liy
lot Fori
I; a rpfi-
< (it tlic
lUmiU
btlourc ;
tdbftn
|). Be
Versing
Varot
I, on itie
1.403.
«'ell-l»'iilt Htockade, with two blook-housos and comfortable barmcks, anrl ofHufficient
jitrenfjlli to defy tlie IiuliaiiH, but not the Ib'itiHh witli cannon. A largo and Mubstan-
tiiil bridfje now wpanw the Maiiinuo from near the site of Fori Wayne to the plains on
wliioli the Miami village stood. The sketch on page 310 was taken from near the
liiii' of the eastern side of the fort. At the centre of the picture is seen the j>oint of
confluence of the St. Mary's and the St. Joseph's rivers, which form the Maumee.
Willie these demoiist'-ations against Fort Wayne were in progress, similar ciForts
were made against F'ort Harrison, on tlu^ Wabash. At sunset on the day of the
Piireon Roost massacre," two young iiaymakcrs near Fort Harrison were . September s,
kiiled and scal])ed by a [)arty of IndianK, The crat^k of the murderers' "*'■'■
imiski'ts was heard at the fort, and excited the vigilance of Captain Zachary Taylor,
the coiumaiider of the garrison, who was just recovering from an attack of bilious
fever. On the following ni(,riiiiig the bodies of the young men were taken to the fort
ami buried. Late that evening'' old Joseph Lenar came to the fort with i. September 4.
a llivj?, followed by about forty Indians, one fourth of them women. The
men were chiefs of the several tribes — Winnebagoes, Kickapoos,Pottawntomie8, Shaw-
noese, and some Miarais — who still adhered to the fortunes of the Prophet. They
came from his town near Tip])ecanoe, on the Wabash, wliere he was still busy in stir-
rini; up the Indians against the white pefjplc. One of Lenar's party, a Shawnoese
w ho could speak English, told Taylor that their leader would speak to him in the
morning about food for his company. Friendly Miarais had warned Taylor of the
Iiostile disposition of all the nv '"hboring tribes, and he was perfectly on his guard.
The garrison consisted of oo!^ bout fifty men, of whom, on account of the prevail-
ing fevers, not much more than a dozen were free from the care of Dr. Clark, the sur-
geon. Only six privates and two non-C(nnniissioned officers could mount guard at a
time. Yet now, hi tlie presence of impending danger, some of the convalescents went
freely upon duty. The arms of the garrison were examined with great care that
evening ; and, when every thing necessary for watchfulness and security bad been
arranged, the commander, weak and exhausted, lay down and fell asleep. His slum-
bers were short. Toward midnight he was aroused by the firing of his sentinels.
Springing from his couch, he hastened to the parade and ordered every man to his
l)ost. It was soon ascertained that the lower block-house (on the left of the picture
of the fort on page 315), had been set on fire by the savrtges. It was the most im-
iinportant point in the fort excepting the magazine, for there were the contractor's
stores — the supplies for the garrison. The guns, at this time, had " begun to fire
pretty smartly" on botli sides, and the attack and defense were fairly begun at a
little past eleveti, with great vigor.
The chief efforts of the commander were directed to the extinguishment of the fire.
General contusion reigned, and efforts for the safety of the fort were, for a while, put
forth feebly. The entire garrison Avcre either sick or faint with fatigue, and for a
time the utter destruction of the whole fortification seemed inevitable. The block-
iiouse was consumed, and the fort was thus opened to tlie savage foe. This exposure
and their horrid yells dismayed the little garrison, and for a moment they regarded
all as lost, and gave n\, in despair. Two of the stoutest and most trusted of the sol-
diers leaped the palisades, and attempted to escape, leaving their companions to their
fate. Nothing saved the fort and garrison but the presence of mind, courage, pru-
dence, and energy of the commander. The fire was about to communicate to the
barracks, when he shouted, "Pull off the roofs nearest the block-house, pour on wa-
ter, and all will be well !" His voice gave new courage to his troops. Water was
brought in buckets, and several of the men, led by Dr. Clark, climbed to the roof, cut
off the boards, and by great exertions, in the face of bullets and arrows, they sub-
dued the flames, and saved the menaced buildings. Only eighteen or twenty feet of
tiie fort was opened by the fire, and up to this time oiily one man had been killed
f!l!
'!
i
818
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Indiana driven from Fort Harrison. Relief sent to the Garrison. Character and Services of Captain Taylor
and two wounclcd. Before daylight the breach was covered by a b'-eastwork as hifth
as a man's head, in spite of the incessant firing of the foe, and only one man was
killed (none wounded) in the fort. At six o'clock in the morning, when the garrison
returned the fire more briskly, afler a conflict of almost eight liours, the savages re-
tired beyond the reach of the guns of the fort, and then proceeded to destroy or drive
off the live-stock — horses, hogs, and cattle — found in the neighborhood. Fortunately
for the garrison, the standing corn around the fort was left unharmed. Their food
having been destroyed with the block-house that contained it, and their cattle being
driven away, they were compelled to subsist for several days on that delicious and
nourishmg green corn.
One of the men who leaped the pickets and fled from the fort returned toward
morning badly wounded. He approached the gate, and begged, " for God's sake "
to be let in. Captain Taylor was near, but, not recogr izing the voice, and believinir
it to be a trick of the Indians to get the gate open, he ordered the soldiers near to
shoot the man. Fortunately for him, he had run to the other bastion with the same
supplication, where liis voice was recognized, and he was told to lie quietly behind
some empty barrels at the foot of the pickets until morning. He did so, and was
saved. His companion had been hterally cut in pieces by the savages within a few-
yards of the fort. The entire loss of the garrison was only three men killed and tlirce
wounded, and all but two of the latter met with disaster because of disobedience of
orders.*
On the 5th» Captain Tay- . September,
Ic^ effectually repaired the ^*''^'
\r. '> m the fort made by the fire by
pluoing in the opening strong pickets
made of the logs of the guard - lionse ;
and he furnished a messenger with dis-
patches for Vincennes, asking for relief.
This was a difficult task, for the Indians
hovered about the fort for several days.
At length the messenger made his way
through their circumvallating line, dur-
ing a dark night, and soon afterward
General Hopkins, with Kentucky Volun-
teers, marched up the valley on an ex-
pedition against the Indians on the head
waters of the Wabash, and gave amjile
relief to the sick, weary, and worn sol-
diers at Fn '■ ■ u-rison.
The so' ■' 'ualities display?'^ by
Captain T > ',> t.lie defense of his post
against cuc i*^' ^ odds won for him
promotion to .. (laior by brevet, and
from that time until his death, nearly
forty years afterward, whicli occurred
while he was President of the Unitnl
States, he was one of the most reliable,
useful, and modest of public officers.'^
' Captain Taylor's Dispatch to Governor Harrison, dated "Fort Harrison, September 10, 1812."
» Zachary Taylor was bom in OranRe County, Virginia, on the 24th of "• itcmbor, 1784. His father removed with hii
family to Kentucky the following year, and settled near the site of the , ent city of Louisville, then known ae The
Palis of the Ohio. Zachary entered the army when about twenty-five yw r. of age as first lieutenant of Infiiutry. Two
years afterward (May, 181(1) he was promoted to captain, and at about i L ; i i time he was married to Margaret Smith,
a young ludy of good family iu Maryland. When war was declared he :v u cuLimand of Furt Harrison, and fur hli
Attack on Fori
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
319^
AtUck on Fort Madison.
Repulse of the Savages.
Biography ofZachary Taylon
Simultaneous with the attack on Fort Harrison, an attempt was made hy a party
of the British allies to fiapti'ie a small military post a short distance from the site of
the present city of St. Louis, on the bank of the Mississippi River, The place was
called Bellevue, and the stockade Fort Madison. The poist was very ineligibly situ-
ated, and totally unfitted for defense. The savages appeared before it on the afternoon
ofthe 5th of September." They were fierce Winnebagoes, two hundred strong.
The garrison, under Lieutenants Hamilton and Vasques, consisted of a small
party of the First Regiment of United States Light Infantry. The approach of the foe
was heralded by the shooting and scalping of one of the garrison within thirty yards
of the fort. For three days the Indians kept up the assault, with frequent attempts
to fire the block-houses and barracks. Buildings outside were burnt, and all the live-
stock were slaughtered. The gallant little garrison defended the imperiled fort, with
irreat spirit and perseverance, until ten o'clock on the night of the 8th, when the
enemy withdrew. With the exception of the man murdered at the commencement
of the attack, not one of the garrison was seriously injured. One of the men was
slightly wounded in the nose.
services there In defending it, in September, 1812, he was breveted n major. He was an active and useful officer in the
ffett during the remainder of the war. When the army was reduced at the close of the contest, he was deprived of his
commission of major, and recommlssloned a captain, iu consequence of which he resigned. He was soon afterward
called back to the service by President Madison, and commissioned a major in the Third Infantry, and placed In com-
mand of a post at Green Bay. In 1810 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, and in that position he remained until
1S32, when President Jackson commissioned him a colonel. He served with distinction in the " Black Hawk War" that
year, and remained in command of Fort Crawford, at Prairie du Chien, until 1830, when he was sent to Florida to op-
erate against the Seminole Indians. His services there were of great importance, and at the close of 1837 he was bre-
veted brigadier general. He remained In charge of all the troops in Florida until 1840, when he was appointed to the
command of the southwestern division of the army. Fort Gibson was made his head-quarters in 1841, and the same
year he purchased an estate near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and placed his family there. When, in 1846, war with Mext-
OKNEHAI. TAYLOB'b KEglDENOR AT HATON BOUQB.
CO was imminent, he was ordered to take post in Texas with an army of observation, as it was called. It soon became
au army of Invasion. In the war that ensued he gained, in quick succession, several brilliant battles; and when the
conflict was ended, and he returned home, he was greeted with the wildest enthusiasm. Congress honored him with
tlie commission, by brevet, of major general, its thanks, and also with a ponderous gold medal, "In the name of the re-
public, as a tribute due to his gallant conduct, valor, and generosity to the vanquished." The " Whig" party nominated
him for the presidency of the grateful republic, and ho was elected to that high office in November, 1848. He entered
upon the exalted duties of his office on the 4th of March, 1840, and died at the presidential mansion, in Washington
City, on the 9th of Jnly, 188fl, at the age of slxty-flve ye-ars.
The portrait of General Taylor, glvin on page 318, is from a daguerreotype taken after his return from Mexico. The
picture of his residence is a fac-simile of a pencil-skitch made by the venerated hero himself for the author. In Novem-
ber, It*. In his letter covering the drawing, he says, I he sketch, you will perceive. Is rude, but the best I can offer to
you at this time. Indeed, the building Is rude iu itself, and scarcely worthy of being sketched. I hope, however, that
this may be suited to your purposes." It was the residence of Colonel Dixon, the English commander at Baton Roage,
when the furt there was tnkcn by the Spaniards, under Don Bernardo de Galvez, In 1TT9, and that commander then made
it hia residence. It was demolished iu ISCB.
u
r^ijttitfilWwWKWhiM^tfi
nSSSSBR
N't
320
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Nation aroused.
Eutliusiasm of the People.
Volunteers In Aliiindance.
CHAPTER XVI.
"They rise, by stream and yellow shore,
By mountniu, moor, and fen ;
By weedy rock and torrent hoar.
And lonesome forest glen I
From many a moody, moss-grown monnd,
Start forth a war-worn baud.
As when, of old, they caught the sound
Of hostile arms, and closed around.
To guard their native land."
J. M'Lki.lan, Je.
TE have observed tliat troops, in ample numbers, were sent to tlie
relief of Forts Harrison and Wayne. Whence came they?
What spirit animated them when pushing eagerly into the
wilderness among hostile Indians, after the disasters in the
Northwest — the utter failure of Hull's campaign, which had
created such great expectations on the part of both govern-
ment and people ? Let us consult contemporary records and
traditions for an answer.
Those sad disasters on the Northwestern frontier, aroused, as we have before ob-
served, the most intense feelings of indignation and mortified pride throughout the
whole country, and especially in the region west of the Alleghany Mountains and
beyond the Ohio River, Avhich was thereby exposed to Indian raids and British inva-
sion. When intelligence of those disasters spread over that region, a burning desire
to wipe out the disgrace was universal ; and there was a general uprising of senti-
ment and action for the recovery of all that had been lost, the extermination of the
brutal savages, and the expulsion of their British allies from the soil of the Re-
public'
Even before the formal declaration of war Kentucky had made military prepara-
tions for the event. Her quota of the one hundred thousand detached militia which
the President w.^s authorized to summon to the field was almost ready when the fiat
went forth. Early in May, Governor Scott,^ in obedience to instructions from the
War Department, had organized ten regiments (the quota of his state), and filled
1 " The War," a weekly paper, published in the City of New York, by Snmnci Woodworth, the poet, gives the follow-
ine glimpses of the spirit of the people at that time In its issue of September 19, 1812: "The citizens of Albany, im-
mediately on hearing of the surrender of General Hull, commenced a subscription for raising a regiment of voliinloor«
Very lil)ernl subscriptions were made for the comfort and convenience of those who might offer their services. A rtf-
ment of volunteers is also raising in the City of Baltimore, and $lS,Oflfl have already been subscribed for the purpose
of furnishing the men with every thing necessary for their comfort. Fifteen hundred men are immediately to mnrcb
from Virginia, to rendezvous at Point Pleasant, on the Ohio. Theladieg of Richmond volunteered their services to
malie tents, knapsacks, etc., for the soldiers, and in Ave days all things were ready. When the news of the fall of
Detroit reached Lexington, in Kentucky, Instead of deploring the loss, the citizens Immediately set about repairing it
An immense number of volunteers immediately came forward, among whom were several members of Congress, ami
shouldered their muskets in their country's cause. The greatest enthusiasm prevails throughont ihe whole Western
conntry ; almost every man has volunteered his services, and, if we may Judge from appearances, it will not be long 1k^
fore onr Western brethren will wipe away the stain upon the American arms by the Ignomlnloii surrender of Detroit
and the American army under General Hull.
" The citizens of New York are forming patriotic associations for the purpose of raising ftands to assist the faisiiies
of volunteers and drafts detached for the defense of the borders, who may be in want during their absence on duty.
Large supplies of vegetables, coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar, etc., have also been sent to the troops stationed in and about
the harbor. This conduct Is worthy of imitation."
' Charles Scott was a native of Cumberland County, Virginia. He was a corporal In a militia company under Brad-
dock in the campaign of 1T6P, and was a distlngnished officer in the Revolution. Bee Lossing's FieU-Book qf the Retxiltt-
Uon. For a brief biographical sketch of hira and tils signature, sec the same, Note 3, li., 147.
Goveruors M(
U if .it il. . !
flifiil!
Ifnr.iiios
Ton duty.
|]d about
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
8^1
GoTernorB Meigs and Harrison active.
Harrison In Kentucky.
Volunteers (lc\;'-Jng to the Camp.
them without difficulty with volunteers, making an eftective force of five thousand
live hundred men.
Governor Meiga, of Ohio, was equally active and vigilant. He promptly responded
to the call for troops to accompany IIull to Detroit, as we have seen ; and when he
was informed of the danger that menaced Hull's command, he immediately ordered
out the remaining portion of the quota of detached militia, twelve hundred in nv.m-
ber, to rendezvous at Urbana, on the border of the wilderness, under Brigadier Gen-
eral Tupper. And when the fall of Detroit was known, he sent expresses in every
direction to the militia generals of the frontier, Avith orders to adopt eneigetic meas-
ures for defense within their respective commands, and to advise the inhabitants on
the borders of the wilderness to associate and erect block-houses for the defense and
accommodation of families. He also sent arms and ammunition to different parts
from the public stores at Urbana,'
Governor Harrison, of Indiana, with his usual vigilance, promptness, and forecast,
had already caused block-houses and stockades to be erected in various parts of his
territory as defenses against the hostile Indians, and the militia were placed in a
state of preparation for immediate action when called upon. He had been a.uthorized
]}\ the national government to take command of all the troops of the territories of
Indiana and Illinois in prosecuting the war against the Indians commenced in the
autumn of 1811, and to call on the Governor of Kentucky for any portion of the con-
tnifcnt of that state which was not in service. Under that authority he went to
Kentucky, by invitation of Governor Scott, to confer respecting the troops of that
state. Kentucky was forever freed from apprehensions of Indian incursions, and her
sons, Avho had suffered, were eager to assist their neighbors over the Ohio in their
efforts to drive the murderous hordes back into the wilderness.
Harrison repaired to Frankfort, Avhere the military, were paraded and he was hon-
ored with a public reception. He remained there several days, and met many of the
most eminent military men and civilians in the state. He comprehended in all its
length and breadth the difficulties and dangers to which Hull was exposed, and ex-
pressed his opinions freely at a dinner-party in Lexington, whereat Henry Clay was
one of the guests. That gentleman and others urged him to present his views to the
government.^ He did so in a letter, dated the 10th of August, in which he suggested
a system of military operations in the Northwest. He expressed his fears of the re-
sult of the fall of Mackinack, by which the Indian tribes might bp let loose upon De-
troit, and "meet, and perhaps overpoAver, the convoys and re-enforcements" which
liad been, or might be, sent to Hull. After speaking of those re-enforcements, he said :
" I rely greatly upon the valor of these troops ; but it is possible that the event may
be adverse to us, and if it i?,, Detroit must fall, and with it every hope of re-establish-
ing our affairs in that quarter until the next year."
Before this letter reached the War Department, Detroit had fallen, and Chicago
too, and the worst fcara of the people of tJie West were realized. But these disas-
ters, instead of depressing them, gave them increased elasticity and strength. The
whole total of society bordering upon the Oliio Ri'-er heaved, like a storm-smitten
iiccan in its wrath, with patriotic emotions. The murders by the Indians which soon
tbllowed, and the alliance of the British with such fierce barbarians, excited a vehe-
ment cry for retributive justice. Christian civili 'in, national pride, and an enlight-
ened patriotism, all pleaded for vindication, and nobly was that plea responded to.
\Vhen a call for troops was made, men of every -class and condition of life — farmers,
merchants, lawyers, physicians, and young men innumerable — flocked to tlio recruiting
stations and offei'ed their services. Tenfold more men than Avcrc needed might have
' Reply of Governor Meigs to the memorial of the citizens of Chllllcothe, Ohio, on the subject of protecting the fron-
1 cr.-NlleB'B We^lji Reni»ltv, 8ci)teml)er 2fl, 1812.
= Wemuirs (>fthe Public Services ll'ittiojii HPnry Uarriaon, by James Hall, p. 160.
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Oorernor Shelby and his BecommenilationB.
Oovernor Harrigon at the Head of Kentucky Troop;
been mustered in Kentucky alone. Nor was Ohio, in proportion to its population, be-
hind its elder sister state in practical enthusiasm. Governor Meigs was indelatigablo
in his efforts ; and the people every where responded to the call of local officers, as
well as of the chief magistrate, with the greatest alacrity, to form an ample army for
both protection and conquest. It was resolved to recover all that had been lost witli-
ill the territory of the United States, and to take Maiden, the focus of the Eritisli-In-
dian power in the Northwest.
At this moment the venerable Isaac Shelby, one of the heroes of King's Mountain,
appears upo)i the stirring scene as the successor of General Scott in the executive
chair of the State of Kentucky. With his usual sagacity, he surveyed the field of
operations determined upon, and strongly recommended the government to appoint a
Board of War for the region west ofthe Allcghanies, to prevent the delays caused by
toe operations of what is termed, in our day, " red-tape policy" — in other words, the
absolute control, by a central power hundreds of miles away, of minor movements
which the exigency of the hour might demand as of vast importance. " If such a
board," he said, " was now organized, and I had the control of the present armament,
I would pledge myself the Indians would have cause to lament this campaign, and
their temerity in joining the British and deserting the friendship ofthe United States."
Governor Shelby's advice was not utterly disregarded ; but no practical results fol-
lowed. The War Department promised to " think about it," and no conclusion seems
ever to have been reached.
Governor Harrison was very popular, and it was the general desire of the vohin-
teers and militia of the West, who had been gathering at dift'erent points since tlic
declaration of war was made, that he who had shown such soldierly qualities in tho
little campaign that ended at Tippecanoe the previous year, should now be their lead-
er against the British and Indians. Governor Scott, Harrison's warm personal friend,
was anxious to place hira in chief command of all the Kentucky troops, but he could
not do so legally, for the Governor of Indiana was not a citizen of that state. But
Scott was not a man to allow technicalities to interfere with great concerns in time
of danger ; so he invited several prominent men, among whom were Shelby (the gov-
ernor elect), Henry Clay (the Speaker ofthe National House of Representatives), and
Thomas Todd, Judge of the United States District Court, to meet him and consult
upon the subject. They unanimously requested the governor to make the appoint-
• Augnet 25, ment ; and accordingly he issued a commission" to Harrison, by which he
1812. ^^g invested with the title of " Major General of the Militia of Kentucky"
by brevet. By a commission dated three days earlier. President Madison appointed
him a brigadier general in the Army of the United States.
On the 27th of August Harrison was at Cincinnati, and in a letter of that date to
Governor Meigs, afler mentioning his appointment, he said ; " It remains for your ex-
cellency to determine what assistance I shall derive from your state. The Kentucky
troops which are placed at my disposal are two regiments of infantry and one of rifle-
men, now at this place ; three regiments of infantry, one of dragoons, and one of
mounted riflemen, in full march to join me, and making in the aggregate upward of
four thousand men. The three regiments which are now here will march immediate-
ly for Urbana ; and should the report of the capture of General Hull's army prove
untrue, I shall join them either at that place or before they reach it, and proceed to
Detroit without waiting for the regiments in my rear."'
In addition to the Kentucky troops here referred to, others were dispatched for the
protection ofthe Territories of Illinois and Indiana.^ Some of those destined for the
I Aatograph letter, Angnat 27, 1812.
a " The regiment commanded by Colonel Barboar," says M'Afee, " when ordered Into eervtce at the call of Oovemor
Harrison, was directed to rendezvona at the Bed Barracks, with a view of marching to the aid of Oovemor Sdwards, at
Raskin's, in the Tllinois Territory. The regiments of Colonels Wilcox and Miller were ordered to rendezvous at Louis-
Gathering of T
t
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OF THE WAR OF 1812.
SS8
Gathering of Troop*.
Departnre for the Wlldemess.
Harrieon commiistoned a Brigadier OeueroL
latter region having been called, by the exigencies of current events, to Ohio, Harrison
thought it desirable to raise an additional force for Indiana. In compliance with his
request, Governor Shelby issued a proclamation early in September for the raising
of a large corpn of mounted volunteers, to repair immediately to Vincennes ; and all
of the Kentucky troops destined for that post were placed under the command of
the venerable soldier of the Revolution, Brigadier General Samuel Hopkins. That
proclamation brought hundreds of Kentuckians, from all parts of the state, to the
standard of the Union. Every body seemed willing to march for the defense of the
frontiers; and the question was not. Who will go? but. Who shall stay?' Before
the 1st of October, Kentucky had more than seven thousand of her sons in the lield.
At about the same time, in obedience to an order from the Secretary of War, two
thousand troops under General Robert Crooks, from Western Pennsylvania, and fifteen
hundred under General Joel Leftwich,^ from Western Virginia, proceeded to join the
Army of the Northwest.
Before leaving Frankfort, General Harrison had issued an address to the people of
Kentucky, accompanied by another from General Scott, calling for five hundred
mounted volunteers. The Honorable Richard M. Johnson, who had distinguished
liimself in Congress, also issued an address for the same purpose ; and they had the
desired effect. The latter gentleman, and John Logan, and William S. Hunter, Esqs.,
were appointed aids to the general ; and when he departed for Cincinnati, Johnson
was left to lead on such mounted troops as might be raised by the 1 st of September.
On the 28th of August Harrison issued a general order from his head-quarters at
Cincinnati, directing all the troops under his command to continue their march to-
ward Dayton on the following morning, and prescribing in detail the discipline and
tactics to be observed.^ The troops marched early; and on the morning of the 3l8t,
when they had passed Lebanon a short distance, forty miles from Cincinnati, Harrison
overtook them, and was received with the most hearty cheers of welcome from the
whole line. They reached Dayton on Tuesday, the 1st of September, and while on
his march toward Piqua the following day the commanding general Avas overtaken
by an express bearing to him the commission of brigadier general from the President,
with instructions to take command of all the forces in the Territories of Indiana and
Illinois, and to co-operate with General Hull, and with Governor Howard of the Mis-
souri Territory.
Harrison was embarrassed by the instructions which accompanied the appointment,
and he refrained from accepting it until he should have definite information from the
War Department as to his relations to General Winchester, of the Regulars, to whom
Tille and on the Ohio below, for the purpose of marchlDg to Vincennes to protect the Indiana Territory. Colonels Barhee
»Dd Jennings were at first ordered to the same place ; but, in consequence of the perilous situation of the Northwestern
Amy, they were now directed, by express, to rendezvous at Georgetown on the let of September, and pursue the other
regiments, by the way of Newport and Cincinnati, for the Northwestern frontiers. The regiment of Colonel Poagne
uM called to rendezvous at Newport, on its way to the Northwestern Army ; and a regiment of dragoons, under Colonel
Simrall, was likewise directed to proceed for the same destination."— Hi«torj/ ({/ the Late War in the Western Country,
page 109. 1 M'Afee, page 111. » Died April 20, 1846.
' On the same day General Ilarrlgon, who had heard of the fall of Detroit and Chicago, and knew the danger to
Khich Fort Wayne would be exposed, wrote as follows to the Secretary of War: " I shall march to-raorrow morning
with the troops I have here, taking the route of Dayton and Plqna. The relief of Port Wayne will be my first object,
and my after operations will be guided by circumstances until I receive your instructions. Considering ray command
»s merely provisional, I shall cheerfully conform to any other arrangements which the government may think proper
10 make. The troops which I have with me, and those which are coi..tiig fVom Kentucky, are perhaps the best ma-
leriala for forming an army that the world has produced. But no equal number of men was ever collected who knew
jO little of military discipline, nor have I any assistants that can give me the least aid, if there was even time for it,
ill Captain Adams, of the 4th Regiment, who was left here sick, and whotn I have appointed deputy adjutant general
mill the pleasure of the President can be known. No arms for cavalry have yet arrived at Newport, and I shall be
fined to put muskets in the hands of all the dragoons. I have written to the quarter-master at Pittsburg to request
Mm to forward all supplies of arms, equipments, and quarter-master's stores as soon as possible. I have also requested
Mm to rend do»T. a few pieces of artillery without waiting your order, and wait your instrnctlon as to a farther number.
There It but one piece of artillery, one Iron four-pounder, any where that I can hear of in the country. If it is intended
10 retake the posts that we have lost, and reduce Maiden this season, the artillery must be sent on as soon as possible."
I He al»o com|;lniued of a want of facility for getting money on drafts. Such were the Inadequate preparations made by
the government for the promctlon of the war In the Northwest, when It was first commenced.
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A divided Command deprecated. Winchester and Ilarriaon. Crowds of Volunteers. Harrison's Iiifluencf
had been assigned the cliief command of tlio Army of the Nortliwest. The orijrinai
object in the ibrmation of that army having been co-operation with Hull in the tat)-
ture of Maiden, and the reduction and occupation of Canada West, the whole asptrt
of affairs had been changed by the loss of Hull and his army. Harrison sugjrcsti'd
to the Department the impoitanco of having one military head in the Nortliwest'
and, with the justification of pressing necessity, ho laid aside his usual modesty, and
preferred his own claim to that distinction, on the ground of his superior knowUdfro
of the country and the savages with whom they had to contend, and the universallv
expressed desire of the troops that he should be their chief leader. Having made
this response to the government by the express who brought his commission and in-
.structions, Harrison pressed forward in the path of duty to Piqua, on the bank of
the Great Miami, with the intention of there resigning his command into the hands
of General Winchester. He had two thousand troops with him, and two thousand
were on their way to join him.
Piqua was reached on the 3d of September, and there Harrison was informed of the
critical situation of Fort Wayne, and of the rumored marching from Maiden, on tlie
18th of August, of a large force of British and Indians under Major Muir, with tlie in-
tention of joining the savages in the siege of that place. Winchester, to whom Har-
rison had written, had not arrived. There would be great danger in delay, and Har-
rison resolved not to wait for his superior, but, retaining command, send detachments
immediately forward to the relief of the menaced garrison. For this purpose he de-
tached Lieutenant Colonel John Allen's regiment of Regulars, with two companies
from Lewis's and one from Scott's regiments, with instructions to make forced marolips
until their object should be accom])lished.i At the same time he dispatched a mes-
senger, as we have seen, to assure the garrison of Fort Wayne of approaching relief
Already seven hundred mounted men, nnder Colonel Adams, had advanced to Siiaw's
Crossing of the St. Mary's River, not far from Fort Wayne. The troop was composed
of citizens of Ohio of all ages and conditions, who, in hearing of the disasters north-
ward, and the perils of Fort Wayne, had hastened to the field. " Such, indeed, was
the ardor of the citizens," says a contemporary, " that every road leading to the
frontiers was invaded with unsolicited volunteers."^ The exasperation in the West
against the British and Indians was intense.
Harrison had observed some restlessness among the troops nnder the restraints
• September, of discipline. On the morning of the 6th* he addressed them briefly, read
**^^- the Articles of War, endeavored to impress their minds with the import-
ance of discipline and obedience, told them that the danger to which Fort Wayne
was then exposed demanded an immediate forced march for its relief, and request-
ed those who could not endure the life of a true soldier to leave the ranks. Only one
man did so, when his companions, thinking him too feeble to walk, carried him on a
rail to the banks of the Great Miami, and gave him a "plunge bath," not, perhaps, in
strict accordance with the fashion prescribed by Priessnitz. Tlie effect was salutary,
and murmurings ceased. Such discipline, exercised by the soldiers themselves, was
a hopeful sign for the commander.
Colonel John Jolmston, the Indian agent, was residing at Piqua.* At the request
of Harrison, he sent some Shawnoesc to old Fort Defiance, at the mouth of the An
Glaize River, to ascertain whether any British troops had gone up the Maumee Val-
ley. Logan, a poAverful half-breed, was sent to Fort Wayne for information. Both
parties were successful, and returned with important messages. No British troops
had passed up the Maumee, and Fort Wayne was closely besieged by the savages.
' M'Afee, papc I'il. ' See note B, page 314. ' M'Afce, pogc 121.
* For the purpose of nentrnlizinf;, If possible, the eflTccts of British inflnence over the tribes of Ohio, a conncll had
been held at I'iqim on the IBth of August. Governor Meigs, Thomas Worthington, and Jeremiah Morrow were the
commissioners on the part of the United States. Every thing promised snccess ; but while the conncll was in progress
news of the fall of Detroit and Chicago reached Piqua, and frustrated the plans of the white people.
Itij Army In the \
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
825
n« Army In the WllderueR*. Preparatlonn for nattle. Fort Wnyne relieved. Destruction of Indian Tuwui,
Harrison was compelled to wait at the Piqua until the morning of the 6th* • Sept.,
for flints. At dawn of that day his forces were under motion, and before **"'
eiijht o'clock they had fairly plunged into the great wilderness beyond the borders
of civilization. In order to march rapidly and easily, the troops had left most of their
clothing and baggage at Piqua; and on the afternoon of the 8th, they overtook Al-
len's regiment at St. Mary, sometimes called " Girty's Town,"' or the First Cross-
ing of the St. Mary lliver. There they were joined by Major R. M. Jolinson, with a
coq)8 of mounted volunteers. The army in the wilderness numbered two thousand
two hundred men. Indian spies were seen hovering around the camp that night,
who, it was afterward said, reported that " Kentuck was crossing as numerous as
the trees."
The morning of the 9th was dark and lowering, but the troops were in good spir-
its, and reached Shane's, or the Second Crossing of the St. Miiry, before sunset, where
tiicv found Colonel Adams, with his mounted Ohio Volunteers. Being now in the
vicinity of Fort Wayne, the army marched in battle order on the following day, ex-
pecting an attack. They move1ow that a fiavago can receive, especially at that Hcason of the
year, is to deprive him of food and shelter. So, when the torch was applied to the
cabins, the knife destroyed the corn and the vegetables.
GeneralJames Winchester arrived at Fort Wayne on the 18th of Sepii,...'„,T and
on the following day General Harrison formally resigned all command into his lianils.
The change produced almost a mutiny among the soldiers. They were greatly at-
tached to Harrison. Winchester was a wealtliy citizen of Tennessee, and had not for
many years had any military experience. He had Ijeen a subordinate officer in the
army of the Revolution, but for thirty years had lived in ease and opulence in Ten-
nessee. His deportment was too aristocratic to please the great mass of the troops
and this, added to their expectations of more severe discipline from an officer of the
Regulars, caused a large number of them to positively refuse at first to serve under
the new commander. It required all the address of Harrison (popular as he was and
as ready as were his followers to comply with all his wishes), together with tlic i)er-
Huasions of the other officers, to reconcile them to the change. It was effected Imt
only when they were allowed to indulge the hope that their beloved general miirht
be reinstated in command.'
Harrison left Fort Wayne on the evening of the 19th,* and returned to
St. Mary, where he intended to collect the mounted men from Kentucky,
and prepare for an expedition against Detroit. "From Fort Wayne," he wrote
" there is a path, which has been sometimes used by the Indians, leading up the St.
Joseph's, and from thence, by the head watera of the River Rezin [Raisin], to Detroit.
By this route it appears to me very practicable to effect a coup-de-main upon ti it
place, and if I can collect a few hundred more mounted men, I shall attempt it."^ To
the accomplishment of this design he prepared to lend all his energies. Already there
was a respectable force of mounted men at St. Mary, and others were on the marcli
to that place.
Harrison went to Piqua to perfect his arrangements. There, on the 24th/'
he received a dispatch from the Secretary of War in reference to his let-
ter concerning the acceptance of a brigadier's commission, which opened thus :
" The President is pleased to assign to you the command of the Northwestern
Arniy, which, in addition to the regular troops and rangers in that quarter, will con-
sist of the volunteers and milif ia of Kentucky, Ohio, and three tliousand from Virginia
and Pennsylvania, making your whole force ten thousand men." It then went on to
instruct him to first provide for the defense of the frontiers, and then to retake De-
troit with a view to the conquest of Canada. He was assured that every exertion
would be made to send him a train of artillery from Pittsburg, in charge of Captain
Gratiot, of the Engineers, who would report to him as soon as some of the pieces could
be got ready. He was also informed that Major Ball, of the 2d Regiment of Dracfoons,
would join him ; and that such staff officers as he might legally appoint would be ap-
proved by the President. " Colonel Buford, deputy commissioner at Lexington," he
said, "is furnished with fxinds, and is subject to your orders." More ample powers
than had ever been given to any officer of the American army since Washington was
invested with the authority of a military dictator were intrusted to him in the fol-
lowing closing sentence in the dispatch : " You Avill command such means as may l)i'
' At St. Mary's, Harrison wrote to Governor Shelby as foUows: "My sitnation here is very embarrassing, so ranch
BO that I have determined within the two honrspast to propose to General Winchester to recognize me as commander-
in-chief, or to relinqnlsh all command whatever, unless it is of the mounted forces which I have prepared, and with which
I shall strike a strolce somewhere. Ton will hear fi:om another qnarter t'.ie very aerions difficulty which was to be en-
countered before the men of Scott's, Allen's, and Lewis's regiments could be reconciled to the command of General
Winchester. I fear that the other three regiments will prove still more refractory."— Autograph Letter, Seplembet
22d, 1S12.
» Autograph Letter to General Shelby, dated "St. Mnry, 22d September, 1S12." I have before me an autograph note
ft-om General Harrison to Governor Meigs, of similar purport, dated at St. Mary, the 20th of September. " Bnt it muiit
be kept profoundly secret," he wrote.
" September.
Winchester's Man
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OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
til
Wlnchenter'a March thniuKh tha WildemeM. Confruuted by Brltlih and Indlani. Sadden Flight of the latter.
practicable. Kterciae your own discretion, and act in all cases according to your ovm
juihjinent," With Huch ample powers inveHted in a commander-in-chief, Shelby's
"Hoard of War" would have been (jiiite iiHelesH. Harrison had reason to be proud
(if the honor conferred, and the "special trust and confidence" reposed in him; wiiilo
his soldiers, rejoicing in tho fact, appeared ready and eager to follow whithersoever
he might lead.
General Winchester, with al)out two thousand men, left Fort Wayne on the mom-
iiij» of the 22d of September (each soldier carrying six days' provisions) for tho Mau-
inee Uapids. He moved cautiously down the left bank of that river, to avoid a sur-
uiise, in three divisions, his baggage hi the centre, and a volunteer company of spies,
under Captain Ballard, supported by (iarrard's dragoons, moving abet two miles
ill advance. Winchester intended to halt at Fort Defiance, at tho confluence of
the Mauinee and Au Glaizo Rivers, fiily miles from Fort Wayne, and there await
rc-enforcemonta from Harrison at St. Mary. They encountered Indians on the way.
Some of the spies were killed ; among them Ensign Leggott, of the Sevonteenth
United States Infantry, who, with four otiicrs of a Woodford (Kentucky) company,
had been permitted to push forward to reconnoitre the vicinity of Fort Defiance.
They were all killed and scalped. When their fate was made known in the camp.
Captain liallard' was ordered out with his spies and forty of Garrard's dragoons
to bury the bodies. This sad oftice they undertook on the morning of the 27th, and
when within two miles of the place of the massacre they discovered an Indian am-
buscade. A conflict ensued. Garrard's troops charged upon the wavages, when they
fled in dismay, closely pursued for some distance, and found refuge in the swamps,
where cavalry could not penetrate.
Tliose Indians were tho advance of a heavy force — heavy by comparison only —
under Major Muir, consisting of two hundred British regulars, one thousand savages,
under Colonel Elliott, and four pieces of cannon. They were making their way up
tiie Mauinee on its southern side to attack Fort Wayne. Their artillery and bag-
gage had been brought to Defiance in boats from Maiden, and with them they were
marching by land to Fort Wayne. Fortunately for the little army under Winches-
tor, a Hhrewd subaltern of Scott's regiment (Sergeant M'Coy) had been captured and
taken before Muir, who was then twelve miles above Fort Defiance. He was ques-
tioned closely, and in his answer he magnified Winchester's army fourfold. He also
told Muir that another army equally large was coming down the Au Glaizo to join
Winchester. The exaggerated facts given to the British commander by his own
credulous and excited scouts made him believe the stories of M'Coy ; and when he
heard of the defeat of his advance by Ballard and Garrard, he ordered a retreat to
Fort Defiance, where he re-embarked his artillery and baggage.
Relying upon his boats for facility in retreating, in the event of a defeat, Muir re-
solved to give battle about four miles above Fort Defiance, at the ford of a creek on
the north side of the Maumee, where Wayne crossed in 1794 ; but when, on the morn-
ing of the 28th, he attempted to form his line of battle there, he found, to his great
nortification and alarm, that about three fourths of his Indian allies had deserted
h m. They had heard of IVL'Coy's stories, and, asscciating them with Muir's retro-
gvade movement, and the re-embarkation of liis arti llery and baggage, they became
greatly alarmed, and abandoned the expedition. Thus weakened, Muir conceived
himself to be in great danger. He hastened back to Defiance, and fled twenty miles
I Captain Bland Ballard was a dlgtlnifnished citizen of Kentncky. He was bom in Fredericksburg, Virginia, October
10, 1701, and at this time was just past fifty years of age. He had been in Kentncky since 17T9. He was with General
Clark when ho invaded the Ohio country in 1781, where he was severely wounded. In all that service, as a spy and
olherwijc, Ballard was exceedingly active. He was with Wayne in his campaigns. He Joined Allen's regiment in
M2, and, as we have seen in the text, was wounded at the Raisin and taken prisoner. He frequently represented
Shelby County in the Kentncky Legislature. Ballard Connty, Kentucky, was so called in his honor, and Blandvllle,
the connty seat, bears the Christian name of Captain Ballard. He was living, at the age of eighty-seven years, in 184T.
For a fuller account of him, see Collins's Historical Sketches of Kentuchj, page 171.
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WlnchMter arrival at Fort Deflanca.
Rfr«nft>reau.v>^ gatlMriDc.
Th ilr lUwh towatJ Fo rt DaiUnt*,
down the Mauraeo belbro ho haltc<1, U'aviiij5 soino luithful inoiinted IikUuhh bfliii,,)
to watch the inovcmoiitH of the AiiioricaiiH.
Wiiiehi'Hter, in tlie mean time, waH inoviiifif caittioiiHly forward. ITo could recoive
no certain intolligoncc concerning the force and ponition of the enemy. Two Rcouts
(Hickman and Uidtlle) had gone completely around the invaders on tlio 20tli wilh
• Seutombcr, t'"* Hceing them,' and otiiers were ecjually unwucceHHful on the 27lh aiicl
"'*• 28th.' When the army approached the creek where Muir expected to
make a stand, Winchester was informed of its advantageous position for the cneinv
and crossed to the southeast side of tlie Maumee to avoid him. There they (Uncov-
ered the trail of the invader, with Ids artillery. Ignorant of the alarm of Muir, tluy
encamped on a rise of ground and fontified their position. Then a council of war
was held. Some officers were in favor of sending a detachment in pursuit of tlie rt-
treating foe, but the general and a majority determined otherwise. Their provisions
were almost exhausted, and the unknown force of the enemy caused pnidence to ask
for strength in re-enforcements.^ Several mounted parties were sent out to recon-
noitre, and expresses were detached to General Harrison at St. Mary, asking for re-
lief by sending mer> and food. It was aoon ascertained that the enemy Jiad left Fort
Defiance, and on the 30th Winchester moved down tho river to a high bank of the
Maumee, within a mile of the fort, and again fonned a fortified camp. On the Ist of
October Colonel Lewis made a reconnoissanco in force, and ascertained that the ene-
my was entirely gone.^
While Winchester was making his way toward Fort Defiance, the troops that were
gathering in the rear of the army had mostly arrived at St. Mary. These consisted of
three regiments from Kentucky, commanded respectively by Colonels Joshua IJaibee,
Robert Poague, and William Jennings (the latter riflemen), and three comj)anic8 of
mounted riflemen, from the same state, under Captains Roper, Bacon, and Clark.
Also a corps of mounted "'en from Ohio, under Colonel Findlay, who, as we have
seen, had been active wi' 'neral Hull. These had been raised pursuant to a call
of Governor Meigs and ( ' Harrison, at the beginning of September, and rendez-
voused as early as the 15tn at Dayton. They were intended to operate against some
of tho hostile Indian towns.
On the 2l8t of September, Hai-rison ordered Colonel Jennings to proceed with his
regiment down the Au Glaize to establish an intermediate post between St. Mary and
Fort Defiance, and to escort provisions to the latter place for the use of Winchester
on his routs to the Rapids of the Maumee. Wlien Jennings had marched between
thirty and lb'"ty miles, he found the Indians hovering round his camp at night, and
his scouts brought intelligence that they were in considerable force toward Fort De-
fiance ; so he halted and constructed a stockade on the bank of the Ottawa River, a
tributary of the Au Glaize, not far from the present Kalida (the Greek for beantifiil),
the capital of Putnam County, 'Ohio. It was named Fort Jennings, in honor of the
commander of the detachment. At the same time Colonel Findlay was ordered to
attack some Ottawa towns* farther eastward, on Blanchard's Fork, below Fort Find-
lay, in the same county.'
' September Winchester was informed of the march of Jennings with provisions, and
on the 29th,'' his army being half famished, he sent Captain Garrard
' They crogsed the Hanmeo to the south side, and took as direct a route as they could to the Au Glaize. They
croseed that atream, and descended It along its eastern shore to Us month at Defiance. Two miles below the conflu-
ence of the streams they crossed the Maumee, and returned uji the north side to the army.
» At about this time Peter Navarre (whom we shall meet hereafter), who had piloted the British as far as the Rap-
ids, deserted them, and pushed on to meet Winches' &nd Inform him of the approach of the enemy.— Hosmer's Earln
History of the Maumte Valley, page 34.
» M'Afee, pages 10?-138, inclusive ; Thomson's Sketetui of the Late War, ch. iv. ; Perkins's History, etc., of the Utt
War ; Brackenridge's HUtorii of tl\/e Late War, pages NS-68, Inclusive.
4 The emphasis in the word Ottawa being In the middle syllable, these were called 'Tawa towns. The Lower 'Tawa
town was on Blanchard's Fork, on the site of the present village of Ottawa, two miles below the Upper 'Tawa town.
• See page 2B7.
Birrlioa'i Aatan
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
889
Hirrlion't Antamn C'ainp^l|n> nmnged. Patrlutlim of the Women of Kentucky. Troopi rendjr for an Advaaw.
with (IragoonH to aHsist in escortinpf to his camp n brip;n(lo of pack-horBPH with
siiiii)li«'H. (tiirrard wiih HucccHsful, aiul roturiu-d, allor a tour of thirty-six hours, in a
ilrent'hiug ruin. WinchcHter was still in his fortified can)|» near Fort Defiance, and
Oarrard was received at tliat beautiful spot in the wilderness with the lively satis-
faction of the famislied when fed.
During the few days of suspenso concerning tlio extent of his command General
Harrison formed projects for the immediate future, whieli incxorabh? circuinstanoes
conipi'lled him to abandon, to 8(mie extent. He had now, as commander-in-chief, at-
ranged with caro the plan for an autumn canij)aign, which contemplated the seizure
ami occupation of the strategic position at the foot of the Maumec Rapids, and pos-
sibly the captnro of Detroit and Maiden. His base of military operations, having the
Rapids as the first object to b<^ possessed, was a line drawn along the margin of tlic
swaiiipy region from St. Mary to Upper Sandusky, the former to bo tin principal de-
nnsit ior provisions, and tlie latter for artillery and military stores. Ho intended to
march his anny in three divisions: the right column to bo composed of tlie Virginia
and Pennsylvania troops, to rendezvous at Wooster, the capital of the present Wayne
County, Ohio, and proceed from thence, by Upper Sandusky, to the Rapids. The
centre column, to consist of twelve hundred Ohio militia, to march from Urbana,
where they were then collected, to Fort M'Arthur, and follow Hull's road to the
Rapids. The left column, to be composed of the regulars under Colonel Wells and
tour regiments of Kentucky volunteers, to proceed down the Au (ilai/e to the Mau-
mec from St. Mary, and from their confluence pass on toward the Rapids. He designed
to send the mounted horsemen, by way of the St. Joseph of the Lake, to make the
mip-de-main on Detroit, already alluded to ; but this project was abandoned, for,
should they take that post without the support of infantry, they might be compelled
to ah' "Ion it, and would thereby expose the inhabitants to the fury of the Indians,
who ist be exasperated by the movement. Harrison therefore determined to em-
ploy ihera in making destructive forays upon Indian towns, and sweep the savages
from the line of march from the Rapids to Detroit, when the troops should all be
ready to move.
Harrison now made urgent appeals for supplies of every kind. He sent an express
to Pittsburg to hurry forward the cannon and ordnance stores to Wooster ; and, as
the troops were nearly destitute of winter clothing, he and Governor Shelby appealed
to the inhabitants of Kentuckj' for voluntary contributions. It was generously re-
sponded to. A thousand needles were speedily put in motion in fair hands ; and
many a poor soldier, as he stood sentry on the banks of the Maumee or the Raisin a
few weeks later, had reason to feel grateful to the patriotic women of Kentucky.
On the 1st of October there were nearly three thousand troops at St. Mary. Har-
rison resolved to employ the portion of the left wing, under Winchester, at Defiance,
as a corps of observation, and to make that place an important deposit for provisions,
preparatory to the advance of that corps upon the Rapids. This movement was to
commence as soon as the artillery should arrive at Upper Sandusky, and the other
supplies had accumulated along the base of operation. A corps of observation was
also to be placed at Lower Sandusky, which, with Defiance, would form the extremi-
ties of a second base when the Rapids should be occupied. These arrangements for
operations were exceedingly judicious for an economical use of supplies, and a per-
fect defense of the frontier while the troops were concentrating at the Rapids.
The mounted men, consisting of the companies of Roper, Clark, and Bacon, and the
volunteers under Major Richard M. Johnson, were formed into a regiment. They
elected Johnson their colonel ; and these, with the Ohio mounted men under Find-
lay, formed a small brigade, which Harrison placed in charge of General Edward W.
Tupper, of Gallia County, Ohio, a gentleman about fifty years of age, who had, by his
own exertions, raised about a thousand men for the service. This brigade was des-
!'
1
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I .h
ifllil'^t^l
] ■ I
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1
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1
ii
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liX
880
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A great Stir in Camp.
Rapid forward Muvement.
Harrigou at Fort Defiance.
tined for the expedition against Detroit, by Avay of the St. Joseph, which the general
hoped to set in motion soon. A few hours after it was organized, an express from
Winchester reached Harrison with the intelligence of his encounter with the invad-
ing force under Muir. At almost the same moment, an express arrived from Gov-
ernor Meigs, with a letter to him from General Kelso, who was in command of some
Pennsylvania troops on the shore of Lake Erie, informing him that, as late as the
16 th of September, some British regulars, Canadian militia, and two thousand In-
dians, had left Maiden with two pieces of artillery for Fort Wayne.
These dispatches created a great stir in camp. Three days' cooked provisions, with
ammunition and other military stores, were immediately issued to the troops, and a
command for a forced march was given. Three hours afterward General Ilarrison
was in the saddle, and his whole corps were following him toward the wilderness in
a drenching rain, and the road filled with deep mud. They reached the camp of Col-
onel Jennings at twilight, and officers and men, from the general down, slept in the
cold, damp air, without tents, and nothing between them and the water-pools on the
surface of the flat ground but brush from the beech-trees. There Ilarrison was met
by anotlier express from Winchester, notifying him of the flight of the enemy down
the Maumee. The rapid march was stayed. Barbee's regiment was ordered back
to St. Miiry, and Poague's was directed to cut a road to Fort Defiance from Camp
Jennings. The mounted men, more than a thou-
sand in number, pressed forward in five lines, mak-
ing an imposing appearance in the stately forest,
Avhere tlie leaves were just assuming the gorgeous
autumnal hues. Tlie troops were disappointed and
depressed because of the flight of the enemy ; and
the commanding general was vexed when he dis-
covered that Winchester's alarm was quite unnec-
essary. He reached that officer's camp at sunset.
His soldiers bivouacked three miles in tlic rear.
Eaidy the next morning they marched down to tlie
confluence of the Maumee and An Gk izc, and en-
camped there around the ruined intrcnchmeuts of
old Fort Defiance.
Harrison found the troops under Winchester in
a deplorable condition, and one regiment in a state
of open mutiny. He ordered the " alarm" instead
of the "reveille" to be beaten on the followinij
morning. This brought all the troops to arms;.
They were drawn up in a hollow square, when, to
the surprise and delight of the soldiers, Harrison,
their beloved general, appeared among them. It
was with difficulty that they restrained their
voices, for shouts of welcome were ready to hurst
fi-om their lips. He addressed them as a kind fa-
ther would talk to his children. He shamed the
malcontents by saying tliat while he lamented the fact of their mutiny, and was mor-
INDIAN CAMP
FOBT DEHANOK.'
1 This fort was constructed of earth and logs, with a ditch extending around It, except on tl^e An O'aize eldc. At
cact angle was a block house, connected by a line of pickets at their nearest angles. Ontside the fort there was a uhdn.
or sloping wall of en th, eight feet thick, and outside of this the ditch, fifteen feet wide and eight feet deep. The i/taw
next to the ditch was supported by a log wall, and hyfamtwx, or fagots, on the side next to the Au Glaiio. Plckol?,
eleven feet long and ona foot apart proJccteTl from the wall diagonally over the ditch, forming a. /"raw of forniidaWe
api earance. The diagram, showing the relative position of the ft rt t.. the two rivers at their conliuence, a'ul to n new
fon aflerw.->.dl)ulltby Winchester, ma he explained as follows: A, officers' quarters; B, store-houses ; CCCC.f^e
ditch ; E E, gateways ; F, a dry ditch, cljnt feet deep, used for the safe procurement of water from the river, witli pick-
ets {a a) guarding It; G, draw-bridge.
Harrison's Addresi
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
331
liarrisun's Addresii to his Troops.
Erection of new Forts ordered.
Troubles among Leaders.
tified on their account, it was of no consequence to the government, as he had now
more troops than he needed, and was in expectation daily of receiving large re-en-
forcements from Pennsylvania and Virginia, As they had come to the woods ex-
pecting to find all the comforts and luxuries of home, they must be disappointed, and
he gave them liberty to return. But be could not refrain from alluding to the mor-
tification which he anticipated they would experience from the reception they would
meet from the old and the young, who had greeted them on their march to the scene
of war as their gallant neighbors. Then he appealed to their pride ^s soldiers and
their patriotism as citizens. He told them that his government had made him com-
mander-in-chief of tlio army in which they were serving, and assured them that am-
ple supplies of provisions and other stores were on the way. When he had con-
cluded, and the veteran Scott addressed them, saying, " You, my boys, will prove
your attachment for the service of your country and your general by giving him
three cheers," the wilderness instantly rang with shouts of applause, and before
the sun went down perfect harmony and good feeling prevailed in the camp.
General Harrison selected a site for a new fort on the bank of the Au Glaize, about
eighty yards above Old Fort Defiance, and ordered the immediate assignment of
fatigue parties to construct it. General Winchester at the same time moved his camp
from the Maumee to the Au Glaize, about half a mile above the site of the new fort.
This movement was made on the 4th of October. That evening Harrison, accom-
panied by Colonel Johnson and his original battalion (composed of Johnson's, Ward's,
and Ellison's companies), turned their faces toward St. Mary, Avhere, three days after-
ward, their i;erm of enlistment having expired, they were discharged. Poague's regi-
ment was directed to return to the old Ottawa towns, twelve miles from St. Marj%
after the road to Defiance should be completed, and erect a stockade there. They
did so, and Poague named it Fort Amanda, in honor, of a loved one in Kentucky.
General Winchester was left in command of the left wing of the army, with instruc-
tions to facilitate the transportation of supplies to Fort Defiance, and to occupy a
position at the Maumee Rapids as speedily as possible. When he left Winchester,
Ilarrison expected to have all necessary supplies for advancing against Detroit within
a fortnight.
Before leaving Fort Defiance Harrison ordered General Tupper to lead the mounted
men, then over nine hundred in number, down the Maumee to the Rapids, and beyond
if desirable, to (Jisperse any detachments of the enemy, civilized or savage, that might
be found, and to return to St. Mary by the " 'Tawa" or Ottawa towns on Blanchard's
Fork of the Au Glaize. But this order was not executed on account of several dis-
turbins, causes, namely, extensive damage to powder and scarcity of food, which
made it difficult to provide adequate supplies for an expedition that might occupy a
week or ten days; the sudden appearance of hostile Indians, who menaced Winchester's
camp; dissatisfaction of some of the Kentr.cky troops with Tupper and his command;
misunderstanding between Winchester and Tupper, and the unfriendly conduct of the
former toward the latter; the weakening of Tupper's forces by the withdrawal of Ken-
tucky troops and Simrall's dragoojis ; iid finally the dismissal of Tupper from the
command of the expeditici by WinchesK r. v!.o gave it to Colonel Allen, of the reg-
ulars, and which caused the Ohio troops to cross the Au Glaize, and positively refuse
to march under any other than their own chosen leader.' The chief difliculty seen .i
to have arisen from conflict between regular officers and volunteers ; and thus termin-
ated the expedition, said Tupper, " at one time capable of tearing the British flag from
the walls of Detroit."''*
' H' Afeo, pages 14^ Ufl ; Tupper's Letter to General narrlson from Urbana, October 12, 1812 ; Brackcnridge, page 59 ;
Perkins, pope 97.
' Uttor to Gonerf 1 Harrison f.-om Urbana, dated October 12th, 1S12. M'Afeo, who gives a more detailed acconnt
of this affair than any other writer, says, " Some of the Eevtackiaus were not inclined to march under Tupper unless
1
i«lli
I 1j
I "1
iilliii
til
882
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Conduct of Colonel Tapper.
Expeditions against tlie Indians.
Harrison in Central Ohio,
Instead of returning to St. Mary, Tupper took the most direct route to Urbaiia by
way of Hull's road, from near the present town of Kenton, where he immediately piv-
pared for another and independent expedition to the Kapids. Winchester pi-efened
charges against him for alleged misconduct at Defiance, and Harrison ordered his ar-
rest, but the accused being far on his way toward the Rapids, as we shall observe
presently, when the order was given, the prosecution was stayed. At Tupper's re-
quest a court of inquiry afterward investigated the matter, and he was honorabiv
acquitted.
While on his way from Defiance to St. Mary, General Harrison was infonncd, by ex-
press from P"'ort Wayne, that the Indians were again menacing that post. At St. ilaiy
he found Colonel vVllen Trimble at the lioad of five hundred mounted men of Ohio, wliii
came to join Tupper in the expedition against Detroit. These were immediately dis-
patched to the relief of Fort Wayne, with instructions to proceed to the St. Joseph of
the Lake, about sixty miles distant, and destroy the town of the hostile Pottawatomie
chief White Pigeon. The troops were disappointed, and at Fort Wayne about one
half of Trimble's command refused to go farther. The gallant colonel pushed on with
the remainder, destroyed two Pottawatomie villages, and Avould have killed or oa]i-
tured the inhabitants had not a treacherous guide given them timely warning of
danger.
At St. Mary Harrison found some penHent Miami chiefs who had joined the enemv.
They had come at the summons of messengers, and were prepared to deny their guilti-
ness, or to palliate it, as circumstances might dictate. They found Harrison well in-
formed concei-ning their bad conduct, and they cast themselves upon the meiTy of
the government. As proof of their sincerity, they sent five chiefs to Piqua as iiost-
ages until the decision of the President should be made known. Thither General
Harrison repaired, where he found some of T. pper's troops. He passed over to Urba-
na, and then southeastward to Franklinton, on the west bank of the Scioto, opposite
the present city of Columbus, the capital of Ohio, whose site was then covered by
the primeval forest. There, in the heart of Ohio, and at a convenient point for the
concenti-ation of troops and supplies from a distance, Harrison established his head-
quarters, and occupied much of the remainder of the autumn and early winter in
laborious preparations for an advance on Detroit and Canada — collecting troo]is and
creating depots for supplies, building stockades and block-houses, cutting roads, and
dispersing or overawing the hostile Indians, who might be excessively mischievous
on the flank and rear. Poague speedily completed Fort Amanda on the Au Glaize.
Colonel Barbee ei-ected another at St. Mary, which was called Fort Barbee, and he-
fore the 1st of November the new stockade at Defiance, built chiefly of logs, was
completed and named Fort Winchester.
I visited the ruins of Fort Defiance on a wanii «unny day late in September, 1860.
I came up the Maumee Valley by railway from Toledo on the previous evening, and
arrived at Defiance Station at midnight. The tillage of Defiance,^ lying mostly on
the Maumee, upon the beautiful plain at the confluence of that river and Au Glaize,
was shrouded in a chilling fog. Warned of the danger of the night air in that valley
accompanied by some field officer from Winchester's command. Colonel Allen therefore tendered his services to ac-
company General Tnpper in any capacity he might choopc to receive him. The offer was accepted. But Oeiiprnl Win-
chester, havhiix niisundcrstoo'' ihc nature of the arranRcment between them, issued an order directing Culoncl .\lloiiio
taltc the command and march toward the Rapids. This caused a serious misunderstanding between the two general^.
Colonel Allen, however, having infirnied General Winchester correctly on the subject, the order was immodinld.v rf-
Bcindcd, The greater part of the men having by this time refiised to proceed directly to the Rapids, Ocncriil Tiipixr
marched them over the Au Olalzc, and proceeded to the Ottawa towns, wliere he professed to expect re-en fore enicnt*
ftom Ohio," This account agrees siihstantlnlly with that of Tupper in his letter to Harrison, in which he says, " It is a
duty I owe to Colonel Allen to gay that I have not the smallest reason to believe be was privy to the orders uf Qeneral
Winchester."
' Defiance Is the connty seat of Defiance County, about fifty miles northeastward from Fort Wa.vne. It was laid oul
In 1822, and from its eligible situation and fertility of the country around— the rich Black Swamp region— seems denlincd
to become a jdace of much importance.
Bemains of Forti
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
838
Kemaius of Forts Uetlaucu aud Wluchester.
Their Locatiun and Appearance.
Au antienl Apple-tree.
at that Beason of the year, I fclt as if fever and ague were inhaled at every inspira-
tion Avhile walking a long distance to a hotel. There all was darkness. A slumber-
in<' attendant was finally aroused, and I was directed by the feeble light of a small
candle to a most cheerless bedroom at one o'clock in the morning. After an early
breakfast I went out to find the historical localities of tlie place, and was fortunate
enough to be introduced to Mr. E. H. Leland and Doctor John Paul, who kindly ac-
companied me to them. We first visited the interesting remains of Fort Wayne on
tlic point of land where the two ruins meet. We found the form of the glacis and
ditch very distinctly marked, the remains of the former rising six or eight feet above
the botto'u of the latter. The shape of the fort was perfectly delineated by those
momuls and the ditch. Some large honey-locust-trees were growing among the
ruins. These have appeared since the fort was abandoned in 1795. One of them,
with a trip'e stem, standing in the southeastern angle of the fort, measured fifteen
iect in circumference. These ruins are likely to be preserved. The banks were
covered with a fine sward, and they were within an inclosurc containhig about two
acres of land, which the heirs of the late Curtis Holgate presented to the town.
We visited the site of Fort Winchester, a little above Defiance, on the bank of the
An Glaize, and found the remains of many of the pickets Drotruduig from the ground.
Across a ravine, just above the fort, was the garrison burying-ground. We returned
to the village, crossed the long bridge which spans the JMaumee, and from the heights
(if Fail's Grove, on the eastern side of the river, obtained a comprehensive view of the
two streams at their confluence, the site of the fort, and the village of Defiance. The
- sketch there made is here
" given. The meeting of the
waters is seen toward the
le/l, those of the Maumee
flowing in from the right
to meet those of the Au
Glaize, over which, in the
distance, a bridge is seen.
The group of trees (the hon-
ey-locusts spoken of) seen
near the centre of the pic-
ture mark the site of Fort
)efiance. In the foreground
s seen a garden ext' uding
from the hiL'hway at the
foot of the liei-hts of Fail's
(irove to t!;i' bank of
the Maumee, with waving
broom corn then ripe and
BUB OF rOBI DEFlA>'aK.
ready for the knife.
On our return to the village we visited ■ the way, near the margin of the ]\raumee,
:m aged and gigantic apple-tree, coeval, no doubt, with the one near Fort Wayne.'
We found it carefully guarded, as a sort of " lion'' 'f the place, by a high board fence,
the ground around it, within the inclosurc, tlr ' oovered with burr-bearing weeds.
It was upon the Southworth estate, and . to it might be had only through a
Ismail house near. That tree was a living nioniauent of the French occupation of the
LE-TBEE AT DEriANOE.
its size, by comparison with the body of a stout man.
We returned to Defiance in time for dinner, and left
with the early train for Fort Wayne.^
Let us resume the naiTative of events in the North-
west in the autumn of 1812.
We left General Harrison nt Franklinton, General
Tupper at Urbana, and General Winchester at Fort De-
fiance, all engaged in preparations to move forward
to the Rapids of the Maumee, and thence to Detroit.
While the movement of the troops in Western Ohio and
Eastern Indiana, just related, were in progress, stirring
events of a like nature occurred in the region nearer
the Mississippi River.
We have already noticed the departure of troops from Kentucky for Vincennes,
and the messengers sent to that post by Captain Taylor, asking immediate aid for
Fort Harrison on the Wabash.^ This call was immediately responded to. Colonel
William Russell, of the Seventh United States Regiment of Infantry, just arrived at
Vincennes, departed at once for Fort Harrison with about twelve hundred n '» con-
sisting of three companies of Rangers, two regiments of Indiana militia, under c'olo-
nels Jordan and Evans, and Colonel Wilcox's regiment of Kentucky Volunteers.
Lieutenant Richardson, of the regulars, was 'lirected to follow with eleven men as
an escort for provisions. By a forced marcli Russell and his party reached Fort Har-
rison on the 16th, much to the joy of Captain Taylor, without encountering the foe.
Not so the provision escort. That was attacked by the savages on the 16th, wjio
killed more than one half of the detachment and captured all of the provisions. An-
other provision train that followed immediately afterward was more fortunate. Tlu
savages were not seen. The great body of the Indians seemed to have fled from the
vichiity, and Russell and his troops, except Wilcox's regiment, returned to Vincennes.
At about this time the Indians of Illinois ar.d Northern Indiana, persuaded, like
the rest of the savages under the influence of Teonmtha, after the fall of Mackinaw.
Detroit, and Chicago, that the time was at hand when the white people might be
driven beyond the Ohio River, every where showed signs of hostilities. Tliest'
were so menacing that Nini.on Edwards, the GoveiTior of the Illinois Territory, called
on the executive of Kentucky for aid. That aid was on its way in the person of
Colonel Barbour and his ct ramand, when it was diverted to Vincennes, on acconnt
of the dangers impending over Fort Harrison. Edwards had sent out spies, and was
persuaded that no time was to be lost in making preparations for ofl!ensive and de-
fensive operations againft the savages, He combined the scattered militia of his
Territory, and caused se ^-eral companies of Rangei-s to be encamped on the Missis-
sippi, above St. Louis, and in the Illinois River. Tliese served to keep the Indians in
•Septembers, check for a tiiae. Meanwhile Governor Shelby had made the stirring
''^^'^' appeal* to the Ki^ntuckians already alluded to.^ He told them of tlic
"extensivd combination of the K-'vages, aided by the British from Canada," who were
momentarily expected on the frontier settlements of Illinois and Indiana. Twenty-
one persons, he said, had already becr^ murdered not more than twenty miles north
of the Ohio ! " It is hoped," he remarked, " that it will rouse the spirit and indigna-
tion of the freemen of Kentucky, and induce a sufficient number of them to give their
services to their country for a short period." He asked them to rendezvous at Louis-
ville on the 1 8th of the month, with thirty days' provisions. " Kentuckians," lit
said, " ever pre-eniuient for their patriotism, bravery, and good conduct, will, I am
persuaded, on this occasion, give to the world a new evidence of their love of conn-
1 See page 43.
' See page KIT.
J page 323.
H'ealth and Fatr
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
335
Wenltb and Patriutism of Kentacky illuRtrated. Hopkins's £xpedition against Illinois Indians. Insubordination.
try, and a determination, at every liazard, to rescue their fellow-men from the mur-
ders and devastations of a cruel and barbarous enemy."'
This address, as we have seen, was responded to with wonderful alacrity. Hund-
reds more than were needed were at Louisville on the appointed day, and were turned
back with feelings of the keenest disappointment. One old veteran, who had suf-
fered from savage cruelty, and had fought the dusky foe in the early days of Ken-
tucky settlement, although greatly chagrined when he found his company rejected,
said, " Well, well, Kentucky has often glutted the market with hemp, flour, and to-
bacco, and now she has done so with volunteers." This was a truthful exposition,
in few words, of the wealth and patriotism of Kentucky.
General Samuel Hopkins, under whom the Kentucky Volunteer^ were placed, made
his head-quarters at Vincennes. Tlie troops continued to arrive and were mustered
into the service from the 21st of September until the 2d of October, when Hopkins,
then convalescing after a severe attack of fever, found himself at the head of almost
four thousand men, about two thousand of them expert riflemen, on horseback. His
little army was speedily organized,^ and on the 10th of September he started with
the mounted riflemen for the Indian country by the way of Fort Harrison. The chief
design of the expedition was to march an annihilating force upon the principal Kick-
; poo and Peoria Indian villages on the waters of the Illinois River, the former sup-
|)Osed to be about eighty miles distant, and the latter one hundred and twenty miles.
Hopkins ai^d his two thousand horsemen crossed the Wabash on the afternoon of
the 14th,* and iijade their first encampment that night three miles from Fort •October,
Harrison. Before them lay magnificent level prairies, covered with tall ^^^^'
ijrass, both dry ard green. The guides passed a satisfactory examination as to their
knowledge of the route, and the plans of the general were unanimously approved by
a council of oflicei's. On resuming the second day's march, every thing promised
well excepting the lack of discipline and evident restlessness under restraint manifest-
ed by the troops. Indeed, so far as military discipline was concerned, they constituted
little more than a vast mob, and it was soon found that every man was disposed to
he a law unto himself Every hour of the march revealed to the commanding gen-
eral evidences of the fact that his army was as combustible as the dry grass around
them, The symptoms of discontent, seen even at Vincennes, now assumed the posi-
tive forms of complaint and murmuring. The guides were suspected of ignorance or
disloyalty; and food and forage, it was alleged, Avere becoming alarmingly scarce.
Finally, while halting on the fourth day's march, a major, whose name is withheld,
rode up to the commanding general, and in an insolent manner peremptorily ordered
liim to march the troops back to Fort Harrison. Not long afterward a violent wind
arose that blew directly toward them, and very soon it Avas discovered that the
prairie was on fire at the windward. They saved themselves by burning the grass
around their camp. It was believed that this was the work of tlie Indians, and it
gave the finishing blow to the expedition. The troops would not march farther.
Hopkins called a council of oflicers,'' when it was decided by them to re-
turn, as tiieir men were utterly unmanageable. The mortified commander
then called for five hundred volunteers to follow hira to the Illinois. Not one re-
sponded to his summons. His authority had vanished. They even refused to sub-
" October 20.
1 Address of Governor Shelby, issned at Prarkfort September S, 1812.
' Four regiments were at first formed, to be commanded respectively by Colonels Samnel Catdw«11, John Thomas,
James Allen, and Yountf Kwlng. ^hese const tnted two brigades, the first to be commanded by General James Ray,
M early advcuturer In Kentucky and experienced India: fighter," and the other by General Jonathan Ramsey. After
Ibis arrangement was made, another, under r Thus ended an apparently formidable and promis-
ing expedition. Yet it was not unfniitful of good. It alarmed the Indians I 'olouel William liassuU'a Letter to Qenaral Qibsou, the acting governor of Indiana, dated "Camp Russell, October
81,1812."
Tbe Indians atti
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
337
Xhe Indiuua attack a Bnrlal Party. Sufferings of the Kentucky Soldiera. Close of Hopkins's military Career.
red and sixty huts, with all their winter provision of corn and beans, were utterly
destroyed.
It was not until the 21 st that any Indians were discovered. On that day they
Bred upon a small party of soldiers, and killed one man. On the following morning
sixty horsemen, under Colonels Miller and Wilcox, went out to bury the dead, when
they were suddenly attacked by Indians in ambush, and lost eighteen men, killed,
ffouiuled, and missing, in the skirmish that ensued.' The rendezvous of the savages,
in a strong position on the Wild Cat, was soon discovered, and preparations were
made for dislodging tnem, when they decamped and disappeared. The season was
far advanced, the cold was increasing, and ice was beginning to form in the river.
These circumstances, and the fact that many of the troops, especially the Kentuck-
ians were " shoeless and shirtless" — clad in the remnants of their summer clothes,
caused an order to be issued on the 25th for a return to Fort Harrison and Vincennes.^
"We all suffered very much," said Pierre La P.'antc, of Vincennes, who was one of
the troops, " but I pitied the poor Kentuckians. They were almost naked and bare-
foot—only their linen hunting-shirts — the ground covered with snow, and the Wabash
freezing up."^
With this more successful expedition ended General Hopkins's military career. In
general orders, issued at Vincennes on the 1 8th of December following, he said : "The
commander-in-chief now closes his command, and, in all probability, liis military serv-
ices forever." Most of the volunteei-s were now discharged, and Illinois and Indiana
experienced a season of comparative repose.
1 This detachment was composed of Captain Beckcrs's company of Rangers, a small number of mounted mllltlo, and
sfTornl nrmy officers.
! Genernl Hopkins's Lptter to Oovcrnor Shelby, November 27, 1S12.
! Dillon's Uiatory vf Indiana, Note, page 602.
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Impatience oftlie People.
Harriaon'8 Difflcultles.
He Ik UopcfUl and Chcertni.
CHAPTER XVn.
"How dread was the conflict, how bloody the fray,
Told the banks of the liuiKlu at the dawn of the day ;
While the gush from the wounds of the dying and dead
Uad thaw'd for the warrior a suow-shecled bod.
"But where is the pride that a soldier can feel,
To temper with mercy the wrath of the steel,
Willie Proctor, victorious, denies to the brave
Who had fallen iu battle, the gift of a grave t"
LL through the months of October, November, and De-
cember,* General Harrison labored incessantly and in- '^''"
tensely in making preparations for a winter campaign in the
Northwest. The nation was feverish and impatient. I<'iio-
rauce of military necessities allowed unjust and injurious cen-
sures and criticisms to be made — unjust to the officers and sol-
diers in the field, and hijurious to the cause. The desire of the
people to recover all that Hull had lost would brook no n-
straint, nor listen to any excuse for delay. A winter campaign was demanded, ami
Harrison was not a man to shrink from any required duty. He knew that miuli
was expected of him ; and day and night his head and hands were at work, with
only the intermissions required by the necessity for taking food, indulging in sleep,
and tlie observance of the Sabbath. Taking all things into consideration, his task
was Herculean, and to some men would have been appalling. He was compelled to
create an army out of good but exceedingly crude materials. He was compelled to
reconcile many differences and difficulties in order to insure the harmony arisins
from perfect discipline. He was compelled to concentrate forces and supplies at
some eligible point, like the Rapids of the Maumee, while perplexed with the great-
est impediments. His operations were necessarily threefold in character — prepara-
tive, offensive, and defensive, in a wilderness filled with hostile savages controlled
and supported by British regulars. A frontier, hundreds of miles in extent, must be
protected at all hazards from the hatchet and the knife. The season was bceoming
more and more inclement. From the fortieth degree of latitude northward (the di-
rection of his projected march) was a region of dark forests and black swamps. The
autumnal rams had commenced, filling every stream, and making eveiy morass brim-
ful of water. Through these, roads and causeways for wagons and pack-horses must
be cut and constructed, over which supplies of every kind, with men and artillery,
must be conveyed. Block-houses were to be built, magazines of provisions estab-
lished, and a vigilant watch kept upon the savages who might prowl upon flanks and
rear. All this had to be done with undiscij)lined troops prone to self-reliance and
independence, with great uncertainty whether volunteers would swell his army for
invasion to the promised dimensions of ten thousand men.
Yet, in view of all these labors and difficulties, Harrison was cheerful and hopeful.
" 1 am fully sensible of the responsibility invested in me," he wrote to the Secretar)-
of War on the 13th of October. "I accepted it Avith full confidence of being able to
effect the wishes of the President, or to show unequivocally their impracticability.
If ^Be fall should be very dry, ^ will take Detroit before the winter sets in ; but if wo
should have much rain, it will be necessary to wait at the Rapids until the Mi-
OUectiou fo I
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
sao
OhJectioDS to & Winter Campaign.
DMBcuUles of TrauBportatlon.
Ooneral Simon Perklna.
nmi of the Lake [Maumee, or Miniiii of the Lakes] is sufficiently frozen over to bear
tho nriuy and its bagj^age,"
Nine (lays later Harrison wrote, "I am not able to fix any period for the advance
of the troops to Detroit. It is pretty evident tliat it can not be done upon proper
iiriiiciples until ihe frost shall become so severe as to enable us to use the rivers and
till' margin of the lake for transjxjrtation of the baggage and artillery upon the ice.
To i?t't them forward through a swampy wilderness of near two hundred miles, in
wagons or on pack-horses, which are to carry their own provisions, is absolutely im-
itossible." lie then referred to a suggestion of a Congressman that the possession
of Detroit by the enemy would probably be the most effectual bar to the attainment
of peace, then hoped for, and observed, " If this were really the case, I would under-
t;iljp to recover it with a detachment of the army at any time. A few hundred pack-
horses, with a drove of beeves (without artillery or heavy baggage), would subsist
the fifteen hundred or two thousand men which I would select for the purpose until
the residue of the urmy could arrive. But, having in view offensive operations /ro»t
Detroit, an advance of this sort would be premature, and ultimately disadvantageous.
No species of supplies are calculated on being founeen sold by the State of Connectl-
int, the now proprietors Invited Mr. Perliins to explore the domain, and report a plan for the sale and settlement of the
lands. He went to Ohio for that purpose in the sjiring of 1708. lie spent the summer there in the performance of the
duties of his agency, and returned to Connecticut in the autumn. This excursion and these duties were repeated by
liim for several successive summers. He Unaily married in 1804, and settled on tlie "Reserve" at Warren. So ex-
tensive were the land agencies intrusted to him, that in 1S16 the state land-tax paid by him into the public treasury
was one seventh of the entire revenue of the state. Mr. Perkins was the first post-master on the "ReserN-e," and to
him the post-master general intrusted the arrangement of post-offlces In that region. For twenty-eight j-ears he re-
ceived and merited the confidence of the department and the people. At the request of the govcrnmcut, in 1S07 he
established expresses through the Indian country to Detroit. His efforts led to the treaty of Brownsville lu tho autumn
01 ISOS, wheu the Indians ceded lands for a road from the " Reserve" to the Maumee, or Miami of the Lukes. In May
otlliat year he was commissioned a brigadier general of militia, in the division commanded by Major Ocneral Wads-
worth. On hearing of the disaster to Hull's army at Detroit, be Issued orders to his colonels to prepare tbclr regiments
foracllve duty. To him was assigned the duty of protecting a large portion of the Northwestern frontier. "To the
ore of Brigadier General Simon Perkins I commit yon," said Wadsworth on parting with the troops of the Renerve,
'■ wli(/wlll be your commander and your friend. In his integrity, skill, and courage, we all have the utmost confidence."
He was exceedingly active. His scouts were out, far and near, continually. His public accounts were kept with the
greatest clean ess and accuracy for more than forty years. " No two officers In the public service at that time," testifies
the Honorab'.'Ellsha Whittlesey, "were more energetic or economical than Generals Harrison andPerkins." When,
In IS13, General Harrison was sufflclently re-enforced to dispense with Perkins's command, he left the service [February
iS, 1SI3], bearing the highest encomiums of the commander-in-chief of the Army of the Northwest. President Madl-
nn, at the miggestlon of Harrison and others, sent him the commission of colonel In the regular army, but duty to his
ramil; and the demands of a greatly increasing business caused him to decline it.
General Perkins was Inirusted with the arrangement and execution, at the head of a commission, of the extensive ca-
nal system of Ohio. From 18311 nntlll33S he was an active member of the " Board of Canal Fund Commissioners." They
were under no bonds and received no pecuniary reward. In the course of about seven years they issued and sold state
bonds for the public improvements to the amonnt of four and a half millions of dollars. Among the remnrkailte'men
who settled the " Western Reserve," Qeueral Simon Perkins ever held ontf of the most conspicuous places, and his in-
fhience in social and moral life Is felt In that region to this day. He died at Warren, Ghlo, on the 19th of Nbvember,
19H. His widow long survi>ed him. She died at the same place In April, 1862. To their son, Joseph Perkins, Esq.,
of Cleveland, I am Indebted for the materials for this brief sketch, and the llkeue^u of the patriot on the uest page.
1
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
DlTiiloDS of the Army of tbe Northwest.
Employment of the Troop*.
The Weiteru ReMrri,
Tuppcr's brigade, that wan to move on
Iliiirs road, by Fort M'Arthur, waH called
the centre ; and the KentuckianH under
Winehester were styled the left wing.
Tlie Virginia and Pennsylvania troops
were emj)loyed in escorting the artillery
and military stores toward Ujjper San-
dusky; the Ohio troops conveyed pro-
visions from Alanary's IJlock-housc, near
the liead of the Great Miami, twenty miles
north of Urbana, to Forts M'Arthur and
Findlay, on IIulPs road; while the Ken-
tuckians were traversing the swamps of
the St. Mary and the An Glaize, and de-
scending those rivers in small craft, lo
carry provisions to Fort Winchester (De-
fiance) on the left wing.^
Northwestern Ohio, particularly the
settlements on the WcaterTi liescrve,^ had
been alive with excitement and patriotic
zeal during all the autumn,
and General Wadsworth, com- ,^5k- —
mander of the 4th Division of f/VV^ *
the Ohio jNIilitia (the boundaries sT^^/^^^^^-ytn
of which comprised the counties
of Jefferson and Turnbull, thus
embracing at least one third of the state) was continually, vigilantly, and efficiently
employed in the i)romotion of measures for the defense of the frontier from the Maumee
to Erie, and for the recovery of Michigan. In politics General Wadsworth was a
Democrat of the Jefferson school. He had watched with interest and indignation
the course of Great Britain for many years, and when the Congress of the nation de-
clared war against her, hC' rejoiced in the act as a righteous and necessary one. He
had been an active soldier of the Revolution,^ and now, when his country needed his
' M'Afce, pages 103, 104.
» The charter of Conncctlcnt, granted In 1602, covered the country ft-om Rhode Island, or, as expressed, " Nnmiffan-
set River," on the east, to the Pacific on the west. When NowYorlc, New Jersey, and PcniiBylvania claimed dominion
above the line of the southern boundary of the province, difflculties appeared. These were disposed of. \\\ nso tlic
State of Connecticut ceded to the United States all tiic lands within tlie charter limits westward of Pennsylvania, ex-
cepting a tract one hundred and twenty miles in lengtli westward, adjoining that state. The cession was accepted.
This was called the CmvnaAimt, or HVjitern Reserve ; and many settlers went tlierc from the State of Connecticut. A p.irt
of the Reserve, containing half a million of acres, was granted by the state to the Inhabitants of New London, Fnir-
field, and Norwalk, whose property had been burnt by the British during tbe Revolr.tion. This was known as Tlie. firt
Landu. The remainder of the Reserve was sold in 1T06, and the proceeds of the sale were devoted to the formation of
the present school fhud of Connecticut.
' Elijah Wadsworth was boru in Hartford, Connecticut, on the 4th of November, 1T4T, and became a resident of Litcb-
field before the Revolution. After the battle of Bunker's Hill he volunteered to go to Boston, but his purpose was
frustrated, when he eugaged heartily in raising Colonel Elisha Sheldon's troop of light-horsemen. He was commis-
sioned a lieutenant of the company of which Benjamin Tallmadge was captain. He served with zeal during the entire
war. He commanded tbe guard in whose custody Major Andrd was placed immediately after his arrest.
Wadsworth was a man of great energy. He went early to Ohio, ard was part owner of the " Western Reserve." He
made his residence at Canfleld, Ohio, iii 1802, and was always a leading man in that section of tbe new state, and waa
Ellritisli and their savage allies.
Alread . citizens of the region adja-
cent to Canfield had formed a corps
of (IragnoTia, under Captain James Dowd. This company was ordered into the serv-
ice; and so pronii)tly did it respond to the call, that by noon the following day (Sun-
(lav, August 23d, 1812), it was on its march toward Cleveland as an honorary escort
V. vient In the organization of the crude material of pioneer life Into well-balanced Boclcty, the eetabllohment of
HU aid wac CHdcntlal In the cstabllBhmcnt of the state Kovcnimcnt, and when the milltln waB enrolled he
.1 major general of the 4th nivlslon. In that office he was found when war broke out In 1812. IUb ncrvlces
,ir are recorded In the text. On his tomb-stone at Cinnflcld are the following words : " Major General Elijah
,, „i-H()rth moved Into Caufleld In October A.D. 1802, and died Deccmbtr 30, 1817, aged 70 years, 1 month, and 17 days."
1 Elislia Whittlesey was born In LltchHeld County, Connecticut, on the IHth of October, 1783. Ills father, a practical
farmer, was a member of the Connecticut Legislature seventeen consecutive sessions, and was a member of the Htaie
I'oiivenllDn that ratiflcd the Constitution of the I'nited States. The subject of this brief memoir was a pupil of Rev.
Thomiii! Robbins, of Daubury, Connecticut, who died only a few years ago, and also of the eminent Moses Stnart, of
.Andovcr. He studied law, and was admitted to practice at Fairfield in the winter of 1805. He commenced practice at
NewMilford, but in June, iwx!, he emigrated to Ohio, and settled at Canfield, Tumbull County, which place was his
liiime when in private life. In the autumn of that year he was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Ohio, and
.It the llrst session of the Court of Common Pleas thereafter he was appointed prosecuting attorney, which office he held
fistcen years. When the war broke out he was appointed aid to General Wadsworth. On the retirement of General
Wadsworth from the service, Mr. Whittlesey was appointed brigade major in General Simon Perkins's corps, and was
viith lli:it officer during the remainder of his campaign in Northern Ohio in 1S1'2-'1.1. He was sent by General Harrison
from the Rupids of the Maumcc, after the defeat of General Winchester at the Raisin, to ask the Legislature of Ohio
to pass a law providing for the payment of Buch Ohio troops as should remaiu in service after their time of cullstnieut
(houlrt expire. He was successful.
Mr. Whittlesey resumed his profession after the v.-aii He served as a member of the Ohio Legislattire from 1S20 to
hit incluBlve, when he was elected to Congress, in which he served fourteen consecutive years. During all that time he
Kss a member of the Committee on Claims, ftiU one half of that time its chairman, and was never absent, excepting on
public busiuess, but for one day, for which, in the settlement of his accounts, he deducted the sum of eight dollars— a
(laj'a salary ! President Harrison appointed him auditor of the treasury of the Post-office Department iu March, 1S41.
lie resigned it iu 1S43. President Taylor appointed him comptroller of the tirasury in .Tune, 1849. He oflbred his re-
(isQiition tu President Pierce, but that gentleman, knowing the value of an honest man in that responsible station,
would not accept it. In March, 18,^7, he tendered his resignation to President Buchanan. He accepted it In May, flay-
in?, "The Lord knows I do not wish yon to resign at all." On the 10th of April, ISdl, President Lincoin called him
from his home to occupy the same responsible position. He cheerfully responded to the call of his country, although
MTeaty-eight years of age, and faithfully discharged the duties of his office until a few days before his death, which
occurred on Wcduesday, the 7th day of .January, 1863, when in the eightieth year of his age.
' Canfield, the capital of Mahoning County, Ohio, was then the residence of General Wadsworth, and also of Hr.
^Vhittlcsey.
'Itcimelnthe form of aletterwrlttenby AlfredKclley, and slgnedby twelveothercitiiens ofClevelsnd. B.Fitch,
o( Ellsworth, was the bearer of It.
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riCTOIlIAL FIKLD-nOOK
Troop* welcomed to C'levelnnd.
KnerKjr ofUnnaml Wadiwortb.
DlitrcM on the Halilo HWtr.
for the commanding general. Thoy marclu'd by the wny of IIiidBon,' twcnty-fivo milon
•AtiBUit, from iMovoliind, ami hn'aktiiNtoil t lion*, at ()viatt'H,on tlio morning of t lie 'j uli.»
""''• Soon afliT n'Huming tlicir marcli tlioy met Homo of IIuII'h paroii'd arniy, wlm
had boon iandod from UritiNli boats at Clovoland. Tiioir HtorioH incroaHod the hinii,.
oauHod by Htartling rumorH, and many of tlio iiiliabitantH along thu laku were t|(.(..
ing from tlioir liomos eastward or toward tiie Ohio, to avoid the ap|»relien(h'(l (in-
coming ovilH. Wadsworth tried to allay the excitement, but it was rolling over tlic
frontier in an almost resistless flood. When tho cavalcade entered (!levelniid thai
afternoon at four o'clock, it created great joy atnong tlie few inhabitants there. Two
or three hours later Cohmel Cass arrived at Cleveland from Detroit on his way tu
Washington City, and at tho request of (Jenoral Wadsworth lie was accompanied tu
tho seat of government by ex-govemor Samuel Huntington, then at Cleveland," ns
bearer of an important letter to the Se<'retary of War. Jn that lettiir Wadsworlli
informed the secretary that he had cidle . .
I"
. 1 5 ul
OP THE WAR OF 1818.
848
KMnAirccmcnti for
lUrtk to Dttrolt nspradad. Atunpttd Lodgmant at thu Miiuiikm' KhiiUIk
(iencral Hfiizin Hciill' wiih uIho rraiirc nearly cdniplcttMl, wlion WatlMworlh received
ilihuatclu'H from tlic Sccn-tary of War Haying that tho IVowidont intended t<> adopt
tho moHt vigorouH int'UMunfS "to rt'pair tlio diHaHtcrH ut Detroit," and to proHccuto
with inereaHed ardor tlu' important ohjeetH of tlie eanii)ai},'n. WadHwortli waw di-
recti'd to forward litloen hundred men to the frontier an (piiei^" there, at the
name time promiHing an a*le<|iiato mipply of arniH and ammunition. Arrani^ementH
for the movement w«'re npeetlily nuuU', and Perkins and Heail, wlio liad i)een em-
ployed l»y (lovernor MeijjH in openinjj a road from Manntiehl, in the interior of Ohio
(now capital of liieldand ('ounty), to Lower SanduHky, were onh'red toward the lat-
ter plaoe. Some* elanhinn of authority between Wadu worth and Aleij^H, and Hoin(*
compliiiiits concerning afi'airH in tlie region bordering on F.ake Erie, cauHcd IlarriHon,
will) (iiH we Iiave Heen) was made commander-in-chief of the NorthwcHtern Army, to
niiiko a jK'rHonal examination of matterw there toward the cIohc of ()«'■»"" •'"
OP THE WAR OF 1812.
345
SerTic«« of Captain Logan.
UiB Death,
Wa-pagli-ko-nettu and its notable Indiana.
At about this ti' le the American service in the Northwest lost a valuable friend.
It was the settled policy of the government not to employ the Indians in war, but
there were occasions when exceptions to the rule became a necessity. It was so in
Ohio. There was an active, intelligent, and influential cliief, a nephew of Tecum-
tha (son of his sister), who, when a boy, having been captured by General John Lo-
ffan of Kentucky, receivetl that gentleman's nam.c, and bore it through life. His wife
iiad also been a captive to a Kentuckian (Colonel Hardin), and both felt a warm at-
tachment to the white people. Major Hardin (then in tlio Army of the Northwest,
and son of Colonel Hiirdin) and Logan were true friends, and highly esteemed each
otiier. Logan had iiiuch influence with liis tribe, and when the war broke out he
asked for employment in the American service. It was granted, because he might
have been made an enemy. He accompanied Hull to Detroit, .ind was exceedingly
active as a scout. We have also §een that Harrison employed liim on a mission to
Fort Wayne.
Soon after the return of Tupper from the Kapids, Logan and his followers were
sent toward that post to reconnoitre. They met a strong opposing party, and, to
save themselves, scattered in every direction. Captain Logan, with two friends
(Captains John and Bright Horn), made liis way to Winchester's camp, whore he re-
lated their adventures. His fidelity was ungenerously suspected, and ue was believed
to be a spy. His pride and every sentiment of manliood were deeply wounded by
the suspicion, and he resolved to vindicate his character by actions rather tlian by
words. He started" with his two friends for the Kapids, with the de- 'November 22,
termination to bring in a prisoner or a scalp. They had not gone far wlien ^^^^"
tliev were made prisoners themselves by a son of Colonel Elliott and some Indians,
among whom was Win-ne-meg, or Win-ne-mac — the Pottawatomie chief who bore
Hull's dispatch from Fort Wayne to Chicago.' He was now an ally of the British.
He knew Logan well, and rejoiced in being the captor of an old enemy. The latter
resolved to m.ake a desperate effbrt for liberty. His companions were made to un-
derstand significant signs, and at a concerted signal they attacked their captors.
Logan shot Win-ne-meg dead. Elliott and a young Ottawa chief were also slain.
Logan was badly wounded, so was Bright Horn ; but they leaped upon the backs of
horses of the enemy and cscai)ed to Winchester's camp. Captain Jolin followed
tiic next morning with the scalp of the Ottuwa. Logan's honor and fidelity were
fully vindicated, but at the cost of Ids life — his wound was mortal. After he had
siittered great agony for two days, his spirit returned to the Great ]\Iaster of Life.
I'luctor had oftered, it is said, one hundred and fifty dollars for his scalp. It was
never taken from his head. His body was carried in mournful procession, by Major
Hardin and others, to Wa-pagh-ko-netta,^ where liis family resided, and was buried
' Sec page B05.
> This is n Bninll villngo in Allen County, Ohio, on the An Glaize Blver, abont ten miles from St. Mary. After the
Shawnoc?e were driven from Piqun by General Clark in USO, they cetabllshed a village here, and named it Wa-pagh-
lio-Dctta, in honor of a chief of that name. Colonel ,Iohn Johnston informed me that he knew the chief well. Ue said
ho hart a club-foot, and thinks the name had some relation to that deformity. Colonel .Johnston resided at Wa-pngh-
lio-iietta for some time. The Society of Friends, or (Jnakers, had u mission there for a nnmber of years. It was the
home of Blue Jacket, spoken of in onr account of the invasi(m of the country by Wayne, in 17'.)4. Buckongahelos also
ro'iiloil there ; also the ceiohrated Black Hoof, who was a native of Florida, whose birthplace was on the Suwancc. He
rcmcml)ered the removal of that tribe from their southern liome to the fofosts of Pennsylvania and Ohio. He was at
the defeat of Braddock in ITRB. In all the wars with the white people in his region, from that time until the treaty of
Greenville in 1706, he was a popular leader, and could always command as many men for the war-path as he desired,
lie WHS a party to the treaty at Oreenvllle, and was ever faithful to his pledges there made. Tccnmtho could not se-
duce liim, and ho was the faithful friend of the Americans in the war with Great Britain which we are now considering.
A few weeks after the burial of Logan (January, 1S131, lie visited General Tuiiper's camp at Fort M'Arthur. While
fiitiiii,' by the tiro with the general, a scoundrel militia-man, Colonel Johnston informed me, flred a i)i9tol ball at him
iliM«;;h the l()i;s of the block-house, which entered his check, passed through his mouth, cut off his palate, and lodged
in his nock. lie would never have the ball removed, but would call the children to feel of It, and then wonid tell them
"f his wrongs. Colonel Johnston gave him a healing plaster for his wound in the form of a bank-note of the denomi-
nation of one hundred dollars. Colonel Johnston says he was one of the most jwrfectly formed men he ever saw. Ue
«a« naturnlly clieerfnl and good-natured. Ue lived with hla wife faithfully for forty years. Hie statnre was amall, and
Ills eyesight remained perfect during his whole life.
\ t.
if!
346
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
liiWil
M
i I
Expedition nKainxt Hiamia and Delawarea.
FricndB to be spared.
Campbell on the MiBslseiniwa.
there with mingled savage rites and military honors. The scalp of the slain Ottawa
raised upon a pole, was carried in the funeral procession and then taken to the coun-
cil-house. Logan's death was mourned as a public calamity, for he Avas one of the
most intelligent, active, and trustworthy of Harrison's scouts.
At this time the Miamis, nearly all of whom had become wedded to the interests
of the British, were assembled, with some Delawares from White River, in towns on
the Mississiniwa, a tributary of the Wabash, fifteen or twenty miles from its conflu-
euce with the latter stream, near the boundary-line between the present Wabash and
Grant Counties, Indiana. They were evidently there for hostile purposes, and (ivn-
cral Harrison resolved to destroy or disperse them. He detached for the purpose
Lieutenant Colonel John B. Campbell, of the Nineteenth Regiment of L^nited States
Infantry,' composed mainly of Colonel Simrall's regiment of Kentucky dragoons ; a
squadron of United States volimteer dragoons, commanded by Major James V. Bail'
and a corps of infantry, consisting of Captain Elliott's company of the Nineteenth
United States Regiment, Butler's Pittsburg Blues, and Alexander's Pennsylvania
Riflemen. A small company of spies and guides were attached to the expedition,
Campbell left Franklinton, the head-quarters of the Army of the Northwest on
the 25th of Novembei", with his troops, instructed by Harrison to march for the Jlis-
sissiniwa by way of Springfield, Xenia, Dayton, Eaton, and Greenville, so as to avoid
the Delaware towns. He was also instructed to save, if he could do so without risk
to the expedition, Chiefs Richardville (then second chief of the Miamis), Silver Heels
and the White Lion, all of which, with Pecan, the principal chief of the Miamis, and
Charley, the leader of the Eel River tribe, were known to be friendly to the white
people. The son and brother of Little Turtle were also to be saved, if possible; also
old Godfroy and his wife, who were true friends of the Americans.
It was the middle of December before the expedition left Dayton, on account of
delay in procuring horses. Their destination was eighty miles distant. Each sol-
dier was required to carry twelve days' rations, and a bushel of corn for foraste,
The ground was hard frozen and covered with snow, and the weather was intensely
cold, yet they marched forty miles the first two days. On the third they made a
forced march, and during that day and night they advanced another forty miles.
when they reached the Mississiniwa, and fell upon a town inhabited by a number of
Miamis and Delawares. Eight warriors were slain, and eight others, with thirty-
two women and children, were made prisoners. The town was laid in ashes with
the exception of two houses, which were left for the shelter of the captives. Cattle
and other stock were slaughtered.
Campbell left the ])ri8oners in charge of a sufficient guard, and pushed on down the
river three miles to Silver Ileels's village with Simrall's and Ball's dragoons. It was
deserted ; so also were two other towns near. These were destroyed, with many
cattle. They captured several horses, and with these and a very small quantity of
corn they returned to the scene of their first victory, and encamj)ed for the night on
the shore of the Mississiniwa. The camp was about two hundred yards square, and
fortified with a small redoubt at each angle. The infan<^ry and rifiemen v/ere posted
in front, on the bank of the river. Captain Elliott's company on the right, Butler's in
the centre, and Alexander's on the left. Major Ball's squadron occupied the right
BIacIc Hoof was often nolicd to sing the sonpB of the wornhlp of hlfl people, but notliinj; couM Induce him to do w.
He wonld not even repeat the words to the white man. Hie was like the refusal of the Hebrew niptlvc lo riii;; llic
Bongs of Zion on the hanks of the rivers of Babylon. Black Hoof was the principal chief of the Shawnoese for many
years before his death, which occurred at Wa-pagh-ko-netta about the year 1>-:I0, at the age, it was believed, of ooe
hundred and ten years.
' John B. Oampbcil was a native of Virginia, and nephew of Colonel CampbcM, who was dlslingnished at the bntlle
of King's Mountain in 1780. He was commissioned jleutenaiit colonel of the Nlnelecnth Regiment of Infantry in
March, 1*^12. For his good conduct In the e!t)ieditlon mentioned above he was breveted a colonel. In April, IS14, hf
was commissioned a colonel in the Eleventh Infantry, and was dlstinguihhed and severely wounded in Ihe bnlllf nt
Chippewa on the 5th of Jaly following. He died of bis wounds on the 38th of August, 1814.
Attack on Campb
and one half
the rear line.
ing. Major
At inidnig
doTVTi the riv
at four o'cloc
officers to a
going on twe
there. Whih
the camp wf
furious attack
of the river,
formed, and t
upon the angl
right of Capta
manded at tlu
the lines. Th
rear. The Pii
kept the sava:
terminated, be
burg cor])s, an
Johnson, when
the field. Can
latter aflerwar
killed. What
supposed that 1
.leld. Little T
lormed great s
gallant deeds. ;
their army on t
the prisoners
young warriors
Rumors reac
nr six hundred
nut calling a c(
lie sent a mess
expected to be
was a dreadful
They moved si
the camp was
they met provi
was timely and
three hundred i
Ureenville. Mc
wilderness were
I'rrand, but at a
I Joeeph Markic, aft
' Lieiiteiiant Cohmei
mo US: Dillon's //|-«
"fll wilt a brief dlsp,
ISlh, and addressed frc
' "I have on thisoc(
'il. Among the fornif
»ai> from Zanesville •
itrough the head. On
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
347
Attack on Campbell's Camp.
A desperate Fight.
DistressiDg Retreat to QreenriUe.
Slid one half of the rear line, and Colonel Simrall's regiment the left and other half of
tk rear line. Hetween Ball's right and Simrall's left there was a considerable open-
iii(r. Major Ball was the officer of the day.
At midnight the sentinels reported the presence of Indians, and a fire was seen
down the river. The greatest vigilance was exercised, and the reveille was beaten
at four o'clock in the morning. Adjutant Payne immediately summoned the Held
officers to a council at the fire of the commander to consult upon the propriety of
(Toinf on twelve miles farther down the river, to attack one of the principal towns
there. While the officers were in council, half an hour befo>'e dawn,* . December is
the camp was startled by terrific yells, followed immediately by a i**^-
furious attack of a large body of savages who had crept stealthily along the margin
of the river. Every officer flew to his post, antl in a few moments the lines were
formed, and the Indians were confronted with a heavy fire. The attack was made
upon the angle of the camp, formed by the left of Captain Hopkins's troops and the
liffht of Captain Garrard's dragoons of Simrall's regiment. Captain Pierce, who com-
manded at the redoubt there, was shot and tomahawked, and his guard retreated to
the lines. The conflict soon became general along the right flank and part of the
rear. The Pittsburg Blues promptly re-enforced the point assailed, and gallantly
kept tlie savages at bay. For an hour the battle raged furiously. It was finally
terminated, between dawn and sunrise, by a well-directed fire from Butler's Pitts-
Imr" corps, and desperate charges of cavalry under Captains Trotter, Markle,' and
Jolinson, when the Indians fled in dismay, leaving fifteen of their warriors dead on
the field. Campbell had lost eight killed and forty-two wounded. Several of the
latter afterward died of their wounds.^ Campbell had one hundred and seven horses
killed. What the whole loss of the Indians was could not be ascertained, but it is
supposed that they carried away as many mortally wounded as they left dead on the
.ieki. Little Thunder, a nephew of Little Turtle, Avas in the engagement, and per-
formed great service in inspiring his people with confidence by stirring Avords and
gallant deeds. Although Silver Heels, a friend of the Americans (and who was with
their army on the Niagara frontier the following year), was not present, nearly all of
the prisoners were of his band. He did every thing in his power to persuade his
young warriors to remain neutral, but in vain.
Rumors reached Campbell immediately after the battle that Tecumlha, with five
or six hundred warriors, was on the Mississiniwa, only eighteen miles below. With-
out calling a council, the commander immediately ordered a retreat for Greenville.
He sent a messenger (Captain Ilite) thither for re-enforeements and supplies, for he
expected to be attacked on the way. Fortunately the savages did not pursue. It
was a dreadful journey, especially for the sick and wounded, in that keen winter air.
They moved slowly, for seventeen men had to be conveyed on litters. Every night
the cnmp Avas fortified by a breastwork. At length, wearied and with little food,
they met provisions with an escort of ninety men under Major Adams. The relief
was timely and most grateful. All moved forward together, and on the 26th, with
three hnndred men so frostbitten as to be unfit for duty, the expedition arrived at
Greenville. More than one half the corps that a month before had gone gayly to the
wilderness were now lost to the service for a while. They had accomplished their
errand, but at a great cost.^ The commander-in-chief of the army of the Northwest,
' Joseph Markle, afterward a dlRtlnpnlshed citizen of Pennsylvania. He died In IMT.
= Ueiiteimnt ODlonel CnmpbellV official report U) General Harrison, dated at Greenville, Decemher«6th, 1R12 : M'Afee,
paco lis : Dillon's Ujntnqi i}f Imliava, page BIO ; Thompson's Sketches f{f the War, page fi-2. Llciilennnt Colonel Camp-
iiell eciit a brief dispatch to Harrison on the momlnpj after the battle, misdated December 12th instead of December
ISlh, and addressed from " Two miles above Silver Heels."
' " I have on this occasion," wrote ( 'ainpbell to Harrison, " to lament the loss of several brave men and many wound-
fit. Amnns the former are Captain PIcrcp, of the Ohio Volnntcers, and Lientenanl Walt/,, of Markle's troops. Pierce
was fmm Znnesvllle ; I.ienlcnant Waltz was of the Pennsylvania corps. He was first shot throiich the arm, and then
ihroisjih the head. Captain Trotter was wounded in the head." Lieutenant Colonel Campholl hlp^hly commended these
mt^*-
.|, ,!
^'^f^'^mm^g^
348
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Qood Effects of th« Chastisement of the Indians. Safferings and Difflcultles of Harrison's Army. Waste of norees
in a general order, congratulated Lieutenant Colonel Campbell on his success and
commended him for his obedience to orders, his gallantry, and his magnanimity.'
Tiiose e-Ypeditions against tlie savages produced salutary effects, and smoothed the
way for the final recovery of Michigan. They separated the friends and enemies of
the Americans effectually. The line between them was distinctly drawn. 'I'liere
were no middle-men left. The Delawares on the White River, and others who de-
sired to be friendly, and who had been invit(!d to settle on the Au Glaize in Ohio
now accepted the invitation.^ The other tribes, who had cast their lot with the li\\[.
ish, were made to feel the miseries of war, and to repent of their folly. So Kcvere
had been the chastisement, and so alarmed were the tribes farther nortli, who re-
ceived the fugitives from tlie desolated villages on the Wabash and the Illinois at
the close of 1812, that Tecumtha's* dream of a confederacy of Indians that should
drive the white man across the Ohio was rapidly fading as he awoke to the reality
of an unsuspected power before him, and the folly of putting his trust in princes— in
other words, relying upon tiie promises of the representatives of the sovereignty of
* England to aid liim in his patriotic schemes. Before the war was fairly commenced
the spirits of the Indians, so buoyant because of the recent misfortunes of the Amer-
icans in the Nortinvest, were broken, and doubt and dismay filled the minds of all
excepthig those who were under the immediate command and influence of tiie threat
Shawnoese leader.
As winter came on the suffering;? and difficulties of Harrison's invading army were
terrible, especially that of the left wing imder Winchester, which was the most ad-
vanced, and the most remote from su])plies. Early in November typhus fever was
slaying three or four of hi- small command daily, and thi-ee hundred were upon the
sick-list at one time. So discouraging became the prospect at the begiiming of De-
cember of reaching even the Rapids, that, having proceeded abnut six miles below
the Au Glaize, Winchester, partly from necessity and partly to deceive the eiiemv,
ordered huts to be built for the winter shelter of the troops. Clothing was seantv,
and at times the whole corps Avould be Avithout flour for several days. These pri-
vations were owing chiefly to the difficulty of transportation. The roads were
wretched beyond the conception of those who have not been in that region at the
same season of the year. It was swamp, swamp, swamp, with only here and there a
strip of terra Anna in plight almost as wretched. The pack-horses sank to their
knees, and wagon-wheels to their hubs in the mud. Wasting weariness fell upon
man and beast in the struggle, and the destruction of horses Avas prodigious. "The
fine teams which arrived on the 10th at Sandusky with the artillery," wrote Ilarri-
Bon to the Secretary of War on the 12tli of December, " are entirely Avorn down; and
two trips from M'Arthur's block-house, our nearest deposit to the Rapids, will com-
pletely destroy a brigade of pack-horses." It was sometimes found imj)ossible to get
even empty wagons through the mire, and they were abandoned, the teamsters heins
glad to get out with their horses alive; and sometimes tlie quarter-master, tnkini;
advantage of suddenly frozen mud, would send off a quantity of provisions, which
offlcerp, also Lieutenant Colonel Slmrall, Mijor M'Donnell, Cnptnlns Ilite and Smith, and Captains Markle, M'Clolland,
Garrard, nud IIopkliiH. Lieutenants Hedges, Bnsyp, and Hlikman were amon^; the wounded.
• ' " It is with the slncerest pleasure," said General Uarrison, in a general order, " that the general has heard thattht
most punctual obedience was paid to his orders in not only saving all the women and children, but in sparing all Hie
warriors who ccised to resist, and that, even when vigorously attacked by the enemy, the claims of mercy prcvnilrd
over every sense of their own danger, and this heroic band respected the lives of their ])risonere. Let im account of
murdered innocence he opened in the records of Ileavcn against our enemies aioue. The American soldier will follow
the example of his government, and the sword of the one will not be raised against the fallen and tlie hclplesf, nor the
gold of the other be paid for the scalps of a massacred enemy."
' The Delawares had emlgrnted from Pennsylvania about fifty years before, wiiere they had had an acquaintance
with the white people for as long a period under the most favorable circumstjinces. They had experienced the justice
and kindness of William Penn and his immediate successors. They were settled on the Au OInize, about half Hvy Ix"-
tweeji Pirinii and Wa-pagh-ko-nctta. Some of them went farther east, and settled on the banks of the Scioto, within
the limits of the present Delaw.ire country, whoso name is derived from these Indiana. Buckiiiigahelos, already meu-
tioned, and an eminent chief named Kill-buck, were of this tribe.
Tmosportatlon In I
i'iW'
"W»
OF THE WAE OF 1812.
849
jnunportatlon In the Wilderiiess.
HariiHOD's Instractiuns.
The effective Force in the Northwent.
would be swamped and lost by a sudden thaw. Water transportation was quite as
diflicult. Sometimes the streams would be too low for loaded boats to navigate ;
then they would be found crooked, narrow, and obstructed by logs ; and again sud-
den cold would produce so much ice that it would be almost impossible to move for-
ward. Then sleds would be resorted to until a thaw would drive the precious freight
to floating vessels again, Such is a glimpse of the difficulties encountered in that
wilderness of Northern Ohio; but it affoi'ds a faint idea of the hardships of the little
invading army trying to make its way toward Detroit. All this was endured by the
patriotic soldiers without scarcely a murmur.
Ill view of all these difficulties, the enormous expense of transportation, and the
advantages wliieh dishonest contractors were continually taking, Harrison suggested
to the War Department, at about the middle of December, that if there existed no
urcent political necessity for the recovering of Michigan and the invasion of Canada
during the winter, the amount of increased expenditure of transportation at that sea-
son of the year might be better applied to the construction of a small fleet that should
command the waters of Lake Erie — a suggestion made by Hull, but little heeded, ear-
ly in the year.' The response came from the pen of a new head of the War Depart-
ment. Dr. Eustis* had resigned, and James Monroe, the only man in the cabinet who
had experienced actual military service, had succeeded him. With a more perfect
knowledge of military affiiirs, he better comprehended the character of the campaign ;
and, having perfect confidence in the commander-in-chief of the Northwestern Army,
he reiterated the instructions of his predecessor to Harrison, directing him to conduct
the campaign according to his own judgment, promising, at the same time, that the
toverument would take immediate measures for securing the command of Lake Eiie.
Only on two points were positive instructions given : First, in the event of penetrat-
iiisr Canada, not to promise the inhabitants any thing but the protection of life, lib-
Ht V, and property ; and, secondly, not to make any temporary acquisitions, but to pro-
aid 80 surely that any position which he might obtain would be absolutely permanent.
Early in December a detachment of General Perkins's brigade reached Lower San-
dusky (now Fremont, Ohio), and repaired an old stockade there which had protected
;in Indian store. The remainder of the brigade arrived soon afterward. On the 10th
a l)attalion of Pennsylvania troops made their appearance there, Avith twenty-one
pieces of artillery, which had been escorted from Pittsburg by Lieutenant Hukill.
Very soon a*"terward a regiment of the same troops and part of a Virginia brigade
arrived, speedily followed by General Hai-rison, who made his head-quarters there on
the 20th. He remained but a little while. There he received the second dispatch
[Deceraher 25th] from Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, givuig a more detailed account
ofiiis expedition to the Mississiniwa. Harrison at once repaired to Chillicothe to
consult with Governor Meigs on the propriety of fitting out another expedition in
the same direction, to complete the work begun by destroying the lower Mississini-
wa towns. The project was abandoned.
The whole effective force in the Northwest did not exceed six thousand three
hundred infantry,' am' a small artillery and cavalry force; yet Harrison determined
1 See page 251.
' William Enstis was bom in Cambridge, MiiBflachusetts, on the lOtli of June, 1T63.
College at the af;c of nineteen, and
chose the practice of medicine for
hi! profession . He entered the Con-
tlneolal Army of the Revoiution as
irfgimental snrReon, and served in
llist capacity dnring the war. lie
He was graduated at Ilartard
r^.jhj.
was at the Robinson HouHe, oppo-
site West Point, while Arnold occu-
pied it as his head -quarters. He
commenced the practice of his pro-
fession at Boston at the close of the
lie was an ardent iiolitician,
imd was a representative of Massachnsetts in the National Conjrress, of tlie Repnblicnn party, f^om ISOl till Iso.'S. Presl-
tal Madison appointed him Secretary of War in 1809, and he retained the offlce until the autumn of ISliJ, when he re-
i tisnei). He was appointed minister In Holland in 1R14. After his return he was chosen to a seat in Congress ai;ain,
which he held for nearly two terms from 1820. In 1823 he was chosen governor of Massachusetta. He was then sev-
nlj years nfaice. He died in 1826, while holding that office, in the geventy-eecond year of bis age.
' Harrison's Letter to the Secretary of War, January 4, 1S13.
m
I 4" l"lf!-,JII
350
PICTORIAL* FIELD-BOOK
H r
t' iiW
PMIt
HovemenU ordered.
Tbu Minion and SufTeriuga of Captain Combs.
The Army at the Maumce Hapld,.
to press forward to the Kapids, and beyond if possible. From Lower Sandusky he
dispatched Ensign Cliarles S. Todd, tlien division judge advocate of the Kintuckv
troops, to communicate instructions to Wincliester. He was accompanied by twii
wliite men and three Wyandottes. He bore oral instructions from General Har-
rison to General Winchester, directing the latter to advance toward the Ilaijids
when he should have accumulated twenty days' provisions, and there conniuncf
building huts, to deceive the enemy into the belief that he intended to winter tiiere-
at the same time to prepare sleds for an advance toward Maiden, but to conceal from
his troopd their intended use. He was also to inform Winchester that the difftTcnl
lines of the army would be concentrated at the Kapids, and all would proceed from
thence toward Maiden, if the ice on the Detroit Riv< • should be found strong enoiich
to bear them. Young Todd performed this danfious and didicate duty with such
success that he received the highest commendatiniis of his general.
Meanwhile Leslie Combs, another Kentuckian, a brave and spirited young man of
scarcely nineteen years, who had joined Winchester's army as a volunteer on its
march from Fort Wayne to Defiance, had been sent by Winchester to Harrison on
an errand fraught with equal peril. He bore a dispatch to Harrison comniunicatin"
the fact that tlie left wing had moved toward tlie Kapids on the 30th of DecoinlKr.
Combs traversed the pathless wilderness on foot, accompanied by a single guide
(A. Ruddle), through snow and water, for at least one hundred miles, enduring iiri-
vations which almost destroyed him. He, too, performed his mission so gallantly and
satisfactorily that his general thanked him. These two messengers, who passed each
other in the mazes of the great Black Swamp fifty years ago — young, ambitious, m-
triotic, and daring — performed other excellent service during the war, as we shall
have occasion to observe. Combs and Todd are still [1867] living; both residents
of Kentucky, enjoying a green old age, and wearing the honors of their countrvV
gratitude. I had the pleasure of meeting them both during 1861, and listening to
interesting narrations of their experiences in that war. Portraits and biograj)hical
sketches of these heroes may be found in future pages of this w^ork.*
While on his march toward the Kapids, Winchester received a letter from Ilani-
son recommending him to abandon the movement, because, if, as Lieutenant Colonel
Campbell, in his second dispatch," had been informed, Tecumtha was on
the Wabash with five or six hundred followers, he might advance rapid-
ly and capture or destroy all the provisions in Winchester's rear. It was this sec-
ond disj)atch of Campbell, as we have seen, that sent Harrison in such haste back to
Chillicothe, to consult with Governor Meigs.
W^inchester did not heed the cautious suggestions of his superior, but pressed on
toward the Kaj)ids. General Payne, with six hundred and seventy men, was sent
forward to clear the way. Payne went down the Maumce several miles below old
Fort Miami, but saw no signs of an enemy. The remainder of the army arrived at
the liapids on the 10th of January, 1813, and estiiblished a fortified camp on a pleas-
ant eminence of an oval form, covered with trees and having a prairie in the rear.
This was a little above Wayne's battle-ground in 1794, opposite the camp-ground of
Hull at the close of June, 1812, and known as Pi-esque Isle Hill.^ On the day of
their arrival, an Indian camp, lately deserted, was discovered. Captain Williams,
with a small detachment, gave chase to the fugitives, whom he overtook and routed.
' Combs'B enfferlngs were very Revere. He carried a heavy mnsltet and accoutrements, a blanket, and font diiyi'
provisions. The snow commenced falling on the morning after his departure, and continued without intermission for ,
two days and nights. On the third day of their march Combs and his companion found the snow over two feet detp |
in the dense forest. Ruddle had been a captive among the Indians In this region and knew the way, and the nielbod i
of encountering such hardships us they were now called npou to confront. The storm detained them, their pruvifioni
became scarce, and for several nights they could find no place to He down, and sat up and slept. Hunger came to bolk J
on the sixth day of their journey, and illnew to young Combs. Nothing but his ever uufliching resolution kept him |
up. On the ninth evening they reached Fort M'Arthur, and were well cared for by General Tupper. Combs Iny pros- j
trated with sickness for several days. > See page 26T, and map of the Maumee in this vicinity, page U.
Troops re-enlistei
The enlist!
had requeste
8i.x months 1
was so much
their strengtl
en them into
he would moi
and confidenc
Winchester
raon him to t
want of suocei
to move upon
tioii from Ohi(
seiigors from ]
traveling, bi'inj
tered had passt
tion of the inl
ed,'' deeply agi
the shield of m
moved by the
fense of the aU
dusky,' sixty-fi'
council of office
between thirty-
ion was appi-ov(
ingof the 17th
rection. A few
men. Lewis's i
-ion of Freiichtc
Isle, a point on J
twenty miles fro
British Indians
ment from Maid
was sent by ex]
iiig with a messii
Ilaisin, and sugg
wing.
Colonel Lewis
cold, and strong
tering bridge the
and were within
scouts of the ene
little army calml
'ii'iJs to an open
ni<^iient. The ric
' Tpper Sandusky, th<
mafky" made famous
Tom (so called from an
«« vlllsge of Upper 8ai
ste of the modem Upper
01(1 Upper Sanduskv w
Wyandot Indiana, and n
»«s murdered by flre nr
«"n(s In this vicinity mt
OeneramarrlBon built
Smdiuky.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
361
Xroopi ro-enlluted.
The Settlement of FrenchtowD tbreuteued.
Wiuchester Hends them Defender*.
The enlistments of the Kentucky troops would expire in February, and Harrison
had requested Winchester to endeavor to raise a new regiment among them to serve
six months longer. Inaction and suffering had greatly demoralized thera. There
was so much insubordination among them that Winchester had little confidence in
their strength. Harrison, on the contrary, believed that active service would quick-
en them into good soldiers, and did not hesitate to include thera in those on whom
he would most rely iu his ex^ieditiou against Maiden. Events justified that faith
aud confidence.
Winchester was now satisfied that the pleadings of humanity would speedily sum-
mon him to the Raisin. First came rumors that the enemy, exasperated by their
want of success in their recent movements, were preparing at Maiden an expedition
to move upon Frenchtown, on the Raisin, for the purpose of intercepting the expedi-
tion from Ohio on its way to Detroit. These rumors were speedily followed by mes-
sengers from Frenchtown," made almost breathless by alarm and rapid •January 13,
traveling, bringing intelligence that the Indians whom Williams had scat- ^^^^'
tercd had passed them on their way to Maiden, uttering threats of a sweeping destruc-
tion of the inhabitants and their habitations on the Raisin. Others soon follow-
ed,'' deeply agitated by alarm, and, like the first, earnestly pleaded for "January
the sliield of military power to avert the impending blow. The troops, ""^ "'"^ '""'•
moved by the most generous impulses, were anxious to march instantly to the de-
fense of the alarmed people. Harrison, the commander-in-chief, was at Upper San-
dusky,' sixty-five miles distant, and could not be consulted. Winchester called a
council of officers. The majority advised an immediate march toward the Raisin,
between thirty-five and forty miles distant by the route to be traveled. This decis-
ion was approved by W^inchcster's judgment and humane impulses, and on the morn-
ing of the 17th he detailed Colonel Lewis and five hundred aud fifty men in that di-
rection. A few hours afterward Colonel Allen was sent Avith one hundred and ten
men, Lewis's instructions were " to attack the enemy, beat them, and take posses-
sion of Frenchtown and hold it." Tiiese overtook Lewis and his party at Presque
Isle, a point on Maumee Bay a little below, opposite the present city of Toledo, about
twenty miles from the Rapids. There Lewis was told that there were four hundred
British Indians at the Raisin, and that Colonel Elliott was expected with a detach-
ment from Maiden to attack Winchester's camp at the Rapids. This information
was sent by express to General Winchester, Avhose courier was on the point of start-
in? with a message to General Hai-rison, informing him of the movement toward the
Raisin, aud suggesting the probable necessity of a co-operating force from the right
wing.
Colonel Lewis remained all night at Presque Isle. The weather was intensely
cold, and strong ice covered Maumee Bay and the shore of Lake Erie. On that glit-
tering bridge the Americans moved early and rapidly on the morning of the 18th,
and were within six miles of their destination before they were discovered by the
scouts of the enemy. On the shore of the lake, in snow several inches in depth, the
little army calmly breakfasted, and then marched steadily forward through timber
lands to an open savanna in three lines, so arranged as to fall into battle order in a
moment. The right, composed of the com,janie8 of M'Cracken, Bledsoe, and Matson,
'Upper Snndnsky, the present capital of Wyandot County, Ohio, Is not the j/lace above alluded to. The "Upper
Smdnfiky" made famous during the Indian wars, and as the rendezvous of Anerlcnns in the war of 1812, was at Crane
Tom (90 called from an eminent chief named Tarhe or Crane), four miles liortheast from the court-house in the pres-
ent Tillage of Upper Saiidnsky. After the death of Tarhe in 1818, the Indians transferred their council-hoase to the
lileof the modem Upper Sandusky, ^ave It its present name, and called the old ))lace Crane Town.
Old Upper Sandusky was a place of much note iu the early history of the country. It was a favorite residence of the
Wyandot Indians, and near it Colonel Crawford had a battle with them and was defeated in June, 1782. Crawford
was mardcred by fire and other slow tortures which the savuijes inflicted on leading prisoners. A full account of
mm In this vicinity may be found in Howe's Hx»tmical Cnlleetinng 0/ Ohio.
General Uarrtson built Fort Pcrree, a stockade about fifty rods northeast of the court-house in the present Upper
Samluslty.
ill
■•"^^
352
PICTORIAL FIELD-EOOK
I
tfreochtown and Its rofTeriiiK iDhabitantR.
Arrival of Winchester's relief Party.
Battle and Monaacrt.
was commanded by Colonel Allen ; the left, led by Major Green, Avaa composed of
the companies of Hamilton, Williams, and Kelley; and the centre, under Major Madi-
son, contained the corps of Captains Ilightown, Collier, and Sebrees. The advanced
guard was composed of the companies of Captains Hickman, Glaives, and Janus and
were under the command of Captain Ballard, acting as major. The chief of the lit-
tle army was Colonel Lewis.
Frenchtown,' at the time in question, was a flourishing settlement containing thir-
ty-three families, twenty-two of whom resiiled on the north side of the Raisin. (lar-
dens and orchards were attached to their houses, and these were incUwed with heavy
pickets, called " puncheons," made of sapling logs split in two, driven in the ground
and sometimes sharpened at top. The houses were built of logs of good size and
furnished with most of the conveniences of domestic life. Two days after the su;-
render of Detroit, as we have seen, this j)Iace was taken possession of by Coloiiei
Elliott, who came from Maiden for the purpose with authority from General Brock.
The weaptnis and horses of the inhabitants were left on parole, and protection to lifo
and property was promised. The protection was not given, and for a long time the
inhabitants were plundered not only by the Indians, but by Canadians, French, and
British,'' and were kept in a state of almost continual alarm by their threats. In the
autumn two companies of the Essc.v (Canadian) militia, two hundred in number, un-
der Major Reynolds, and about four hundred Indians, led by Round-head and Walk-
in-the-water,3 were stationed there, and these composed the force that confronted
Colonel Lewis when he approached Frenchtown on the 18th of January, 1813, and
formed a line of battle on the south side of the Raisin, within a quarter of a mile of
the village. Lewis's force numbered less than seven hundred men, armed only with
muskets and other light weapons. The enemy had a howitzer* in position, directed
by bonibardier Kitson, of the Royal Artillery.
When within three miles of Frenchtown Colonel Lewis was informed that the ene-
my was on the alert and ready to receive him ; and as the Americans approached the
village on the south side, the howitzer of the foe was opened upon the advancing
column, but without (ffect. Lewis's line of battle was instantly formed, and the
whole detachment moved steadily forward to the river, which was hard frozen, and
in many places very slippery. They crossed it in the face of blazing muskets, and
then the long roll was beaten, and a general charge was executed.' The Americans
rushed gallantly up the bank, leaped the garden pickets, dislodged the enemy, and
drove him back toward the forests. Majors Graves and Madison attempted to cap-
ture the howitzer, but failed. Meanwhile tlie allies were retreating in a line inclin-
ing eastward, when they were attacked on their left by Colonel Allen, who pursued
them more than half a mile to the woods. There they made a stand with their
howitzer and small-arms, covered by a chain of inclosed lots and groups of houses,
and having in their rear a thick, brushy wood, full of fallen timber. While in this
position Majors Graves and Madison moved upon the enemy's right, while Allen was
sorely pressing his left. The enemy fell back into the wood, closely pursued, and
the conflict became extremely hot on the right wing of the Americans, where both
whites and Indians were concentrated. The contest lasted from three o'clock until
dark, the enemy all .the while slowly retreating over a space of not less than two
miles, gallantly contesting every foot of the ground. The detachments returned to
the village in the evening, and encamped for the night on the ground which the ene-
' The Rnliiln, on which Frenchtown was sitnated, was called Sturgeon River by the Indians, because of the abund-
ance of that floh In its waters. It flowed throngh a fertile and attractive region, and late In the last century a niimhcr
of French rnmllles settled upon Its banks, and engaged In farming, and trading with the Indians. Becauee of the
abundance of grapes on the borders of the stream tliey called It Rivirre mix llainins, and on account of the nationality
of the settlers the village was called Frenchtown. It is now Monroe, Michigan.
' Statement to the anthor by the Hon. Laarent Durochcr, of Monroe (Frenchtown), who was an actor In the ?c«nes
there during the war of 1S12. » See nots 8, page 279.
* A hoiciu or homtzcr Is a kind of moftar or short gun, mounted on a carriage, and used for throwing bomb-shellfi.
freacbtown to bo
my had occu
ish officers ht
ease of delim
iif Americans
(•ral Harrison.
the latter wa:
Captains Past
l)een much gr
guinary j)orti(
ed their dead
inhabitants an
As soon as 1
strong " j)uncl
of the battle," (
a brief report c
camp before di
with the tiding
Lewis called
place and wait
From the mom
ohcKter's camp,
ward, not doub
siiecess until D(
was also appare
jirincipal rendes
iiiiies from Fren
to recover what
on the evening
Samuel Wells,
Frenchtown wit
from the camp ai
noon of the next
liie right of Lew
licliind as a rear-
re-enfoi-cements.
Ills staif, recross
Colonel Francis
from the Americ
' Captain Bland W. .
Khen ho was wounded.
' Hickman led n part;
' Mateon was afterwa
< Colonel Lewis's full
January 20, 1813, on the
s It is asserted that C'(
there being plenty of ro
military rule would not
Biischlcvous.
' The view of Colonel
lioared in 1813, with a
ilwr. The room was a
^replace. In this room
* of the house are ntl
'i.f the early settlers. T
Ike owner in 1813, Ilcni
llie structure of 18,10 was
Tlie log-house of 1830 hi
Monroe, It stood back i
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
353
FrcnctHown to be held.
Winchester arrives with lle-oiifdrcemuntii.
Position of Troops there.
my hail occupied. American officers occupied the Hamo buildiiigH in which the Brit-
ish officers had lived. The troops had behaved nobly. There had not been a Hingle
(•(180 of (lelinqiienoy. " This amply supported," as was said, " the double character
iif Americans and Kcntuckians," and fully vindicated the faith and judgment of Gen-
eral Hufison., Twelve of the Americans were killed and iifty-five wounded. Among
the latter was Capttin IJ. W. Ballard,' who gallantly led the van in the fight ; also
Captains Paschal, Hickman,'' and llichard JMatson.^ The loss of the enemy must have
Iweii much greater, for they left fifteen dead in the open field, while the most san-
(minary ])ortion of the conflict occurred in the wood. That night the Indians gather-
ed their dead and .vounded, and, on their retreat toward Maiden, killed some of the
inhabitants and pillaged their liouses.
As soon as his little army was safely encamped in the village gardens, behind the
stronc; " puncheon" pickets, and his wounded men comfortably housed, on the night
of the battle," Colonel Lewis sent a messenger to General Winchester with i jannnry is,
a brief report of the action and his situation.^ lie arrived at Winchester's ^'**'''
camp before dawn, and an express was immediately dispatched to General Harrison
^nth the tiduigs.
Lewis called a council of officers in the morning, when it Avas resolved to hold the
place and wait for re-enforcements from the I{ai)ids. They were not long waiting.
From the moment when intelligence of the aff"air at P^enchtown was known in Win-
ohcF.tcr's camp, the troops were in a perfect i'erment. All wore eager to ])ress north-
«arcl, not doubting that the victory at the Kaishi was the harbinger of continued
success until Detroit and Maiden should be in the possession of the Americans. It
was also apparent that Lewis's detachment was in a critical situation ; for Maiden, the
principal rendezvous of the British and Indians in the Northwest, was only eighteen
miles from FrenchtoAvn, and that every possible method would be instantly put forth
to recover what had been lost, and bar farther progress toward Detroit. Accordingly,
on the evening of the 1 0th,'' General Winchester, accompanied by Colonel
Samuel Wells, of Tippecanoe fame, marched from the Maumee toward
Krcnchtown Avith less than three htmdred men, it being unsafe to withdraw more
from the camp at the Rapids. Ho an-ived at Frenchtown at three o'clock in the after-
noon of the next day, crossed the river, and encamped the troops hi an open field on
the right of Lewis's forces,'' excepting a small detachment under Ca])tain Morris, left
licliind as a rear-guard with the baggage. I^eaving Colonel Wells in command of the
re-enforcements, after suggesting the propriety of a fortified camp, Winchester, with
ills staff, recrossed the liaisin, and established his head-quarters at the house of
Colonel Francis Navarre, on the south side of the river, and more than half a mile
from the American lines.*
1 Captnin Bland W. Bnllnrd was a son of Captain Ballard, of Winchester's army. He was acting mivjor at the time
when he was wounded.
i lUckmiiu led n party of opics under Wayne from December, 17i)4, until June, 1796.
> Matson was afterward with Colonel R. M. .Johnson In the bnltle of the Thames.
' Ciiloiiel Lewis's fn'.l report to Oeneral Winchester was written two days afterward, dated "Camp at Frenchtown,
January 20, 1S13, on the River Kaislu." The facts In our narrative of the battle were drawn chiefly from this report.
i It is asserted that Colonel Lewis recommended the encamping of the re-enforcements within the picketed gnrdeng,
[here beinj; plenty of room on his left. Wells being of the regular army, precedence gave him the right of Lewis, and
military rule would not allow him to take position on his left. This observance of etiquette proved to be exceedingly
uiisohievonB.
' The view of Colonel Navarre's house, the head-quarters of Winchester, given on page 364, represents it as it ap-
peared in 1813, with a "puncheon" fence in front. General Winchester occupied the room on the left of the cntrance-
Joor. The room was a long one, fronting east (we are looking at the house in a southeast direction), and had a large
fireplace. In this room the Indians who came to trade with Navarre rested and slept. The trees seen on the west
indc of the honse arc utill there— venerable pear-trees (originally brought from Normandy), which were planted there
livthe early pcttlers. Those which remain Btill bear fruit. In 1S30 the old Navarre House was altered by the son of
ibeowner in 1813. lie made additions to It, and raised the roof so as to make it two stories in height. Like the origin.il,
ibe structure of 1S30 was a log edifice. When I visited the spot in the autumn of 1800, it had undergone another change
The log-houBC of 1830 had been clap-boarded, and it was then the residence of the rector of the Kpiscopal church In
Monroe. It stood back a little from Front Street, witliin the square bordered by Front, Murray, Hamphrcy, and Wads-
^^
354
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
w
Wlncheitor'ti I^ck of ViKilauce.
W«iiilii|{a of Oaotcer unheeded bjr Wincbeitor.
Other OffloWi on tti« Alert
WIMUIIKBTKItH llKAI>-\\\ the UapidH, was not (lin-
triliuted, altiidUgh the rc-enforociiii'iits
iiad only ten rounds of cartridnes each'
and the urLicnt reconiniendation of
Colonel Wells that the quarters of the
comnuinder-in-chief and the priiuijiul
officers should bo with the troops was
unhec' (1.'
On I lie morning of the 21st Winchester
rt'iuested Peter Navarre and his four
brothers to gn on a scout toward the mouth of the Detroit liiver. Peter was still
living when I visited the IMaumee Valley in the aiiluinn of 1800, and aceonipaniod
me from Toledo to the liapids. He was a young man at the time in (piestitm, full
of courage and pliysical strengtli. He and his brothers (■(>nij)lied with Windiest it's
request with alacrity. They saw a man, far distant, coming toward them on llic m'.
He proved to be Joseph Bordeau, whose daughter Peter atlerward married, lie had
escaped from Maiden, and was bringing the news that the British would be at the
Raisin, with a large body of Indians, that night. Peter hastened back to Winchester
with this intelligence. Jacques La Salle, a resident of Frenchtown, in the interest of
the British, was jiresent, and asserted, in the most positive language, that it must lie
a mistake. Winchester's fears were allayed. Peter was dismissed with a laugh, and
no precautions to insure safety were taken by the general.^ Another scout confirmed
this intelligence during the afternoon. The general was still incredulous. Late in
the evening news came to Lewis's camp that a very largo force of Briti-^li and In-
dians, with several pieces of heavy artillery, were at Stony Creek, only a lew miles
distant, and would be at Frenehtown before morning. The picket-guard was im-
mediately doubled, and word was sent to the commanding general. lie did not be-
lieve a word of it; but Colonel Wells, wiio did believe the tirst rumor brought hy
Bordc.au, had meanwhile hastened to the Bapids with Captain Lauham for re-enforce-
ments, leaving his detachment in charge of Major M'Clanahan.
When the late evening rumors had been communicated to Winchester, the field
oflicers remained up, expecting every moment to receive a summons to attend a
council at head-quarters. They were disappointed. The general disbelieved the
alarming rumors ; and before midnight a deep repose rested upon the camp, as if
some trusted power had guaranteed perfect security. The sentinels, as wo have ob-
served, were well posted, but, owing to the severity of the weather, no pickets were
sent out upon the roads leading to the town. All but the chief officers in Lewis's
camp and some better-informed inhabitants seemed perfectly free from apprehension.
At head-quarters the night was passed by the general and his staff in sweet slumber;
but just as the reveille was beaten, between four and five o'clock in the moniing, and
the drummer-boy was pkyiug the Three Camps, the sharp crack of the sentinels"
worth Streets. I nm indebted to the khid courtesy of MrH. Sarah A. Noble, of Monroe (Frenehtown), Michigan, for (he
foregoing facts, and fur the -bove sicetch of VVinchesterV ((iiarters as it appeared in 1S13.
' Major Elijah M'ClaualiMM to General Uarrlson, dated "(amp on Carrying River, January 26, 1818." Carryin? River
wns eighteen miles fi'om Vv'inchester's camp, on the Maumce, on the way toward the Raisin.
' Oral statement of Peter Navarre to the author.
Aiuck on n«M
MiiiBketH firi
iiediateiy h
"nliiance, ac
ilif terrible
amp with c
terri'dc fulfil
vet yielded
ucri' iinknoM
iiolhing else i
I'latioua of di
tory.
'Hie expose
I'll i-.iiMji, aflei
(foneral U'inc
■|iiiiic'heon" fi
iiijlil, and find
their savage ai
.1 large body o
I'outiision, and
liiindred men \
.Allen joined \^
I'enees on the 8(
•V.'ijors Graves
viiiii. The Iixli
Hoofis on the li
l;uie leading fror
by the savages
ftoods hoping tJ
i'very turn by f
:i liundred yards
tlie hatchets of
after^vard bore t
preeious article i
irliethor in High
irinisoned with
allies of the Briti
' 'Never, dear motlii
wmelj-painted Indians
»iiok», and yet covered
"Urw, who, I was told, \
PfocturwasadlRgrace t
-l^llerofA.O. Tuftin,
= .No rule of civilized ■
iTiCfwemed disposed n.
i»sabontamllo,wcre pi
I W' of forty men, wer
mandedln the thigh in
telionoftheManmee,
tW, who, perceiving his
|ta Mmc moment two ot
W one of them dead np
7 "■-;;, of "hooting on.
K™ti,ckyiniTso,«nd,
tie family removed to am
[ftelvcilhlDcdiiration. II
ieDlacky.lniTiw. He wi
J "tflment of riflemen fo
|Wii,onthe22dof Jan
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
8S9
Aiuck on Frenrhtown bjr Proctor and hli Pellow-MviKM.
A ttrrtble Htrnfrgld.
A Panic and Mamscre.
muskcl'^ firing an alann wuh lu-nnl by Ktill <1ull oars. These were followed im-
iiiodiaU'lv l>y a shower ol'bonihslit'Hs ami eiini«ter-Hhot hurled from Heveral j)ie('es of
iinlniiiH'*') acconipunied by a furious charge of aliuoHt iaviMible Hritish regularH, and
till' terrible yellw of painted HavageH. The BoiindH and missileH fell upon tlie startled
,amp with apjmlling HuddenneHS, giving fearful 8ignili( anee to the warniiigH, and a
terrilile fultillnient of the predictions uttered th« previous evening. Night had not
vet yielded its gloomy sceptre to Day. The eharaetcr and number of assailants
were unknown. All was mystery, terribhi and profound ; and the Amerieiiiis had
nothing else to do but to oppose force to force, as gallantly as possible, until tlio rev-
elations of daylight should point to strategy, skill, or prowess for safety and vic-
tory.
The exposed re<'nforccments in the open field were driven in toward Lewis's pieket-
wl camp, arter bravely maintaining a severe eontlict for sonic time. At this moment
(renerai Winchester arrived, and endeavored to rally the retreating troops behind a
imiicheon" fence and second bank of the Haisin, so that they might incline to the
rijjiii,aiid find shelter behind Lewis's cam|). His efforts were vain. The Hritish and
thi'ir savage allies were pressing too heavily njioii the fugitives; and when at length
iiliirpe body of Indians gained their right flank, they were thrown into the greatest
I'onfiision, and fled pell-mell across the river, earrying with them a detachincnt of one
hiuidrc'd men which Lewis ha, niid yet covered with blood, and wore congratulated by Colonel Proctor for their t/raveri/.' I heard ii liritieh
(ilUctr, who, I was told, wbh Lientenaut Colonel 8t. George, tell another offlrtT, who, I believe, was Colonel Vincent, that
Prattor was a dlc^race to the British army— that snch encouragements to devils was a blot upon the British character."
-Letter of A. 0. Tuetin, of BardstDwii, Kcntncky, to bis mother, dated Fort Maiden, .lanuary 28, 1818.
' No rule of civilized warfare >vaii observed. Blood and scalps were the chief objects for which the Indians fought.
They seemed disposed not to take any prisoners. A party of flflecn or twenty, nnder Lleatenant Garrett, after rctreat-
lORibont a mile, were compelled to surrender, when all but the y ng commander were killed and scalped. Another
[•uly, of forty men, were more than one half murdered under similar clrcnmstanccs. Colonel Allen, who hud been
touidedin the thigh in the nttrmpt to rally the troojis, after abandoning all hope, and escaping about two miles In the
dirptlion of the Mauinee, was compelled, by sheer exhaustion, to sit down npon a log. He wa^' -ibserved by an Indian
riief.wlio, perceiving his rank, promised him his protection If he would surrender without resi-ianco. He did so. At
ihe ssmo moment two other savages approached with murderous intent, when, with a single blow of his sword, Allen
lild one of them dead upon the ground. His companion instantly shot the colonel dead. "He had the honor," says
[ M .Uce, " of shooting one of the first and greatest citizens of Kentucky."
Jiihn Allen was bom in Rockbridge County, Virginia, on the .'5nth of December, 1TT2. His father emigrated with him
I M Kentucky In 17S0, and settled about a mile and a half below the present town of Danville, in Boyle County. In 1784
the family removed to auother part, five miles from Bardstown, and in a school in that then rndo village young Allen
received hl« education. He studied law in Staunton, Virginia, forfonr years, and commenced its practice In Shelbyvllle,
Ktnlucky, in Hits. He was following his profenslon successfully there when the war broke out in 1S12, when he raised
I r»):lmcnt of riflemen for service under Harrison. He was killed, as we have seen, at the massacre on the River
RaifiD, on the i!2d of January, 1813, at the age of forty-one years. Allen Cotinty, Kentucky, was so named in bis
"I,
i I
3Ae
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
I I
Wlncbaater made Priionar. Proctor rapuUed. Wluchntsr A)r(')!d to lurrendar bla Armjr. U»iat Madlton
Ooncittl WinchcHtor and Colonel I^ewia woro made priBonen by Round-heail > at a
bridge about tlirco fourtlm ot'ii rniK' from tlio village, stripped of their clotlicH oxvk'm
shin, ]»antalo<)nH, and V)ootB, and in thiw pliglii, were taken to the quartern of the Uritisli
commander, who proved to be I'olonel I're -lor, tlie unworthy HucceHnor of tlic worthy
Brouk in tho command at Detroit and AndicrHthurg, He waw in Fort Mahh i>, at the
latter place, when intellififonee of Lewis's occupation of Frone.htown reached m and
he nmde immediate preparations to drive the AmericaiiH buck. The Hritisli and In-
dians expelled from Frenchtown on the 18th hak'<]s fihould be sent the ne.vt morning to remove the sick and wounded to Amherst-
Imrf; that the diHabled Hhonld be protected by a proper guard; and that the side-
anus of the officers should be returned when the captives should reach Maiden.
I'nictor refused to commit thcHc conditions to writing, I ut i)ledged his honor as a
Mildier and a gentleman that they Hhonld be observed. Madison was ignorant of
I'lootor's poverty in all that constituted a soldier and man of honor, and trusted to
IiIk promises. On the conditions named, he and his otKcers agreed to surrender them-
M'lves and their men prisoners of war.
Before .the surrender was fairly completed the Indians began to plunder, when
Major 3Iadison ordered his men to resist them, even with ball and 1)ayonet. The
cowardly savages quailed before the courage of the white captives, and none of the
prisoners were again molested by them while on their way to Maiden. Quite ililfer-
eut was the fate of the poor wounded men who were left behind. Having secured
Ills oliject, Proctor violated his word of honor, and left them exposed to savage cruelty,
liiiiiiors came that Harrison was ap])roaching, and the British commander, more intent
m securing personal salt'ty than the fultillmcnt of solemn promises, left for Maiden
witli most of his savage allies, within an hour after the surrender, leaving as a "guan!"
aitly Major lieynolds and two or three interpreters. Proctor did not even name :
.'iiard, nor spoke of conveyances for the wounded after leaving Frenclitown ; and
vlieu both Winchester and .Madison reminded him of his promises and the ])eril of
111' wounded, he refused to hear them. It is evident that from the first that inhuninii
nicer uitended to almndon the wounded prisoners to their fate. Among them was
I'aptain Hart, brother-in-lav,' 'if Henry Clay, and inspector general of the Army of
ilic Northwest. He was anxious to accompany the prisoners to Maiden, but Captaii.
Elliott, son of the notorious Colonel Elliott, who had known Hart intimately in Ken-
tucky, assured him of perfect safety at Frenclitown, and promised to send his own
conveyance for him the next morning. Elliott assured all the wounded that they
need not apprehend danger, and that sleds from Maiden would come for them in the
morning.
The wounded Avere taken into the houee ' \;he kind-liearted villagers, and cared
for by Drs. Todd and Jiowers, of the Keni :kj v olunteers, who were left behind for
the purpose. In every mind there tvas an indefinable dread when Proctor and his
motley crew departed ; and Avhen it Avas known that he had promised his savage
allies a " frolic" at Stony Creek, only about six miles from the Raisin, lot only the
wounded soldiers, but the villagers, and Major lieynolds himself, felt a th ill of horror,
for there could be no doubt that the drunken Indians, after their deba; icii, would re-
turn to Freuchtown to glut their appetites" for blood and plunder. Even those who
remained Avent from house to house, after Proctor's departure, in search of plunder.
The night following the battle Avas a fearful one at Frenchtown. .January as.
Day dawned with hope, but the sun at his rising* found the inhabitants **^--
*
■ Tecnmthn, ns we Bliall observe herenfler, resardeil Proctor as a coward, and by threats compelled him to make a
'tand on the Thames ; and the venerable Robert Heynolds, of Amheretburg, and other survivors of tbo British army in
Cauaila with whom I have converBt'd, spoke of him vplth contempt as a boasting coward.
i
.^.
■I -mmmkif^
MHiai
ifliltS:
358
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Magsiicre aud Scalping of wounded Prisoners allowed by Proctor.
Incidents of tiie liorrlble Evem.
and prisoners in despair. Instead of the promised sleds from Madden, about two hiiiul-
rcd half-drunken savages, with their faces painted red and black in token of their
fiendish purposes, came into
the village. The chiefs held a
brief council, and determined
to kill and scalp all the woiuid-
ed who were unable to ti'avcl
in revenge for the many com-
rades they had lost in the fisxht.
This decision was announced by
horrid yells, and the savages
went out upon their bloody
errand. They first i)lundereti
the village; then they broke
into the houses wlicre the
wounded lay, stripped them
of every thing, and then toma-
hawked and scalped them. Thi
houses of Joan B. Jereaumo ami
Gabriel Godfrey, that stood
near the present dwcllina; of
Matthew (liibson, sheltered a
large number of prisoners. In
the cellar of Jereaiimo's lionso
wiiH stored a large (luaiitity nl
whisky. This the savages took
in sufficient quantities to mad-
den thciu, when they set both
dwellings on fire. A number of
the w^ounded, unable to nioyc,
were consumed. Others, at-
tempting to escape by the doors
and windows, were tomahawk-
ed and scalped. Others, ou*-
side, were scalped and cast intu
the flames, and the remaiiidov,
who could walk, were man lied
ofi" toward Maiden. When any
of them sank from exhaustion,
they were killed and scalped.
Doctor Todd, who had ocen tied and carried to Stony Creek, informed Elliott ol
what was g()i:>g on at the Raisin, and begged him to send conveyances for ihf
wounded, espet lally for Captoin Hart ; but that young officer coolJv rej)lied, "Charity
begins at home ; my o kU wounded must bo carried to Maiden first." He well knew
that an hour more would be too late for re.'scue.'
M.ajor Graves was never 1 I'ard of after tlie Maumee. Captain Hickman was mur-
dered in Jereaurae's house. Captain Hart was removed from that house by Di^ctor
' This Is from ft eketcli xcnt to Colonel Wi I llnm II. Winder by Lieut': iiantCotone" Bocretlcr, in a letter dated "Buffiilr
ITIh February, ISlil. I nenrt you," ho rniyp, "a hnstysket^ li of the H.uatlon of the troops at Frcnchtowu ' Fie ohtniiicil
It from some subordinat'- officer amone; the prisoiiern from the Rrli>tn, who weic paroled, and passed t'lrough llnffalu
He says. "The prisoners liave passed throuKh to tlic number of four huiulrod nud sliiy-two. The K''iieral anil llcl
ofllcprs are not yot sent across.'' '.utngraph Jjelltr.
» Klllott had been in Le-Tington, where lie W'\s very 111 of fever for a lonp time in tlie fiinillv of Colonel Thomm Ha;'
the f»t!ier of Captain Hart. During that lltnesh tie h»A lecelvcd mwy attentions from t!»< young man whom Ijo cm
ba«e1y deserted 1p his hour of greatei:r«ted to Kentucky from Maryland, and settled
in LcxiiiKton. Captain Hart was born at Ilagcrstowu, in Maryland. One of his sisters married Henry Clay, another
ninrricd James llnnvn, lon^ the United States minister at the French Court. Hart was making a fortune in mercantile
imr.'iis when the war of ISl'i broke out, when (at the age of about twenty-se> on years) he was in command of the
l.rx'iifitan Liijht Infantry, ii company which was organized by Cicucral .Jamrj .Wilkinson, who was Itn first captain, in
IM. Vndcr its fourth captain (Beatty) It was with Wayne In the campaign of Ui)4. Hart was its seventh captain, and
wns at the head of it in the expedition to the Raisin. When I visited Lcxinuton in April, ISdl, I i-alled on the then
commander of the company, Cajitam Samuel 1). M'Cullough, who showed me the crimson silk sash of Captain Hart In
ills possesHioii, which was torn and had blood-stains upon it. C^ssius M. ('lay, now [ISliTl America!' minister to the
Court of St. Petersburg, commanded this company In the United States army In Mexico. In the battle of Buenn Vista
its flaj was the regimental color of the ivenlucky cavalry. On the ISth of .Tanuary, ISOl, a flag was jircsonted to this
rompnny (now called the " Lextuaton Old Infantry") at the Odd Fellows Hall in Lexington, by General Leslie Combs,
ill liehalf of the donor, David A. Sayre. On that occasion the United States band from the barracks at Newport, Ken-
lacky, performed the mu.^lcal part of the ccemonles. The Star-npantjled llaniier was sung, aiid the roil of all the captains,
from llWto isiil, was called. The only survivors of the company when Il'irt was captain, who were pre«eiit. were,
ThomasSmith, of Loul'/llle: Lawrence Paly, of Fayette ('ouiity: andJudgo Levi L. Todd, of Inuianapolis. The latter,
ivtn wftK Hart's successor as captain, gave the opening address.
• A few divs affer tho massacre at the Hiiisin Prctor irdered all th" Inhabitants there to leave their houeee and
move to Detroit. It wnf mid-winter and severely cold. Tho snow was vcr^ ,1eep, and they suffered dreadfu'Iy. Borne
onveyan'-i-s were sent down from Detroit for tbem. For a while Freochtown was a desolation, and the remains of the
nmi'Siicred were unbarled.
' William Lewis was in Gaithor's iiattnllon itt St. Clart's defeat In ITSl. He was then captain, and was appointed to
•he mme position In tht M Retriment of Infa..try the following year. Ho resigned In 1T9T. In August, iSl'i, he was com-
™b"Ioiici1 Lieutenant C.-lonel of Kfiiiuckv A'olunteers, and, as we have seen, behaved gallantly at Frenchtown. He
wM a 'inilve of Virginia. His death occu red nei'i- T.ittlc Rock, arl-ansas, on the 17th of Janiary, 1'<25.
' Ociirf!*! Madison wis a native of Virginia, where he was born in 17(13. He was a soldier In the Revolution, although
lie KM oiilv ,1 lad of twelve years when it broke out. He was with General Clarke In the Nort'^vest, and was at the
toad uf a cmpaay lu at. Clair's defeat In ITOl, \vhere he was wounded. Uo was also wounded In an attack by the Id-
i^mmmm
i-'
360
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
. i;
Wnr-cry of the Kcntuckiuns. Iluuur couferred on Proctor. Shamefulnesis of the Act. " GunrrtlauH of Civllizatiou "
The loss of the Americans in the affair at the Raisin was nine hundred and thirty-
four. Of these, one liundriMl and ninety-seven were killed and missing ; the romaiixlor
were made prisoners. Of the whole army of about a thousand men, only thirty-tliroc
escaped. Tiie loss of the British, according to Proctor's report, was twenty-t'tiur
killed, and one hundred and fifty-eight wounded. The loss of their Indian allies is
not known. The event was a terrible blow to Kentucky. It caused mourning in al-
most every family. The first shock of grief was succeeded by intense exasperation
and the war-cry of Kentucky soldiers after that was, Hemember the River Raisin!
•Jnnnnry20, At Sandwicli Proctor \yrote his dispatch* to Sir George Prevost, the
^^^" commander-in-chief in Canada, giving an account of his expedition to
Frenclitown, and highly commending the conduct of his savage allies.' His privato
representations were such that the evidently deceived Assembly of Lower Canada
passed a vote of thanks to him and his men, and the equally duped Sir Geortrc
promoted him to the rank of brigadier general " until the pleasure of the Prince Re-
gent should be known.'"'- That " jileasure" was to confirm the apjiointment, and there-
by the British government indorsed his conduct.
I visited Frenclitown (now Monroe), in Michigan, early in October, 18G0. I wont
down from Detroit by railway early in the morning, after a night of tempest — min-
gled lightning, wind, and rain. The air was cool and pure, and the firmament was
overhung witii beautiful cloud-pictures. I bore a letter of introduction to the Honor-
able D. S. Bacon, a resident of the plaj30 for almost forty yeai'!*^ Avho kindly spent the
day with me in visiting persons and places of interest on that memorable spot.
Crossing the bridge to the north side of the stream, we passed down "Water Street
toward the site of La Salle's, the camp of Colonel Lewis, and other places connected
with the battle and massacre already described. We met the venerable Judge Du-
dians in the camp of Major John Adair the following year. For more than twenty years he was ai:ditor of pnlilic ac-
counts in Kentucky. When Kentncky was asked for troops in ISIii he took the ticld. Ho was kept a prisoner at (Jucboc
for siiue tinio. In ISltt lie was nominated for the office of governor of Kentucky, ile was sobelced and pupuliir Iha:
hi', opponent vvltlidrew in the l\cat of the canvass, declaring that nobody could resist ' at popularity. He was electeil,
but died on the U'li of October the same year.
' "The zeal and couraj^o of the Indian Department," he eali, "were never more conspicuous than ou this occa.«ioD,
and the Indian warriors I'ougnt with their usual bravery."
5 It seems hardly possible that the Canadian Assembly or Sir George Prevost cou'k' have known the facts nf the hor-
rors of Frcnchtown, and Proctor's inhunuiu abandonment of He prisoners, or (hey would have punished rather than
rewarded the commander ou that occasion. Sir George, in his general order .^nnoHncing the promotion of Proctor, ai-
tually said, " On this occasion the gallantry of Colonel Proctor was most nobly displayed in his humane and unmarird
I'Xfrtions, ichich mineeeded m rexming the ranqtiiahot from tlie re'>e)uje nf the Indian warriors !"
British writers, unable to offer the shadow of an excuse for Proctor's coudnct, either avoid all mention of the n,assn-
ere, or endCiivor to shield him from the si-ourge of just criticism by affecting to disbelieve the fact that he agreed to
give protection to the wounded, or accepted the surrender on any condilions whatever. " Indeed," says .Tames, with
an air of trinmpii lii discussioi., " General Wiuchestcr was not in a condition to dictate term."," because he wn« "strip-
ped to his shirt and trowsers, and suffering exceedingly from the cold."— ^Icfoi"!^ af the MUitarn Ocetirrenees of the. Wt
Hiir, etc., 1., ISS. But the testimi>ny of eye and ear ■, itiiesses to the fact are too iibundaut for any honest-niindcd man
to dontit. Before all his men, iu the presence of Colonel Proctor, not tweiUy rods from the house of Francois Lasallo,
Major Madison declared the conditions that had been agreed upon. The late Judge Durocher. who was iircscnt, in-
formed mi- that he heard these conditions announced, and that Proctor assented to them by his silence. This is in con-
firmation of Winchester's statement in his report, written at Maiden on the 23dof .lannary, the day after the (•jm uler,
II gives the writer no pleasure to record the cruelties of savages and the unchristian conduct of British coininanilcrs
who employed them. He would prefer to Imry the knowledge of these thingb in oblivion, and let the aniaioslties which
they engender die w lib the generation of men who were actors In the scenes ; but when a Pharisee, affecting to be the
"guardian of civilization," preaches censorious homilies to an equal in virtue and dignity, it is sometimes a wholesome
service to prick the bubble of his pride with the bodkin of just exposure. When the Briti!t'the stream, I made the above sketch (looking Avestward) of the river, the railway
liiiilgo, and the distant town. Gibson's house is seen in the foreground, on the right;
t!ie railv.ay bridge, on four piers in the water, with the town beyond it, is seen in
the centre ; and by the distant trees, seen immediately beyond the jtoiut on the left,
is indicated the spot near which Winchester was captured. Returning to the village,
1 called upon .I'udge Durocher, who, in the course of a ])leasant interview of an hour,
.rave nic many items of information conccniing the events we have been considering,
lie spoke of Winchester as a "fussy man,'" quite heavy in person, and illy fitted for
tlie peculiar service in which he was engaged. He also assured me that atler the de-
flat of tlie AuKM-icans at Frenchtown, Prcctor endeavored to persuade the Indians to
destroy the French settlements there, because lie believed the inhabitants to hv lii\ or-
;ilile to the United States. It was even proposed to the Indians in council, and an-
I'tlier cold-blooded massacre, not by the permission, but at the instig;;'-ion of Proctor,
irasonly ])revented by tlu! Hrmness of the friendship which the Pottawatomies bore
to the inhabitants on the Raisin. Judge Durocher was seventy-four years jf :iv
when I visited hitn, A little less than a year afterward he was borne to tlic grave.'
' Lniircnt Durocher wat, the con of a FrtMiii; Caniiillnii, aiiil wan born at St. Oomn-ieve Mlwtoii, In MIbbou: ., in 1786.
His talhor ilicil when he was young, i\U(l lila uuclc sent him to o college In Montreal to be cdactttcd. At the oloke of his
ii
itii
3«2
riAL FIELD-BOOK
The vslUnt im
r Kmiy
I public Career.
Ills RelatioDB with the ludiaus.
Our next %'^ wan to y th*' in the battle of the Thames,
under Colonel Hi lull il kf. Johnson. While Avith Hull at Sandwich, iittaelicd to Col-
i,.iel ]\I' Arthur's regiment, /((( fiiil'l'iiruim] iipportant scout service. On on(: occofiion,
aceoiiipfinicd l)y four men. he peiu'tradd (he iiiHliliy lis ihr nn the site of (lie preKcnt
village of Chatliam, on the Thames, and there capluied (I C(t||(//('l i>f'filiegor, a burly
British officer, iifid a Jew natned Jacobs, and carried them to Jlull's ('(i(n|». Ilif (Im)
M viregor to a horse, and thus took him to the head-quarters of his chief After (Ik
surrender IM'Gregor offered five hundred dollars i'lir the capture of Knaggs, deail
or alive. The Indians Averc constantly on the watch for him, and he hml many
studies, in 1^06, he settled nt Fronchtown
rcgl(Mi, joined tlic nrniy of General
null for a year. They were at the
Raisin when Hull surrendered, and
gave tlicinselves up to Captain Kl-
liott. Dniingthe remainder of the
war he wan cliarged hy the Ainer-
racmber of the Territorial Council ofMldii;
At the beginni np of the var of 1S12, he, with other young Frenchmen of Hint
icn .! commander with Kovcrnl im-
portant trusts. When, in ISh.
Monroe County was orgnnized.
I)urocherwasclio.«en ilsriprk, Ilf
held that offloe for about Iwiiil;
years. ITc was for six years a
and in 1S.1B was a member of the Convention that framed the ptateCon-
't:^noii for not promptly s ortiiig Winchester; and that in the political campaign of
18)0, when Harrison a, elected President of the United States, his enemies cited
his alleged shortcomings on this occasion as evidence that his military genius and
service!*, on Avhich his liinie mostly rested, were myths. But contemporary history,
iiid the well-settled con\ ictions of his surviving companions in arms whom I met in
lilt' Northwest, as well as the gallant engineer, Colonel Wood, Avho afterward fell at
Fort Erie,^ fully accjuit General Harrison of all blame or lack of soldierly qualities
111 tluit occasion. It was not until the night of the 16th that he was hiformed by a
messenger that General Winchester had arrived at the Iin\' Is, and meditated a for-
ward movement. The latter intimation alarmed Harrison, and lie made every exer-
tion to push troops forward from Upper Sandusky, where he was then quartered,
sixty miles from the Kapids by way of the Portage River, and seventy-six miles by
Lower Sandusky. He immediately ordered his tutillery to advance by way of the
Poi'tao;e, with an escort of three hundred men, under Major Orr, with provisions ; and
lie pressed forward himself, as speedily as possible, by the way of Lower Sandusky,
where one regiment and a battalion were stationed, under the command of General
Perkins. This battalion Avas ordered to march immediately, under Major Cotgrove,
ami Ilarrisou determined to follow it the next morning. He was just rising from hia
' lam inilebtcd to Mr. WilUnni H. Ttowlsby, n i>hotographer In Monroe, for the likeness of Mr. KnniiKS. It wis taken
from life \,y Unit gentlemiui. The Bignntiirc wan written in my noto-book by Mr. Knaggs when I \ Uited him.
: lieulouiiiit Colonel Woixl, then Ilanlnon's chief engineer, with the rank of ciiptaln, afterward said, " What humaii
iiioana wilhiu the control ofOcneral Harrison rould prevent the anticipated disaster, and save that corps which wa-s al-
ipaily lijoked upon as lost, as doomed to Inevitable destrnctlon f Certainly none, because neither orders to halt nor
roops to succor him LWinchesler] could be received in time, or at least that was iho expectation. He was already in
iiintion, and General Harrison still at I'pper Sandusky, seventy miles in his rear. The weather was Inclement, the snow
1 IS i;.t'|), and a large portion of the Black Swamp was yet open. What would a TareuDe or a Eugiuo have doaei
KMkr «uch a pressure of embarrassing circumstances, more tUau Harrison did ?'
364
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Harrison at the Maamce Knpids. He asoigtB the Fugitives from tlic Raisin. His Aniiy at the Mattnicc Kapidg
bed when a messenger ctiine with the tidings of tlio advance of Lewis upon Froiicli-
town. Perkins was immediately ordered to press forward to the Hapids the remain-
ing troops under his command. After hastily breakfasting, he and Perkins procetilcd
in a sleigh. They were met on the way by an express with intelligence of Lewis's
victory at the Haisin. This nerved Harrison to greater exertions. He pushed I'oi'-
ward alone and on horseback, through the swamps filled with snow, in daylight and
in darkness, and, after almost superhuman eflbrts, he reached the Rapids early on tia.
morning of the 20th. Wiu,chester had dejiarted for the Raisin the previous evonini;,
and Harrison could do nothing better than wait for his oncoming troops, under Poikins
and Cotgrove, and the artillery by the Portage. What remained at the Rajjids of
Winchester's army, under Colonel Payne, were sent forward toward the Raisin, and
Captain Hart, the inspector general, was sent to inform Winchester of the supportiii<>
movements in his rear.
Alas ! the roads were so almost impassable tliat the troops moved very slowlv,
After the utmost exertions they were too late. News came to Harrison, at tvn
o'clock on the morning of the 22d, of the attack of the British and Indians on tiic
Americans at Frenchtown. The fraction of Perkins's brigade which liad arrived at
the Rapids was sent forward, and Harrison himself hastened toward the Raisin. He
met the affrighted fugitives, who told doleful stories of the scenes of the morninff
and assured the commander that the British and Indians were in pursuit of the
broken army of Winchester toward the Rapids. This intelligence spurred on the
re-enforcements. Other fugitives were soon met, who declared thai the defeat of
Winchester was total and irretrievable, and that no aid in Harrison's power could
Aviu back the victory of the enemy. A council of officers Avas held at Ilai-rison's
head-quarters in the saddle, when it was decided that a farther advance would be
useless and imprudent. A few active men v/ere sent forward to assist the fujfitives
in escaping, Avliile the main body returned t(- the Rajdds. There anotlier couiieil «aj
held, which resulted in an order for the trocps, ntimbering not more than nine hund-
red men, to fall back to the Portage (pbou eigliteon miles), establish there a forti-
fied camp, wait for the arrival of the at i!! "y and accompanying troops, and tlien tu
push forward to the Rapids again.
The latter movement was delayed on account of heavy rains. On the 30th of Jan-
uary Colonel Leftwitch arrived with Ids brigade, a regiment of Pennsylvania troops,
and a greater part of the artillery, and on the 1st of February General Harrison
moved toward the Rapids with seventeen hundred men. He took post on the rii;lit
bank of the river, upon high ami commanding ground, at the foot of the Raj)ids, and
there established a fortified camp, to which Avas afterward given, in honor of the gov-
enior of Oiiio, the name of Fort Meigs. All the troops that could be spared from
other posts Avere crdered there, Avith the design of pressing on toAvard Maiden before
the middle of February ; but circumstances caused delay, and the Array of the Xorth-
west tarried for some time on the bank of the Maumec before opening the campaign
of 1813 in that region.
Events on tb
We will
paign of 181
St. LaAvrenc
ill |)oint of t
initiated the
oflhitish vi
mh of the
wh'wh lay a
miles, were £
When wai
eru li-ontier
'he construe
iind Henry F
Tnited State
She was inte
iin the fronti
of intimtry a
of Lake Onta
m the south
.u'ling. Til is
and viiidicarii
iinlil the sprii
The LegisI;
government, t
that commoin
arms to be dt
lowing year a
' The Indians ga>
fireat River." It rt
l'^«, and in isu it
fronlier. Millioua .
foraif not to have b
' The cnjuhvint; o
Wftod at a cost of i
l»mbiii) Street, betw
II was sold.
I'll II
OP THE WAR OF 1812,
305
E/ents on the Northt-rn Frontier.
First wnrlike Menaurefi there.
Enforcement of the Keveuue Law).
CHAPTER XVra.
"Oh 1 now the time hns come, my boys, to cross the Yankee line.
We remember they were rebels once, and conquered John Unrgoyne;
We'll 8iil)due those mighty Democratc, and pull their dwelliufjs down,
And we'll have the States inhabited with subjects to the crown."
SoNu— TuE NouLB Lads of Ci.i(Adjl.
iX j)rece(lint? chapters the military events in the Northwest,
w here the Avar was first commenced in earnest, have heen con-
sidered in a group, as forming a distinct episode in tlie history.
By such grou[)ing, in proper order, the reader may obtain a
comprehensive view of the entire campaign of 1812 in that re-
gion, wJiich ended with the establishment of Generalllarrison's
head-quarters on the banks of the Maumee early in February,
1813.
We will now consider the next series of events, in the order of time, in the cam-
paign of 1812, which occurred on the Northern frontier, from Lake Erie to the River
St. Lawrence. The movements in the Northwest already recorded claim precedence,
in point of time, over those on the Northern frontier of only seven days, Hull liaving
initiated the former by the invasion of Canada on the 12th of July, and a squadron
oflhitish vessels having opened the latter by an attack on Sackett's Harbor on the
19th of the same month. The parties hi these movements, between the scenes of
wjiit'h lay an almost unbroken wilderness of wood and water of several hundred
miles, were absolutely independent of each other in immediate impulse and action.
When M'ar was declared the United States possessed small means on the north-
ern frontier for offensive or defensive operations. The first warlike measure was
tlie construction,, at Oswego, on Lake Ontario, of the brig Oneidu, by Christian Berg
,111(1 Henry Eckford, under the direction of Lieutenant Melancthon Woolsey, of the
Tnitod States Navy. She was commenced in 1808, and was launched early in 180f).
She was intended chiefly ibr employment in the enforcement of the revenue laws
(Ml the frontier, under the early embargo acts. For a shnilar purpose, a company
(if inf'iiiitry and some artillery were pooted at Sackett's Harbor, at the eastern end
ut'Lake Ontario,' in 1808; and in March, 1809, militia detachments were stationed
(111 tlie southern shores of the St. Lawrence, opposite Kingston, to prevent smug-
(.'iinc;. Tliis duty gave rise to many stirring scenes on the frontier hi the violation
mill vindication of the revenue laws, which were generally evaded or openly defied
until the spring of 1812, when a more stringent embargo act was passed." -April 4,
Till' Legislature of the State of New York, as vigilant as the national ^'*''^-
.'Dveniinent, took measures early for enforcing the laws on the Canada frontier of
tlmt commonwealth. In February, 1808, the governor ordered five hundred stand of
linns to be deposited at Chamjiion, in the ])resent county of Jefferson ; and the fol-
lowing year an arsenal was built at Watertown,* on the Black River, twelve miles
s
1 The Indians ijave this an almost unpronounceable and interminable name, which sipnlfled "Fort at the month of
Groat River." It received its name from Augustus Saokett, the first se'tler. It was constituted an election district in
I^iVI, and in 1?I14 it was incorporated a village. Unring the war of 1812 It was the chief military post on th'5 Northern
froiilicr. Millions of dollars have been expended there for fortifications and war vessels, yet prosperity as a village
fOPniB not to have been its lot. It contains loss than one thousand inhabitflnts.
' Tlic cngrnving of the Arsenal lliilldtn!; on the following page Is from n sketch made by the writer in 18.1(5. It wa«
jrcctod at a cost of about two thousand dollars. Il is still [ISfiT] standing, on the south side of Arsenal (formerly Co-
lumbliO Street, between Benedict and Madison Streets. It was maintained by the state as an arsenal until 1S50, when
Il was sold.
#
r
306
riCTOItlAL FIELD-BOOK
War Uateriali at Wutertown. The Militia there in Commuud of General Brown. The detached Militia of the 8Ut«.
eastward of Sackett's Harbor, under tho di-
rection of Hart Massey,' where arms, llxid
iuninunition, aceoutri'inents, and otlicr war
sujiplieH were Hpoedily gathered for use on
tJie Northern frontier. In May, 1 ftl 2, a ri'ir.
iincnt of militia, under Colonel Ciiristdplur
I', liellinger, was stationed at Saekett's Ilai-
bor, a part of which was kept on duty at
Cai)e Vincent. Jacob Brown, an entcrjiris-
int; farmer from I'eniifiylviinia, who hud set-
tled on the borders of the Black Hiver about
four miles from Watertown, and had bocii
appointed a brigadier general of militia in
1811, was then in command of the first de-
tachment of New York's quota of the one liundred thousand militia which the Presi-
' April 10, dent was authorized to call out by act of Congress.* When war was do-
dared he was charged with the defense of the frontier from Oswego to Laki'
ABUKNAL Ul'ILUl.NU, WATKUTUW.N.
Api
18
812.
St. Francis, a distance of two hundred miles.*
' Mr. Maosey was one of the earlier settlers of Watertown. The first religious mcetlnp; there was held in his honKp
He wascollector of the port of Sackett's Harbor at the time in question, and held that office all lliroui;h what was call-
ed " Embargo times" and the War. He died at Watertown in March, 1S63, at the age of eighty-two year;?.
' By a General Order Issued from the War Department on the 'Jlst of April, 1S12, the detached militia of the State of
New York were arranged in two divisions iiud eight brigades. STr.rnEN Van Uenpsei.aek, of Albany, was appolnlcil
major general, and assigned to the command of the First Division ; and Benjamin Mooeus, of Plattsburg, was ii|i.
pointed to the same office, and placed in command of the Second Division.
The eight brigadiers commissioned for the service were assigned to the several brigades as follows: Ist brlsado.
OEEAai) STEniiiFORP, of the city of New York ; 2d, Reuiikn Hoi-kinb, of Goshen, OraBge County; 8d, Micajah PETiif.
of Queensbury, Washington County ; 4th, Kiohako Dodue, of .lohnstown, Montgomery County ; BIh, Jaooii linowN, of
Bro^'nsville, Jefferson County; fltli, Daniel Mii.i.er, of Homer, Cortland County; 7th, Wii.liah Wadswoutii, ofOeu-
cseo, ')ntarlo County; 8th, Geoboe M'Clube, of Bath, Steuben County.
This force was farther subdivided Into twenty regiments, and to the command of each a lieutenant colonel was aj-
signed, ac follows:
First Brigade : tst regiment, Beehman M. Van liuren, of the city of New York; 2d, Jonas Mapeii, of the city of New
York ; 3d, John IHtmiu, of Jamaica, Queens County.
Second Frigade: 4tli regiment, Abraham J. Iltirdenherc/h, of Shawangnnk, Ulster Connty; 6th, Martin Ileermamt, o(
Rhlneheck, Duche.ss County; fith, Abraham Van Wi/ck, of Fishkiil, Duchess County.
Third Brigade : 7th regiment, Jameti Green, of Argyle. Waslilngton County ; 8th, Thoman Miller, of Plattsburg, Clin-
ton Connty ; nth, Peter I. Voittmrgh, of KInderhook, Clolumbia Connty.
Fourth Brigade : 10th regiment, John Prior, of CJreenfleld, Saratoga Connty, and llth, Calviri llich, of Sharon, Scho-
harie County, to be attached to the regiments from General Veedcr's division ; 12th, JuAn T. Vaji Dal/sm, o( Cmymati't.
Albany County, and 13th, Putnam Farrington, of Delhi, Delaware Connty, to be attached to the regiments from Gen-
eral Todd's division.
Fifth Brigade : 14th regiment, Willitr'n Stone, of Whltestown, Oneida Connty ; IBth, Thmnas B. Benedict, of Dc Kalb,
St. Lawrence County.
Sixth Brigade : 10th regiment, Farrand Stranahan, of Cooperstown, Otiiego Connty ; ITth, Thmnas Mead, of Norwich,
Chenango County.
Seventh Brigade : !9th regiment, Htuih W. Dobbin, of Juntas, Seneca Connty ; 19th, Uenr^ Bloom, of Geneva, Cayu-
ga Connty ; 20th, Peter Allen, of Bloomileld, Ontario Connty.
To tho Eighth Brigade was assigned the regiment of light Infantry under Colonel ieremlah Johnson, of Brooklyn,
Kings County, and the regiment of riflemen under Colonel Francis M'Clure, of the c .y of New York.
General Van Rensselaer assigned to the several brigades the following staff officers :
RrigwlM.
BriKade MiljoM amt Innprrlom.
Drigoilp QiiarVminAtcn.
nrigadea.
Bl^ade Mnjora and Inflpectora.
nrlgaile QuBrtiirniiutcrf
1
2
3
4
Theophilns Pierce.
John Dill.
Michael S. Van der Cock.
Moses S. Cantine.
Charles Graham.
Robert Heart.
Dean Edson.
Leon'd H. Oansevoort.
S
6
7
8
Robert Shoemaker.
Thomas Greenley.
Julius Keyes.
Joseph Lad.
Henry Seymour.
Nathaniel R. Packard.
Henry Wells.
Jeremiah Anderson.
I have compiled the above statement from Ocnen.l Vcji Rensselaer's first General Order, Issned from hie head-quar
ters at Albany on the 19th of June, 1S12." The following paragraph fW)m his second General Order, issued on the IStli
of Jnly, indicates the special field of operations to which General Van Rensselaer was assigned : " Major General Ste-
phen Van Rensselaer having been requested to repair to the command of the militia heretofore ordered into the service.
and to be hereafter ordered Into the service of the United States for the defcT?e of the Northern and Western IVoiiti'-'f
of thir state between St. Regis and Pennsylvania, enters upon his command tnla day." In the same Order General Van
Rcnsselaet declared that all the militia comprehended in the brigades organized by his General Order of the ISth of
June, " together with the corps commanded by Lieutenant Colonels SwlP, Flemmlng, and Bellinger, were subject to
his division orders."
• General Van Rensselaer's MS. Order Book ffom June 18th to October let, 1812.
SelznreofBritlsl
In 3Iay, ]
Canada, and
Sliu was foil
mandiiig \V(
Act. Aboul
tiired at St. ^
same time, st
of a violatior
iiition. Wh(
leuce, eiglit -
ored to escaj:
effects. An f
present villaj
gave chase in
Islands,' a lit
Packet), and
It was beli(
tensive ones,
Thousand Ish
boats were tc
General I3ro\\
measures to r
to the former,
laration of wa
militia of Jeff
if necessary, f
Grosse River.
St. Lawrence,
the frontier fi-c
Piogis. Measii
and Cape Vin
Kingston in a
built vessels ft
On the llth
Comraander V>
squ.idron of Bi
Xekon and dc
Harbor. Tlie
similar form.
;it early dau i
ward the Ilarh
-4; Frince lie^
command of Ci
returning from
to Ce'linger, tl
' Tils group of Isla
seven miles along its
most of them arc me
mter'sedgc. Some i_
miles. Cauoesandsi
other large vessels, w
from two to nine mil
fus determined in 181
Md WelU's, belonging
daring two centuries i
' lili'ory (if St. iMwr
1*1 i'l iiij' it it
ngmmmmi^'
1 V
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
867
Stinre of British Veeeela on Lalce Ontario,
Retaliation expected.
Nortliem Militia called oat.
In May, 1812, tho schooner Lord Nelson, owned by parties at Niagara, Upper
Camilla, and laden witli flour and merciiandiHo, sailed from that jjort for Kingston.
She waH found in American waters, captured l)y the Oneid'i, under Lieutenant C.'om-
maiKliiig Woolsey, ami condemned as a lawful jirizo for a violation of the Embiirgo.
jU't. About a month later," anotlier British schooner, the Ontario, was ca[»- • june i4,
tared at St. Vincent, but was soon afterward dischargwl; and at about the *^'*"
same time, still another British schooner, named Niagara, was seized, and sold because
of a violation of tho revenue laws. These events, as v/as expected, soon led to retal-
iation. When news of tlie declaration of war reached Ogdensburg, on tiic St. Law-
rence, eight American schooners — trading vessels — lay in its harbor. They endeav-
ored to escape'' to Lake Ontario, bearing away aft'riglited families and their „
effects. An active Canadian partisan named Jones, living not far from tl;c
present village of Maitland, had raised a company of volunteers to capture tliem. He
i;ave chase in boats, overtook the fugitive unarmed flotillii at the foot of the Thousand
islands,' a little above IJrockville, captured two of the schooners [Sophia and Island
Packet), and emptied and burned tliem. The remainder retreated to Ogdeusburg.'-
It was believed that this movement was only the beginninfj of more active and ex-
tensive ones, oftensive and defensive, on the part of the Tiritish — that several of the
Thousand Islands were about to be fortified, and that expeditions of armed men in
boats were to be sent over to dt vastate the country along the northern frontier.
General Brown and Commander Woolsey, vested with full authority, took active
measures to repel invasion and protect the lake coast and river shores. In a letter
to tlie former, Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor of New York, informed him of the dec-
laration of war, and directed him to call out re-enforcements for Bellinger from the
militia of Jcfierson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, and to arm and equip them,
if necessary, from the arsenals at Watertown, and at Russel, farther north on the
Grosse River. Colonel Benedict, of ^ ^ ^^ y
St. Lawrence, was ordered to guard €^^^^tc^(^, S^ c^^^t^^t/t^^^^'
the frontier from Ogdensburg to St.
Regis. Measures were also taken to concentrate a considerable force at Ogdensburg
and Cape Vincent, for the twofold purpose of guarding the frontier and keeping
Kingston in a state of alarm, that being the chief naval station where the British
built vessels for service on Lake Ontario.
On the 11th of July the inhabitants on the frontier were alarmed by a rumor that
Comraander Woolsey and his Oneida had been captured by the enemy, and that a
squadron of British vessels were on their way from Kingston to recapture the Lord
XelsoH and destroy Sackett's Harbor. General Brown immediately repaired to tlu-
Harbor. The rumor was a false one, but a part of it was the precursor of truth in a
similar form. Eighteen days afterward Commander Woolsey saw from his mast-head,
lit early dau n, a squadron of five British vessels of war olF Stony Island, beating to-
ward the Harbor with the wind dead ahead. These proved to be the Royal George,
24; Prince Regent, 22; Earl of Moira, 20; Siincoe, 12; and Seneca, 4, under the
command of Commodore Earle, a Canadian. On the way up they captured a boat
returning from Cape Vincent ; and by the crew (who were released), they sent word
to lie'Unger, the commandant at Sackett's Harbor, that all they wanted was the
' This group of islonds, lying in the St. Lawrence River, jnst below the foot of Lake Ontario, (ill that river for twenty-
seven mi]c9 along its course, and number more than flflcen hiinrtred. A few of them are large and cultivated, but the
most of them arc mere rocky islet?, covered generally with stunted hemlocks and cedar-trees, which extend to the
water's edge. Sonie of them contain an area of only a few square yards, while others present many supeiUcial square
miles. Cauoes and small boats may pass in safety among all of thcra, and there is a deef) channel for steamboats and
iither large vessels, which never varies in depth or position, the bottom being rocky. The St. Lawrence here varies
trom two to nine miles In width. The boundary-line between the United States and Canadu passes among them. It
ns determined In 1818. The largest of the islands ore Orand and //ow,-, belonging to Canada, and Carlcton, CfritulHtnne,
iiid VriMe, belonging to the tJullcd States. They have been the theatre of many historic scones aud legendary tales
daring two centuries and a half.
' Uli'ory of St. .'Mwrence ond Franklin Countie*, by Franklin Hough, M.D., pages 020, 021.
1 (
.::i.
. : 1
Ill 'I
;iC8
PICTORIAL FIKLD-UOOK
PropiiratiiiiiH for Ivnttle.
Approach of the Krltlali S(|niidr»ii.
A brief Bklrmlib.
Captiiln VaughM,
Oneida and the Lord Nelson, at tlie sami! time warning the inhabitants that if the
wqnadron whould he tired upon, i\\v town Hhould be bnniud.
l'('rellinger's regiment. Camp's Sackett's Harbor .Vrtiikiv,
which proni])tly volunteered for thirty days' service, the crew of the 07ii'ida, ;iiiil
three hundred militia. At the first appearance of the enemy alarm-guns were ijitil,
and couriers were sent into the country in all directions to arouse tlie militia. At
sunset nearly three thousand had arrived or were near, but they were too late. Vic-
tory had been lost and won earlj' in the day.
Woolsey, the best engineer otticer present, left his brig in charge of his lieutenant,
it at eight o'clock liy
a shot from the liii;
gun, which was harm-
less, and drew from
the peojile on tlio
lioi/al George a re-
sponse of derisive
laughter, which could
be plainly heard on
the shore. This was
followed by some shots
from those two vessels
in the advance at the
distance of a mile,
which were quickly
answered by Vauirhan,
The firing was kept up
for about two hours,
the scpiadrou standiiij;
off" and on, out of ran!j;e
of the smaller guns.
and took the general
command on shore. He
placed the 32-pounder
in charge of Captain
William ^ auglian, a
sailing-master of emi-
nence then living at
Sackett's Harbor,' and
directed Cajjtain Camp
to manage the others
in battery. Meanwhile
the enemy Avere slowly
drawing near; and by
the time Woolsey was
pre])ared to receive
them, the British flag-
ship Iloyal Georf/e,
closely followed by the
Prince liefjent, were
close enough for ac-
tion. Vaughan opened
0«
WIU.IAM VACailAN.
' From tlic widow of Captain Vnudlian, yet [1807] living nt Sacltott's Ilarlior, I received tlie foilowiiiB l)ri('f sktii li
of his life : Ho was borii in the middle of Antmst, 17T0, nt Will{ea-Bnrri\ in the Valley of Wyoming, Penn«ylvuiiiii. llf
was two years old wlicn the maBPacre took place there, and his inotlier fled with him over the mountains. At tlii' :li-
of eighteen years he visited Canada. The posts of Oswego, Fort Carloton, and Presentation, or Oswegatchie, \ww \\\n\
held T>-j the British, and ho was comi)elled to have a passport to go from post to post on the soil of the United Siates.
He returned to Canada in 1797, after these posts were given up, and engaged In lake navigation. Ho was a pilot on
Lake Ontario for many years, and when the war broke out he was appointed a sailing-master. He served with Rrcul
activity during the war. Wo shall meet him occasionally in the course of our narrative. After the war he rctiinicd tc
the occupation of mariner, and was master, at different times, of six steamboats on Lake Ontario. Alimit the year iswi
his Rj>inc received an Injury by his falling on the ice while rescuing a man and two women from destruction ammig
floating ice agitated by liigh winds. He never recovered. He died at Sackctt'e Harbor ou the 10th of Doccmber, WT,
aged eighty-one years.
FaUl R«t>oand
'flip most
! I tliirty-tw
man.Hion (fl
iloor-yard. '
('a|)taiii Va
(•aii!,'lit 'em
liu>inl Geon
captive ball
plctely, sent
HiHiiided eir
licr sides, ain
to|»irallaiit-iii
li.id lieeii cliii
^iirnal of reti
passage thro
wliile the ha
L't'eeted their
ha
tenant 11. \\. ^
ride corps luide
Harbor on tJie
'iiemy. "Our n
kins on that d;
' One of Captain Va
Kad- Julius. He eerv
laall-iimis, moHtofth(
• -^iilioiigh tlie gnn V
'w II lhlrty-two.poun(
' I ii'I'.v wrapping then
('.*"tu.«cdonthator(
'On iny way to Sack
""wrd, who was at S,i
»nt concerning the n
'Mhorlty of James But
n-iiiior that the Ameri(
"i™ of being a spy. ti
Briilsh and returned to
7*'H-'"-,l.,S2;Coo
"Hi Hatcments to the
Ilonard.
OF THE WAR OP 1812.
noo
PiKlBtbouiA of* Brttlib Hhot.
The 8<|uailrnn repuli'cil.
Preparntlonii fur War on Lake Ontario.
The inoHt of tlio t'tu'iny's wliot foil n liy Sergeant Spier, wlio ran witii it to
Captiii" Vaughan, exelaiining, "I've been playing ball witli the red-coats, and liave
cftui;lit Via . } destroy them was an important object to the British ; to save and arm
tlu'iii "its a more important object to the Americans. To accomi)lish the former re-
Milt, ti . Ihitish sent the l^Jorl of Moirii^ 14, and Duke of Gloucester, 10, down the St.
l,awri'iice to Prescott, opposite Ogdcnsburg, to Avatch or seize the imprisoned ves-
H'is. To accomplisli the latter, the Americans sent a small force in the same direc-
lioii, consisting of the schooner Julia (built by the late venerable IVIatthew M'Nair,
(if Oswego, and named in honor of his daughter), armed with a long thirty -two
ami two long sixes, bearing about sixty volunteers, under the command of Lieu-
tenant II. W. Wells, from the Oneida, -with Captains Vaughan and Dixon ; also a
rifle corps under Noadiah Hubbard, in a Durham boat. These sailed from Saekett's
Harbor on the evening of the 30th of July, unmindful of the superior force of the
nK'iuy. " Our means are humble," General Brown wrote to Governor Tomp- . j„iy gy^
kins on that day," "but, with the blessing of Heaven, this republican gun-
1812.
I One of Cnptnln Vnughan's gunners wns .Inlius Torrey, ft negro, who wns a great favorite, and known In camp ne
Bhfk Julius. He served at hie post with the greatest courage and activity. As the enemy was heyond the reach of
smll-arms, most of the troops were Inactive spectators of the scene.— Hough's Ilitttorii nf Jeffermn Cimiit]/, page 404.
= .Mthough the gini was well managed, the range of the shot had hccn a little wild hecause of their size. The gun
it» n ihlrty-lwo-pounder, bnt the largest balls to be found i.t Saekett's Ilsrbor were twenty-fours. These were made
;iii! by wra|)plng Uiem In pieces of carpet. The British thirty-two wsif just the shot needed for precision. The small-
trflii.t used on that occasion were brought from the Taherg Work.-^, Di.ir Rome, or.ly a week before.
' On my way to Saekett's Harbor in the summer of ISflO, I saw at Big Sandy Creek an old seaman named .Ichaziel
Howard, who was at Saekett's Harbor at this time, and fVom him I learned some of the facts al)ovi
'^llflifiil
i i . „i
liiif,
§ h
hi
hi. »
i!
S* ■ I
Hi
3T0
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Fight on the St. Lawrence. Riflemen at Sacke.t'e Harbor. Channcey chief Commander on Lake Ontario
boat muy give a good account of the Duke and the Earl; and a successful termina-
tion of this enterprise will give us an equal chance for the command of the lake."
The Julia and her Durham consort went to the St. Lawrence that night. Although
it was very dark, they arrived in safety at Cape Vincent. At early dawn, under a
deeply-clouded sky, they pressed forward among the Thousand Islands, the wind
•July 31, blowing down the river, and, at three o'clock in the afternoon," met the two
1812. British vessels off Morristown, eleven miles above Ogdensburg. They an-
chored at once, and opened fire upon each other. The action lasted more than three
hours, during which the cannonading was almost incessant, and yet the Julia was
only slightly injured by a single shot, and not one of the Americans was killed or
wounded. Tlie Earl of Moira was hulled several times, and both of the British ves-
sels withdrew toward the Canada shore. Night came with intense darkness, but fre-
quent flashes of lightning in the southern horizon reveaUMl surrounding objects for a
moment. With the aid of the Durham and her own yawl, the Julia made her way
to Ogdensburg before morning,*^ when Lieutenant Wells left her in charge
"^°* ' of Captain Vaughan, and returned to Sackett's Harbor. The armistice
tliat soon followed' enabled the Julia, with the six schooners in her wake, to make
her Avay to the lake." Meanwhile the guns of the Earl and Duke were
landed at Elizabethtown (new Brockville), and placed in battery there,^
Early in Atigust Captain Benjamin Forsyth arrived at Sackett's Harbor with a
well-drilled company of riflemen. These were the first regular troops seen on tliat
frontier, and were welcomed with much satisfaction. General Brown urged Forsyth
to open a recruiting station at once, hoping to enlist two full companies of the sharp-
shooters. At the same time, the national government was putting for^h vigorous ef-
forts for acquiring the supremacy of the lakes. The appointment of a proper com-
. mander-in-chief of the navy to be created on them, who might properly superintend
its fonnation, was the first and most important measure. Fortunately for the service,
Captain Isaac Channcey was chosen for this responsible and arduous duty. He was
then at the head of the navy yard at Brooklyn, New York. He was one of the best
practical seamen of his time, possessed a thorough knowledge of ships in whole and
in detail, and was in the constant exercise of energy and industry of the highest or-
der. On the 31st of August he was commissioned for that special service, and on the
following day, Paul Hamilton, the then Secretary of the Navy, sent him a ciplier
alphabet and numerals, by which he might make secret communications to the De-
partment.'
:i
7^
d\*>]A\s\C i-o-dl
I 2/| 'to'
rshifitiimnrMi^.
OIPIISB ALPHADET ANIl NUMEBALS.
' See note 2, page 293.
' Letter of General Brown to Governor Tompitins, August 4, 1812. Hough's nistory ofJeferaon CouttUj, pnge 4f..''>, 4C(!.
Hough's History of St. Laureruse and Franklin Counties, page 022. Written Statement to the Author by the lute Amaea
Trowbridge, M.D.
3 " After your arrival upon the lakes," wrote Mr. Hamilton, "yon may experience some difflcnlty and risk in sending
^_^ I your dispatches to me ; and you may find It necesnary lo
/^f jy >» yf y ^ employacipher in yonr communications, esppcla'lyeucb
^ /Jc/jtf^ ^^fjLyt/^..^^t.>C^'''CO't,AJ ofthem as might do the service an injury by falling into
•■^'^ ' i««.-'#'i''V- --U' the hands of the enemy. Under such circumstiinces, yon
will communicate to me in cipher by the following alphabet whenever yon may Judge It expedient." Here follows the
cipher alphabet and numerals, of which a fac-similo Is above given. The original la In the possession of the New York
Historical Society. It was presented by the Ilev. Mr. Cbauucey, a sou of the commodore, on the litb of February, ISIil
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
371
American and British Squadrons on Lake Ontario.
Elliott sent to Lake Erie.
Cbauncey's first Cruise.
Chauncey entered upon his new duties immediately after the receipt of his orders.
In the first week in September he sent forward forty ship-carpenters, with Henry
Eckford at their head. Others soon followed ; and Commander Woolsey was direct-
ed to purchase some merchant vessels for the service. On the 18th of the same
month, one hundred officers and seamen, with guns and other munitions of war, left
yew York for Sackett's Harbor, and Chauncey arrived there himself on the 6th of
October. The schooners Genesee Packet, Meperztnent, Collector, Lord Nelson, Charles
and Ann, and Diana, were purchased, and manned and named respectively in the
same order, Conquest, Chowler, Pert, Scourge, Governor Tompkins, and Jlamilton.
Their armament consisted principally of long guns mounted on circles, with a few
lighter ones that could be of very little service. Add to these the Oneida and Jidia
already in the service, and the entire flotilla, exclusive of the Madison, 24 (whose
keel was laid before Chauncey's arrival'), mounted only forty guns, and was manned
l)y four hundred and thirty men, the marines included. The Oneida carried sixteen
ijnns, therefore there was an average of only five guns each among the remainder of
the squadron. The British, at the same time, had made for service, on Ijake Ontario,
the ships Royal George, 22, and Earl of Moira, 14; and schooners Prince Regent, 16,
Buke of Gloucester, 14, Simcoe, 12, and Seneca, 4. These, in weight of metal, were
double the power of the American, while there was a corresponding disparity in the
number of men.^
Lake Erie, over which also Chauncey was appointed commander, was separated
from Ontario by the impassable cataract of Niagara, and vessels for use on the wa-
ters of the former had to be constructed on its shores, or at Detroit, where the unfin-
ished brig Adams, captured at the surrender of Hull, had been built. For the pur-
pose of creating a fleet there, Chauncey sent Lieutenant Jesse D. Elliott with orders
for purchasing vessels similar to those given to Commander Woolsey. We shall
consider some of Elliott's earlier operations presently.
Cliauncey first appeared on Lake Ontario as the commander of a squadron on the
8th of November, a cold, raw, blustery day, with his broad pennant fluttering over
the Oneida, his flag-ship, accompanied by six small vesf^els,^ and bound on an expe-
dition to intercept the entire British squpdrou on their return from Fort George, on
the Niagara River, whither they had gone from Kingston with troops and munitions
of war. Chauncey took his station near the False Ducks, some small islands nearly
di'3 west from Sackett's Harbor, on. the track to Kingston, and in the afternoon of
the Oth* iell in with the Royal George, Commodore Earl's flag-ship, mak- . November,
ing her way for the latter place. Chauncey chased her into the Bay of ^^'*'
Quint6, and lost sight of her in the darkness of the night that soon followed. On the
raoruinsT of the lOth** he captured and burnt a small schooner, and soon ^„
afterward espied the Royal George headed for Kingston. He gave chase
with most of his squadron,'' followed her into Kingston Harbor, and there engaged
botli her and five land batteries' for almost an hour. These were more formidable
than Chauncey supposed ; and a brisk wind having arisen, and the night coming on,
lie withdrew and anchored. The breeze had become almoct a gale the next morn-
ing,' so Chauncey weighed anchor and stood out lakeward. The Tomp- ^ jf^^ember ii
Um, Eamilton, and Jnlia chased the Simcoe over a reef of rocks, and so
' The Mttdimn was launched on the 26th of November, only forty-flvo days after her keel was laid. Henry Eckfurd
Kaa her constructor. " .
' Cooper's .VaiiaJ Historj/ > the UniM Stalei, Ii-, S28.
' The Oneida was commanded by Lieutenant Woolsey ; the C&nquest by Lieutenant Elliott ; the IlamUtm by Lieuten-
ant M'Phergon ; the Oovtrnor Tompkine by Lieutenant Brown ; the Pert by Mr. Arundei ; the Julia by Mr.Trant ; and
ilie Grouler by Mr, Mix. The last three named were sailliiB-masters.
' In this chase Captain Elliott, in the Conqtuat, gallantly ]".a, followed by the JttUa, Pert, and GrowW. The Ondia
I'fonght up the rear. She allowed the smaller vehsels to make the attack. When, at half past three, she opened her
cirronades on the Hoyal Oeorge, that vessel was quick to cut her cables, and run up to the town.
> There was a battery on both India and Navy Points. Three others guarded the town ; and soipc movable cannon
were brought to bear on the Ame.icau vessels.
■'»<
1 I'
• VI — ■.!». tjm
i
'Ml 1
i
.v. I
372
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Oporatious uear Kiu;;stuii.
Cbaancey'8 Prizes.
Forsyth's Kxpcrtltlnn.
riddled her that she sank before reaching Kingston. Soon afterward the Hamilton
captured a large schooner from Niagara. The prize was sent past Kingston under
convoy of the Growler, hoping to bring out the Royal George, but tliat vessel liad
been so much damaged in the action that she was compelled to haul on shore to
keep from sinking. She had received several shots between wind and water, somo
of her guns were disabled, and a number of her crew had been killed
The gale continued on the 12th, and during the following night a heavy snow-
storm set in. Chauncey was undismayed by the fury of the elements. lie had set
his heart on obtaining the supremacy of the lake at all hazai'ds, and he continued his
cruise. Inxormed that the Earl of Moira was off the Real Ducks, he attempted to
capture her. She was on the alert. A schooner that she was convoying was seized
but the warrior escaped. During the day Chauncey saw the Jtoyal George, and two
schooners that he supposed to be the Prince Hegent and Duke of Gloucester, but they
did not seem disposed to meet him.
In this short cruise Commodore Chauncey captured three merchant vessels, destroy-
ed one armed schooner, and disabled the British flag-ship, and took several prisoners '
w^ith a loss on his part of only one man killed and four wounded.* The loss of the
British is not found on record.
Leaving the Governor Tom2Mns, Conquest, Hamilton, and Growler to blockade
Kingston harbor until the ice should do so effectually, Chauncey sailed on the 19tli,
in the Oneida, for the head of the lake, accompanied by the remainder of the squad-
ron. " I am in great hopes," he wrote to Governor Tompkins, " that I shall fail in
with the Prince Regent, or some of the royal family which are cruising about Yorls.
Had we been one month sooner, we could have taken every town on this lake in
three weeks ; but the season is now so tempestuous that I am apprehensive we can
not do much more this Avinter." His anticipations were realized. He was driven
back by a gale in which the Growler was dismasted, and the ice formed so fast that
all the vessels were in danger. He retired to Sackett's Harbor, and early in Decem-
ber the lake navigation was closed by the frost.^
While Chauncey was commencing vigorous measures for the construction of a navy
at the east end of Lake Ontario, the land forces there and on the St. Lawrence were
not idle, although no very important service was perfoi-med there during the remain-
der of 1812. The vigilant Captain Forsyth made a bold dash into Canada late in
September. Having been informed that a large quantity of ammunition and other
munitions of war were in a British store-house at Gananoqui, on the shores of the Lake
of the Thousand Islands, in Canada,* and not heavily guarded, Forsyth asked and
obtained permission of General Brown to make an attempt to capture them. He or-
ganized an expedition of one hundred and four men, consisting of seventy riflemen
and thirty-four militia, the latter oflicered by Captain Samuel M'Nitt, Lrieutenant
Brown, and Ensigns Hawkins and Johnson. They set out from Sackett's Harbor on
the 18tli of September, and on the night of the 20th they left Cape Vincent in boats,
threading their way in the dark among the upper group of the Thousand Islands,
They landed a s}iort distance from the village of Gananoqui, only ninety-five strong,
without opposition ; but as they approached the town they were confronted by a
party of sixty British regulars and fifty Canadian militia drawn up in battle order,
wlio poured heavy volleys upon them. Forsyth dashed forward Avith bis men with-
' Among the prisoners was Captain Brock, brother of Major General Brock, who had been killed recently at Queens-
town. He had some of his brother's baggage with him.
a Mr. Arnndel, the commander of the Pert, wag badly Injured by the bursting of one of her guns, and a midshlpaan
and three seamen were slightly wonnded. Mr. Artmdel reftued to leave the deck, and was afterward knocked over-
board by accident and drowned.
3 Chauncey's Letter to Govercor Tompkins, November 18, 1812 ; Cooper's Saval Bittory, il., 333 to 83T inclusive.
' Gananoqui Is pleasantly situated at the month of the Gananoqui River, where it enters the npper portion of the St.
Lawrence, known as the Lake of the Thousand Islands, It Is In the town of Leeds, lu Canada West, nearly opposite
the town of Clayton (old French Creek), New York.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
373
Spoils takou at Oananoqul.
General Brown sent to OgdenH))nrg.
Uoettle Movements there.
out firing a shot until within a hundred yards of the enemy, when the latter fle-^ pell-
mell to the town, closely pursued by the inv.»ders. There the lugitives rallied and
renewed the engagement, when they were again compelled to flee, leaving ten of
their number dead on the field, several wounded, and eight regulars and four militia-
men as prisoners. Forsyth lost only one man killed and one slightly wounded. For
his own safety, he broke up the bridge over which he had pursued the enemy, and
then returned to his boats, bearing away, as the spoils of victory, the eight regu-
lars sixty stand of arms, two barrels of fixed ammunition comprising three thousand
ball-cartridges, one barrel of gunpowder, one of flints, forty-one muskets, and some
other public pronerty. In the store-house were found one hundred and fifty barrels of
provisions, but, having no means of carrying them away. Captain Forsyth applied the
torch, and stoi 3-house and provisions were consumed. ' The public property secured
on tliis occasion was given to the soldiers of the expedition as a reward for tiieir valor.
While Forsyth Avas away on his expedition. Brigadier General Richard Dodge ar-
.s«pten.her2i, "ved at Watcitown* with a
'S12. detachment of Mohawk Val-
ley militia. He outranked General Brown,
and on his arrival he ordered that officer
to proceed to Ogdensburg, at the mouth
of the Oswegatchie River, to orarrison old Fort Presentation, or Oswegatchie, at that
place.^ General Brown was chagrined by this unlooked-for order, but, like a true
soldier, he immediate- - . ,— -^
'October 12.
ly obeyed it. A part
of Captain Forsyth's
company went with
liim ; and three weeks
later, at the request
of the goveiTior. Gen
oral Dodge sent to
Brown'' the
remainder
of the riflemen, and
the artillery compa- appearanok of rom i ■.. i.jaiuuie in mvi.
iiies of Captains Brown, King, and Foot, in all one hundred and sixty men, with two
brass 9-pound cannon, one 4, and an ample supply of muskets and munitions of war.
General Brown arrived at Ogdensburg on the Ist of October. Already the militia
had been employed in some hostile movements. At {.bout the middle of September
infonnation reached Ogdensburg that some British bateaux, laden with stores, were
ascending the St. Lawrence. It was resolved to capture them. A gun-boat, with a
brass six-pounder and eighteen men, under Adjutant I'aniol W. Church, accompanied
by a party under Captain Griffin, in a Durhaji boat, went down the river in the
niglit, and encountered the enemy near Toussaint Island. The Durham boat was lost
in the aftray, and the gun-boat was in great peril at one time. It was caved, how-
ever. The expedition was a failure. Five of Church's men were wounded, and one
was killed. The British lost several in killed and wounded. They were led by Ad-
jutant Fit'.gibbon.'
On the day after General Brown's arrival at Ogdensburg,<= about forty
British bateaux, escort (d by a gun-boat, were seen aoproaching Prescott ' ^'^'°''*' ^'
tVom below, and as the/ neared the town a battery at that place opened upon Og-
'Letter of General Brown to Covemor Torapkine, September 23, 1812 ; Letter from Utfcn, September 29, 1812, pub-
luhcd In The War, page Tl. Th.- same letter appears In Niles'ti Weekli/ PegiOer, October 10, 1812.
' A partirular account of t>.i8 fort will be given hereafter.
' Hough's Jlistory ttf St. I xtvrenee and Franklin Counties, page 024.
" li
1
1
ni
374
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A British Bxpedltion on the St. Lawrence.
It attacka Ogdeuaburg.
The British repulecd.
densburg to cover tlie flotilla.^ The heavy guns at the latter place consistecl of a
brass six-pounder under the charge of Adjutant Church, and ai; .on twelve-prmndor
managed by Joseph York, sherift' of the county, and a volunteer citizen. These re-
plied to the British battery for a while. On the following day the firing from IVs-
• October <^ott was renewed, but was not answered; and on Sunday mommg, the 4tli '
1812, t^yo gun-boats and twenty-five bateaux, filled with about seven hundred
and fifty armed men, under Colonels Lethbridge a.id Breckinridge, went up the river
almost a mile, and then turned their prows toward Ogdensburg, with the evident
intention of attacking it. Forsyth's riflemen were encamped at the time nc ar tiie
old fort on the west side of the Oswegatchie, and General Brown, with regulars and
militia, were stationed in the town.* The whole American force amounted to about
twelve hundred eflective men. These were immediately drawn up in battle order to
receive the invaders. When the latter had approached to within a quarter of a mile
of the town, nearly in mid-channel, the Americans opened such a severe fire from
their two cannon that the enemy retreated in confusion and precipitation, witli the
loss of three men killed and four wounded.' About thirty rounds were fired from
each of the tAVO cannon, and the action lasted two hours.* Not one of the Ameri-
cans was injured in the action, but some damage was done to the town by the can-
non-shot of the British. " This enterprise," says Christie, a Biitish author, " under-
taken without the sanction of the commander of the forces, was censured by him, and
the public opinion condemned it as rash and premature."*
Eighteen days after the repulse of the British at Ogdensburg, Major Guilford Dud-
ley Young, and a small detachment of militia, who were chiefly from Troy, New-
York, performed a gallant cxjjloit at St. Regis, an Indian Village lying upon the
boundary-line between the United States and Canada. The dusky inhabitants of
that settlement were placed in a very embarrassing position when war was declared.
Tlieir village lay within the boundaries of both governments, and up to that time
the administration of their internal affairs, managed by twelve chiefs, had been nom-
inally independent of both. The annuities and presents fi-om both governments were
equally divided among them, and in all matters of business and profits every thintr
was in common. That this relation should not be disturbed, commissioners, appoint-
ed by the two governments, agreed that the Indians should remain neutral, and tiiat
the troops of both parties should avoid intrusion of their reservation. But they be-
came objects of suspicion and dread. The settlers in that region had been horrified
with tales of Indian massacres remotely and recently. And t^e8e people could not pass
the boundaries of their domain without being regarded as possible enemies. So vig-
ilant was this general fear that the Indians were compelled, when they went abroad,
to carry a pass from some well-known white inhabitant, among the most prominent
of whom, appointed by the chiefs, was Captain Policy, late of Massena Springs.*
1 William K. Gnest, Esq., whom I met atOgdenebnrg in the snmmer of 1860, In some of his published " Recollections"
of that place, speaking of the affair, says, " The villagers came out in large numbers, and stood In Washington Street, near
the residence of Mr. Parish. Among them were a number of indies, who felt safe, as no balls had as yei come into the
village. While all were intently ivatching, with great excitement, the movements of the contending parties, a 12-poMii
shot, with its clear, singing, hnrnming sound, passed over our heads, in the line of State Street, as near as we could judge,
and fell in the rear of the village. A sudden change came over the scene. It became an Intimate matter to all, and ibe
•* ladles heat ;i rapid retreat." When I was in Ogdensburg in 1SS5, and made a sketch of the old Conn-
house, printed In a note In Chapter XXVII. of this work, I was Informed '.hat that ball passed tbrongh
the building, and a hole made by it was pointed out to me.
' The subordinate commanders on this occasion were Colonel Benedict, Mnj.- DImock, Adjutant
Uoskiu, and Captains Forsyth, Orlffln, Hnbbard, Benedict, and M'Nitt. — Ogdenstntrff Palladmrn, Oc-
tober 0, qaoted in The War, I., T8.
' One account says that one of their gun-boats wrd disabled, and another that " two of their boats
were so knocked to pieces as to render it necessary to a*>andon them."
* Hough's HMnni of St. Laurenee and Franklin rountie*, page 626. Letter iVom PlaMsburg, dated
October 9, In Niles's Wetklij Heiiiatet , :' ;., 196. Christie's Military Operatiom in Canada, page SI.
' Christie's Militanj Operation* in Canada, page 81.
« These passes stated that the bearer was n quiet, peaceable person. It was their custom to liold
these passes up on approaching a white person that they might not be alarmed. On the other hand.
M
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
875
Tbe British violate a Neatrnllty Agreemeut. British Troops occupy St. BeglB. Its Capture by the Amcrlcaus.
These restrictions curtailed their hunting and fishing, and they were reduced to such
great extremities that they were compelled to apply to Governor Tompkins for re-
lief.' The governor listened to their request, and during the war they received about
five hundred rations daily from the United States government stores at French Mills,''
now Fort Covington, on the Salmon River.
The neutrality agreement was violated by Sir George Prevost, the British cora-
maiulcr-in-chief in Canada, who placed Captam M'Donell and a party of armed Cana-
dian voyageurs in the village of St. Regis " for the security of that post," to " guard
.".ciiinst any predatory incursions of the enemy, to inspire confidence in the Indians,"
and to give " support and countenance" to " Monsieur de Montigny, captain and res-
ident agent at the village."^ The real object appears to have been the seduction of
the hulians • from their neutrality by persuading them to join the British standard.
In this they were successful, as the presence of more than eighty St. Regis warriors
in the British army at different places on the frontiers subsequently fully proves.''
Major Young was stationed at French Mills when M'Donell took post at St. Regis,
and he wished to attempt the capture of the whole party at about the Ist of October.
William L. Gray, an Indian interpreter, was then running a mill on the site of the
present village ofllogansburg, two miU d above St. Regis, and consented to be Young's
ffiiide. He took him and his command along an unfrequented way, that brought
them out suddenly upon the eastern banks of the St. Regis, opposite the village. The
stream was too deep to ford, and, having no boats. Major Young was compelled to
abandon the project at that time. The British intruders were alarmed ; but as day
after day wore away without farther molestation, M'Donell settled doAvn into a feel-
ing of absolute security. From that state he was soon aroused. Young left French
Mills, with about two hundred men, on the night of the 21st of October, at eleven
o'clock, crossed the St. Regis, at Gray's Mills, at half past three in the . October 22,
morning,* in a boat and canoe and a hastily-constructed raft, and before ^*''^'
aawn arrived within half a mile of St. Regis, where they concealed themselves, while
taking some rest and refreshment, beliind a gentle hill westward of the village. Hav-
ins carefully reconnoitred the position, the little party moved in three columns to-
ward the British part of the village, at the northern extremity of which, not far from
the ancient and famous church, stood the houses of Montigny and M'Donell, in which
the officers and many of the men of the British detachment were stationed. Caj)tain
Lyon, editor of the Troy Jimlget, moved with his company along the road upon the
bank of the St. Regis, so as to gain the rear of Montigny's house and a small block-
house, while Captain Tilden and his company made a detour westward, partly in
rear of M'Donell's, for the purpose of reaching the St. Lawrence and securing the boats
of the enemy. Major Young, with the companies of Captains Higbie and M'Neil,
moved through the village in front. Thus the enemy was surrounded. Lyon was
first discovered by the British sentinel and attacked. Young was then within one
hundred and fifty yards of Montigny's house. At that instant an ensign of the enemy,
attempting to pass in front after being ordered to stand, was shot dead ; and a few
minutes afterward complete success crowned the enterprise of the gallant major.
Forty prisoners (exclusive of the commander and the Catholic priest), with their arms
and accoutrements, thirty-eight muskets, two bateaux, a flag, and a quantity of bag-
the Indians requlrcil persons traveHng acrosi; their domain to exhibit passes. As few of these Indians conld read, a dc-
rice (see preceding page) was adopted to obviate the difBcultles which that deficiency might give rlBe to. If a person
was going through to French Mills, a simple bow was drawn on the paper; If he was Intending to visit St. Regis vil-
lage, an arrow was added to the bow.
' The letter written to Tompkins for that purpose was signed by the mark and name of Lewis Cook, one of the chleft
of the St. Regis Indians, and a colcnel In the service of the Uulted States.
' Hongh's Hwtjrj; q/ St. Laterencf and Franklin Countien, page 166.
' Letter of Adjutant Baynes to Captain H'Donell.
' Le Clerc, who succeeded Montigny as agent, raised a company of warriors there, and crossed over to Cornwall.
These participated In several engagements during the war.— Hongh's St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties, page 1B6.
i ^
i\
i
376
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
First Trophy-Bag of the War taken on Land. Its public Reception at Albany. Sketch of Colonel O. D. Youi.1.
gage, including eight hundred blankets found at the Indian agent's house, were the
fruits of the victory. The British had seven men killed, including a lieutenant en-
sign, and sergeant, while the Americans were all unhurt. The late distintniislu'd
civilian, William L. Marcy,' who was a lieutenant hi Lyon's company, and assailc(!
the block-house, was the captor of the flag that waved over it. He bore it in triuiniili
back to French Mills, where Young and his party arrived the same day, at clovoii
o'clock, witii the prisoners and spoils — the latter in the captured bateaux, bv way
of Salmon River,^
Tiie prisoners were
sent to Bloomfield's
head - quarters at
Plattsburg. Early
ill January Major
Young and lii.s de-
tachment retiiini'd
to Troy, and witli
his own hand pre-
sented that Ihitisli
flag — t:ie first tro-
phy of the kind that had ever been taken on land^to the people of the State of New
York in the capital at Albany.^
Soon after the affair at St. Regis the British retaliated by an expedition to Frencli
Mills, which captured the company of Captain Tilden stationed there. Le Clerc also
captured Mr. Gray, the interpreter, and sent him to Quebec, where he died in the
hospital.
During a brief sojourn at the Masscna Springs, on the Racquetto River, in the sum-
mer of 1855, I visited St. Regis, or Ak-ioia-sas-ne, the place "where the partrideo
drums," as the Indians called it.* I rode out to Hogansburg, ten miles eastward of
' The pnbllc career of Mr. Marcy is too well known to require more than a passing notice here. Ho was then tweulv-
six years of age, and had studied law, and was practicing it in Troy. He served with credit in the New York State mi-
litia during a greater part of the war. In 1821 he we.s appointed adjutant general of the state. In 1S29 he wns majo
a Justice of the Supreme Court of the state. In 1831 he was elected to a seat in the United States Senate, and In 1>33
governor of the State of New York, which office he held, by re-election, six years. In 1846 President Polk called hini
to his cabinet as Secretary of War, and in 1863 he became one of President Pierce's constitutional advisers as Sccrelarv
of State. On the 4th of March, 1867, he retired to private life, and jnst four mouths afterward he died suddenly at Balls-
ton, New York, while reading in his bed, at the age of seventy years.
2 Major Young's dispatch to General Bloomfield, October 24, 1812 ; Thomson's Historical Sketchet, etc. ; Hongh's
Hnhmj of St. Lavrrmce and Franklin Counties ; statement of Rev. Elcnzcr Williams to the author.
3 That ceremony took place ou the 6th of Januarj-, 1S13, at one o'clock in the afternoon. Major Young, with a de-
tachment of his Troy volunteers, entered Albany. The soldiers bore two fine living eagles in the centre of the detach-
ment, and the trophy-colors In the re.ir, while a band played y'ankce. Doodle. They passed through Market Street (near
Broadway), and up State Street, *,o the Capitol, where they were greeted by an immense crowd who thronged the liuild-
ing. The governor was too ill to be present, and Colonels Lamb and Lusk acted as his representatives. Mnjoi Yoiin<;,
after an appropriate speech, delivered the trophy to those gentlemen, and received from Colonel Lnsk a complimentary
response.
Guilford Dudley Young was bom at Lebanon, Connecticut, in June, 1T70, and in 1798 married Miss Betsey Huntington,
of Norwich. In 1805 no settled in Troy, New York, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He raised a corps of
volunteers in the summer of 1812, and joined the service on the St. Lawrence frontier under Colonel Benedict. Be-
cause of his exploit at St. Regis he was promotefl to major in the 20th Regular Infantry in February, 1813, and was
raised to the rank of lieutenant colonel two months afterward. Ho was disbanded in 1818, and soon afterward jiiri^,'Mlown ;
ami oppo^'it"' thin, on the ('aiimlii hIioic, wiih Koit (Jcorj^c. Hclwccn lli«! fort mid the
liiko WIIH tlio villiiKu of Newark, now Niajjara. Alon>^ both baiikH of tli« rivor, Iv
wlioli l<'ii.Uth, a faiiiiiiii,' popiihition wiih McatH-nd. Siicli wan tho Niat^ani frontier
at tlu' oiieniiij!; of tho war of I HI 2. Th(! reader will huve occuHiou freijuent-ly to re-
fi.r to tlie map of it on tli(! foNowinjj; page.
Major <'eneral Stepiu'ii Van llenHHeiaer, appointed l»j (lovermir Tonipkiim the
(,(„n„"intiilcr-iii-<'liit!f of the (h^tiu^lied militia of tlu? Htate, with S(,lonion Van KciiHHe-
laiT the adjutant general of New York, iih hin aid and military adviHor,* and John
Lovctt, of Troy, iiK Win nectretary, arrived at Kort Niagara on tlie l.'lth of y\ut;nht,'
and nKHinned eommand of the forecH on tiiat frontier. On tlie follow ii.}^ ilay he made
hJH lu'iid-qiiartorH at LowiHton, Heven miles fartlun- up the river. General Aiiioh Hail,
,.„miiminler of the militia of Western New V.trk, was tln-n at the littlc! hamlet of
Maiicliester, at Niaf^ara Falls, with a thw troopw; and «l(!taehmentH of the saino kind
were Hoattored along tho whole lino of tho rivur, a distance of ihirty-flve niik-H. Uiit
ilic wliolo for(!e in tlie field, to guard that frontier from u threate.ied invaHion of the
(•iii'iiiy, did not amount to mo'-e than a thoiisand men.* TheHo were Hcantiiy '•li>tlied,
iiidifll'iently fed, and wore elamorouH for pay. There waH not a Hingle pieec! of heavy
ordiiiiiK'e along the entire frontier, nor artillerists to man th(^ light field-pieces in their
i)09»i!8sion. Of ammunition there were not ten rounds for eaeh man. Tluy hacl no
tents. The meilieal department was in a most doHtituto condition, and insuhordina-
tion wftH tho rul(! and not the (ixeeption.*
General Dearborn had been instructed^ to make Huoii dcnioimtratioiiK on •jtmeM,
tliP frontier as whould jC^/y^ *'"' '^'■'''**''» "■* ''*'*'
nrcvtiit re-enforcom(!nt« y^y ~y) ^ ^^^^ >f^L.^^.^a^^ their makii.g a forniida-
tdiig wilt to Maiden by // ^ oc/ ^C^t^i^^^ ^^e-^^C^ 1,1,, „,„v(,,nent against
Hiili at Detrjit. This duty was wholly neglected, and, as lato as tho 8th of Au-
ijusl, the commanding general wrote to the Secretary of War, Haying, "Till now
i did not consider tlu; Niiigara frontier as coming within the limits of my com-
mand." This extraordinary aHBortion was made in the face of no loss th:*n five dis-
jjatohcs from tho War Department, in which ' h alluRions wore made to that frontier
as to expressly, or by implication, give him to understand that the entire line of the
Niagara Uivcr and the lakes v/ere under his juriRdiction.* And on the very next
The tavern there liciiiu crowded, nevcriil ikthoiih wont on the boat to lodyc for the night. At midnight B body of
annd mon from the (!nnnda Hhorc ciimc In ii Ixiat, riiBhed on bonrd, cxcluimin); " Cut them down ! give no quarter !" nnil
chased the inmrmcd occiipantB OBtem. Homo were Bcvcrely Injured, one man wan «hot dead on the wharf, and twelve
more were never hoard of afterward. The boat was towed out Into tho river, net on Arc, and left to the current above
the cAlnract. It Hunk near IrU Inland, and on the following morning charred rvmaliiH of the veHBol we 'j eecn below
the Fallt. It wnB HUpimBed that more than one of the mlMlng men perished In the flamcH or the tiirbnlcut waters. At
(IDC lime tl lomatic cnrrcspmidencc bctwekn tho two governmcnta concerning this outrage threatened a war,
I A pnrtlct . account of the fort will be given hereafter.
'General 81 ^en Van HenBselacr was nolo military man. lie wag posscssod of great wealth, extensive social Infln-
eiice,an(l was a leading Federalist. Ills appointment was a stroke of policy to secure friends to the war among that
party. It was only on condition that Solomon Van Rensselaer, who had been In military Kcrvlce, should accompany
bin), that ho consented to take the post. It was well understood that Colonel Van Rensselaer would be the general, In
1 practical military point of view.
1 On reaching Utica, on his way westward, Ocneral Van Rensselaer was called to Sackett's narl)or by rnmors of hfic-
lile tnovcmcnlH In that quarter, Frora there he went on o tour of inspection along tho frontier to Ogdensbnrg, to lean
ihc condition of troops, and the msans foroffoDslvo or dcf.'nslve operations along tho St. Lawrence frontier.
t See note 2, page 3fl«.
i .Varrn/(iM of the Affair at Qtufrutmcn in the War qf 1S12, by Solomon Van Rensselaer, page 10.
• On the Mth of .lune tho Secretary of War wrote to Ocneral Dearborn, then nt Albany ; " Yonr preparations. It Is pre-
inmed, will be made to move In a direction for Sia.jara, Kingston, and Montreal." On July IBth he wrote : " On your
irrival at Albany yonr attention will bo directed to the sernrity of the northern frontier ftj/ the laken." On the 20tl. be
wrote more explicitly, saylntf: "Yon will make such arrangements with Govenior Tompkins M will place the mllltia
iibehri by him for the Siafiara atui other pnntn on the lake under ymir control:' .Inly 29th he wrote : " Should It be ad-
TlsaMe to make any other disposition of these restless people [tho warriors of the Sflneca Indlansl, you will give orders
to Mr. Granger and tho ammuinilino officer at Xiaiiara." On tho 1st of August tho sanae functionary wrote i "Yon will
wited,'.to be converted into warriors; and Colonel Fen-
wick, at Oswego, moved forwa-'d over the lake to Niagara with a large quantity of
gupplios.
(Jeneral Van Rensselaer* was charged with the duty of not only defending the
frontier from invasion, but of an actual invasion of Canada himself. This was a part
of the original plan of the campaign. While Hull invaded the province from De-
troit, iu was to be penetrated on the Niagara and St. Lawrence frontiers. But Van
Rensselaer found himself in a most critical situation, and doubtful Avhether he could
even protect the soil of his own state from the foot of the invader. The arrival of
• Van Renseolaer's Karratiiv, etc., p. 10.
i On the 29th of Augnst General Dearborn Issued an ordei' in which he declared the armistice at an end, and yet tho
fipress bearing the order to the Niagara fi-ontler did not reach General Van Beusselaer until the 12th of September.—
SS. Lettiir of Colonel Solomon Van Kensselaer to his Wife, dated Lewiston, September 12, 1812.
1 Dearborn to the Secretary of War, Angnst 27, 1812.
• This was on the 2lBt of Aagust. Pour days afterward General Brock arrived wiih Hull and the regulars of his army
liprisoneis.
> As soon as Van Rensselaer obtained the conce88i(j.i, an express was sent to Oswego, Sackett'a Harbor, and Ogdens-
burg, ordering those vossels up.
' Stephen Van Rensselaer was the fifth in lineal descent from Killian Van Rensselaer, the earliest and I est known
«;tlie American Patroorit. He was bom at the manor-honse in Albany, New York, on the first of November, 1 iM. Be-
,d; tbe eldest son, he inherited the Immense estate of his father, and was the last of tt? Patroone. He was educated first
It Princeton College and chen at Harvard University. He was graduated at the latter institution In 1782. He became
in active politician, and was a warm supporter of Washington and the national ConstHution. In 1795 he was elected
Menant governor of his native state, and held the office six consecutive years. He was a rising man in the political
Kile, when the overthrowi of the Federal party In 1800 impeded his advancement. Although a Federalist and opposed
to tlie war in 1S12, when his country was committed to the measure he patriotically laid aside all party feelings and
smt It bis hearty support He was not a military man, and his appointment to the major generalship of the dcMched
militia was a stroke of pollpy rather than the deliberate choice of a good military leader. He did not l&ne remain In
the ffirrlce. He was In Congress during several consecutive sessions, and by his casting vote in the delegation of New
York bo tcave the presidency to John Qulncy Adams in 1824. Then hie political life closed. He was foremost in good
works, ilie "Keneselaer School" >. Troy, New York, attests his liberality, and his activity in religious societies waii
larked and useful. For many years b was President of the Board of Canul Commissioners. That was his position
It tbe time of bis death, which occurrea on the 26th of January, 1840, In the sovonty-flfth year of hia age.
•"W
384
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Van Renseelaer calls for Re-cnforcements. They come. Proposition to Invade Canada! Van Reasselaer'a LeiiT
Colonel Fcnwick, on tho 4th of September, with ordnance and stores gave gome re-
lief, hut the evidence of preparations for invasion on the purt of the Britioh became
daily more and more positive and alarming.
At the middle of September Van
Rensselaer informed both Govornor
Tompkins and General Dearborn of
the gloomy prospects before him, and
pleaded for re-enforcements, sayiii-r,"A
retrograde movement of this army iif^
on the back of that disaster which has
befallen the one at Detroit would stamii
a stigma upon the national character
which time would never wipe away.
I shall therefore try to hold out against
superior force and every disadvantafe
until I shall be re-enforced.'" But as
late as the 26th of September General
Dearborn could give him no sure prom-
ises of timely re-enforcements, while in
the same letter that officer expressed
a hope that Van Rensselaer would not
only be able to meet the enemy, hut
to carry the war into Canada. " At all
events," he said, " we must colculate
on possessing Upper Canada he-
fore winter sets in."''
Soon after this regular troops.
and militia began to arrive m
the Niagara frontier. The for-
mer assembled at Bufi'alo and its
vicinity, the latter at Lewiston ;
"Octoiers, and when, in the first Meek of October,'* General Van Rensselaer invited
^®^*' Major General Hall, of the militia of Western New Y ork. Brigadier Gen-
eral Smythe, of the regular army and tnen inspector general, and the commandants
of the United States regiments to meet him in council, he proposed a speedy invasion
of Canada. " I propose," he said, '• that we inimediately concentrate the regular
force in the neighborhood of Niagara and the militia here [Lewiston], make the hest
possible dispositiona, and at the same time the regulars shall pass from Four-mile
Creek to a point in tho rear of the works of Fort George and take it by storm ; I will
pass the river here, and carry the heights of Queenstown. Should we succeed, wo
shall effect a great discomfiture of the enemy by breaking their line of communica-
tion, driving their shipping from the mouth of this [Niagara] river, leaving them no
rallying-j)oiiit in this part of tho country, appalling the minds of the Canadians, and
opening a wide and safe communication for our supplies. We shall save our land.
wipe away part of tho score of our past disgrace, get excellent barracks and winter
quarters, and at least be prepared for an early campaign another year."^ This pro-
posed council was not held, owing to the failure of General Smyth to comply witli
the request of General Van Rensselaer,* and the latter was left wholly to the re-
sources of himself and his military funiiiy in forming hii3 plans. They were delHi-
erately matured, and preparations for invading Canada went vigorously on. To-
' Letter to Oovfmor Tompkln ,, Septcmhor 17. ISIS. > Denrliorn to Van Rensselaer, September 20, 1812.
' Letter of (icneral Van KcnrKclaer t.i Oeiieral Dearbnra, LewljtoD, October 8, 18U.
* This will be noticed In tbe nei^c chapter.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
385
LienWnant Enilott on Lake Erie.
Preparations for captnring Brtti.ih Vesgels.
Cooperation of the Military.
ward the middle of October the American forces on the frontier were considered suf-
iioient to warrant the undertaking.
While these preparations were in progress, a daring and successful exploit was per-
formed near Buffalo, that won great applause for the actors and infused new spirit
into the troops. We have already observed that Lieutenant Je^se D. Elliott, of the
United States Navy, v/as sent by Commodore Chauncey to superintend the erection
of a fleet on Lake Erie. By a letter from the commander, dated the 7th of September,
he was instructed to report himself to General Van Rensselaer, on the Niagara frontier,
consult with him as to " the best position to build, repair, and fit for service" such
vessels as might be required to retain the command of Lake Erie, and, after selecting
Buc' place, to " purchase any number of merchant vessels or boats that might be con-
verted into vessels of war or giin-boats," with the advice of General Van Rensselaer,
r.nd to commence their equipment Immediately. He was also instructed to take
measures for the construction of two vessels of three hundred tons each, six boats of
considerable size, and quarters for three hundred men. These, and a variety of other
relevant duties, were committed to the charge of Lieutenant Elliott by Chauncey,
who said, " Knowing your zeal for the servic^ and your discretion as an oflScer, I feel
every confidence in your industry and exertions to accomplish the object of your mis-
sion in the shortest time possible.'" Elliott was then twenty -.even years of age.
Black Rock, two miles below Buffalo, was selected as the place for Lake Erie's first
(lock-yard in fitting out a navy. While busily engaged there, early in October, in the
(lutips of his office, Elliott was informed that two British armed vessels had come
down the lake, and anchored under the guns of Fort Erie. These were the brigs
Adams, Lieutenant Rolette commander, and Caledonia, commanded by Mr. Irvine, the
fomer a prize captured when Hull surrendered, and its name was changed to Detroit,
the latter a vessel OAvned and ernployed by the Northwestern Fur Company on the
Upper Lakes.* They were both Avell armed and manned,^ and it was uriderstood
tliat the Caledonia bore a valuable, cargo of skins from the forest. They appeared in
front of Fort Erie on the morning of the 8th of October, and the zealous Elliott, em-
ulous of distinction, immediately conceived a plan for their capture. Timely aid
offered. On that very day a detacnment of seamen for service under him arrived
from New York. They were unarmed, and Elliott turned to the military authorities
for assistance. Lieutenant Colonel Winfield Scott was at Black Rock. He entered
warmly into Elliott's plans, and readily obtained the consent of General Smyth, his
lommanding oflScer, to lend his aid. Captain Towson, of the Engineers' Corps (2d
liegiraeiit of Artillery), was detailed, with fifty men, for the service, and the cordial
acquiescence of General Smy th was evinced by a note, marked " confidential," to Col-
onel Winder, of the 14th Regiment, then encamped near Buffalo, in which he said,
''15c pleased to turn out the hardy sailors in your regiment, and let them appear,
under the care of a non-commissioned officer, in front of my quarters, precisely at three
o'clock this evening. Send also all the pistols, swords, and sabres you can borrow at
the risk of the lenders, and such public swords as you hav'e."*
Towson joined Elliott Avith anns and ammunition for the seamen, and botli were
accompanied by citizens. The combined force, rank and file, was one hundred and
twenty-four men.* All the preparations for the enterprise were completed by four
1 Letter of Chauncey to EHIott, " Navy Yard, New York, September T, lRt2." ' See page 2T0.
' The Mroit mounted six O-ponnders and mustered flfty-sir men, besides thirty American prisoners. The taledo-
nia mounted two small gtins and mustered twelve men, bes'dcs ten American prisoners.
< Mniinscrtpt Letter of General Smyth to Colonel Winder, October 8, 1S12. It Is proper here to remark that, throngh
tetlud offices of Mrs. Aurella Winder Towusend, of Oyster Bay, Long Island, danghter of General Winder, the papers
olthat gallant officer were placed In my possession. Free use has been made of ihem In the conrse of this work.
' Ucntenant Elliott, In his offlcli>l report to the 8ecr°tary of the Navy, October 9, 1«12, says there were one hundred
I" r ! expedition— fifty in each boat. The list furnished by him, and here given In fttll, makes the number one hund-
ltd dud twenty-four, as follows :
flmmatujira, Jesse D. Elliott, Isaac Chauncey.
Siif!iii(M>i(wiJfr«, Qeorge Watts, Alexander SIsson.
B3
1
W^
<>( flu
■1 >
ijfL
'V :i
*
a.
386
PICTOBI'.L FIELD-BOOK
Captnre of the Adamt and Caledonia.
Names of the Captora.
Excitement at Buffalo.
Isaac Roach.
o'clock in the afternoon. Two large boats had been fitted up at Shogeoquady' Creek
just below Black Rock, and then were taken to the mouth of Buffalo Creek in the
evening. The expedition embarked at midnight, and at one o'clock in the mom-
• October 9, ing* it left the creek silently, while scores of people on shore, who knew
^*"- that an^important movement was on foot, waited with anxiety in the
gloom. At three o'clock the sharp crack of a pistol, followed by the flash and roll
of a volley of musketry, a dead silence, and the moving of two dark objects down the
river, proclaimed that the -enterprise had been successful. A shout of joy ran^ out
upon the night air.from the shore between Buflalo and Black Rock, and lanterns and
torches in abundance flashed light across the stream to illuminate the way of the
victors.' The surprise and success were complete. The vessels were captured and
the men in them made prisoners, " In less than ten minutes," wrote Elliott, " I had
the prisonei-s all seized, the topsails sheeted home, and the vessels under weich."'
The DHroit was taken by the boat conducted by Elliott in person, assisted by Lieu-
tenant Roach,* of the Engineers, and the Caledonia by the other boat conducted bv
Sailing-master Watts,* assisted by the military under Captain Towson. The first
was taken with scarcely any opposition, the second after very brief resistance. The
wind was light — too light to allow the vessels thereby to stem the current and reach
the open lake ; so they ran down the stream in the darkness, but not without annov-
ance. The turmoil of the capture, the shouts of the citizens at Black Rock and Buf-
falo, and the display of lights along the American shore, called every British officer
and soldier to his post. The guns of Fort Erie, of two or three batteries, and of fly-
Captain o/ Engineers mui Marines,^!. Towson.
Lieuterianto/ Engineers and Marines, Isaac Roach.
Master's Jfateo, William Peckham,.]. E. M'Donald, John S. Cammings, Edward Wilcox.
Ensiffn,Vfi]]\am Presman.
Boatswain's Mates, Lawrence Hanson, John Rack, James Horrell.
Quarter Ounners, Benjamin Tallmau, Bird, Hawk, Noiand, Vincent, Osbom, H'Cobbin, John Wheeler.
Seamen, Edward Police, James Williams, Robert Craig, John H'Intire, Elisha Atwood, William Edward, Mlchncl S.
Brooks, William Roe, Henry Anderson. Christopher Bailey, John Exon, John Lewis.Wllliam Barker, Peter Davis, Peler
Deist, Lemuel Smith, Abraham Patch, Benjamin Myrick, Robert Peterson, Benjamin Fleming, Gardiner Gaskill, An-
thony De Kmse, William Dickson, Thomas Hill, John Reynolds, Abraham Pish, Jerome Sardie, John Tockum, William
Anderson, John Jockings, Thomas Bradley, Hatten Armstrong.
Soldiers, Jacob Webber, Jesse Green, Henry Thomas, George Gladden, James Murray, Samuel Ba' iwin, John nen-
drick, Peter Evans, William Fortune, Daniel Martin, John M'Guard, Samuel Fortune, John Gnrlinp, Zacuariah Wise, John
Kearns, Thomas Wnllager, ""homas Honragna, Peter Peroe, Edward Mahoney, Daniel Holland, Mathias Wineman, Mo-
ses Goodwin, I/ishnrway Lewis, William Fisher, John Fritch, James Roy, James U'Gee, James M'Crossan, AMlliam Wei-
raer, Thomas Leister, Joseph Davis, Benjamin Thomas, James M'Donald, Thomas Ruark, J. Wicklin, W. Richard*,
James Tomlin, James Boyd, James Neal, John Gidlemau,Wllllam Knight, M. Parish, Jnmes M'Coy, Daniel Fraser, John
House, Jacob Stewart, William Kemp, Hugh Robb, Anson Crossweil. Charles Lewis, John Shields, Charles Lc Forge,
John Joseph, Henry Berthold, James Lee, Isaac Murrows, George Eaton, Thomas C. Leader, William Cowenboven,
John J. Lord, Charles Le Fraud, Elisha Cook, John Tolenson, John Q. Stewart, William Fryer, Cyrenns Chapin, Alei-
ander M'Comb, Thomas Davis, Peter Orenstock, William C.Johnson.
I am indebted to Colonel Gleason F. Lewis, of Cleveland, for the above " Roll of Honor," and I take pleasure in here
acknowledging my Indebtedness to that gentleman for many kind services in aid of my labors. His attention to the
business of procuring pensions and boimties for the soldiers of the War of 1812 and their families for many years, gives
him, probably, a mor^ thoror'gh knowledge of that subject, as relates to the Army of the Northwest, than any other
man In the country.
> This is an Indian word, and is variously spelled Shogeoqiiady, Shojeoqnady, Seajaqnady, and Skajoekuda.
» Reminiseenees o/ Buffalo, by Henry Lovejoy . ^ I^etter to the Secretary of the Nai^y, October 9, 1S12.
♦ Isaac Roach was bom in the District of Sonthwark, Philadelphia, on the 24th of Fehmary; 1780. After the atlacli
on the Chemptakt In ISOT [see page 167], Roach, then twentv.one years of age, organized an artillery company in Phil-
adelphia. In 1812 he obtained the appointment of second lieutenant In the Second Regiment U. S. Artillery, and joined
that regiment nnder Lieutenant Colonel Scott In July. He volunteered to accompany the expedition against the Bril
Ish brigs, ttnd led fifty of his a.ssoclat«8 in the attAck. He was then adjutant of the regiment ; and so anxious were the
men to accompany him, that when he passed along the line to select them, his ears were saluted with the exclamation.',
" Can't I go, sir f "— " Tfke me. Adjutant"—" Don't forget M'Gee"— " I'm a Philadelphia boy," etc. Roach was wound-
ed in the battle at Qncenstown soon aderward, and he returned home. He soon afterward joined the staff of Gcnerai
Izard. He was made a prisoner at the Beaver Dams the next year. He had many adventures In attempts to escape,
and was Anally successful. He was about to take the fleld under General Scott as assistant adjutant general, when
peace came. Ho commanded successively Forts M'Hcury, i^olumbus, ard Mifflin, until 1828, when he was commissioned
m^or by brevet. He retired from the army In \><'H. In 1838 i.e was elected Mayor of Philadelphia, and was appointed
Tresanrer of the Mint soon afterward. He died Dc'cemher 29, IMS.
• Watts was killed on the 28th nf No.smWr following, while assisting Lieutenant Holdup and others In spiking Mice
cannon at the little village of WaterlDo. on the Canada side of the Niagara, a short distance below Fort Erie, lite ball
that killed Watts paised tbroogh Holdup's hand. The former died lii the arms of the latter.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
887
A Struggle fov the Poeeesslon of a Vessel.
Gallantry of the Combatants.
liosses of Hen In the Conflict.
ing artillery, all guided by the lights that gleamed over the waters, were brought
to bear upon the vessels.' The Detroit was compelled to anchor within reach of the
enemy's guns, while the Caledonia ran ashore, and was beached under the protection
of the guns of an American battei-y between BuflTalo and Black Rock.^ The guns of
the Detroit were all removed to her larboard side, and a mutual cannonading was
kept up for some time.^ Efforts were made by tow-line and warps to haul her to the
American shore. These failed ; and, regarding the destruction of the Detroit as cer-
tain in her exposed position, Elliott cut her cable and set her adrift. At that mo-
ment he discovered that his pilot had left. For ten minutes she went blindly down
the swift cv''pnt, and then brought up on the west side of Squaw Island, near the
American shore, but still exposed to the guns of the enemy.* The prisoners, forty-
six in number, were immediately landed below Squaw Island, but the current was so
stron" that the boats could not return to the vessel. She was soon boarded by a
party of the British Forty-ninth Regiment, then etationed at Fort Erie, but they were
driven off by some citizen soldiera of Buffalo, who, with a six-pound field-piece, crossed
over to Squaw Island in a scow and boldly attacked them.* She was then placed
in charge of Lieutenant Colonel Scott, at Black Rock, who gallantly defended her.
Each party resolved that the other should not possess her, and the cannons of both
wore brought to bear upon the doomed vossel during the remainder of the day. At
a little after sunset Sir Isaac Brock arrived, and made preparations to renew the at-
tempt to recover the Detroit, with the aid of the crew of the Lady Prevoat ; but be-
fore these were perfected a party of the Fifth United States Infantry set her on fire
and she was consumed.* The Caledonia was saved, and afterward performed good
i^ervice in Perry's fleet on Lake Erie.
In this really brilliant affair the Americans lost only two killed and five wounded.
Tlie loss of the British is not known.' The Cah ' >Hia was a rich prize, her cargo
I The movements on the Canadian shore were under the direction of the gallant Hivjor Ormsby, the British com"
mandant there. The first shot from the flying artil- y.
lery crossed the river and Instantly killed the brave 'V\^a.« a
Major William Howe Cuyler, of Ontario, General JTM^^ /^
Hall's ald-de-camp, who had taken a deep interest ^^ ,^ ,^\/3
in the expedition. He had been In the saddle all ^^"-^ '
night, and hai just left a warehouse where rigging
was procured for warping in the Detroit, and was
jTjIdlugthe vessels with a lantern In his hand, when
the fatal ball struck him and he fell dead. His
bodf was carried by Captain Bei\|amln Bidwell and others to the honse of Nathaniel Sill. The death of the gallant and
accomplished Cnyler was widely mourned. Obituary notices appeared in the newspapers ; and " The War," printed in
^°ew York, pablUhed a poem "To the Memory of Major Cuyler," in six stanzas, in which the following lines occnr :
" In Freedom's virtuous cause alert he rose.
In Freedom's virtuous cause undaunted bled;
He died for Freedom 'midst a host of foes,
And found on Erie's beach an honored bed."
I She was grounded a little above what is now the foot of Albany Street. The Injured on board the Caledonia were
branght on shore in a boat. It could not quite reach the land on account of shoal water, when Doctor Josiah Trow-
bridge, yet [18873 a resident of Buffalo, waded in and bore some of them to dry land on his back. They were taken to
the house of Orange Dean, at the old ferry (now foot of Fort Street, opposite the angle la Niagara Street), and well
tired for. While Doctor Trowbridge was taking a mnsket-ball from the neck of a wounded man, a twenty- four-pound
(hot entered the honse, struck a chimney Just over their heads, and covered them with bricks, mortar, and splinters.
Aaother shpt of the same weight demolished a trunk on the deck of the Caledonia, scattered its contents, consisting of
Indies' wearing npparel, among the rigging, passed on, and was buried in the banks of the river. Two small boys (Cyrus
K. St. John and Henry Lovejoy), who came down from Buffalo to see the fight, exhumed the shot and carried It home
1! a trophy of their valor.— Sarrative of Henry Lovejoy.
■ Elliott, who was on board the Detroit, hailed the British commander, and threatened to place his prisoners on the
decks If he did not cease firing. The enemy disregarded the menace. "One single moment's reflection," said Elliott
in his official dispatch, "determined me not to commit an act that would subject me to the imputation of barbarity."
'Her position was nearly opposite Pratt's Iron Works.
' These were principally members of an Independent volunteer company of Buffalo, of which the lato Ebeneier Wal-
detwas commander. They flrst brought their six-ponuder to bear upon the enemy at the point where the Black Rock
Ice-house stood in 1860, Doctor Trowbridge acting as gunner. When the regular gunner came they crossed over to
SuMw Island.— Statement of Doctor Trowbridge to the Author.
' Throng'ii the intrepidity of Sailing-master Watts, some of her guns were taken out of her during the cannonade, and
Mred to do excellent duty in n land-battery between Black Rock and Buffalo.
■ Elliott's ofilciat Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, October », 1812 ; Cooper's Saval Hintorj/, 11., 831 ; Letter of Gen-
end Sir Isaac Brock to Sir Geor),« Prevoat, October 11, 181S, quoted iu Tapper's Lifi qf Brock, page 818.
(nv^^.
■ 1.
i
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fj^^^Hlf
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K. I
888
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Elliott and bli Companions.
Eipression of the aratitnde of the Nation by t'ou(;resj
being valued at tvo hundred thousand dollars,
and British — on this
occasion was highly
commendable. El-
liott' made special
mention of several of
his companions,'* and
•Jan. 20, Congress,"
1818. ijy. jj yotj,^
awarded to that offi-
cer their thanks, and
a sword, with suita-
ble emblems and de-
vices.' The exploit
sent a thrill of joy
throughout the Unit-
ed States, because it
promised speedy suc-
cess in efforts to ob-
tain the laastery of
JSBSK 1). KI.1.10TT.
The gallantry of all— Americans
Lake Eric, while it
produced a corre-
sponding depression
on the other side, for
a similar reason.
yr-:x " Tlie event is partic-
ularly unfortunate,"
wrote General Brock,
" and may rednce us
to incalculable dis-
tress. The enemy is
making every exer-
tion to gain a naval
superiority on both
lakes, which, if thev
accomplish it, I do
not see how we can
possibly retain tlie
country."*
> Jesse Dnucnn Elliott was born in Maryland in 1785. He entered the naval service of the United States as mideliip-
man in April, 1800, and in 1810 v/as promoted to lieutenant. After hi.i gallant exploit near Bnffnio he Joined ChnuncoT
at Sackett's Harbor. In Jnly, 1813, he was promoted to master commandant over thirty lieutenants, and appointed to
the command of the brig Xiagara, 20, built on Lake Eric. He was second in command in Perry's engagement on the
10th of September, 1813, ^^ employed until Novem-
and for his conduct on (I, C\, i / /) /7 * '""" '*'* """" '''"''i ''''"'
that occasion Congress I ^ /9 /^ ^ /lJ t r A^^ ^i^~^ he was assigned the coin-
voted him a gold medal. ^-'^^^^,'^*-J/'^^"^— /\/ ^/^L'Cx-'V-'V'C'lv mandoftheeloop-of-war
After that battle he re- V. -^ //L^ J Ontario, then just corn-
turned to Lake Ontario, U^^~- — ■ — ■ ) -^ plated at Baltimore. This
and was there actively * — -^ vessel was one of Deca-
tur's squadron that performed good service in the Mediterranean Seo in 1916. Elliott was promoted to the rank of cap-
tain in 1818, and subsequently had command of squadroub on several stations, as well as of the navy yards nt Boston
and Philadelphia. On account of alleged misconduct In the Mediterranean, he was tried by a court-martial In 1S40. Tho
result was a sentence of four years' suspension from tha service. In 1843 the President remitted the remainder of his
suspension. He died on the 18th of December, 1846. Commodore Elliott became involved In a controversy concern-
ing his conduct in the Battle of Lake Erie, which ceased only with his death. That controversy, and the excitement
growing out of his placing an image of President Ja(!kson on the Constitution frigate as n flgnre-head, will be noticed
hereafter.
» He specially commended for their gallant services Captain Towson and Lieutenant Roach, of the Second Eegimeni
of Artillery ; Ensign Prestman, of the Infantry : Captain Chapin, and Messrs. John Macomb, John Town, Thomas Dab,
Peter Overstocks, and James Sloan, residents of Baffalo. He also particularly noticed Sailing-master Watts, who com-
mnndcd the boat that boarded the CaUdcnia.
' Journal of Congress, January 26, 1818. ■•
* Letter of Qeueral Brock to Sir George Prevost, October 11, 1812.
I- 1
II
i
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
389
Impatience of the People nnd the Troopii. Bad Conduct of General Smyth. Ills Letter to General Van Rcnuelaer.
CHAPTER XIX.
" September the thtrtceuth, at midnight so dark,
Oar troops on the Kiver Niagara embark'd ;
The standard of Britain resolved to pull down,
And drivo the proud foes f^om the heights of Queeustown."
Old Somo — TuK Hecois or Qceemstown.
fOR several weeks General Van Rensselaer had felt the presoure
of public impatience, nianifested by letters and the press. It
had been engendered by the extreme tardiness displayed in the
collection of troops on the frontier for the invasion of Canada,
about which much had been said and written menacingly, boast-
fully, and deprecatory. That impatience had begun to be seri-
ously manifested by his troops early in October.' Homesick-
ness, domestic claims, idleness in the camp, and bodily sufferings
and frowing inclemency of the season, combined to affect the temper of the men
most injuriously. Their calls to be led to battle became daily more and more urgent
and imperious, unvil the volcanic fires of mutiny completely undermined the camp,
and threatened a total overthro'y of the general's authority. He perceived the ne-
cessity of striking the enemy at once at some point, or allow his army to dissolve, and
all the toils and expenses of tue campaign to be lost. He formed his plans, and, as
we have observed, endeavored to counsel w'th the field oflicers under his command,
liiit failed. General Alexander Smyth, his second in command, had lately arrived.
pirant for the
chief command
on the frontier.
Unlike the true
soldier and pat-
riot, he could
lie was a proud
Virginian, an
officer of the
regular army
(inspector gen-
eral), and an as-
iiot bend to the necessity of obedience to a militia general, especially one of Northern
birth and a leu.iing Federalist, who, for the time, was made his superior in rank and
position. H":; temper was exhibited in his letter to Van Rensselaer* . September 29,
announcing his arrival on the frontier.'^ It was supercilious, dictatorial,
Cg-2^S-Cor Z^^^^oA^y
1812.
' General Van Rensselaer was placed In a most delicate situation. It was well known that, politically, both he and
hi« aid, Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer, had been opposed to the war, and the unavoidable delays were construed by
vsm. into intentional immobility in order to !i'ustrate the designs of the government. These suspicions were unjust
nnd ungenerous in the extreme, for no purer patriot and conscientious and truthful man than Stephen Van Rensselaer
ever lived. "A flood of circumstances," wrote Lovett, Van Rensselaer's secretary, "such as a great desire for forage,
for provisions, for every thing to make man comfortable ; the mo!^ t inclement storm which I ever experienced at this
eeuon of the year ; indeed, innumerable circumstances had ronvinced the general, as early as the beginning of the
montb,that a blow must be struck, or the army would break up in confusion, with intolerable imputations on his own
characccr."— Manuscript Letter to Abraham Van Vechten, Buinilo, Octo'jer, 21, 1812.
' The following is a copy of General Smyth's letter :
"1 hove been ordered by Major General Dearborn to Niagara, to take command of a brigade of United States troops,
and directed, on my arrival in the vicinity of vonr nnorters, to report myself to yon, which I now do. I intended to have
tcporicd myself personally, but the conclusions I have drawn as to the interests of the service have determined me to
Hop at this place for the present. Prom the description I t nve had of the river below the Fails, the view of the shore
Wow Fort Erie, and the information received as to the preparations of the enemy, I am of opinion that our crossing
»honld be effected between Fort Erie and Chippewa. It has, therefore, seemed to me proper to encamp the United
States troops near BulTalo, there to prepare (or ufliensiTe operations. Yonr Instructions or better information moy decide
Tou to give me different orders, which I will await."
TliiB letter was offensive, first, because the subordinate officer not only failed to report himself in person, as he was
bound in duty to do, but assumed perfect independence by choosing his own theatre of action ; and, secondly, because
tbe writer, an entire stranger to the country, Just arrived, went out of his way to Intrude his opinions upon his com-
numding general as to military operations, when he knew that that general had been there for weeks, and was neces-
Ma. I
1 1
)
1 .
n
i
%
890 •
PICTORIAL FIELD-SOOK
Broyth'R loinburdlnatlon.
Von Renuelaar prepares to attack Qneentton.
UisefllNthnll^
and impertinent, and gave ample assurance that he would not cordially co-operate
with tlie chief in command. So iindutiful was his conduct that many were of opinion
that coercive nieasurcH should be used to bring him to a sense of duty.' When iioliti-
ly requested by Van Uentsclaer to name a day for a council of officers, he ncgiccKd
to do so. Day after day passed, and Smyth made no definite reply, when the com-
manding general resolved to act upon his own responsibility, and " gratify his own
inclinations and that of his army" by commencing offensive operations at once. On
the 10th of October he prepared to attack the JBritish at Queenston, opposite Lewis-
ton, before dawn the next morning.^
qt'KENSTUN IN ISl'J.
Van Rensselaer congidered his forces ample to assure him of success. They num-
bered more than six thousand. Sixteen hundred and fifty regulars, under General
Smyth, were between Black Rock and BuflTalo, commanded by Colonels Winder, Park-
er, and Milton, and Lieutenant Colonel Scott. In the vicinity were three hundred
and eighty-six militia, under Lieutenant Colonels Swift and Hopkins. At Lewiston,
where Van Rensselaer had his head-quarters, Brigadier General Wadsworth com-
earily famlUir with every rood of the gronnd and every disposition of the enemy. Van Bensselaer, tree gentleman as
he V/&8, quietly .-chnked the impertinence by informing General Smyth that for many years he had had " a general
knowledge of the banks of the Niagara River and of the adjacent country on the Canad.i shore," and that be had non
" attentively explored the American side with the view of military operations." " However willing I may be," he ealil,
"asaciti/en soidicr, to surrender my opinion to a professional one, I commonly make such surrender to an opinion de-
liberately formed upon a view of the whole ground 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 an-J every consideration urges mc to act will]
promptness, I can not hastily listen to a change of position, n-alnly conntcted with a new system of measures and Ibe
very great inconvenience of the troops."— Fan Reruielaer to Smyth, 30th September, 1812.
Speaking of the conduct of General Smyth on this occasion, a contemporary officer says, " It is presumed this temper
produced a spirit of insubordination destructive to the harmony and concert which is essential to cordial co-operallon.
and that the public service was sacrificed to personal eensibllity."— ITfUrfnsou's Memoir, I., BC6. " Was I to hazard au
opinion," says Wilkinson in another place, " it should be that his designs were patriotic, but that his ardor obscured
his Judgment, and that he was more indiscreet than culpable."— Jfemmr*, I., 681.
' A A'arrcUive qf the Affair at Qmemtown in the War qf 1812, by Solomon Van Rensselaer, page 19.
' Queenston (originally Queen's Town) was at this time a thriving little village, and one of the principal iipdii for
merchandise and grain in that region. Its prosperity was paralyzed by the Welland Canal, which cut off most of ii?
trade. The view here given is ffom a sketch made in 1812, from the north part of the village, looking sonthwani
up the Niagara River. On the right arc seen the Heights of Queenston, and on the left the heights of Lewiston. Tbe
river is here about six hundred feet in width. The village was upon a plain of uneven surface at the foot of the Height!.
This plain at Queenston is seventy feet above the river, and slopes gradually to the lake, where the bank is oaly a feiv
feet above the water. The Helghta rise two hundred and thirty feet above the river.
OF THE WAR OF 1819.
391
Xbe British Force on the Niagara Frontier.
Van ReniMlaer-s KnowltdgavfttoMtUliOk
man^ ^O^O /) ^'a-^^^ emy on the Heights of
Mid, 'I have not heard ^V^ '"t-^^ir *^ ■t<7 f^^'^^-^C^'X^il^ — • Queenston; thotlhad
from head-qnartcrs for y^ f the orders for the
Mveraldays. Is there /[^ I march ing of the troops
any tiling in the wind, (y^ ^ — - to that post, but that,
sir;' 1 'emarked that of course, they did not
inclnde his command. ' I am Colonel Scott,' he said ; ' will yon allow me to look at your orders V They were band-
ed to blm, and the moment he bad read them he was In the saddle, his tenia were struck, and his command under
marching orders. The next I saw of the gallant soldier was on the Heights of Queenston In a perfect blaze of Are, and
then, as now, head and shoulders taller than any man in the country."
Many years afterward, when Scott, as a major general, was bearing more years and many honors. Colonel Collier met
him in Washington City, and the first words Scott addressed to him were, " I was Indebted to yon for my first fight. I
have always felt under great obligations to you. If It had not been for you, colonel, what would have been my posi-
tion? Seven miles fk'om the battle-field, sir, and the first battle of a campaign 1 Why, sir, I should never have got over
itdnring my life 1" " It is pleasant now," wrote Colonel Collier, " In the sunset of my days, to recall this little Inci-
dent, connected as It is with the greatest captain of the age In which he lives." A few months after receiving this let-
ter, 1 liad the pleasure of spending a day or two with Colonel Collier at Cleveland, on the occasion of the Inauguration
of the statne of Commodore Perry. He Is a hale, erect gentleman, of what is called "the old school" in manners, and
most delightful entertainer of company in conversation.
' I,
:]jp.,!,
J f
/ !
IM
if
«04
nCTOBIAL fIBLD.BOOX
Colonel Hcott on I/iwUton llelghU. Pttnge of the River In the Diirk. LandInK nt the Foot orQuecniton BtlaktiL
ardent, and caKor for adventure and K'^ry, ho imnu'diatcly mounted his hontc, and
dafthed toward lioad-(|uart('rH aH Bpi'cdily an the horrid condition of the road would
allow. He |)r«>H(>!iti'(l hiiiiHclf to the conimandin^ general, and earneHtly solicited the
l)rivilege of takinjjf a i)art in the invasion with hitt command. " The arranj,'(tn(iitti
for the expedition are all completed, sir," naid (leneral Van UensHelaer, "Colon,.!
Van KensHelaor is in chief command. Lieutenant ColonclH Chrystie and Fciuviik
liave waived their rank for tlie occawion, and you may join the expedition as a volun-
teer, if you will do the name." Van KensHclaer wisely determined not to have a di-
vided command. Scott was unwilling to yield his rank ; but he pressed liis suit so
warmly that it was agreed that he should bring on his regiment, take position on the
lieights of licwiston with his cannon, and co-operate in the attack as circuniHtances
might warrant. Scott hastened back to Sehlosser, put his regiment in motion, and
by a forced march through the deep mud reached Lewiston at four o'clock in flic
• October 13, niorning." Again he importuned for permission to participate directly in
the enterprise, but in vain. His rank would be equal, on the field, to that
iNii.
of Colonel Van Rensselaer, who had originated and j)lanned the whole att'air,' and
who the commanding general resolved should have the honor of winning the Inuiils
to bo obtained by leadership.
The night of the 12th was intensely dark, yet every thing was in readiness for tlip
invasion at a little after three o'clock in the morning.'' Mr. (!ook, a citi-
zen of Lewiston, had assumed the direction of the boats, and [irovidtd
men to man them ; Mr. Lovott,Van Kensselaer's secretary, "lad been placed in charge
of an eighteen-jjound gun in battery on Lewiston Heights, with instructions to cover
the landing of the Americans on the Canada shore ; and the six hundred men, under
Van Rensselaer and Chrystie, were standing in a cold storm of wind and rain at the
place of embarkation. It had been arranged for them to cross over and storm and
take possession of Quoenston Heights, when the remainder of the troops were to fol-
low in a body and drive the British from the town. But there were only thirteen
boats, and these were not siifticient to carry more than about one half of the troops
intended for the capture of the Heights.^ The regulars having reached the boats
first, the companies of Wool, Malcolm, and Armstrong were immediately embarked,
with forty picked men from Captain Leonard's company of artillery at Fort Niagara,
under Lieutenants Gansevoort and Rathbone, and about sixty militia. When ail
were ready, Van Rensselaer gave the word to advance, and leaped into the boat con-
taining tlie artillerists. Major Morrison was ordered to follow with the remainder
of the troops on the return of the boats.
The struggle with the eddies was brief. W^ithin ten minutes after leaving Lewis-
ton Landing the boats struck the Canada shore " at the identical spot aimed at," just
above a huge rock now seen lying in the edge of the water under the Lewiston sus-
pension bridge. There the militia were landed ; the regulars debarked a little be-
low the rock.^ Three of the thirteen boats had lost their way ; the remaining ten
now returned to the American shore.
The enemy were on the alert. The movements of the Americans had been discov-
' See note 2, page 381.
' This inadequate number of boats geemg to have been owing to remissneiis In Qaarter-master-genernl Porter's de-
partment. The qnarter-master, then stationed at the Falls, had written to Van Rensselaer, " I can furnish you boats
at two or three days' notice to carry over 1200 or 1400 men." A sufflcient number for six or seven huudred were or-
dered, and the matter was left in charge of Jndge Barton, the qaarter-master's agent. He had forwarded ouly thirteen
at the appointed honr. General Van Rensselaer has been censured for not having boats enough. }t was no fault oflilt.
' The view of the landing-place seen on the next page I sketched flrom a point a few yards below the Canaiiiau end
of the Lewiston Suspension Bridge. The rock mentioned in tbe text is a prominent object in the picture. It is at tlic
foot of the rapids, where the river sweeps in a cnr\'c around Queenston Heights, a portion of which occupies a larpe
part of the sketch. Above is seeu the suflpension bridge, with Its steadying-chains attached to the shore; and oa ttp
side of the qpposite bank, looking up the river, the position of the railway, that lies npon a narrow shelf cut in tlie al-
most perpendicular shore of the river, la marked by a train of cars. The toll-house seen at the end of the bridge, on
the right, shows the dtrectiou of tbe road flrom the bridge to the village of Queeustoo, not an eighth of a mile distant.
•orter's de-
yon boat*
i were or-
\y thirteen
aultofhlf.
laiUau end
.Jsatthc
les a large
and on the
it In the »1-
bridge, on
distant.
OP THE WAH OF 1812.
»06
oj)uotUli>n to the Invidert. A Hkirmlih ne»r i^ueflniton Vlltaita. American Offlccn killed Md wotuidcd.
ercd I'y tho Hentinols, uiid Ciiptnin Dennis, of tlio Forty-niutl. Uegiint'nt of Britii h
Hi'giiliii-H, Htntioiied
at QiHH'iiHton, with
sixty grc'iiutlicrs of
that corpH, Captain
Hatt'H coinimiiy of
York volunteer mili-
tia,' a unuill body of
ImiiaiiH, ftiid a throe-
pound tie Id- piece,
took position on the
j-ioping shore, a lit-
tle north of tho site
of the suspension
liri(l|j;o, to resist the
ilcbarkation. Their
lircneiice was first
laaile known by a
broad flash, tlicn a
volley of niusketiy
that mortally
wounded Lieuten-
ant Hathbonc, by
the side of Colonel
Van Konsselaer, be-
LAHDINU-PLAUa or TUK AUEUlVAMt AT (tUEKMItlON.
fore landing, ami
random shots from
the Held-pieco along
the line of the ferry
at the moment when
tho boats touehed
the shore. These
were answered by
Lovett's battery on
Lewiston Heights,
when tho enemy
turned and fled up
tho hill toward
Queenston, pursued
by tho regulars of
tho Thirteenth, un-
der Captain Wool,
the senior oflicer
present, in the ab-
sence of Lieutenant
Colonel Chrystie,
who was in one of
tho missing bo; x^
On the margin of
the plateau on which Queenston Btands Wool ceased pursuit, drew his men up in
battle order, and was about to send to Colonel Van Rensselaer for directions, when
that otticer's aid, Judge Advocate Lush, came hurrying up with orders to prepare to
storm the Heights. "We are ready," promptly responded the gallant Wool. Lu di
hastened back to tho chief commander on tho shore, and in a few minutes returned
with orders for Wool to advance. Ho was moving rapidly over tho plateau toward
the foot of tho Heights, when tho order for storming was countermanded, and the
troops were brought to a halt near the present entrance to the village from the bridge.
Captain Dennis, meanwhile, had been strengthened by the arrival on the Heights of
the Light Infantry under Captain Williams, and a company of the York militia un-
der Captain Chisholm ; and just as Wool's command had taken their resting position >
in battle order, Dennis and his full force, already mentioned, fell hbavily on the right
tIauV. of tho Americans. At tho same time, Williams and Chisholm opened a severe
tire in their front from tho brow of the Heights. Without waiting for farther orders.
Wool wheeled his column to the right and confronted tho force of tho enemy on the
plain, where with deadly aim his men poured a very severe fire into their ranks.
Van Rensselaer and the militia had taken a position on the left ^ f the Thirteenth in
the mean time. The engagement was severe but short, and the enemy were com-
pelled to fall back to Queenston. Both parties BuflTorod much — the Americans most
severely. Of tho ten officers of the Thirteenth who were present, two were killed
and five were seriously wounded. The former were Lieutenant Valleau^ and En-
sign Morris ;* the latter were Captains Wool, Malcolm, and Armstrong, and Ensign
' CtpUiin Samnel Halt wab one of the must esteemed and richest men In the proTlncc. He entered the service under
the Impulses of the purest patriotism only, and took this subordinate station.
' The threu missing boats were commanded respectively by Lieutenant Colonel Chrystle, Captain Lawrence, and an
nnlmown anbaltem. ChrysHe's boat was driven by the currents and eddies upon the New York shore, and he ordcrod
Uvrence's back, while the third fell Into the hands of the enemy, it having struck the shore at the month of the creek,
just north of Queenston.
' John Viillean was commissioned flr«i lieutenant of the Thirteenth Regiment on the 24th of March, 1812.
* Robert Morris, appointed ensign in the Thirteenth Regiment Harcli 12, 1812.
'l >
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i
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1
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36»!
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Vaa KeiiBaelaer and Wool wouuded. Van Reugeelaer borne awny. Wool tiikes the Command. Skettli of Wool
Lent.' Tlie militia suffered very little; but Colonel Van Rensselaer was so badly
wounded in several places that bo was compelled to jelinquish the command. A bul-
let passed through both of Wool's tl ighs, and both Malcolm^ and Armstrong^ y,-en
wounded in the left thigh. A considerable number of the Americans were made pris-
oners.
While Wool and his ooramand were ongaged with the enemy on the plain, those
upon the Heights kept rp a desultory fire upon the Americans, which the latter could
not well respond to. Perceiving this. Van Rensselaer ordered the whole detachment
to fall back to the beach below the hill, in a place of more security. They did so, but
were not absolutely sheltered from the fire of the enemy above. One man Avas killed
ftud several were wounded by their shots.
It was now broad daylight, and the storm had ceased. While the detachment was
forming for farther action on the margin of the river, a fourth company of the l>3tli
under Captain Ogilvie, crossed and joined them. No time was to be lost. Tlio
Heights must be stormed and taken, or the expedition would be a failure. Lieu-
tenant Colonel Chrystie had not been heard from. Van Rensselaer was disabled. All
the other oflicers were young men. Not a single commission was more tlian six
months. old, and Captain Wool, the senior of them all in rank, was only twenty-three
years of age — too young. Van Rensselaer thought, to be intrusted with an undertak-
ing so important. He had never been under fire before that morning, and was already
badly wounded. True, in the fight just ended, his metal had given out the riin» oi'
that of a true soldier. Tlie alternative was great risk and a chance for honor, or total
abandonment of the enterprise and the pointings of the finger of sconi. Tlie choice
was soon made. Wool had ssked for orders; had been told that the capture of the
Heights was the great object of the expedition ; and, notwithstanding his severe flesh
wounds and the inexperience of himself and bis men, he had expressed his eagerness
to make tlie attempt. Van Rensselaer ordered him to that duty, and at the same
time iie directed his aid-de-canip Lush to follow the little column and shoot every
man who should fait.., for symptoms of weak courage had already appeared.
Elated with the order, young Wool almost forgot his bleeding wounds. He was
light and lithe in person, full of ambition and enthusiasm, and beloved by his com-
panions in arms.* All followed him cheerfully. Ordering Captain Ogilvie, with his
' James W. Lent, Jr., appointed ensign in the Thirteenth Regiment May 1, 1812. In March, 1813, he was promoted to
first lleiitennnt of artillery. He wa" retained in 1816, and became active in the qnarter-master's department in ISlC.
Left the eerv ice in 181Y.
a Richard M. Malcolm was commissioned capt... in the Thirteenth Regiment of Infantry on the 8th of April, 1S12.
' In March, ISl!*, he was promoted to major, and in .June, 1814, to lieutenant colonel of the same regiment. He wne He-
banded in June, 1816.— Gardner's Dictionary cf the Army, page SOT.
5 Henry B. Armstrong, yet riSOT] llvlnj;, is a son of General John Armstrong, the Secretary of War In 1814. He vm
commissioned a captain in the Thirteenth Regiment in April, 1812; promoted to major the following year; in Juno,
1S13, distinguished himself ut Ptony Creek ; became lieutenmt colonel of the First Rifle Regiment In September, 1513.
and was disbanded In June, 1818. Although nearly eighty years of age when the Great i'.cbc'Mon broke out in ls At Sandwich by Hall (see page 868) ; at Oananoqni by ForByth (see page 8T3) ; and at Qneenston by Wool.
OF TUB WAR OF 1812.
399
Capture of Qoeenston Helghta.
Character of the Exploit.
Passage of the RWer by Re-enfurcemeatB.
death-wound. He fell from his horse at the foot of the slope, and lived long enough
to request those around hinx to conceal his death from the troops, and to send some
token of his remembrance to his sister in England. But his death could not be con-
cealed more than a few minutes. When it became known, the bitter words " Revenge
the general !" bnrst from the lips of the Forty-ninth. M'Donell assumed the com-
mand, and, at the head of them and the York Militia, one hundred and ninety strong,
lie charged up the hill to dispute with Wool the mastery of the Heights. The strug-
gle was desperate, and the Americans, doubtful of the issue, spiked the cannon in the
redan. Both parties were led gallantly and fought bravely. But when M'Donell
fell mortally wounded,' and Dennis and Williams were both severely injured, and
were compelled to leave the field, the British fell back in some confusion to Vroo-
raan's Point, a mile below, leavmg the young American commander and his little
band of two hundred and forty men masters of Quecnston Heights, after three dis-
tinct and bloody battles, fought within the space of about five hours. Taking all
things into consideration — the passage of the river, the nature of the ground, the raw-
ness of the troops (for most of the regulars were raw recruits), the absence of cannon,
and the youth 1 wounds of the American commander, the events of that morning
were, "indeed, a display of intrepidity," as Wilkinson afterward wrote, " rarely exhib-
ited, in which the conduct and the execution were equally conspicuous. . . . Under
all the circumstances, and on the scale of the oper-.tions, the impartial soldier and
competent judge will name this brilliant afibir p chef-cVoeuvre of the war."'
It was now about ten o'clock in the morning. Altliough bleeding and in much
pain, Wool would not leave the field, but kept vigorously at work in preparations to
defend the position he had gained. He drew his troops up in line on the Heights
fronting the village, ordered Gansevort and Randolph to drill out the spiked can-
non in the redan, and bring it to bear upon the enemy near Vrooman's, and sent out
scouts to watch the movements of the foe.
Meanwhile re-enforcements and supplies were slowly crossing the river. In the
passage they were greatly annoyed by the fire from the one-gun battery on Vroo-
man's Point. The first that arrived on the Heights was .i detachment of the Sixth
Regiment under Captain M'Chesncy ; another, of the Thirteenth, under Captain Law-
rence ; and a party of New York state riflemen, imder Lieutenaiit Sraith. These
were immediately detached as flanking parties. They were soon followed by oth-
ers, and before noon Major General Van
Rensselaer, Brigadier General Wadsworth,
Lieutenant Colonels Scott, Fenwick, Stran-
ahan, and Major MuUany, were on the
Heights, while a few militia were slowly
' Lieutenant M'Donell was a brilliant and promlBlng yonng man. He was the >\ttomey general of Upper Canada, and
was only twenty-five years of age. He was wounded In Atb places, one bullet passing through his body, yet he survived
tirentv hours in great agony. During that time he constani.y lamented the fall of his commander.— Tupper's Life, etc.,
(/Br«i,pnge322.
' Wilkiiiton's Mimoin, i., 67T. The offlcen who participated with Captain Wool, and received from him, in his re-
port to Colonel Van Itensselaer, special commendation, were Captain Peter Ogllvie, and Lieutenants Kearney, Hngnnin,
Carr, and Sammons, of the Thirteenth, Lientenants Oansevoort and P.andolph, of the light artillery, and Major tush,
of the militia. Captain Ogllvie resigned in June, 1913. Lieutenant Stephen Watts Kearney, who was a native of New
Jerrfy, was retained in the service in 181B, having risen to the ranlt of captain. Ho was made a major by brevet in
K% and full mi^or in 1829. In the spring of 1833 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel of dragoons, and to colonel
ndhe Mine In 1836. In 1840 he was promoted to brigadier general, went into the war with Mexico, and made conqnest
nf the province of New Mexico. For his gallant conduct there and In California ho was made m^Jor general by brevet.
In March, 1847, he was appointed Governor of Callfomia He died In Octol)cr, 1848. His brother, Philip Kearney, who
Ijrtan arm In the battles before the city of Mexico, was a brigadier general in the army raised to put down the Oreat
Kebelllon In 1861, and was killed In battle near Fairfax Court-house, in Virginia, September 1, 1862. Lieutenant Daniel
Hofninln was a representative in Congress for New York ft-om 1826 to 1827. He died in Wisconsin In 1880. Lieutenant
Gusevoort, who had been In the artillery service since 1806, was distinguished a little more than a month later at Fort
Xiapara. He became captain ot artillery In May, 1813, and left tht service In March, 1814. Lieutenant Thomas Beverly
Randolph was aid-de-camp to General Carrlngton and captain of infantry In the spring of 1813. He resigned in 1816.
He nt lieutenant colonel of Hamtramck's regiment of Virginia volunteers In Mexico In 1847. Lieutenant Stephen Lush
(iciing mi\|or at Qneenston) was aid to Qeueral Izard, and dangerously wounded before Chippewa In October, 1814.
i
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1
1
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w
Wi
HP
400
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
:l
■ lit
Colonel Scott on Qneenston Heights. Wadsworth'g OeneroBlty. Indiana on the Field. Influence of HcotL
passing over the river. Van Rensselaer took immediate steps for fortifying the uy
sition, under the direction of Lieutenant Totten, of the Engineers, and dispatched an
aid-de-camp to hasten the passage of the militia.
Lieutenant Colonel Scott, as we have observed, arrived at Lewiston with his com-
mand at four o'clock that morning. He placed his heavy guns in battery on tin-
shore under the immediate command of Captains Towson and Barker. Ilaviiif re-
ceived permission from Van Rensselaer to cross over as a volunteer and take com-
mand of the troops on the Heights, he reached the Canada shore, with his adjutant
Roach, just after Wadsworth, with a small detachment of volunteers, had ciossod
Avithout orders. He unexpectedly found that officer upon the mountain, and imme-
diately proposed to limit his own command to the regulars ; but the generous anil
patriotic Wadsworth promptly waived his rank, and said, " You, sir, know piofes-
sionally what ought to be done. I am here for the honor of my country ami tliat
of the New York militia." Scott at once assumed the general command, at the head
of three hundred and fifty regulars and two hundred and fifty volunteers, the latter
under General Wadsworth and Lieutenant Colonel Stranahan. Assisted by the skill-
ful Lieutenant Totten, Scott placed them in the strongest possible position to reeeive
the enemy and to cover the ferry, expecting to be re-enforced at once by the militia
from the opposite shore. He was doomed to most profound mortification and disap-
pointment.
W"hile Scott Avas absent for a short time, supcM-intending the unspiking of the can-
non in the redan, a troop of Lidians suddenly appeared on the left, led by Captain
Norton, a half-breed, but under the general command of Chief John Brant, a younir,
lithe, and graceful son of the great Mohawk warrior and British ally of that name in
the Revolution. Brant made his first appearance in the field on this occasion. IK
Avas dressed, painted, and plumed in Indian style from head to foot. His lieutenant
and most valued companion Avas a dark, poAverfuUy-built chief known as Captain Ja
cobs. Another Avas Norton, the half-breed just mentioned. Tliey and their follow-
ers Avere the allies of the British, and came mostly from the settlements of the !Si.\
Nations, on tlie Grand Tiiver, in Canada.'
It Avas betAveen one and two o'clock in the afternoon when this cloud of duskv
Avan'iors swept along the broAV of the mountain in portentous fury, Avith gleaming
tomahaAvks and other savage Aveapons, and fell upon the American pickets, driving
them in upon the main line of the militia in great confusion. The fearful war-whoo)!
struck terror to many a Avhite man's heart, and the militia Avere about to fly ignobly.
Avhen Scott appeared, his tall form — head and shoulders above all others — attracting
every eye, anil his trumpet-voice commanding the attention of every ear. He in-
stantly brought order out of confusion. He suddenly changed the front of his line ;
and hia troops, catching inspiration from his voice and acts, raised a shout and fell
Avith such fury upon the Indians that they fled in dismay to the Avoods after a shai]),
short engagement. But they were soon rallied by the dauntless Brant,^ and contin-
1 The British found considerable difficulty in indncing these Indians to join them. The authorities of the United
States need every effort in their power to keep the Indians from the contest on both sides, knowing their cruel modt
of wurfore. Cornplanter, the venerable Seneco chief, did all in his power to keep his race neutral. At the reqnfst of
the United States government, he indu )d their influential chiefs, named respectively Blue Eyes, Johnson, Silver lloelf.
and Jacob Snow, to visit the Indians on the Grand River, talk with them about remaining neutral, and bring back ah
answer. In a manuscript letter before mo from Robert Hoops to Major Van Campan, is an interesting accoaiii of a
tncetlng at Complanter's to hear their rep'iagara, and was a diligent student of English authors. He loved nature, aud studied its |)heuomeua with dls-
criminatlou. He was manly and amiable, and at the time In question was in every respect an ac-omplished gentleman.
On the death of his father In ISOT, he became the Tekarihogea, or principal chief of the Six Nations, although he was
ibe fourth and youngest son. As such he took the field in 1812 in the BritLsh interest, and was engaged in most of
ihc military events on the Niagara flrontier during the war. At the close of the contest he and his young siatet E''-:;
both took up their residence at the home of their father, at the head of Lake Ontario, where they lived In the Lugllsh
style, and di-'pcnsed hospl
unties with a liberal hand.
The render will find a full
accountof this residence and
ot ihe fiimily at the time in
qnestion in Stone's LXil of
jMlih Brant. Young Brant
went to England In 1821 on
business for the Six Na-
ilons, and there took occa-
sion to defend the character
of his father from aspersions
in Campbell's Gertrude (ff
ITiwnini;. He was success-
ful In his proof, but the poet
bad not the generosity or
manliness to strike the cal-
umnies from his poem, and
there Ihey remain to this
da.v. On his return Brant
(tent to work zealously for
the moral improvement of
his people, in which he was
raccessfnl. In 1S27 Governor
Dalhoiiiie appointed htm to
:be rank of captain In the
represented in the engraving.
bsant's uondhxnt.
British army and Superin-
tendent of the Six Nations.
He was elected a member of
the Provincial Parliament in
18.12 for the county of Hal-
dlmand, which comprehend-
ed a good portion of the ter-
ritory originally granted to
the Mohawks. 'Technical dis-
ability gave the seat to an-
other, lifter he bad filled it
for a while. But during that
very summer the competitors
were both laid in the grave
by that terrible scourge,
A»iatif chnlera. He died at
the Mohawk village where
be was bom, at the age of
forty -eight years, and was
burled in the same vault with
his father, in the burying-
gronud of the Mohawk
Church, a short distance
from Brantford, In Canada,
over which has been erected
a substantial mansolenm.
This monument will be noticed more particnlarly presently.
' The conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Chrystie on this occasion was not wholly reconcilable with our ideas of a true
foldier. In a manuscript letter before me, written by Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer to Oeneral Wilkinson In Janu-
irj, 1316, he accuses Chrystie with cowardice, aud says Captain Lawrence, %hose boat Chrystie ordered back at the
crossing (see note 2, page 305), openly charged him with It. Van Rensselaer gives It as his opinion that much of the
bad conduct of the militia In refusing to cross the river in the afternoon was owing to the example of this office'. On
the other hand, General Tim Rensselaer makes honorable mention of him In bl« report written the next day, and h*
Cc
' .rt
iliii^i'i
'U
T^>^mmmKm
11 \\
lii'ii
402
. PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Sheaffe'a flank Movement.
Bad Conduct of thn New York Militia.
Scott's Hgran
pit.
He moved cautiously. Near Vrooman's he left two pieces of artillery to command
the town, filed to the right, and crossed the country to the little village of St. Da-
vid's, three miles westward of Qiieenston,and by that circuitous route, after marching
and countermarching as if reconnoitring the American lines, he gained the rear of
that portion of the Heights on which they were posted, and formed in Elijah PlielpaV
fields on the Chippewa road.' There he was joined by the 41st Grenadiers and some
militia and Indians from Chippewa, when the whole British army confrontinw that
of the Americans was more than one thousand strong, exclusive of their dusky allios.^
The Americans, according to the most careful estimate, did not exceed six liuiulied
in numbcM-.
When Sheaffe appeared. General Van Rensselaer was on the Heights. lie im-
mediately crossed the river to push forward re-enforcenients. He failed. Tlie mili-
tia, who had been so brave in speech and clamorous to be led against the onemv,
refused to cross. The smell of gunpowder, even from afar, seems to have paralyzed
their honor and their courage. Van Rensselaer rode up and down among tliem,
alternately threatening and imploring. Lieutenant Colonel Bloom, who had been
wounded in action and had returned, and Judge Peck, who liappened to be at Lewis-
ton, did the same, but without effect. Van Rensselaer appealed to their patriotism,
their honor, and their humanity, but in vain. They pleaded their exemption as mili-
tia, under the Constitution and laws, from being taken out of their own state ! and
under that miserable shield they hoped to find shelter from the storm of indignation
which their cowardice was sure to evoke. Like poltroons as they were, they stood
on tlie shore at Lewiston while their brave companions in arms on Queenston Heights
were menaced with inevitable destruction or captivity. All that Van Rensselaer
could do was to send over some munitions of war, with a letter to General Wads-
worth, ordering him to retreat if in his judgment the calvation of the troops depend-
ed upon such movement, and promising him a supply of boats for the purpose. But
this promise he could not fulfill. The boatmen on the shore were as cowardly as the
militia on the plain above. Many of them had fled panic-stricken, and the boats were
dispersed.
Wadsworth communicated Van Rensselaer's letter to the field oflicers. They per-
ceived no chance for re-enforceraents, no means for a retreat, and no hope of succor
from any human source except their own valor and vigorous arms. They resolved to
meet the oncoming overwhelming force like brave soldiers. Scott sprang upon a log,
his tall form towering conspicuous above all,^ and addressed the little army in a few
stirring words as the British came thundering on. " The enemy's balls," he said, be-
gin to thin our ranks. His numbers are overwhelming. In a moment the shock
must come, and there is no retreat. We are in the beginning of a national war.
Hull's surrender is to be redeemed. Let us, then, die arms in hand. The country de-
mands the sacrifice. The example will not be lost. The blood of the slain will make
heroes of the living. Those who follow will avenge our fall and their country's
wrongs. Who dare to stand?" "All! all!" was the generous response; and
in that spirit they received the first heavy blow of the enemy on their right wing.*
was promoted to the office of inspector general. He did not live long enough to test his mettle fnirly. He died at Fon
George, In Canada, on the 22d of July, 1813. > MS. Journal of Captain William Hamilton Merrill.
» Sheaffe's re-en forcements, with whom ho marched from Fort George, consisted of almost four hundred of the 4lBt Repi-
ment, under Captain Derenzy, and about three hnn clred militia. The latter consisted of the flank companies of the Ul
Regiment of Lincoln Militia, under Captains J. Crooks and M'Kwen ; the flank companies of the 4th Regiment of Lin-
coln Militia, under Captains Nellis and W. Crooks : Captains Hall's, Durand's, and Applegarth's companies of the 5th
Regiment of Lincoln Militia •, Major Merrltt's Yeomanry Corps, and a body of Swayzee's Militia Artillery under Cap-
tains Powell and Cameron. Those from Chippewa were commanded by Colonel Clark, and consisted of Captaia Bul-
lock's company of Grenadiers of the 4lBt Regiment : the flank companies of the 2d Lincoln Regiment, under Captaini
Hkmiltoa and Rowe, and the Volunteer Sedentary Hilitls. Brant and Jaenbs commanded the Indians. Two three-
pounders, under the charge of LlentenanTCrowther, of the 41st Regiment, accompanied the troops.
' General Scott was six feel Ave inches in height. He was then slender, graceful, and commanding In form; for
Rereral years before his death he was ponderous, yet exceedingly dlgniflcd in his appearance.
• Scott was in full-dress uniform, and, being taller than his companions, was a conspicuous and Important mark for
*' V
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
403
diedatFon
ton Merrill.
ie4lBtEepi-
esoftheW
nent of Lin-
of the 6tti
under Cap-
laptiin Bal-
er CapU'M
Two three-
n fonn; for
nt mark ibr
ittte on Queengtou HelKhta.
Perils of tbe American!,
Ilerues and Cowards made Prlsonera of War.
Sheaffe opened the battle at about four o'clock by directing Lieutenant M'Intyre,
with the Light Company of the 41st on the left of his column, supported by a body
of militia, Indians, and negroes under Captain Kunchey, to fall upon the American
right. They fired a single volley with considerable execution, and then charged with
a tremendous tumult, the white men shouting and the Indians ringing out the fear-
ful war-whoop and hideous yells. The Americans were overpowered by the onslaught
and gave way, for their whole available force did not much exceed throe hundred
mca Percei- ing this, Sheaffe ordered his entire line to charge, while the two field-
pieces were brought to bear upon the American ranks. The effect was powerful.
Tlic Americans yielded and fled in utter confusion toward the river, down the slope
by the redan, and along the road leading from Queenston to tlie Falls. The latter
were cut off by the Indians, and forced through the woods toward the precipices along
the hank of the river. Others, who had reached the water's edge, were also cut off
from farther retreat by a Irck of boats. Meanwhile the American commander had
sent several messengers with flags, bearing offers to capitulate. Tlie Indians shot
them all, and continued a murderous onslaught upon the terrified fugitives. Some
of them were killed in the woods, some were driven over the precipices and perished
on the rocks or in the rushing river below, while others escaped by letting themselves
down from bush to bush, and swimming the flood. At length Lieutenant Colonel
Soott, in the midst of the greatest peril, reached the British commanding general, and
otfered to surrender the whole force.* The Indians were called from their bloody
work, terms of capitulation were soon agreed to, and all the Americans on the British
side became prisoners of war. These, to the utter astonishment of their own com-
manders, amounted to about nine hundred, when not more than six hundred, regu-
lars and militia, were known to have been on the Canada shore at any time dur-
ing the day, and not more than half that number were engaged in the fight on the
ilcjchts. The mystery was soon explained. Several hundred militia had crossed
over during the morning. Two hundred of them, under Major Mullany, who crossed
(arly in the day, were forced by the current of the river under the range of Vroo-
iiian's battery, and were captured. Two hundred and ninety-three, who were in the
battle, were surrendered ; and the remainder, having seen the wounded crossing the
river, the painted Indians, and the " green tigers," as they called the 49th, whose
coats were faced with green, skulked below the banks, and had no more to do with
tlie battle than spectators in a balloon might have claimed. But they were a part of
the invading army, were found on British soil, and were properly prisoners of war.
Hie British soldiers, after the battle, plucked them from their hiding-places, and made
them a part of the triumphal procession with which General Sheaffe rot nrned to Fort
George.'*
tlie enemy. He was urged to change his dress. " No," he said, smiling, " I will die in my robes." As in tbe case of
Wuhiugton on the Held of Monongahela, the Indians took special aim at Scott, but could not hit him.
I Scott Hzed a white cravat on tbe point of his sword as s flag of truce, and, accompanied by Captains Totten (f^ora
whose neck the "flag was taken)
ind Gibson, made his way along
ihe rirer shore, under shelter of
the precipice, to a gentle slope, np
whicli they hastened to tbe road
leading Arom the village to the
Uelghtf, exposed to the random
tre of the Indians. Just B8 they
rttched the road they were met
h; tvo ludlans, who sprang upon
ihem like tigers. They wonid
not llaten to Scott's declaration
thit he was under tbe protec-
Hoi of a Sag and was going to
ntrender. They attempted to
'^^^^^
wrench bis sword fl-om him, when
Totten and Qibsou drew theirs.
The Indians, who were armed with
rifles, instantly flred, but without
efiibct, and v. ere abont to use their
knives and tomahawks, when a
British sergeant, accompanied by a
guard, seeing the encounter, rush-
ed forward, crying Honor ! honor I
took tbe Americans under his pro-
tection, and conducted them to
tbe presence of General Sheaffe.
— lis* and Suniitit* <4 OeiwnA
WiT^MA SeoU, by Edward Uana-
fltld, page 44.
■ The authorities consulted in compiling the foregoing account of events on the Niagara (Irontier, In this and the
preceding chapter, are as follows : Offldal Reports of Generals Van Rensselaer and Sheaffe, Lieutenant Colonel Cbrystie
tti Captain Wool ; oral and written statements of Captain (now Major General) Wool to the Author ; MS. Order and
V' r
t 1 I
^1 i
: I i i:
j..
,1
404
PICTORIAL J-IELD-BOOK
Lome* In the Battle of Qneenston. The Surrender. JuRttce and Injustice to the Merltorioai. Scott at NIann
The entire loss of tJie Americans during that eventful day, according to the most
careful cHtiraates, was ninety killed, about one hundred wounded, and between eiiflit
and nine hundred made prisonerH, causing an entire loss, in rank and file, of about
eleven hundred men. The British loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners (the lattir
taken in the morning), M'as about one hundred and thirty. The number of Indians
engaged and their loss is not positively known.' Captain Norton was wouiulod but
not severely. All parties engaged in the fight on that day behaved with exemplary
courage, and deserved, as they received, the encomiums of their respective generals
and the thanks of their respective governments.^
Brigadier General Wadsworth was in command when the army was surrendered.
lie delivered his sword to General Sheafie in person. The ceremony of fornml sur-
render occurred at near sunset, wlien the prisoners, officers, and men were inarelied
to the village of Newark (now Niagara), at the mouth of the Niagara River. Tiiere
the officers were quartered in a small tavern, and placed under guard. While wait-
ing for an escort to conduct them to the head-quarters of General Sheaffe, a little (jirl
entered the parlor and said that somebody in the hall wanted to see the " tall officer."
Scott, who was unarmed, immediately went out, when he was confronted by the two
Indians who had made such a violent assault upon liira while bearing a flag of truce.
Young Brant immediately stepped up to Scott and inquired how many balls had
passed through his clothing, as they had both fired at him incessantly, and had been
astonished continually at not seeing him fall. Jacobs, at the same time, seized Scott
rudely, and attempted to whirl him around, exclaiming, " Me shoot so often, me sure
Letter Books of General Stephen Van Rensselaer ; MS. correspondence of Colonel Solomon Van Rcnseelncr; Oral Nar-
ratives of Soldiers in the Battle at Queenston, living In Canada in 1800 ; Perkins's Hintory of the Late War ; Braclcen-
ridge's HUtory of tlie Late War ; Thornton's lJi»torieal Sketches qfthe Late War; Colonel Solomon Van Rensselaer's Sar-
rativeofthe Afair at Queetmimi; IngeraoM's Historical Sketch of the Second War,etc.; Nlles's Weekly liegister ; theWat;
Stone's Life of Brant; Sketchen qfthe War, by an anonymous writer; Armstrong's Notices ufthe (Tar of 1812; ManslipM'i
Life atid Services of General Winjield Scott ; Baylls's Battle of Queenston ; Flics of the New York Herald, or scml-weeklv
Evening /"ost ; James's Military Occurrences of the Late War ; Auchinleck's Histanj of the War of 181 2 / Tiippcr's hiji
and Correspondence of Sir Isaac Brock ; Christie's Military Operations in Canada ; Jarvls's Narrative ; Manuscript Jour-
nal of Major Merritt ; Symonds's Battle nf Queenston Heights.
1 British writers widely disagree In their estimates concerning the Indian force on that occasion. It is known thai
there were some with Dennis in the morniuj,', that others accompanied Sheaffe from Fort George in the aflcrnooD, aod
that he was joined on the Heights by others from Chippewa. I think the Six Nations were represented on that dajbj
abont two hundred and fifty warriors.
» General SheaCTe named almost every commissioned officer engaged In the battle as entitled to high praise. He spe-
cially commended Captain Holcroft, of the Royal Artillery, for his skillfnl and judicious use of the ordnance in liis
charge ; also Lieutenant Crowther for similar service. He gave credit to Captain Olegg, Bi^pck's ald-de-cnmp, for great
assistance ; also to Lieutenant Fowler, assistant depnty quarter-master general, Lieutenant Kerr, of the (iloii^'ary Fen-
ciblcs. Lieutenant Colonels Butler and Clarke, and Captains Hail, Durand, Rowc, Applegarth, James Crookp, Coopf r,
Robert Hamilton, M'Ewen, and Duncan Cameron. Lieutenants Richardson and Thomas Butler, and Major Merrill, of
the Niagara Dragoons, were all highly spoken of. He added to the list of honor the names cf Volunteers Shaw, Thom-
son, and Jarvls. The latter (G. S. Jarvis) wrote an interesting account of the battle. He was attached to the light com-
pany of the Forty-ninth Regiment. Upon Major General Brock, his slain aid-de-camp (Colonel M'Donell), and Captains
Dennis and Williams, he bestowed special and deserved encomium for their gallantry.
In contrast with this dispatch of General Sheaffe to Sir George Prcvost, written at Fort George on the evening of the
day of battle. Is that ot General Van Rensselaer to General Dearborn, written at Lewlston on the followinR day. He
gives a general statement of Important events connected with the battle, but when he comes to distribute the honon
among those who are entitled to receive them, he omits the name of every officer who was engaged In storming mi
carrying the Heights of Qneenston, the chief object of th.) expedition. The name of Captain Wool, the hero of the day
until the tide of victory was turned against the Americans, is not even mentioned. Byron defined military glory as
"being shot through the body, and having one's name spelled wrong In the gazettes." Worse fate than that would
have been that of Wool and the storming-party had History confiued her investigations to Van Renseelaer's report.
He expresped his great obligations to General Wadsworth, Colonel Van Rensseloer, Lieutenant Colonels Scott, Chryp-
tle, and Fen wick, and Captain Gibson, all of whom were gallant men, and performed their duties nobly in the after part
of the day, but not one of them had a share in the capture of the Heights, the defeat of Major General Brock, and Iho
winnings of victory. Van Rensselaer was wounded anj taken to T^ewiston before daylight. Fenwick was wounded
while crossing the river and taken prisoner. Chrystie was not Hattle-fleld until the morning victories were ill
won under Wool. How General Van Rensselaer could have made such a report is a mystery. It is due to bis candor
and sense of justice to say that he was doubtless misled by the reports of interested parties, for as soon as he perceived
the injuallce that was done to brave officers, he did all In his power to remedy the evil. In his report to Colonel Van
Rensselaer, on the 83d of October, Captain Wool made special mention of the officers who acted with him on that da.v,
and these General Van Rensselaer took occasion to name in a special manner in a letter to Brigadier General Smyth
announcing his resignation, written at Buffalo on the 24th. In a letter to Captain Wool in December following, Qen-
eral Van Rensselaer said, " I was not sufficiently informed to do jastlce to your bravery and good conduct in the attack
of the enemy on the Heights of Qneenston." He then expressed the hope that the government would notice bis merit!
on that occtolon.
ininR ol the
IK day. Be
the honors
ormliig and
ofthedaj
iry glory as
that wonld
er'B rcpoit.
cott, CbryE-
le after part
ick, and tho
wonnded
iea were all
I hlB candor
(e percelted
Colonel Van
tn that day,
leral Smy""
^wing, 0«n-
1 the attack
> bU merltt
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
400
9cott'» Kncouutor with Inillaii*.
Ubjectoftholr Vlalt.
A combined Triampbal and Kuiieral ProceBiion.
to have hit somewhere !" The indignant officer thrust the savage from him, ex-
claiming, " Hands oft", you villain! You fired like a squaw!" lioth assailants im-
mediately loosened their knives and tomahawks from their girdles, and were aV)out
to spring upon Scott, while Jacobs exclaimed, " We kill you now !'" when the assailed
rushed to the end of the hall, where the swords of the captured officers stood, seized
the first one, drew the blade from its steel scabbard as quick as lightning, and was
iil)out to bring the heavy weapon with deadly force upon the Indians, Avhen a British
officer entered, seized Jacobs by tho arms, and shouted for the guard.' Jacobs turned
fiercely upon tho officer, exclaiming, " I kill you," when Scott, with the heavy sabre
raised, called out, " If you strike I'll kill you both." For a moment the eyes of the
group gleamed with fury upon their antagonist, and a scene was presented equal to
any thing in the songs of the Troubadours or the sagas of the Norsemen. The gust
of passion was momentary, and then the Indians put up their weapons and slowly re-
tired muttering imprecations on all white men and all the laws of war." " Beyond
doubt," says his biographer,^ " it was no part of the young chiers design to inflict in-
jury upon the captive American commander. His whole cliaractcr forbids the idea,
for he was as generous and benevolent in his feelings as he was brave." It is be-
lieved that their visit to Scott was one of curiosity only, for, having tried so repeat-
edly to hit him with their bullets, they were anxious to know how nearly they had
accomplished their object. But it can not be denied that the exasperation of the In-
dians against Scott, because of their losses on the Heights, was very great — so great
tiiat while he remained at Niagara he could not move from his lodgings in safety,
even to visit the head-quarters of General Sheafte,* without a guard.
When General
Slieaffe marched in
triumph from
(Jueenston to New-
ink, 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 twofold aspect. It
was a triumphal and
a funeral procession.
At Newark the body
was placed in the
"ovemment house,
• October 10,
1812.
NKW HAOAZINF. AT rORT aEOBQE.
and there it lay in
state three days,
when it was bu-
ried" in a
new cav-
alier bastion in
Fort George, whose
erection he had su-
perintended with
great interest. By
the side of Brock's
remains were laid
those of his provin-
cial aid - de - camp,
Lieutenant Colonel
M'Donell.» The fu-
neral ceremonies
1 This was Colonel Coffin, who had been sent by General Shenffe, with a guard, to invite the American officers to hie
table at hi- quarters. > Stone's Life of Brant, ii., 614 ; Mansfield's Life (tf Scott, page 48.
> William L.Stone. At the close of his Life (if Joseph Brant, Stone gives an interesting sketch of the life of John
Brant
< KogerH. Sheaffe was a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and was a lad living there with his widowed mother at the
^W$^
opening of the Revolution. Earl
Ptrcy'8 head-quarters were at their
house while the British occupied the
town, and his lordship became much
itUcbed to the boy ; so much so that,
nd winning victory on the Heights of Queenston, he was created a baronet, and ever afterward was known as Sir
Roger Sheaffe. General Sheaffe was bom on the 17th of July, 1703, and entered the British army on the 1st of May,
i;;8.
'The cavalier bastion where Brock and his aid were burled is near what is known as the new magazine. In Fort
uation to provide fof him. He gave
him a military education, placed him
in the army, and procured commis-
sions and promotions for him as fast
as possible. His promotion to ma-
/// Jor general was acquired on account
^ nf mf\r\tt\rinnn Hftrvlpft. He was Bta-
i
^mm^
H i
■'■I
I r
iir
406
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bmpeet for Brock awarded bjr the American!. Brock's Fnneral. Ilooored by hli OoTemment and the CunadUoi
were arranged by his other aid, Captain Glegg ;• and when they wore over tlie
Americans at Fort Niagara and at Lewiston tired minute-guns, as a marie of rosiu'ct
due to a brave enemy, by command of Major General Van Kensselaer. An armigtice
for a few days had been agreed u])on by Van Rensselaer and Sheaffe, which gave the
Oeorge. That magaziue la represented In the engraving on the preceding page. Behind it are seen the earthm ram.
parts of the fort as they appeared when I viaited it In 1800. The place of the basttou la indicated by the hollow uH
opening In the fence on the right of the picture.
> The roliowiug was the order of the procession : 1. Fort-ninjor Campbell. 2. Sixty men of the Fnrty-flrst nojjImcDt.
commanded by a subaltern. 8. Sixty of the militia, commanded by a captain. 4. Two six-ponnders firing mlunte-irQim
5. Remaining corps and detachments of the garrison, with about two hundred Indians, in reverse order, forming; a i!lrc«t
through which the procession passed, extending n-om the government house to the garrison. 6. Band of the Kortv-flnt
Regiment. T. Drums, covered with black cloth and muffled. 8. Late general's horse, ftilly caparisoned, led bv ttm
grooms. 9. Servants of the general. 10. The general's body-servant. 11. Surgeon Mulrhead, Doctor Moore, Doctor
Kerr, and Staff-surgeou Thorn. 11. Rev. Mr. Addison. Then followed the body of Lieutenant Colonel M'Doncll, with
the following gentlemen as pall-bearers; Captain A. Cameron, Lieutenant Robinson (late chief Justice of Canada)
J. Edwards, Lieutenant Jarvis, Lieutenant Ridout, and Captain Crooks. The chief mourner was the brother of the
deceased.
The body of Oeneral Brock followed, with the following pall-bearers : Mr. James CofBn, Captains VIgorcnus, Deremy,
Dennis, Holcroft, and Williams, M^or Morritt, Lieutenant Colonels Clarke and Butler, and Colonel Claus, supported bv
Brigade Major Evans and Captain Ulegg. The chief mounicrs were Major Oeneral Shealfc, Ensign Collin, Lieutenant
Colonel Myers, and Lieutenant Fowler. These were followed by the civil staff, friends of the deceased, and the Inhab-
itants.
Oeneral Brock bad become greatly endeared to the Canadians. Gentlemanly deportment, kind and concilintlog man-
ners, and unrestrained benevolence were his prominent characteristics. He died unmarried, precisely a week after hs
bad completed his forty-third year. His dignity of person has already been described. I have been unable, after dil.
igent efforts, to obtain his portrait or big autograph. His contemporaries gave many tokens of respect to his memurv
after his death. " Canadian fhrmers," says Howison, In his Sketches of Canada, " are not overburdened with ecnslbllliy,
yet I have seen several of them shed tears when a eulogium was pronounced upon the Immortal and generoui-mlndcd
deliverer of their country." The Prince Regent, in an official bulletin, spoke of his death as having been "sufflcicntto
have clouded a victory of much greater Importance." The muse was Invoked In expressions of sympathy and mnm.
Among poetical effusions which the occasion elicited was the following, written by Miss Ann Bruycres, "an extraor-
dinary child of thirteen years old," the daughter of the general's warm friend, Lieutenant Colonel Bruycres, of the Koy >l
Engineers ;
" As Fame alighted on the monntain's crest,
She loudly blew her trumpet's mighty blast ,
Bre she repeated Victory's notes, she cast
A look around ond stopped. Of power bereft,
Her bosom heaved, her breath she drew with pain,
Her favorite Brock lay slaughtered on the plain I
Glory threw on his grave a laurel wreath.
And Fame proclaims, * A hero sleeps beneath.' "
Brock's biographer observes, in allnding to Fame being twice mentioned In the above lines, that it was singnlar that
" the mournful intelligence of Sir Isaac Brock's death was brought firom Quebec to Guernsey [his native country] by the
ship Fame, belonging to that Island, on the 24th of November, two days before It was known In London."— Tiipper'i
Li/e nf Brock, page 380.
By direction of a resolution of the Honse of Commons on the 20th of July, 1313, a military monument by Westmacott
was erected to his memory in St. Paul's Cathedral, London, at a cost of nearly eight thousand dollars. It Is In the
western ambulatory of the south transept, eud contains an effigy of the hero's body reclining In the arms of a British
soldier, while an Indian pays the last tribute of respect. The monument bears the fallowing inscription ; "Erected, at
the public expense, to the memory of Major Genebai. Sib Isaac
Beook, who gloriously fell on the 13th of October, MDCCCXll., in
resisting an attack on Queenston, In Upper Canada." In addition
to this, twelve thousand acres of land in Upper Canada were be-
stowed on the four surviving brothers of General Brock, and each
were allowed a pension of one thousand dollars a year for life, by
a vote of the British Parliament.
The Canadians could never seem to
honor him enough. In 1816 they struck
a small medal to his memory ; and soon
afterward steps were taken In the prov-
ince to erect a suitable monument on
Queenston Heights, not far from the spot
where lie fell. They raised a lofty Tuscan column, 136 feet in height from the base to the
summit. The diameter of the htme of the column was seventeen and a half feet. On the
summit was a pedestal for a statue. Within was a spiral staircase aronnd a central shaft. In
the base was a tomb. In which the coffins containing the remains of Brock and M'Donell
were deposited on the 13th of October, 1824. Their remains were conveyed from Fort George
to their lost resting-place in a hearse drawn by fonr black horses, followed by an immense
military and civic procession, while artillery fired a salute of minute-guns. This monument
stood, the pride of the Canadians, nntll the middle of April, 1840, when a miscreant named
Lett, a fligiti ve trom Canada, who had become implicated in the disturbances there in 1887 and
1838, attempted to destroy it with gunpowder. He succeeded in so injuring It that it became
necessary to pull it down. A meeting was held on the Heights In July following, at which
the late Sir Allan M'Nab made a stirring speech, when It was resolved to erect a new monument. It was estlmaleii
that eight thousand persons were present, and a salute was fired by the Royal Artillery. That meeting and the new
monnment will be considered in the next chapter.
IN MEHOBT OF QEHESAI, UBOOK.
BBOCK'B aONUHDIT.
OF THE WAU OF 1 h 1 2.
407
ntt on LewlitoD IlelgbU. TraoRfer of Colonel Van ReoiMlaer from ({aeeoiton to Albany. Uli Reception.
two commandent an opportunity for the exchange of those humane courtCHics which
should ncvor be loHt Hij?lit of amid the tumults of war.'
Let lu turn back and coimidcr for a moment what occurred on the American side
in coniu^ction with the battle of QueeiiHton. At Lewiston, Lovett,^ as we have seen,
was placed in charge of an eightecn-pounder in battery on the IleightH,^ where he per-
(ormcd good service in covering the par-
ty that crossed before daylight. It be-
ing dark, he stooped close to the gun to
observe its aim, when it was discharged,
and the concussion so injured his ears
that he was much deaf ever afterward.
Soon after this Colonel Van Rensselaer
ffii8 brought over from the Canada shore
with ti%e bleeding wounds. He had been
flick M'ith fever, and had left his bed to
attend to preparations for the invasion.
The disease and his wounds so prostrated
him that for several days his life was in
extreme peril.* It was not until five
(lays after the battle that he could bo
moved from Lewiston. Then a cot was
riiri»ed with cross-bars and side-poles, on
• October which he was carried, on the
1312. ' 18th,* to Schlosser by a detach-
ment of Major Moseby's militia riflemen.
On the following day he was
taken by the same party by land
and water to Buffalo.^ There lie
remained until the 9th of Novem-
ber, and was then conveyed to his home at Mount Hope, near Albany, accompanied,
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
vrith the honors of a victor.*
1 The correspondence between the generals may be fonnd in Van Reneselner's Narrativf, olready allnded to.
1 John Lovett was a resident of Albany when the war broke out, and was a leading man In the profession of the law
there. General Van Rensse-
laer, hie early friend, Invited
him to become his aid and
military secretary. "I am not
a Boldler," said Lovett. " It is
lot your tveord, but your pen
that I want," replied Van
Ren-selaer. Mr. Lovett was
elected to a seat in Congress
in ISIS, when ho renewed his
acquolntance with Governor
Meigs, and through his influ-
ence purchased a tract of laud
on ttie Maumee, and com-
menced a settlement which
he named Perryi^burg, in hon-
or of the gallant hero of Lake
Erie. There he resided, but
He died at Fort Meigs in August, 1818, at the early age of
he was early cut off by the prevailing fever of the country.
Hfly-two years. For a more extended sketch of Mr. Lovett's life, see Reminiscence* qf Troy, by John Woodworth.
) This battery was called Fort Qray, in honor of Nicholas Gray, acting engineer, under whose supervision it was
inDged.
' Arad Joy, Esq., who was pajrmaster of Colonel Henry Bloom's regiment, and acting quartermaster on the day of
the battle, wrote to me on the 16th of March, 13IS2, giving me an account of his experience on the Lewiston side of the
river. He had charge of the wagons that conveyed the wounded to the hospital on the ridge road, two miles from the
Ttllige. Of Van Rensselaer he says : " The loss of blood caused him to be chilly. He sat upon a board across the top
ofthe wagon-box, without a groan ; and as we met the soldiers going to the river to cross, he would call out at the top
of his voice, 'Go on, my brave fellows, the day Is our own.' It cheered up and encouraged them. He was taken to
good quarters In a private bonse. The head surgeon, ^vlth his instruments, was along. We carried him Into the house
sA seated him on a chair. His boots were filled with blood, which was gushing from his thigh, and plainly to be seen
through his pantaloons. The boots, at Van Rensselaer's request, were cut from his feet."
> At BnlTaio, on the 24th, Van Rensselaer nse-i a pen for the first time since receiving his wounds, and wrote to his
wife. That letter Is before me. It Is filled with expressions of gratitude toward General Van Rensselaer, and con-
(lodes by saying : " I congratulate you on the birth of our little boy. That this should have taken place on the same
Di;ht I made the attack on the British is singalar. He must be a soldier."
' Solomon Van Rensselaer was born in Oreenbush, opposite Albany, in the old house known as the Garret mansion.
i ^^^
! )i
8 '
406
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
ImU at Um Mnnth of th« NURira River.
Aceoaal of fort NliKir*.
DlipoMl or tha Anwrlean PrtMMti.
Whilo tJjo Htirrinj^ ovontH nt QiironHton woro in proj^roHS in tho morning, tlicre wm
n lively \.'.:iw iit Forts (loorf^u iiiul Niaj^iira.' 8i) hooii uh Mrook heard tlio ntatc of
aftiiirH at (jneonHton, liu sent down word to lirij^adt! Major Kvaim, wlio liad liecn ||.f)
in charge of Fort (ieorge, to ojten a cannonade upon Fort Niaj^'ura. Me did ho ami
received n Hliarp reply from the Honth l>iock-hous(« of the American fortrcMM, wliich
wa8 in charj!;e of ('aptain M'Keon. Tliat officer turned his guim upon (he villaj{<. of
Newark also when cluirged with hot shot, and Hcveial IxiiidinirH were Hct on lire. Tlic
(cannonade continued some time, when Kvans, aided by ()oh)nel ('laus and C'liptain
Vigoreux, of the Royal KngincerH, oju'ned a Hevere bombardment upon Fort Ninirura
Already the burHting of a twelve-pounder had (b'prived the AniericanH of their lust
weapon. This fact, and the Q;(poHed condition of the fort under the attack of hIicIIn
cauHed Captain Leonard, the commandant of the garrinon, to abainlon it. The trooim
had not proceeded far when they observi-d liritiHli boats, filled wiMi armed men, ieiuiiKr
the Canada nhore for Fort Niagara, evidently with the intention of securing a lodi'.
ment there. M'Keon immediately returned with his little force, remained there unmo-
lested over night, and was joined by the remainder of the garrison the next inorniiiir.
The American militia officers and privates captured at Queenston were j)aroli'(l and
sent across the river, but those of the regular army were detained as ])ri8onerH of wiir
for exchange.* These were sent to Quebec, and from there, in a cartel,^ to Honton, ex-
cept twenty-three, who were claimed as I'litish subjects, and were sent to Kiiijlaiid
to be tried for treason.* The energetic action of Lieutenant Colonel Scott then and
In \T14. His fnthor was a brave offlcor of the Revolution (Henry Killlan Van RenMelaer), who wnt severely wonndftl
In the tbl|{h ill a battle near Fort Ann In ITTT. Ho waa then a colonel. The bullet, which was not extracted iiulll after
hlH death, forty yearn Inter, In atlll In the iiciukokhIoii of the family. It waa flattened by atrlkUiK the thluh hone. Ilia mu
Slw-prl«iinulhiirlieil tiy ('onitraiM. OoneemliiK Parpatnal MUgitnet.
iitU'iWiird Hiivwl tlu'in fniiii ilcath. Wh^n t!io pi i.-;;"n*VH wt-rc iilmiit to Miiil IVom C2»o-
Im^c a pnrty of liritmh otll(a>rfl ciunvi on bonnl tliu ctirtel, iiiuHtt>rt>(l tliu ciiptivcH, and
ooniiiK'nci'ii m'puratinn from t!io r«'Ht thoHo who, by tlicir accont, were found to be
IriHlinuMi. 'riu'Hc th(>y inti'iidod to Hcnd to Kiiil^IuikI for trial hh traitorH in a frii;:it(>
lyin^ nt'ar, in lu-tjordaimc with the doc^trinu that u liritiHli Hubji;t!t can not vx]>atriatc
liiiiiHolf.' Hcott, who waH Ik-Iow, ht-arin}^ u tumult on dock, wont up. Ho wan Hoon
infKrnu'd of tho oauno, and at onco ontorod a vohomont protimt against tho proty-throo hud already boon detected as IriHhnion, but
not aiiotliiT one l»ecame a victim. The twonty-thnu! Mjore taken on board the frij^ate
in iroiiH. Scott bohlly anHured them that if the liritiHh (rovernment dared to injure a
hair of their heads, hiH own fjovernment would fully avonpo the outraiije. He at the
Hamc time aH boKlly defied the menacing otticerH, and comforted the nnmaelod priHon-
crs in every poHHihIe way. Scott waH exchanged in January, 181.3, and at once Hcnt
a Cull report of thin atVair to the Secretary of War. lie liaHtoned to WaHhington in
iHTHon, and proHHod the Hubject upon the attention of CongroHH. A bill waH ititro-
iliici'd to voHt "the IVohidont of the United States with powers of retaliation."'* It
oriijinated in tlie Senate, and would have paHsed both houHos but for the conceded
tact that such powers were already fully contained i.'i the general constitutional
powers of tho President to conduct the war. Fortunately for the credit of common
humanity, the President never hud occasion to exercise tliat power to the extent of
lit'i'-takiiig, for the Hritish government wisely and prudently abstained from carrying
iiiit in practice, in the case of American prisoners, its cherished doctrine of perpetual
iillciliiiiico.'
priaoneni «rrlvP(l at Plymouth th«y wcro unnt to Mill prison for one diiy and nlg\it, and all tho food allowed thorn " for
the Iwenty-fonr hniirx worn three nmall inlt horrlnK", or nbnut tho nnmo weight of Halted codflnh, or hnlf n pound of
kef, one nnd a half puundH of black hrcnd, a little nail, etc." Un the Herond dny tlioy were pi.roled, and Heut Kvcnty-
tour miles from I'lymouth, at tho expense (if tho prisoners, where they were allowed scarcely sufllclent to drive starva
lion HW«y. It was testlHed that the prlwiners were kept In h half-starved state, It Iwlng "tho policy of Iho British
govfrniiient," accordinx to the moinorlul of ".lames Ome, Joseph I). Cook, Thomas Humphries, and others," as they
deraiily lielleved, " to select the sickly to he first sent In cartels, aud keep tho halo ond hordy scnmen until llioy become
ilckly, thus renderlu(f the whole of these Eallsnt sons of Neptune who escape death, when they return to their homes, at
Ifut for eomo tlnio, jierfectly useless to tliiMnselves, and quite so to their country, from their debilitated state."
Amcrlcsn priaonora wore actually hired out in the British service, as appears by the following advertlsomont in a
Jam»lc« paper!
" Port Royal, 2Bth Nov., 1R12.
"Masters of vessels about to proceed to England with convoy arc informed that they may be supplied with u limited
lumber of American seamen (prisontirB of war) to assist in uarigating their vessels, on the usual terms, by applying to
"Okorok Maduk, AgriU."
1 See paRO 8B.
'Only two months afler the passage of tho act, Scott himself, as commander in the capture of Port George, selected
friim Ills prisoners twenty-three, to be confined in the Interior of the country, to abide the fate of those sent to England
(romfiiu'hec.
' The Krliiiih government had a precedent not only In a notable case in its own history, bnt In tho action of a neigh-
Wng uiition. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Doctor Storey, a native of England, quitted his country and became u
iibject of Spain. He was received ot the English Court as embassador ft^om his adopted country. He was Indicted in
EDIiInnd for treason, when he pleaded his Spanish citizenship. It availed him nothing. His plea was overruled, a'ld
lie was condemned and executed. Colonel Townley, an Englishman born, became naturalized In France, but on being
niifd while boiirlng arms against England, was executed for treason. Tho French decree of Trianon declared that no
Ftdiclimnn could be naturalized abroad without the consent of thefmperor, and that such that may bo naturalized
abroad without his consent conid not bear arms against France. Tno American judiciary had also fttmished a pre-
rtdeut. Isaac Williams, an American, received a nontenant's c(mimisslon from the French government in 1792, and
icrvedin tho French navy. In I'Utt he was tried before Chief Justice Ellsworth for having accepted a privateer's com-
nlHion from the French Republic to commit acts of hostility against Great Britain, contrary to the laws of the ITnlted
Stales and of the late treaty with Great Britain. The Judge decided that tho prisoner was a citiron of the United States,
indlbnt the emigration of a clHzen implies no consent of the government that ho should expatriate himsolf.— See Por-
jtlis's HiMorij nfthf. Polilimt and Militarn Events of the Late ITor, page 2SS. A farther notice of thiK subject, and the
Tlews of the government of the United States, expressed by Secretary Monroe, will be found in another portion of thir
work.-Sec Index.
Tbi> dnal result of Scott's hnmanc and conrageons conduct in this matter was very gratifying to himself. Almost three
jeire after the event at Qnobec he was greeted by loud huzzas as he was passing a wHhrf on tho East River side of
Sew York Oily. It came from a gronp of Irishmen who had Just landed from an emigrant ship. They were twenty-
one of the twenty-three prisoners for whom ho had cared so tenderly. They had Just returned after a long confinement
in English prisons. They recognized their benefactor, and, says Scott's biographer, " nearly crushed him by their warm-
liearted embraces."— Mansfield's L4A! if -Sioott.
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410
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Re«l|;natloD of General Van Keneseluer.
Smyth his Saccesaor.
Bmyth'a pompoua ProclnniBtloni.
(Icneral Van Rensselaer wa^ disgusted with the joalcusies of some of tlie regular
officorB and the conduct of the militia. He was also convinced that tlie profi'ssion
of irnis was not the sphere in which he would be most useful. On the 24th of Octo-
ber he resigned the command of the troops on the Niagara frontier to General Smyth
and 800U afterward obtained from Governor Tompkins permission to leave the 8crv-
ice. ' Smytli's pride Avaa gratified, and it was soon displayed in a series of pompous
proclamations, which created both merriment and disgust. lie promised so lars^ely
and performed so little that he became the target for ridicule and satire by all p.ir-
ties. In his first proclamation, issued on the 10th Sif November, he displayed a lack
of common courtesy and good taste by offensive reflections upon Generals Hull and
Vjin Rensselaer.* " One array," he said, " has been disgracefully surrendered and
lofit. Another has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at the
strongest point of the enemy's lines with most incompetent means. The cause of
these miscarriages is apparent. The commanders were popular men, destitute alike
of theory and experience in the art of war," "In a few days," he continued, "the
troops under my command will plant the American standard in Canada. They arc
men accustomed to obedience, silcnc.e, and steadiness. They will conquer or they will
die. Will you stand with your arms folded and look on this interesting strusrglc?
Must I turn from you, and ask men of the Six Nations to support tlie gov-
ernment of the Unit<'d States ? Shall I imitate the oflicers of the British king, and
sufter our ungathered laurels to be tarnished by ruthless deeds ?^ Shame, where is
tny blush ? No. Where I command, the vanquished and the peaceful man, the child,
the maid, and the matron, shall be secure from wrong. The present is the hour for
renown. Have you not a wish for fame ? Would you not choose in future times to be
named as one of those who, imitating the heroes whom Montgomery led, have, in spite
of the seasons, visited the tomb of the chief, and conquered the country where he liesV"
> General Van RensBelner reached Albany on Saturday morning, the 31st of October, when he was honored by a pub-
lic reception. On thcSOtb the Common Oo""cil of Albany appointed three of their menibcrB, namcly.TeiinlB Von Vechlon,
Isaac Ilausen, and Peter Boyd, a commltice for the purpose. These on the same day Issued a little handbill, calling npoa
the people to meet at the public square the next morning at el he gave the poor animal another
severe stroke. So inveterate was the boy's cruel habit that he would not relinquish
it until I took the whip from him, and threatened to leave him by the road side.
Even then he would rise occasionally and kick the horse ; harmlessly, however, for
his toes were ambitiously getting aliead of his shoes.
We jogged on at a fair rate of speed, and met numerous " turn-outs" superior to
our own, of whicli we were not specially proud. Among them was a jaunty little
wagon and a span of black ponies, f^riven at full speed by the owner, the wife of a
New York city editor. Her establio. lent was tlie " observed of all observers," but
we Avere not jealous; indeed, all th'^ <■' \ji of the road and its frequenlers soon faded
when, at five o'clock, we reached the •; jw of Lewiston Heights and beheld the mag-
OP THE WAR OF 1812.
413
leytittoD HeightH, and the View from them. Villages of Lewtaton and Queeneton. The Snepension Bridge.
nificekit panorama before us. At the turn of the road, where it descends the Heights,
I alighted, and from the site of Fort Gruy,' now marked by slight mounds, I obtained
a view of land and water both grand and beautiful. On the left was seen Queenston
Heights, on which stands the new monument erected to the memory of General
Brock. At their base lay the village of Queenston. Farther westward a glimpse
of St. David^s was obtained ; and northwestward, as far as the eye could reach, the
level country was dotted with Avobds and well-cultivated farms. At our feet lay
the village of Lewiston ; and stretching away to the northeast was the vast plain,
much of it covered with the primeval forest. In the centre was the glittering line
of the blue Niagara River. Near its mouth tlie eye could discern the spires of Ni-
agara (old Newark), on the Canada side, and the village of Youngstown, with the
mass of old Fort Niagara beyond, on the American side. The whole horizon north-
ward was bounded by the dark line of Lake Ontario, over which , was brooding a
thunder-storm, flashing fire and bellowing angrily as it moved sullenly eastward.
Leaving this grand observatory with reluctance, we made our way down the sinu-
ous road to Lewiston, every where meeting, in the descent, geological evidences that
this bank was the shore of an ancient lake when the Falls of Niagara were doubtless
at this place, and that the plain on which the village stands was its bed. The ridge
is composed of sand and gravel, and the usual debris thrown up by a large body of
water in character essentially diiferent from the surrounding surface. The summit
of the Heights is here thirty-four feet above the level of Lake Erie."
We passed through Lewiston' (a village of about one thousand souls, very pleas-
ant'y situated) without halting^ and crossed the Niagara River to Queenston, over
the suspension bridge, a magnificent structure, with a roadway eight hundred and
fifty feet in length, twenty feet in width, and sixty feet above the water.* We were
atWadsworth's Tavern, in Queenston, and had engaged lodgings for the night before
six o'clock ; and we immediately rode from there up the Heights to Brock's Monu-
ment, near the summit. A short distance above the residence of David Thorbum,
Esq, (then the superintendent of the Six Nations of Indians in Canada), at the turn
of the road from the highway to the Falls, well up the acclivity, we passed a bury-
iiig-gronnd which marks the site of the redan battery.* Soon after passing this, we
came to the eastern entrance to the monument grounds (about forty acres in extent),
and the lodge of the keeper, George Playter, u loyal old man, whose kind courtesies
I remember witli pleasure. The gate is of wrought iron, highly ornamented, with
out-stone piers surmounted with the arms of Ihe liero. The lodge is also of cut stone.
From the entrance an easy carriage-way winds up the hill to an avenue one hundred
tcet wide, which terminates at the monument in a circle one hundred and eighty feet
in diameter.
' Sfe note 3, page 407.
1 Lalie Ontario Is 334 feet lower than Lake Erie. The current of the Niagara River that connect* them Is not very
rapid above Schlosser and below Lewiston, and the river makes nearly the whole of that descent In the space of nine
miles. It falls perpendicularly at the great cataracts, 164 feet on the Canada side of Qoat Island, and lUa feet on the
American side. It Is supposed that the river originally flowed over the face of the precipice at Lewiston. By the grad-
ml wearing away of the rocks tu the lapse of ages, the Falls have receded seven miles, becoming continually lower.
■The precipice over which the present Falls flow is composed of solid limestone, with shale above and below. The
wearinf; away of the shale above has formed the Rapids, and the disintegration of that below ha« left the limestone in
oterlianglng masses until they break off with their own weight."— French's (.'azettrer itfthe State nf A'eic York.
' Lewiaton v.'as so named in honor of Morgan Lewis, who was an ofiiccr in .lie Kevolution, and governor of the State
otXewYorkin 1904. i
' This bridge was destroyed by a gale of wind at the closr of 180.1. Fortunately no life was lost. The Lndcpart Jour-
Ml relates the following incident in connection with its det^i rnclion : " During the day upon which the Lewiston bridge
was carried off by the wind, a boy, whoso parents reside In Canada, but Is at work In Lewiston, went over to Canada on
iilioTt visit to his parents. Just before the bridge went down, the boy proposed starting for his place of business in
Uwfrton. His father accompanied him. As they reached the bridge It was swaying to and flro over the boiling waters
Iif Dencalh, The boy hesitated a moment, but, as this motion of the bridge was not unusual, he stepped npon It, his b-
ibef Ftlll with him, and proceeded to cross. They both went to about the middle, when the rapid and unusual motion
oftlie bridge greatly increased their fear. The father turned about, and the boy went on, both running at their fastest
^leed for the opposite shore. They bad Just time to reach the shore on each side before ilie structure was borne away.'t
'Seepage 398.
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Honnment on QueeDston Heights.
Tlie monument is built of the limestone
is placed upon a slightly-raised plat-
form within a dwarf-walled inclos-
ure, seventy-five feet square, with a
fosse around the interior. At each
angle of this inclosure is placed mass-
ive military trophies, wrought out of
the same stone as th.it of the monu-
ment, and about twenty feet in height.
The monument is built upon a foun-
dation of wrought stone forty feet
square and ten feet thick, resting
upon the solid rock of the mountain.
Upon this stands, in a grooved plinth,
a basement, thirty-eight feet square
and twenty-seven feet in height, un- ^^^
der which, in heavy stone sarcopha- ^
gi, are the remains of General Brock ?
and Lieutenant Colonel M'Donell. *
On the exterior angles of this base-
ment are placed well-carved lions
rampant, seven feet in height, sup-
porting shields with the armorial
bearings of the hero.
On the north
of the Heights, quarried near the spot. It
side of this basement is
an inscription in bold
letters,* and upon brass
plates in the interior of
the column are epitaph-
ic inscriptions. 2
Upon the basement is
the pedestal of the col-
umn, little more than
sixteen feet square, and
just thirty-eight feet in
height. Upon a panel
on each of three sides
of this pedestal is an
emblem in low relief,
and on the north side,
facing Queenston, is a
representation of a bat-
tle scene in high relief,
in which Brock is rep-
resented at the head of
his troops, wounded.
The column is of the
bbook'b moniihent oh qdkknbton ueioutb.
Roman composite order, ninety-five feet in height. Tlie shaft is fluted, and is ten
feet in diameter at its base, with an enriched plinth, on which are carved the heads
of lions and wreaths in bold relief. The flutes terminate in palms. The capital of
• The followlug Is a copy of the Inscription :
" UrpKR Canaiia has dedicated this monnment to the memory of the late Hajob Qrnerai. Sir Isaao Brook, K.B.,
Provincial Lieutenant Governor and Commander of the Forces in this Province, whose remains are deposited in Ihf
vault beneath. Opposing the invading enemy, he fell in action near these Heights on the 13th of October, 1S12, In the
forty-third year of his age. Revered and lamented by the people whom he governed, and deplored by the sovereign to
whose service his life had been devoted."
' On one plate is the following:
" In a vault underneath arc deposited the mortal remains of Major Oenkr m, Sir Isaac Brook, E.B., who fell in k-
tion near these Heights on 1.1th October, 1812, and was entombed on the 1' Mi of October at the bastion of Fort Oeorj:e,
Niagara, removed from thence, and reinterred under a monument to the ci i ward of this site, on the 13th October, IsM;
and, in consequence of that monnment having received Irreparable injury by a lawless act on the ITth of April, 1840, it
was found requisite to take down the former structure and erect this monnment ; the foundation-stone l)eing laid, ind
the remains again reinterred with due solemnity, on 13th October, 1863."
The other pi.\te has the following inscription :
"lu A vanlt beneath are deposited the mortal remains of Lieutenant Colonel Johm M'Dflinn.i,, P.A.D.C., and Ald.de-
camn to the lamented Major Orneral Sir Isaac Brook, K.B., who fell mortally wounded in the battle of QncenstnD,
on the 18th October, 181'^, and died on the foUowlog day. Hia remains were removed and reinterred with due eolcm'
nity, on 18th October, 18S8."
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
415
iiescripton of Brock's Monument. Ceremonies at tha laying of the Comer-ston'. Evening on Qaeentton Heights.
the column is sixteen feet square, and twelve feet six inches in height. On each face
■ sculptured a figure of Victory, ten feet six inches in height, with extended arms
grasping military shields as volutes. The acanthus and palm leaves are enwreathcd
in antique style. From the ground to the gallery at the top of the column is a spiral
staircase of cut stone, comprising two hundred and thirty-five steps, lighted by loop-
holes in the flutings of the column. On the abacus is a cippus upoi which stands a
statue of Brock, in military costume, seventeen feet in height, the left hand resting
on a sword, and the right arm extended with a baton.* This monumental column is
exceeded in height by only one of a similar character in the world. That is the one
erected by Sir Christopher Wren, in London, to commemorate the groat fire that des-
olated that city in 1666. It is only twelve feet higher than Brock's.^
It was sunset Avhen I completed the sketch of the monument, in which is included
a distant view of Lewiston Heights, seen on the right, and the village of Lewiston
and the plain beyond, seen on the left. Heavy clouds rolling up from the west, and
rumbling thunder in the distance, gave warning of an approaching storm. This
fact and the lateness of the hour prevented my ascending the shaft to obtain the
mawnificent panoramic view from its summit, from which, it is said, smsui villages
may be seen southward, the battle-ground of Lundy's Lane or Niagara, the Avhite spray
from the cataract, and the turmoil of the great wliirlpool, in addition to the vast
stretch of land and water seen at other parts of the compass.
We made our way down the Heights to the village just in time to avoid the storm
ffhich fell simultaneously with the darkness. It was severe, but short. The stars
were visible soon after it passed by, and I found my way to the house of Mr. Joseph
Winn, on the road to the suspension bridge. He was an old resident of Queenston,
and familiar with every locality there connected with the battle, although he was not
in the engagement. He kindly offered to be my guide in the morning. The night
was a tempestuous one, but the sky was cloudless at dawn. At an early hour I
visited the landing-place of the Americans near the suspension bridge, and made the
sketch printed on page 395. I then followed the high bank of the river some distance,
and made my way to the stone building in which the British took refuge after being
repulsed by Wool f but the sketch I then made was lost a few days afterward.
I This monument was designed by W. Thomas, Esq., of Toronto, and was erected under his superintendence. The
contractor was Mr. J. Worthlngton.
1 We have observed that a former monument to the memory of Brock was shattered by powder in 1840. The act
produced the greatest Indignation throughout Canada. A meeting was held on Queenston Heights in June following,
composed of about eight thousand people. One of the most active men on that occasion was the late Sir Allan M'Nab.
There was a military parade and salutes with artillery. In Toronto the day was observed as a solemn holiday. All the
public offices were closed, and business was generally suspended. Delegations and crowds of citizens flocked to Queens-
ton from Kingston, Toronto, Cobourg, and Hamilton. The lieutenant governor. Sir George Arthur, and his staff, were
liere. Sir George presided. Ho addressed the meeting. Chief Justice Robinson, Sir Allan M'Nab, and several oth-
ers, also made speeches. A number of Brock's surviving soldiers were also present. Resolutions were passed; and
(ben the public proceedings were ended, six hundred persons sat down to a dinner under a pavilion erected on the spot
where the hero fell, at which Chief Justice Robinson presided. The result of the affair was the formation of a building
committee for the erection of a new monument, of which Sir Allan M'Nab was chairman." The money for the purpose
m raised by the voluntary Bnbscriptlons of the militia and Indian VTirrlors of the province. A grant from the Pro-
racial Parliament enabled the committee to lay out the grounds, and erect the gate and keeper's lodge. The fonn-
ditlon-stoiio was laid on the 13th of October, 1853, and on the same day the remains of Brock and M'Donell were reln-
ttrrcd with Imposing ceremonies. The day was very fine. There were pall-bearers and chief monrners.t When the
remains were deposited in their last resting-place, the comer-stone wan laid by Lieutenant Colonel M'Donell, brother
otone of the dead heroes. The late Honorable William Hamilton Merrltt, M,P., delivered an address, in which he
spoke highly of the character and services of the Indians in the War of 1812. Mr. Thorbum, Indian agent, responded
in their behalf, and read an address ftom the chipfi present, which breathed sentiments of loyalty and affection for the
English qaeen. As a mark of respect, an Amc -team-boa': at Lewiston lowered its flag to half mast.
> ijee page 398.
' The foMowlng named gentlemen constituted that committee : Rlr Allan M'Nab, M. P. ; Chief Justice Sir John Brush
Sobinson ; Honorable Mr. Justice M 'Lean ; Honorable Walter H. Dickson, M. L. C. ; Honorable William Hamilton Mer-
rill, M. P. ; Honorable Thomas Clark Street, M. P. ; Colonel James Kcrby j Colonel John M'Dougal ; David Thorbnni,
&q.: Uentcnant Garrett ; Colonel Robert Hamilton ; and Captain H. Munro.
t The pall-bearers were Colonels E. W.Thompson, W. Thompson, Dnggan, Stanton, Kcrby, Crooks, Zimmerman,
Ciron, Thome, Servos, Clark, Wakeftcld, and Miller. Among the chief mourners were Colonel Donald M'Donell, the
dtpaly adjutant general for Canada East, Colonel Tach6, Lieutenant Colonel Irvine, the gorvlvors of 1812, and the cbieli
ol the Six Nations.
) '
1
I i^^ill
Pi I
i \§^
II
mmu
W fi'
416
PICTORIAL FIELir-BOOK
A Veteran of 181^.
The Chief of the Six Nations of Indiana.
The Place where Brock fell
From the river I went up the Heights to the site of the redan, and then to the point
where the Americans were crowded to the verge of the precipice. This was ac-
complished before breakfast.
When I came out of the dining-room at Wadsworth's, I found the venerable Major
Adam Brown in the little parlor. He was a native of Queenston. At the time of
the battle he was a lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of the Lincoln Mili'ia under Col-
onel Claus, then at Fort George, and w^j not in the engagement. He was in com-
mand of a hundred men at the battle of Niagara (Lundy's Lane), and was in active
service during a greater part of the war. While I was writing some memoranda of
his conversation in my note-book, he spoke to a person behind me whom I had not
noticed, and asked, " Were you the chief who was with the Lidians at the dedication
of the monument ?" " I was, sir," replied a pleasant voice. I turned and observed a
fine-looking, dark-complexioned, well-dressed man, whose features and expression re-
vealed traces of the Lulian race. We both arose at the same moment. I introduced
myself and inquired his name. He informed me that he was George Henry Martin
Johnson, a descendant, in the fourth generation, of Sir William Johnson, of the Mo-
hawk Valley, and now Tekarihogea, or commander-in-chief of the Six Nations nf In.
dians in Canada, his father having been the official successor of John Brant. To me
this meeting was interesting and fortunate. I intended to visit the settlements of
the Six Nations, on the Grand River, during this tour, but was doubtful concerning
the best route, and the most important place for obtaining desired information. K\\
was now plain, and, before we parted, arrangements were made for Mr. Johnson to
meet me at Brantford a few days later.
On the day of my arrival at Queenston, a committee, appointed for the purpose,
had decided upon the exact spot wliere
MONDHENT WUEBB BBOOK VELL.
Brock fell. I visited it in company with
Major Brown. A space sixty feet
square, within which was to be placed
a memorial-stone, had been staked out,
and in the centre, the very spot, as the
committee supposed, where the iicro
fell, was marked.' As early as 1821,
John Howison, in his Sketches of CpiKi
Canada, had said, " General Brock was
killed close to the road that leads
through Queenston village, and an iigcd
thorn-bush now marks the place wliere
he fell when the fatal ball entered his
vitals." The spot marked by the com-
mittee is about twenty rods west of
the " road that leads through Queens-
ton," and a little eastward of the "aged
thorn-bush," which had become a tree
twenty feet in height, with two large
stems, when I saw it. Near the site a
workman was fashioning the blocks
of freestone of which tlie monument
was to be composed, and from liim I
obtained a sketch of it. After making
> I was told that Bome old residents of the village declared that the place where Brock fell was weBtward of tht j
thom-trec, and at least twenty paces from the spot selected. James Cooper, a blacksmith, who was within six feet of '
Brock when he fell, said it was west of the thorn-tree : and Houry Stone, who lived in the atone house near the field,
declared that be saw the blood of Brock on rocks west of the tree.
le purpose,
spot where
ipany with
sixty feet
be placed
itaked out,
pot, as the
tlie hero
as 1821,
>s of rppa
Jroek Avas
lat leads
id an aged
ace where
!ntercd his
y the com-
•west of
;h Queens-
the " aged
ime a tree
two large
the site a
he blocks
monument
■om liiml
er making
^Tutward ot tk
liiln six feet o(
near tbe tleld, i
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
417
Jonraey from Qneeneton to Niagara.
Solomon Vrooman.
Appearance of the Conntrjr,
1 drawing of the spot, showing the old thorn-tree on the right, and the stately mon-
ument on the Heights in the distance, I introduced, in proper place and propor-
tions the sketch of the memorial-stone to mark the place which Howison said " may
be called classic ground." It is a small affair, being only about four feet in height.
The ground around it was to be inclosed in an iron railing. The Prince of Wales
(Albert Edward) was at that time* making a tour in Canada, receiving • Aumut,
tokens of loyalty every where. He visited Queenston very soon after I ^^•
was there, and laid the corner-stone of the little monument with imposing cere-
monies.'
I left Queenston for Niagara at about nine o'clock, afler riding to the point in the
northern part of the village where the " old fort," or barracks, were situated, near the
residence of Mr. E. Clements, of the Customs. We immediately passed a creek and
deep ravine, and soon came to the first brick house below Queenston, on the left of
tiic road, the residence of the venerable Solomon Vrooman, pleasantly situated, and
surrounded by evidences of the liighest and most thrifty cultivation. He was the
owner of the point on which the battery bearing his name was situated,^ and partici-
pated in the battle by assisting in manning the nine-pounder that was mounted there.
I called to see him, and spent half an hour with him most agreeably. He was a
slender man, seventy-six years of age. His native place was in the Mohawk Valley,
liut he had lived in Canada since the days of his young manhood. He Avent with me
to the spot where the battery was, and pointed out the very prominent mounds that
vet remain, near a bam, from which I made the sketch printed on page 391. He
told me that one hundred
and sixty shot were thrown
from that battery during
the day, wholly for the pur-
pnse of obstructing the passage of the river by the Americans.^ Its range of the old
tirry and the new crossing- place at the present suspension bridge was point-blank and
effectual. On one occasion during the aflernoon, some Americans, trying to escape
from Qneenston by swimming the river, Avere brought by the current Avithin rifle-shot
distance of the battery, when one of the men in his company raised his piece to fire.
Vrooman knocked up the piece, exclaiming indignantly, " Shame on you ! none but a
coward would fire upon men thus struggling for their lives !"
Tlie road from Vrooman's to Niagara was one of tlie most delightful that I had
ever traveled. Most of the way it skirted the high bank of the winding river, which
was covered with stately trees, through which continual glimpses of the American
shore could be obtained. Landward were seen broad fields, from which bountiful
liarvests were pouring into barns, or green waving Indian corn, or numerous orchards,
whose trees were so heavily laden with fruit that they drooped like weeping willows.
As we approached Niagara we passed through first an aromatic pine grove, and then
a narrow forest of oaks, beeches, maples, and evergreens, and emerged upon an open
plain, the property of the government, Avith the mounds of abandoned Fort George,
C^^Wtr.
CYU C/'^^'^^t^^^n/^Pi^^
I The Prince of Wales arrived at Qneenston on the ITth of September, and on the following day he laid the comer-
itone of the little monnment. Near the spot was erected a triumphal arch, 03 which. In large letters, were the words
■ticToiiiA— wEi.nosiE." The veterans of 1812, who were present, formed a guard of honor for the young prince. In the
bicksround were the St. Catharine's Riflemen \, :... a braes band. A silver trowel was presented to the prince with which
10 perform the ceremony. Upon It was engraved the followtug Inscription : "Presented to His Boyal Highness Aldket
Emjeh, Prince of Wales, by the Brock Monnment Committee, on Queenston Heights, 18th September, 1860." On one
slJeotthe monnment was placed the following inscription: "This stone was placed by his Royal Highness Ai.iiert
EmuBi), Prince of Wales, on the 18th of September, 1800." On the other side, "Near this spot Sir Isaac Brock, K.B.,
Prorisiomil Ucntenant Governor of Upper Canada, fell on the 13th of October, 1812, while advancing to repel the Inva-
mn otthe enemy." a gee Map on page 382.
'The battery was crescent-shaped. Engineer Gray, In his mannscrlpt report now before me, thus describes It : "It
Isbnill m dorlwffe (that Is, withunt embrasnree), and has a high breastwork to the river. On the north, a frame honse,
j tetaded for a bom ; on the west is a gun, mounted e»i ^nrhetlt (on the top of the breastwork), and flanked by the skele-
I ton ot a house. Within five rods of this runs the high wa v to Fort George."
f
418
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Visit to Fort Ocorge.
RemaluB of the French Magnzlne there.
Hoipltallty of Mr». Ut,
i ;.
im
:l 1
i ilti
ill I
a;' i '
1
11
on the bank of the river, breaking the monotony of the level far to the right. Tlnrc
were no fences to obBtruct the view or the travel on the jjlain. Cattle were fwdinn
on the bhort grass, and hero and there a footman or a horseman might be seen. \\\.
turned out of the beaten road to the
right, and drove across the plain to one
of the angles of the fort. Then' I left
horse and driver, clambered np tlie
steep grassy sides of the embankment,
and commenced a hasty exploration of
the interior of the fort. Tiie breast-
works in all directions were quite per-
fect, and the entire form of tiie t'urt
could be traced without ditticulty,
There were two or three houses within
I'BEBEHT 0DTL1NK8 OF FORT oKOEOB. thc works, and the parade and othir
portions were devoted to the cultivation of garden vegetables.
In the most southerly
part of the fort, about three
hundred yards from the riv-
er, is an old powder maga-
zine, built by the French
within a stockade. It was
occupied as a dAvelling by
the family of an English sol-
dier named Lee when I was
there in 1860. The higher
building seen in the picture
is the okl magazine. It was
covered with slate, and its
walls, four and a half feet
thick, were supported by
three buttresses on each side. The buildings on the left are more modem. Tlie in-
terior of the magazine is arclied, and the doors were originally covered with plate?
of copper fastened by copper nails.
Mrs. Lee was an intelligent woman, very communicative, and free in the dispensa-
tion of the hospitalities jf her humble abode. We were refreshed with cakes, liar
vest-apples, and cold spring-water. She filled a small basket with copper coins ami
other relics, and as I parted with her she wished me good luck in my journeyings.
I clambered over an irregular and steep bank northward of the old magazine, visit-
ed the site of the " cavalier battery" where Brock and M'Donell were buried, and
sketched the "new magazine," erected by the British in 1812, delineated on page 405,
It is of brick. Near it was a small house occupied by an Irish family, and the maga-
zine was used as a pig-sty.
From Fort George we rode to Niagara, half a mile below, halted long enough to
obtain refreshments for ourselves and the horse, and then rode out over the garrison
reservation, northeastward of the town, to Fort Mississaga,' a strong earth-work with
a castle, which was constructed by the British during the war of 1812, Cattle were
grazing upon the plain ; the waters of Lake Ontario, ruffled by a breeze, were spark-
ling in the distance, and the whole scene was one of quiet and repose. Such, indeed, is i
' Misaitmpa or MmmMuita Is the Indian name of a small black or dark brown rattlesnake, twelve or fourteen InchM i
in length, which nennlly iniiabits tamarack and cranberry swamps In Northwestern Ohio and Canada West. Tlile Is the '
name of nn Indian tribe ; also of a large stream in Canada West that empties into Take Huron. In the little riewot ,
Fort Hissiseaga given on the next page, Fort Niagara is seen on the right in the distance, and Lake Ontario on the vest J
i'BEMOU UAGAZINE AT FOBT OEOBQE.
Its- ■
dispensa-
:akes, liar-
coins auil
nrneyings.
zinc, visit-
uried, and
page 405.
the maga-
enougli to
le garrison
work witli
attle were
lere sparlc-
.indeed, is
lonrteen lactM \
\l. This i8 tie 1
J little view of
Hoonttiewest. ;
OF THE WAll OF 1812.
419
fortMlMl«9ag»'°'^'-
Retnrn to Niagara Falla.
Departure for the Orand Rirer.
DISTANT VIEW OF FOnT 1IIB8IBBA0A.
and jdt'asaiit town in
appcaiiince, with a
popuhition of about
twenty-live liundrcd,
seemed to be repos-
ing in almost perfect
rest. It was former-
ly called Newark, and
the present city oc-
cupies the site of the
little village vi ' ich
the Americans de-
stroyed in 1813. It
• im.
the impression on the
mind in Canada, as
compared with "the
States." The turmoil
and bustle that marks
;in American popula-
tion in large or small
immbers, was but
siifthtly manifested
there. I found appa-
rent stagnation in
Qucenston; and Ni-
agara, though a fine
was one of the oldest towns in the province, having been settled by Colonel Simcoc
when he was the lieutenant governor." It was a place of considerable trade
before the opening of the Welland Canal, about thirty years ago, and is now,
as then, the capital of the Niagara District.
We found the gate of Fort Mississaga wide open, and walked in without leave.
Not a human face was visible. I went
up to and around the ramparts, and,
taking a position over the entrance-
gate, from which I could sec most ot
the interior and Fort Niagara beyond,
I sketched the scene. In this view are
seen the barracks and the castte, with
Fort Niagara across the river in the
extreme distance. The castle is built
of brick. The walls are eight feet in
thickness, and covered with stucco.
While engaged with the sketch I was
startled by a voice near me. It was
that of the whole garrison, comprised
in the person of Patrick Burns, Avho
told me to make as many sketches as
I pleased, for the fort was uninhabited
except by his own family.
At an early hour we started on our
return to Niagara Falls. I attempted
to drive, but soon became discouraged
by the eccentric movements of the
horse, when the boy told me for the
1 first time that he was " as blind as a bat." But I have no reason to complain of the
I animal, for he carried us back in safety, and in time for dinner and for departure by
the evenmg train for the West. Having placed my luggage in charge of a proper
person at the suspension bridge station, I crossed that marvelous hanging viaduct on
' foot, along the carriage-road under the railway gallery, with my satchel in hand. As
I I left the bridge to ascend to the station on the Canada shore I was hailed by a
custom-house officer, of whose business I had not the least suspicion until informed
by him. Believing my assurance that the satchel contained nothing contraband, he
allowed me to pass, after I had expressed a wish, good-naturedly, that the United
[States might soon be annexed to Canada, so that revenue officers might be allowed
I to engage m some other employment.
On entering the cars on the Canada side I met Chief Johnson. We traveled to-
INTESIOB VIEW — FORT 1II88IB8AQA IN 1800.
i
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a
It
K
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m
1
1
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r
!»»
w
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p-i
m
mm
J
1::!:
420
PICTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
St. Catharine.
Ilamllton, Paris, and Brantford.
Chief Johnson and the Indian Hegervotioi
gcthcr as far as St. Catharine, eleven miles, where I intended to spend a day or two
and agreed upon the time when we should meet at lirantford. Tlie impressions made
by the time spent at St. Catharine, the persons I met at thnt famous gathering ofin-
valids around a mineral spring, a visit to the battle-ground of the Beaver Dams the
journey to Hamilton, and a ride to Stony Creek, a. place made famous in the annals
of the war we are now considering by a conflict and the oaptun of two American
genends, arc ^.Iways summoned by memory with great pleasure. Of these I siiall
hereafter write.
On Tuesday evening, the 20th of August, I arrived at Hamilton, at the head of
Lake Ontario, by the Great Western Railway, and spent the night at the " Koyal
Hotel." Early on the following morning I rode out to Stony Creek, seven miles and
returned in time to take the cars at meridian for Paris in company Avith a vounj
Quadroon chief of the Six Nations, named M'Murray, whoso mother, wife of the lUv.
erend Dr. M'Murray, of Niagara, was a half-breed Indian woman, and sister to tlie first
wife of H. R. Schoolcraft, Esq. He was one of the finest formed and most attractive
young men, in person and feature, I have ever met.
The road from Hamilton to Paris, nearly thirty miles, passes through a very pic-
turesque country. For five miles it skirts the northern high bank of the ffreat
marsli that extends from Burlington Bay to Dundas, and follows, a greater portion of
the way, a line parallel with Dundas Street, or the Governor's Koad. At Paris,' a
large town, situated partly on a high rolling plain, and partly in a deep valley on
Smith's Creek and the Grand River, I left the Great Western Railway, and took
passage for Brantford, seven miles southward, on the Buffalo aid Huron Road, wliieli
here intersects it. The country was hilly most of the way, but at Brantford it spreads
out intOka beautiful plain, or high gravelly ridge, overhanging an extensive and well-
cultivated region. The town derives its name from the great Mohawk^ chief, the In-
dians having a ford across the Grand River here, which they called " Brant's Ford,"
it being near Jus residence.^ The situation of the town, on the north or right bank
of the Grand River, is a healthful one. That river is navigable to within less than
three miles of the village. Tlie deficiency in that distance is supplied by a canal.
The population is about four thousand.
Early on the moniing after my arrival at Brantford I was met by Chief Johnson,
who had come up to the village the previous evening for the purpose We left ai
six o'clock for the Onondaga Station, about nine miles below, from wliicli we walked
to Mr. Johnson's house, half way between the villages of Onondaga and Tnscarora,
the former inhabited by Avhite people, and the latter wholly by the Indians. Onon-
daga is on the north side of the river, and Tuscarora on the south. We passed sev-
eral pure-blooded Indians on the way, some of them, who ••emain pagans, wearini:
portions of the ancient savage costume ; but most of them, men and women, were
dressed in the style of the white people around them.
' Paris was so named on acconnt of the gypsum, or " plaster of Paris," which abonnds there.
' The word Mohawk, In that language, signifies " flint and steel."
3 Those of the Six Nations who Joined the British during the Revolntlon were promised by the govcmorr nf Canadu,
Carleton and Ilaldlmand, that they shoald be well provided for at the close of the war. But in the treaty of iwnce in
17S3, no provision was made for the Indians. At that time the Mohawks, with Brant at their head, were temporarily
residing on the American side of the Niiignrn River, near its mouth. The Senecas offered them a home iu the GeneMe
Valley, but Brant and his followers had resolved not to live in the United States. He went to Quebec to cliiim frnm Gov-
ernor Haldimaud the llilfillment of his promise. He had fixed his eye upon a large tract of land on the Bay of Qiiinle.
But the Senecas did not wish them to go so far away, and they chose a large tract on the Grand River. This matter
l)eing settled. Brant went to England at the close of 17T5, and during the remainder of his life he devoted much of bij
time to the moral Improvement of his people.
The grant of land on the Onlse, or Grand River, which Brant, In the behalf of the Indians, procured in liS4, com-
prised an area of twelve hundred square miles, or, as Brant expressed it when asked how much wniild s.nllsfjr them,
"six miles each side of the river from Its mouth to Its source." The whole country thus granted was fertile and Iwiin-
tiful. Of jU that splendid domain, running up Into the country from Lake Krie toward Lake Huron to the Fallt of
Elora, the" Indians now retain only comparatively small tracts In the vicinity of Brantford. In 1S30 the Indians made
a surrender to the government of the town plot of Brantford, when It was surveyed and sold to actual settlers. It (oon
grew into a large and thriving village.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
421
Mi»ilon-hou»e on Urand Hlver.
C'uitnme of the Chief of the Hix Nalloni.
Indian Wea|>un«.
lll»UII>.\-UULIiK US tun UltA.>L' IIIVKU.
Oil oiir way we also passed the old mission-houBc, constructed of logs in 1827, for
,l,e residence of the Reverend
U()l)ert LusKt^r, the predecessor
of the i)ivHent missionary among
the Indians there. It is near the
left bank of the Grand Itiver ;
and from the road where the
sketdi was made is a tine view
of tiic beautiful valley through
wliii'h tliat stream winds its way
toward Lake Erie.
A walk of a mile and a half
liionfht us to " Chiefswodd," the residence of Mr. Johnson, situated on a gentle em-
inence, with heautiful grounds sloping to the banks of tlie Grand River, and sur-
roimded by his farm of two hundred acres of excellent land. It is a modest, square
mansion, two stories in height, built of
brick, and stuccoed. There I was cor-
dially welcomed by Mrs. Johnson, a
handsome and well-educated woman,
daughter of a clcrgymnn of the Church
of England, and the mother of three
fine-looking, healthy children. While
awaiting pre))arations for breakfast,
Mr. Johnson proceeded to his business
office, leaving me to amuse myself with
the curiosities which adorned the little
parlor. On a table were several rare
Indian relics, and the daguerreotypes
of some Indian chiefs. Among the lat-
ter Avas one of Mr. Johnson himself, in
the military costume of commander-in-
ehief of the Six Nations, as seen in the
engraving. In precisely this garb he
appeared, in compliment to my curi-
osity, when he came to invite me to
breakfast. The coat and breeches were
M'hite cloth, and the scarf and sash
were rich specimens of Indian work,
composed of cloth, ribbons, beads, and
OENAMENTAI. TOMAHAWK.
jwfcnpine quills. In one hand he holds a hand-
some curled-maple handled, silver-mounted pipe-
tomahawk,^ and in the other a most formidable
wtapon, composed of the shank of a deer, with the
bare shin-bone for a handle, dried in the angular
position seen in the small engraving on the foUow-
iiig page, and holding a thick glittering blade, which may be used either in giving deadly
' It will be observed, In the algnatnre of Mr. Johnnon, that a character In the form of a Z precedes the word " chlct"
Thli indicates an arm bent at the elbow, and aignlfles that the head chief Is the right arm of the nation.
'These ornamental tomahawks are not for practical nee. The handle, fourteen tnche« In length, contains a tube that
aswers the purpose of the stem of a pipe, and the head of the tomahawk is arranged as a pl|)e-bowl. In this specimen
ilie blade and handle are connected by a silver chain. The blade Is brass except the attiel edge.
i ^ :
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422
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Stiver C'lluniot.
Aoctent. Scalplng-knlfo sniS Iti Ulitorjr.
Number and Character of Ikf
blows or aH a Hcaljjiiisj-kiiife. Those, with a silver calumet, or i)ipo of j)cac(', Pomixisi.
a part of the regalia of the civil anil military heads of the Wi.v Nations. Tliosu arti-
■II.Vr.R OAI.UUKT.
nKRR-BnANK WEAPON.
cles had been long in possession of the nation.' On the tabic was also a dactnom-
otype of Oshawahnah, the lieutenant of Tecumtha at the battle of the Tiiaiiics, anl
who in 1801 was yet living on Walpole Island, in Lake St. Clair, off the coast of Midi
igan. Mr. Johnson kindly presented to me the likeness of himself and of tiiat vt'iu ra-
ble chief. That of the latter, with some facts concerning him, Avill be given licivaftor.
By the side of the fireplace hung an undressed deerskin sheath which uttiactil
my attention. I drew from it an ancient scalping-knife, half consumed by rust, ns
seen in the little picture. „ |,^ about to break i;rounil
Its history, as related to ^||BB|^^^IH|^^^^^^|iV for the foundation
me by Mr. Johnson, is ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ his house, two or tlim
curious. When he was anoiictt 6calpino-ki«i«. years previous to my
■ AnpuBt, visit," the venerable Wliitecoat, a centenarian chief then living at Tiisoa
is(HK j.Qj.jj^ Village, came to him, and, pointing to the huge stump of a tr iliat liad
bee- lied within the prescribed lines of the building, said, "Dig there, ;; ,1 you will
fir alping-knife that T buried seventy years ago. You know," he continued, "that
bt. ..le laws of the white man governed us, it was the duty of the nearest of kin
of a wounded man to avenge his death by shedding the blood of the murderer in iiivc
manner, and that the weapon so employed was never afterward used, but buried. I
thus took vengeance for my brother's blood, and at the foot of that tree I buried the
fatal knife. Dig, and you'll find it." Johnson did so, and found nothing but the rusty
blade, to which he has affixed a Avooden handle, made like the original. Whitccoat
was among the warriors who were in the battle at Queenston. More than twenty
of his companions on that occasion were living in the Grand River settlements in
1860. The whole number of the Six Nations, with the Chippewas, in those settle-
ments Avas about three thousand. Of these about five hundred Avere pagans. Tlie iat
ter arc chiefly Cayugas, Avho are usually of purer blood than the others, and conse-
quently retain more of the Indian feeling and dislike of the Christians — the j)er.souiti-
caticn of hated civilization.
> I saw and sketched tliese objects at the store of Mr. Allan Oleghom, in Brantford, whogfi great intcrci't in the wel-
fare of the Indians in that vicinity caused him to be elected to a chieftaincy among them, according to the old Indian
custom— a compliment equivalent to the presentation of the " freedom of a city" to meritorious men.
The silver cahtmet, or pipe of peace, rscd at councils and in making treaties, above dellucatcd, was nulte old. On Ho
broad, ornamented silver plate under the bowl and part of the stem was the following Inscription : "To the M The following are copies of the Inscriptions:
"This tomb Is erected to the memory of TiiATE-TDANEQiiA, or Capta(n Joseph Bbant, Principal Chief and 'Varrior
of the Six Nations Indians, by bis Fellow-Snbjects, admirers of bis fidelity and attachment to the British Crown. Boro
on the banks of the Ohio River, 1T12 ; died at Wellington Sijuare,' I'. C, 1807.
"It also contains tbe Keraains of his Son AnvouwAions, or Captain John Bbant, who sncceedeil his Father ag !■■
kaHhogea, and distinguished himself In the war of 1812-16. Born at the Mohawk VlUage, U. C, 1T94 ; died at tbe same
place,1833. Erected 18B0."
The tomb is surrounded by a heavy wooden fence.
' The following is a copy of the inscription :
" In memory of Geoboe Maetin, Mohawk Chief. Bom at Kanajobara, V. S., Dec. 23, 1T07 ; died at Grand River,
C. W., Feb. 18, 1803, aged S3 years."
Chief Johnson has in his possession n silver medal, preneuted to his grandfather more than seventy years agobr
George the Third. On one side is a prnflle of the king. On the other is a landscape. In the foreground ie a Hon in
repose, and a wolf approarhlng him with awe. in the distance is a representation of the Mohawk church on Grand
Biver and the mission-house near.
» This society was Incorporated by Parliament in ITOl. i:t Is the successor or contlnnaUon of an earlier one, in IMl,
nnder the title of The Conipanu for the Propagation of the Go»pel in Sew England and Partu Adjacent in America. It
was composed partly of members of ,he Church of Englaml and partly of Protestant Dissenters.
• Wellington Square is a pleasant little vllinge in Nelson Township, situated on Lake Ontario, eight miles fi-om Harall-
Inn, and now (1807) contains between four and live hundred inhabitants. There, north of the beach which divides Lake
Ontario ft-om Burlington Bay, Brnnt made his abode. In a handsome two-storied mansion, beautifully situated, lony be-
fore the present village had existence. Ther he .ived, in the English stjie, until his death. Ills widow (third wifel,
Catharine, wai 'jrty-cight years of age at the time of his death. She preferred the cus'oms of her people, and soou
after her hnsb, ..d's departure she left Lake Ontario and returned to Mohawk, on the G-.'id River. Her eon aod
daughter rcm'\luod at the " Braut ' ousc" on Lake Ontario, and ived in elegant style for several years,
HI
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OF THE AVAR OF 1812.
425
COMMUNION PLATE.
The Work of the "Inntitute." The Commnniou Plate oftbe Mohawk Church. A pleasaot Day with the 8ix Nations.
Nations for a century and a half. His faithfulness as a teacher of temporal and spir-
itual things merits and receives the highest commendations. He resided at the old
mission-house, near Tuscarora, delineated on page 241, until 1837, when he took up
his abode at Mohawk.
Unfortunately, our visit Avas at vacation time, and we were deprived of the coveted
pleasure of seeing a group of threescore Indian children under instruction. We
spent two hours very agreeably with the kind missionary and his family at the " In-
stitute" and the parsonage at the glebe. These have each two hundred acres of
fertile land, at the head of the Grand River, attached to them, and are separated by
tLe canal, which carries the navigation of the river up to Brantford. We crossed the
canal in a canoe, and at the parsonage, an old-fashioned dwelling near the old " Insti-
tute" building, with beautiful grounds
around it, we saAV many curious things
connected with the mission. Among
them was one half of the massive silver
communion plate presented by Queen
Anne to the Mohawks in 1 7 1 2. The other
half, a duplicate of this, was lent to a
church on the Bay of Quint6. Upon each
was engraved the royal arms of England
and "A. R." — Anne Regina — with the fol-
lowing inscription in double lines around
them : " the gift of iiek majesty anne,
IIEB
PLANTATIONS IN ij^OBTH AMERICA, QUEEN, TO HER INDIAN CHAPEL OF THE MOHAWKS."
In addition to the three pieces given in the picture was a plate, nine inches in di-
ameter, for receiving collections. Mr. Nelles also showed us a well-preserved folio
liible, which was printed in London in 1701, and was sent to the Mohawks with the
lomniunion plate. On the cover are the following words in gilt letters : " fob hep
majesty's OUURCII of the MOHAWKS, 1712."
We dined with the excellent missionaries, and then rode to Brantford, a mile and
a half distant, where, after a brief tarry. I bade adieu to Mr. .Tohnson and the Six
Nations, when I had only an hour in which to travel seven miles to Paris to take the
evening train for Hamilton or Toronto. I had procured a fleet and powerful horse,
and in a light wagon, with a small boy as driver, I traveled the excellent stone road,
or " pike," between the two places on that hot afternoon with the speed of the trot-
ting-course, yet with apparent ease to the splendid animal. I had four minutes to
spare at Paris.
That beautiful day, spent with the Six Nations and their military chief and spiritual
;;uide, will ever remain a precious treasure in the store-house of memory. I could
think of little else while on my journey that evening from Paris to Toronto. Of my
visit to that former capital of Upper Canada, known as York in the War of 1812, 1 shall
hereafter write.'
Let us return from oar digression from the strict path of history to the Niagara
frontier, which Ave so recently left, and consider the record of events there during the
remainder of 1812, after the battle at Queenston.
The Pritish had erected some batteries on the high banks, a little back of the
Niagara UiA-er, just beloAV Fort Erie, at a point where an invasion by the Americans
' The Indian mime was Darondo or Tarnnto, signifying " Trees on the Water." This was In allusion to the long, low,
Kindtpoiiit (now un Island), within which wns the Bay of Toronto. On that point were, and still arc, many trees. The
JifUioo is Bo great that from the shore at the city they socm to be on tlw, water. AVhen Colonel Simcoe became iien-
ifDKt governor oftbe TTppor Province he endeavored to An!;llcljc the settlors by making them familiar with Eugllsb
Mmei s.id things. With this object in view he gave English names to all places, and the Indian name of Taronto was
(hanged to Kurt, Id honor of the Dui.e of York. It was known for many years as Little York.
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426
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Black Rock and Porter's Residence.
Attack on the Works there.
Bombardment of Fort Niagara
might be reasonably expected. From these batteries they opened a severe fire on the
morning of the 1 7th of November upon Black Rock opposite, then a place of (jiiite as
much importance as Buffalo in some respects. There were the head-quarters of the
little army under General Smyth, and there was the fine residence of General Peter
B. Porter, who was then in command there of a body of New York miliria, and made
that dwelling his head-
quarters. There were some
slight fortifications near
Black Rock, but the heavi-
est cannon upon the breast-
work was a six -pounder,
All day long, at intervals,
the British kept up the fire
at one time hurling a •25-
pound shot against the
upper loft of Porter's resi-
dence, and soor aftcrwanl
dropping another ball, of
At length a bonib-
QEMERAL FUBTER's BESIDBHOE, IILAOK BOOK.'
the same weight, through the roof, while he was there at dmner.
shell was sent into the cast barrack with destructive power. It exploded the maga
zine, fired the buildings, and destroyed a portion of the valuable furs captured on
• October 9, board the Caledonia a fcAV days before." This exploit being one of the
^^^'^- chief objects of the cannonade and bombardment, both ceased at sunset,
Very little noise was heard along that frontier for a month afterward except the
sonorous cadences of General Smyth's proclamations. At length British cannon
opened their thunders.. E'-^ast works had been raised in front of Newark, ojjposite
Fort Niagara, at intervals all the way up to Fort George, and behind them mortars
and a long train of battery cannon had been placed. At six o'clock on the nicminu
of the 21st of November these commenced a fierce bombardment of Fort Niagara,
and at the same time a cannonade was opened from Fort George and its vicinitv.
From dawn until the evening twilight there was a continual roar from five detached
batteries on the Canada shore, two of them mounting twenty-four-pounders. From
these batteries two thousand red-hot shot were poured upon the American works,
while the mortars, from five and a half to ten and a half inches calibre, were shower-
ing bomb-shells all day long. The latter were almost harmless, but the former set fire
to several buildings within the fort, which, by the greatest exertions, were saved.
The garrison, meanwhile, performed their duty nobly. They were quite suflicient in
number, but lacked artillery and ammunition. The gallant Lieutenant Colonel George
M'Feely^ was the commander, .''iid Major Armistead,
of the United States Engineer Corps, performed the
most important ser\'ices at the guns and in extinguish-
ing the flames. Captain M'Keon commanded a 12-
pounde* in the southeast block-house ; Captain Jacks,
of the 7th Regiment of Militia Artillery, was in charge of the north block-house,
where he was greatly exposed to a raking fire of the enemy ; and Lieutenant lieesj_
of the 3d LTnited States Artillery, managed an eighteen-pounder in the southeast bat-
tery, which told heavily upon a British battery with a twenty-four-pounder en bar-
bette. He was soon badly wounded in the shoulder by the falling of a pfirt of tiio
parapet. On the west battery an eighteen and a four pounder were directed by Lien-
> This Is from a sketch made by the writer in the snmmer of 1860, fhrai a pier in the Niagara River. The honee i!
upon the high shore of the river. It was then owned by Mr. I^ewls P. Allen.
' M'Fcely was commissioned a mi\ior in March, 1S12, and in Jnly was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He beoai
colonel of infantry in April, 1814, and was disbanded In June, 181B,
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
427
Artillery Duel at Fort Niagara.
A heavy Force near Buffalo.
Order"" for Invading Canada at that Point.
tenant Wendal, and on the mess-house,* Doctor Hooper, of the New York Militia,
had charge of a six-pounder. South of Fort Niagara, and a dependency of it, was the
" Salt Battery," so called, mounting an eighteen and a four pounder. It was directly
in range of Fort George, and annoyed the garrison there exceedingly. It was com-
manded by Lieutenants Gansevoort and Harris, of the 1st Artillery. From these
several batteries on the American side many a destructive missile went on terrible
errands during the day. Newark was on fire several times before night, and the
buildings in Fort George were also fired, and one of its batteries was silenced."
During the day an American twelve-pounder burst and killed two men. Two others
were killed by the enemy's fire, and a lieutenant and four men were wounded. These
were the casualties of the day on the American side. What injury was done to the
British is not known. A shot from the Salt Battery sunk a sloop lying at the wharf
on the Canada side. Night ended the artillery duel, and it was not renewed in the
morning.
We have observed that General Smyth expressed his opinion to General Van Rens-
selaer, on his arrival on the frontier, that the proper place to cross the Niagara River
for the invasion of Canada was somewhere between Fort Erie and ChippcAva.^ A
few days after the bombardment of Fort Niagara, Smyth attempted to act upon that
opinion. His proclamation had stirred tlie people of Western New York, and large
numbers had flocked to his standard ; for his flaming sentences warmed their zeal,
and they believed that all his glowing hopes would be realized and his flattering
promises would be fulfilled. On the 27th of November, when Smyth called the troops
to a general rendezvous at Black Rock, they numbered about four thousand five hund-
red. They were composed of his own regulars, and the Baltimore Volunteers under
Colonel Winder, the Pennsylvania Volunteers under General Tannehill, and the New
York Volunteers under General Peter B. Porter. With these he felt competent to
invade Canada successfully.
As early as the 25th, General Smyth issued orders for " the whole army bo ready
to march at a moment's wanung." "The tents," he said, "will be left st;' g. Ofli-
cers will carry their knapsacks. The baggage will follow in convenient ti. ' Alter
giving directions for the embarkation of the troops in the boats provided by Colonel
Winder, ' whom that important service was intrusted, he gave the following direc-
tions for iiuiiig the troips in battle order on the Canada shore; "Beginning <>n the
vi'lit, iin fc)llow8: Captain Gibson's Artillery; the Sixth and Thirteenth Infantry;
tain To wson's Artillery ; the Fourteenth and Twenty-third Infantr; i« one regi-
(';i|i!ain Barkor'.s and Captain i ,. Ii's Artillery ; the T' clfth an Twentieth
Infaiiiry; Capt.iiti Archer's Artillery, General Tannchill's Inlantry; a company of
Riflemen; th '..I'antry of Colonel Swift and Colonel MC'lure; a comp.u \ of Rifle-
men; General Port i-'h Infantrj Captain Leonard's Aiiiilcry; a battalion of Rifle-
men on each flank, ui a line perptndi''ilar to that formi .i^ of the French to build any thing like a fort among them. The French
sncoecded by etratagem. They obta: inilsKion to erect a great wigwam, or dwelling, and then induced the In-
dians to go on a long hunt. When tl n'turnc)ark at the navy yard below
Black Rock at reveille on the morning of the 28th. Seventy public boats, capable of
carrying forty men each; five large private boats, in which one hundred men each
could be borne ; and ten scows for artillery, with many small boats, were pressed into
the service, so that three thousand trooj)8, the whole number to be employed in the
invasion, might cross at once. That evening Smyth issued his final order, dii-ecting
Lieutenant Colonel Boerstler to cross over at three o'clock in the morning with the
effective men of Colonel Winder's regiment, and destroy a bridge about five miles
below Fort Eric, capture the guard stationed there, kill or take tlie artillery horses
and, with the captives, if any, return to the American shore. Captain King was di-
rected to cross at the same time at the " Red House," higher up the river, to storm
the British batteries. It was loft to the discretion of Boerstler to march up the Can-
ada shore to assist King, or to return immediately after performing his allotted work
at the bridge. "It is not intended to keep possession," said the order. "Let the
wounded be kept from the public eye to-morrow. You [Colonel Winder] will remain
on this bank and give directions.'"
General Smyth had so long and loudly proclaimed his dc^i'is against Canada, and
had so fairly indicated his probable point of invasion, that the authorities on the other
side were prepared to meet him at any place between Fort Erie and Chippewa. Jla-
jor Ormsby, of the Forty-r.'nth, with a detachment of that and the Newfoundland
regiment, was at the fort. The ferry opposite Black Rock was occupied by two com-
panies of militia under Captain Bostwick. Two and a half miles from Fort Erie, at a
house on the Chippewa road, Avas Lieutenant Lamont, with a detachment of the Forty-
ninth, and Lieutenant King, of the Royal Engineers, with a three and six pounder,
and some militia urtillerymen. Near the same spot were two batteries, one mount-
ing an eighteen and the other a twenty-four pound cannon, also under Lamont. A
mile farther down was a post occupied by a detachment under Lieutenant Baitlev;
and on P^rcnchman's Creek, fou'r and a half miles from Fort Erie, was a party of sev-
enty under Lieutenant ^. a part of the Forty-first
M'Intyre. Lieutenant "T"^; Z^ ^? ' ^ J^ r-^ ^ Regulars, some militia
Colonel Cicil Bisshopp {^^^-^O ^-^^ ^^^'yif^ and militia artillery,
was at Chippewa with and near him was j\Iajor
Hatt with a small detachment of militia. The whole number of British troops, scat-
tered along a line of twenty miles, did not, according to the most reliable estimates,
exceed one thousand men.
Before the appointed hour on the morning of the 28th,'' the boats were
in readiness under the general superintendence of Lieutenant Angus, of
the navy, at the head of a ^ _ ter Watts, of Caledonia
corps of marines and sea- . -^^/i /V^ ^ fame,* and seveial other
men, assi.'ted by Lieuten- \^IX4^^ l/iyy ZXj i-^*// naval officers. It was a
ant Dudley, Sailing-mas- ' cold and dreary night.
At three in the morning" tlie advanced parties left the American shore
for their respective destinations. One, under Lieutenant Colonel Boerst-
ler, consisted of aoout two hundred men of Colonel Winder's regiment, in eleven
boats ; and the other, under Captain King, was composed of one hundred and fit\y
regular soldiers, and seventy sailors under Lieutenant Angus, in ten boats. King's
party were discovered upon the water a quarter of a mile from the shore, and were
"1. The ortillery will si)cnd some of their first shot on the enemy's artillery, ond then aim ot the Infantry, raking thfm
where it is practicable. 2. The firing of musketry by wings or companies will begin at the distance of two liuiidreil
yards, aiming at the middle and firing deliberately. 3. At twenty yards' distance the soldiers will be ordered to trail
irms, advance with shouts, fire at five paces' distance, and charge bayonets. 4. The soldiers will be «i7c»i/, above all
.hingfl, attentive at the word of cormand, load quick and well, and aim, («it>."
> Manuscript order of Ocueral Smyth to Colonel Wluder, November 2T, 1812 : Witider Papert. ' Sec page M
■> Novemb jr.
• November 29.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
429
Incidents of the Attempt to Invade Canada on the Upper Niagara.
80 warmly assailed by volleys of musketry and shot from a field-piece at the Red
House that six of the ten boats were compelled to return. The other four resolutely
landed in good order, in the face of the storm of bullets and grape-shot from flying
artillery ; and before King could form his troops on the shore, Angus and Ins seamen,
with characteristic impetuosity, rushed into the hottest fire and suffered considerably.
Kinc formed his corps as quickly as possible, and the enemy were soon dispersed.
He then proceeded to storm and take in quick succession two British batteries above
the landing-place, while Angus and his seamen ruslied upon the field-pieces at the
Red House, captured and spiked them, and cast them, with their caissons,^ into the
river. In this assault Sailing-master Watts was mortally wounded while leading on
the seamen.^ Angus and his party returned to the landing-place, with Lieutenant
Kin<', of the Royal Artillery, wounded and a prisoner. Supposing the other six boats
had landed (for it was too dark to see far along the shore), and that Captain King
and his party had been taken prisoners, Angus crossed to the American shore in the
four boats. This unfortunate mistake left King, with Captains Morgan and Sproull,
Lieutenant Houston, and Samuel Swartwout, of New. York, who had volunteered for
the service with the little party of regulars, without any means of crossing. King
waited a while for re-enforcements. None came, and he went to the landing-place for
the purpose of crossing, with a number of the British artillerists whom he had made
prisoners. To his dismay, he discovered the absence of all the boats. Ho pushed
down the river in the dark for about two miles, when he found two large ones. Into
these he placed all of his officers, the prisoners, and one lialf of his men. These had
not reached the American shore when King and the remainder of his troops were
taken prisoners by a superior force.
Hoerstler and his party, in the mean time, had been placed in much peril. The
tiring upon King had aroused the enemy all along the Canada shore, and they were
on the alert. Boerstler's boats became separated in the darkness. Seven of them
landed above the bridge, to be destroyed, while four others, that approached the des-
ignated landing-place, were driven off by a party of the enemy. Boerstler landed
lioldly alone, under fire from a foe of unknown numbers, and drove them to the bridge
lit the point of the bayonet. Orders were then given for the destruction of that struc-
ture, but, owing to the confusion at the time of landing, the axes had been left in the
boat. Tlie bridge was only partially destroyed, and one great object of this advance
party of the invading army was not accomplished. Boerstler was about to return to
liis boats and recross the river, because of theevident concentration of troops to that
point in overwhelming numbers, when he was compelled to form his lines for imme-
diate battle. Intolligence came from the commander of the boat-guard that they had
captured two British soldiers, who informed them that the whole garrison at Fort
Erie was appi-oaching, and that the advance guard was not five minutes distant.
This intelligence was correct. Darkness covered every thing, and Boerstler resorted
to stratagem when he heard the tramp of the approaching foe. He gave command-
ing orders in a loud voice, addressing his subordinates as field officers. The British
were deceived. They believed the Americans to be in much greater force than they
really were. A collision immediately ensued in the gloom. Boerstler ordered the
ilischarge of a single volley, and then a bayonet charge. The enemy broke and fled
in confusion, and Boerstler crossed the river without annoyance.^
' AcaiMoM is an anmnnttlon chest or wagon In which powder and bomb-shells are carried. ' See page asfl.
' Colonel Winder's manuscript report to General Smyth, December T, 1S1.2. Winder had attempted to re-enforce the
Iroopf -in the (Canada shore, but failed. On the return of Angus and his party, he was ordered to cross the river with
IKO hundred and fifty men. Within twenty minutes after the order was given, he and hU troops were battling wi'">
He current and the floating ice. Winder's boat was the iirst and only one that touched the Canada shore, the current
Wng carried the others below. The enemy, with strong force and o piece of artillery, disputed his landing. Resist-
.race wonld be vain, and Winder ordered a retreat, after losing six men killed and twenty-two wounded. On his return
lie formed his regiment at once, to join In the embarkation at dawn.
In the report above cited Colonel Winder paid the following compliment to Captain Totten, of the Engineers, who,
ill
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430
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
General Sinyth's Incompetence.
Ills foolish Swuf^gering.
Another Attempt to cross the Biver,
It was sunrise when the troops began to embark, and so tardy were the movoinonts
that it was late in the afternoon when all were ready. General Smyth did not make
his appearance during the day,' and all the movements were under the direction of his
subordinates. A number of boats had been left to strand upon the shore, and beoanip
liilcd with water, snow, and ice ; and as hour after hour passed by, dreariness and dij.
appointment weighed heavily upon the spirits of the shivering troops. Meanwhile the
enemy had collected in force on the opposite shore, and were watching every move-
ment. At length, when all seemed ready, and impatience had yielded to hope, an
order came from the commanding general " to disembark and dine /"^ The wearied
and worried troops were deeply exasperated by this order, and nothing but the most
positive assurances that the undertaking would be immediately resumed kept them
from open mutiny. The different regiments retired sullenly to their respective
quarters, and General Porter, with his dispirited New York Volunteers, marched in
disgust to Buffalo.
• November 28, Smyth now Called a council of officers.* They could not agree. The
^**^' best of them urged the necessity and expediency of crossing in force at
once, before the enemy could make formidable preparations for their reception. The
general decided otherwise, and doubt and despondency brooded over the camp tliat
night. The ensuing Sabbath dawn brought no relief Preparations for another em-
barkation were indeed in progress, while the enemy, too, was busy in opposing labor.
It was evident to every spectator of judgment that the invasion must be attempted
at another jjoint of the river, when, towai'd evening, to the astonishment of all, tlie
general issued an order, perfectly characteristic of the man, for the troops to be ready
at the navy yard, at eight o'clock the next moming,'' for embarkation.
" The general will be on board," he pompously proclaimed. " Neither
rain, snow, or frost will prevent the embarkation," he said. "The cavalry will scour
the fields from Black Rock to the bridge, and suffer no idle spectators. While cm-
barking, the music will play martial airs. Yankee Doodle will be the signal to get
under way. . . . The landing will be effected in despite of cannon. The whole army
has seen that cannon is to be little dreaded. . . . Hearts of War I to-morrow will
be memorable in the annals of the United States."^
" To-morrow" came, but not the promised achievement. All the officers disapproved
of the time and manner of the proposed embarkation, and expressed their opiiiiom-
freely. At General Porter's quarters a change was agreed upon. Porter proposed
deferring the embarkation until Tuesday morning, the Ist of December, an hour or
two before daylight, and to make the landing-place a little below the upper end of
Grand Island. Winder suggested the propriety of making a descent directly upon
Chippewa, " the key of the country." This Smyth consented to attempt, intending,
as he said, if successful, to march down through Queenston, and lay siege to Fort
George.* Orders were accordingly given for a general rendezvous at the navy yard
at three o'clock on Tuesday morning, and that the troops should be collected in the
woods near by on Monday, where they should build fires and await the signal for
gathering on the shore of the river. The hour arrived, but when day dawned only
fifteen hundred were embarked. Tannehill's Pennsylvania Brigade were not present.
Before their arrival rumors had reached the camp that they, too, like Van Rensselaer's
militia at Lewiston, had raised a constitutional question about being led out of tlieii'
state. Yet their scruples seem to have been overcome at this tinie, and they would
nt the time ofhis denth In 1804, was Chief Engineer of the Army of the United Statci: -'U U w'.'h great ,)lea8uro I ac-
knowledge the Intelligence and skill which Captain Totten, of the Engineers, haf. yielded to the works which are rais-
ing. To him shall we be indebted for what I believe will bo a respectable state of preparation In a short time."
' Thomson's HMorical SUtchen, etc., page 86.
' Oeneral Smyth's dispatch to General Dearborn, December 4, 1812.
' Autograph order. Winder Pnnorg, dated " Hcad-qnarters, Camp near BnfThlo, Nov. 29, 1812."
* Smyth's dispatch to Goucral Dearborn, December 4, 1612.
"V
ivovod
)iiiions
oposed
lour Ml'
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y upon
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vy yard
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ich are r«lE-
ne."
d
OP THE WAR OF 1812.
431
Rmvth's Coancll of Officers. The luvasion of Canada abandoned. Disappointment and Indignation of tlie Troops.
have invaded Canada cheerfully under other auspices. But distrust of their leader,
created l»y the events of the last forty-eight hours, had demoralized nearly the whole
army. They had made so much noise in the embarkation that the startled enemy
had soundecl his alarm bugle and discharged signal-guns from Fort Erie to Chippewa.
Tanneliill's Pennsylvanians had not appeared, and many other troops lingered upon
the siiorc, loth to embark. In this dilemma Smyth hastily called a council of the reg-
ular officers, utterly excluding those of the volunteers from the conference, and the
first intimation of the result of that council was an order from the commanding gen-
eral sent to General Porter, who was in a boat with the pilot, a fourth of a mile from
shore in the van of the impatient flotilla, directing the whole army to debark and re-
pair to their quarters.' This was accompanied by a declaration that the invasion of
Canada was abandoned at present, pleading, in bar of just censure, that his orders from
Ids superiors were not to attempt it with less than three thousand men.^ The reg-
ulars were ordered into winter quarters, and the volunteers were dismissed to their
homes.
This order for debarkation, and the fact that just previously a British major, bear-
ini» a flag of truce, had crossed the river and held an interview with General Srayth,
caused the most intense indignation, and the most fearful suspicions of his loyalty^
in the army, especially among the volunteers, whose ofticers he had insulted by neg-
lect. The troops, without order or restraint, discharged their muskets in all direc-
tions, and a scene of insubordination and utter confusion followed. At least a thou-
sand of the volunteers had come from their homes in response to his invitation, and
the promise that they should certainly be led into Canada by a victor. They had
imposed implicit confidence in his ability and the sincerity of his great Avords, and in
jiroportion to their faith and zeal were now their disappointment and resentment.
Unwilling to have their errand to the frontier fruitless of all but disgrace, the volun-
ti'crs earnestly requested permission to be led into Canada under General Porter,
])romising the commanding general the speedy capture of Fort Erie if he would fur-
nish them with four pieces of artillery. But Smyth evaded their request, and the
volunteers were sent home uttering imprecations against a man whom they consid-
tred a mere blusterer without courage, and a conceited deceiver without honor. They
tilt themselves betrayed, and the inhabitants in the vicinity sympathized with them.
Tiicir indignation was greatly increased by ill-timed and ungenerous charges made
liv Smyth, in his report to General Dearborn, against General Porter, in whom the
volunteers had the greatest confidence.* His person was for some time in danger,
lie was compelled to double the guards around his tent, and to move it from place
to place to avoid continual insults.* He was several times fired at when he ventured
out of his marquee. Porter openly attributed the abandonment of the invasion of
Canada to the cowardice of Smyth. A bitter quarrel ensued, and soon resulted in a
challenge by the gencral-in-chief for his second in command to test the courage of
both by a duel.® In direct violation of the Articles of War, these superior oflicers of
I Autograph etntement of Colonel Winder.
' General Smyth's report to General Dearborn, December 4, 1812.
' It Is proper to say, In justice to General Smyth, that there were no jnst grounds bcciiuse of that event for any sns-
picions of his loyalty. Colouel Winder had been to the British camp with a flag two days before, to make some ar-
tmgemcDt nboat an exchange of prisoners, and this visit of the British major was doubtless iu response.
< Generui Porter was a partner in busiucss with Mr. Barton, the army contractor for the Niagara frontier, and General
Smytli alluded to him in his report as " the contractor's agent." He charged him with " exciting some clamor" against
ihc measures of General Smyth, and said, " He flnds the contract a losing one at this time, and would wish to see the
arm; in Canada, that he might not be bound to supply It."
' 111! friend Colonel Parker, a Virginian, in an autograph letter before me, written to Colonel Winder on the second
of December, said : " Major Campbell will inform yon of the insult offered to the general last evening, and of the lutcr-
iiiption to our repose last night. God grant us a speedy relief from buch neighbors I"— Winder Vapera.
' There appeals to have been much quarreling among the officers on that frontier during the autumn of ISliS. Only
IhTeo months before, Porter and Colonel Solomon Van Hensselaer had such a bitter dispute that it resulted in n chal-
lenge from Porter, but they never reached the duellng-gronnd on Grand Island. General Stephen Van Rensselaer
ntched them closely after he heard of the challenge, and was prepared to arrest them both when they should attempt
to to lo the island.— Statement of Solomon Van Rensselaer, among the Van Rensselaer papers.
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432
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A barmleaa Dael between Porter and Smyth. A Bulemn Farce. Smyth dlHbauded. His Petition to Canmiit
the Army of the Centre, with friends d seconds,' and surgeons," put off in boats
from the sliore near Black Rock, in the presence of tlieir troops, at two o'clock in the
afternoon of the 12th of December, to meet eacii other in mortal combat on Grand
Island.^ They exchanged shots at twelve paces' distance. Nobody was hurt. An
exi)ected tragedy proved to be a solemn comedy. The affair took the usual ridicu-
lous course. The seconds reconciled the belligerents. General Porter acknowleclrcd
his conviction that General Smyth was " a man of courage," and General Smyth wns
convinced that General Porter was " above suspicion as a gentleman and an officer."'
Thus ended the melodrama of Smyth's invasion of Canada. The whole affair ivas
disgraceful and humiliating. " What wretched work Smyth and Porter liave made
of It," wrote General Wadsworth to General Van Rensselaer from his home at Gene-
seo, at the close of the year. " I wish those who are disposed to find so much fault
could know the state of the militia since the day you gave up the command. It
has been 'confusion worse confounded.'"* The day that saw Smyth's failure was
indeed " memorable in the annals of the United States," as well as in his own pri-
vate history. Confidence in his military ability was destroyed, and three months
afterward he was " disbanded," as the Army Register says ; in other words, he was
deposed without a trial, and excluded from the army." Yet he had many warm
friends who clung to him in his misfortunes, for he possessed many excellent social
qualities. He was a faithful representative of the constituency of a district of Vir-
ginia in the national Congress from 1817 to 1825, and again from 1827 until his death,
in April, 1830.
' Lieutenant Colonel Winder was Smyth's second, and Lieutenant Angns was Porter's.
» The finrgeon on that occasion we s Dr. Roberts, and the assistant surgeon was Dr. Parsons, afterward surgeon of
Perry's flag-ship Lawrence, in the battle on Lake Erie, and now [13071 a resident of Providence, Bhode Island,
3 "rhls is a large island, containing 20,000 acres, dividing the Niagara River into two channels. (See map on page 3S2,)
On this island the late Mordecai Manasseh Noah proposed to found a city of refuge for his co-religionists, the Jews, anit
memorialized the Legislature of the State of New York on the subject In 1820. The project failed because the chief
rabbi in Europe disapproved of it. Noah erected a commemorative monument there, but it and his scheme have passed
away.
* In a letter of Lieutenant Angus to Colonel Winder the next day, he said : " A meeting took place between General
Smyth and General Porter yesterday afternoon on Grand Island, In pursuance of previous arrangements. They met al
Dayton's tavern, and crossed the river with their friends and surgeons. Both gentlemen behaved with the utmost cool-
ness and unconcern. A shot was exchanged in as intrepid and Arm a manner as possible by each gentleman, but wUh-
out eflfect The hand of reconciliation was then oflcred and received,"— Autograph letter, WiMer I'apen. Jlu-
other account says that the party returned to Dayton's, where they supped and spent a convivial evening together.
* Autograph letter to General Van Rensselaer, December .10, 1812.
' General Smyth petitioned the House of Representatives to reinstate him in the army. That body referred the peti-
tion to the Secretary of War— the general's executioner I Of course, its prayer was not answered. In that petition h
asked for the privilege of " dying for his country." This phrase was a subject for much ridicnle. At a public celehrn-
tlon of Washington's birthday in 1814 at Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, the following sentiment was offered
at the table during the presentation of toasts : " General Smyth's petition to Congress to ' die for his country :' May It
be ordered that the prayer of said petition be panted,"
A wag wrote on a panel of one of the doors of the Hall of Representatives —
"All hail, great chief I who quailed before
A Dimho]>p on Niagara's shore ;
But looks on Death with dauntless eye,
And begs for leave to bleed and die.
Oh my 1
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
433
V llures of tbe Annlea. Acknowledged Naval Saperiorlty of Great Britain. Britlih Contempt for the American Navjr.
"k
CHAPTER XXI.
* ' By the trident of Neptune,' hrnve Hull cried, ' let's Rtecr ;
It polul» out the track of the bullylnj; Gturriere:
Should we meet her, brave boys, " Seamen's rights 1" be our cry ;
We flght to defend them, to live free or die.'
The famed ConntUution through the billows now flew,
While the spray to the tars was rcfrefihlug as dew,
To qnlcken the sense of the Insult they felt.
In the boast of tbe Ouerriere's not being the Helt."
Bono, "Constithtion and Guebbiebe."
"Ye brave Sons of Freedom, whose bosoms beat high
For yonr country with patriot pride and emotion.
Attend while 1 sing of a woni.tfrful Wagp,
And tbe Frolic she gallantly took on the ocean."
Olb Somo.
N preceding chapters we have considered the prominent events
of the war on land, and perceive in the record very little where-
of Americans should boast as military achievements. The war
liad been commenced without adequate preparations, and had
been carried on by inexperienced and incompetent men in the
Council and in the Field. Brilliant theories liad been promul-
gated and splendid expectations had been indulged, while Phi-
losophy and Experience spoke monitorily, but in vain. The vis-
ions of the theorists proved to be " dissolving views" — unsub-
stantial and deceptive — when tested by the standard of practical results. At the
close of the campaign in 1812, the Army of the Northwest, first under Hull and then
under Harrison, was occupying a defensive position among the snows of the wilder-
ness on the banks of the Maumee ; the Army of the Cetitre, first under Van Rensse-
laer and then under Smyth, had experienced a series of misfortunes and disappoint-
ments on the Niagara frontier, and was also resting on the' defensive ; Avhile the
Army of the North, under Bloomfield, whose head-quarters were at Plattsburg, had
made less efforts to accomplish great things, and had less to regret and more to boast
of than the others. Yet it, too, was standing on the defensive when the snows of
December fell.
Different was the aspect of affairs on the water. The hitherto neglected navy had
been aggressive and generally successftil. We have already observed the operations
of one branch of it, with feeble means, in the narrow waters of Lake Ontario, under
Cliauncey ;' let us now take a view of its exploits on the broad ocean, where Thom-
son iiad declared in song,
" Britannia rules the waves."
The naval superiority of England was every where acknowledged ; and the idea of
I the omnipotence of her power on the sea was so universal in the American mind, that
icrious expectations of success in a contest with her on that theatre were regarded
as absurd. The American newspapers — then, as now, the chief vehicles of popular
information — had always been filled with praises of England's naval puissance and
examples of her prowess ; while tlie British newspapers, reflecting the mind of tbe
riiHng classes of that empire, were filled with boastings of England's power, abuse of
all other people, and supercilious sneers at the navies of every other nation on the
' Sec page 8T1.
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484
nCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Number and Character of tht ASMfiean War Marine. Diatribntlon and Condition. American Merchantmen mrni
face of the earth. That of the United States, her rapidly growing rival in national
greatness and ever the object of her keenest jealousy, was made tlio s])ecial far-
get for the indecorous jeers of her imblic writers and speakers. The Conntitution
one of the finest vessels in the navy of the United States, and which was amonij the
first to humble the arrogance of British cruisers, Avas spoken of as "a bundle (it'iiiiK
boards, sailing under a bit of striped bunting ;" and it was asserted that " a few lnoad
sides from England's wooden walls would drive the paltry striped bunting from the
ocean.'" It was with erroneous opinions like these that the commander of the Alfri
•AuKOBtis, attacked the JUssex,'^ and, as we shall observe presently, was undeceived
i8i«- ty a conclusive argument. Yet, in spite of conscious inferiority of strength
in men and metal, the distrust of the nation, and the defiant contempt of the foe thf
little navy of the United States wont b Idly out upon the ocean to dispute with En-
gland's cruisers the supremacy of the sta.^
When war was declared, the public vessels of the United States, exclusive of ono
hundred and seventy gun-boats, numbered only twenty, with an aggregate armament
of litle more than five hundred guns. These were scattered. Four of them had
wintered at Newport, Rhode Island; four others in Hampton Roads, Virginia; two
were away on foreign service ; two were at Charleston, South Carolina ; two were at
New Orleans; one was on Lake Ontario; and five were laid up "in ordinary."' In
view of this evident inefficiency of the American navy to protect its commerce, then
was much alarm among the few merchants whose ships had gone abroad before the
laying of the embargo, which saved many hundreds of detained vessels from exposure
to capture or destruction, and thus furnished materials for the privateers that soon
swarmed upon the ocean. These merchants sent a swift-sailing pilot -boat to the
coasts of Northern Europe with the news of the declaration of war, and with diree-
tions for the American commercial marine in the harbors of Russia, Sweden, Denmark,
and Prussia, to remain there until the war should cease. By this timely movement
a greater part of the American shipping in those ports was saved from the perils of
British privateering. A sketch of that important branch of the American naval serv-
ice during the war will be presented in a group in another part of this work. It is
■ This was alladed to in the following atanzas of a song of the time :
" Too long onr tare have borne in peace
Witt British domineering;
But now they've sworn the trade should cease—
For vengeance they are steering.
First gallant Hull, he was the lad
Who sailed a tyrant-hunting,
And swaggering Dacrcs soon was glad
To strike to 'striped bunting.'"
• " While, therefore," says an English writer, " a feeling toward Americans bordering on contempt hn'l nnhappilv poi-
sesscd the mind of the British naval offlcer, rendering hira more than usually careless and opiniouative, the Americm
naval offlcer, having been taught to regard his new foe with a feeling of dread, sailed forth to meet him with the whole
of his energies aroused."— A'ncal Oemirrenees nf the Late War, etc., by William James.
' The following is a list of those vessels, their rated and actual armament, the names of the commanders oftboK
afloat, and the designation of those in " ordinary," or laid up for repairs or other purposes :
NHine.
Constitntion.. .
United States .
President
Chesapeake . .
New York
Constellation . .
Congress
Iloiton
KsHex ,
Adams ,
44
44
44
36
86
m
86
32
Motint-
ing.
Employed.
88
58
88
44
44
44
44
Capt. Hull.
Capt. Decatur.
Com. Rodgers.
Ordinary.
Ordlnaiy.
Ordinary.
Capt. Smith.
Ordinary,
(ispt. I'orter.
Ordinary.
Name.
iluliii Adams.
Wiigp
Hornet
Siren
Argus
Oneida
Vixen
Nautilus ....
Kntt'rprise . .
Viper
Rcited.
16
16
16
1(1
16
13
VI
\1
Mount.
ing.
18
18
Employed.
Capt. Ludlow.
Capt. .Tones.
< 'apt. Ijiwrence.
Meat. Carroll.
Crane.
Woolsey.
tiadeden.
Sinclair.
lilnkely.
Mainl)ridge.
There were fonr bomb-vessels in ordinary, named respectively Vengeanee, Spitfire, jKtna, and Vesuvitu. The juii-
boats were all numbered, from " 1" to " 170," and during the War of 1812 were distribnted as follows :
In New York, 64 : New Orieans, 26 ; Norfolk, 14 ; Charleston, S. C, 2 ; Wilmington, N, C, 2 ; St. Mary's, 11 ; Wathing-
ton, 10; Portland, 8; Boston, 2; Connecticnt and Rhode Island, 4; Philadelphia, 20; Baltimcre, 10. Of these otl;
flity-two were in commission. Eighty-six were in ordinary, and some were undergoing repairs. There had been at
Increase of Ave to the number, and some slight changes of position, when the war broke out.
indersofttiiw
,u(llow.
[(ines.
jiwrcnce.
(jarrolL
The cH'.!-
, 11 ; Wafhing-
lof these only
■re had been ai
OF THE WAR OP 18 12.
436
Commodore Rod)^n't Squndrun. Cruiao of the Prtnidmt. FIrat Shot on the Water. Chase of the lleltiUera.
proposed now to consider the events of the regular service only, excepting where
iit'ceHsity may C()mi)t'l an incidental allusion to the other.
At the time of the dfoiaration of war, Commodore Uodgcrs, with his flag-ship Pres-
ident 44; l!iisex,32, Captain Porter; and Jlornet, IH, Captain Lawrence, was in the
port of New York. The iJaaex was overhauling her rigging ; the others might be
ready for service at an hour's notice. On the 21st of June Uodgcrs received the news
of the declaration of war, and with it orders for sailing immediately, lie had drop-
ped down the bay that morning with the J*resi(lent and Hornet, and toward noon had
been joined by a small s(juadron under Commodore Decatur, whose broad ])ennon
floated from tlie United /States, 44. Her com})anion8 were the Congreaa, 38, Captain
Smith, and Argus, 10, Lieutenant Commandant St. Clair.
Rodacrs had received information that a large fleet of Jamaica-men had sailed for
England under a strong convoy, and he believed that they must then be sweeping
along the American coast in the current of the Gulf Stream. When his sailing orders
arrived he resolved to make a dash at that convoy, and within an hour after receiving
Ills dispatch from the Navy Department ho had weighed anchor. With the united
siiuadron he passed Sandy Hook that afternoon. In the evening he spoke an Ameri-
can merchantman that had seen the Jamaica fleet, and had been boarded by the Brit-
ish frigate Belvidera, 36. Kodgers crowded sail and commenced pursuit. Thirty-six
hours elapsed, and the enemy were yet invisible; but an English war-vessel was
espied on the northeastern horizon, and a general chase of the whole squadron com-
menced in that direction. The wind was fresh, and the enemy was standing before
it.i The fleet President outstripped her companions, and rapidly gained on the fu-
i.'itive. At four o'clock she was witlini gun-shot of the enemy, off Nantucket Shoals,
when the wind fell, and the heavier President — heavier, because she had just left
port— began to fall behind.
To cripple the stranger was now Rodgers's only hope of success. With his own
liand he pointed and discharged one of his forecastle chase-guns, the first hostile shot
i,f the war fired afloat.^ It went crashing through the stern-frame of the stranger
and into the gun-room with destructive effect, driving her peo])lc from the after part
iif the vessel. This was immediately followed by a shot from the first division below,
directed by Lieutenant Gamble, which struck and dan\aged one of the stranger's
stem-chasers. Rodgers fired again, and was followed immediately by Gamble, whose
i.'nu bursted, and killed and wounded sixteen men. It blew up the forecastle of the
Resident, and threw Rodgers several feet into the air. In his descent one of his legs
was broken. This accident caused a pause in the firing, when a shot from a stera-
iliascr of the stranger came plunging along the President's deck, killing a midship-
man and one or two men.
It was now twilight, and the British ship having her spars and rigging imperiled
ty the Presideni's fire, that vessel having yawed' for the purpose, began to lighten
by cutting away her anchors, staving and throwing overboard her boats, and starting
two tons of water. She gained headway ; and, as a last resort, the President fired
three broadsides, but with little effect. Unwilling to lighten his own ship, as it
would impair his ability for a cruise, Rodgers ordered the pursuit to be abandoned
at midnight.* The British vessel, it was afterward ascertained, was the tjn„e23
frigate Iklmdera, 31', Captain Richard Byron, that had boarded the Ameri- '^^^'^■
can merchantman J ist mentioned. Her commander displayed great skill in saving
liis vessel. She sailed for Halifax for repairs,* and gave the first information there
' The commander of the English vessel had not henrd of the declaration of war, and when he saw the squadron he
!tflO(i toward it. But when he saw them suddenly take iu their studding-sniis and haul np in chase of him, frequently
tftline the sails to profit by the lightness of the wind, he suspected hostility.
' The flrst on land was In the amphibious flght at Sackett's Harbor a month later. See page 308.
' To yixvs is to steer wild, or out of the Hue of the ship's course.
' The Mtiiera was badly injured in her hull, spars, and rigging. The President received a Dumber olf skots In her
iilli and rigging, but was not materially injured.
k iti
486
PICTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
CbM* of (lie Janmicn Mitrchaiit KImt.
Britlih 8qa«dr«n at Hsllhx.
Oaptnr* of the iVaMl,^
c/V/y~e^^*^^ and wounded by shot, ami
/^ Heverul others by Hplintits,
of the lutuiil t'xiMtenco of war, so ponitively communicated to her by the J^-esidant,
In tl)iH action tlic American ^— biii-Htinji; of the gun. Tlic
frigate had twenty-two men /^y^ /f^^, ^ /^ JielvUUtni h)8t Hcven killnl
killed and wounded, sixteen ^^
of whom were injured by the
Captain Uyron was wounth'd in the thigli by the hUtor,'
Itudgers now continued the chase atler the Jamaica-men. Cocoanut shells, oranpe
wkinH, and other evidences of his being in their track, were seen upon the wutci off
the Hanks of Newfoundland on the first of July. On the ninth the coinmaiider ot'ai,
English letj,er-()f-marque ca|)tured by the Hornet reported that he had seen the fleet
on the previous evening, wlien he counted eighty-five sail, convoyed by a two-deck
sliij), a frigate, a shM)p-of-\var, and a brig. This intelligence stimulated Kodgors to
greater exertions, and he continued the chase, ineftectually on account of fogs, mi
til the 13th, when he was within a day's sail of the chops of the Irish Chaimd. 'I'liin
he relinqui.shed pursuit, sailed southwardly, and passed within thirty miles of the IWk
of Lisbon, in sight of Madeira, the Western Islands, and the (Jrand Hanks of New-
foundland, without fulling in with a single vessel of war, and entered liostoii llmlior
after a cruise of seventy days. lie had captured seven English merchantmen, ne;i|i-
lured an American vessel from a Hritish cruiser, and brought in about one hinidred
and twenty prisoners. IMany of the seamen of the squadron were sick of the scurvv,
and several hail died.
The news carried into Halifax by the lielviilera created a )>rofound sensation there,
The commandant of that naval station, P.ear Admiral Sawyer, took measures imme-
diately to collect a squadron for the purpose of cruising in searcli of Uodgers's slii|i>
or any other American vcsscIh, Within a week, the African, 04, Caj)tain Hustanl ; tin
Shannon, .'18, C'aj)tain liroke; the Guerriere, 38, Cajdain Dacres ; the J}elvHkra,'ii.
Captain Byron; and the y?Jolm, H2, Captain Lord .James Townsend, were unitwl in
one squadron, under the command of Captain Broke, the senior officer, who niu.le the
Shannon his fiag-ship. This force appeared oft" New York er.rly in July, ana made
several captures, among them the United States brig Nautilus, 14, of Trij)olitan fame-
Lieutenant Commandant Crane. She liad arrived at New York just after Kodsei^
left, and went out immediately for tiu
purpose of cruising in the track of the
English West Indiamen. On the very
next day she fell in with the British
squadron, and, after a short and vigor-
ous chase, was compelled to strike lier
colors to the Shannon, and surrender one
hundred and six men. The NautiliiA was
the first vessel of war taken on either skk
in that contest. A prize crew was placed
in her, and she was made one of Broke's
squadron.^ She was .tfterward fitted
with sixteen 24-pound carrouadcs, and
commissioned as a cruiser.
The Constitution, 44,* Captain Isaac
TUK UUNBTITl'TION IM 1800.
' Roilcern's jonrnal nnd British ncconnt of tlie eneniiement, In Nilcs'a Weeltly Ecgieter, 111., 20 ; American account In
the Bmtm Centincl, by nn offlcer of the eqnndron ; Cooper's Xc.nal History, ii., 160. ' See page W.
3 In naval nnmeuclatare, a numt>er of vusgeU under one commander, lees than ten, are called a tquadran; muretlun
ten, a fleet.
* The Crmntilution was hullt at Hart's ship-yard, In Boston, where Constitution Wharf now is, at a cost or$i!OJ,"IS.
She was made very strong. Her fVame was of live-oak, nnd her pinnks were hent on without steam, as it was thonjrhl
that process softened and weakened the wood. She was lauueJied on the 21st of October, 1797 (see pajje 100), In thf
presence of a great gntherinp; of people. She dldiiot start upon a cruise until the following season, when she was w-
mnnded by Captain James Nicholson, who died in New York on Snnday, the 5d of September, 1804, In the slxty-iiiiilh
y
mu.le the
11 lid mailc
itan I'auu'.-
Koilgi'in
y ibr tlu'
iick of tlic
the very
I' British
and vigor-
strike lllT
•ender one
mtiluA \v;i>
either M:
was placi'l
of Br(ik('>
avd fittnl
lades, and
itain Isaac
can nccomit In
See page 1*.
|o»; more than
«t of$3(«,-15.
lit wns thonpM
h she was ctwi-
Ithe Riity-iiiii"'
OF TU£ WAU UF 1819.
HI
Onili* of the (*!««<«<*>»»■
She niMti • Brlttih 8qa*dron.
An ezclilng ChM* bvgnn.
Hull rcluniod from fon^ipn Hcrvipc at iibottt the time of the (Icclnnitioii of wnr, niul
wont into C'lu'Ha|ifiiki' Hiiy, wIuto hIk! Hhipjicd u now cn'w, tiiid on tlu; I'ith of .Inly
wiilt'd from Annii|»oli8 on a crniHo to the northwiird.' Hh« was out of nij^lit of land
on till' 17''>i fi. At iialf past six a 'oreeze sprang nj) from the southward, which brought
till' latter to the windward of the last discovered vessel. She was a Hritish frigate.
Hull ilclcnnined to hear down upon and speak to her; and, to he ready for any eniej"-
iieiioy, he heat to «|uarters, and prejiared his ship for action. The wind was very light,
and the two frigates slowly approached eacli other during the evening. At ten o'clock
till! Vomtitntion shortened .^ail and displayed a private signal. The lights were kejit
aloft for an hour without receiving an answer. At a ipiarter past eleven they wore
lotti'ii'd, and the (Constitution made sail again under a light breeze that prevailed all
niglit. .lust befo. .' dawn the stranger lacked, wore entirely round, threw up a nj"ket,
aiul fired two signal-guns.
In the gray of early morning three other vessels wore discovered on the starboard
(juarter of the Constitution, and three nu)re asteni, and at five o'clock a fourth was
-icen in the latter direction. The American cruiser had fallen in M'ith liroki's sipiad-
ron,and the vessel with which she had been manieuvring all night was the Ci'cn-iere,
;)8, Captain Dacros. The squadron was just otit of gun-shot distance from the CV-h-
ditiition, and the latter found herself in the perilous position ol' having two frigatcb
on licr Ice quarter, and a sMj) of the line, two frigates, a brig, and a schooner astern.
Till' brig was the caj)tured Nautilus.
Now commenced one of the most remarkable naval retreats and pursuits ever re-
cordi'd. The Constitution was not powerful enough to fight the overwhelming force
liosing around her, and Hull jiercived that her Siifety depended upon celerity in
tliiilit, There was almost a dead calm. Her sails fl.;'>i>"d lazily, and she floated al-
most independently of the helm on the slowly undidating bosom of the sea. In this
mr of hie aiic. Shawns bo Btnneli b etiip that tha name nt froMuien wnn piven her. 8ho nlwayn wns favored with
ficellent commnnderK .iiid performed gHlliint service. Sonic years njjo tlic Navy Ueparlment concluded to brenli her
lip and Bell her timbers, as she was thought to be a decided "Invalid." The order had gone forth, when the execution
iifll was arrested by the voice of public opinion, called forth by the magic wand of a ixiet— the jmmi of Dr. Oliver ^Veu-
ilcll Hulmes, who wrote and pnhlished the following stirrlug protest ugaliist muMug merchandise of hei- :
"Ay, tear her tattered ensign down !
Long has it waved on high.
And many an eye has danced to seo
That banne' in the sky.
licneath it rung the battie-shout,
And hurst the cannon's roar ;
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more.
Her deck, once red with heroes' blood—
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were humming o'er the flood,
And waves were white below —
No more shall fee', the victor's tread,
Or know the conquered knee :
The harpies of the shore shall pinck
The eagle of the ecu !
1 better thst her ihattored hnik
Should sink beneath the wave :
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should he her grave.
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every threadbare sail,
And give her to the Ood of Storms,
The lightning and the gale !"
'OM IrmKidef" was saved, repaired, and converted into a echool-shtp. Such it her vocation now [tfiCTl. She was
lyini; at Annapolis in that capaci';' when the Great Rebellion broke out in ISGl. Our little sketcli exhibits her under
Ml Mil, ns dhe appeared there in the autumn of ls«0. When the Naval Academy was temporarily removed from An-
napolis t.) Newport, Rhode Island, on account of the Rebellion, the C-^uHtittion took her place at the latter ^lntion.
ller latest commander li the war of 1812-'t8, Rear Admiral Charles Stewart, yet [I'^OT] survives, at the age of ninety-
one years. He is sometimes called Old Irmuridee. His achievements In the CmiMftuHon will bo noticed hereafter.
1 The following la a list of the ofticers of the Conatihition at that time : Captain, Isaac Hull ; Ueutenatitit, Charles Mor-
ti», Alexander 8. Wadsworth, Bcekman V. Hoffman, George C. Read, John T. Shubrick, Charles W. Morgan ; Sailiufi-
wfer.John C. Alwyn; Z.iet(((c they werd so confident of capturing her that a prise-crew were al-
ready appointed to conduct her in triumph to Halifax. To all their questions abont her, as she was seen speeding be-
fore thetn, CnptAlo Brown bad but one answer, namely, "Oeutlemen, you will never take that trigate."
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
439
Bod of tho Chme attor the Corutitution.
The Enaac sturta on a Cruise.
She captnres the Alert.
cood frigato unhanned. The pursuers and tlie pursued lost sight of each other for
a vliilc in the murky vapor. In less than an hour the squall hstd passed to leeward,
and the Constitution, sheeted home, her main and top-gallant sails set, was flying
away fi'oni the enemy at the rate of eleven knots. At twilight the pursuers were in
sight and at near midnight they fired two guns. Away went the (Jonstitutioii before
the wind, and at six in the morning the topsails of the British vessel were seen from
the American, beginning to dip below the horizon. At a quarter past eight the Eu-
irjishman relinquished the pursuit, and hauled off to the northward ; and a few days
iirterward the British fleet separated for the purpose of cruising in dift'erent directions.
Thus ended a chase of sixty-four hours, chiefly oft" the New England coast, remarkabh;
alike for its length, closeness, and activity. It was a theme for much newspaper com-
ment, and a poet of the day, singing of the exploits of the Constitution, referred to this
a8 follows :
" 'Kenth IIiiU's command, with a tough band,
And naught be»ido to back her,
Upon a day, as loj^-books say,
A fleet bore down to thwack her.
A fleet, you know. Is odds, or so,
A^ninst a single ship, sirs ;
So 'cross the tide her legs she tried,
And gave the rogues the slip, sirs."
A few days after Rodgers left New York, Captain Porter sailed from that harbor
in the Essex, 32, from the mast-head of which fluttered a flag bearing conspicuously
tlie words, " Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." lie captured several English mer-
chant vessels soon after leaving Sandy Ilook, making trophy bonfires of most of them
on the ocean, and their crews his prisoners. After cruising southward for some weeks
in disguise, capturing a prize now and then, he turned northward again, and met with
increased success. One night, by tlie dim light of a mist-veiled moon, he chased a
iieet of English transports bearing a thousand soldiers toward Halifax or the St. Law-
rence, convoyed by the frigate Mercury, 30, and a bomb vessel. They were sailing
wide, and he captured one of the transports, with one hundred and fifty men, before
dawn, witiiout attracting the attention of the rest of the fleet, for no guns were fired.
A few days after this," while sailing in the disguise of a merchantman, ■ August 13,
her gun-deck ports in, top-gallant masts housed, and sails trimmed in a ^'**'^-
slovenly manner, the Essex fell in with a sail to windward. Tiie stranger came bear-
ing down gallantly, when the Essex showed an American ensign, and kept away un-
der short sail, as if trying to avoid a contest. Tliis emboldened the English vessel.
She followed the Essex for some time, and finally running down on her weather quar-
ter, set her national colors, and, with three cheers from her people, oj)encd fire. She
was soon undeceived, and her temerity was severely punished. The ports of the
Essa. were knocked out in an instant, and the fire of the enemy was responded to
with terrible effect. The assailant was so damaged and disconcerted that the con-
flict was made short. It was a complete surprise. A panic seized her peoj)le, and,
in spite of the eftbrts of her officers, they ffed below for safety.' Scarcely eight min-
utes had elapsed from the firing of the first gun, when the stranger, which proved to
1)0 the British ship Alert, Captain T. L. P. Laugharnc, mounting twenty 18-pound car-
ronades and six smaller guns, struck her colors and was reported to be in a sinking
condition. When Lieutenant Finch, of the Essex, went on board to receive her flag,
lie found seven feet water in the hold. She was a stanch vessel, and had been built
for the coal trade. She was purchased for the British navy in 1804, and the comple-
ment of her crew was one hundred and thirty men and boys. She was every way in-
ferior to the Essex, whose armament was forty 32-pound carronades and six long
twelves, and her comjilement of men was three hundred and twenty-five. The cap-
turc of th e Alert possesses no special historical interest excepting from the fact that
> It Is said that some of them, after their exchange, were execated for deserting their gana.
f 1
■! J;
1
t
H
■
» !
1
W'
;4-
'■'1
i^'M:
AM
liiii
,i 1 .
'*ij
^^^^
li
1 .
440
PICTORIAL riELD-BOOK
A Cartel-ship scut into Newfoundlnnd.
Tlie K»«ex cliiuieH Britiali Vennclj
she was the first British national vessel capttcred in the war. The Alert liad three
men wounded, while the Essex sustahied no injury whatever.
The Essex was now crowded with prisoners, and Porter became conscious of the
fact that they had entered into a plot to rise and take the vessel from him. Tlic
leaks of the Alert being stopped, and all things put in fair seaworthy condition Por-
ter made an arrangement with Captain Laugharne' to convert her into a cartel ship,
When this was accomplished, the prisoners were placed on board of her, and slie was
sent h'.to St. John's, Newfoundland. On her return to the United States she was fit-
ted up for the government sei-vice.
The Essex continued her cruise to the southward, and on the thirtieth of Ani;ust
just at twilight, fell in with a British frigate hi latitude 36° N. and'longitudo 02° W.2
Porter prepared for action, and the two vessels stood for each other. Night fell, and
Porter, anxious for combat, ran up a light. It was answered at the distance of about
four miles. The Essex sought the stranger m that direction, but in vain, and when
the day dawned she had disappeared. Five days afterward Porter fell in witli "two
ships of war to the southward and a brig to the northward — the brig in chase of an
American merchant ship."^ The Essex pursued, when the brig attempted to pass
and join the otlier two vessels. The Essex headed her, turned her course northward,
and continued the chase until abreast the merchantman, when, the wind being light,
the brig escaped by the use of her sweeps.
When the Essex showed her colors to the merchantman, the two British vessels at
the southward discovered them, fired signal-guns, and gave chase. At four o'clock
in the afternoon they were in the wake of the Essex and rapidly gaining upon her,
when Porter hoisted the American colors, and fired a gun to the windward, cxpectinn
to escape by some manoeuvre in the approaching darkness. At sunset tlie larger of
the two vessels was witliin five miles, and rapidly shortening the distance between
lier and the Essex. Poi-ter determined to heave about after dark, and, if ho could
not pass his ])ur8uer, give her a broadside and lay her or board. The crew were in
fine spirits, and when this movement was proposed to them they gave three lioartv
cheers. Preparations for action were immediately made. The Essex hove round and
bore away to the southAvest, but the night being dark and squally. Porter saw no
more of the enemy. Supposing himself cut off from New York and Boston by a
British squadron, he made for the Delaware.*
Soon after Captain Porter reached the Delaware a circumstance occurred wliicli
created quite a sensation in the public mind for a few days. A week after the dec-
laration of war a writer in a New York paper charged Captain Porter with cruellv
treating an English seaman on board of the Essex who refused to tight against hi-
countrymen, pleading, among other reasons, that if caught he would be hung as a de-
serter from the British navy. This story reached Sir James Lucas Yeo, conunandcr
of the frigate Southampton, then on the West India station. By a prisoner in liis
hands, who was sent home on parole, he forwarded a message to Porter which ap-
' Thomiis Lamb Polden LaiiKliame entprert tiie Brilleh navy in 1788, at the age of twelve years. He was a most faith-
ftil and active officer, and advanced steadily to the poe, of commander, which he attained In 1811. He was appointed td
the command of the sloop Alert in Fcbrnary, 1812. His h-st appointment alioat was to the AcJiates, IS, in which hi
cruised lu the Chanml until November, ISIB. In 1828 he became inspecting commander in the coa8t-guard, was ad
vanced to post-caplain, when he retired from the service on half-pay. He is yet [18671 living.
' The reader who may consult a modern map while studying; this account should remember that at that time tho lon-
gitude was calculated from the meridian of Oreenwlcli, in England. In modern American maps it is calculated fiuDi
Washington City, the national capital.
' Manuscript letter of Captain Porter to the Secretary of the Navy, dated "At sea, September B, 1812."
♦ Porter's manuscript letter, September B, 1812. That letter is before me. It contains a rough sketch of the nautical
movement Just described. " Conslderiujf this escape a very extraordinary one," he wrote, "I have the honor to in-
close you a sketch of the position of the shipN at three different periods, by which you will perceive at once the plan
of effecting it." According to a letter from un officer of the Sliaiinon, that frigate was the larger of the two vessels that
chased the ii'dsea; on that occasion, and the other vessel, Instei'd of being a " ship of war," as Porter supposed, was thf
PUmlfr, a recaptured West Indiaman. In the light of this fact we perceive that Porter's escape was not very "extra-
ordinary." The American merchantman mentioned In the text was the AftiifrtJO, ftom Cadiz. She was burnt by the
English on the morning succeeding the chase.
OF THE WAll OF 1812.
441
yeo'8 Challenge and Porter's Acceptance. The Motto of the Kmex. The Constitution starts on another Crnlse.
peared in the following language on the 1 8tli
of September, 1812, in the Democratic Press,
printed in Philadelphia: "A passenger of the
hrig Lyon, i'rom Havana to New York, cap-
tured by the frigate iSotithampton, Sir James
Yeo commander, is requested by Sir James
Yeo to present his compliments to Captain
Porter, commander of the American frigate
Essex — would be glad to have a tete-d-tSte any
Avhere between the Capes of Delaware and the
Havana, where he would have the pleasure
to break his own sword over his damned head,
and put him down forward in irons,"
To this indecorous challenge Captain Porter
replied as follows on the same day : "Captain
Porter, of the United States frigate E;leB in the summer of 1812, she was captured by ttic Guerriere. Captain Orne was a pris-
oner on board of her at the time of the action, and was treated by Captain Dacres with the greatest courti'sy. Wlion
that commander's Interview with Read was concluded, he turned to Orne and said, "How have our siluulious beeo
changed ! You are now free, and I am a prisoner."
James Hl<'hard Dacres was a son of Vice Admiral J. R. Dacres, who was in command of the British schooner Carlitm,
on Lake Champlain, in the flght with .Arnold's flotilla In ]77(i. Young Dacres entered the royal navy in ITOli, on board
the Sceptre, M, ccmimanded by his father. His first service was against the French, In which he exhibited excolleut
qualities. He was promoted to the command of the sloop Elk In 1805, and the next year was transferred lo the Barehantf,
24, He was appointed to the eommami of the Guerriere in March, ISll. She then carried 48 guns, and was called "a
worn-out frigate." See O'Byrne's S'aval Binqrajihi. He was wounded In the action with the Conatitutiim. We was
unanimously acquitted by the court-martial at nalifax that tried him for surrendering bis ship. He commanded tlir
M ■:
iiiMii
ill
OF THE WAR OF 1813.
445
,0 luei't.
miiuulor
!rCS !l]l-
coiniili-
to know
ICaptiiiii
11 y aiHl
know ;
i-niast is
Inay m
lieu
saiil.
le assist-
liosc vmi
an
hour
m-
I a prii'-
When
latiohs beou
• Carkim,
, on lioiiril
I'll cxcplleiit
( Haeehmit,
|i8 called " a
1. lie waF
nandeil the
Bffect of the News of the Victory.
null'a Reception iu Bolton.
DMtrnctlon of the OuerHere .
The Constitution kept near her prize all night. At two in the morning a strange
jl yfj^s seen closing upon them, when she cleared for action, but an hour later the
intruiler stood off and disappeared. At dawn the otticor in charge of the Guerriere
liailed to say that she had four feet water in her hold and was in danger of sinking.
Hull immediately sent all his boats to bring off the prisoners and their effects.' That
duty was accomplished by noon, and at three o'clock the prize crew was recalled.
The Gnerriere WHS too much damaged to be saved; so she wan seu on tire, and fifteen
minutes afterward she blew up, scattering widely upon the subsiding billows all that
was left of the boastful cruiser that was " not the iittle Jielt."^
" leauc did so maul and rake her,
That the decks of Captain Dacre
Were iu Biicli a woful pickle
As if Death, with scytlie and sickle,
With his Hilug or with his shafl.
Had cut his harvest fore and nft.
Thus, in thirty minutes, ended
Miscliiefs that could not be mended;
Masts, and yards, and ship descended
All to David Jones's locker-
Such a ship, in such a pucker 1"— Old Sonq.
Tlie Constitution arrived at Boston on the 30th of August, and on that day Cap-
tain Hull wrote his official dispatch to the Secretary of War, dated " U. S. frigate
Constitution, off Boston Light." He was the first to announce to his countrymen
the intelligence of his own victory. That intelligence was received with the most
lively demonstrations of joy in every part of the repidilic, and dispelled for a mo-
ment the gloom occasioned by the recent disasters at Detroit in the surrender of
(ioiieral Hull. When the Constitution appeared in Boston Hai'bor, she was surround-
ed by a flotilla of gayly-decorated small boats, and the hundreds of people who filled
tlicni made the air tremble with their loud huzzas. At the wharf where he landed
\w was received Avith a national salute by an artillery company, which was returned
hv the Constitution. An imniense assemblage of citizens were there to greet him
ami escort him to quarters prepared for him in the city, and th^ whole town was
tilled with tumultuous joy. Tlie streets through which the triumphal procession
passed were decorated with flags and banners. From, almost every window ladies
waved their white handkerchiefs, and from the crowded side-pavements shout after
shout of the citizens greeted the hero. Men of all ranks hastened to pay homage to
the conqueror. A splendid public entertainment was given him and his officers by
the inhabitants of Boston, and almost six hundred citizens, of both political parties,
sat down to the banquet in token of their appreciation of the gallant commander's
Tihtr from 1814 to 1818. He continued in service afloat. In 1838 he attained flag rank, answering to onr commodore,
and Iu 1845 was appointed commander-in-chief at the Cape of Good Hope, his flag-ship being tlic I^esident, N). Vice
Admiral Dacres died in England, at an advanced age, on the 4th of December, 1S53. The preceding likeness of Captain
Dacre» (Vice Admiral of the Red) is from a prin. published in London in October, 1831.
1 "I feel it my duty to state that the conduct of Captain Hull and his oflicers to our men has been that of a brave
ciicmy, the greatest care being taken to prevent onr men losing the smallest trifle, and the greatest attention being
piud to the wonndcd."— Captain Dacres's Report to Vice Admiral Sawyer, September 7, 1S12.
i Three day? before the action between the Comtitution and Guerriere, the JohnAininit, Captain Fash, fVom Liverpool,
was spokeu by the English frigate. Upon Fash's register, which he deposited at the New York Custom-house, the fol-
lowinc lines were found written :
"Captain Dacrcs', cinnmander of his Rritannic majesty's frigate Guerriere, of 44 gnus, presents his complimentu to
lommudore Rodgers, of the United States frigate I^eaidcnt, and will be very happy to meet him, or any other American
friu'aleofcqnal force to the Premdmt, ofl" Sandy Hook, for the purpose of having a few minutes' tete-ij-t'te."
To this fact a poet of the day, an American gentleman then living at St. Bartholomew's, thus alluded :
"This Briton oft bad made bis boast
He'd with his tcw, a chosen host.
Pour fell de' truction round our coast,
An-l work a revolution ;
Urged by his pride, a challenge sent
Bold llodgers, in the Pregident,
Wishing to meet
Him fteir-t'te.
Or one his eqnal from our fleet —
Such was the Conxtitution."
m
■X i -
5;
1
ii
fiiili
446!
PICTORIAL FIELD-nOOK
Tribute! of Honor by CItizeuH and Public Bo,Iie8.
Congress presentg Hull with a Gold Medal
services.' The citizens of New York raised money for the purchase of swords to be
j)resei!ted to Captain Hull and his officers; and the Corporation offered the ijallani
•December 28, victor thc freedom of the city in a gold box," with an appropriate in.
^^^'^- scription.^ Hull was also recpiested by the same Corporation to sit for
his portrait, to be hung in the pict'ire-gallery cf the City Hall.^ In l*liihvdeli)liia tlic
citizens, at a general meeting, resolved to present to Captain Hull "a piece ofpliit,,
of the most elegant workmanship, with appropriate emblems, devices, and insciii,.
tions," and that " a like piece of plate be presented to Lieutenant Morris, in the nanu.
' A stirring ode was sung at tlie table. It was written for the occasion by the late L. M. Sargent, Esq., then an emi-
nent and highly estecme jfcitiiicii of Boston. The victory of Hull, so complete, and obtained over a foe so nearly eqnal
ill streugtli, gave promise of futnre successes on the ocean, and Inspired the most doubtiug heart with hope. Tliie liope
was expressed iu the following closing stanza of Mr. Sargent's ode :
" Hence be our floating bulwarks
Those oaks our niountalus yield ;
'Tis mighty Heaven's plain decree-
Then take the watery field I
^ To ocean's farthest barriers, then.
Tour whitening sails shall pour;
Safe they'll ride o'er the tide
While Columbia's thunders roar ;
While her cannon's fire is flashing fast,
And her Yankee thunders roar."
» This Is a merely complimentary act, by which a person, for gallant or useful services. Is honored with the nominal
right to all the priviieger and immunities of a citizen by the government of a city. When Andrew Hamilton, of Plilla-
deli)liia, nobly defended thc liberty of the press, and procured the acquittal of John Peter Zcnger, o'NewYork printer,
who was accused of libel by thc governor In 1735, the Corporation of New York presented that able lawyer the freedom
of thc city in a gold box for his noble advocacy of popular rights. When Washington Irving returned to New Yurk,
after twenty years' absence in Europe, the freedom of the city was given to him as a compliment for his distinctlou as
an American author when snccessftil ones were rare.
Thc ceremony of presentation to Captain Hull took place In the Common Council Chamber of the City Hall. A com-
mittee, consisting of Aldermen Fish and Mesier, and General Morton, introduced Hull to the Common Council, when
He Witt Clinton, the mayor, arose and addressed him. He then presented him with the diploma, elegantly executed in
vellum,* and a richly-emDossed gold box, with a representation of the batt'c between the ConatiUUion and Guerrim
paintecl In enamel. Hull responded In a few low and modest words, after ■which the mayor administered to him Ihe
freeman's oath.
' In that gallery hang thc portraits of the successive governors of the State of New York. On that account it is known
as the Governors' Room.
* On one side of thiii medal, represented of the exact size of the original In the above engraving, is seen thc likenew
of Captain Hull in profile, w'th the legend isaocb hci.i. pkbitos arte superat jrn.. mkoooxii. amo. oeuta.mine fortw.
This legend (and date) seems to refer to thc skill of Hull in escaping fVom the British fleet the previous month, for it
asserts that his stratagem overmatched the experienced English. On thc reverse of the medal is seen a naval ciii;Bge-
ment. In which the Guerriere Is represented as receiving the deadly shots that cut away her mizzen-mast. The le(;encl
Is uon/K MOMENTo vioTonrA, and the exergue intkh oonbt. nav. ameb et oiier. ^Av. anqi,. — the abbreviation of word»
Indicating action " between the American ship Constitution and the English ship Ouerriere."
' The form of words In which this Instrument Is expressed will be found in aiiother part of this work, where an ac-
connt Is given of a similar honor conferred on General Jacob Brown.
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
447
Eiitlmate8 ot Its Importance.
Kcmurki of the Uiudun Titna.
nil. Awm-
)iincil, when
executed in
1(1 Gntrrim
to him Ihi'
tit la known
the likciiw
IINR KOBTKH.
nonlh, tor it
ivnl cni;agi'-
The lojicnil
lonofwordi
Effect of the Victory on the Brl tl»h.
tribiitcd as prize-money amonj» the officers and crew of the victor, whose example
was " liighly honorable to the American character and instructive to our rising
It is difficult to comprohond at this time the feehng which tliis victory of thi
Amoricans created on botii sides of the Atlantic. The Hritish, as we have observdl.
looked with contcmj)t upon the American navy, while the vVmericans looked upon thai
of England with dread. The naval flag of England had seldnin been lowered to an
enemy during the lapse of a century, and the people had come to believe her" woodei
walls" to be iinpregnablc. Djicres himself, though less a boaster than most of his
coiintrynien in command, had similar faith. He believed that an easy victory awaited
him Avhenevcr he should l)e so fortunate as to meet any American vessel ii conflict;
,111(1 he constantly e.Kpressed a desire to show how quickly he would make the "striped
Imntiii"'" trail in his presence. Very great, then, was the disaiipointment of the com-
mamler of the Guerriere, the service, and the British people, when Hull's victory was
sct'omplished. The Americans, on the other hand, as we have observed, had little
lonfidcnce in the power of their navy, and a( that time they were cast down by the
heavy blow to their hopes in the misfortunes of the Army of the Northwest at
Detroit. This victory, therefore, so unex])ected and so complete, was like the sudden
hiirstiiiij forth of the morning sun, without |)receding twilight, after a night of tem-
l)oat, and the joy of the whole people Avas unbounded. It was natural for them to
indulije in many extravagances, yet these were only the mere demonstrative evidences
iif a new-boni faith that had taken hold of the American mind. This victory was,
therefore, of immense importance, inasmuch as it gave the Amoricans confidence, and
(liiipelled the idea of the absolute omnipotence of the liritish navy. Its momentous
hearing upon the future of the war was at once perceived by statesmen and publicists
on both sides, and zealous discussions at once arose concerning the relative strength,
and force, and armament of the two vessels, and the comparative merits of the two
commanders as exhibited in their conduct before sind during the action.
There was a tendency on the part of the Americans to overestimate the importance
(if the victory and the powers of their seamen, and there was an equal tendency of
the organs of British opinion to underestimate it, and to detract from the merits of
the conqueror by disparaging the strength and condition of the Guerriere. The very
writers who had spoken of the Constitution as "a bundle of pine-boards" now called
hir one of the stanchest vessels afloat ; and the G^ieiriere, which they liad praised
US a frigate worthy of the exhibition of British valor when she was captured from
llie French, and able to drive " the insolent striped bunting from the seas," was now
spoken of as "an old worn-out frigate," with damaged n.asts, a reduced complement,
and "in absolute need of thorough refit," for which "she Avas then on her way to Hal-
ifax," Yet the London Timcs,ihGn, as now, the leading journal in England, and then,
,is now, the bitter enemy of the United States, and implacable foe of every supposed
rival or competitor of England, was compelled, in deep mortification, to view the
affiiir as a severe blow struck at Britain's boasted supremacy of the seas. "We have
been accused of sentiments unworthy of Englishmen," it said, "because we described
what we saw .and felt on the occasion of the capture of the Guerriere. We witnessed
the gloom which that event cast over high and hononible minds ; we participated in
the vexation and regret ; and it is the first time we have ever heard that the strikim/
of the Enylishflag on the high seas to any thing like an equal force should be regard-
ed hy Englishmen with complacency and satisfaction It is not merely that an
English frigate has been taken, afler, what we are free to confess, may be called a
brave resistance, but that it has been taken by a new ei^emy, an enemy unaccustomed
to mch triumphs, a,nd likely to be rendered insolent and confident by them. He must
?hcre an w-
' Besolutions of the Honso of Repreeentativea, November 5, 1S12.
JLUMM
'■i ,
448
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Hurprlw and Chtgrln uftbe British.
The Iwo VeDHelii compared.
Coinmoduro Hull's Ueneroittt.
be a woak politician who doos not wv liow iiiij)oitaiit tlic firnt triumph in in t;iviii(» a
toni' anli(nil(l give him better information. All night the Waxp kept a course j)arallcl with
tliat of the stranger vessels. At dawn she gave chase, and it was soon discovered
;|i,if the strangers were a flci't of armed merchant vessels under the protection of
the liiitish sloop-of-war Prolic, mounting sixteen thirty-two-pound carronadcs, two
lull' six-pounders, and two twelve-pound carronadcs on her forecastle. She was
iiianncfl with a crew of one hundred and eight persons, nnder Cai)tain Thomas
Wliiiiyates,^ who had been her commander for more than five years. She was con-
1 Jarob Jones was born lu the year 177(1, near the village of Smjriia, Kent Connty, Delaware. His father was a farm-
er, and ihe maiden game of his mother was likewise Jones. Ho received a good academic cdncatlon, and at the age
oteit'btecn years commenced the study of medicine and snrgery. He began the practice of his profc-'ishm at Dover, In
hi! native state, but did not jjiirsue it loni;. He fonnd the fleUl well occni)icd, and, being active and ambitions, resolved
M abandon his profession for one more hierative. He received the appointment of clerltof the Sni)rcme Conrt for Kent
lonnly. Of this business he became wearied, and entered the service of his coniitry as n midshipman in the year 170!>.
He made his first cruise nnder Commodore Harry, and was on board the frigate United Stntfs when she bore Ellsworth
»n4 Uavlc to France as envoys extraordinary of the V'nited Slates to the government of that country. He was promot-
tii 10 lieutenant lu February, 18(11. When the war with Tripoli broke out he sailed lu the Phi'adelphia under Baln-
Ijrldi'P. and after the disaster that befell that vessel ho was twenty months a ca))tlve among the scml-barbarlans of
Sottlicni Africa. He was commissioned master commandant In April, 1810, and was appointed to the command of the
infArpu, wlilcli was stationed for the pi 'ectlon of our commerce on our southiM-n maritime frontier. In ISIl he wa^
Im^fcrrcd to the command of the Waup, ml lu the spring of 1811i was dispatched with communications from the United
S;jif« Bovernnieut to its embassadors In France and England. While on that duty war between the United States and
liffst Britain was declared by the former. Soon after his return, he went on the crnlse which resulted lu his capture
ifihc fVo/if, and the recapture of his own and the prize vessel by a H itlsh frigate. In March, 1813, he was promoted
iitipialn, and ever after^vard bore the title of Commodore. After thi^ peace he was employed alternately at home and
(.Broad; and, finally. In his declining years, he retired to his farm In his native state, where he enjoye',iind obtained his first commissiun In Sep-
I lembcr. lliW. He was promoted to the rank of
coffloiandcr In May, 18(X5, and, after having com-
mnd of Ihe Immb Zebra almost two years, he
I »»! promoted to the command of the f'lolie In
■'(-
mm
'tmill
1 ^^ 1 ^^
J,
11
11
450
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PIgbl botwiwn the Wcup and the VroHt.
TbaiV«N«lMMrded.
Terrible Hcenei on brt Ii„i
voyiiig six merclmHtmen from IIoiulurHS. Four of these vesseU were largi', mnj
nudiiiti'd from Hixtet'ii t-Hails Wd,.
close-reeted, and she was otherwise V)rought tnuU-r short fighting canvas. The /'/Wi,
also carried very little sail, and in this condition they conunenccd a severe eiiL'!ii>(.
ment at half j)aMt ten o'clock in the morning. The Waap ranged close up on the Mar
board side of the Frolic, afli-r receiving a broadside from her at the distance (il'tilu
or sixty yards, and then instantly delivered her own broadside, when the fire ofih.
Englishman became so accelerated that the Frolic appeared to fire tliree guns tn
the Wa8p''a two. The bree,;e had increased, and the sea was rollitig lu-avily.
Within five minutes after the action commenced the main-tojj-mast of tlio U'k*,,
was shot away. It fell, with the main-top-sail yard, and lodged across the hulHiuril
and fore and forc-top-sail Iwaces, rendering the head yards unmanageabh; durini; iL.
icmaindcr of the actio-.. In the course of three minutes more her gaff and iiiaiiHiii,.
gallant-mast was shot away, and fell heavily to the deck; and at the end of twiiitv
minutes from the opening of the engagement, every brace and most of the ritrginj
was disabled. She was in a forlorn condition indeed, and had few promises of vk-
tory.
But, while tlio Wasp was receiving these serious damages in her rigging and tn|,,,
the Frolic was more seriously injured in her hull. The latter generally tired wlmi
on the crest of the wave, wliile the former fired from the trough of the sea, and seni
lier missiles thiough the hull of her antagonist with destructive force. The twovtv
sels gradually approached each other until tlie bends of the Wasp rubbed attaiii>i
the Frolic's bows ; and, in loading for the last broadside, the rammers of the Wmp*
gunners were shoved against the sides of the Frolic."^ Finally, the condiatants ran
foul of each other, the bowsprit of tlie Frolic passing in over tlie quarter-deck dl'tln
Wusp^ and forcing her bows up into the wind. This enabled the latter to throw in
a close raking broadside that produced dreadful havoc.
Thi^ crew oi i\wWasp was now in a state of the highest excitement, and could ni
longPi' be restrained. With wild shouts they leaped into the tangled rigging liefon
Caj)tain Jones could throw in another broadside, as he intended before boardinj; lii>
enemy, and made their way to the decks of the Frolic, with Lieutenants Uiddle anl
Rodgers, who, with Lieutenants Booth, Claxton,^ and liapp, had exhibited the iiio>t
undaunted courage throughout the action.* But there was no one to oppose thm
The last broadside had carried death ajid dismay into the Frolic, and almost cleaMJ
her decks of active men. Tlie wounded, dying, and dead were strewn in every di-
March, ISOT. He was commigeioned a post-captain in Angnst, 1S18, and In 1S40 was placed on the Hat of retired rrn
admirals.
1 The Frt'lic had left the Bay of Ilondnras with abont fonrteen sail nnder convoy. W..cn off Ilavaiin her comimi I-
or flret heard of the declaration of war. The British vei, who had once been impressed into the Bri;-
Ish service, and was hot with the Are of retaliation. Jumped on a gun with his cutlass, and was springing ou board Ibt
Prolie, when Captain Jones, Mrishing to give the enemy another broadside, called him down. But his Impclniwll.v orr-
c?me his sense of obedience, and in a niomont he leaped upon the bowsprit of the frolic. The crew were all alive m'^ j
excitement. Seeing this. Lieutenant Blddle mounted the hammock-cloth to board. The crew canght the eigiinl,iiil
followed with the greatest enthusiasm. Lang wu.s from New Brunswick, New Jersey.
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
451
Both VeiMli captured by the PoiMtri.
Ckptaln Jonci upplkuded.
»orrenderofthe*Vof the frigate Macedonian., which had lately been captured from the Brii
ish ard taken into the service.^
' Under Uip pictore were the i'dHowIuj! Hnea :
" A Waup took n Fmlic, rttifl mot Johnny Bnll,
Who nhvnys fm'iits beet when his bellv is ftiH.
Tim Watij) thouglit him hungry by his month open wUi to All, put b etlng in his Bide."
= The following are the namcf of the oticers of the IFus/jat the time of thcJI.m : .Tneob Jone?, (ymmander ; Onrc
VV, Ro(l«prp, .lan-.ogHiddlp, RoninmlnBo ith, Alotnnder i laxlon, and Henry B. Happ, /.,i>t(feii(i»ita,- WlinaniKiii!|iil,.' i
iiuj-m^ti>r; Thomas Ilarri", Hunjmn; Geoiifc S.Wise /"tiriirt . Jolin MTloiid, liuatxim-ln; (ieoryf Uackson, tfiiHiw
(icorg. \an Oleve, A. 8. Ton Eyck, Richard Brf shear, John Holcorab, William J. M'Uluuey. t', J. Baker, and Cliar!.
tiaunt, Midthipmen. , Waltor W. New, tiurmmt'i Mate.
The engraving Ib a reprebcr.tation of the mcdalt tvW gize. t)ii 'we «1dc Is a bn»t of Captatu Jone«. Lepread-iAfion'
■ro.NEs, viBTCB IN ABDtiA Ti;M>iT. Od the m^tttt ut Boflu two 8*«pR closuly engaged, the bowsprit of the ICiiiip bclwec;
m^Mm^^^mm
OF THE WAR OP 1812.
453
Lloutenaut BiddV b. jiored ami rewarded.
Lieutenant Biddleskared
ill the liDiior^ The Lttrinla-
iiireot PemiHylvuiua ■«■ 'ted
liim tliankK ani a »w<»rd,
and a number at' leading
men ii' PJuiladelphia pre-
sented him with % silver
urn, l^aring am jfpMfriafer
im-nptiiin, and a repi^
mentation •>*' the actk« be-
•ween tlie Witup aHi»i the
'■'ofe' He was shortly
.imwaid promoted to the
TIIK IlIIU'I.i; \ ItN.
rank of iiiaHtcr command-
ant, and received com-
mand of the Ifornet sloop-
of-war. Poetry wreathed
coronals for the brows of
all ti.e braves of that fight,
and in the Portfolio for
Jannary, 1813, a rather
doleful ])ocm appeared in
commemoration of the gal-
lantry of Biddlo, of which
the follow ng is a speci-
men:
" Nor shall thy merit?, Riddle, pnss untold.
When covered with the cannon's (liiminH hronth,
Onward he preKM'd, iincominerably hold ;
He feared di»honor, but he spurned nt death."
• i^- (ifthefVolfe Men on the bow of the H'a^pln the act ofbonrdinjt thnfrofc Themain-top-mn«t of the ITa/iji
-ior iway. Lcfteiid— viotoriam nosrr .majori ori.rbriuk eapcit. Exergue— rNTEn wabi>. nav. amkri. kt moLio nav.
AWi iiiK XVIII cot. Moceuxii.
■ This iiru and the silver medal presented to Lieutenant Blddle for his share in the capture of the Frnlie are in pos-
>os»ioii of Lieutenant Jamc'a 8. Riddle, of Philadelphia. Also the cold medal afterward presented to the hers in ac-
kmralertzment of his services in capt'irlng the J'eiigmn. The follo.ving is the inscription on tlie urn :
"To Lieutcuant .James Riddle. Tlniled State.s Navy, from the early friends and companions of his youth, who, while
ilicir couutry rewards hie public tervices, present this testimonial of their esteem for ills private worth. Philadelphia,
1S13."
?
W9mm»
454
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Second Crulee of the Premdent,
She chases n strange War-vessel.
A severe Baltic.
CHAPTER XXn.
"The chiefs who onr ft-eedom snstatned on the land,
Fame's far-spreadlug voice has eternized In story ;
By the roar of our cannon now called to the strand,
She beholds on the ocean their rivals iu glory.
Her sons there she owns,
And her clarion's bold tones
Tell of Kull and Rccntur, of Balnbridge and Jones ;
For the lars of Colnnibla are lords of the wave.
And have sworn that old Ocean's their throne or their grave."
HE victor J' won by thn Wasp was followed, precisely a week
later,* by another more important. Commodore Kodg- . October 25
ers sailed in tlie President from Boston on a second '''''-
cruise, after refitting, accompanied by the United States, 44, Cap-
tain Decatur, and Argus, 16, Lieutenant Commanding Sinclair,
leaving the Hornet in port. The President parted company with
her companions on the 12th of October, and on the 17tli fell in
with and captured the British packet Swallow, The United State
and Argots, meanwhile, had also parted company with each other,
and the former had sailed to the southward and eastward, liopiiii;
to intercept British West Indiamen. Decatur was soon gratified by better fortune
„ „ . , in the estimation of a soldier. At dawn on Sunday morning, the 25tli,'
October. # '
when in latitude 29° and west longitude 29° 30 , not far from the island of
Madeira, the watch at the main-top discover-jd a sail to windward. There was ,'i
stiff breeze and a heavy sea on at the time. It was poon discovered that the stranger
was an English ship-of-war, und"r a heavy press of sail. Decatur resolved to over-
take and engage her, and for hat purpose he spread all his canvas. The United Stata
was a good sailer, and she I'apidly reduced the distance between herself and the fugi-
tive she was pursuing. The enthusiasm of her officers and men was unbounded; and
as the gallant ship drew nearer and neaier to the enemy, shouts went up from the
decks of the United States loud enough to be heard by the British before the Ameri-
can vessel was near enough to bring her guns to bear.
At about nine in the morning Decatur had so nearly overtaken liis prospective an-
tagonist that he opened a broadside upon her. The balls fell short. The Unitm}
States was soon much nearer, when she opened another broadside with effect. This
was responded to in kind. Both vessels Avcre now on the sanv lack, and continued
the action with a heavy and steady cannonade with the long guns of both, the dis-
tance between them being so great that carronades and muskets Avere of no avail for
some time. Almo.st every shot of the United States fell fearfully on the enemy, whe
finally perceived that safety from utter destruction might only be found in closer
quarters. When the contest had lasted about half an hour, the stranger, with hniti-
lated spare and riddled sails, bore up gallantly for close action. The United Statdi
readily accepted the challenge, and very soon afterward her shot, sent by the direc-
tion of splendid gunnery, cue the enemy's mizzen-mast so that It fell overboard. Not
long afterward the main yard of the foe was seen hanging in two pieces, her main
and fore top-masts were gone, her fore-mast was tottering, no colors were seen float
ing over her end half to my nu)ther, and the other half shall send me to school." The commander was so pleui-id with the
riiht epiiit of the boy that he took him under liis protection, procured a midshipman's berth for him, and supcrintend-
ilhiseducntiou.- Putnam's Life lif ikcatur, jiage 198.
• Congress decreed that In the dist' ibullpn of prize-moi.ey arising ft-om capture by national vessels, one half should
po to the United States, and the other half, divided into twenty equal par'-, should be ilstrlbuted in the following man-
lier: to captains, 3 parts; to the sea lieutenants and saiiing-m.istcrs, i parts; to the marine offlcers, surgeons, pursers,
boatsttaiiiB. gunners, carpenters, master's mates, and cliaplains, 2 parts; to midshipmen, surgeon's mates, captain's
rlalNBfliool-niaster, boatswain's mates, gunner's mates, carpenter's mates, steward, sall-i i 'k .', master at arm?, arm-
1 -, and coxswains, 3 parts ; to gunner's yeomen, boatswain's yt'omen, quartcr-m.isterf, qnai .. r-gunners, coopers, sail- _
wik-^r's r.iii!»», sergeants and corporals of marines, dnimniere and lifers, and jxtra petty offlcers, 3 parts; to seamen,
ordlnaiyecamcn, mirlues, and boys, T parte. - . >
■"^•■'^^^■■IHH'"
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
m\h
Hia Arrlv*! with his Prize.
The Waeedonian at New York.
WM manned iritk iicrwv of fwur hundred and seventv-eiglit. In men and metal tlic
////i/rcf Stot/« nra» jeavit'i* tlian the Macedonian, " but," says Cooper, " the dis; ropor-
tiORi i^K't wt;( (. vv frjrce uf tlie two vossels was much less than that between the exc-
Captain Cujil' 'it his .>iiip skillfully and bravely, and when he came on boanl
the Vnited Htw^ ■ irtcr< <1 his sword to Captain Decatur, the latter generously re-
marked, " Sir, I ers. "She comes with the compliments of
\\\U VfHNOn from Old Neptune," said another. "Janus, the peace-lovuig, smiled,'"
said a fiiK'l, \wm* flnssic^). The excitement of a feast had then scarcely died awav.
1 Nmal history qf the tTiiHed fitatcii, H., /?(/ jji't' ((ic ri^niinMltlintrhes of Decatur ntiil ('ari1(m. Among olliiif fhldyi
I lulined aud rereli'"d by Captain Carden was a band of music and several timlis of wlin' <• iluednt eight liunil-
red I'l.illars. Of Ibis generous conduct Captain Carden spolte iu the highest terms. Uuil i ti» t(|('/i|ifiiiii nncrc^
as we have seen, elicited the praise of that officer. The American newspapers called attention to (lie fai I Hint llic Brii
Ish commander of the Poietierg, when he captured the Han]) aud her prhe from Jones, would not permit officers or men
to retain any thing except the clothes on their backs. See The War, 1., 118.
Decatur and Carden had met before. It was in the horbor of Norfolk, just before the beginning of the war, that Ihcy
were introduced to each other. Before they parted Carden said to Decatur, "We now meet r.s friends; (Jod grant wc
may never meet as enemies ; but we are subject to the orders of our governments, and must obey them." " I imnrlilv
reciprocate the sentiment," rojilicd Decatur. "But what, sir," sail Carden, "would be the consequence to yimrsclfaiiil
the force you command if we .-^liould meet as enemies ?" "Why, sir," responded Decatur, In the same playful siilrlt, " if
we meet with forcog that might be fairly called equal, the conflict would be severe, but the flag of ray country 03 the
ship I command shall never leave the staff on which it waves as long as there is a hull to support it." They parted, and
Uieir next meeting was on the deck of the United Slate», under the circumstances recorded in the text.
John Surman Carden was born on the 15th of August, 1771 at Templcmore, Ireland. His father. Major Cariicn, of the
British army, perished in the
war of the American Revolution.
This, hie eldest son, entered the
Biitlsh navy as captain's servant
in 17S8 in the ship Edijar. In
1790 he became midshipman in
tlic Vtrnevirance frigate, lie was
made lieutenant in 1794. He re-
ceived the commission of com-
mander In 179S. He was ap-
polnted to the comin.uid of tl.e
VilU lie rariH in 1S08, and In ISH
to that of the Macedonian. He
was acquitted of all blame in the
surrender of his ship to Decatur.
Parliament was full of his prai«',
and the cities of Worcester and Gloucester, and the borough of Tewksbury, honored him with their "freedom." lie
was made a rear admiral in 1840, and died at Bonny->stle, Antrim, Ireland, in May, IStW, at the ago of eightj-seviii
years.
> Decatur's official dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy was dated "At Sea, October 30, 1812. Lieutenant Hamilton,
a son of the Secretary of the Navy, was sent with it to his father, at Washington, immediately after the arrival of li;e
(Iiiited States at New London. He bore the flag of the Macedonian to the seat of govc nment, where he arrived on the
evening of the «th of December, at w'.ilch time a ball was In progress which had been given in honor of the uaval offi-
cers. The Secretary of the Navy (Paul Hamilton) and his wife aud daughter wore present. The first intimation o'.he
arrival of their son and brother was his cjtrance into the hull of the liilliaut assembly, bearing the trophy. Captalci
Hun and Stewart received It, and Iiore it to Ihc accomplished wife of President Madison, who was present. The pleas-
ure of the occasion was changed to patriotic joy, and at the supper one of the managers offered as a toast, " Commodofi
Decatur, and the (ijjict-ri) and crvm n/ the frigate United States."
Decatur's arrival at New L HI-
imd of tl."
andinlSll
Ionian. Me
)liirae In llio
to Decatur,
ithisprai"'.
cdom." 11'
glily-MVi-ii
Celebration of Decatur's Victory.
Banquets in tbo City of New York.
Public Honors given to Decatur.
for only three days before" a splendid banquet had been given, at Gib- . December ;»,
HOii'8 City Hotel, to Hull, Junes, and Decatur, by the Corporation and ^^^'^'
citizens of New York,' and the newspapers of the land speedily became the vehicles
of the " eft'usions" of a score of poets, who caught inspiration from the shouts of tri-
uinpli that filled the air. Wood worth, the printer-poet, and author of 77ie Old Oaktn
Bucket, " threw together, on the spur of the moment," as he said, a dozen stirring
stanzas, of which the following is the first :
"The banner of Freedom high floated unfinl'd,
While the silver-tlpp'd surges in low homage curl'd,
Flashing bright round the l)ow of Decatur's brave bark.
In contest an eagU—\a chasing, a lark."
And J. R. Calvert wrote a banquet-song, which became immensely popular, of which
the following is the closing stanza :
"Now charge all your glasses with pure sparkling wine,
And toast our bravo tars who so bravely defend us ;
While our naval commanders so nobly combine,
We defy all the ills haughty foes e'er can tend us I
While our goblets do flow.
The pralii,„J'e. Tlic drop curtain. In the form of a transparency, had on it a repic-
fputation of the flght between the Vnited .S'l ,'<•« and Macedonian. Children danced on the stage. They bore largo
letters of the alphabet in their hands, which, being joined in the course of the dance, produced in transparency the
B.imesofHci.i., Jonkh, and Df.o.iti;u. Then Mr. M'Farland, as nn Irish clown, came forward and song a comic song
of seven stauMs, written for this occauion, beginning,
"No more of your blathering nonsenje
'Bout Nelsons of old .lohnny Bull ;
I'll sing you a song, by my conscience,
'Bout Jones, and Deoatub, and Urvu
-•^mmtm
458
PICTOIJIAL FIELD-BOOK
■I , i
w-
Gold Mcdiil prcseutcd to Decatur by Congress. Baiubrldge ft Command of a Squadron. Blographlcul Skcicl"
a ssijleiulici gold medal, with appropriate devices and inscriptions,' From that time
until now that comminder's name is the synonym of honor and gallantry hi the es-
UOLI> MEDAL AWARDED TO DECATCB.
timation of his countrymen. His subsequent career added lustre to his renown as
the conqueror of the Ifaceclonian.
We have already observed that Hull generously retired from the command of the
Constitution for the purpose of giving some brother-officer an opportunity for gallant
achievements in her, and that Captain Bainbridge was his appointed successor. A
small squadron, consisting of ihe Constitution, 44; Essex, 32; and //onie;, 1 8, were
]ilaced in his charge. Wlien Bainbridge entered upon his duty in the new sphere of
rtag-officer, the Constitution and Hornet were lying in Boston Harbor, and tlio E^sa,
Captain Porter, was in the Delaware. Orders wore sent to the latter to cruise in the
track of the English West Indiamcn, and at a specified time to rendezvous at certain
jiorts, Avhen, if he should not fall in with the flag-ship of the squadron, ho would be at
liberty to foUoAV the dictates of his own judgment. Such contingency occurred,an(l
the Essex sailed on a very long and most eventful cruise in the South Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans. That cruise Avill form the subject of a portion of a future chapter.
Bainbridge- sailed from Boston with the Cotistitution and Hornet on the 20th of
Dad Neptune has long, with vexation,
Beheld with what insolent pride
The turbulent, billow-washed nation
Ha? aimed to control the salt tide.
CuoBi'8— Sing lather away, jontecl and aisy,
By my soul, at the game hnb-or-nob,
In a very few minutes we'll plasc ye.
Because we take work by the job."
' On one side of the medal U a profile of Decatur's bust, with the legend sTEPHANtrg nEOATrn >AT.iBonr!, rrosi«
rLiBiiics vicjTon. On the reverse Is a representation of a naval engagement, one of the vessels reprcsentlD}; the ihw-
donian much Injured in spars aud rigging. Over them le the legend oocidit 8iaNu.M hostile sideua srEGist. Ex-
ergue— inteb STA. UNI. NAV. AMEKl. ET MACEDO. NAV. ANO. DIE XXV OOTOMKIS MIIOO'XII.
' William Bainbridge was born at Princeton, New Jersey, on the 7th of May, 1T74, and at the age of fifteen years went
to sea as u common sailor, lie was promoted to mate in the cc urse of three years., and became a cai)tain at the age o(
nineteen. When war with the French became probable, he entc-cd the navy with the commieBlon of a lieutPLint Iral
the position of a commander, his first cruise being in the Retaliation, which was captured. He was promotPil to post-
captain for good service in the year 1800, and took command of the frigate irn(i/ii»if7'"'i. His career lu the Modilcrraiiear
lias been already mentioned in preceding chapters of this work. Between the war with Tripoli and that of 1S12 Cap-
tain Bainbridge was employed alternately in the naval and merchant service. Afler the sncoessful cruise (pf theCmwft-
tiitliin in lSt2, he took command of tlie navy yard at Charlestown, Massachusetts. After the war he went twice to thf
Mediterranean in command of squadrons to protect American commerce there. For three years he was president id
the Board of Navy Commissioners, and he prepared the signals which were In nsc In onr navy until lately. For several
years Commodore Bainbridge suffered severely from bodily 111 health, aud finally filed at his residence in Philailelpliiii,
on thii 2ith of July, 183,1, at the age of flftj--nlne years. His fai.eral was celebrated on the .tlst. Tht Clucirimli Sociotv
attended, with a large concourse of citizens, and his body was laid In tlie earth with military honors by the United Sta;i -
Marines and a flno brigadi) uf infantry, under the command of the late Colonel J. G. Walmough. His remains re^^;
mi
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
4fi0
' 1812.
Hilnbridce on the Coast of Brazil. The Hornet challcnf^ee a British Vessel. Cruise of the Cmuttitutiun dowu the Coast.
October.* He touched at the appointed rendezvous,* and arrived off Bahia, or
San Salvador, Brazil,^ on the 13th of December. He immediately sent in Cap-
tain Lawrence, with the Hornet, to commu-
nicate with the American consul there,
when that commander discovered in the
port the English sloop-of-war Bonne Ci-
I .yevi'i; 18, Captain Greene, about to sail
1,1 E'ldand with a very large amount of
c; , cie. Lawrence invited Greene to go out
I ,111 the open sea with his vessel and fight,
i.icd'nng himself that the Constitution
AmM take no part in the combat, but the
I'lvitish commander prudently declined the
invitation. The Hornet then took a posi-
tion to blockade the English sloop, and the
Constitution departed'' for a
««■" ' "• cruise down the coast of Bra-
zil, keeping the land aboard. Three days
ul'tcrward, at about nine o'clock in the
morning, when in latitude 1.S° O' south and
longitude 38° Avest, or about thirty miles
troin shore, southeasterly of San Salvador,
Bainbridge discovered two vessels in shore
mid to the windward. The larger one was
!-ccn to alter her course, with an evident
desire for a meeting with the Constitution.
Tiie latter was willing to gratify her, and
tor tliat purpose tacked and stood toward
till' stranger. At meridian they both showed their colors and displayed signals, but
^*
UAINimiUQEH MOSDUEMT.
beneath a plain white marble obelisk iu Christ Church-
yard in Philadelphia, and near it is a modest monument
to mark the resting-place of his wife, Susan Ilcylcger.
The following is tlie inscription on Bainbridge's mon-
ument: "William Bainuiudpk, United States Navy.
Born in Princeton, New Jersey, 7th of May, 1774. Died
in Philadelphia 2Sth of July, ISSit. Patbia viotisqce
LAiDATUB." See the Medal, page 40.'!.
Bainbridgc was about six feet in height, und well built.
His complexion was fair, his eyes black and very ex-
pressive, and his hair and whiskers very dark. He was
considered n model as an officer and a man in the
navy.
' The places specified were Port Praya, in the island
of St. Jago, luid Fernando de Noronha, an island iu the
Atlantic 126 miles from the extreme eastern cape of Bra-
zil. It is now used as a place of banishment by the Bra-
zilian government. Tlie Comtitution and Hornet apjicar-
ed in the character of British vessels, and at both places,
letters wore left, directed to Sir James L. Yeo, of the
Southampton. They C(uitaincd commonplace remarks,
and also orders, in sympathetic ink, for Captain Porter,
should they fall Into his hands, he havlni; been informed
that letters at those places for him would be directed to
Yeo. The stratagem succeeded. The whole transaction
was In accordance with the privileges of war, and yet n
writer in the London Quarterhi Revmn charged Porter
with being guilty of an improper act in opening a letter
directed to nuofher person 1
2 This is one of the most important places in Sonth
America, and until 1701! \rafl the seat of the vlccroyalty
of Brazil, when it was transferred to Kio dc Janeiro. It
contains a population of 100,000, of whom one third are
white, one third mulattoes, and the remainder negroes.
"'^m
liiK
460
PICTORIAL FIELD-UOOK
Buttio butween the Cuiutituthn and the Jara,
Incidents of the Battle.
Wreck and Capture of the Jato.
the latter were mutually unintelligible. The stranger was seen to be an EiKriJui,
frigate. Bainbridge at once prepared for action, when the Englishman haiilutl (iown
his colors, but left ii jack Hying. IJoth ships nin upon the same tack, about a mil,.
apart, when, at almost two o'clock, the Hritisli frigate bore down upon the Cunstilu.
tioii witli tlie intention of raking Iter. The latter wore and avoided the calamity and
at two o'clock, both ships being on the same tack, the CmistUution fired a siiiijlo cnn
across the enemy's bow to draw out her ensign again. A general caimonade iidm
botli vessels immediately ensued, and a furious battle was commenced. When it jiad
raged half an hour the wheel of the t'onslitiition was shot away, and her aiitiii^'onist
being the better sailer, had a great advantage for a time. But Bainbridge niaiia"icl
liis crippled sliip with such skill that she was the first in coming to the wind on tlio
otlier tack, and speedily obtained a position for giving lier opponent a terrible rakini'
fire. The combatants now ran free with the wind on their quarter, the stranircr be-
ing to the windward of the Cotistitution. At about tlirec o'clock the straiitrcr at-
tempted to close by running down on the Constitutioii's quarter. Her jib-booni pin.
etrated the latter's mizzen rigging, but suffered most severely without receivin;,' tlic
least advantage. She lost Iter jib-boom and the head of her bowsprit by shots from
the Constitution, and in a few minutes the latter ]>oured a heavy raking broadside
into the stern of her antagonist. This was followed by another, when the fore-mast
of the English frigate went by the board, crashing through the forecastle and main
deck in its ])assage. At that moment the Constitutio)i shot ahead, keeping aAvay to
avoid being raked, and finally, after maiueuvring for the greater part of an hour, slie
forereached her antagonist, wore, passed her, and luflTed up under her quarter. Then
the two vessels lay broadside to broadside, engaged in deadly conflict, yard-arm to
yard-arm. Very soon the enemy's mizzen-niast was shot away, leaving nothing stand-
ing but the main-mast, whose yard had been carried away near the slings. Tiie
stranger's fire now ceased, and the Constitution passed out of the combat of almost
two hours' duration at a few minutes ])ast four o'clock, with the impression on tlie
mind of Iter commander that the colors of the English frigate had been struck. Be-
ing in a favorable weatherly ])osition, Bainbridge occupied an hour in repairing dam-
ages and securing his masts, when he observed an ensign still fluttering on board ol'
his antagonist. lie immediately ordered the Constitution to wear round and renew
the conflict. Perceiving this movement, the Englishman hauled down his colors, and
at six o'clock in the evening First Lieutenant George Parker' was sent on board to
inquire her name and to take possession of her as a prize.^ She proved to be the
Jaoa, 38, Captain Henry Lambert, and one of the finest frigates in the British navy.
She was bearing, as passenger to the East Indies, Lieutenant General Ilyslop (jnst
appointed governor general of Jiomljay), and liis staft', Ca})tain Marshall and Lieuten-
ant Saunders, of the Royal Navy, and more than one hundred other otticers and men
destined for service in the East Indies.
The Java Avas a wreck. Her main-ina X had gone overboard dtiring the hour tliat
Bainbridge was repairing. Her mizzcn-mast was shot out of the ship close by the
deck, and the fore-mast was carried aAvay about twenty -five feet above it. Tlie bow-
sprit was cut ort" near the cap, and she Avas found to be leaking badly on account of
wounds in her hull by round shot. The Constitution Avas very much cut in lior sails
' The ofBccrs of llic '^ime'itution in tliis action wen— Captain, Willinra Bainbridge. Lieutenants, George Parlier,
Beolinian T. Iloffmaii, Joiui T. Sbubriclt, Cliarles W. Morgan. fiaUing-maiitcrx, Joliu C. Alwin, John Nichols. Cliaphiii.
John Carlcton. LieutenantJi ■>/ Marinea, William 11. Freeman, .lohn Contce. Surgeon, >mos A. Evant". Sunjeon't Mut/i,
•Tohn D. Armstrong, Donaldson YcatCB. Piiriter, Robert C". Lndlow. Miilnhipmen, Thomas Beatty, Lewie Gerniaiii, Wil-
liam L. Gordon, Amiirose L. Fields, Fredcricli B.airy, Joseph Cross, Alexander Btlchcr, AVilliam Taylor, Alcxaniiir Est-
ridge, James W. Uelnncy, James Greenleaf, AVilliam D. M'Carly, Z. AV. Nixem, Jolm A. Wish, Dulauey Forest, (icorgf
Levcrett, Henry AVnrd, John (!. Long, John Pacliet, Richard AVinter. Hoatstrain, Peter Adams. Guniur, Kn'kM Dar-
ling. Actini) Midxhijniuin, Jolin C. Ciimings.
a On this very dny, and at that very hoiifi Htn! and Decatur were at the public ban'juct given tEem iu the ciiy of Ke»
York, tieo page 46T.
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
461
lie laun of the Jam.
C'lAnparimuii of tliu two Vengeli).
Arrival uf the CmuiUtutiini at Boitun.
(lillU-
board of
ml renew
nrs, and
board tn
be tlu'
sli navy,
oj) (jibt
Lieutcii-
and iiK'ii
cor.;e Parker,
«l8. Chaphiii.
iirjton'" .t/ii'".
Germain. Wil-
ilcxniii'iT Esk-
[•'orest, (ieiirgf
•, Knekiel Cur-
.UecityofKeK
and ritfi?'"?- Many of licr sjiars Avere injured, but not one wjis lost. She went into
the action witli lior royal yurds mroHs, mid ciimc out of it will-, nil three of them in
tlioir proiii'r j^laces. There lire coiiflit tin;; iiecountH concerning tlie loss of the Java
ill men. Iler commander, Captain Lambert, uas morlally wounded, and iier otlier
officers were cautious about the number of iier men and lier caHi'.alties. Aeeordinc; to
<\ muster-roll found on board of lier, made out five days after she saileil, iier officers
und crew numbered four liundred and forty-six. Tlieso were exclusive of the more
than one liundred ])assengers, many of whom assisted in the engagement, and of
whom thirteen were killed. The British published account states the loss of men on
till' Juvti to have been twenty-two killed, and one hundred and one wounded, while
iiaiiibridfjc rej)orted her loss, as nearly as he could ascertain from the British officers
lit the time, at sixty killed, and one hundred and one wounded. This was, doubtless,
helow the real number. Indeed, Baiubiidgc inclosed to the Secretary of the Navy
evidences of a mticli larger loss in wounded. It was a letter, written by one of the
,,fficers ofthcJitva to a friend, and accidentally dropped on tlic deck of the Constitu-
^/o», where it was found a.id handed to llainbridge. The writer, who had no motive
lit" public policy for concealing any thing from his friend, stated the loss to be sixty-
tlve killed, and one hundred tind seventy Avounded.' The Constitution lost only nine
killed and twenty-five wounded. Bainbridge was slightlj' hurt in the liip by a
lauskot-ball ; and the shot that carried away the wheel of the Constitution drove a
small copper be into his thigh, Avhic'. inflicted a dangerous wound, but did not
cause iiini to leave the deck before miduight.
The Java, as has been observed, was a superior frigate of her class. She was rated
at thirtj'-eight, but carried forty-nine. The Constitutionr carried at that time forty-
tive guns, and had one man less at each than the Java. On the whole, the iireponder-
anee of strength was with the latter. Bainbridge might have saved the hull of his
luizeby taking it into San Salvador, but, having proof that the Brazilian government
was favorable to that of Great Britain, he would not trust the ca])tured frigate there.
He was too far from home to think of conducting lier to an American ])ort; so, after
lyinirby thee,^;(?^rt for two days, until the wounded and prisoners, with their baggage,
cnuld all be transferred to tlie Constitution, he ordered the battered frigate to be
lircd. She blew up on the Slst, Avhen Bainbridge proceeded to San Salvador with his
prisoners, and found the Bonne Citbyenne about to attempt passing the Hornet and
putting to sea. Ilis arrival frustrated the plan. Having landed and paroled his
priMiners," Bainbridge sailed for the United States on the 6th of January, . jnmiury 3,
1813.= ^'*'^-
Tlie Constitutioti arrived at Boston on Monday, the 15th of February, and Bain-
bridite immediately dispatched Lieutenant Ludlow with a letter to tlie Secretary of
the \avy. When Bainbridge landed he was greeted Avith the roar of artillery and the
aeclaniation'5 of thousands bf citizens. A procession was formed, and he was escorted
to the Excliange Coffee-house, the bands playing Yankee Doodle, and the throngs in
• Letter rioni 11. D. Corncck to Lloutpnnnt Peter V. Wood, In the Inle of Friuicc, diitcd ou board the Ciiimfiltilion,
.'aauarjr l.lSl.l. After speaking of the death of n friend in the liattle, he said, " Four other of his messmates Bhureil
tbo same I \te, together with sixty men killed, and one hundred and seventy wounded."
! The following is a list of the British military and naval officers i)arolcd : Militanj, one lieutenant general, one major,
uuc captain. Naval, one post captain, one master and coniniander, five lientcnanls, three lieutenants of marine, one
furgeoD, two assistant surgeons, one ])ur?er, fifteen midshipmen, one gunner, one boatswain, one siiip carpenter, two
ciiitaln's clerks— total, thirty-eight. (Japtain Lambert died on the day after the landing (January 4). Baiubiidgc treated
ill of his prisoners with the greatest tenderness and consideration. Silver i)lnte to a large nmount, presented to Gen-
i-al llyslop by the colony of Demarara, and which would have been lawful prize, was returned to that gentleman, who
liiaukedBainorirtge for his kind courtesy, and iiresented him his sword (which Bainbridge would not receive when it
was offered in token of surrender) in farther testimony of his gratitude. And yet, in the face of ail this, James, the
earliest, as he was the most mendacious of the British historians of the war, and one nu)6t quoted by British writers
uow, say* {Saral Oeatrrmcen, etc., page ISS), " The ma-.ncr in which the .fava's men were treated by the American
offlrers fellerts upon the latter the highest disgrace." In a letter to n friend, written when homeward bound, Baln-
hridge exhibited liis goodness of heart In thus speaking of the death of his antnuonist : " I'om' Lambert, whose death I
fincercly regret, was a distinguished, gallant, and worthy man. He has left a widow and two hcljiless childrci; i But
yjcotmtry makes provision for such sad events."
1 1''
462
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ilouorii k'vod to liuliihrldge.
I'ublli lliinquet lu Boiton.
Olfli uf Ihe CI tie* of Now York nud Albany.
tho Htreets, balconies, aiiil windows dicoring loudly, the hidics waving their liaiKH,,,..
chiefs. Tho streets were strung with hunners and strcanuMH, ami Coniinodorcs iJoilij.
crs and Iltiil, who walked witli Haiiihridge in the iiroicHsion, received a sliare of the
popular honorH. The viitory was announced at the tluatrc that night, and iModuccil
tho wildest cnthuKiasni. The Legislature of Massacliusetts bchig in sessiitii tlicv
j)aHsed a resolution of thanks to Bainbridge and his officers and cnw,' and on tlic
'2d of March a splendid bancjuet was Liiveii ut tho Exchange Coflbc-house to IJaiu-
bridge and tho officers of the VonstUution,'*
The cai)ture of tho Java., the fourth brilliant naval victory in a brief space ut
time, caused great exultation throughout tlie United States, and the Constitution was
popularly called from that time Old Ironsides. Orators and rliymcrs, the jjulpit and
the ])re8s, made the gallant exploits of Hainbridgo the theme of many words in mis,.
and prose.^ The Common Council of New York jjresented to him the freedom ot'thc
city in a gold box,* and ordered his portrait painted for the picture-gallery in tiic
City Hall* The city of Albany did the same;* and the citizens of Philadelphia pre-
NKW YORK UOI.O IKfX.
ALliANV OOl.l) It0\,
sented him wiih an elegant service of silver plate, the most costly piece of wliicli \va>
a massive urn, elegantly wrought.' The Congress of the United States voted th'
' By the Senate on tlie IBtti of February, and by the House of Representatives on tho 20th.
» The procession was formed in Faneull Hall by Major Tllden, and was eccorted by the Boatim Light Infantr mltlip
W'inMou' Blues, under Colonel Sargent. The Honorable Christopher Gore presided at the table, assisted by llarrlsii
(ircy Otis, Israel Thorndike, Arnold Willis, Thomas L. WInthrop, Peter C. Brooks, and William Sullivan as vice-presi-
dents. Intelligence liad jnst come that the British Orders in Council had hccn repealed, and that peace might be soou
expected. Elated by this news, the Honorable Timothy Dexter offered Ihe following toast: "The British Ordcru in
Council revoked, and our national honor gallantly retrieved. Now let us shut the lenii)lc of Janus till his duuble facr
goes out of fashion." An ode was sung at the banquet, written, on request of the committee of arraugomcuts, by the
late L. M. Sargent, Esq.
3 One of the most popular songs of the day was composed in honor of the capture of the Jam, and called " Bsin-
bridge's Tld re I," in which, after every verse, the singer gives a sentence in prose, winding up witli the chorus "TiJ
le I, Tid ro I, Tid re Id re I do." The following is a specimen of that kind of song, once so popular :
"Come, lads, draw near, and you shall hear,
In truth as chaste as DIau, O !
IIow Bainbridge true, and his bold crew,
Again have tamed the lion, O I
'Twnn off Brazil he got the pill
Which made him cry i>erravi, O
But hours two, the Java new,
Maintained the battle bravely, O I
"But our gallant tars, as soon as they were piped to quarters, gave three cheers, and boldly swore, by the blood of
the heroes of Tripoli, ttiat, sooner than strike, they'd go the bottom singing
Tid re I, Tid re I, Tid re Id re I do."
♦ This box is three Inches In diameter and one inch in depth. On the inside of tho lid is the following insoriptioii;
" The Corporation of the City of New York to Commodore William Bainbridge, of the United States frigate Ciiu/if"-
Hon, in testimony of the high sense they entertain of his gallantry and skill in tlie capture of his Britannic Majcsi; •
ship .Iava on the 29th of December, 1812."
4 The portrait was i>alnted by John Wesley Jarvis. The engraving on page 469 is from a copy of that picture.
• The box presented by the city of Albany is of oblong form, and Is faithfully dellneat-d in tb" engraving. It is Ihw
Inches and ahalf long and three fourths of an inch deep. On the inside of the lid Is the follow Inscription : ".\lrib-
nte of icspect by the Common Council of the City of Albany to Commodore William Balnbriugc for his gallant navil
services in the late war with Great Britain." This box is in the possession of the gallant commander's daughter, Mrt
(Mary Bainbridge) Charles Joudon, of Philadelphia.
'' This uru is eighteen inches in height. The lid is surmounted by an eagle abont to soar. Below each massive ban-
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
408
)[|j.i pwgwUd to B>tobridge by Cungrcw.
Kffoct of the iiAvnl ButtlM hi America ud Onat Hrltato.
thanks to Bainl>ml>?e and his companions in anno, and aUo filly thouHaml be struck in honor ut'the eoMiinandir,' and silver ones for each of his otti-
cers in token of the national approbation of their conduct.
nAiNnniDUE iir.n\L.
The conflict between the Constitution and Java was the closing naval engagement
of tho year, and, with the previous victories won by t,he Americans, made the deei»-
est imjirossions upon the ptd)lic mind in both hemisphnres. The United States cruis-
irs, pulilic anil private, had captured about three hundred prizes from tho Britisli
(luiiiiij; that first si.x months of war. The American war-jjarty — indeed, the whole
.Vmorican people, excepting a few Submissionists, were made exultant by these events,
;iik1 the gloom caused by the failure of the land forces Avas disi)elled. The views of
the Federalists, who had always favored a navy, were Justifictl, and the o])position to
it, on the part of the Democrats, ceased. The llritish people were astounded by these
heavy and ominous blows dealt at their supremacy of the seas, and some of the lead-
iiiiT newspapers scattered curses broadcast. One of them, a leading London i)ai>er,
«ith that vulgarity which too often disgraced journalism on both sides )f the At-
lantic at that time, petulantly expressed its api)rehen8ions that England might be
■«tri]i]i(Hl of her maritime superiority " by a piece of striped buntiug Hying at the
mast-head of a few fir-built frigates, manned by a handfvd of bastards and outlaws!"
But this impotent rage sooii subsided, and British writers and speakers, compelled
to acknowledge the equality of the American people in all that constitutes the true
(lie Is 8 head of Neptune. On one side
of the um In the representation of tho
ivrcclicrt Jam and tlic trinniphant Can
itiliUimt, and on tlio other the followlug
inreriptloa: "Presented by tlie citizenH
ofPhlladelplila to Commodore Wiiliam
B«iiil)rld({e, of the U. 8. frigate Cons'itu-
lirm, an u testimonial of tho higli sense
ibty eiitertaiu of his skill and gallantry
ill the capture of the British MgaV^Javn,
of 4!t puis and ROfl men, and of their ad
rairnlion of hln generous and maKuani
moua conduct toward the vanquished
foe. Loss In the action of 29th Decem-
ber, 1S12_C., 9 killed, 25 wounded : J.,
Wkllled.Kil wounded."
.\tier the death of Bainbridge's wid-
ow, his ))late was diBtrll)ntod amouK
hi» inrvivlng children. The um and
other sih-cr pieces, and the New York
gold 1)01, belong to Mrs. Stisan (Hain-
BAl.MiMli'.K IIU<,
bridtie) Ilaycs, widow of Captain Thom-
as Hayes, of the I'nitcd States Navy, a
resident of Philadelphia. To her kind
courtesy I am indebted for the privileire
of making sketches of the urn and Soi-
cs. She also has in her possession the
sword presented to ]!ainhrldge by Hy-
8lop(8eeNotc2, page4Cl). It Ik a straight
dress sword, in a black leather si-abbird.
.■Vlso another sword, with basket guard
and elegant gilt mountings. Also a
Turkish cimeter.
' On one side ofUie medal ii Rbnstof
Bainbridjte, and the legend "iicliej-muh
IIAlNnilinOK PATRIA VIOTOKISQUE LAUKA-
1U8." Keverse, a ship, tho stumps of
her three masts standing, and her con-
queror with only a few shot-liolcs in her
sails. I.cgeud — "pfoNANno." Exergue
— " INTSB OOMBT. MAY. AMEKI, KT *AV.
NAT. AKSL. DtK XXIX. OEOEM. UDOOOXII."
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
JamoB's Bocalled " Histories" of the War.
Meetlii)? of the Twelfth C'onjfreM,
greatness of a nation, labored hard to show that in all cases the American vessels in
force of men and metal, Avere greatly superior to those of the British encoiintored.
They even went so far as to assert that the American frigates were all "seventy-fours
in disguise !" These assertions were iterated and reiterated long after the Avar iiad
ceased, to the amusement of thoughtful men, who clearly perceived the truth whtn the
smoke had cleared away. The most notable exhibition of this folly is seen in tliree
volumes, one on the naval and two on the military occurrences of that war, written
by William James. These, aa we have observed, were among the earliest of the
elaborate writings concerning that war, and have, ever since th<>ir appearance been
the most frequently quoted by those British and British-American writers and spc-ik-
ers who delight in abusing the government and people of the United States Tlic
spirit manifested on every jiage bears evidence of the 2)overty of the authv..- lu .i.ll that
constitutes a candid and veracious historian.'
Having now considered in groups the military and naval events of the war (lurinT
the first year of the contest, excepting those in the extreme southern boundaries of
the Republic, which will be noticed hereafter, let us glance at the civil affairs of tlie
United States, having relation to the subject in question, before entering upon a de-
scription of the stirring campaign of 1813.
The second session of ilw Twelfth Congress commenced on the 2d day of No-
• isf2 ^'Pinber.* It was the eve of the popular election of Presidential eleetors.
' President Madison had been nominated for the oflice for a second term by a
Congressional caucus, as we have already observed,* as the Democratic candidate;
and the Legislature of New York had nominated De Witt Clinton, a nephew of the
late Vice-president, and of tne same political faith, for the same office. The Federal-
ists, conscious of their inability to elect a candidate of their oAvn, coalesced with the
Clintonian Democrats. This course was decided upon in a Convention of Federalist
leaders from all the states north of the Potomac, held in secret session, in the city of
New York, in September.'' If the Avar must go on, they regarded Clinton as
the possessor of greater executive ability than Madison, and better able to
conduct it vigorously ; but their chief desire and hope was to bring about an early
peace by the defeat of Madison, the repeal of the British Orders in ComiciF havini,'
opened a door for that consuinniation so devoutly wished for. Jaied IngcrRoli, of
Pennsylvania, a moderate F'ederalist, was nominated by the Convention for Vice-
president. George Clinton having died, Elbridge Gerry, as we have seen,* was nom-
inated for Vice-president by the Madisonians.
When the elections occurred, nearly all the Federalists and a fraction of the Demo-
cratic party voted for the Clintonian electors. All of the New England States, ex
eepting Vermont, chose such electors.* New York did the same, in consequence of the
adroit management of Martin Van liuren, a politician thirty years of age, Avho then
appeared prominently for the first time.^ There Avac a similar result in New Jersey,
L Wi11inm James wag an English emigrant to the United States early In the present centnry. He was a vetcrlunrj
sn^eon {or " horse doctor," ns they are called in this coiiutrj) in Philadelphia, but was nnsucce!>8ful !u his (irofcunion.
He left that city for his native country, thoroughly disgusted with every thing American, because tlu' people baii nol
appreciated his talents. His chief employment afler his return fjecms to have been abuse of the Americans, tlieir piibiio
men, their government, and their writers. He wrote angry reviews of some American books on the naval and millimy
hislory of the War of It'ia, and these were published, in 181T and 1818, In three volumes. The first was entitled "A
Full fldrf Correct Aeeount iif the N*vai. Ooocbrenokb tf tite IMe War, etc." and the other two, "/I FvU awl Cnrmt it-
cnunt ef the. Mii.itabv OooraKKNoxs <(/■ the Late War, etc." They arc not histories, but violent tirades, and maiiiffft, «^
the Kilinburfl RnHew remarked, " bitter and persevering antipathy" to the Americans. " AInios* every orlgiimi rornnrk
made by the author upon them," said the lieviae, " bears traces of the nnworthy feeling we have Just mcnIlDiied." In
considering his performance in the light of two generations of tlionght and Investigation, the truth of the niotlo on the
title-page of his volume on the Saval Oamrrmce^, quoted from Murphy'B Tacitus, Is very manifest. " Tratli ie alwars
bronght to light by time and rofiection, while the lie nf the dan lives by bustle, noise, and precipitation." .lanies died In
1827. " See page 226. ' See page i-'-l. • Sec p«|;eV«
» Ii. Massachnset'e, so strongly ncmocratlc, only a few months before, the "peace electors," a< the Cliutoniaus were
called, obtained n mivjority of 24,000.
« Owing to the dissonance In the Democratic party In New York, caased by the diuienslons between the Madlwinlani
and t'liutonlans, the FederallstB «ho«« nineteen out of the twenty-three members of Congress. Those of New Ilimp-
1812.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
4«6
The Administration enatalned.
Madison re-elected.
Threats of Joeiah Qnlncy In Congreip.
and for a time tlie re-election of Madison appeared doubtful. But before Congress
had been in session six weeks it was definitely ascertained, from the official canvass,
that Madison had one hundred and twenty-eight out of the two hundred and eighteen
electors chosen, and that a large majority of the Congressmen elect were friends of
the administration This result was regarded, under the circumstances, as a ve^•y
stroin' expression of the public in favor of the war ; and the war-party in and out of
Congress were greatly strengthened. They were also encouraged by the aspect of
affairs abroad. Intelligence of apparent ('isasters to the English in Spain, the triumph
of Bonaparte in the terrible battle of Borodino, and his victorious march upon Moscow,
filled them with the hope that England, struggling with all Europe against her, must
speedily be compelled to withdraw her soldiers and seamen from America, and give
up the contest here, or else fall a prey to the conquering Corsican. But they were
doomed to an early disappointment of their hopes by disasters that fell thick and faut
upon the French army, exposed to Russia i snows and Russian cohorts. It was evi-
dent, too, from the returns of the late elections, that the Opposition were growing
stronger every day.
Among the earliest national measures proposed in Congress was apian for increas-
ing the t' my twenty thousand men, making the whole establishment fifty-six thou-
sand. The President, in his fourth annual message," after giving a gen- 'November 4,
cral statement of the position of affairs in relation to the war, called the ^*^^'*"
attention of the national Legislature to the necessity of measures for the vigorous
prosecution of it. A bill was introduced into the House of Representatives to raise
the pay of private soldiers from six to eight dollars a month, to guarantee recruits
against arrtst for debt, and to give them their option to enlist for five years or for
the war. In the same bill was a clause allowing the enlistment of minors without the
consent of their parents or masters. This elicited a very spirited debate, in which
Josiah Quincy engaged with his usual vigor. He declared it to be an interference
with the rights of parents and masters, and warned the House that if the bill passed
with that " atrocious principle" contained in it, it would be met in Now England by
the state laws against kidnapping and man-stealing. He opposed it as bearing par-
ticularly hard upon the North, where the laborers are the yeomanry and the minors,
while at the South the laborers were slaves, and exempted by law from military duty.
The planter of the South, he said, can look around upon his fifty, his hundred, and
his thousand human beings, and say, "These are mj property" — property tilling the
l:md, and ' nriching the owner in Avar as well as in peace; while the farmer of the
North has mly one or two eice lambs — his children, of which he can say, and say
with pride, like 'Jie Roman matron, 'These are my ornaments.'" These, by the pro-
posed law, might be taken from him, and his land must remain untilled.^
Williaras, of South Carolina, the chairman of the Military Committee, retorted
fiercely. In reply to Quincy's assertion that the bill contained an " atrocious princi-
ple," he charged the great Federal leader with uttering an "atrocious falsehood."
Ills language was so offensively supercilious that it drew admonitions even from
John Randolph. He argued well in favor of an increase of the army. " The British
regular force in the Canadas," he said, " could not be estimated less than twelve
thousand men. In addition to these were the Canadian militia, amounting to several
thousands, and three thousand regulars at Halifax. To drive this force from the field,
the St. Lawrence must be crossed with a well-appointed army of twenty thousand
men, supported by an army of reserve of ten thousand. Peace is not to be expected
ibire were all Federalists, and that party carried the Legislature of New Jersey and more than half of its Congressional
dtle^tlon.
' Aqutwtlon npon similar premises arose in the Convention of 17S7, when it was proposed to malce three oni of every
in (laves count as persons in determiulni; the representation of the states in Congress. It was observed that while
the iil«Ye8 were culled persons for a political purpose, they were only chaiUU af other times, and could not be called into
tie military eenlce of the country. This was a grievous wrong toward the non-glaveholding states.
Go
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
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1 ^'"^
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The Policy and Leader> of the War Party denounced by Quincy.
Response by Henry Cl«y.
but al tho expense of a vigorous and successful war. Administrations have in vain
sued for it, even at the expense of the sarcastic sneers of the British minister. The
campaign of 1813 must open in a style and vigor calculated to inspire confidence iu
ourselves and awe in the enemy. Nothing must be left to chance ; our movcmontst
must every where be in concert. At the same moment we move on Canada, a corns
of ten thousand men must threaten Halifax from the province of Maine. The lionor
and character of the nation require that the British power on our borders sliould be
annihilated the next campaign. Her American provinces once wrested from her ev-
ery attempt to recover them will be chimericnl, except by negotiation. The road to
peace thus lies through Canada." The bill passed the House of Representatives but
the objectionable clause received only four votes in the Senate.
The expensive volunteer system M^as taken up in Congress, and the law authorizintf
the employment of that species of soldiers was repealed. Another was substituted
which authorized the enlistment of twenty regiments of regulars to serve twelve
months, to whom a bounty of sixteen dollars should be given. It also provided for
the appointment of six major generals and six brigadier generals, and a correspond-
ing increase of subordinate officers. Party spirit was aroused in the debate tbat en-
sued, and the discussion took a range so wide as to include the whole policy and
•Jannnrys, conduct of the war. Mr. Quincy led off* with great bitterness and tbe
^^^^- keenest sarcasm. " He denounced the invasion of Canada," says Hildreth,'
" as a cruel, wanton, senseless, and wicked attack, in which neither plunder nor glon-
was to be gained, upon an unoffending people, bound to us by ties of blood and gooil
neighborhood ; undertaken for the punishment, over their shoulders, of another peo-
ple three thousand miles off, by young politicians fluttering and cackling on the floor
of that house, half hatched, the shell still on their heads, and their pin-feathers not
yet shed — politicians to whom reason, justice, pity, were nothing, revenge every thing;
bad policy, too, since the display of such a grasping spirit only tended to alienate
from us that large minority of the British people anxious to compel their ministers
to respect our maritime rights. So thought the people of New England, and hence
the difficulty of getting recruits. The toad-eaters of the palace — party men in pur-
suit of commissions, fat contracts, judgeships, and offices for themselves, their fatbers,
sons, brothers,uncie8, and cousins — might assert otherwise, but the people had spoken
in the late elections. There were in New England multitudes of judicious, patriotic,
honest, sober men, who, if their judgments and their consciences went with the war,
would rush to the standard of their country at the winding of a horn, but to whom
the present call sounded rather as a jewsharp or a banjo. If the government
would confine itself to a war of defense, it should have his support ; but for a war of
conquest and annexation, whether in East Florida'^ or Canada, he would not contrib-
ute a single dollar. Nor was he to be frightened from this ground by the old state
cry of British connection, raised anew by a pack of mangy, mongrel blood-hounds, for
the most part of very recent importation, their necks still marked with the collar, and
their backs sore with the stripes of European castigation, kept in pay by the admin-
istration to hunt down all who opposed the court."
This contemptuous speech drew a most vigorous reply from Mr. Clay, the Speaker
of the House, who felt himself specially aimed at by the expression " unfledged poli-
ticians." He charged the Federalists, says Hildreth, " with always, throughout the
whole controversy with Great Britain, thwarting the plans of their own government;
clamoring alike against the embargo, against the non-intercourse, against the non-im-
portation ; when the government were at peace, crying out for war ; and, now the
government were at war, crying out for peace ; falsely charging the President with
> BUtoT]! i\f the United States, si rood series, lit., 381.
' Tbe revolutionary and military operations in that quarter will be noticed hcreufter.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
4W
Cla'i Speech In OpposUlon to Qulncy. Meatinres for Btrengtheiiing the Army and Navy. Government K:i;penBes.
beine under French influence ;' heaping all kinds of abuse on Bonaparte ; assai'ing
Jefferson with impotent rage ; spiriting up chimeras of Southern influence and Vir-
ginia dictation, as if the people did not choosa their own presidents; going even so
tar as to plot the dissolution of the Union." M-. Clay then presented a most pathetic
picture of the wrongs inflicted upon, and miseries endured by, American seamen un-
der the operations of the impressment system, to which Great Britain clung tena-
ciouf'.y. " -As to the gentleman's sentimental protest against the invasion of Canada,"
he said in substance, '' was Canada so innocent, after all ? Was it not in Canada that
the Indian tomahawks were whetted ? Was it not from Maiden and other Canadian
ma 'azines that the supplies had issued which had enabled the savage bands to butch-
er the garrison of Chicago? Was it not by a joint attack of Canadians and Indians
that Michillimackinac had been reduced ? What does a state of war present ? The
combined energies of one people arrayed against tlie combined energies of another,
each aiming to inflict all the injury it can, whether by sea or land, upon the territo-
ries property, and persons of the other, subject only to those mitigated usages prac-
ticed among civilized nations. The gentleman would not touch the British Continent-
al possessions, nor, for the same reason, it was supposed, her West India islands. By
the same rule, her innocon*^ " V'iers and sailors ought to be protected; and as, accord-
ing to a well-known max.n, ne king could do no wrong, there would seem to be
nobody left whom, on the gentleman's principles, we could attack unless it were Mr.
Steplien,^ the reputed author of the Orders in Council, or the Board of Admi'-alty,
under whose authority our seamen Avere impressed." .... Mr. Clay's " plan was,"
he said, "to call out the ample resources of the country to the fullest extent, to strike
wherever the enemy could be reached, by sea or land, and to negotiate a peace at
Quebec or Halifax."
Measures were adopted for strengthening both the army and navy, and the more
perfect organization of each. The President was authorized to cause the construc-
tion of four ships of seventy-four guns each, and six frigates and six sloops-of-war ;^ to
issue treasury notes to the amount of five millions of dollars, and to create a new
stock for a loan of sixteen millions of dollars.* A bill was also passed, chiefly through
the untiring eflTorts of Langdon Cheves and Joh.i C. Calhoun, representatives from
Sonth Carolina, by which the bonds of merchants given for goods imported from
Great Britain and Ireland after the declaration of war, and seized under the provi-
sions of the Non-importation Act, were canceled. For six weeks after the news of
war reached England expoitat?ons had been allowed to go on ;' and the goods to
which the law in question would apply were valued, at invoice prices, at more than
1 Qnlncy had Bald, In the speech just qnoitd flrom, that the " administration, nnder French influence and dictation,
hid for twelve years ruled the country with anthority little short of despotic ;" and then referred to the continnous rule
at "a narrow Virginia clique, to the exclusion from office and influence of all men of talents, even of their own party,
not connected with that clique." > Author of War in Ditgtiise. See page 140.
' According tn a careful estimate made by the Secretary of the Navy, the force of three frigates would not be more
ibin eqnal to one T4-gun ship. The expense of building and equipping a frigate of 44 guns, estimated from the actual
coit of the Premlmt, was $220,010 ; the cost of a 74, $333,000. The annual expense of keeping a fHgate of that size in
Htrice was estimated at $110,000, and that of a 74 at $210,110. The result fhim these calcnlations was, that while the
tipenees of a T4 were something less than (hose of two frigates of 44 guns each, her value in service wai> equal to three
frigates.— See Perkins's History of the Political atui Military Events of the Late War, page 160. This estimate determined
Coigreii to build 74's.
< The following were the Treasury estimates of expenditures for the year 1813 :
For the civil list, and interest and reimbursement of a part of the principal of the public debt $8,600,000
Forthearmy, not including the new levies 17,000,000
For the navy, not iDcluding the proposed increase 4,0%,000
Total $30,426,000
The total appropriations made for the service of the year amonnted to $39,975,000. Such wa« the amount necessary to
meet the entire expenses of the government of the United States fifty years ago, wher, it was waging a war with Qreat
Britain. The expenditures of the government for a year (186!)) during the late civil *ar was ,$S<1B,234,000.
'This was under a false impression made by Mr. Russell, the American Char' , d'Affairen, that in consequence of
lie repeal of the Orders In Council the Non-Intercourse Act would be snSpendr j. Immediately after the repeal (June
i3d,lSI2), all the American ships then in British ports commenced loading wi ,n British goods.
"I.
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PICTORIAL FIKLD-BOOK
P«callat')ry Law.
Report of the Committee on Foreign KeUtl
ogi.
eighteen millions of dollars, and were worth double that amount in the Ameiicin
market. This act conciliated the mercantile interest.
Cheves, who was chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, endeavored to
procure a partial repeal of the Non-importation Act, but failed. The restrictive sys-
tem was regarded with great favor as a powerful weapon In the hands of the Ameri-
cans, and its friends adhered to it with the greatest tenacity, believing it to be a pol-
icy potent in hastening the ruin of England. The Federalists failed to support the
measure because the repeal was not complete, and on account of the provision in it
for the more strict enforcement of what was left.
We have already observed that a retaliatory law, first suggested by Colonel Scott
on account of some prisoners taken at Queenston, and who had been sent to Eiifrland
as desorttfrs because they were Irishmen, was passed.' It was so framed as not only
to meet the special case of those persons, but such Indian outrages under British sanc-
tion as had been committed at the River Raisin.^ Happily, there was no occasion
for enforcing the law.
On the 1 3th of January, Mr. Calhoun, from the Committee on Foreign Relations
made an able report. It had been looked for with great interest. In tliat report
the subject of itnjjressment held a conspicuous place. The President, as we have ob-
• June 20, served, only a week after the declaration of Avar," proposed an immediate
1812. armistice, on conditions at once just and honorable to both nations. It was
rejected by the British in terms of peculiar reproach and insult. At about the same
time the British Orders in Council were repealed conditionally, but the practice of
impressment was defended as just and expedient, and would rot be allowed to be-
come a subject for negotiation by the British authorities. Thus niatt.?rs stood when
the Report on Foreign Relations was presented. After alluding to the above facts
the committee proceeded to say that " the impressment of our seamen, beins; de-
servedly considered a principal cause of the war, the war ought to be prosecuted un-
til that cause be removed. To appeal to arms in defense of a right, and to lay them
down without securing it, or a satisfactory evidence of a good disposition in the op-
posite party to secure it, would be considered in no other light than a relinquishment
of it. . . . The manner in which the friendly advances and liberal propositions of the
Executive have been received by the British government has, in a great measure, ex-
tinguished the hope of amicable accommodations. , . . War having been declared,
.and the case of impressment being necessarily included as one of the most important
causes, it is evident it must be provided for in the pacification. The omission of it
in a treaty of peace would not leave it on its foi-mer ground ; it would, in effect, be
an absolute relinquishment, an idea at which the feelings of every American must re-
volt. The seamen of the United States have a claim on their country for protection,
and they must be protected. If a single ship is taken at sea, and the property of an
American citizen wrested from him unjustly, it rouses the indignation of the coun-
try. How much more deeply, then, ought we to be excited wlien we behold so many
of this gallant and highly meritorious class of our fellow-citizens snatched from tiieir
families and country, and carried into a cruel and afflicting bondage ? It is an evil
which ought not, which can not be longer tolerated. Without dwelling on the suf-
ferings of the victims, or on that wide scene of distress which it spreads among their
relatives through the country, the pi*actice is, in itself, in the highest degree degrad-
ing to the United StatCv. as a nation. It is incompatible with their sovereignty; it
is subversive of the main pillars of their independence. The forbearance of the Unit-
ed States under it has been mistaken for pusillanimity."
To offect r, change in the British policy respecting impressments, the committee
1 See page 408.
' The British anthoritles excneed themtetves on thr plea that they conld not restrain the ladiant.
Uflcatiou. The root of the iniquity was in the employment of the savages as allies.
Thlswjiiiojaf-
OF THE WAR OF 1813,
4e9
iltalfato of the Prince Regent.
Charges againiit the Oovernment of the United States.
1813.
>> January 13.
' January 9.
recommended the passage of 1^ act, which vis appended to their report, similar to
one proponed by Mr. Russell to Lord Castlereagh several months before, prohibiting,
after the close of the present war, .he employment, in public or private vessels, ofeny
persons except American citizens, this prohibition to extend only to the subjects or
citizens of such states as should make reciprocal regulations. An act to that eifect,
wiiich passed the House on the 12th of February, was adopted by the Senate on the
last day of the session," against very warm opposition of some of the war- • March s,
partv, who considered it as a humiliating concession.
Only four days before the presentation of their report'' by the Commit-
tee on Foreign Relations, the Prince Regent, acting sovereign of Great
Britain, issued a manifesto" concernhig the causes of the war, and the sub-
jects of blockade and impressment. He declared that the war was not
the consequence of any fault of Great Britain, but that it liad been brought on by
tlie pavtial conduct of the American government in overlooking the aggressions of
the French, and in their negotiitions with them. He alleged that a quarrel with
Great Britain had been sought because she had adopted measures solely as retalia-
tive as toward France ; and that, as those measures liad been abandoned by a repeal
of the Orders in Council, the war was now continued on the question of impressment
and search. On this point tlie Prince Regent took such a decisive position, that the
door for negotiation which the recommendation of the Committee on Foreign Atfairs
nroposed to open seemed ii'revocably shut. " His royal highness," said the manilesto
i'rora his palace at Westminster, " can never admit that in the exercise of the un-
doubted and hitherto undisputed' right of searching neutral merchant vessels in time
of war, and the impressment of British seamen when found therein, can be deemed
auy violation of a neutral flag, neither can he admit the taking of such seamen
from on board such vessels can be considered by any neutral state as a hostile meas-
ure or a justifiable cause of war." After reaffirming the old English doctrine of the
impossibility of self-expatriation of aBritifb subject, the manifesto continued: "But
if, to the practice of the United States to harbor British seamen, be added their as-
sumed right to transfer the allegiance of British subjects, and thus to cancel the ju-
risdiction of their legitimate sovereign by acts of naturalization and certificates of
citizenship, which they pretend to be as valid out of their own territory as within it,*
it is obvious that to abandon this ancient right of Great Britain, and to admit these
naval pretensions of the United States, would be to expose the very foundations of
our maritime strength."
The lanifesto charged the United States government with systematic efforts to
inflame their people against Great Britain, of ungenerous (tonduct toward Spain, Great
Britain's ally, and of deserting the cause of neutrality. " This disposition of the gov-
ernment of the United States — this complete subserviency to the ruler of France —
this hostile temper toward Great Britain," said the prince, " are evident in almost ev-
ery page of the official correspondence of the American Avith the French government.
Against this course of conduct, the real cause of the present war, the Prince Regent
solemnly protests. "While contending against France in defense not only of the lib-
erties of Great Britain, but of the world, his Royal Highness was entitled to look for
a far different result. From their common origin — from their common interest — from
their professed principles of freedom and independence, the United States was the
last power in which Great Britain could have expected to find a willing instrument
and abettor of Frencn tyranny."^
' For a refntatfon of thiB erroneous aBsertion, see Chapter VII.
'This right of cithenbhip, Rcqnircd by natnralizntlon and the transfer of allegiance, has long ago been tacitly ac-
Lowlcdged by the British anthorities. Indeed, the claim set up by the Prince Regent was practically abandoned dur-
ing the War of 1812, for, excepting In the case of the Irishmen made prisoners with Colonel Scott, the British never
tUlmed Brltish-bom prisoners as subjects. See page 408.
■ In the manifesto the Prince Regent also solemnly declared that " the cliarge of exciting the Indians to offensive
i
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PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PropoalMon from Ruula tu mediate.
The Propopltton eDtertained.
Napoleon'g Invanlon of Rnjii^
This manifesto, adroitly framed for effect in the United States as well as at homo
was approved hy both houses of Parliament, and sustained in an address to the throne'
It reached America at about the close of the twelfth Congress, and its avowals of the
intended adherence of the British govenmient to the practice of impressment stood
before the people side by side with the declarations of tlie report of their Committoc
on Foreign Affairs, in which it was declared that it was against that practice the war
was waging, and that it ought to bo waged until the nefarious business was aban-
doned by the enemy.
While pondering these documents, tho Americana were suddenly called by the
march of events to contemplate other most important subjects in connection with the
war. John Quincy Adams was then tho American minister at tho Russian court
His relations with the Emperor Alexander were intimate and cordial. When intel-
ligence of the declaration of war reached St. Petersburg the Czar expressed his regret.
On account of the French invasion of his territory he was on friendly terms with Great
•September 20, Britain, and his prime minister, Roman%off, suggested to Mr. Adams* the
^^^' expediency of tendering the mediation of Russia for the purpose of ef-
fecting a reconciliation. Mr. Adams favored it, but for a while the victorious mareh
of Bonaparte toward Moscow, the heart of the Russian empire, delayed the measure.
The final defeat of the invader secured present tranquillity to the Czar, and he sent
instructions to M. Dasehkoff, his representative at Washington, to offer to the United
States his friendly services in bringing about a peace. This was formally done on
tho 8th of March, 1813, only four days after President Madison, in his second inaucu-
ral address, had laudably endeavored to excite anew the enthusiasm of the people in
the vigorous prosecution of the war.
At about this time official uitelligence had been received by the government of the
result of Napoleon's invasion of Russia. He had indeed reached Moscow after tear-
ful sufferings and losses, but when he rode into that ancient capital of the Muscovites
at the head of his staff, on the 15th of September, it was as silent as the Petritied Citv
of the Eastern tale. The inhabitants had withdrawn, and the great Kremlin in which
he slept that night was as cheerless as a magnificent mausoleum. His slumbers were
soon disturbed. The Russians had not all left. For hours a hundred unlighted torch-
ep had been held by tlie hands of Russian incendiaries. When the great bell of t!ie
metropolitan cathedral tolled out the hour of midnight, these were kindled by flint
and steel, and instantly a hundred fires glared fearfully from every direction upon
the coucli of the great Corsican. Tho city was every where in flames, and the wea-
ried Frencii army were compelled to seek shelter in the desolate country around the
blackened ruins of that splendid town.
On that fearful night the star of Napoleon's destiny had reached its raeridian.
Eve • afterward it was seen slowly descending, in waning splendor, the paths of the
western sky. He perceived in the destruction of Moscow the fearful perils of his sit-
uation, and sought to avert them. He proposed terms of peaceful adjustment, but
the emperor flung them back with scorn. Retreat or destruction was the alternative.
He chose the former ; and late in October, with one hundred and twenty thousand
men, he turned his face toward France. For a few days the sky was clear and tlie
atmosphere was genial. Then came biting frosts and blinding snow-storms, wiiile
clouds of fiery Cossacks smote his legions on flank and rear with deadly blows. Suf-
mensurcs against the United States is eqnally void of foundation." Tills denial was iterated and reiterated by Britlih
statesmen and pntilicists, and lias been ever since. It is very natnral for a civilized and Christian people to reptl the
charge of complicity with savage pagans in the practices of merciless and barbarous warfare. It is commendable, and
evinces a proper sense of the heinonsness of the offense against civilization; bat the official declarations of even a
prince, were he many times more vlrtnous than that libertine regent of England, can not set aside the Indelible recordi
of history or the verdict of mankind. There are too many positive statements concerning such complicity to donbtll
In addition to those given in the preceding pages of this worli, many more may be found in Nlles's Weekly Regiiter,
U.,8tt.
OF THE WAB OF 1812.
471
n'l Uiaut«n lu Ramla.
RiOulclnga nf tho American Psaco-party.
CommlnMluneni to treat for Peace.
Mtpo leoi
(mm Hiul death held high carnival among the fugitives. Honaparto saw that all was
lost and he haHtenod to France, bearing almost the first intelligence of the terrible
(lisiister. He loHt during the eiiinitaign one hundred and twenty-fivo thounand slain
ill buttle, one hundred and tliirty-two thouHand by fatigue, hunger, diseaHe, and cold,
iind one hundred and ninety-three thousand made prisoners; in all, four hundred and
Mil thousand men! Notwithstanding this fearful loss of life, he had scarcely reach
td Pai'is when ho issued un order for a general conscription, in number sufficient to
take the places of the dead. At the same time Itussia, Sweden,. Denmark, Prussia,
and Spain coalesced for tlie purpose of striking the cri))pled conqueror a crushing
|)low iind early in 1813 they sent large annies toward the Elbe to oppose him. His
fonscripts were already in the field, and with three hundred and fifty thousand men
he invaded Germany, fought and won the great battle of Lutzen,* and, after .May 2,
other conflicts, seated himself in Dresden, agreeably to an armistice, and list- '^"'•
ened to offers of mediation on the part of Austria, with a view to closing the war.
The intelligence from Europe was disheartening to the war-party, for it was evi-
dent that the coalition of the great powers of Europe against the FrtMich would so
relieve England that she might prosecute the war in America with great vigor. The
President had been at all times anxious for peace on honorable terms. He perceived
.1 chance for its accomplishment through Russian mediation, and he at once accepted
thp offer of M. Daschkoff. That acceptance was followed by the nomination of Al-
bert (Tallatin, the Secretary of the Treasury, and James A. Bayard, a representative
of Delaware in the Senate of the United States, as commissioners or envoys extraor-
dinary, to act jointly with Mr. Adams to negotiate a treaty of peace with Great
lifitain at St. Petersburg. At the same time, William H. Crawford, of Georgia, a
Peace Democrat, was appointed to succeed the lately deceased Joel Barlow' as min-
ister at the French court. Ot the result of the efforts for peace through Russian
mediation I shall hereafter write.
The reverses of Napoleon, as Mr. Barlow, as we have »een, was an ardent Repnblican (aee page 94). In October, 1312, the Unke de Baaaano, at
Na(M)ii!on'fl reqiicat. Invited Barlow to meet the emperor at Wllna, In Poland, the nomlnnl object oi wh'ch waa to com-
plete ' commercial treaty with the United States, for which the American minister har' long Importuned. It was be-
kved hy some that the real object was to make an arrangement by which French ships, manned by American sailors,
mlslit be Drought Into play against Great Britain. Whatever was the object remains a mystery. Barlow obeyed the
rojal eummons immediately, and traveled day and night. The weather was very Inclement. The country had been
vssted by war, and he suffered many pri vatlons. In consequence nf these and exposure to the weather, he was attacked
with inflnmmatlou of the lungs, which caused his death in the cottage of a Jew at Zarnowice, near Cracow, on the 22d
of December, 1812. Of course, the object of his mission was not accomplished. His last poem, dictated. It Is said, from
bit (ieath-bed, was a withering expression of resentment against Napoleon for the hopes which he had disappointed.
' Services were held In King's Chapel, on the 26th of March, 1S13, In commemoration of the victories of the Russians
See page 364.
' Augustas L. Langham, of Ohio, was an ensign la a rifle corps tn 180S. He resigned in 1809, and in March, 1812, was
commiisioned a captain in the Nineteenth Regiment of Infantry. He distinguished himself at Fort Helge. In Atig;iiet
Mowing he was promoted to major, was retainud in 1816, iind resigned in Octolier, 1810.
' 1813.
' March 3.
il
m, ik<
IIJ
N «i
41^
PICTORIAL FIKLD-BOOK
Vortlflad GMnp (t the Hsainae lUpUU.
RmlMnMS of the cummaadtiitf Offlcrr.
A WMk Oirriiom
oollocti'tl thorc in proat qnantity. ITih troops wore ihvn nbont piphlpcn hundred in
nuiubi-r, iiiul woro employod on the wurku iiikIit tlio Hkillful direction of tliat com-
^ |K-t«'nt offif-r. Captain Wood, thv chief
-/X^^n^ «ngini-er of Harrison'M army, ("a,„ai„
c^*^€.^v/ Grutiot,* tht-n lyinp jtroHtratc witli ii|.
noim tliat lonjf continued. "The pamp"
— said Captain Wood, waH about twoiitv-
five hundred yards in circumference, the wlude of wliich, w>th the exception of hiv-
eral small iiitervalH left for batteries and block-Iioubcs, was to be |)icketed with tim-
ber fifteen leet long, from ten to twelve inches in diameter, and set three feet in the
ground. Such were the instructions of the engineer; and so soon as the lines of tlic
camp were (U'signated, large portions of the labor were assigned to each corps in tin.
army, by which means a very laudable eamlation was easily excited. To conii)letf
tlio picketing, to put up eight block-houses of double timbers, to elevate fo.ir largi'
batteries, to build all the store-houses and magazines n'quired to contain the siipplieii
of the army, together with the ordinary fatigues of the camp, was an undertaking of
no small magnitude. Besides, an immense deal of labor was likewise recpiired in ex-
cavating ditches, making abatis, and clearing away the wood about tlu^ canij) ; and
all this was to be (b)ne, too, at a time when the weather was inclement, and the ground
80 hard tluit it could scarcely bo opened with the mattock and pickaxe. But in the
use of the axe, mattock, and spade consisted tho chief military knowledge of our
army; and even that knowledge, however trifling it may be supposed by some, is
of the utmost importance in many situations, and in ours was the salvation of the
army. So we fell to work, heard nothing of the enemy, and endcavo>-ed to bury our-
selves as soon as possible."^
But the work so vigorously commenced was abandoned soon afterward, when the
general and the engineer left tlie camj) — the former to visit liis sick family at Cinrin-
nati, and to urge forward troops and supplies for his army; the latter to superintend
the erection of defensive works at Santhftky. The camj) at the Rapids w as left in
charge of Colonol Leftwich, o^ tlie Virginia militia, who appears to have resolved to
desert the post as soon as possible. Kcgardless of the danger to the stores, and
comfort and safety of those he miglit leave behind, ho not only allowed all work
upon the fortifications to cease, but permitted the soldiers to burn the collected piok-
etings for fuel, instead of getting it fiom the woods withui pistol-shot of the oamp.
On his return from Sandusky on the 20th of P'ebruary, Captain Wood, to his great
mortification, perceived the utter neglect of Leftwich, and the destruction of the
works on tlie lines commenced before lie left. The consequence of thii conduct of
Leftwich, whom Wood called " an old phlegmatic Dutchman, who was not even fit
for a pack-horse master, much less to be hitrnsted with such an important command,"
was great exposure of the garrison to the inclement weather, and the stores to immi-
nent peril from the enemy. When, on the expiration of their term of enlistment, tho
Virginia troops under Leftwich, and others from Pennsylvania, left for home, only
about five hundred men remained at the Rapids under Major Stoddard, with which
to maintaiu possession of an unfinished line of circumvallation calculated to contain
an army of two thousand men.
Harrison's greatest concern during the winter of 1813 was the possibility of not
keeping soldiers enough in the field for the spring campaign, as the terms of the en-
' Charles Oratiot wag a native of Miasonrl, and was appointed wacond llentenant of Englneen In Ttober, 18(K), ud
captain in 1809. Ilarrlaon appointed him his chief engineer In 1S12. He was promoted to mivjor ii> 1816, llentemiit
colonel in 1819, colonel and principal engineer Ip 18S8, and on the eame day (Hay 24) was breveted b.gadier General.
He left the service In December, 1838.
> The Itnea of the camp,inc)oainfr about eight acre*, were very irregular. They ware upon a high bank, abont oii(
bnndred. feet above the river and three hundred yards. fh>m it. On the land side, commencing at the run, woa a dMp
ravine that swept in a cresuent form qnlte round to the rear.
OF THE WAR OF 1813.
471
iCdl li'' VulantMn nob); ariiwand. Armttroiiit'i InltrfarraM with HarrUoa't Pltnt. Uarrir tn*! ProlMrtt
listinent of iH>ral ArniHtronj^, the
new Secretary of War, which dcraujiud i'.ll iiin )>ianH. IJy llicwc he was directed to
(ontiiiuo his denu)nstratiotm against Maiden, i)Ut only as a f I-i'ke Kric, then just inaugurated, nd to be completed at I'resipu' Isle
(now Eric, I'tunsylvania) by the middle of the ensuing May. Much to his mortitica-
lioii iunl alarm, he was directed to dispense with militia as much as possible, and to
till up the 17th, 10th, and 2-Uh Uegiments of Itegulars for service in the ensuing
■umpait,'"- il^' w*^ informed that two ntlier regiments of regulars bnd been ordered
to bo ruistd, one in Kentucky and the other in Ohio. Hhouhl the old regiments not
be tilled in time, he was jicrmittcd to make up the deficiencies from the militia. With
thc80 ho was to garrison the dilferent po8tH, hold the position at the Kapids, aiul
amuse the enemy by leints.
This interference with his plans aimoyed Harrison exceedingly, and lie ventured to
remonstrate with the Secretary of War. He gave him his views* very iMBrchis,
freely, aixl with them some valuable and much-needed information concern- "*'"'•
in" the country to be defended and tlie Indian tribes in alliance with the British. lie
explained the causes of apprehended danger in attempting to carry out the new pro-
ffrainmo, and assured the Secretary of War that the regular force to be relied on
eoulil not bo raised in time for needed service, and that, even if it should, it wouhl be
too small for the required duty — so evidently inadeipuite that enlistmcntH would be
diseouraarcd.'' Armstrong, who seldom bore opposition patiently, did not like to be
remonstrated wit»i,but he prudently forbore farther interference hi the conduct of
the cam])aign in the Northwest at that time.^
General Harrison was yet at Cincinnati late in March, actively engaged in endeavors
to forward troops and supplies to the Rapids. Informed that the lake was ".imost free
of ice, that the Virginia and n-.ost of the Pennsylvania troops would leave at the ex-
1 IlarrlsDii requested tlint a corps of flfteeii hiimlred men might be raised in Kentucky Immediately, and marched to
his l)ead-ry art and appliance in his
power to conceati'ate av Amherstburg a large In-
dian force for the purpose. He tired the zeal of
Tecumth." a?id the Prophet by promises of future
success in all tlieir schemes for confederating the
savage tribes, and by boasting of his ample pow-
er to place in the hands of his Indian allies Fort
Meigs, its garrison, and immense stores. So stim-
ulative were his promises that, at the beginning
of April, Tecumtha was at Fort Maiden witli al-
most fifteen hundred Indians. Full six hundred
of them were drawn from the country between
had been per8ua See the map on the preceding page, which covers the entire historic ground at and around the Maumee Baplds from
Boche de Bout— perpendicular rock— where the river has a considerable fall, and where Wayne was encamped in ITM
(sec page 84), to Proctor's encampment ncnr Fort Miami at the time we are considerliig. It shows the dIocc uf Hull'.'
encampment in 1812 (see page 267), and iVayue'a battle-ground in 1794 (see page 88), with the site of j<"ort Meigs, and
ofincidents connected with the siege abouUo be described in the text; also the present Maumee City on one side of Ihp
river, Perryville on the other, and the rail and wagon bridges across. Between Fort Meigs and Pcrryville is seen a
stream. It courses through the rarine mentioned in Note 2, page 474.
> Statement of P.everend A. M. Lorraine, in the Ladiei' B^ioHtory, March, 1848.
♦ Oral statement of NavoTe to the author.
' The origtiul is before me, and a /ac-n'mib) of it appears on the opposit: page. It is one of the papers of Oenerr.l City
kindly placed In oiy hands by his son, Qeneral C'—'-^t M. Clay, onr late minister at the Russian Court. It Is writteo
on a half nbeet of foolscap paper, and Is thoronghly soiled by cont'ict with mnd and water.
OF THE WAR Ol" 1812.
As it may he interesting to the reader to know what constituted the private outfit of an officer of the army at thai
time for service in the field, I subjoin the following " Ust of articles for camp" prepared for General Clay :
" Trunk, portmanteau and fixtures, flat-iron, cofl"ee-mlll, r^zor-strop, box, etc., inkstand and bundle of qiilUi', ream
of paper, three halters, shoc-bnisheu, blacking, saddle and bridle, tortoise-shell comb and case, box of mercurial oint-
ment, silver spoon, mattress and pillow, three blankets, three sheets, two towels, linen for a cot, two volumes M'KeiizleV
Travels, two maps, spy-glass, gold watch, brace of silver-mounted pistols, nmbrella, sword, two pairs of epurs— oneot
silver. Ci.otiifb : Hat, one pair of shoes, one pair of boots, regimental coat, great-coat, bottle-green coat, scnrii ivalsl-
coat, blue casslmere and buff cassimere waistcoat, striped jean waistcoat, two pair cotton colored pantaloons, one pair
bottle-green pantaloons, one pair queen-cord pantaloons, one pair buff short breeches, one pair red flannel drnwerf, one
red flannel waistcoat, red flannel shirt, five white linen shirts, two check shirts, nine cravats, six chamois, two pair
thread stockings, three pair of thread socks, hunting shirt, one pair of woolen gloves, one pair of leather gloves."
"A complete ration" at that time was estimated at fifteen cents, and was composed and charged as follows: meal,
Ave cents ; flour, six cents ; whisky, three cents ; salt, isoap, candles, and vinegar, one fourth of a cent each.
' Captain Combs is ye' <1867) living in his native state of Kentucky, vigorous in mind and body, and bearing the title
of general by virtne of liis commission as sucli in the militia of his state. He is descended, on his mother's Me, from
• Quaker family of Maryland. His father, a Virginian, was a " Revolutionary Ofllcer and a Hunter of Kentucky " *
say* a simple inscription on his tomb-stone. Leslie was the youngest of twelve children. He joined the army In I^IJ,
when Just past eighteen years of age, and was af, once distinguished for his energy and bravery. He was employed, as
we have seen (page .ISO), on perilous duty, and never disappointed those who relied upon him. He was made a caplain
and wounded near Fort Meigs, and uarrowly escaped death. He was paroled, and late in May, 1818, returned home.
He commenced the study of law, and was not again in the fleld until 18B0, when he raised a regiment for the south-
woiteni frontier at the time of the revolution in Texas. He became very active in political life. His borne wai Lei-
-^&>n^
9—
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
481
fW)8'« Voyage down the Maumco Klver. Qreetini; uf ihe Flag at Fort Meigs. Combs attacked by Indiana.
. also by young Jilack Fish^a, Shawnoese Avarrior,' With the latter at tlie helm,
the other four engaged with the rowing, and hmiseU' at the bow in charge of the rifles
111(1 ammunition of the party, Combs pushed off from Defiance, amid cheera and sad
adieus (for few expected to see them again), determined t j reach Fort Meigs before
jjjyli^ht the next morning. The voyage was full of danger. Rain was falling heavi-
ly and the night was intensely black. They passed the Kapids in safety, but not until
niiite late in the morning, when heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of the
t'oit. It was evident that the expected siege had commenced, and that the perils of
the mission were increased manifold. For a moment Combs was perplexed. To re-
turn would be prudent, but would expose his courage to doubts ; lo remain until the
•.ext nii?ht, or proceed at once, seemed equally hazardous. A decision was soon made
by the brave youth. " We must go on, boys," he said ; " and if you expect the honor
of taking coffee with General Harrison this morning, you must work hard for it."
lie went forward with many misgivings, for he knew tlie weakness of the garrison,
and doubted its ability to hold out long. Great was his satisfaction, therefore, when,
on sweeping around Turkey Point,^ at the last bend in the river by which the fort
was liidden frohi his view, he saw the stripes and stars waving over the beleaguered
CP TUE MAIIMKR VAI.LKY.
camp. Their joy wa evinced by a suppressed shout. Suddenly a solitary Indian
appeared in the edge of the woods, and a moment afterward a large body of them
were observed in the gray shadows of the forest, running eagerly to a point below
to cut off Combs and his party from the fort. The gallant captain attempted to dart
by them on the swift current, when a volley of bullets from the savages severely
wounded Johnson and Paxton — the former mortally. The fire was returned with
effect, when the Shawnoese at the helm turned the prow toward the opposite shore.^
There the voyagers abandoned the canoe, and, with their faces toward Defiance, sought
safety in flight. Atler vainly attempting to take Johnson and Paxton with them,
Combs and Black Fish left them to become captives, and at the end of two days and
two nights the captain reached Defiance, whereat General Clay had just arrived. The
Vi'alkers were also there, having fled more swiftly, because unencumbered. Combs
ami his dusky companion had suffered terribly.* The former was unable to assunio
Itjton, and he waa a neighbor and warm personal fHend of Henry Clay throughout the long pnblic career of that groat
nun. The Mendship was mutual, and Clay always felt and acknowledged the power of General Combs. He was «l\vn.\v
1 Unent, eloquent, and most efl'ectlvo speaker, and now, when he has passed the goal of " threescore and ten yea^^/'
he never Wis to charm any audience by his words of power, his apt illustrations, and genial humor.
< ne vas a grandson of Black Fish, a noted warr'or who led the Indians in the attack on Boousboro', In Kentucky
j taliiS.
' In the above picture, a view of a portion of the Maumee Valley, as seen from the northwest angle of Fort Melg>,
I tookingnpthe river, Turkey Point Is seen near the centre, behind the head of Hollister's Island, that divides the river.
k clmnp of trees, a little to the right of the three small trees In a row near the bank of t'ae river, marks the place. Thi'
I Miomee it teen flowing to the right, and to the left the p1»in, when I made the sketch in the autumn of ISGO, was
I weni with Indian core, gome standiug and some In the shocks. A canal for hydraulic purposes is seen In the fore-
j groraid. It flows immediately below the ruins of Fort Meigs.
' It was first thonght that the Indians were friendly Shawnoese. So thought Blcrk Fi»h ; but when he discovered his
I uliuke, he exclaimed, "Pottawatomie, God damn I"
* Ptitoa was shot through the body, but recovered, during the political campai|i;n of 1S40, when General Hnrrlton
Hu
i ',
- :
I
48t
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PreparstlonB for asMtllng Fort MetgE.
Ilarrison'i Speech to his Soldlen,
Fort Heigs strenglliened.
the command of his company, but he went down the river with the re-enforcements
and took an active part in the conflict in the vicinity of Fort Meigs. There we shall
meet him again presently.'
The British had completed two batteries nearly opposite to Fort Meigs on the
BITE OP TUK IIKITIHU BATTEKIXB PBOU VOUT MKIUB.'
• April, morning of the 30th,* and had mounted their ordnance. One of them bore
1818. ^^Q twenty-four-pounders, and the other three howitzers — one eight inches
and the other two five and a half inches calibre. In this labor they had lost some
men by well-directed round shot from the fort, but neither these missiles nor the
drenching rain drove them away. Harrison had not been idle in the mean time,
His force Avas much inferior to that of the enemy in numbers, but was animated by
the best spirit. On the morning after the British made their appearance near, he ad-
dressed his soldiers eloquently in a General Order ;^ and when he discoverefl the foe
busy in erecting batteries on the opposite shore that would command his works, he
began the construction of a traverse, or wail of earth, on the most elevated grouml
through the middle of his caanp, twelve feet in height, on a base of twenty feet, and
three hundred yards in length. During its construction it was concealed by the
tents. When these were suddenly removed to the rear of the traverse, the British
engineer, to his great mortification, perceived that his labor had been almost in vain.
instead of an exposed camp, from which Proctor had boasted he would soon " smoke
waB elected President of the United States, General CombB spoke to scores of vast assemblies in his favor. On one
occasion he waB inthe neighborhood of Paxton's residence, who took a seat on the platform by the side of tho epeaier.
Combs relatud the incident of the voyage down the Manmee and their Joy at the sight of the old flag on that mombg.
" Here," said he, " is the man who was shot through the body. Stand np, Joe, and tbll me how many bullets it would
have taken to have killed you at that measure." " More than a peek I" exclaimed Paxton.
> I met General Combs at Sandusky City in the autumn of ISfiO, when he gave me an interesting account of his opera-
tions in the Manmee Valley at that time. Speaking of his return to Defiance, be said, " Black Fish made his wa; to his
native village, white I pushed on toward Defiance. It rained incessantly. I was compelled tu swim several swollni
tributaries to the Maiimee, and was dreadfully chafed by walking in wet clothes. My feet were lacerated by travelini;
in moccasins over burnt prairies, and my mouth and throat were excoriated by eating bitter hickory-bud!, the only
food that I tasted for forty-eight hours. For days afterward I could not eat any solid food. I was placed on a cot In a
boat, and in that manner descended the river with my gallant Kentucky friends."
» The above little picture, sketched in the autumn of 1860 from the ruins of Croghan Battery (so named In hoiinrof
the gallant defender of Fort Stephenson), Fort Meigs, looking northwest, shows the scattered village of Mnumoe ( iiv
in the distance, with the site of the BritiBh batteries in front of It. This is Indicated in the picture by the distant bluff
with two houses upon It, immediately beyond the two little figures at the end of the railway-bridge in ihe miildlt-
ground. When I visited the spot In 1860, the ridge on which the cannon were planted, lower than the plain on wtilth
the village stands, was very prominent. Behind It was a deep hollow, in which the British artillerymen were swrarelT
posted. On the brow of the plain, Just back of the British batteries, Indicated by the second bluff with one houw upon
it, was afterward the place of encampment of Colonel Johnson. The railway-bridge, seen In the mlddlo-grf ,niiof ibl"
picture, has a common passenger-bridge by the side of it. Between the extreme foreground and the rallwsy cmbaiik-
ment Is the ravine mentioned In a description of Fort Meigs on page 474, and indicated In the map on pajte *w by »
stream of water.
» "Can the citizens of a ft-ee country," he said, " who have taken arms to defend its rights, "hlnk of snbralttinKtoan
army composed of mercenary soldiers, reluctant Canadians, goaded to the field by the bayonet, and of wretched, Mkfd
savages ? Can the breast of an American soldier, when he casts his eyes ts „oe opposite shore, the scene of ills coun-
try's triumphs over the same foe, bo influenced by any other feelings than the hope of glory J Is not this army mm
posed of the same materials with that which fought and conquered under the immortal Wayne r Yes, lfellow-«o!difr>
your general sees yonr coantenances beam with the same fire that he witnessed on that glorions occasion ; and, al-
though it would be tho height of presumption to compare himself with that hero, he boasts of being that hero's pupil'
To your posts, then, fellow-cltlzens, and remember that the eyes of yonr country are upon yon I"
• Wayne's battle-ground in ITfti, and the theatre of his victory, were In sight of the soldiers thus addressed, Harrl- j
«on was Wayne's aid-de-camp on that occasion, and, as wo have obs en-sd on page 88, was one of his most usefiil offlcen. |
I' r
I
mm
engUieoed.
cements,
we shall
s on the
them bore
;ht inches,
lost some
!8 nor the
nean time,
limated by
icar, he ad-
rec* the foe
i works, he
ted ground
ty teet, and
lied by the
the British
lost in vain.
ion " smoke
fiivor. On one
of thcfpeaKcr,
^n that momiDg.
bullets It would
ant of his opera-
le his way to his
J several swollen
Ited by travel'.oc
}y-bud!, the only
ced on a cot In a
ncd In honor ol
I of Mnomce Cilt
|the distant MnH
■ In ihe middle-
! plain on whlrt
|en were secure!'
i one hi>UK upot.
llc-Rrf lOilottlii'
iallway emlitnk-
Ion pajje m bj »
lenbrnlttlngtoM
I wretched, nsked
Jceneofhlscw-
It this army com-
li, fellow-soldier".
Iccaslon; si"l.»'-
%8t hero's pupil-'
Caressed. n«rri-
bst useful o(llMf«. j
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
468
Uritlib and Indians cross the River.
A Onn-boat.
Fort Meigs attaclied.
•Colonel Christy.
out the Yankees" — in other words, speedily destroy it with shot and shell, ho saw
nothing but an immense shield of earth, behind which the Americans wore invisible
and thoroughly shelterfed. Proctor accordingly modified his plans, and sent a. con-
siderable force of white men iindci Captain Muir, and Indians under Tecuratha, to
the eastern side of the river, under cover of the gun-boats, with the evident intention
of preparing for an attack on the fort in the rear. When night fell the British bat-
teries were yet silent, and remained so ; but a gun-boat, towed up the river near the
fort under cover of the darkness, fired thirty shots without making any other im-
pression than increasing the vigilance of the Americans, who reposed on their arms.
Early in the morning the gun-boat went down the river barren of all honor.
Late in the mornirg on the Ist of May,* notwithstanding heavy rain-clouds
vere driving down the Maumee Valley, and drenching every thing with fitful
discharges, the British opened a sevete cannonade .ind bombardment upon Fort Meigs,
and continued the assault, with slight intermissions, for about five day ,' but without
much injury to the fort and garrison. The fire was returned occasionally by eight-
een-pounders. The supply of shot for these and the twelve-pounders was very small,
there not being more than three hundred and sixty of each. They were used with
.judicious parsimony, for it was not known how long the siege might last. The Brit-
ish on the contrary, appeared to have powder, balls, and shells in great abundance,
and they poured a perfect storm of missiles — not less than five hundred — upon the
I A mrvivor of the War of 1812, and one of the most active and remarkable men of the day when the late civil war
take out, was Colonel William Christy. He was acting
qurter-master at Fort Meigs, and had charge of all the
(tores and flags there at that time. He was only twenty-
two years of age, yet he had, by his energy and patriot-
Ian, ttcured the love and coi ' ience of General Harrison
In t remarkable degree. W .len the first gun was fired
jpon Fort Meigs, Harrison called him to his side, and
aid, "Sir, go and nail a banner on every battery, where
Itay shall wave so long as an enemy is in view." Chrij-
i; olieyed, and there the Cags remained during the en-
tire siege.
Mr. Christy was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, on the
nil of December, ITOl. \t an early age Le went with his
ftlher to reside near the Ohio, not far dUtant from Cln-
diiMti. He was left an orphan at the age of fourteen
j(an. He studied law, and entered upon the duties of
tint pMfesslou in 1811. V "oen war was declared he join-
(dthc army under Harrison. That officer knew lAa fa-
Her.and kindly gave the t,un of his old ft-iend a place in
hi' military family as aid-de-camp, and, as we have just
obserred, he was made acting quarter-master at Fort
Keigi. He behaved gallantly there in the sortie in which
Ciptaln Silver was engaged, and in which his company
suffered terribly. Christy was in subordinate command
inthat light, and received the commendations of his gcn-
titl. He was promoted to lieutenant in the old First
Rdment of United States Infantry. After tho close of
!l( Harrison campaign, which resulted in victory at the
Humes, he was ordered to Join his regiment, then at
Sukett's Harbor, There General Brown appointed him
idjnunt, and he was in active service in Northern New
M for some time. When the army was dtsband-
td. Christy was retained, and was stationed for a while
ij Sew Orleans. He left the army in 1816, and com-
Kntcd the career of a commission merchant in New Or-
tai. He married there, and soon amassed a fortune,
wbltli he lost, however, by the dishonesty of a partner.
Beresnmed the practice of the law, and In 1826 published
to "Digest" of the Decisions of the Supreme Court of
die Stitc of Lonlsiana. Again he amassed a large for-
iMe. He espoused the cause of Texas, and soon after-
nri lost his property, but gained the praise of being " the flrst fllibuster in the United States." Eia natnre was Im-
("Wre, and daring his residence of more than forty years in New Orleans he had several "affairs of honor," growing
* o' political quarrels chiefly. He was a ready and Bnent speaker, and dnring the campaign when Harrison was
lUdldate for the Presidency, Colonel Christy >>ccompanled his chief in person throughout Ohio, and made more than
oee handred speeches in his behalf. His kindness of heart and ungnidging hospitality ever gained blm hocts of wann
Hfflds.
"I,
'ii
I it!
484
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
New Battery ope'ned on Fort MelgH. HarriBon'i Defenies.
Critical Situation of the Port and Garrlwn
PLAN OF FOBT MEIG8.*
fort all of the first day, and until eleven o'clock at night.' One or two of the garri-
son wore killed, and Major Stoddard, of the First Regiment, a soldier of the liovolu
tion, who commanded the fort when Leftwitch retired, was so badly wounded by a
fragment of a shell that he died ten days afterward.*
On the morning of the 2d the British opened a third battery of throe twelve.
pounders upon the fort from the opposite side of the river, which tliey had eom|)lt'te(l
during the night, and all that day the cannonade was kept up briskly. Within the
next twenty-four hours a fourth battery was opened.' Tliat night a detachment of
artillerists and engineers crossed the river, and mounted guns and mortars upon two
mounds for batteries already constructed in the thickets by the party that crossed on
the 30th, within two hundred and fifty yards of the rear angles of the fort. One of
these, nearest the ravine already mentioned, was a mortar battery ; the other, a few
rods farther south ward, was a three-gun battery. Expecting an operation of this
kind, the Americans had constructed traverses in time to foil the enemy ; and when
toward noon of the 3d, the three cannon and the howitzer opened suddenly upon the
rear angles of the fort, their fire was almost harmless. A few shots from eighteen-
pounders, directed by Gratiot, «ho
was convalescing, soon silenced th»
gun -battery, and the pieces were
hastily drawn off and placed in posi-
tion near the ravine.
Shot and shell were hurled upon
the fort more thickly and steadiiv
on the 3d than at any other time,
but with very little efiect. This
seemed to discourage the besiegers,
and on the 4th the fire was materially
slackened. Tlien Proctor sent Major Chambers with a demand for the surrender of
the post. " Tell General Proctor," responded Harrison, promptly, " that if he shall
take the fort it will be under circumstances that will do him more honor than a thou-
sand surrenders." Meanwhile the cannonading from the "fort was feeble, because of
the scarcity of ammunition. " With plenty of it," wrote Captain Wood, " we shoul'l !
have blown John Bull from the Miami." The guns were admirably managed, and I
did good execution at every discharge. The Americans were well supplied with I
food and watei** for a long siege, and could well aftbrd to spend time and weary the
assailants by merely defensive warfare sufficient to keep the foe at bay. They ex-
hibited their confidence and spirit by frequently mounting the ramparts, swuiginj I
their hats, and shouting defiance to their besiegers. Nevertheless, Harrison was
anxious. Hull and Winchester had failed and suffered. The foe was strong, wily, 1
and confident. So he looked hourly and anxiously up the Maumee for the hoped-for]
re-enforcements. Since Navarre and Oliver went out, he had lieard nothing fronij
' Ae the enemy were throwing large nnraberg of cannon-balls Into the fort firom their batteries, Harrison offered a sill J
(it whisky for every one delivered to the magazine-keeper, Thomas L. Hawkins. Over one thousand gills were tho'l
earned by the soldiers. — Howe's HUtorical CoUectiona qf Ohio, page 532. An eyewitness (Reverend A. M. Lorraine) r^i
lates that one of the militia took his station on the embankment, watched every shot, and forewarned the irarrisoul
thus: " Shot," or "bomb," as the cose might be ; sometimes " Block-house No. 1," or "Look out, main battery," "Xo»|
for the meat-house," " Oood-by, if yon will pass." At last a shot hit him and killed him Instantly.
« Amos Stoddard was a native of Massachusetts, and was commissioned a captain of artillery in 1708. He ws« re-i
tained in 1802. In 1804 and '06 he was governor of the Missouri Territory. He was promoted to major in 1S07. B^
was depi.ly qnarter-master in 1S12, but left the staff in December of that year. He died of tetanus, or lockjaw, on t'
11th of May, 1813. He was the author of " Sketches of Louisiana," published in 1810.
> These were named as follows, as Indicated on the above map : a, Mortar ; b. Queen's ; c, Bailor's : and d, Ring's.
♦ This plan is fi-om a sketch made by Joseph H. Larwell, on the 19th of July, 1818. All the dotted lines represent tl
traverses, a a a a a Indicate the block-houses ; b b, the magazines ; e o e e, minor batteries. The grand and mort
batteries and tbe well are indicated by name.
' During the Arst three days of the siege the Americans were wholly dependent upon the rain for water. Thoie whi
wet* sent to f«*3h it were exposed to the Are of the enemy. On the fourth they had completed a well within the M
vblch gave them an ample supply.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
485
Qttttni Clay moving down the Manmee.
Harriiiou'i Plans developed.
Movement* near Fort Melgi.
abroad. His suspense was ended at near midnight on the 4th, when Captain Oliver,
with Major Uavid Trimble and fifteen men who had come down the river in a boat,
made their way into the fort as bearers of the glad tidings that General Clay and
ili'ven hundred Kentuckians were only eighteen miles distant, and would probably
reach the post before morning.
Captain Oliver had found Clay at Fort Winchester on the 3d. The cannonading
it Fort Meigs was distinctly heard there, and Clay pressed forward as speedily as
possible with eighteen large flat scows, whose sides were furnished with shields
against the bullets of Indians who might infest the shores of the river. It was late
in the evening when the flotilla reached the head of the Rapids, eighteen miles from
the scene of conflict. The moon had gone down, and the overcast sky made the night
so in'icnsely dark that che pilot refused to proceed before daylight. It was then that
Tri.nble and his brave fifteen volunteered to accompany Captain Oliver to the fort,
to cliecr the hearts of Harrison and his men by the tidings ' " succor near. It did
cheer them. Harrison immediately ci iceive ? plan of operations for Clry, and dis-
mtched Captain Hamilton and a subaltern in a canoe to meet the general, and say to
him with delegated authority, " You must detach about eight hundred men from your
briijade, and land them at a point I will show you, about a mile or a mile and a half
above Camp Meigs. I will then conduct the detachment to the British batteries on
the left bank of the river. The batteries must be taken, the cannon spiked, and
carrias^es cut down, and the troops must then return to the boats and cross over to
the fort. The balance of your men must land on the fort side of the river, opposite
the first landing, and fight their way into the fort through the Indians. Tlie route
they must take will be pointed out by a subaltern oflUcer now with me, who will land
the canoe on the righi bank of the river, to point out the landing for the boats."
Tills explicit order reveals much of Harrison's ^jivell-devised plan. He knew that
the British force at the batteries was inconsiderable, for the main body were still
near old Fort Miami, and the bulk of the Indians with Tecumtha were on the eastern
side of the river. Ilis object was to strike simultaneous and effectual blows on both
banks of the stream. While Dudley was demolishing the British batteries on the
left bank, and Clay was fighting the Indians on the right, 1^ intended to make a gen-
eral sally from the fort, destroy the batteries in the rear, rod disperse or capture the
whole British force on that side of the river.
It was almost stnirise when Clay left the head of the Rapids. He descended the
river with his boats arranged in solid column, as in a line of march, each oflicer hav-
ing position according to rank. Dudley, being the senior colonel, led the van.
Hamilton met them, in this order, about five miles above the fort. Clay was in the
thirteenth boat from the front. When Harrison's orders were delivered, he directed
Dudley to take the twelve front boats and execute the commands of the chief con-
[ cerning the British batteries, w^hile he should press forward and perform the part as-
I signed to himself.
Colonel Dudley executed his prescribed task most gallantly and successfully. The
I current was swift, and the shores were rough, but his detachment efltcted a landing
in fair order. They ascended to the plain on which Maumee City stands unobserved
by the enemy, and were there formed for marching in three parallel columns, the
I right led by Dudley, the left by Major Shelby, and the centre, as a reserve, by Acting
Major Morrison. Captain Combs, with thirty riflemen, including seven friendly In-
diiins,flanked in front full a hundred yards distant.' In this order they moved through
I woods a mile and a half toward the British batteries, which were playing briskly
I upon Fort Meigs, when the columns were so disposed as to inclose the enemy in a
'At the reqnest of General Clay, Captain Comba fornlshed him with mlnnte infoniiatioii respecting the operations
I Bder Dudley, in a letter dated May 6, 1815. The writer has kindly Atmiahed me with « copy of that letter, fh>m which
I Ike Duin beta of thia portion of the namtive have been drawn.
.ff
•i
1 ■)
I I
486
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dudley half wini Victory, and losei It. Sad Reanlt of Zeal and Hamaulty, Americana defeated and made Priwnin.
crescent, with every prospect of capturing the whole force. Dudley had failed to in.
form hiH Hubalterns of his exact plans, and that remissness was a fatal mistake. Shel-
by's column, by his order, penetrated to a point between the batteries and the Brit-
ish camp below, when the right column, led by Dudley in person, raised the horrid
Indian yell, rushed forward, charged upon the enemy with wild vehemence, captured
the heavy guns and spiked eleven of them without losing a man. Tlie riflemen
meanwhile, had been attacked by the Indians, and, not aware of Dudley's designs
thought it their duty to fight instead of falling back upon the main body. This was
the fatal mistake. The main object of the expedition was fully acconij)lishe(l al-
though the batteries were not destroyed. The British flag was ])ulled down, and as
it trailed to earth loud huzzas went up from the beleaguered fort.
Harrison had watched the moment with intense interest from his chief battery, and
when he saw the British flag lowered, he signaled Dudley to fall back to his boats
and cross the river, according to explicit orders. Yet the victors lingered, and sliarii
firing was heard in the woods in the reai' of the captured batteries. Harrison was
indignant because of the disobedience. Lieutenant Campbell volunteered to carry a
peremptory order across to Dudley to retreat, but when he arrived the victory sd
gloriously won was changed into a sad defeat. Humanity had caused disobedience,
and terrible was the penalty. At the moment when the batteries were taken, as •vc
have just observed, Indians in ambush attacked Combs and his riflemen. With quick
and generous impulse, Dudley ordered fhem to be re-enforced. A greater part of
the right and centre columns instantly rushed into the woods in consideiable dis-
order, accompanied by their colonel. Thirty days in camp had given them very little
discipline. It was of little account at the outset, for, disorderly as they were, tliev
soon put the Indians to flight, and relieved Combs and his little party. That work
accomplished, discipline should have ruled. It did not. Impelled by the entluisiasm
and confidence which is born of victory, and forgetful of all the maxims of prudence,
they pursued the flying savages almost to the British camp. Shelby's column still
held possession of the batteries when this pursuit commenced, but the Britisli artil-
lerists, largely re-enforced, and led by the gallant Captain Dixon, soon retuined and
recaptured them, taking Sfime of the Kentuckians prisoners, and driving the otiiers
toward their boats. > Meanwhile the Indians had been re-enforced, and had turned
fiercely upon Dudley. His men were in utter confusion, and all attempts at command
were futile. Shelby had rallied the remnant of his column and marched to the aid
of Dudley, but he only participated in the confusion and flight. The Kentuckians
were scattered in every direction through the woods back of where Maumee City now
stands, making but feeble resistance, and exposed to the deadly fire of the skulking
savages. The flight became a rout, precipitate and disorderly, and a greater part
of Dudley's command were killed or captured, after a contest of about three hours.
Dudley, who was a heavy, fleshy man, was overtaken, tomahawked, and scalped, and
his captive companions, including Captain Combs and his spies, were marched to old
Fort Miami as prisoners of war. Of the eight hundred'' who followed him from tlic
boats, only one hundred and seventy escaped to Fort Meigs.*
> When Proctor was apprised of the approach of the detachment nnder Dudley, he rappoeed It to be the advance of
the main American army, and he immediately recalled a large portion of his force on the eastern side of the rinr.
Abont seven hundred Indians were among them, led by Tecumtba. They did not arrive in time to participate In tlie
battle, bnt they allowed Proctor to send large re-enforcements n-om his camp.
!> The exact number of offlcers and private soldiers were, of Dudley's regiment, T61 ; Boswell's, 00, and regulars, 49-
total, 806.— Manuscript Reports among the Clay papers.
' General Harrison censured Colonel Dndley's men in General Orders on the 9tb of Hay, signed by John O'Falloii,
hip ictlng assistant adjutant general. " It rarely occnrs," he said, "that a general has to complain of the excenlTC !
nrdor of his men, yet such appears always to be the case whenever the Kentucky miiitia are engaged. Indeed, 11 ii
the source of all their misfortnnes." After spealcing of the rash act in pursuing the enemy, he remarked, " Snch temer-
ity, although not so disgracaftil, is scarcely less fatal than cowardice." In a letter to Governor Shelby on the 18th, Oen-
•ral Harrison censured Colonel Dudley. " Had he retreated,"he said, " after taking the batteries, or bad be made i j
dls]>osition to retreat in case of defeat, all would have been well. He could have crossed the river, and even If he bad j
OF THE WAR OF 1 8 1 J.
*^1
Ci«y'i iBCountw with tto ludlmi.
K Sallylng-iMrty ud tlMlr Parlls.
A ^lant MMMBgfr.
\Vliile thcHC tragic Bcciiea were traiirtpiriug on the k>fl bank of the river, othem
cuiially htirring were in progrcHsion in the vicinity of Fort Meigs. General Chiy had
Httonipted to land the Hix remaining boats under his command nearly opposite the
iilace of Dudley's debarkation, but the swiflness of the current, swollen by the heavy
raiiiH drove five of them ashore. The other, containing General Clay, with Captiiin
IVtur Dudley and fitly men, kept the stream, separated from the rest, and Hiially luiid-
I'J on the eastern bank of the river opposite to llollister's Island. There they were
aKsailed by musketry from a cloud of Indians on the left flank of the fort, and by
round shot from the batteries opposite. Notwithstanding the great peril, Clay and
his party return^ /^l * • )
companies ofKentucky levies, land- /y^o^^ Q? . / CJ ^^ O^f't-'^C/
cd near Turkey Point. He was im-
mediately o'i'.ered by Captain Hamilton, General Harrison's representative, to fight
his way into the fort The same Indians who assailed Clay disputed his passage.
IJoswell arranged his men in open order, marched boldly over the low plain,' engaged
the savages on the slopes and brow of the high plati-au most gallantly, and reached
the fort without suft'ering very serious loss. There he was greeted by thanks and
shouts of applause, and met by a sallying-party'* coming out to join him in an imme-
diate attack upon that portion of the enemy with whom he had just been engaged,
nursuant to Harrison's original plan of assailing the foe on both sides of the river at
tlie same time. There was but a moment's delay. Boswell on the right, Major Al-
exander and his vohmteers on the left, and Major Johnson in the centre, was the or-
der in which the party advanced against their dusky foe. They fell upon the sav-
ages furiously, drove them half a mile into the woods at the point of the bayonet, and
utterly routed them. In their zeal the victors were pursuing witlia recklessness that,
if continued, would have resulted in disaster like that which overwhelmed Dudley.
Fortunately, General Harrison, always on the alert, had taken a stand, with a spy-
glass, on one of his batteries, from which he could survey the whole field of opera-
tions. He discovered a body of British and Indians gliding swiftly along the bor-
ders of the woods to cut off the retreat of the pursuers, when he dispatched a volun-
teer aid (John T. Johnson, Esq.) to recall his troops. It was a perilous undertaking.
Tlie gallant aid-de-camp had a hoi-se shot under him, but he succeeded in communi-
cating the general's orders in time to allow the imperiled detachment to return with-
out much loss.
(ienoral Harrison now ordered a sortie from the fort against the enemy's works on
the right, near the deep ravine. For this purpose three hundred and fifty men were
loctone or two hnndred men, he would have brought over a re-enforcement ofelz hundred, which wonld have enabled
inf touke the whole British force on this side of the river." Harrison did not then Icnow that Dadley had sacrificed
lh( gtater portion of bis little army and his own life in the hnmane attempt to save Combs and his party from destmc-
llon. Combs afterward called General Harrison's attention to the Injustice of hia censure. It was too late ; it had
pamd into history, and has l>een perpetuated by the pens of successive chroniclers.
WUIiun Dudley was a citizen of Fayette County, Kentucky, at that time, but was a native of Spottsylvania County,
Virginia. U« was a magistrate in Kentucky for many years, and was highly esteemed. He was overtaken, as we have
obwrved in the text, by the Indians, and sliot in the body and thigh. When last seen he was sitting on a stump in a
fwtmp, defending himself against a swarm of savages. He was finally killed, and his body was dreadhilly mutilated.
I wu mformed by Abraham Miley, of Batavia, Ohio, who was in Fort Meigs at the time of ths siege, that when the body
of Diillcy was found a large piece had been cut from the fleshy part of his thigh by the savages, which they doubt-
Im ate.
' 8e« pictnre on page 481, and note i on the some page.
■ CompoBed of Pennsylvania and Virginia Volunteers (the former, except a small company, known as the PitUitmrrf
Bl«a, and the latter the PiCarsturi; Ko III d— rfd by bU ftllow-wtm^
(lotaiU-d, uiul pliict'd uiidor tho cnniniitri from tlicir
batterieK at the point of the bayonet, Hpiked their gunw, and Keatteretl tliiiii in ((inrn.
sion in the woods beyond the ravine toward the nite of the present village of iVrrys.
burg. The enemy fought desijerately, and Miller lo8t fleveral of hin brave men. At
one moment the utter deHtructiou of Sebree'w company Heemed inevitable. They werp
surrounded by four times their number of Indians, when (iwynne, of the Nineteenth
perceiving their peril, rushed to their rescue with a part of Elliott's company. Tlu'v
were saved. The object of the sortie was aGcom|)Jis]ied, and the victors reliinud u,
the fort with forty-three prisoners, followed by the enemy, who had rallied in con-
siderable force.'
Arter these sorties on the 5th the siege of F'ort Meigs was virtually abandoned by
Proctor. The result of that
day's fighting, conibinud with
the ill success of all itrcccdini;
efforts to reduce the fort, wvn
so disheartei;ing that his In-
dian allies deserted him, ami
the Canadian militia tunitd
their faces homeward.* The
sjilendid Territory of Mirhi-
gan had been promised to the
Prophet as a ivward ftir his
services in the capture of Fort
Meigs, and Tecumtha was to
Iiave the person of General
Harrison, whom he had hated
intensely since the battle of
Tippecanoe in 18 II, as hig pe-
culiar trophy. These prom-
B1I;(JK or roBT uiiUB.
' Colonel of the Nineteenth Regiment orRcf^lara. He was a native of Ohio, and was commiaBloued colonel on the
Olh of July, 1812. He was traniifbrred to tho Seventeenth Infantry In May, 1S14. In IfilS he left the army. He wu« gov-
ernor (if Hluourl ft-om 1828 to 188S, and a representative In Cougreoei trom 183T to 1843. Ho died at Floriuunt, Mliuouri,
on the IRth of March, 1840.
> Abel Nearlug was trom Connecticnt He aarvlved the siege, bat died on the 18th of September following f^om the
effect* of fever.
' Captain Klllott was a nephew of the notoriona Colonel Blltott In the British service, and then with Proctor, and of
Captain Jengo Blltott, of the United States Navy, on Lake Erie at that time.
♦ David Gwynnc, as first lienlenant and regimental paymaster, had accompanied Colonel J. B. Campbell against the
MIssisslnawa Towns (see page 84«). He was made captain In March, 181.1. In August lie was made brigade miOor to
Oeneral M'Arthnr, and In 1R14 was raised to major of riflemen. He left tho army In 1816, and died near St. Loul« In l'i45.
» Mt^or Alexander was a brave ofllcer. He commanded a rifle company, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in Campbell'e ei-
pedltion against the Misslssinawa towns In December, 1812.
' Uriel Sebree was a captain in Scott's Kentucky Volonteera in Angnst, 1918, and was with Hi^or HadUon at French-
' '>' n, nnder Wlachester. He was >i gallant ofllcer.
^''he Americans lost in this sortie 28 killed and SS wounded.— ifS^. Report.
• "I had notthe option of retaining my position on the Miami. Halfof the militia had left ns. . . . Before the ord-
nance could be withdrawn from the batteries I was left with Tecumtha and less than twenty chicfi) and warrior9-«
circnmstanco which strongly proves that, uiutrr praent cireuvutanca at Uxut, our Itidian force i»nota dispomUe oiw, or
ptrmatwnt, thtmgk oeea»imuUly (( maU poaer/ul aid."— Proctor's Dispatch to Qovemor Prevoet.
In his dispatch to Sir Oeorgc I'rcvost from Sandwich on tito Uth of May Troctor fairly acknowledged hlmrelf defeat-
ed, and, admitting that he haA no data forjudging how many the Americans had lost In killed, " conceived" the nam-
her to have been between a thousand and twelve hundred ; whereupon Sir Oeorga deceived the Canadians and (MM
history by asserting, In a General Order, he had " crreat satisfaction tn annonncing to the troops the brilliant result of
an action which took place r n the banks of the Miami River," Md " which terminated in the aimphte defeat 4/ the m-
my, and capture, dispersioD, or destmction of thirteen hundred men I" By a comparison of the most reliable accoiuti
OF THE WAU OK 18 12.
489
for his
of Fort
was 1(1
(ii'iicnil
iid hiited
battle of
as his pe-
ese prom-
ell against the
gado m«)or lo
.LoulnlnW
Dampbell'B ei-
son at French-
Ihlmcelfdefeit-
liTed" the nam-
ka and faleUM
ImBDtroiuUot
|u»b)e iccounti
fUfkl MfthK Rrlll'h anil Indians,
MMMtei* of PrUontn at fort lllaml.
TeeaatlM'i Rabtte of Praetor.
jKt'H wtTi' !tll imfulfilU'il. Tho Iiulmiifl \vft in dinKui*t, and probably nothinf:^ bnt Te-
(iiMilliit'" ('iiiniiiiHHion and pay um hrigiidiiM- in thi! HritiHh urniy Hoourod Ium farthur
stTviofH in tlio cauHC.
IVix'tor^H t>yi>8 Haw hin nava^o allioH Icavini; him and bin Canaoc-
toraiidhis officers, the Indians, who had already plundered them and nmrdercd nuuiy
on the way," were allowed to shoot, tomahawk, and scalp more than twenty of thorn.
Tills butchery was stopped by Tooiinitha, who proved himself to be more huin{;ne
li:an his British ally and brother officer, Henry Proctor.'
im both tldei, the low of tin- Americans during the elege may fa'rly, It seema, he pnt down at ahout 80 killed, 470 wonnd-
ed, »od 4'iO prigonera. The Brlttah loM was IB killed, 47 wounded, and 44 made priaouera.
1 vye have ohservcd {pago 47S) that Peter Navarre was nent from Fort Melga with a letter to the Governor .>f Ohio.
Thit enersctlc man immediately aent meaaeuKera In all directloua for volunteers, and he waa very aoon on Ula way tc
the relief of (he beleaguered (farrison. lila march was arrcatcd by tho (light of the bcalegerc.
' Ilurrlsdii'i! dispatches to the Secretary of War, May 9, 1S13 ; Proctor's dispatch t>< Sir Oeoryo Prevost, May 14, 1818 ;
H'Mce'i HitbrriKif the l,aU War; Perklna'a and Thomson 'a Sktkhtt, rte. ; Captali. Wood'a Narratlvo. cited by M'Afee;
Major Rlchurdson's Narrative ; Auchlnleck'e History qf the War a/lt^\9i Genera'. Clay's Letter to General Harrison, May
1J,1S13; Captain Combs'a Letter to General Clay, May B, 181B; General Harrison to Governor Shelby, Miiy IH, 1813;
Amstrong's A'oOWa i\f the War nf ISli : Onderdonk's MS. lAft of Tectm\mK ; Speech of Eleutheros Cook, Esq., of San-
aiifky City, at Fort Meigs, June 11, 1840 ; Narratives of Bev. A. M. Lorraine and Joseph R. Underwood, eyewitnesses,
nooledhy Hmve; Boomer's Early Uintory o/ the Maumee Ko/to/,- oral statcnenls to the Author by Peter Navarre.
> The little ninnnmciit, which contained only the words, Lieutenant Walker, May 9, 181!l, had been greatly mutilated,
when I vUited the spot In the antnmu of 1800, by relic-seekers, those modem Iconoclasts whose bnslnees, when thns
purraedtii simply infamous. The remains of the stone, as delineated In the picture, was only ahout Ave Inches alM>ve
the (ground. It is of limestone, and was wrought by a stone-cutter In the garrison not long after his burial. A few rods
eutofitls the grave of Lieutenant M'Culloch, who waa killed during the summer by Indians while out hunting.
• See the close of Chapter XVII.
' In Howe's Hutorieal Collections nf Ohio, page B88, may be fonnd a very Interesting narrative of the horrid events at
Fort Vlanil, by Joseph R. Underwood, who was present. It is more circumstantial than the letter of Captain Comba
to General Clay, mentioned below.
' Mi^jor Richardson, of the British anny, who wrote an account of events under Brock and Proctor In the West, saya
Ihit the Indians who made the attack, In spite of the eir See Mup on page OS.
■II
.1
siinir
492
riCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Remains o t Fort Melge.
The Well.
Political RomlnlscencM.
sketched Turkey-Foot's Rock, given on page
55. We then returned to the bridges (com-
mon carriage and railway bridge), and crossed
to Fort Meigs, the form of which we found dis-
tinctly marked by thj mounds of earth. That
of the Grand Traverse' Avas from four to six
feet in iieight, and all were covered with green
sward. The fort originally included about
ten acres, but was somewhat reduced in size
before the second siege, which we shall no-
tice presently. The places of the block-
houses were visible, and the situation of the
well, near the most easterly angle of the fort,
was mai'ked by a shallow pit, and a log in an
upright position, seven or eight feet in height.^
DP TUB MACHEE, PROM HACMKE OITY.
On leaving the frirt we strolled along the ravine on itK right and rear to the site of
the British battery captured by Colonel Miller. There yet stood the primeval for-
est-trees — the veiy woods in which Tecumtha and his Indians were concealed. A
lit'le brook was .lowing peacefully through the shallow glen, and the high wind tliat
> See Plan of Fort Meigs on page 484.
» That log has a history. In 1840, General Ilarrison, tlien living nt North
Bend, on the Ohio, was nominated for President of the ITnited States. It
WftB snld that the hero lived in a log cabin, was very hospitable, and was ever
ready to give the traveler a draught of hard cider. Politicians, who are al-
ways anxious to And something to charm the popular mind, took the hint,
and when the partisans of the general, during the political cnnvoss that en-
sued, held large meetings, they erected a log cabin, and had a barrel of elder
for the refreshment of oil comers. In a short time there were log cabins In
every city and village In the land. The partisans of the general made a cap-
ital " hit," and he was elected by an overwhelming majority. During that
canvass a mass meeting of his partisans in Northern Ohio was appointed to
4 JPll Ji^"'^!:S#S;V- '^Ife^Vi^ be held at Fort Meigs, and, on the day previoH"* to the time appointed for it,
^^S^bAsT^ ■ 'V^^^^^SiMTA '•'SS were taken there for the purpose of building a cabin. On that night
~ ~ '" some po'.itical oppouents in the neighborhood s])olled the logs l)y favsing
them in two. The cabln-bullding was abandoned. One of the lo^s was
placed in an upright position in tlie nearly-filled old well, a large hole was
bored in the end, a small pole was inserted, and upon It was raised ii banner
before the eyes of the assembled multitude,* having on it a rude picture Jt
man sawing a log, and the words " i,ooo kooo zeal." In those days the Den.-
ocratic paity were called //oco F.ico*, the origin of which name was as follows : A faction of the Democratic party met
to organize in the city of New York, when some opponents suddenly turned olT the gas. This trick had Iwen pln.ved be-
fore, and they were prepared. In an instant loco foco matches were produced from their pockets, and the gas-lamps
relighted. From that time they were called the Loco Poco Party, and it became the general name, in derision, of the
whole Democratic party.
• This meeting was held on the 11th day of June. It was estimated that forty .housand persons were present, The
orator of the day was Elontherog Cooke, Esq., of Sandusky City. The Reverend Mr. Badeau, the clergyman who olll-
elated, was the chaplain of Harrison's army, and in the fort at the siege.
WEI.I. AT FORT UEIGS.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
403
Vlilt to Fort Meigg and lU Vicinity.
J'jumev back to Toledo.
Adieu to the Guide and Uiatorlau.
made the great trees rock was scarcely felt in the quiet nook. There we three — his-
torian scout, and traveler — liad a " picnic" on food brought from Toledo, and clear
water from the brook, and at one o'clock we departed for the city, passing down the
rii ^H
— — . »'"p»igii. ^H joiinw
CHAPTER XXIV.
'Sound, oh soand Columbia's shell !
High the tbnndering pean raise 1
Let the echoing bngle's swell,
Loudly answering, sound bis praise I
'Tl8 Sandusky's warlike boy,
Crowned with Victory's trophies, comeB I
High arise, ye shonts of joy,
Sound the loud triumphant sound,
And beat the Orams." C. L. S. Jonxs.
S soon as General Harrison was certain that Proctor had abandoned
the attempt to gain possession of the Maumee Valley and had re-
tnrned to Maiden, he placed the command of the troops at Fort
Meigs in charge of the competent General Clay, and started for
Lower Sandusky and the interior, to make provision for the de-
fense of the Erie frontier against the exasperated foe. He left the
fort under an escort of cavalry commanded by Major ^all, whose
horses had been sheltered by the traverses during the siege. He
arrived at Lower Sandusky on the 12th of May, where he met
Governor Meigs with a large body of Ohio volunteers pressing
forward to his relief. Believing that their services would not be needed immediate-
ly, he thanked them cordially for their promptness and zeal, and directed them to be
disbanded. He then hastened toward Cleveland, and ordered the country along the
shores of Lake Erie, from the Maumee to the Cuyahoga, to be thoroughly reconnoi-
tred. Having thus provided for the immediate safety of iIi" frontier settlements, he
took up his quarters again at Franklinton, and inaugurated measures for meeting the
future exigencies of the service in that region by the establishment of military posts
not far from the lake, one of the most important of which was at Lower Sandusky.
The general was delighted with the evidences of spirit, courage, and patriotism that
appeared on every side. The Ohio settlements were alive with enthusiasm. The
advance of Proctor had spread general alarm throughout the state, and hundreds,
discerning the peril that menaced their homes, had hastened to the field at the call
of the patriotic Governor Meigs. These revelations of strength and will assured
Harrison that when he should call for aid, the sons of Ohio would immediately ap-
pear in power.
While these events were occurring in the extreme Northwest, the naval prepara-
tions were going on vigorously at Presque Isle (Erie), and another and efficient arm
of the service had been created, or rather materially strengthened. Richard M. John-
son, a representative of Kentucky in Congress, who had been with Harrison the pre-
vious autumn, had proposed to the Secretary of War the raising of a regiment of
mounted men in his state, to traverse the Indian country from Fort Wayne along the
upper end of Lake Michigan, round by the Illinois River, and back to the Ohio near
Louisville. The secretary approved the plan, and early in January* laid it
■1818.
before Harrison, The general perceived its utter impracticability in winter.
Campbell's expedition to the Mississiniwa Towns' had taught him that. " Such an
expedition in the summer and fall," he said, " would be highly advantageous, because
the Indians are then at their towns, and their com can be destroyed. An attack upon
1 See page 847.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
496
DtBRatlsfiction of the Volnnteera.
Proctor and the Indlani.
.[ohnwn'i Muonteq Kentncklsng.
a particular town in the winter, when the inhabitants are at it, as we know they are
at Mississiniwa, and which is so near as to enable the detachment to reach it with-
out killing their horses, is not only practicable, but, if the snow is on the ground, is
perhaps the most favorable. But the expedition is impracticable to the extent pro-
The projected incursion was abandoned, but Johnson was authorized* , pcbmary «6,
to raise a full regiment of mounted men in Kentucky, to serve under Gen- ***'''•
eral Harrison. As soon as Congress adjourned, he hastened homeward and entered
zealously upon the business of recruiting. He published his authority with a stirring
address. *" The regiment was soon raised ; and toward the close of May,
Johnson wa' at the head of several companies, on their way to the appoint-
ed general rendezvous at Newport, opposite Cincinnati, when a note from one of
General Harrison's aids was handed to him. It had already been read to the com-
manders of the advanced companies, and produced the greatest dissatisfaction among
the troops. After thanking all patriotic citizens who had taken up arms in defense
of the country in general terms, the note assured them that as the enemy had " fled
with precipitancy from Camp Meigs," there was no " present necessity for their longer
continuance in the field." Disappointment, chagrin, anger, and depression took the
place of patriotic zeal for a moment ; but Johnson soon allayed these feelings. He
did not choose to regard the note as an order for disbanding his troops, and he pressed
forward to Newport. There he met General Harrison, when arrangements were made
for the regiipent to enter the United States service, to traverse a portion of the Indian
country according to Johnson's original plan, and to rendezvous at Fort Winchester
on the 18th of Juna It was believed that the fleet on Lake Erie, designed to co-op-
erate with the army, would be ready at that time for a movement against Maiden
and Detroit. The regiment arrived at Dayton on the 28th of May, and there the final
organization was completed. '^ Under the brave Johnson that regiment performed im-
portant servi;e.^
Proctor appears to have been disheartened, for the moment, by his failure before
Fort Meigs, and on his return to Maiden he disbanded the Canadian militia, and can-
toned the Indians at different plpces in the neighborhood. Some of them were era-
ployed as scouts, others hunted, but the most of them lived upon rations furnished
by the British commissariat. Meanwhile British emissaries, white and red, were busy
among the tribes of the Northwest, stirring them up to make war on the Americans.
A Scotchman and Indian trader, named Dickson, was one of the most efficient of these
agents. He was sent, before Proctor moved for the invasion of the Maumee Valley,
1 General Harrison's Letter to the War Department, Jannary 4, 1818.
> Bichard H. Johnson was appointed Colonel; James Johnson, Lieutenant Colonel; Dnval Payne and David Thomp-
lOD, Slajort; B. B. M'Afee (the author of a HUtory nf (A« War {n (A« We»t, already quoted freiinently), Richard Matson,
Jacob KlUston, Benjamin Warfleld, John Payne, Elijah Craig, Jacob Stucker, James Davidson, S. R. Combs, W. M.
Price, and James Coleman, Captaint; Jeremiah Kertly, Adjutant; B. 8. Chambers, (^varter-nuuter ; Samuel Theobalds,
Mife Advocate; L. Dickinson, Sergeant-major ; James Suggett, Chaplain and Major of the Spies; L. Sandford, Quarter-
muttr rieneral; Doctors Ewing, Coburn, and Richardson, Surgeon*.
' Richard Mentor Johnson was bom at Bryant's Station, Ave miles northeast of Lexington, Kentucky, on the ITth of
October, 1T81. At the age of flfteen years he acquired
the mdlments of the Latin language, and then entered
Trunylvania University as a student. His mental and
physical energies were remarkable. He chose the law
for n profcsBlon, and he soon took a conspicuous place
In that avocation. During the excitement In the South-
west at the beginning of the present century, when
hostilities between the Spaniards at New Orleans and
the settlers of the MIsslaslppi Valley seemed imminent,
Tonng Johnson took an active part, and volunteered, with others, to make an armed descent on New Orleans. Before
he was twenty-two years of age he was elected to a seat in the Kentucky Legislature, where he served two years. He
w«i elected to Congress in 180T d took his se^t when he was just twentyflve years of age. He took a prominent pos'-
tlon fwm the beginutng. He 1 ■ild that seat by continued re-election until 1810. In the debates in Congress and move-
ments in the fled he was very active dnrlng the Second War for Independence. These will And proper notice )n the
teit
When, In 1810, Color el Johnson retired IVom Congress, he was immediately elected to a seat in the Kentucky Legislatnre.
He wti chosen a repr isentative of his state in the Senate of the United States, where be served his country faithftilly
'y^^^^^^C^^
if-B^
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1
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K
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P
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L
.^il
1
496
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dickson and hia Savages.
Teciimtha restive In Inaction.
Fort Me igg to be again attacked.
to visit all the tribes for that purpose on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers from
Prairie du Chien to Green Bay, making desolated Chicago the grand rendezvous for
liis savage recruits. There he had collected more than one thousand of them early
in June.* He marched them across Michigan to Detroit, and barely missed
falling in with Colonel Johnson and his mounted men at White Pigeon's Town
on the way.' His influence had been such that the Indians were incited to many
acts of violence in the Territories of Illinois and Missouri. They were even so bold
as to invest Fort Madison, and at one time it was apprehended that the powerful
Osage nation would rise in open war against the Western frontier. But that calam-
ity was arrested by prompt measures in Illinois and Missouri.
Tecumtha had not ceased, since their return to Maiden, to urge Proctor to renew
the attempt to take Fort Meigs. Proctor was reluctant ; but, toward the close of
June, he consented, and au expedition was organized for the purpose. At about that
time, a Frenchman, taken prisoner on the field of Dudley's defeat, and kept at Mai-
den ever since, escaped. As the enemy suspected, he fled to Fort Meigs, and inform-
ed General Clay of tho preparations to attack him. Clay immediately communicated
the fact to Harrison nt Franklinton, and Governor Meigs at Chillicothe. It was ru-
mored that the expected invading force was composed of nearly four thousand In-
dians and some regulars from the Niagara frontier. The vigilant Harrison was
quickly in the saddle. He did not believe Fort Meigs to be the object of attack but
the weaker posts af Lower Sandusky, Cleveland, or Erie. He ordered the Twenty-
fourth Regiment of United States Infantry, under Colonel Anderson, then at Upper
Sandusky, to proceed immediately to Lower Sandusky. Major Croglian, with a part
of tlie Seventeenth, was ordered to the same post, and also Colonel Ball with his
squadron of cavalry,* Harrison followed, and on the evening of the 26th he over-
ton years. Then [1829] he again
took a seat in the Lower Honse,
and held that position until 1837,
when, having been elected Vice-
president of the United States,
be took his place as President
of the Senate. At the end of his
official term he retired from pnb-
lic life, and passed the remain-
der of bis days on bis farm in
Scott Connty, Kentucky, except-
ing a brief period, when he was
again in the Legislature of that
state. While engaged in that
service at Frankfort, he was
prostrated by paralysis, and ex-
pired on the 15tb of November,
1860. In the cemetery near
Frankfort, Kentucky, is a splen-
did monument erected to the
memory of soldiers of the Com-
monwealth who had fallen in
battle, within its inclosure is
a benutlftil monument, made of
slightly clouded Italian marble,
to the memory of Colonel John-
son, bearing the following In-
acriptions: on one side of the
pedestal, " Righabd Mentor
Johnson, bom at Bryant's Sta-
tion, Kentucky, on the ITth day
of October, 1781 ; died in Prank-
fort, Kentncky, on the 15th of
JOHNSON B MONCMENT.
November, 1850." Outheoppo-
site side: "To the memory of
Colonel Richard M. Johnson, a
faithful public servant for near-
ly half a century, as a member
of the Kentucky Leglslatore,
and Representative and Senator
In Congress; author of the Soa-
diiy Mail Report, and of the law*
for abolishing imprisonment for
debt In Kentncky and In the
United States. Distinguished bj
his valor as colonel of a Ken-
tucky regiment at the battle
of the Thames. For four years
Vice-president of the United
States. Kentucky, his native
state, to mark her eense of his
eminent services In the cablaet
and in the field, has erected this
monument in the resting-place
of her illnstriuus dead."
On the northeast side of the
pedestal Is a bust of Johnson in
low relief; and on the southwest
side an historical group, in the
same style. In which he is repre-
sented as shooting Tecumtha at
the battle of the Thames. Some
remarks on that subject will ta
found in our account of that bat-
tle.
' Dickson's recruits are repre-
The principal cJUef among them was Jfo-
"It Is remarkable," says M'Afee,
sented by eyewitnesses as being the moat savage and cmel in their nature.
ijpoek, whose girdle was covered with hnman scalps as trophies of bis prowess.
"that After the savages joined the British standard tu combat fur ■ the Defciiders of the Faith,' victory never again d&
dared for the allies in the Northwest. For the cruelties they had abeady committed, and those which were threat-
ened by this inhuman association, a Just Qod frowned indignant on all their subsequent operations." fliatori/iif th
£ate War, page 298.
> General Harrison bad just held an important conncil with the Shawnoese, Delaware, Wyandot, and Seneca Indians
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
4W
aln atUcked.
k'ers, from
2ZV0UB for
liem early
ily missed
oil's Town
I to many
en so bold
3 powerful
bat calam-
r to renew
lie close of
about that
jpt at Mai-
iiicl inform-
imunicated
It was ru-
tiousand In-
irrison was
'attack, but
bo Twenty-
m at Up])er
•witb a part
all with his
5tb be over-
0." Oil the oppo-
\> the mcraory ot
d H. Johnson, a
servant for neat-
as a membei
cky Legislalnre,
tttlve and Siinator
utlioroftlicSnn-
audofthelavt
impriBonmeutfoT
acky and In tbe
Distinguished by
olonel of a Ken-
at the battle
For four yean
of the United
iicky, his native
her sense of his
les In the cabinet
has erected this
the resting-place
us dead."
beast side of tbe
nst of Johnson in
on the southwest
leal group, in the
whlchheisrcpre-
ting Tecumlha at
e Thames. Some
at subject will be
Mjountofthatbat-
ecroits are repre-
mg them was *«•
le," says M'Afee,
r never again de-
hlch were threat-
Bittory(ifttt
d Seneca Indians
7 hDWn's Heconnolssanco to the Balsln. At Fort Stophenson.
Departure for the Wilderness, and Itccalt.
took Colonel Anderson. Scouts had reported tbe appearance of numerous Indians
on the Lower Maumee, and tbe general selected tbree buiidred men to make a forced
march to Fort Meigs. He arrived tbere bimself on tbe 28tb, ami tben ordered Col-
onel Johnson, who bad come down from Fort Winchester with his seven hundred
men after forty days of hard service in traversing the Wilderness, to make a recon-
noissance toward the Raisin to procure intelligence. Obedience followed command.
The movement was successful. Johnson ascertained that there was no immediate
danf^er of an invasion from Maiden in force. Satisried of this, Harrison left Fort
Jleiss on the Ist of July, escorted by seventy mounted men under Captain M'Afee
(13 far as Lower Sandusky. From tbere be went to Cleveland, escorted by Colonel
Ball to make farther defensive provisions. There be left Ball and bis cavalry in
charge, and returned to bis head-quarters after ordering Colonel Johnson, with bis
mounted men, to take post at tbe Huron River. That efficient officor again prompt-
ly obeyed. He arrived at Lower Sandusky on the 4th of July. Flags were flying,
and music filled the air. The garrison of Fort Stephenson,^ under Major Crogban,
were about to celebrate the day with appropriate ceremonies, and, at their request,
Colonel Johnson delivered a patriotic oration. Toasts were given, and good cheer
abounded. But duty called from pleasure, and the mounted men resumed their sad-
dles to press onward to tbe Huron. An order from tbe War Department arrested
them. Johnson was directed to turn back, and hasten to the defense of the Illinois
and Missouri Territories, then, in the opinion of the authorities tliere, seriously men-
aced by Dickson and bis savage followers. He was disappointed and mortified ; but,
at\er writing to Harrison expressing his strong desire to remain in the army destined
for Detroit and Maiden, he turned bis horse's bead again toward the Wilderness.
The commander-in-chief urged tbe Department to comply with Johnson's Avisbes, as-
surintr the Secretary that Dickson's savages were on the Detroit. The order was
countermanded, and, when far on bis Avay toward tbe Mississippi as an obedient sol-
dier, Johnson Avas recalled. It Avas well fot the country that bo was left to serve
under the direct command of General Harrison at that time.
Late in July the British had collected on the banks of the Detroit nearly all of the
warriors of tiie Northwest, full tAventy-five hundred in number. These, Avith Proc-
tor's motley force already there, made an army of about five thousand men. Early
in the month bands of Indians began to appear in tbe vicinity of Fort Meigs, killing
and plundering Avbenever opportunity offered. Tecumtba, meanAvbile, had become
at Us head-quarters ntFrnnkllnton. Circumstances had made him suspect their fidelity to their promises of strict neu-
trality. It was a crisis when all should be made plain. Be required. them to take a decided stand for or against the
Americans ; to remove their families into the interior, or the warriors must accompany him in the ensuing campaign, and
tight for the United States. The venerable Ta-he, who was the' acknowledged represeutatlve of them all, assured the
general of their uutlinching friendship, and that the chiefs and warriors were anxious to take part in the campaign. He
accepted their assurances as true, and told them he would let them know when he wanted them. " But," he said, " yon
must conform to our mode of warfare. You are not to kill defenseless prisoners, old men, women, or children. By your
good conduct I shall be able to tell whether the British can restrain their Indians If they wish to do so." He then told
them that he had heard of Proctor's promise to deliver him into the hands ofTecumtha. "Now," he said, jocularly,
"id can succeed In taking Proctor, you shall have him for your prisoner, provided you will treat him as a squaw, and
oaly put petticoats upon him, for he must be a coward who would kill a defenseless prisoner."
! Fort Stephenson was erected In the supipier of 1812. Lower Sandusky (uow the village of Fremont) was a mere
!railiug-poft, the only buildings being a govenimcnt store and a Roman Catholic mission-house Iq charge of two priests.
Thomas Butler, who had been in Wayne's array, was charged with the duty of selecting the site and superintending the
coustmctlon of a stockade at that place. He drew tbe lines of the furt around the store-house, about one hundred
yards In one direction, and about fifty yards in the other. The men employed In the work were a company under Cap-
tain Norton, of Connecticut, who were ordered to Lower Sandusky by Governor Meigs for the parpose. Sergeant Eras-
ins Bowe, of Tiffin, Ohio, one of the three known survivors of the detachment In 1800, was the first to break ground,
^a.ving, " Captain, I don't think there will be mnch fighting here, but I believe I will make a hole here." His remark
was caused by the general belief that the British would never be able to penetrate so far. The pickets for the fort
we cut near the present railway station, and In the course of twenty-five days they were all set. A block-house was
cmstnicted on the northeast corner, and another In the middle of the north side of the fort. Croghan strengthened the
fort in the lummer uf 1818 by the erection of two more block-hou!>es, one of which was built against the middle block-
lionse on the north side, and the other on the southwest comer. He also i onstructed an embankment and dit^'^ , and In
the block-house on the northeast angle placed his slx-pounder.— Sfafenu>iit (ifBrasUu Boire in the "San^ltuky Dtnw-
ml," My 2T, ISOO. The other two known survivors of the constructors of the fort at that time were Samuel Scrlbner,
o(Slarion,nnd Ira Carpenter, of Delaware, Ohio.
Ti
1
i ■
I ■
1
V
1
r
i'
i '
■
pi i
i!f
498
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tecumtha'a Plan for Capturing Fort Hetg«.
Vigilance of the American!.
The Attempt a Fillure,
very restive under the restraints of inaction, especially when ho saw so large a body
of his countrymen ready for the war-patli, and he at last demanded tliat another at-
tempt should be made to capture Fort Meigs, lie submitted to Proctor an iin»onioii>
plan by which to take the garrison by stratagem and surprise. He proposed to land
the Indians several miles below the fort, march through the woods, unobservi'd h\
the garrison, to the road leading from the Maumee to Lower Sandusky in the rear
and there engage in a sham-fight. This would give Clay an idea that some approacli'
ing re-enforcements had been attacked, and he would immediately sally out with tin
garrison to their aid. The Indiana would form an ambuscade, rise, and attack the
unsuspecting Americans in their rear, cut off their retreat, and, rushing to the fort
gain an entrance before the gates could be closed.* Proctor accepted tlie plan and
arranged for the expedition, but the vigilance and firmness of General Clay defeated
the well-devised scheme and saved the fort.
On tlie 20th of July Proctor and Tecumtha appeared with their combined forces
about five thousand strong, at the mouth of the Maumee.* General Clay iinmediatelv
dispatched a messenger to Harrison, at Lower Sandusky, with the information. The
commander-in-chief, doubtful Avhat post the enemy intended to attack, sent the mes-
senger (Captain M'Cune) back with an assurance for General Clay that he should
have re-enforcements if needed, and a warning to beware of a surprise. He tliefi re-
moved his head-quarters to Seneca Town,^ nine miles farther up the Sandusky River,
from which point he might co-operate with Fort Meigs or Fort Stephenson, as eir.
cumstances should require. There, with one hundred and forty regulars, he com-
menced fortifying bis camp, and was speedily joined by four hundred and fifty mori'
United States troops under Lieutenant Colonel Paul,* of the infantry, and Ball, of
the dragoons ; also by M' Arthur and Cass, of Ohio, Avho had each been promoted to
brigadier general. Colonel Theodore Deye O wings was also approaching with livi
hundred regulars from Fort Massac, on the Ohio River.
Tecumtha attempted to execute his strategic plan. On the afternoon of the
•July, 25th,* Avhile the British were concealed in the ravine already described, just
1813. |)elow Fort Meigs, the Indians took their prescribed station on tin. Sandusky
road, and at sunset commenced their sham-fight. It was so spirited, and tlie yells
of the savages were so powerful, that the garrison had no doubt that the command
er-in-chief, with re-enforcements, had been attacked. Tliey were exceedingly aiuioib
to go out to their aid. Fortunately, General Clay was better informed. Captain
M'Cune had just returned from a second errand to General Harrison, after many hair-
breadth escapes in penetrating the lines of the Indians swarming in the woods. Al-
though Clay could not account for the firing, yet he was so certain that no Americans
were engaged in the contest, whatever it might be, that ho remained firm, even when
ofliccrs of high rank demanded permission to lead their men to the succor of their
friends, and the ti'oops were almost mutinous because of the restramt. Clay's firm-
ness saved them from utter destruction. A heavy shower of rain, and a few cannoii-
' statement of Major Richardson, of the British army.
" Proctor commanded the white troops in person. Dixon, of the Royal Artillery, commanded the Mackinaw nnd otb-
er Northern tribes ; Tecumtha those of the Wabash, Illinois, and St. J')seph ; and Ronnd-Head (see page '291) thoE« of
the Cbippewas, Ottawas, and Fottawatomies of Michigan.— Harrison's Letter to the Secretary of War, Seneca Tomi.
Angnst 4, 1818.
' The IntUane who occnpied this region were called "the Senecas of Sandusky"— why does not appear, for they wtre
composed of Cayngas chiefly, with a few Oneidas, Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscaroras, and Wyandots. They iiumlioreii
about four hundred souls at the close of the war, and were the remnant of the tribe of Logan, the chief immortalW
by Mr. Jefferson. In 181T and 181S forty thousand acres of land lying on the east side of the Sandusky River werf
granted to them. In 1831 they ceded their lands to the United States, and went west of the Mississippi. Seneca Counly,
of which Tiffin is the connty seat, derived its name from these so-called Seneca Indians. The fortified camp of Harri-
son itssnraed the form of a regular work known as Fort Seneca, having a stockade and ditch, and occupied several acra
of a plain on the bank of the Sandnsky. Slight remains of the work were yet visible in 1800.
* George Paul was a m^jor of Pennsylvania militia under General Harrison'. He afterward resided in Ohio, and m-
tered the service again early in the war. He was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in April, 1818, and colonel at tlie
close of June following. He resigned in October, 1814.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
490
Koti Stcphcn«on to be attacked.
Major CroghsD'e InttrnctioDi.
A Council of War.
,hot hurled from the fort in the direction of the suppoacd fight, put an end to the
tirinir nnd that night was as quiet at Fort Meigs as in a time of peace. Tl»o strategy
f To'cnmtha had failed, to the great mortification of the enemy. Ignorant of the
Itrcnsjth of the fort and garrison,' they did not attempt an assault. After lingering
iroiind their coveted prize about thirty hours, the besiegers withdrew" to .juiyzr,
I'roctor's old encampment, near Fort Miami, and on the 28th the British ^'*"-
e.mbnrkcd with their stores and sailed for Sandusky liay, with the intention of at-
Fort Stephenson was garrisoned by one
hundred and sixty men, nnder tlie command,
,19 we have observed, of a gallant young Ken-
tuckian, Major George Croghan, of the Regu-
lar Army, then only twenty-one years of age.
Tlieir only ordnance was an iron six-pounder
cannon, and their chief defenses were three
block - houses, circumvallating pickets from
fourteen to sixteen feet in height, and a ditch
about eight feet in width and of equal depth.
Already an examination of Fort Stephenson
bv General Harrison had convinced him that
it would be untenable against heavy artillery,
and, in orders left with Major Croghan, he
said " Should the British troops approach you
in force with cannon, and you can discover
them in time to cfiect a retreat, you wUl do
so immediately, destroyhig all the public
stores. You must be aware that to attempt
to retreat in the face of an Indian force would
be vain. Against such an enemy your gar-
rison would be safe, however great the num-
ber."
On the receipt of the intelligence from
General Clay, General Harrison called around
him in council'' M' Arthur, Cass, Ball, Wood, Hukill, Paul, Holmes, and Gra- , ^ ,
• July 29.
ham, and it was unanimously agreed that Fort Stephenson was untenable,
and that, as the approaching enemy had cannon. Major Croghan ought immediately
to comply with the standing order of his general. Believing that the innate bravery
of Croghan would make him hesitate. General Harrison immediately dispatched to
him an order to abandon the fort.^ The beai-ers started at midnight, and lost their
way in the dark. They did not arrive at Fort Stephenson before eleven o'clock the
next day, when the forest around was SAvarming with Indians.
Major Croghan consulted his ofiicers concerning a retreat, when a majority agreed
with him that such a step would be disastrous, and that tJie post might be maintain-
ed. A few moments aft;er the conference, he placed in the hands of the mes- , j„, ^^
....,.: from General Harrison the following answer to his chief:" "Sib,-
1813.
I The garriaon nnmbered, In rank and flic, only abont eighteen bnndred men. There were a little over two thonsand
It the close of May, but hill two hundred had died of camp fever.
'Theorderwassentby a whltemau (Conner) and two Indians, who found some dlfflculty in the performance of their
mlMJon. The following is a copy of the order: " 8ie,— Immediately on rccclTlng this letter yon will abandon Fort
SlfphenBon, set fire to It, and repair with yonr command this night to head-quarters. Cross the river and come up on
Ihe opposite side. If you should deem and And it impracticable to make good your march to this place, take the road
10 Huron, and pursue it with the utmost circumspection." The order was dated 29th July.
1
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1 liHlll
i
500
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
CroithMi diMil
Ilta BzplnnatloiM jDitliy the Act.
Colonel B«iri Fight with Indlu,,.
I hiivf jiut wc'i'ived yours of yesterday, ten o'clock P.M., ordering me to dcstrov
this iilacc nnd nmko good my retreat, wiiich was received too late to l»e carricil
into execution. We have determined to maintain this place, and, by heavens! w
can.
This positive disobedience of orders was not intended as such. The gallant yotin"
Kentuckian gladly perceived sufficient latitude given him in the clause of tlie ouHilt
order, in which tlio tlangcr of a retreat in the face of an Indian force was nientiniu,]
to justify him in remaining, especially as the later order did not reach him initil snd,
force was apparent. But the general could not permit disobedience to pasH mino.
ticed, and he inunediately ordered Colonel Wells to repair to Fort Stephenson and
Hupcrsede Major Croghan.' The latter was ordered
to head-quarters at Seneca Town, lie eliceifiillv
(.^^K9BflBfli9^ obeyed the summons, and made so satisfiictory nii
explanation to C4eneral Harrison that he was diioct.
ed to resume his command the next mornini;, witL
Avritten instructions similar to the ones he Iiad be-
foro received. Croghan was now more dctciiiiiiieil
than ever to maintain the post.
General Harrison kept scouts out in all direc-
tions Avatching for the foe. On the evening of Sat.
urday, the 31st of July, a reconnoitring party, lin-
VIKW AT KBEMONT, UB LUWBB BAMIIITHKY.'
> Coloucl Wella was escorted by Colonel Ball, with his corps of draf;oons, and hore the f>/itowing letter to Major
Croghan : " 8ik,— The general has Jnst received your letter of this date iufurmiug him that yon had thought pro|ier u
disobey the order Issued from this office, and delivered to you this morning. It appears that the information vrlilih
dictated the order was incorrect, and as you did not receive it in the night, as was expected, it might have been proptr
that yon shonid have reported the circumstances and yonr situation before yon proceeded to its execution. This inlirbt
have been passed over, bnt I am directed to soy to yon that an officer who presumes to aver that he has made liis nt-
olution, and that ho will act In direct opposition to the orders of his general, can no longer be intrusted with a eeparat;
command. Colonel Wells is sent to relievo you. You will deliver the command to him, and repair, with Colonel Bull'i
squadron, to this place. By command, etc., A. II. Holmes, Assistant Ad,|ntant General."
On the way, about half a mile southwest of the present village of Ballsville, Colonel r.ali's detachment were atlackid
by about twenty Indians, and quite a severe skirmish ensued. Seventeen of the Indians were killed ; and, nntll withio
a few years, an oak-tree stood on the site of the contest, bearing seventeen marks of a batchot, to indicate the uumbci
of Indians slain.
» This view was taken from the verge of the hill, near where the howitzer, or mortar, of the British was planted aflor
landing, so as to be bronght to bear npon the fort. In the Ihint is seen a magnificent elm-tree, of large growth at the
time of the invasion. Tradition avers that an Indian, who climbed Into its top to reconnoitre Fort Stephenson, was
shot by one of the Kentucky riflemen in the garrison. In this view we are looking down tho Sandusky River, lu Ibe
little cove, seen nearly over the roof of the small building nearest the left of the picture, is the place where tho British .
landed. The island opposite is seen more to the left. In the extreme distance are store-housos, at which point tbf
British gnn-boats were ftrst discovered by the garrison. On the extreme right Is the gas-honse, and over It, on the cast i
Bide of the river, is the elevated plain where Croghanville was laid oat, and where the Indians were first seen.
t with Indluu.
to destroy
1)0 csvrru'il
(avens! Wf
llaiit youni;
I' the oarliir
mt'i\tioiic(l,
ti tiiitil siicli
pass umio
ilu'iiRcm ami
was onlertd
e clu'crfiillv
.isfactory an
) was direct-
orniii<;, will,
s he had In-
! determined
in all dircc-
eniiig of Sat.
iig party, lin-
ing letter to MaJT
thought proper ii
information wlilcn
have been proptr
cution. ThU ralilit
hne made liis rev
sled with a separai*
with Colonel Ball's
ment were ntlacW
I ; and, until niihin
ndicate the numte
Bh was planted nflet
large growth a( the
)rt 8tephcnB0D,ira
usky River. lu tie
;e where the BrlliA '.
, at which point tie
lover It, on the east :
) first seen.
OF THE WAU OP 1812.
501
Fori 8ieph«n6on uninmoued to aurrender,
Incldeuta under a V\ng uf Truce.
The Surroudor teftiied.
(forinjr wpo" t''* shores of Sandusky Hay, about twenty miles from Fort Steplien
discovered the approueh of Proctor by water. Tliey hastened back, stopping at
nson.
the
■ August 1.
(iirt on tlie way at about noon the next day." Croghan was on the alert.
Vireiidy many Indians had appeared iijjon tiie eminence on the eastern side
lit' the Sandusky Kiver (wliero Croghanville was laid out in 1H17), and had scamp-
oit'd away afU-r a few discliarges of the si x-pouiuler in tiie fort.
At four o'clock that afternoon the liritislt gun-boats, with Proctor and liis men,
■iiinoared at a turn in the river more than a mile distant. In the face of shots from
the six-pounder tliey advanced, and, in a cove not quite a mile from the fort, the Hrit-
i'•«"*''
SiMgbMr of lb* AiMtlantt.
Thfl BrilUh onil Indlsni repniMd.
ri.AN OK I'OIIT mUrilK.NHON.'
liravcly pushed forward over the glacis, and leaped into the ditch to assail the pick-
ets. Lieutenant Colonel Short was at the head of the gallant party, and when a siif-
ticient number of men were in the ditch behind him, ho shouted, " Cut away the pick-
ets, my brave boys, and show the damned Yankees no quarter !" Now was the mo-
ment for the voice of the unsuspected six-pounder to be heard. Tlie masked port flew
open instantly. The gun spoke with terrible eifeet. Slugs and grapeshot streamed
along that ditch overflowing with human life, and spread terrible havoc there. Few
escaped. A similar attempf, Avas made by the second column of the storming-party,
w! n another discharge from the eix-pou .der and a destructive volley of rifle-balls
ended the contest. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Short and Lieutenant Gordon, of the
Forty-first Regiment, Laussaussiege, of the Indian department, and twenty-five pri-
vates, were left dead in the ditcli,'^ and twenty-six of the wounded were made pris-
oners. Captain Dixon and Captain Muir, and Lieutenant M'Lityre, of the Forty-first
Kcgiraent, were slightly wounded and escaped. A precipitate and confused retreat
immediately followed this repulse. Warburton and his grenadiers did not reach the
south front of the fort until after the disaster. They were assailed with a destruc-
tive volley from Hunter's corj)8, and fled for shelter to the adjacent woods.
Tiie whole loss of the garrison was one man killed and seven slightly wounded.
Tlie loss of the British in killed and wounded, according to the most careful estimates,
was one hundred and twenty. The cowardly Indians, as usual when there was open
1 EspLANATioN OF TiiK Plah.— 1, Hdo of plcketB ; 2, embankment from the ditch to and against the pickets; 8, dry
ditch ; 4, ontward embankment or glacis ; A, block-honse first attacked by cannon ; B, bastion or block-house from
ffhich the ditch was raked by the slx-ponndcr In the fort ; C, gnard block-bonse ; D, hospital while attacked ; E E E,
military store-honses; F, commissary's Rtore-honse ; O, magazine; H, fort gate; KKE, wicker gates; L, partition gate :
5, position of the five six-ponnders of the British on the night of the 2d of Angnst ; P, the graves of Lientenant Colonel
Short and Lieutenant Gordon, who were killed in the ditch. The mortar or liowitzcr shifted position, as indicated on
the plan. Tn the first ossanlt there were four six-pounders in battery, only one being left In the first position near the
ri«r. This Plan was first published, from the oflicial drawing, in the Port Folio for March, 1815, and soon afterward in
Thomson's carefully prepared Ilintorical Sketehea of the Late War. The graves of the two British officers are a few yards
northcaihrard fl-om the junction of High and Market Streets.
> It Is said that Lientenant Colonel Short, when he fell, twisted a white handkerchief on the end of his sword as a
itippllcatlon for that mercy which bis battle-cry a moment before denied to his foe.
1
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504
riCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dead and V/ouudcd borne away.
The Night succeeding the Struggii,,
figliting or great guns to face, kept themselves out of harm's way in a ravine near
by, find the wliolc battle was fought by the small British "force, Avlio behaved most
gallantly. During the night Proctor sent Indians to gather up the dead a.-d wound-
ed, and at tlirce o'clock in the morning" the invaders sailed down the San-
dusky, leaving behind them a vessel containing clothing and military stores.
At about tlin same Jiour the gallant Major Croghan wrote a hurried note to General
Harrison, informing him of his victory and the retreat of Proctor.
The assault lasted only about half an hour. The dark storm-cloud in the west
passed northward, the setting sun beamed out with peculiar splendor, a gentle breeze
from the southwest bore the smoke of battle far away over the forest toward Lake
Erie, and in the lovely twilight of that memorable Sabbath evening the brave youn;;
Croghan addressed his gallant little band with eloquent words of praise and grateful
thanksgiving. As the night and tho silence deepened, and the groans of the wound-
ed in the ditch foil upon his ears, his generous heart beat with sympathy. Buckets
filled with water were let down by ropes from the outside of the pickets; and as tiie
gates of the fort could not be opened with safety durhig the night, he made a com-
municition with the ditch by means of a trench, through which the wounded were
borne into the little fortress and tiieir necessities suj)plied.'
Intelligence of this gallant defense caused the liveliest sentiments of admiration
th )ughout the country, and congratulations were sent to Major Croghan from every
quarter. His general, in his official report, spoke of him in words of highest praise.^
The ladies of Chillicothe, Ohio, jmrehased and presented to him an elegant sword ;^
and the Congress of the United States voted him the thanks of the nation.* Twenty-
two years la*er the Congress gave him a gold medal, in commemoration of his signal
service on that day. Posterity will ever regard his name with honor.*
' Major Croghnn'B Report to General Ilarrtson, Angnst 8, 1S18 : General Ilarrison's Renort to the Secretary of War.
August B, ISia ; M'Afee's IlinUny of the. Lata War, pages 322 to 328 ; Auchlnleck's Hiatori, of the War nf 1812, pajjes 1S4 lo
1S7 ; James's Military Occurrences, etc., pages 2B2 to 200 ; Mles's Register, August 14, 1813 ; The Pirrt Folin, March, KK;
The War, volume 11., pages 3(1, 43, 47, 49, 61, 01 ; Address of Colonel Elisha Whittlesey at Fremont, August 2, 1S5S; Ad-
dress of Homer Everett, Ksq., at Fremont, February 24th and 25th, ISUO ; Perkins's History of the Late War, pages 23,
224 ; SkcteheK of tlu: War (Rutland, ISIB), pages 100 to lOS ; Atwater's Hietory of Ohio, pages 22(1 to 229 ; Dawson's Life
of Oi'ncral llarrimn, pages 249 to 251 ; MS. of Dr. Brainerd, quoted by Homer Everett, Esq.
2 " I am sorry," wrote General Harrison to the Secretary of War on the 4th of Augu.ft, "that I can not trauemlt jou
Major Croghan's official report. He was to have sent it to mo this morning, but I have just heard that he was bo much
exhausted by thirty-six hours of continued exertion as to be unable to make it. It will not be among the least of Gen-
oral Proctor's mortiflcatlouo to find that he has been baffled by a youth who has Just passed his twcnty-Urst year, lie
is, however, a hero worthy of his gallant uncle. General George Rogers Clarke."
3 This gift, at their request, was presented to him by Samuel Fluley and Joseph Whcaton, with the following letter
bearing tho signatures of the donors :
" Cnn.i.ioornE, August 13, ISl.l.
"Sin,— In consequence of tho gallant defense which, under Divine Providence, was cfTected by you and the Iroiips
under your command, of Fort Stephenson, at Lowor S.r .dusky, on the evening of tlie 2d inet., the ladies of tlic town ot
Chillicothe, whose names are un-lorsigned, impressed with a high seiiBC of your merits as a soldier and a gentleman,
and with great confidence in your patriotism and valor, present yon with a sword. Mary Flnlcy, Mary Stcrret, Aim
Crelghton, Eliza CreJL'hton, ..:eanor Lamb, Nancy Waddle, Eliza Carlisle, Mary A. Southward, Susan D. Whcnton.of
Washington City, Rlchamah Irwin, Judith Delano, Margaret M'Lnnburg, Margaret Miller, Elizabeth Martin, Nancy
M'Arthur, ,Ti,no M'Coy, La-ina Fnlton, Catharine Fnllerlon, Rebecca M. Orr, Susan Wake, Ann M. Dunn, Marjarct
Keys, Charlotte James, Esther Doolittlc, Eleanor Buchannnn, Margaret M'Farland, Deborah Ferree, Jauc M. Evaii'.
Frances BriLsh, Mary Curtis, Mary P. Brown, Jane Heylin, Nancy Kerr, Catharine Hough, Eleanor Worthiugton, 5Isr-
tha Scott, Sally M'Lean."
To this letter Major Croghan replied at Lower Sandusky on the SKth of Angnst;
"Lapiks or Cnii.i.inoTnR,— I have received tho sword which you have been pleased to present to me as a tost.raoiiial
of your approbation of my conduct on the 2d instant. A mark of distinction so nattering and unexpected has cxiiuil
feelings which I can not express. Vet, while I return you thanks for tho unmerited gift you have thus bestowed, I feci
well aware that my good fortune (which was bought by tho activity of the bravo soldiers under my command), te
raised in yon expectations from my future cITorts which must, I f ar, be sooner jr later disappointed. Still, I plcda
myself (even though fortune should not bo again propitious) tliat my exertions shall bo such as never to couee yon in
the least to regret the honors you '.uive been pleased to confer on your 'youthftil soldiei.' "
* On the 8th of February, 1814, the Committee on Militar/ Aflfalrs reported a resolution, among others similar, to rfr
quest the President to present an elegant sword to Colonel Croghan. This resolution was passed by at the time, and
never called up again.
» George Croghan was a son of Major William Croghan, of the Revolntionary army. His father was a native of Ire-
land ; hie mother was a sister of General George Rogers Clarke, sometimes called the F.ither of tho Northwest. Ik
W08 bom at Locust Grove, near the Falls of tho Ohio (now Louisville), in Kentucky, on the 16th of November, 1191. Ut
the 8lri\gg\c.
.vine near
ived most
.d wound-
n the S;m-
ary stores.
to General
1 tl\c west
ntle breeze
ward Lake
rave youiii];
.nd grateful
the wound-
f. Buckets
; and as the
lade a com-
>unded were
[■ admiration
a from every
'hcst praise.^
rant sword;'
n.* Twenty-
i of liis signal
Secretary of War.
1812, paj;cs W lo
ii'(i(/(),Mnrcti,l«°"!!;
Itlic Northwest. W
November, nol. U'
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
605
Miidal presented to Croghan.
A Visit to Sandusky.
A Hide to C'astalinn 8priUK«.
aOLD MEDAL AW ADDED TO OENER' L flB0nUAH.>
It was a soft, hazy, half sunny day, late in September,* when I visit- ■September 24,
ed tiie site of Fort Stephenson and the places of events that made it fa- ^*™"
inous. I had come up by railway during the early hours of the morning from pleas-
ant Sandusky City, where I had spent two or three days with friends, vainly en-
deavoring to visit Put-in-Bay, where Perry's fleet rendezvoused before the battle
n'hicli gave him victory and immortality. Tlie excursion steam-boat to that and
otiier places had been Avithdrawn for the season, and the wind was too high to make
a voyage thither in a sail-boat safe or pleasant. I was less disappointed than I should
iitherwise have been, by the discovery that an artist (Miss C. L. Ransom), 11100 in
Sandusky City, had made careful drawings of the historical points about Put-in-Bay.
I had the pleasure of meeting her, and availing myself of her courteous permission
to copy such of her drawings as I desired. Of these more Avill be said when giving
an account of the naval battle near tliere.
In company with Mr. Barney, with whom I was staying, I visited the famous Cas-
talian Springs, at the village of Castalia, five or six miles south from Sandusky City.
Tliey flow ''p from subterranean fountains, almost as limpid as air, and in volume so
itreat that along the outlet, wliich is called Cold Creek, in its course of three miles
tluongh a beautiful prairie of three thousand acres to Sandusky Bay, no less tlian
wns graduated at William and Mary College, in Virginia, in the summer of 1810 ; entered its law Bchool, and remained
ilicre until the fall of ISll, when he Joined the army under Harrison at Vincennea. He was volunteer aid to Colonel
Boyd at the battle of Tippecanoe. On account of his services in the Wabash expedition, he was appointed a captain of
iuf.uitry in the spring of 1S12, and in August he marched with the forces under General Winchester to the relief of Gen-
eral Hall in Canada. In March, 1813, ho was promoted to major, and became aid-ue-camp to General Harrison. In that
capacity he distinguished himjelf In the defense of Fort Meigs, and the sortie on the 8th of May under the gallant Col-
onel Miller. For his gallantry at Fort Stephenson he was breveted a lieutenant colonel, and was appointed colonel of
a rifle corps in February, 1814. At the close of the war he was retained In service, but married In ISU and resigned. In
b!4 he wno appointed postmaster at New Orleans, and re'.irned to the service in tS25 as Inspector general, with the
r„uk of colonel. In 1836 Congress awarded him a gold medal for his gallantry at Fort Stephenson. He died at New
Orleans on the 8th of ilanuary, 1840.
I On Tuesday, the 27th of January, 1S3B, a Joint resolution passed the House of Representatives, authorizing the Pres-
ident of the United States to " present a gold medal to General Croghan" (he was then inspector general of the army),
and swords to several officers under his command. These were Captain Jamss Hunter, and Lieutenants Benjamin
Johuion and Cyrus A. Baylor, of the Seventeenth Regiment, Mcutennnt .lohn Meek, of the Seventh Regiment, and En-
siuns Edward Shipp and Joseph Duncan. The latter was nfierward Governor of Illinois.
lieiilennnt Johnson was promoted to captain of a rifle corps in Mnrch, 1814, and left the service at the close of the
war, Lieutenant Baylor also left the servlrfl at the close of the war. Lieutenant Meek reslrrned in May, 1814. He was
ai)|i()inted military store-keeper at Llllle Rock, Arkansas, In tlie summer of 1838, and was removed, on n change of ad-
ministration, in 1841. Ensign Duncan was promoted to first lieutenant of infantry in July, 1814, and was disbanded 'n
M5. lie wns a representiUive In Congress from Illinois fi-om 1827 to 1835, Governor of illluois from »834 to 18S8, and
died at Jnrksoiiville on the 16th of January, 1844.
It Is proper to observe that the representation of the fort an 1 its surronndlngo, on this medal, presented to General
CroRhnn, is Incorrect. It was not a regular fort, but a picketed inclosiire, with rudely-built block-bousos. The 8an-
ilusky River Is here a narrow s' earn, and not such an expanse of water as the place of the vessels represent. It may
liarc been Intended for Sandusky Bay.
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Appearance and Character of the Castalian Springe.
Au Evening in Sanduslsy.
Journey to Fremom.
I.OWEU OAHTALIAN BPBIMO.
fourteen sets of mill-stones were kej)t in motion by it. In a rough scow we liovirod
over the centre of tin
spring, and, peering
clown into its cloar",
mysterious depth?'
saw logs, and plants'
and earth in grotto
form, made iridescent
!^'- by the light in tiio
aqueous prism.' AVe
intended to visit the
somewhat marvelous
cave in the range of
limestone about two
miles from the springs, but the day Avas too far f^cnt when I liad completed mv
sketch of the fountains to allow us to do so. We returned to the town by the way of
Mr. Barney's fine vineyard, and arrived at sunset. I spent the evening with General
Leslie Combs at the " West House," and in a public meeting.'* The next day was
the Sabbath, and on Monday morning I started by railway for Lower Sandusky with
impressions which have crystallized into pleasant memories of a delightful little citv
on a slope overlooking one of the finest bays that indent the ^outl '• " shores of Lake
Erie.^ On our way we stopped a few minutes at the little "v Clyde, whoro
the railways from Cleveland and Toledo and from Cincinnati and Sandusky Citv
cross each other. There a crowd had collected to sec and hear the late Judge Douo-
las, then one of the andidates for the presidency of the United States, who was trav-
eling foV his political health, weary and wayworn. Eager eyes, vociferous shouts.
loud huzzas, and the swaying of a little mnltitude, is the picture of a few minutes of
time impressed upon the memory. An hour later I was in Fremont, as the old vil-
lage of Lower Sandusky was named a few years ago in honor of the accomitlishtil
explorer in earlier years, and general in the army of the republic during a portion of
the late Civil War.
Very soon after my arrival I was favored with the company of Messrs. Sardis Biidi-
ard and Homer Everett (residents of the village, and familiar with its history) in a
pilgrimage to places of interest in and around that shire-town of Sandusky County.'
' The Castalian Springs are great natural curiosities, and are mnch visited'. There are two, Icnown respectively as
Upper and Lower. They arc about one fourth of a mile apart, and are connected by a race. At the lower one, where
Messrs. Cochrane and Weston had o flouring-mlll, a dike had been raised (seen in the above sketch) to p'- • im,,''- 'r.ll
to the water. The two springs are of about equal dimensions. That of the lower one, which I visited. ' ; rir!j
feet in depth. The water is so limpid that a white ol)Jcct an inch In diameter may be plainly seen lyin" . ■'• Imw.
Tlie tcmiierature of the woter Is about 40° Fahrenheit, and holds in solution lime, soda, magnesia, and I ■ ' ■» i-
fles every thing with which it conies in contact. This process makes the mill-wheels indestnictible. M.i. v -Mi
a half from the sprint's is a limestone ridge covered with alluvium. From beneath this these sprlngo up; ; it ft
and are doubtless the lirst appearance on the earth of a little subterranean river, like that of the Eutaw in S n.
Una. ■ » See pnffe ;' ,
' Sandusky City is the capital of Erie County, Ohio. It was named Portland when it was first laid out in isn, nhoo
there were only two log houses there, ono on the site of the "Veranda Hotel," and the other about sixty rods cost of ll.
The town stands upon an inexhaustible quarry of the finest limestone. It wns a favorite resort of the Indians, mi
previous to the War of 1S12 it w.ns known as Ogontz's Place, Ogont/. being the name of a Wyandot chief who rosldoil
there. A writer in the AmfHeaii I'Inneer, I., WD, says the name of Sandnsky is derived from that of a Polish trader who
was with the French when they wen' establishing their lino of trading-posts on the Maumee and Wabash Hirers. Hi*
name was Sanduski, and established himself near the present village of Fremont. Ills trading operations were cm:-
flncd to the river and bay there, and these became known to both Indians and Euroi)eans as Sauduski's River mid Saii-
ctii'ki's Bay. Sauduskl quarreled with the Indians, fled to Virginia, and was there killed by some of those who followcil
him.
On the peninsula, across the bay opposite Sandnsky, is a rough monument, erected there by the n-1cr and at the ex-
pense of the late Honorable Joshua R. Oiddings, to ])erpetuate the memory of the spot where he am enty-oue ()tlier«
had a skirmish with the Indians on the 20th of September, lSt2. He was a suljstltnte for an older bn'i jr, audwnsonlr
fourteen years of age. The regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Colonel Rlchar' ■> i' and the little
company, who had been ordered on duty on the peninsula after the defeat of General Hull, was lei. v ; ,.(nii' Colloii
They had two skirmishes with the savages, in which, of the twenty-two soldiers, six were killed, and .in equal nninber
were wounded. Mr. Oiddings was the youngest soldier of the regiment.
• This town stands at the head of the navigation of Sandusky River, eighteen or twenty miles (^om Sandusky Biv
H'ii
10 Fremont.
liovcrod
;rc of tin
peering
its eloar,
depths,
1(1 pliiiits,
ill grotlii
iriclescent
it ill the
sm.' Wo
visit the
marvelous
1 range of
ibout two
ipleted my
the way of
itli General
it (lay was
xlnsky with
il little city
jres of Lake
Hyde, where
idusky City
[iidge Doug-
ho was trav-
rous shouts.
y minutes of
the old vil-
iccomplishcil
a portion of
Sardis Birch-
liistory) in ii
vv County/
vu rcspeclivdy as
lower one, where
to p'-
ted.' .
iV
,ud I
•V 1-
•,)rmed the De-
partment that, nnder the lead of Ebenezer Crosby, a good ship-
wright, and such honse-carpcntcrs as he could supply, he had
two of the gun-boats— 60 feet keel, IT feet beam, and 6 feet hold
—on the stocks, and would engage to have them all ready by the
time the ice was out of the lake.
rEBBV's BESninsrE.'
C^yO/vuU^ ]D a-^^trt^iy^^
• On his return from Detroit ha wos sent by Qeneral David
Mead with dispatches to Washington. There he was summoned
to a Cabinet council, and was ftally interrogated concerning the
lakes. His opinions were received with deference ; and such was
the confidence of the Cabinet in his judgment that he was ap-
pointed sailing-master, and directed to construct gnu-boats at
Erie.
II i
1
m I
M
It II
f
1 1
i* " ' ' -' i
!fiir
6ie
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Harbor of Erie or Prcsqa" IbIc.
History of the Locality.
Villnj;eofErie.
spent the next day in examining vessels on the stocks at the navy yard at Black
llock, then superintended by Lieutenant Pettigru, and made arrangements for liaviii"
stores forwarded to him. He pressed onward by land, and at an inn on the way he
was informed by the keeper, who had just returned from Canada, tliat the British
were acquainted with the movements at Erie, and would doubtless soon attempt to
penetrate the hal-bor, and destroy the naval materials collected there.
The harbor of Eric is a large bay, within the embrace of a low, sandy peninsula
that juts five miles into the lake, and a bluff of main land on which the pleasant vil-
lage of Erie, the capital of Erie County, Pennsylvania, stands. The peninsula has
sometimes been an island when its neck has been cleft by storms, and the harbor has
been entered from the west by small vessels. Within the memory of livinir men
Presqu' Isle (the peninsula) has been a barren sand-bank ; now it is covered by a
growth of young timber. It is deeply indented toward its extremity by an estuary
called Little Bay. The harbor is one of the finest on the lake when gained, but at
the period in question, and until lately, its entrance was by a shallow channel, tortu-
ous and difficult on account of sand-bars and shoals. Although Presqu' Isle Avas a
place of historic interest in colonial times,* it was an insignificant village in 1812, and
less than twenty years of age.^ Many miles of wilderness, or a very sparsely-popu-
lated country, lay betAveen it and the thick settlements ; and the supplies of every
Cnptnin Dobbins was nn efficient man and faithful officer. He was duly appointed a sailing-master in the navy, and
was highly esteemed by Commodore Perry. He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, on the Bth of July, ijto, ami
first visited Erie, with n party of surveyors, in 1796. It was then a ivilderncss. He was there with General Wayne at
the time of his death. He settled there, and became a navigator on the lakes. He was at Mackinaw with his vcfscl
thcSiifina, when that place was captured by the Biitish in 1S12, and, with R. S. and William Held, of Erie, he was pa-
roled. At Detroit he was again made prisoner, and paroled unconditionally. He was very efBclcnt in fittliig out tli»
squadron at Erie, and in the expedition, under Commodore Sinclair, that attempted to retake Mackinaw. After the nar
he was in command of the Wanliingion, and in ISlC he conveyed troops in her to Green Bay. She was the first vessel, ex-
cept n canoe, that ever entered that harbor. A group of islands in that vicinity were named Dobblns's Islands In honor
of him. He was ordered to sea iu 1820, when he resigned his commission In the navy, but remained in the government
employment. In 1829 President Jackson appointed him commander of the revenue cutter /Jun/i, He left active senlce
iu 1849, and died at the age of almost eighty-one, February 29, 1850. The likeness of Captain Dobbins, given cii the pre-
ceding page, is from a portrait painted by Moses Billings, of Erie, when he was seventy-five years of age.
1 Here was erected one of the chain of French forts in the wilderness which first excited the alarm and jeiilonsy of
the English colonies in America and the government at home. The remains of the ramparts and ditches, seen In the
sketch on the opposite page, are very prominent upon a point overlooking the entrance to the harbor, which It com-
mands, and a deep ravine, through which Mill Creek flows, wltliin the eastern limits of the borough of Erie. The fort
is supposed to have been erected early in 1749, that being the year when the French sent armed emissaries thronghout
the Ohio Valley to drive off the English traders. It was constnicted under the direction of Jean Cceur (commonly writ-
ten Joucoire in history), an influential Indian agent of the French governor general of Canada. This was Intended
by the French for an important entrepot ofstip-
plles for the interior forts j but when Cauada passed
into the possession of the English, a hundred years
ago, the fort was abandoned, and fell Into decay.
General Wayne established a small garrison there
In 1794, and caused a block-house to he bnilt on
the bluflf part of Mill Creek, at the lake shore of
Garrison Hill. On his return as victor over the
Indians iu the Maumee Valley, he occupied a lo;;
house near the block-house. There he died of
gout, and, at his own request, was burled at the
foot of the flag-sti'^T. His remains were removed
to Radnor ChnrcU-yard, Pennsylvania, in ISW.
The block-house fell into decay, and. In the win-
ter of 1813-'14, another was built oil Its site ; nlsu
one on the Point of the Peninsnia of Presqu' Isle,
The former remained until 1863, when some mis-
creant burnt It. It was the last relic of the War
of 1812 in that vicinity. I am indebted to B.F.
Sloan, Esq., editor of the Brie Observer, for the ac-
companying sketch of the block-house, made by
Mr. Chevalier, of Erie. The view is fi-om the edge
of the water at the month of Mill Creek, just below the old mill. On the left Is seen the open lake, and on the right of
the block-house, where a small building Is seen, was the place of the flag-staff and Wayne's grave.
' It was laid oat in ITOfi, when reservations were made of certain lots for the use of the United States. The first while
settler there ivas Colonel John Reid, fl-om Rhode Island, who built a log cabin, enlarged It, and called It the Presqu' We
Hotel, entertained travelers, soldiers, traders, speculators, and Indians, and laid the foundation of a large fortase. His
fson built the " Reld House," iu Krle, one of the finest hotels Iu the country out of the large cities.
WATME B BLOOK-aODBE AT ERIE.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
511
lOKeofErle.
at Black
31" liiiving
e way lie
le British
tteiupt to
peninsula
easant vil-
insula has
liavbor has
iviiiiT men
leered by a
an estuary
lied, but at
nnel, tortu-
Isle was a
.n 181 2, and
ivsely-popu-
es of every
In the navy, and
of July, I'TC, and
Icnernl Wayne at
V with his vessel,
r Erie, he was pa-
in flttlnK out the
w. After the war
he first vessel, ex-
i Islands in honor
1 the govcrnrociit
left active 6er\lce
given I'n the prc-
uiul Jeulonsy ot
_ hcs. Been in the
lor, which it com-
ofErie. Thefott
saries throughout
(commonly writ-
his was intended
entrepot of sup-
len Canada passed
a hundred years
id fell into decay,
ittll garrison tliere
sc to he hnilt on
ihc lake shore of
^g victor over tlic
tie occupied a los
There he died ot
.■asi hurled at tlio
ins were removed
sylvania, in 1S«.
, and, in the win-
t oil its site; also
laofPresqu'lelc.
when some mis-
relic of the War
[indehted to B.F.
...'tier, for the ac-
;.hoHse, made by
Is from the edfc
id on the right lit
The first white
fit the Prr»q«' '*
Irgo fortune, nis
Pcrrj'9 Arrival ut Krle^
Cuuatructlon of a Fleet begun.
Cascade Creek, and Block-bonse near.
yitW OF TUB BITE Of TUK FUE.NUU FUUT AND KMTBANOI TO KBIE IIAOUOB.'
kind but timber, for naval preparations, had to be brought from far-away places with
creat labor. Zeal and energy overcame all difficulties.
Perry arrived at Erie, as we have observed, on the 27th of March. He established
his quarters at Duncan's " Erie Hotel," and entered upon the duties of his important
errand by calling around him the employ6s of the government there. Much pre-
liminary work had al-
ready been done under
the direction of the
ouergetic Sailing-mas-
ter Dobbins and Noah
Blown, a shipwright
tVoni New York. For-
est-trees around Erie
li.id been felled and
iiewn ; the keels of two
twenty-gun brigs and
;i clipper schooner had
been laid at the mouth
ofCascade Creek;
two gun -boats were
nearly planked up at
tlie mouth of Lee's
Run,hetween the pres-
ent Peach and Sassa-
fras Streets; and a
tiiird, afterward call-
.5»ff~--
C'^^^.
MODTII OF GABOAUE OBEEK."
I This view of the entrance to Krle Harbor was taken from the site of the old
French Fort de la Presqu' Isle, mentioned in the note on the preceding page. The
mounds Indicating the remains of the fort are seen on the right, and near them,
ill the centre of the picture, is a small building used as a powder-house. On the
bluff on the extreme right is seen a little structure, indicating the site of the
block-house mentioned in the note on the preceding page, which is not far from
the present light-house. On the left, in the extreme distance. Is Presqu' Isle
Point, and in the water, piers that have been constructed for the Improvement of
the entrance channel, and a light-house.
» This is a view of the site of the navy yard at the month of the uascade Creek,
and of a portion of the harbor of Erie, made by the author early in September,
1800. The creek and the gentle cascade, which gives Its appropriate name, are
seen in the foreground. Beyond It, and the small boats seen in Its waters, is the
beach where the Laturenee, Xiagara, and Ariel were built. On the clay and gravel
bluflr at the extreme right, the fence marks the site of a block-house built to
protect the ship-yard, whose stout flag-staff, with cross-pieces for steps, served
as an observatory. From its top a Ml view of the lake over Presqn' Isle could
be seen. The lower part of the block-house was heavy, rough logs ; the upper,
or battery part, was made of hewn timber.
Ic the distance. In the centre of the picture, is seen the landing at Erie, and on the left the pier and llght-honse at the
entrance to the harbor. Just behind the bluff, in the distance, is the mouth of Lee's Rua, where the Poreupine and
njiTM were Imilt. The cascade is about flfteeu feet in perjiendlcnlar full In iU passage over a ledge of slate rock, and
1« alKint one mile from the public square lu Erie.
BI.OOK-UIHSK.
!
1:1 I
m
512
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A GaarJ at Erie.
Perry baateiis to Cbaarcey.
Eventa on the Niagara Frontier.
ctl Scorpion, waa just commenced. To guard against surprise and the destruction
of the vessels by the Britislj, a volunteer company of sixty men, under Captain Fos-
ter, had been organized. Captain Dobbins had also formed a guard of the ship-cai.
I)enter8 and other mechanics engaged on the vessels.
On the arrival of Sailing-master Tiiylor, on the 3d of March, with officers and mon
Perry hastened to Pittsburg to urge forward supplies of every kind for the comple.
tion and equipment of his little squadron. He had already ordered Dobbins to Ijuf.
• April 10, falo for men and munitions ; and on his return" ho was gratified to find that
^^^^- faithful oflicer back and in possession of a twelve-pound cannon, four cliests
of small arms, and ammunition. The vessels, too, were in a satisfactory state of for-
wardness. They were soon off tlio stocks. Early in May the three smaller ones were
launched, and on the 24th of the same month the two brigs were put afloat.'
' M 21 "^' sunset of tlie day before the launching of the brigs,'' Perry k-ft Erie in
an open four-oared boat, to join Chauncey in an attack upon Fort Geove at
the mouth of the Niagara River. Tlie commodore had promised him the command
of the marines in the enterprise. All night he buffeted the angry waves of Lake Erie
and arrived at Buffalo the next day. Perry was accompanied from Erie as far as
Lewiston by his faithful coadjutor, Captain Dobbins. From that point the latter was
sent back to Schlosser, to prepare boats for seamen who were to be sent up after tlic
reduction of Fort George, and to the Black Kock navy yard, to hasten the equipment
of some government vessels that were to join the growing squadron at Erie.
Fort George fell," Fort Erie was evacuated and burnt, and the British
abandoned the entire line of the Niagara River. This enabled Perry to take
safely from that stream ijito Lake Erie and the sheltering arms of Presqu' Isle five
vesselswhich Henry Eckford had prepared for warlike service, and Avhicli had been
detained belo^v Buffalo by the Canadian batteries. They were loaded Avith stores at
the Black Rock navy yard; and on tlie morning of the 6th of June, oxen, seamen,
and two hundred soldiers, under Captains Brevoort and Younge, who had been de-
tailed to accompany Perry to Erie, with strong ropes over willing shoulders com-
menced warping or "tracking" them up the swift current. It Avas a task of incredi-
ble labor, and occupied full six days.
The little flotilla'^ sailed from Buffalo on the 13th. Perry was in the Cakthin".
sick with symptoms of bilious remittent fever. Head Avinds prevailed. " Wo inadi
tAventy-fivo miles in tAventy-four hours," Avrpte Doctor Usher Parsons, Perry's sni-
geon, in Ms diary.^ It Avas not imtil the 19th that they entered the harbor of Erie,
just in time to avoid the little cruising squadron of the enemy under tlie gallant
Captain Finnis, of the Royal Navy, which had been on the look-out for them. Of
this Perry had been informed, on his way, by men in a small boat that shot out from
the southern shore of the lake, and he had prepared to fight. "When the last vessel
of the flotilla had crossed the bar at Erie, the squadron of the enemy hove in sicht
off Presqu' Isle Point.* Three or four days afterward the flotilla went up to the
mouth of the Cascade Creek, Avhere the tAvo brigs and a gun-boat lay.
Perry's fleet was completed and finished on the 10th of July; but, alas! be had
' The timber for the veesels was fonnd on the spot. Their frames were made of white and black oak and chesliin!,
the onteide planking of oak, and the decks of pine. Many trees found their places as timber In the vessels on the veir
day when they were felled in the forest.
" It consisted of the prize brig Caledonia («ce page 3Sfl) ; the schooner Homers (formerly Catharine), carrying one loog
24 ! schooner Amelia (formerly Ti;iress), carrying one long 18 ; and schooner Ohio, carryiii.; one long 24 ; the sloop Con-
tractor (now called Trippe), carrying one long 18. The commanders of this flotilla,from Buffalo to Eric were Peirr,
Almy, Uoldnp, Darling, and Dobbins.
' Doctor Usher Parsons, of Providence, Rhode Island, Is the last surviving commissioned officer of Perry's fleet. Iiiii
greatly indebted to him for many valuable contributions to this portion of my work, both oral and written, cspfcijlly
for the use of his diary kept daring the campaign of 1813. We shall meet him presently as the surgeon of Ihcioir-
reiuf, Perry's flag-ship, In the battle of the 10th of Sepfernber.
* This crnising squadron consisted of the ship Queen Clmrlotte, mounting IT gnns : the fine schooner Ladti Preml,
mounting 13 guns ; the brig Hunter, a smaller vessel of 10 gnns ; the schooner Little Belt, of 3 guns ; and the CMppKt,
of 1 gun.
ti
I
! ■■!■
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
518
Brig Xaic twt to bo the Flag-nhlp.
Lnck of Men,
Perry's Earue«tne9> uud UnnelOiibneM,
Jnly 19.
only men enough to officer and man one of the brigs, and he was compelled to lie
idle in the harbor of Erie, an unwilling witness of the insolent menaces of the enemy
on the open lake. The brig that was to bear his broad pennant was named (by order
of the Secretary of the Navy, received on the 12th) LaxDrence, in honor of the gallant
captain of the Chesapeake^ who had just given his life to his country." The .jnnc,
other bris? was named Niagara, and the smaller vessels constructecl at Erie '^**-
ttcre called respectively Ariel (the clipper schooner), Porcujniie, and Tigress. But
what availed these vessels without officors and crews? The two hundred soldiers
lent as a guard for the flotilla on its voyage from ButTalo had been ordered back.
Only Captain lirevoort, who was familiar with the navigation of the lake, remained,
and he was assigned to the command of the marines of the Niagara. Perry was
sick and almost one fifth of his men were subjects for the hospital in the court-liouse,
under Doctor Horsley, or the one near the site of Wayne's block-house, under Doctor
Hoherts. And yet the government, remiss itself in furnishing Perry with men, was
aUIn" loudly upon him to co-operate with Harrison. Twice within four days he re-
(cfved orders to that eiFect from the Secretary of the Treasury.'' Ilarri- ^
snii too, was 8endin'ad ar-
rived with seventy men. Perry wrote to Channcey : " For God's sake, and yours, and
mine, send me men and officers, and I will huve them all [the British squadron] in a
(lay or two. Commodore Barclay keeps just out of the reach of our gun-boats
The vessels are all ready to meet the enemy the moment they are officered and man-
ned. Oiu" sails are bent, provisions on board, and, in fact, every tiling is ready. Bar-
day has been bearding me for several days ; I long to be at him." Tlien, with the
most generous patriotism, he added, " However anxious I am to reap the reward of
the labor and anxiety I have had on this station, I shall rejoice, whoever commands,
to see this force on the lake, and surely I liad rather be commanded by my friend
i than by any other. Come, then, and the business is decided in a few hours."
Perry's importunities were almost in vain. Few and mostly inferior men came to
him from Lake Ontario, and, so far as the government was concerned, he was left to
I call them from the forest or the deep. When he gave Harrison the tnie reason for
failing to co-operate with him, the Secretary of the Navy reproved him for exposing
' Two days aficrwnrd [.Tnly 81] the enemy were becalmed off the harbor, when Perry went ont with three gnn-boat*
from Cajcnde Creek to attaoi. him. Only a few shots were exchanged, at the distance of a mile. One of Perry's shots
Suck the mizzen-mast of the Qu«ett Charlotte. A breeze sprung np, and the enemy's sqnadron bore away to the open
like.
1
1 ,
1;
'■ 1
'.,, .
Hi ^
^^^^^^BTii<^ '
jk
■V
Ek
iij.
If' !!
I hi
fili
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Belatiunt ofC'hnuuccy iiud Perry.
Erie menaced.
Prepar«tlon« for nu AitMk.
his wt'iiknosH ; and when ho complained to Chaunccy of tho inferiority of the men
Bent to him — " a motley set, blacks, Boldiers, and boys" — he received from the irritated
commodoi-e a letter ho tilled with caustic but half-concealed irony, that ho felt con-
strained to ask for a removal from the station, because, as he alleged, he " could not
serve longer under an officer who had been so totally regardless of his feelingg."' a
nianly, generous letter from Chauncey soon afterward restored ^'le kindUness of fed-
ing between them.
In the mean time tho post of Erie had been Boriously menaced. General Porter at
Black Koi'k, sent word that the enemy were concentrating at Long Point on tin-
Canada shore of the lake, opposite Erie. At about the same time a hostile movement
was made toward Fort Meigs, and tho British fleet mysteriously disappeared. Ko
doubt was entertained of a design to attempt the capture of Erie, with the vessels
and stores, by a combined land and naval force. A panic was tho conseijuence. Tlie
families of many citizens fled with their valuables to the interior. Already a block-
house had been erected on the bluif east of (Cascade Creek to protect the ship-yard,-
and a redoubt mounting three long twelve-pounders had been planted on the heiglits
(now called Garrison Hill), near the present light-house, and named J^ort Waynu.
Barracks had been erectefl u the village,^ and a regiment of Pennsylvania militia
were encamped near Fort ^^ ayne. The vessels were as well manned as possible, and
boats rowed guard at tho entrance to the harbor. But these means of defense were
not considered sufficient, and Perry called on Major General David Mead, of Mead-
ville, to re-enforce the troops with his militia. This was done,* and in the course ofa
few days upward of fifteen hundred soldiers were concentrated at a rendezvous near.
But an invasion from the lake was not attempted, owing, as was afterward ascertain-
ed, to the difficulty of collecting a sufficient number of troops in time at Long Point.
At the close of July Perry had about three hundred eifective officers and men at
' Letter to the Secretary of the Navy, dated on board the Lawrence, at Eric, August 10, 1813.
> See note 2, page 511.
' These occupied a portion of the space now bonnded by Third and Fifth and State and Sassafrne Streets. Th«(
objects and locnlllies, and others, are indicated on the above map, in the constrnction of which I nclsnowledge jld
kindly afforded mo by Giles Sanford, Esq., of Erie. The public square is indicated by the white space on the village
plan, and the court-house by the shaded square within it.
* Doctor Parsons wrote in bis diary, under date of Augnst 1, 1818, "General Head, of Headville, arrived two ortbrw :
days afro, and, with his suite, came on board the Laurence under a salute of thirty-two guns."
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
016
fuugt of V«Mel» over Krie Bar. FIrrt Crulie of Perry'i Fleet.
Re^enforcements nnder Captain Elllolt.
gric with which to man two 20-giin brigs and eight smaller veHscls. The enemy
jj^jppeared ."••'' *-o lake was calm. lie was so restive umler the bearding of Bar-
ilav and the chafing from superiors, that he resolved with these to go out upon the
lake and try the fortune of war. On Sunday, tho first of August, he moved his flo-
tilla down to the entrance of the harbor, intending to cross early the next morning.
'file lake was lower than usual, and the squadron would not float over the bar. Even
the smaller vessels had to be lightened for the purpose, and at one time it was con-
sidered doubtful whether the Lawrence and Niagara could be taken otit of the har-
l,or at all. The flag-ship was tried first. Her cannon, not " loaded and shotted," as
the historians have said (for they had been discharged in saluting General Mead),
«cre taken out and placed on timbers on the beach, while the Niagara and smaller
vessels lay with their broadsides toward the lake forlicr protection, iu the event of
tiie reappearance of Barclay.*
By means of " camels"^ the Lawrence was floated over on the morning of the 4th,
and by two o'clock that day her armament was all on board of her, mounted and prc-
iiiircd for action. The Niagara was taken over in the same way with very little
(rouble, and the smaller vessels reached the deep water outside* without . Angust ^
much difficulty. The labor of this movement had been exciting and ex- ^^'*'
hausting, and the young commander scarcely slept or partook of food during the
four days. The enemy was expected every moment. Should he appear while the
tliitilla was on the bar, H might be lost. Fortunately, Commodor.. liarclay's social
wiakness — the inordmate love of public festivities — j)rolonged his absence, and his
sniadron did not heave in sight until the 6tli, just as the Niagara M'as safely moving
into deep water.^ The Ariel, Lieutenant Packet, and Scorpion, Sailing-master Cham-
iiHii, were sent out boldly to engage and detain the squadron. Barclay was surprised
at this movement, and ]K;rceiving that his golden opportrnity was lost, he bore away
toward Long Point. The whole of Perry's flotilla was in perfect preparation before
night. That evening it weighed anchor," and stood toward Long Point
on its first cruise. Perceiving no farther use for the militia, who were anx-
ious to get into their harvest-fields, General Mead discharged them, and the aimed
citizens of Erie resumed their accustomed avocations.
Perry cruised between Erie and the Canada shore for two or three days, vainly
searching for the enemy, who had gone to INIalden to await the completion of the
Detroit, a ship that would make the British force superior to that of the Americans.
But the latter now received accessions of strength. On the 9th the squadron was
joined at Erie by Captain Jesse D. Elliott,* who brought M'ith him about one hundred
officers and superior men. With these he manned the Niagara and assumed com-
mand of her. Thus re-enforced, Perry resolved to sail up the lake and report himself
ready to co-operate with Harrison.
The squadron left Erie on the 12tli° in double column, one line in regular ' August.
battle order,' and rendezvoused in an excellent harbor called Put-in-Bay,'' " Auguat is.
•
1 MamiBcript corrections of the text of M'Kenzle's Life qf Perry, by Captain Daniel Dobbins, who assisted .,n the
EOTeraent. I am indebted for the use of these notes to his son, Captain W. W. Dobbins, of Erie, Pennsylvania.
i 1 A "camel" Is a machine invented by the Dutch for carrying vessels over shallow places, as bars at tlie entrance of
I hu!wr«. It is a huge box or kind of scow, so arranged that water may be let in or pumped out at pleasure. One of
ihem is placed on each side of a vessel, the wafer let In, and the camels so snnkcn that, by means of ropes nnder the
keel and windlasses, the vessel may be placed so that beams may bear it, resting on the camels. The water iu the
j tsnieli is then pnraped out, they float, and the vessel, raised by them, Is carried over the shallow place.
' Captahi Dobbins, in his MS. notes on M'Kenzle's Life qf Commodore Perry, says that the citizens of Port Dover, a
saisll village on Ryason's Creek, a little below Long Point, in Canada, oflTered Commodore Barclay and his officers a
I [ubllc dinner. The invitation was accepted. While that dinner was being attended Perry was getting his vessels over
I the bar, and thereby acquired power to successfully dispute the supremacy of Lake Erie with the British. At the din-
jner Captain Barclay remarked, in response to a complimentary toasts "I expect to And the Yankee brigs hard and fast
I on ihe bar at Erie when I return, in which predicament it will be but a smf.U Job to destroy them." Had Barclay been
limmlndfnl of duty, his expectations might have been realized. Captain Dobbins makes this statement on the au-
jihoriiyofan old lake acquaintance, Mr. Ryasou, who was at the dinner. ♦ See page .188.
• Penj's nsgregato force of officers and men was less than four hundred. His squadron was composed as follows:
Ir
I.
' I
» ^!l
i
sie
I'ICTOUIAL FlKLU-nOOK
bUndi aronnd Pnt-ln-Bny,
HtrrUon vlilU Parry on hti Fl«g-*hlp.
BIcknni In the V\m.
formed by ii proup of iHliuuls known as the North, AliihUo, and South Huhr, Put-jn.
Bay, Siij:jiir, (iihraltar, and Strontian,' and nuiucrous wmall iHlotB, Home of tluin con.
taining not more than lialf an aero. These lie ott'Port Clinton, the eapital ofOttuw i
County, Ohio. Nothint; wan Been of the enemy ; and on the following day, towanl
evening, the wiuadron weighed anchor and sailed ft)r Sandusky Bay, when a straiii'.
eail was discovered ott" Cunningham (now Kelly) Island by Champlin, of du. ,sv„,..
pion, who liad been sent out as a sort of scout. lie signaled and gave oliaxc i',,|.
lowed for u short time by tlie whole sijuadron. It was a British sehoontT reconnoi.
tring. She eluded her pursuers by darting among the islands that form I'ut-in Hnv
under cover of the night. A heavy storm of wind and rain came with the darkness
The Scorjiion j)artly grounded, the schooner ran ashore in the gale, and the ^(luadrnii
lay at anchor all night.^ On the following morning the point of the peiiiiiMiiJa oti'
Sandusky Bay was reached, when Perry fired signal-guns, according to agrecnicnt \»
ap[)riBc Harrison at his quarters at Camp Seneca of his j)resencc. That eveninu ('(,i.
onel E. P. Gaines, Avitli a few officers and a guard of Indians, appeared on board iIk
Lmcrence, and informed Perry that Harrison, with eight thousand men — militia ric-
ulars, and Indians — was only twenty-seven miles distant. Boats were innncdiatclv
dispatched to bring the general and his suite on board. lie arrived late in the even-
ing of the 19th, during a heavy rain, accompanied by his aids, M'Arthur and Cass,
and other officers composing his staff, and a large number of soldiers and Indians,
twenty-six of the latter being chiefs of the neighboring tribes, whose friendship it
was thought important to maintain. The plan of the campaign was then anani;eil
• AugiiBt, by the two commanders. The 20th,'' a bright and beautiful day, was spent
18111. ju reconnoitring Put-in-Bay, with the view of concentrating the army tlieu
for transportation to Maiden, and on the 21st the general returned to his camp.
Ah Harrison ns not quite ready for
' AngiiM
^ZtijHe^
the forward ' uent. Perry
sailed'' on a )itring ex-
pedition toward Maiden, first ordcrinff tin
ever-trusty Captain Dobbins to hasten
with the Ohio to Erie on the important
e"rand of procuring additional stores. He
found the enemy within the mouth of the
Detroit River. The new vessel had not
yet joined the squadron, and he rcsolvi 1
to strike a bold blow. Unfavorable wind-
made the measure very perilous ; and be-
fore the elements were pro])itious he was
prostrated by an attack of bilious remit-
tent fever, then very prevalent in the
squadron. His surgeon and chaplain,
and his young brother Alexandtr, who
had accompanied him from Rhode Island,
were also severely ill, and the assistant
surgeon. Doctor Parsons, was too weak
from a similar attack to walk.^ Tlie en-
terprise was abandoned for the time, ami
ryatrrerue, commanded by Commodore Perry; Niagara, Captain Elliott; CatefoiWn, Pnreer M'Orath; Ariel, Llcntenanl :
I'ackct; Sarnert, Salltug-maBter Almy; Tirrrem, Master'g-mate M'Donald; Soorpion, Sailing-maBter Champlln; hra- \
pirn, Midshipman Senat ; Ohio, Sailing-master Dobbins ; TripjMt, Lieutenant Smith.
I So named becanee of the quantity of that mineral found there.
' I'arsons's Diary, MS. statement of Captain Champlln, communicated to the Author.
' "Though 80 111 as to be incapable of wnlking," gays M'Kenzle, "with a humane self-devotion most honorable to 1
hhn, be continued to attend at the bedside oi the sick, to which he was carried, aud to prescribe for them, not oiil;oii i
OF Tllli WAR OF 1813.
»17
«• III the Vim
|'ut.|ii-B»r-
A Rsconnoliunca bjr Parry.
The Clrcum>peetlon oftba Britlih eominapiter.
Ih ; Ariel, LicnltMit
%t Cliamplin; ft'«- \
oil the 27tli,* ftt c'itcht oVIock in tlio ovoiiing, the Bqundron ngnin nncliorocl • Aneuiit,
ill I'lit-iii-Hiiy. Tlicrc, on tlu^ 31»t, IVrry rcccivctl from Harrison n tf-cn- '""'•
ruT-iN-iur.
forccment of thirty-six men, to act as marines and supply the i)lace8 of some of the
sii'k.
At the end of a week's confinement !*( rry gave orders for another cruise, and on
the first of September the sqiiadron Meighed anchor and sailed again for ]Malden,
where he challenged Barclay, who did not then choose to respond, but, under shore
l)attcries, lay securely and unmoved. On the following morning Perry sailed for
Siiiuliisky Bay, to communicate with General Harrison, and then, with his whole
«(luiulron, returned to anchorage in Put-in-Bay.^
luiard of the Laierenee, but of the smaller vessclg, bein^ lifted for the purpose In his cot, and the sick brought on deck
(ir tils prescriptions."— iy« nf I'ernj, i., 203.
r»hcr Parsons was born at Alfred, Maine, on the 18th of August, 1T88. Ho chose the medical profession as a life-
l-ur»ult, and Btiidicd with Dr. John Warren, of Cambridge, Massachnsctts. On the promulgatlim of the declaration of
war ht entered the navy as surgeon's mate. lie volunteered to accompany Perry to Lake Erie with the crow of the
John .\dams. In the battle on Lake Eric, described In the next chapter, he was on the flng-ship Latrmiee as acting
snrcfon, his Biiperlor being too 111 to attend to his duties. Indeed, the duties of both Dr. Barton and Dr. Ilorseley
devolved on Dr. Parsons wlien the battle was over. Speaking of him In a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Perry
(ail lean only say tliut In the event of my having another command,! should consluer myself particularly fortu-
iialc m having him with me as a surgeon." In 1814 he served on the upper lakes under Commodore Sinclair, At
the request of Perry, Parsons became the snrgeon of the new frigate Java, 44, commanded by the hero of Laka Erie.
After ten years' service In the navy he retired, settled as a physician and surgeon in Providence, Rhode Island, wa.t
professor In Brown University and other colleges, president of the Rhode Island Medical Society, and first vice-presi-
dent of the National Medical Society. In 1822 he married a daughter of Rev. Dr. Holmes, of Cambridge, the author of
\U Anml» ({f America. She died three years afterward, bearing one son. Dr. Charles W. Parsons, now [1S6T] president
of the Rhode Island Medical Society. Dr. Parsons is the enthor of several medical works and historical discourses, and
jvvcll-wrlttcn Li/e of Sir William Pepjtereii, liart. Dr. Pirsons is stUl [180T] In the enjoyment of perfect physical and
mental health, at the ago of seventy-nine years.
I Pul-in-Bay Harbor is on t'.ie north side of Put-in-Bay Island, one of the largest of the group of aboat twenty In that
neighborhood. The view of the harbor from Pat-ln-Bay Island, given above, is from a drawing made on the spot, in
September, 185!), by Captain Van Cleve, a veteran Lake Ontario steam-boat commander, who kindly presented it to me.
llirectly In front is seen Oibraltar Island, and the place of "Perry's Look-out," delineated In the little picture at the
lednning of the next chapter. Is Indicated by the flag. The smoke In the distance points out the place of the battle,
ten itiilcs In a northwardly direction from Put-In-Bay. The Bass Islands are seen on the right, and Rattlesnake Island
tn the left. The beaches of all are chiefly of white pebbles. The view is from Pat-iu-Bay Island, near the landing.
■fei a
101^'
518
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Perry's Antagonist in Sight.
Preparations for Bnttle.
Rcndczvoiis at Put-in-Bay.
CHAPTER XXV,
" September the tenth ftill well I ween,
lu eighteen hundred and thirteen,
The weather mild, the eky serene.
Commanded by bold Perry,
Onr saucy fleet at anchor lay
In safety, moor'd at Put-in-Bay ;
'Twixt sunrise and the break of day.
The British fleet
We chanced to meet;
Our admiral thought he would them greet
With a welcome on Lake Eric."— Old Soaa.
i-Sjc-^ AIL ho!" were the etirring words that rang out loud and clear
from the mast-head of tlie Lawrence on the warm and pleasant
morning of the 10th of September, 1813, That herald's pioc-
lamation was not unexpected to Perry, Five days before lie
had received direct and positive information from Maiden that
Proctor's array were so short of provisions that Barclay was
preparing to go out upon the lake, at all liazards, to open a com-
munication with Long Point, the chief deposit of supplies llir
the enemy on the banks of the Deti'oit River. Perry had made preparations accord-
ingly ; and, day after dny, from the rocky heights of Gibraltar Island, now known as
" Perry's Look-out," he had
pointed his glass anxiously
in the direction of ^lakleii.'
On the evening of the 9th
he called around him the offi-
cers of his squadron, ami
gave instructions to each in
writing, for he was determ-
ined to attack the enemy at
his anchorage the next dav
if he did not come out. His
plan was to bring on a close
action at once, so as not to
lose the advantage of his
short carronades. To cadi
vessel its antagonist on thi'
British side was assigned,
the size and character of
PEHBY's J.00K-ODT, QiBBALTAtt IS-.AND, I'UT-iN-iiAY." thcm haviug bccn commuiii-
' Perry also kept two of thr- smaller vessels as look-outs in the vicinity of the Sister* Islands.
» This little picture is ftom ■» painting made on the spot by Miss C. L. Ransom, who kindly permitted me to copy
it (sec pace B06). "Perry's Look-out" is on t.ie left, and is composed of limestone piled about fifty feet above tbe wa-
ter. In front is a natural arch. On the uumrait is a representation of a monument jjroposcd to be creeled then', of
which the comer-etone was laid several years ago with imposing ceremonies. On the left nre seen the griivcs of wrnic
sailors who died of choiera. In the middle is seen Rattlesnake Islard. On the right, in the extreme distnncc, ia N'nnh
BasK Island, and between tlie two ir, lie pissoge toward Detroit The Middle Bass is also seen on the rlpht. Tliisis
a faithful copy of Miss RaDdom's picture, with the exception of tt ue. It has been made a moonlight eccuc, forcfTcci,
instead of a day'ight one.
Near the site of the propcseJ monument. Jay Cooke, an eml.ient banker, ha" a fine dwelling, oisd on the fonndatloi!
OF THE WAR OF 1812,
519
Perry's Battle-flag.
Ilia final Instracttona.
The British Fleet in Sight.
I on the foondJtlons
cated to him by Captain Brevoort,' whose family lived in Detroit. The Lawrence
was assigned to the Detroit ; the Niagara to the <^ueen Charlotte, and so on ; and
to each officer he said, in substance, Engage your an+ajronist in close action, keeping
on the line at half-cable length from the vessel of our squadron ahead of you.
It was about ten o'clock when the conference ended. Tue moon was at its full,
and it was a splendid autumn night. Just before they parted. Perry brought out a
large square battle-flag, which, at
his request, Mr. Hambleton,^ the
purser, had caused to be privately
prepared at Erie. It was blue,
and bore, in lai-ge letters, made of
white muslin, the alleged dying
words of the gallant commander
of the Chesapeake, " don't give
vp THE SHIP !" "When this flag
shall be hoisted to the main-royal
mast-head," said the commodore,
" it shall be your signal for going
into action." As the officers Avere
leaving, he said, " Gentlemen, re-
member your instructions. Nel-
son has expressed my idea in the
words, ' If you lay your cncray
(lose alongside, you can not be out
of your place.' Good-night."
The cry of " Sail ho !" was soon
followed by signals to the fleet of
"Enemy in sight;" "Get underweigb ;" and the voices of the boatswains sounding
through the squadron and echoing from the shores the command, " All hands up
;, I'hor, ahoy !" At sunrise the British vessels were all seen upon the northwestern
horizon —
i DO NT GIVE UP
THE SHIP
PEHBY'S BATTLE-FI.AG.'
" Six barques trnined for buttle, the red flag displaying,
By Bniclny commanded, their wings wide outspread,
Forsake tlieir strong-hold, on broad Erie essaying
To meet with that foe they so lately did dread."— Old Ballad.
A light wind was blowing from the southAvest. Clouds came upon it from over the
Uhio wilderness, and in p-issing dropped a light shower of rain. Soon the sky be-
cime serene, and before ten o'clock, when, by the aid of the gentle breeze in beat-
jircpared for that monument he caused to be erected, II ISOfl, a small one, composed of yellowish limestone. It is abont
ten feet in height, and sormounted by a bronze vase for flowers. On its sides arc naval devices of the same metal.
' Henry Brevoort, of New York, was commissioned Second Lieutenant in Third Infantry In ISOl. He commanded
transports on Lake Erie, and in May, 1811, was promoted to caiitain. He distinguished himself In the battle of Ma^jua-
;a (sec page 279), and also as commander of marines lu the Niagara In the battle of Lake Erie. He received a silver
meiliil for his gallantry there. He was promoted to major in 1814, and was disbaided in 1816. In 1822 he was made
Inited Klnlcs Indian Agent at Green 'Bay .—QauXnar's Dictiotutry nf tlf. Army.
'Samuel llamblcton was a native of Talbot County, Marylai " where he was bom .n IT"",. He was first a merchant,
then a clerk In the Navy Department, and in 180« was appointed purser in the navy. After the battle of Lake Kri j, the
officers and crews of the American eqpadron appointed him prhe agent, and more than $200,000 passed throu/,'h his
hanils. lie left the lake in 1814, and performed good service afloat and ashore tor many years. He died at h's reei-
denre In Maryland, near St. Michael's, called " Perry's Cabin," Jannary IT, 1861.
= This Is a picture of the flag as seen In the Trophy Room of the Saiiltary Fair In the City of New York in the month
of .\pr;i, 19(!4. It is between eight and nine feet sqnare. The form of the letters is preserved in the engraving. They
are about a foot in length, anO might be seen at a considerable distance.
The ftjllowlng lines, in allusion to this flag, are from a fine poem on Tht Hero nfhake ErU, by Henry T. Tnckerman,
Esq.:
"Behold the chieftain's glad, prophetic smile,
As a new banner he unrolls the while ;
Hear the gf; y shout of his elated crew
When the dear watchword hovers to their view,
And Lawrence, silent in the arms of death.
Bequeathe deflauce with his latest breath I"
Ml
m ^
ill
ii
620
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Perry's Detormination to flght.
NnmcB and Character of the opposing Vessels.
Signal for Bntilc.
ing and strong arms with oars, the squadron had passed out from the labyrinth of
islands into the open lake, within five or six miles of the enemy, not a cloud was
hanging in the firmament, nor a fleck of mist was upon the waters. It was a spkn.
did September day.
Perry was yet weak from illness when the cry of" Sail hoi" was repeated to him
by Lieutenant Dulaney Forrest. That announcement gave him strength, and the ex-
citement of the hour was a tonic of rare virtue. The wind was variable, and lie
tried in vain to gain the weather - gage of the enemy by beating around to the wind-
ward of some of the islands. He was too impatient to fight to long brook tlie wasto
of precious time in securing an advantage so small with a wind so light. "Run to
the leeward of the islands," he said to Taylor, his sailing-master.' "Then you will
have to engage the enemy to leeward," said that ofiicer, in a slightly remonstrant
manner. "I don't care," quickly responded PeiTy; "to windward or to leeward
they shall fight to-day." The signal to Avear ship followed immediately, Avhcn the
wuid shifted suddenly to the southeast, and enabled the squadron to clear the isl-
ands, and to keep tlie weather - gage. Perceiving this, Barclay hove to, in close or-
der, and awaited Perry's attack. His vessels, newly pauited and with colors flying,
made an imposing appearance. They were six in number,^ and bore sixty-three car-
riage-guns, one on a pivot, two swivels, and four howitzer.-?. Perry's squadron num-
bered nine vessels, and bore fifty-tour carriage-guns and two swivels.^ Barclay had
thirty-five long guns to Perry's yf/'/ccw, and possessed greatly the advantage in action
at a distance. In close action, tlie weight of metal was Avith the Americans, and for
that reason Perry had resolved to close upon the enemy at once. The British com-
mander had one hundred and fifty men from the royal navy, eighty Canadian sailors,
tAvo hundred and forty soldiiMs, mostly regul.ars, and some Indiii.-.s. His Avhole force,
oflicers and men, Avas a little more than five hundred. The American commander
had upon his muster-roll four hundred and ninety names. Of these the bearers of
one hundred and sixtitu Avere sick, and most of them too Aveak to go upon deck.
About one fourth of Perry's crew were from Rhode Island ; one fourth were regular
seamen, American and foreign ; about one fourth were raw volunteers, chiefly from
Kentucky ; and about another fourth Avere negroes.
At a little past ten o'clock Perry's line Avas formed accordhig to the plan arranged
the previous evening, the Niagara in the van. The Lawrence Avas cleared for ac-
tion, and the battle-flag, bearing the Avords" don't give up the ship," in letters large
enough, as Ave have observed, to be seen by the Avhole squadron, Avas brought out
and displayed. Tlie commodore then addressed his officers and crew a fcAV stirring
wo'"ds, and concluded by saying, " My brave lads ! this flag contains the last Avoids
of Captain Lawrence. Shall I hoist it?" "Ay, ay, sir!" they all sl">uted, as Avith
one voice, and in a moment it Avas run up to the main-royal mast-head of the flag-
ship, amid cheer after cheer, not only from the Laicrence, but the Avhole squadron.
It Avas till' signal for battle.
' William Vlgcron Taylor was of French descent, lie was n captain in the merchant service, and entered that of tbe
navy under Perry as sailing-master. Perry esteemed him highly, and made him Bailing-master ofhls flag-ship on Liko
Eric. He rendered efficient service in the fitting out of the squadron. In the battle on the 10th of Septemher he re-
ceived a wound In the thigh, but kept the deck until the closi;. On the return of the Lawrence to Erie, Mr. Taylor wa<
Hcnt with dispatches to Chaunccy. In 1S14 he was commissioned a lieutenant in the navy. lie was promoted to com-
mander in 1S31, and to post captain in 1841. He commai'-'ed the sloops Warren and Erie In the Gulf of Mexico. After
his promotion to post captain he was placed in command of the ship-of-thc-line Ohio, and took her around Cape Horn to
the Pacific. He was then sixty-eight years of age. On the 11th of February, 1S61, he died of apoplexy, in tbe sevent.v-
eighth year of his age.
It is proper here to mention that most of the biographical sketches of the oflScers of Perry's squadron contained In
tills chapter arc compiled from a paper on the subject from the pen of Dr. Usher Parsons, published In the Sew England
Hixtnriml and Oenealortieal Refiinter for Janriarij, 188,1.
' These were as follows: Ship Detroit, 10 gun?, 1 in pivot, and 2 howitzers; ship Queen Charlotte, 17, and 1 howitzer;
schooner Ladtj Prevont, 13, and 1 howitzer ; brig Hunter, 10 ; sloop Litlte Belt, 3 ; and schooner Chippewa, 1, and 2 swivel*.
' These were as follows: Brig TAiu)renee,W guns; brig Niagara, iO : brig Caledonia, S ; schooner Ariel, 4; schooner
iSanrpion, 2, and 2 swivels ; sloo]) Trippe, 1 ; schooner Tigrem, 1 j and schooner Poraipint, 1. The Ohio, Captain Dob-
bins, had gone to Erie for supplies, and was not in the action.
■555
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
521
Perry's Care for his Men.
Change In the Order of Battle.
Blofiraphlcnl Sketch of Perry.
OUVliB U. I'iiUUV.'
.As the dinner-hour would occur at
the probable time of acti<)n, the thought-
ful Perry ordered refresliments to be dis-
tributed, Tiie decks were then wetted
and sprinkled with sand so that feet
should not slip when blood should begin
to tlow. Then every man was placed
in proper position. As the squadron
moved slowly and silently toward the
enemy, with a gentle breeze, at the rate
of less than three knots, the Niagara,
Captain Elliott, leading the van, it was
discovered that Barclay had made a dis-
position of his force that required a
change in Perry's prescribed order of
battle. It was instantly made, and the
American squadron moved to the at-
tack in the order best calculated to cope
with the enemy. Barclay's vessels were
The flag-ship Detroit,
near together.
1 Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kinf;sli>u, Rhode Island, on the 23d of Angnst, 1785. His father was then
1 the naval service of the United States, lie entered the navy as midshipman at the age of rtfteen years, on board the
«loop-of-warffim«-al Oreene, when war
with France seemed inevitable. Ha
6rsl saw active service before Tripoli,
m the squadron of Commodore Preble.
He was coinraiesioned a lieutenant In
KIO, and placed in command of the
•chooner Hecenffe, attached to Com-
modore Eodgcrs's squadron In Long
Island Sound. She was wrecked, but
liis conduct in saving public property
was highly applauded. Early in 1812
he was placed in command of a flotil-
la of gnn-boats In Newport Harbor.
.\lter his victorious battle on Lnlie
Erie in 1813, he was promoted to post-
captain, and at the close of the war be
was placed in command of the Java,
41, a flrst-class frigate, and sailed with
Decatur for the Mediterranean Sea,
VIEW Of 11.,
On his return, while his vessel was
lying in Newport Harbor, In mid-wlu-
ter, a fearful storm arose. He heard
of the wreck of a merchant vessel upon
n reef six miles distant. He Immedi-
ately manned his barge and said to his
crew, " Come, my boys, we arc going
to the relief of shipwrecked seamen ;
pull away !" He rescued eleven almost
exhausted seamen h'om death.
On account of piracies in the West
Indies, the United States government
delcri. iued to send a little squadron
til lor the protection of American
comnicrce. Perry was assigned to the
command of It, and In 1810 he sailed
m the John Adams, accomp 'ed by
itii' yonmich. In Aiil'u ( .;is at-
tacked by the yellow fi , ai on his
birthday (August 23d) he expired, .r 'ho agi- of thirly-foiir year.-^. He was bur-
led at Port Spain, Triuldad, witl itary honors. Uti (u ah prodncp'l a most
profound sensation throughout the Uni! 1 Stales, tor it » regarded i- a great
public calamity. Tributes
of national grief were dis-
played, and the Congress of
the United States made a
liberal provision for his fam-
ily, and his mother, who
was dependent on him for
support. In 1820 his remains
were conveyed from Trini-
dad to Newport In the sloop-
of-war Ijexington, and land-
ed on the 2Tth of Novem-
ber. On Monday (December
4th) following he was Inter-
red with funeral honors due
to his rank. Hin coflln rest-
ed in a sort ot eatafnla}, the
lower part being in the form
OATAyAi.00. of a boat. The canopy was
decorated with stars and
jrimmed with black curtains, and at each corner were black plumes. The State of Rhode Island afterward caused to
w erected a sttbstantial granite monument to his memory. It stands upon a grassy mound on the west side of the Isl-
md remelery, and at the base rest the remains of the commodore and the deceosed of his family. The monument beam
tue following Inscriptions. ii' Pkbbv. At the age of 27 years he achieved the victory of Lake
pkbhy'h monument.
'^ I,
i
warn
522
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Relative Position of the two SquadroDi<.
Opening of the Battle.
Choice of Autagonlji*.
19, was in the van supported by the schooner Chippewa, with one long 18 on a pivot
and two swivels. Next was the brig Hunter, 10 ; then the Queen Charlotte, 11 com-
manded by Finnis. The latter was flanked by the schooner Zadt/ Prevost, 13 and
the Xittle Bdt, 3, Perry, in the brig Lawrence, 20, moved forward, flanked on tlie left
by the schooner Scorpion, under Champlin, bearing two long guns (32 and 12), am!
the schooner ylrisW, Lieutenant Packet, which carried four short 12'8. On the riirht
^4^
^M
4^
J\
of the Lawrence was the brier
Caledonia, Captain Turner
with three long 24*8. Those
were intended to encounter tlie
Chippewa, Detroit, and Hunt-
er. Captain Elliott, in the fine
brig Niagara, 20, followed,
with instructions to fight the
Queen Charlotte; while Ahnv,
in the Somers, with two lonr;
tus two Bqn&DBOKB jcbt bifob^ tug battle.
32'8 and two swivels, Senat, in the Porcupine, with one lon^ 32, Conklin, in thj Tl-
gress, with one long 24, and Holdup, in the Trippe, one long 32, were left in tlic rear
to engage the Lady Prevost and Little Pelt.^
The sun was within fifteen minutes of meridian when a bugle "bounded on board
the Detroit as a signal for action, and the bands of the British squadron struck
up " Rule Britannia." A shout went up from that little squadron, and a 24-jjomKl
shot from the enemy's flag-ship was sent booming over the water toward tlie Xaw-
rence, then a mile and a half distant. It was evident that Barclay appreciated the
advantage of his long guns, and Avished to fight at a distance, Avhile Perry resolved
to press to close quarters before opening his fire.
That first shot from the enemy fell short. Another, five minutes later, went crash-
ing through the bulwarks of the Lawrence. It stirred the blood of her gallant men,
but, at the command of Perry, she remained silent. " Steady, boys ! steady !" he said,
while his dark eye flashed with the excitement of the moment — an excitement
which was half smothered by his judgment. Slowly the American line, with tin'
light wind abeam, moved toward that of the cnjmy, the two forming ?.n acute angh'
of about fifteen degrees.
" Snblltnc the panse, when dowr the gleaming tide
The virgin galleys to the conflict glide;
The very wind, as if in awe o/ grief,
Scarce makes a ripple or dicturbs a leaf."— H. T. Tuckebman.
Signals were given for each vessel to engage its prescribed antagonist. At five min-
utes before twelve the Lawrence had reached only the third one in the enemy's line,
and was almost as near the Queen Charlotte is the Detroit,\{\\ki tlie CWet?o««a hall-
cable length behind, and the Nianara abaft ti:e beam of the Charlotte and opposite
the Lady Prevost.
The battle now began on the part of the Americans. The gallant young Champlin,
Erie, September 10, 1813." North Mile : "Bom in Sonth Kingston, R. I., Au^nist 28, 1786. Died at Port Spain, Trinidad,
AnguBt 23, 1819, aged 34 years." Went side: " lllb rPTialns were conveyed to i.is native land In a ship-of-wnr, accordln!
to a resolution of Congress, and were here interred December 4, 1S20." .SotrtA siV.'.,. Erected by the State of Rhode
Island."
In person Commodore Perry was tall and well-proportioned, of exquisite symmetry, and graceful in every morfr
ment. He was every Inch a man. He possessed splendid talents ; was prudent and brave in the highest degree. In
private life he was gentle, and his con.|ngal love and faithnUncss were perfect. Ills respect for his wife araonnted lo
reverence, and he was ever ready to acknowledge her salutary influence. Doctor Parsons relates that his Srst reranrk
on regaining the iMwnnce, after the battle, was addressed to his friend Hambleton, the purser. He said, " The prajers
of my wife have prevailed in saving me."
' The above diagram shows the position of the fwo squndrons when the American was approaching that of tlie Bril-
ish In battle order. A is the British squadron, a' its v«»»ol8 are designated by Roman numerals. I., Ckippnea; II,
Detroit; III., Hunter; IV., Qiieen Charlotte; V., / ./ Prevost; VI., Utile Belt. B Is the AmerlCiin squadron, nnrt the
vessels are designated by Arabic numerals. 1, ."-.v.jjn'mi; i,Ariei; 3, Lawrence ; 4,CaMonia; 6,Xiamra; B, SomOT; I,
Poreupine; 8, Ti(rre»ii; 9. Trippe. I have been I . nishcd wltl\ these diagrams by Commodore Stephen Champlin,"!
the U. B. Navy, the commander of the Seorpion ii. the battle.
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
523
ijT'fl^ Shot fired by the Americans. Salling-maater ChnDpUn. First Poeltlon of the Vegsels In the Fight.
then less than twenty-four years of age, who
still (1867) lives to enjoy a well-earned reputa-
tion * had already fired the firet (as he did the
last) Bhot of the battle from the guns of the
Scorpioti.
" But see that sliver wreath of cnrllng smoke—
'TIs Barclay's gnu ! The silence now Is broke.
Cbamplin, with rapid move and steady eye,
Sends back in thunder-tones a bold reply."
Tilts was followed by a cannonade from Pack-
et ^ of the Ariel; and then the Lawrence,
which had begun to suffer considerably from
the enemy's missiles, opened fire upon the De-
troit with hor long bow-gun, a twelve-pounder.
Tlie action soon became general. The small-
er slow-sailing vessels had fallen in the rear,
and when the battle began the Tri2ype was
more l''^ two miles from the enemy.
The ficorpion and Ariel, both without bul-
warks, fought bravely, and kepi their places
with the Lawrence throughout thv^ entire ac-
tion. They did not suffer much, for the en-
emy concentrated his destructive energies
upon the Lawrence and neglected the others.
From the Detroit, the Hunter, the Queen Charlotte, and even from the Lady Prevoat,
shots were hurled upon the Amer-
ican flag-ship, with the determin-
ation to destroy her and her gal-
lant commander, and then to cut
up the squadron in detail. No
^ less than thirty-four heavy guns
/\a were brought to bear upon her.
g The Caledonia, with her long
guns, was enabled to do good ex-
AyZc^^^K-^n-cty^ Cyn-ofyyt^^.^^iA^
^■A A
-u
4
-4^
7
FIB8T POSmOH IN THE ACTION.'
1 Stephen Champlln was bom In South Kingston, Rhode Island, on the 17th of Novenib*, 1789. His father was a
TOlnntecr soldier In the Kevolntlon. His mother was a sister of Commodore Perry's father, making the two command-
ers first cousins. He went to sea as a sailor at the age of sixteen years, and at the age of twenty-two, having passed
through all grades, he was captain of a ship that sailed from Norwich, Connecticnt. On the 22d of May, 1812, he was
appoiuted saillug-mastcr in the navy, and commanded a gun-boat, under Perry, f>t Newport. As we have seen, he was
wnl to Lake Erie. On bis arrival he was appointed to the command of the Scorjiion, which he gallantly managed
ihronghout the battle. Subsequently to the battle he was placed in command of the Queen Charlotte and Detroit, two
prize-sliips taken from the enemy. In the spring of 1814 he was placed in command of the Tinreaa, under Commander
Sinclair, and, with Captain Turner, he blockaded the port ofMackinaw. His serilccs on the Upper Lake will he noticed
In tlie future text. Snfllce it to say here that he was severely wounded in the thigh while in that service by canister-
ekot, and taken prisoner. That wound has been troublesome to him until this hour. In ISIO he was appointed to the
tommand uf the Poretipine, and conveyed a party of topographical engineers to the Upper Lakes, who were to consider
the boundary-line between the United States and Great Britain. His wound prevented his doing much active service.
He was ordered to the steam-ship Fulton at New York, and had left her but a short time when she blew up. In 1R42 he
wm placed in command of the naval rendezvous at BufTalo, and was successfnl in shipping apprei^lces for the service.
In 1$45 ho was ordered to the command of the Michigan at Eric, and continued there abont four years and a half. A
lew years ago he was placed on the reserve list, with full pay, and remains so. He now bears the title of commodore.
He resides at Buffalo, and, with the exception of tbe sufTerings caused by his wound, he is in the enjoyment of fair health,
ittbe age of seventy-eight year3. He Is a stout, thick-set man, of middle size. He is tbe last survivor of the nine com-
numlers in Perry's squadron in the great battle In 1813.
'• John II. Packet was a native of Virginia. He received his warrant as midshipman In 1809, and was commissioned
a lieutenant a few days before this battle. Ho was with Bainbridge when the Constitution captured the Java. He
ttnei at Erie some years after the battle, and died there of fever.
The acting sailing-master of the Ariel in the battle, Thomas Brownoll, was fl-om Rhode Island, and went to Erie as
raajter's-mate, where he was promoted. Ho was commissioned a lieutenant in 1&13, when he was placed on the retired
Iltt. He now (1807) resides at Newport, Rhode Island. He was always an active and esteemed ofllcer.
' TiU diagram shows the position of the vessels at the beginning of the action. The British vessels. A, are indicated
b;ltomaii nmnerals, and the American vessels, B, by Arabic. I., CMppttea; 11., Detroit; III., Hunter; IV., Qtier.n
r^-^ik-
I-
■n
'ill
,! ^j:|t :;j||y ^^ I'if'i'f '
524
PICTOUIAL FIKLD-BOOK
Perry clones upon Barclay.
Prof^resg of the Fl);ht.
Sceues oil board the Laicrentt,
ccution from the beginning, but the shot of the carronades from the Nicujara fell
short of her antagonist. Of her twenty guns, only a long 12 was serviceable for a
while. Shifting another, Elliott brought two to bear with eflect, and these were
served so vigorously that nearly all of thi' hhot of that calibre were exhausted. The
smaller vessels meanwhile were too far astern to be of much service.
Perry soon perceived that he was yet too far distant to damage the encniv mate-
rially, so he ordered word to be sent from vessel to vessel by trumpet for all to
make sail, bear down upon Barclay, and engage in close combat. The order was
transmitted by Captain Elliott, who Avas the second in command, but he failed to
obey it himself His vessel was a fast sailer, and his men were the best in the squad.
ron, but he kept at a distance from the enemy, and continued firing his lonii guns,
Perry meanwhile pressed on with tlie Latorence, accompanied by the Scorpion, Arid
and Caledonia, and at meridian exactly, Avhen he supposed he Avas near enoiifjli for
execution Avith his carronades, he opened the first division of his battery on the star-
board side on the Detroit. His balls fell short, while liis antagonist and her consorts
poured upon the Xatrrence a heavy storm of round shot from their long gmis still
leaving tha Scorpion and Ariel almost unnoticed. The Caledonia meanwliile en-
gaged with the Hunter, but the Niagara kept a respectful distance fi'om the Qmm
Charlotte, and gave that vessel an opportunity to go to the assistance of the Detroit.
She passed the Hunter, and, placing herself astern of the Detroit, opened heavily upon
the Lawrence, now, at a quarter past tAvelve, only musket-shot distance from her
chief antagonist. For two hours the gallant Perry and liis devoted ship bore the
brunt of the battle M'ith twice his force, aided only by the schooners on his Aveather-
boAV and some feeble shots from the distant Caledonia Avhen she could spare tlieni
from her adversary the Hunter. During that tempest of Avar his vessel Avas terribly
shattered. Her rigging was nearly all shot aAvay ; her sails were torn into slneds;
her spars Avere battered into splinters ; her guns were dismounted ; and, like the Gwr-
riere Avhen disabled by the Constitution, she lay upon the Avaters almost a helpless
wreck. The carnage on her deck had been terrible. Out of one hundred and three
sound men that composed her oflicers and creAV Avhen slie Avent into action, twenty-
two Avere slain and sixty-one were Avounded. Perry's little brother had been struck
doAvn by a splinter at his side, but soon recovered.^ Yarnall,^ his first lieutenant, had
come to him bleeding, his nose swelled to an enormoue size, it having been perforated
by a splinter, and his Avhole appearance the impersonation of carnage and ill luck,
and said, "All the'officers in my division are cut doAvn; can I have others?" They
Avere sent ; but Yarnall soon returned, again AVOunded and bleeding profusely, \\\\\\
the same sad story. " I have no more officers to furnish you," replied Perry ; " you
must endeavor to make out by yourself." The brave lieutenant did so. Tliriee
Avoundtd, he kept the deck, and directed every shot from his battery in pei'son.
Forest, the second lieutenant, fell stunned at Perry's feet ;* and the gallant Brooks,
Charlotte; V., t Two muslcet-baVs had already passed through his hat, and his clothes had been torn by splinters.
' John J. A'amall was a native of Pennsylvania, and was commissioned a lieutenant in July, 1813, having been lu tht
service as midshipman since 1809.
Ten days after the battle on Lake
Erie he was sent to Erie with the
Laiorencr, and soon afterward
was ordered to the John AdanM.
Ho was appointed commander
of the Epernier In 1816. She was
the dedication of the statne of Perry in that city in September, 1800. I copied the followirg inscription trom thcWaile:
"In testimony of the undaunted /.illantry of Lieutenant Jolin J. Yarnall, of the United States ship tatiwuiv, under
Commodore Perry, in the captnre of the whole English fleet on Lake Eric, September lo, 1818, the State of VIrglnli '.«■
stows this cword." It was brought from Wheeling to Cleveland by Mr. Fleming, of the former place,
* He was struck in the breast by a spent grape-shot. Perry raised him op, assured him that he was not hurt, as tbert
cii'W^
C^>t-
inving been in the
i-llh nil on board.
I'lrglnln prescntfil
Tiinllwithn nvoril
e battle of Lake
cxliibileil at Ihf
oftheOia Soldier*
on the occislou ot
on from theWailf:
Ip Laurfnt*,wi(t
ate of Virginia '.t-
s not hurt, as ttert
Death of lilenlenant Brookg. Terrible Scenes on board the Lamrmce. Strange Conduct of Captain Klllott.
80 remarkable for his personal beauty,' a son of an honored soldier of the old Avar for
independence, and once governor of Massiachusetts, was carried in a dying state to
the cockpit, where balls were crashing through, liis mind more exercised about his be-
loved commander and the fortunes of the day tlian himself. When the good surgeon,
Parsons, who liad hastened to the deck on hearing a shout of victory, returned to
cheer the youth with the glorious tidings, the young hero's ears were closed — the
doors of the earthly dwelling of his spirit were shut forever. ^^
While the Lawrence Avas being thus terribly smitten, officers and crew were anx-
iously wondering why the Niagara — the swift, stanch, well-manned Niagara — kept
aloof not only from Iter prescribed antagonist the Queen Charlotte, now battling the
Lawrence, but the other assailants of the flag-ship. Her commander himself had
passed the order for close conflict, yet he kept far away ; and when afterward cen-
sured he pleaded in justification of his course his perfect obedience to the original
order to keep at " half-cable length behind the Caledonia on the line." It may be
said that his orders to fight the Queen Charlotte, who liad left her line and gone into
the thickest of the fight Avith the Lawrence and her supporting schooners, Averc quite
83 imperative, and that it Avas his duty to folloAV. This he did not do until the guns
of the Lawrence became silent, and no signals Avere displayed by, nor special orders
came from Perry. These significant tokens of dissolution doubiless made Elliott be-
lieve that the commodore Avas slain, and himself had become the cliief commander of
the squadron. He then hailed the Caledonia, and ordered Lieutenant Turner^ to
mre no signs of a woand, and, thns enconrngcd, he soon recovered ft-om the shock. The ball had lodged in his clothes.
"1 am not hurt, sir," he said to the commander, "but this is my shot," and coolly put it in his pocket.
I John Brooks was a native of Massachusetts. He studied medicine with his father. Haviug a military taste, he ob-
tained the appointment of lieutenant of marines, and was stationed at Washington when the war broke out. He was
sent to Lake Erie under Perry; and at Eric, while tno r-^uadrcn was a-buildiug, he was engaged hi recruiting for the
(er\icc. There he raised a company of marines for the squadron. He was an excellent drill officer, and gave great
promise of fiiture distinction. So intense was his agony when he fell, his hip haviug been shattered by a cannon-ball,
Ihathebegged Perry to shoot him. He uied In the course of an hour. " Mr. Brooks," says Doctor Pnrions, "was prob-
ably surpassed by no officer In the navy for manly beauty, polished manners, and elegant personal appearance."
> The scenes in board the Lawrence, as described to me by Doctor Parsons, must have been extremely terrible. The
vcwel was shallow, and the ward-room, used as a cockpit, to which the wounded were taken, was mostly above water,
and eipoeed to the shots of the enemy ; white nothing I)ut the deck-planks separated it from the terrible tumult above,
cansed by the groans and shrieks of the wounded ntfd dying, the deep rumbling of the gun-carriages, the awful explo-
jions of the cannon, the crash of round-shot as they splintered spars, stove the bulwarks, dismounted the' heavy ord-
nance, and cut the rigging, while through the seams ot the deck blood streamed into the surgeon's room in many a.
crimson rill. When the battle had raged half an hoar, and the crew of the Latorence were falling one by one, the com-
modore called from the small skylight for the doctor to send up one of his six assistants. In Ave minutes the call was
rc|ieited and obeyed, and again repeated and obeyed, until Parsons was left alone. " Can any of the wounded pull a
n\KV' inquired Perry. The question was answered by two or three crawling upon deck to lend a feeble hand in pull-
inc at the Inst guns in position.
Midshipman Lamb had his arm badly shattered. While moving forward to lie down, after the doctor had dressed the
wonnd, a round-shot came crashing through the side of the vessel, stnick the young man in the side, dashed him across
the room, and killed him instantly. Pohig, o Narraganset Indian, badly wounded, was released iVom his sufferings
in the same way by another ball that passed through the cockpit. No less than six round-shot entered the surgeon's
room during the action.
Some of the incidents witnessed by the doctor were not so painfal. A cannon-ball passed through a closet contain-
ing all the brig's crockery, dashing a greater portion of it in pieces. It was an iliustratlon— that ball from John Bull—
ofabnll in a china-shop." The commodore's dog had secreted himself in that closet when the war of battle com-
menced, and when the destructive intruder came ho set up a fiirious barking— "a protest," said the doctor, "against
the right of such an invasion of his chosen retirement."
Wc have observed that Lieutenant Yamall was wounded, yet kept the deck. He hod his scalp badly torn, and " came
below," said the doctor, "with the blood streaming over his face." Some lint was applied to the wound and conflncd
by a handkerchief, and the lieutenant was then directed to come for better dressing after the battle, as he insisted upon
returning to the deck. It was not long before he again made his appearance, having received a second wound. On the
deck were stowed some hammocks stuffed with reed-tops, or "cat-tails," as they are popularly called. These filled the--
air like down, and had settled like snow upon the blood-wet head and face of Yamall. When he made his appearance
below, his visage was ludicrons beyond description ; his head appeared like that of a huge owl. The wounded roared
with laughter, and cried out, "The de\ 11 has come among ne !"
' Daniel Turner was a native of New York. He was appointed a midshipman in 1808, and in 1813 was commissioned
a lieutenant. He was efBcient in getting the little lake squadron ready for service. In its first cniisc across the lake,
young Turner, less than twenty-one years of oge, commanded the Xiagara, On the arrival of Captain Elliott, he was
ordered to the third ship, the Caledonia, and managed her gallantly during the action. He continued in the lake ser\'ice
the followlDg year, and was made a prisoner and sent to Montreal. He was exchanged, and accompanied Perry In the
Jam to the Mediterranean. For his services in the battlp of Lake Erie his native stAte presented him with an elegant
sword. He was at one time commander of the naval station at Portsmouth ; at another of the Pacific squadron, and
always performed his duties with the greatest promptness. He was temperate, brave, generous, and genial. He was
H
"f^^vmKfi
: 1 .;
S20
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Niagara'i Treatment of the Lawrence,
Condition of the Lawrenee.
Perry abanaons tier.
leave the line and bear down upon the Ilmiter for close conflict, giving the Niagara
a chance to pass for the relief of the Lmcrence. The gallant Turner inntantly oheyed
and the Caledonia fought her adversary nobly. The Niagara spread her canvas be-'
fore a freshening breeze that hadjufe* sprung up, but, instead of going to the relief of
the Lawrence, thus silently pleading for protection, she bore away toward the lipnd
\9.
of the enemy's s(iu!uli-oii,i)ass-
ing the American flag-ship to
the windward, and leaving h^
exposed to the still galling
_:cnl9 Perry standing, with the banner floating like a huge
jcarf ffom his shoulders.
' Among the survivors of the Battle of Lake Erie whom I
Mvemet was John Chapman, a resident of iludson, Ohio, a
^mall, energetic man, who related his past experience in an
attractive, dramatic style, lie was in the British fleet as
•.tinner, maintop-man, and boarder In the Quern Charlotte,
lud claimed the distinction of having flred the first shot at
the Umreme from a 24-ponndcr. He also said that he aim-
ed a eliot at Commodore Perry when making his perilous
passage from the Lawrence to the Xiagara. Mr. Chapman was
I native of England. He came from there in the transport
todrici early in 1812, and landed at Quebec. From that
I ily lie went up the St. Lawrence in May, and took post in
Fori George, o« the Niagara River. He afterward went np
10 atsist la the erection of Fort Brie. Ho was present at the
>nrrender of Hull, and participated in the battle of Queens-
ton Heights. In the summer of 181.3 he was placed on board
the schooner Lady Prevost, at Long Point, and arrived at
.Maiden about three weeks before the battle of Lake Erie.
He was with Proctor at the attack on Fort Stephenson. He
vas one of the survivors in the fatal ditch (sec page 603), and
escaped to the woods under cover of the darkness. On the
retarn of Proctor to Maiden he went on board the Queen
CkrtoHt', and was with her in the battle. He was sent to
Ohio \yith other prisoners, and was one if those who
were held as hostages for the safety of the Irishmen
imder Scott who were sent to England, as mentioned
on page 408. He was released on the 20th of Octo-
ber, at Cleveland. He went Immediately to Hudson,
a few miles distant, where he resided until his death
In 1S6S. I nm indebted to the Rev. T. B. Fairchlld, of Hudson, for the substance of the above brief sketch of the pub-
lic career of Mr. Chapman, and to the soldier himself for his likeness, taken in the spring of 1862.
*i
•' !■,
■'"■^^pup
528
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Meettn); uf Perry and Elliott.
Surrender of the belpleii /yaiermM.
Perry rtrilwttlwBt ltlih tint.
with breathless anxiety. Perry was met at tlie paiigway by the astonished Elliott
There stood the hero of the fifjht, blackened with the smoke of battle, but unharmed
in person and unflinching in his determination to win victory — he whom the com
raander of the Niagara thought to be dead. There were hurried questions and an-
swers. " How goes the day ?" asked Elliott. " Bad enough," responded Perry ; " why
are the gun-boats so far astern ?" " I'll bring them up," said Elliott. " Do so," lospomi.
ed Perry. Such is the rej)orted substance of the brief conversation of the two conimaiid-
crs,' at the close of which Elliott pushed off in a small boat to hurry up the lafcinir
vessels. Having given his orders to each to use sails and oars with the greatest vigor
he went on board the Somer8,a\\{\ behaved gallantly until the close of the action.
At a glance Perry comprehended the condition and capabilities of tlie Niagara
There had been few casualties on board of her, and she was in perfect order for con-
flict. He immediately ran up his pennant, displayed the blue banner, hoisted tla
signal for close action, and received quick responses and cheers from the whole Hcniad-
ron ; hove to, altered the course of the vessel, set the proper sails, and bore down tn m
the British line, which lay Iialf a mile distant. Meanwhile the gallant Yaniall, at'toi
consulting Lieutenant Forrest and Sailing-master Taylor, had struck the flag of the
Lawrence, for she was utterly helpless, and humanity required that firing upon hcv
should cease. As the starry flag trailed to the deck a triumphant shout went nii
from the British. It was heard by the wounded on the iMtcretice. When informod
of the cause, their hearts grew almost still, and in the anguish of chagrin they refused
to be attended by the surgeon, and cried out, " Sink the ship ! sink the ship ! Let us
all sink together I"^ Noble fellows ! they were worthy of their commander. In les>
than thirty minutes after they had offered themselves a Avilling sacrifice for the honor
or their country's flag, they wore made joyful by hearing the step and voice oftlieii
beloved commander again upon the deck of the Laicrence.
Perry's movement against the British line was successful. He broke it ; passed at
half pistol-shot distance between the Lady Prevosfi ancT Chippeioa on his larboard, and
the Detroit, Queen Charlotte, and Hunter on his starboard, and poured in tremendous
broadsides right and left from double-shotted guns. Ranging ahead of the vessels
on his starboard, he rounded to and raked the Detroit and Queen Charlotte, M'liich had
got foul of each other.* Close and deadly was his fire upon them with groat guns
and musketry. Meanwhile, the Laicrence having drifted out of her place in the line,
her position against the Detroit was taken by the Caledonia, Captain Turner; the
lattcr's place in Hue, as opposed to the Hunter, was occupied by the Trippe, com-
manded by Lieutenant Holdup.* These gallant young officers had exchanged signals
' Mr. Hnmbleton, the purser of the LatDrenee, hns left on record an ncconnt of this interview between Perry and El-
liott. " Ab Perry reuched the dock of the Siagara" he says, " he was met at the gangway by Captain Elliott, who in-
qnlred how the day was going. Captain Perry replied, Badly ; thot ho had lost almost all of his men, and that his ship
was a wreck, and asked what tlie gim-boata were doing so far astern. Captain Elliott olfcrcd to go and bring them
up; and, Captain Perry consenting, he sprang into the boat and went olT on that duty.— Uambieton'g Journat, died by
M'Kenzie.
» Oration by George H. Calvert, at Newport, Rhode Island, on the 10th of September, 1808, on the occnsion of the cel-
ebration of the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie.
3 Lieutenant Buchan, the commander of the Ladij Prevost, was shot through the face by a musket-ball from Pcrry'i
marines. Perry saw him stn'iding alone, leaning on the companion-way, his face resting on his hand, andlonldiisimih
fixed goze toward the Siagara. His companions, unable to endure the terrible Are, had all fled below. Perry immedi-
ately silenced the marines en the quarter-deck. He afterward learned that the strange conduct of Buchan was omt
to sudden derangement caused by liis wound. Poor fellow ! he was a brave ofHcer, and had distinguished blmeeir un-
der Nelson.
* The position of the Detroit and Qtieen CharUitte at this time may bo seen by reference to II. and IV. in the dingram
on page 020. In the same diagram the course of the Siagara in breaking the British line may be seen along the dolKd
line from tn 0.
» Thomas Holdup wasanntivcofSomli
Carolina, and was an inmate and pupil
of the Orphan Asylnm in Charleston. He
became a protegi of General Stevens, of
that city, who obtained a midshipman''
warrant for him in 1^09. He was on board
the John Adam*, at Brooklyn, in ISli,
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
52»
Perry brcnlw the B rltlfh Line.
Brltiah VoimIi attempt to escape.
Perry's Victory complete.
to board the Detroit, when tlioy saw the Niayara with the commodore's pennant
k'urlnj; down to break tlie Uritiwlt line. Turner followed her closely with the Col-
edonia; and the i'reshened breeze having brought nj) the iSotuers, Mr. Aliny,' the
Tigreis, Lieutenant Coneklin,'' and the Porcupine, Acting Master Senat,^ the whole
\mcrican scjuadron except the JMicrence was, for tlie first time, engaged in the eon-
Hict. The fight was terrible for a few minutes, and the combatants were comjdetely
fiiveloped in smoke.
Eight minutes after Perry daslied through tlie IJritish line the colors of the De-
troit were struck, and her example was speedily followed by all the other vessels of
. Barclay's scpiadron, excepting the
I
1
4 4 ^Mk'^^A^
Little licit and Chippewa (I, and
IV. in tlie annexed diagram), which
attempted to escape to leeward.
Cliami)lin with tlie t^eorpion, and
lloldiij) with the Trij)j}e, made
chase afler the fugitives, ami both
fosmoH or tiik squapbons at tub closk ok thk batti.]!.* were Overtaken and brouglit back
to crace the triumph of the victor, the Little Belt by the former, and the Chippewa
1)V tiic latter. It was in this chase that Champlin fired the last gun in that memo-
rable battle. " So near were they to making their escape," says Champlin in a letter
to the author, "that it was 10 o'clock in the evening before I came to an anchor un-
ilcr the stern of the Lawrence with tlie Little Belt in tow."
It was three o'clock in the aflernoon Avhen the flag of the Detroit was lowered.
Till' roar of cannon ceased; and as the blue vapor of battle was borne away by the
liK oze, it was discovered that the two squadrons were intermingled.* The victory
\i:is complete. The flag of the lAiwrence had indeed been struck to the enemy, but
'111 had not been taken possession of. She was yet free, and, with a feeble shout
= -Tk
^1
I
loccBsionofthecel-
.md.wltli others, volunteeretl for the lake service
vear.aiul was comniiBsloncd a lieutenant. In
fqnudron there. lie fought his vessel brave-
ly in the action of the 10th of September,
and lie and Champlin pursued the two fiigi-
lives of the British eqnadron. He was lu
Mrvicc on the npper lakes the following
ieir,and tliere was Invited to the Java by
Perry. He had married, and declined the
oJer ot a good post on that vessel. He sub-
'■ leqnently commanded several different vcs-
I Mlj,aDdwa8 promoted to master coramand-
\ anllnlSM. lie was commisslpned post-ca])-
ulninl836. He died suddenly while in com-
raand of the Washington Navy Yard, in Jan-
; isrr,154t. His widow, who was a Miss Sage,
I died soun aftcnvard. By act of the Legisla-
1 terc of South Carolina ho assumed the name
I ot his bencfnctor, with a promise that he
I ihould inhci it his fortune. From that time
I [1815] he is known as Thomas Holdup Ste-
He was possessed of a high order of
I literary ability, and was beloved by all. His
I M, Thomas Holdup Stevens, behaved gal-
y In the naval action off Hilton Head In
|tbe hlc civil war.
'Tliomas C. Almy was a native of Rhode
lUlmd, of Quaker parentage. lie became a
lailorin early life, and at the age of twenty-
|oBf years he was commander of a ship. He
« in the flotilla at Newport, went to Lake
■ perfbrmed gallant service near BnlTalo toward the close of the
13, he went to Erie with men, and assisted in fitting out the
Erie, and was cftlclent, useful, and brave
there. He died at Eric In December, 1813,
only three mouths after the battle that has
made his name immortal. His disease was
pneumonia.
The annexed engraving Is a picture of the
hilt of the sword awarded to Almy, and
which was given to his next of kin. On one
side of the blade are the words "Tiio.\ias C.
Aijkiv, Sailing-master commandinur. Lake
Erie, 10th September, 1813." On the other
side the words "AtTirs iupnt am ad bum-
ma NiTCNTKii," with a little view of shipa-of-
war.
' Augustus H. M. Concklln was a native of
Virginia. Ho was appointed midshipmaU in
1S0«, and lieuteuautln 1813. He followed El-
liott to Erie. On a dark night in 1814 bis
vessel was captured by a party In boats ofif
Port Erie. He left the service In 1S20, while
stationed at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
' George Senat was a native of New Or-
leans, of French extraction. He commenced
active life as a sailor, but of his career pre-
vious to his joining the squadron at Erie
nothing appears on record. He served on
the upper lakes In 1814. On his return to
Erie ho bk.came involved lu a quarrel with
Sailing-master M'Donald. A duel ensued,
AI.UV 8 BWCRn,
Bdyonng Senat was killed. They fought at what Is now the corner of Third and Sassafras Streets, Erie.
[ ' In this, as in the preceding diagrams, furnished by Commodoro. Champlin, the British vessels are design-ited by Ho-
un numerals, and the American vessels by Arabic numerals. This diagram shows the relative position of the vessels
^tihe two squadrons at the close of the battle. The respective iiumbers indicate the same vessels as In the other dia-
mi. ' See the above diagram and note of explanation.
Ll ^
4*
08d
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Perry'a Triumph a roniarkable ono. IIli ramniiii DIapntch to llurrliion. IIli Dlipatch to hU Ooverninr
that floated not far over (lie watern, her exhausted crow flung out the flag of thoir
country from lier maHt-liead. '
This triumph was a remarkable one in AnMsrican and British history. Never he
fore hud an Ameriean fleet or Hijuadron encountered an enemy in regular Hue of Imt.
tie, and never before, since England created a navy, and boasted that
" Britannia nilcn tho wave,"
had a whole British fleet or squadron been captured. It was a proud moment for
Perry and his companions.
"An IlftR thn «mnlie, what tongne can fltty toll
The tranHportn which thotio manly boBoina hwoII,
When Ilritniirn cnHi^n ilown tho reeling; niaat
Sinks to proclaim the dospcrnto atrnei;lo pait I
Electric cheers along tho Bhatterod fleet,
With raptnrous hail, her youthful hero greet j
Meek in his triumph, as in danger calm.
With reverent hands ho takes the victor's palm ;
Ills wreath of conqnest on Faltli'H altar lays,'
To his bravo comrades yields the meed of praise."— II. T. Tdokxbman,
When Perry's eye perceived at a glance that victory was secure, he wrote, in pen-
cil, on tho back of an old letter, resting it upon his navy cap, that remarkable dis-
patch to General Harrison whoso first clause has been so often quoted —
" We have met the enemy, and they are ours : two ships, two brigs, one schooner,
and one sloop. Yours, with great respect and esteem, O. II. Peurv.'
FA0-8IMII.E OF TERBy'S DISPATCH.
A few minutes afterward, when, as Bancroft says, " a religious awe seemed to como
over him at his wonderfid preservation in the midst of great and long-contiiuictl dan
ger,"^ he wrote to the Secretary of the Navy as follows :
" U. 8. Brig Niatjara, off tho Western Sister,* Head of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, 4 P.M.
" Sir, — It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the United States a si?
nal victory over their enemies on this lake. The British squadron, consisting of two I
ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop, have this moment surrendered to tk
force under my command after a sharp conflict,
" I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"O. II. Perrt.
" Honorable William Jones, Secretary of the Navy."
J "The shattered Lmorenet," soys Dr. Parsons, "lying to the windward, was once more able to hoist her flag, \tliMi I
was cheered by a few feeble voices on board, making a melancholy sound compared with the boisterous cheering tin J
preceded the battle."— iMdcourse, page 18.
» See Perry's Dispatch to the Secretary of the Novy, printed above. ' Xew Yorl Mm.
* This is the most southwardly of three Islands near the western end of Lake Erie, named respectively Eustera Sislir, I
Middle Sister, and Western Sister, lying in a line from the southwest to the northeast. It was a little westward oftt(|
island named in the dispatch that ttie battle occurred.
¥i
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
A31
to aovcrniMm.
Hurrander uf tba British OBeun.
Burial at the Dead la the Lake.
p,^ rtlani * to th« Uur mce.
These hiirriod but iiiliuirably-wordcd diapatohes were Hcnt by the same express to
loth Harrison uikI the 8ecrctury of the Navy.' Then the eeremony of taking jwm-
PMnion of tli«' coiMiiu'rccl voshi'Ih, ami receiving the formal KubniinMion of llio vancjuinh-
1 ^.^g pcrforn>e t''''"'' '^^ ^'"' <">ptnred vessels. I'erry stood on the afVcr-])art of the deck,
iinil hin sad visitors were compelled to pick their way to liim among the slain. He
received them with solemn dignity and unaft'ected kindness. As they presented
llii'ir swords, with the hilts toward the victor, he spoke in a low but firm tone, with-
out the betrayal of the least exultation, and recpiested them to "etaiii their weapons.
lit! iiKiuired, with real concern, about Commodore Harclay and \.\h fellow-suft'erers
from i CalveH's Oration, page 21.
wma
m
fi ■ '
friiiiiiffii
V
032
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Burial of Offlceri on the i there.
Sad Effects of the Battle.
"Illlnck"o ftheBritlii|i.
TBK BDBIAI.-PI.AOK.
• September n, The inoon soon spread her silver slieen over their common grave and
^*^^' all but the sufterinp; wounded slumbered until the dawn,»
The. two squadrons weighed anchor at nine o'clock and sailed into Put-in-Bay Har-
bor, and thp'v, twenty-four hours afterward, on the mn.gin of South Bass IhIs'iiI
from whi^-h, on the right, may be Roen tiio
channel leading out toward ('aiiada and
on the left the open way toward Detroit
where now wil ow, hickory, and maplu-
trees cast a pleasant shade in summer
three American and throe British officers'
were buried^ with the same
solemn fuTicral rites, in the "^'^^"^^'^'■
presence of their respective conntryraen.=
The lialit of the morning of the lltli
revea'od sad sights to the eyes of the bel-
ligerents. Vessels of both squadroii.s were
dreadfully shattered, especially the two
flag-ships. Sixty-eiglit persons had bee-
killed and one hundred and ninety wound-
ed during the three hours that the battle
lasted. Of these, the Americans lost one
hundred and twenty-three, twenty-seven
of xvhom were killed ; the Briiisli lost one hundred and thirty-f ve, forty-one of wliom
wen killed.^ Barclay, of the Detroit (the British commander), who had lost an arin
at Trafalgar., was first wounded in the thigh, and then so severely injured in tin
shoulder as to deprive liini of tlie use of the other arm. Finnis, of the Queen Char-
lotte, the fpiond in comniand, was mortally wounded, and died that evening, Uoth
w^re jallant men ; and justice to all demands the acknowledgment that the Ameri-
cans and Briiish carried ')n that lerrible conflict with the greatest courage, fortitude,
and skill. It is also just to say that the British <>Xj)erienced what is called "ill luck"
from the beginning. First, the wind suddenly turned in favor of the Americans a;
the commencem'?. t of the action, giving them the weather- gage ; then the two prin
cipal British commanders were struck down early in the action; then Iho niddordl
the Lady Freoost was disabled, which caused her to drift out of the line ; the ontan
glement of the Detroit and Queen Charlotte gave the Niagara, under Perry, an oppoi
tunity to rake them severely ; and, lastly, the men of the British squadron had not.
with the exception of those from the Koyal Navy, received the training Avith sjuns
' These worr Lieutenant Brooka and Midshipmen Lunt and Clarke, rf the American service, and Captain Finnis and
Lienteuant« Stokoe and fSarland, of the British wrvice. The view here given of the burial-place of these officere 1 cop-
ied, by pcrmii'slon, from one of the paintiugK of Miss 0. L. Kansom, already mentioned.
» Samuel U. Brown, \,ho arrived at Put-in-Bay I»laud on the evening of the Otli, and from the head of it w.is a Mil
ncsR of the battle at about ten miles distant, was present at the burial. " An oiKinlnti; f>i! and Seorpioti, 2 each. Besides the officers mentioned in Note 1, above, the British lost In wounded Midshiii-
man Foster, of the (^uemCliarlutU; Lieutenant Commanding Bnchau and First Lieutenant Roulette, of the UnlttPf^
rmt; Lieutenant Commandant Briirnall and Master's Mate Oateshill, of the Hunter; Master's Mate Campbell, com-
riiandlng the Chijtpnoa: and PiirsiT Hoffmeistet, of the Detrnit.
Doctor Honw^ley, the siirgeo-i of the squadron, being ill, the duties devolved wholly upon Ms yonng assistant, Dnd'r
''sher Parsons, then only twonty-flve years of iigc. During the action he removed six legs, which were nearly divii' i
by canuon-bnlls. On the morning of the 1 1th he went on board the SUujixrn to attend to her wounded, nn;l tln'ii tlioci
of the other vessels requiring surgical attention were sent to the iMwreruv. The skill of Doctor Parsons Is atleeleil In
ihe fact th.1t oi' the Thole nlTiety-«ix wounded only three died. He modestly altribnted the result to ft^sh nir, p>d
spiriba ckused by the victory, and the "devoted attention of the commodore."
%■■
w
OF THE WAR OP 18 12.
533
rtbeBriUih.
rave, and
■Bay Har-
fiS Island,
e ficen the
mada, and
■d Detroit,
nd niajiki-
I suinnipr,
all officers'
' September 12,
nntrymen/
)f the lltli
> of the hel-
idrons were
ly the tWii
IS had k'("
lety wound-
it the battle
ans lost one
wenty-scven
)ne of whom
I lost an arm
jured in ttie
Queen Char-
:'iiing. Both
,t tlie Aniori-
g
IraportWice of Porry's Victory.
Its KffectH.
Uow hie Cauuon were anemrard naed.
that most of the Americans had just experienced, for they came out of port the mom-
inif of the battle.'
Perry's victory proved to be one of the most important events of the war. At
that moment two arm'os, one on the north and the other on the south of the wamng
sciiiadrons, were waiting for the result most anxiously. Should the victory remain
with the Ihitisli, Proctor and Tecnmtha were ready at Maiden, with their motley
arniv ^'ve thousand strong, to rush forward and lay waste the entire frontier. Should
the victory rest with the Americans, Harrison, with his army in the vicinity of San-
dusky Hay, was prepared to press forward by land or Avater for the seizure of IVFalden
and Detroit, the recovery of Michigan, and the invasion of Canada. All along the
borders of the lake witliin soimd of the cannon in the battle (and they were heard
I'roin Cleveland to Maiden-), women with terrified children, and decrepit old men, sat
listenim? with the deepest anxiety; for they knew not but with the setting sun they
would he compelled to flee to the interior, to escape the fangs of the red blood-hounds
ffho were ready to bo let loose u])on helpless uiaocency by the approved servants of
a [Toveniment that boasted of its civilization and Christianity. Happily for Ameri-
ca—happily for the fair fume of Great Britain — happily for the cause of humanity —
the victory was left with the Americans, and the savage allies of the British were
net allowed to repeat the tragedies in which they had already been permitted to en-
mae. Joy spread over the northwestern frontier as the glad tidings went from lip
itoiip. That whole region was instantly relieved of the most gloomy forebodingn of
comiiij; evil. That victory led to the destruction of the Indian confederacy, and wi]>ed
out the stigma of the surrender at Detroit thirteen months before. It opened the way
for Harrison's army to repossess the territory then surrendered, and to penetrate Can-
.ida. It was speedily followed by the overthrow of British power in tlie Canadian
ncninsula and the country bordering on the upper Lakes, and the absolute security
forever of the whole '■orthwestern frontier from British invasion and Indian de]>rcda-
tions. From that moment no one doubted the ability of the Americans to maintain
llie mastery of our great inland seas, and the faith of the people in this ability was
well expressed by a poet of the time, who concluded an epic with the following lines:
" And though Brltone may brag of their ruling the ocean,
And that sort of thing— by the Lord I've a notion—
I'll brt all I'm worth— who takes it f— who takes f—
Though they're lords of the oot, we'll be lords of the Utke»."^
The effect of this victory upon the whole country was electric and amazingly in-
1 The great g"iis used by Perry, and those captured by hira from the British, remained In the United States Naval
Dipot at Krie \intil the autumn of 1826, when they were transferred to the Naval Station at Brooklyn. They were
.ilxral to he removed throngh the ugt'ucy of Dows, Cary, and Meecb, wlio had prepared a line of boats for the just com-
fletcil Erie Canal. The happy thought occurred to some one that these rannon might be used for telegraphic iinvposes
in connection with the celebration of the tlrst opening of the canal. Thoy were accordingly placed at lutervals of about
!cii miles along the whole line of the canal. When the first fleet of boats left Buffalo (m thai occaxion, the fact was an-
nnnncod to the citizens of New York in (mo hour and twenty minutes by the serial discharges of these cannon. This
;nn(jnneemcnt, literally conveyed in " thuuder-tones" from the lake to the sea-board, was responded to in like manner
.i:(l In the same space of time.— Statement of Orlando Allen to the Buffalo Historical S.xlety, April, 18fi3.
The authorities consulted lu the preparation of the foregoing account of the Battle of Lake Erie are the official dis-
l«(hes of Perry and Barclay : Niles's Register ; The War ; Port Folio : Analectic Magazine ; Political Register : M'Kan-
lios Life of Perry ; Life of Elliott, by a citizen of New York ; Cooper's Naval History ; Discourses by Parsons, Bur-
'.■««!, and Calvert; oral and written statements communicated to the anthor by the sarviivors; Brown's Kifw« on toic
ft-if, «nd Ix)g-book of the Laui-m/v, kept by Sailing-master Taylor.
' 1 was Informed by Captain Levi Johnson, whom 1 met at Cleveland In the autumn of IRBO, that he and others were
ramL'cd in the last work upon the new court-honsc, which stood in front of the present First Presbyterian Church, on
llie day of the battle. They thought they heard thunder, but, seeing no clouds, ('(included that the two squadrons had
mel. He and several others went down to the lake bank, near the present residence of Mr. Whittnkcr, on Water Street.
N'urly all the villagers assembled there, numbering about thirty. They waited until tt»e firing ceased. Although the
dijunoe In a straight Hue was full seventy miles, they could easily distinguish the sounds of the heavier and lighter
?aD.». The last Ave reports were from the heavy guns. Knuwing that the Americans had the heaviest ordnance, they
(Moclnded that victory remained with them, and wi,h that conviction they gave three cheers for Perry. Miss Reynolds,
tisler of the venerable Robert Reynolds, of the British army, whom I also visited in the autumn of ISflO, told me Uiat
the listened to the flring during the whole battle. The distance was less than forty miles.
A letter dated at Erie, September 24. IStit, says that a gentleman from the New York state line heard at his house the
ctiiao<:i>dliig on the lake one hundred ami MiUy viilen dittant I It was heard at Erie, and at first was supposed to be
iltUuit thimder. ' AnaUctie Magiuitu, lii., 84.
i'i'f:- ;''
POB^PilB^
?mmmB
I liifiit
694
PICTORIAL FIKLD-BOOK
Bxaltation of the Americans.
FabUc ColebratlunB.
Songs and Carlcatoroi.
spiriting. There had been a prevailing apprehension that the failures of 1812 were
to be repeated in 1813. This victory dissipated those forebodings, and kindled hope
and joy all over the land.
" O'er the monntains the snn of our fame was decUning,
And on Tbctis' billowy breast
The cold orb had reposed, all his splendor resigning,
Bedinuncd by tlie mists of the West.
The prospect that rose to the patriot's sight
Was cheerless, and hopeless, and dreary ;
But a bolt burst the cloud, and ilhwnincd the night
That enveloped' the waters of Eric."— Olu Sono.
It is diiBcult at this time to iiuag'iie the exultation then felt and exhibitecl evorv
where. Illuminations,' bonfires, salvos of artillery, public dinners, orations, and mim
were the vi>*ible indications of the popular satisfaction in almost every city, viliatru
and hamlet within the bounds of the republic. The newspapers teemed Avith eulo-
gies of the victor and las companions, and the jiulpit and rostrum were resonant
with words of thanksgiving and praise. The lyre^ and the peiiciP made many con-
' The City Hall and other buildings in New York were splendidly illuminated on the evening of Saturday, October
23, 1813. There was a band of music in the gallery of the portico, and transparencies were exhibited showing uaval
battles; also the words of Lawrence, " don't uivf up tuk suit," and those of Perry's dispatch, " we have jiki m,
KNEMY, AND TUKv ARK OCRS." The last-uamed transparency was exhibited at the theatre, with a picture of the tlgbi
between the Hornet and I'eamek.
' Many songs were written and sung in commemoration of Perry's victory. One of the most popular of these wjs
Avurican Perry, which commences thus :
" Bold Barclay ona day to Proctor did say,
I'm tired of Jamaica and Cherry ;
So let us go down to that new floating town,
And get some Araericau Perry.*
Oh, cheap American Perry !
Most pleasant American I'erry I
We need only all bear down, knock, and call.
And we'll have the American Perry."
' Among t|ie caricatures of the day was one by Charles, of Philadelphia, representing John Bull, In the person of iht
king, seated, with hie baud pressed upon his stomach, indicatlug pain, which tlie fresli juice of the pear, called perry,
iXJimj/, mtllMutalie iome more
Way?
Oh! 'hny !!! Cunt tuhnyl
>-p£r~ —Oiie c/isntlerc^r amHier - J/iaw
"^ ^ham mt Inlf mmrred offfieBhedij iKH
J golal iV'iJ^ tioxiagntulcli.'
2uwn diarltJk anJ Sohuuj VuUjBt thir dote tf &hru.
will produce. Qiwmi Chariotte, the king's wife Thf War, page 127. » Sec note 1, page HU.
'On one side of Perry's medal ia a bnst of the commodore, surrounded by the followlui; words: "oi.ivtBL's ii.
riBBv. rBiNoKi-s BTAONo EBiKNBK. oi.ABBAM ToTAM ooNTiiiiiT." Ou thc rcverflc ft squadrou of vessels closely cngBKed,
nud the legend "viAM invbnit virtcb act kaoit." ExcrKue: "intkb oi.ars. amrbi. et iibit. ihb x. bep. Hnoooxm,"
Ononesidoof Elliott's medal is a bust of the commander, and the words ".lEBSK i>. ri.i.iott. nil aotiim bepdtanb hi
inn. budbebskt auendum." On the reverse a squadron engaged, and the legend "viam lmvenit virtcb axtt i-aoit."
The exergue the eame as on Perry's.
51
V,\l
■
i
1?
536
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
" November.
Effect of the Victory on the Britlab. A Pleii for a BrltlBh-Indian Alliance. Waehlngtou Irvine's PredlctionT
each of the midshipmen and sailing-masters " who so nobly distinguished themselves
on that memorable occasion."' In after years, when the dead body of Perry was
buried in the soil of his native state, her Legislature caused a monument to be erect-
ed to his memory,^ for she claimed, with much justice, a large share of the glory of
the battle of Lake Erie for her sons.^
The effect of this victory was deeply impressive on the British mind, and the news-
papcni in the provinces and the mother country indulged in lamentations over tlip
want of vigor in the prosecution of the war manifested by the ministry. " We have
• October, been conquered on Lake Erie," said a Halifax paper,* " and so we shall be
**^' on every other lake, if wo take as little care to protect them. Their success
is less owing to their prowess tlian to our neglect." A London paper consoled the
people by saying,** " It may, however, serve to diminish our vexation at
the occurrence to learn that the flotilla in question was not any branch
of the British Navy It wfls not the Royal Navy, but a local force — a kimi of
mercantile military." Others, conscious of the inability of the British force in Can-
ada to cope Avitli the Americans, urged the necessity of extending the alliance with
the Indians. "We dare assert," said a writer in one of the leading British Beviews'
" and recent events have gone far in establishing the truth of the proposition that
the Canadas can not be effectually and durably defended without the frieiulship ot'
the Indians, and command of the lakes and the River St. Lawrence." Ho ur<>-e(l his
countrymen to consider the interests of the Indians as their own ; " for men," he said,
" whose very name is so very formidable to an American, and whose frieiulsliij) lias
recently been sliown to be of such great importance to its, we can not do too mudi,''
The name of Perry is cherished with increasing reverence by successive genera-
tions ; and the vast population that now swarm along the southern borders of Lake
Erie regard the battle that has made its name immortal in history as a classical nos-
session of rare value. Only a few weeks after the victory, Washington Irving, in a
cha: ,,3 biographical sketch of Commodore Perry,* said: "The last roar of cannon that
died along her shores was the expiring note of British domination. Those vast in-
ternal seas will perhaps never again be the separating space between contendirg na-
tions, but will be embosomed within a mighty empire f and this victory, which de-
cided thcii" fate, will stand imrivaled and alone, deriving lustre and i)erpctuity from
its singleness. In future times, when the shores of Erie shall hum with busy popu-
lation ; when towns and cities shall brighten where now extend the dark and tangled
forests; v\ hen ports shall spread their arms, and lofty barks shall ride where now the
canoe is fastened to the stake ; when the present age shall have grown into venera-
ble antiquity, and the mists of fable begin to gather round its history, then will tin
inhabitants look back to this battle we record as one of the romantic achievements
of the days of yore. It will stand first on the page of their local legends and iu the
marvelous tales of the borders."
This prophecy of the beloved Irving has been fulfilled. The archipelago that em-
braces Put-in-Bay has become a classic region. At Erie, and Cleveland, and San-
dusky, and Toleclo, where the Indian then " fastened his canoe to a stake," " ports
' We have cbeerved In Note 2, pnge BIO, that Mr. Hamblcton, purser of the fMvtreitee, was chosen prize ogcnt. .\
board of officers from Lake Ontario, assisted by Henry Eckford, naval constrnctor, prized the captured sqnadrou al
$225,000. Commodore ("hauncey, the commander-in-chief on the lakes, received one twentieth of the whole eum, or
1(12,750. Perry and Elliott each drew $7140. The Congress voted Perry $6000 in addition. Each commniuler of a
sjun-boflf sallinK-master, lieutenant, and captain of marines, received $22115 ; each midshipman, $811 ; each petty officer,
$447; and each marine and sailor, $20!).— Miss I.anra O. Sanford's Ilintory nf Erie, page 273. » See pn:,'e K.\.
' Perry took with him from Rhode Island, as we have seen (page 509), a large number of men and officers. It wash;
them chiefly that the vessels built at Erie were constnicted. The commodore and three of his commanders — Chaniijliii,
Almy, and Turner, and Ave other officers— Taylor, Hrownell, Breese, Dnnham, and Alexander Perry, were ftoin Uliwlc
Island. In the flght forty-seven of the flfty-llvo guns i.f the squadron wore commanded by Rhode Islandc.s.
♦ -Veic Quarterlii Rtvieii- and Britii* Cobmml HegMef, No. 4; 8. M. Richardson, Comhill, London.
» Annlfrtir Mafiazinf, rem her, 1818.
• He had .Inst heard of iarrlson's victorious Invasion of Canada, and It was believed at that time that the upper prov-
ince would assuredly bect>mc a portion of thi- L'uitcd States.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
537
Predictions.
smselves
3rry -was
lie erect-
glory of
the news-
over the
We have
shall be
ir success
isoled tlu'
Dxation at
ny branch
-a kind of
'ce in Can-
"mnee witli
1 Reviews,'
sition, that
cndship of
3 urged his
in," he said,
Midsliip has
too much."
dvc genera-
[ers of Lalvc
lassical pos-
Irving, in a
icannon that
loso vast in-
itendirg na-
vvhich do-
)etuity from
)usy popu-
aiul tangled
re now the
into vencra-
ipn will the
chievements
8 and in the
igo that em-
id, and Sau-
ike," "ports
prize agent. .\
jrcd squadron s!
le whole mm, or
commander ot a
encli petty officer,
See page 521.
,, leers. Itwa.'l'y
idcns— Cliampliu,
,vcro from llhodc
It the upper proT-
Jonrney to Cloveliuid.
HlUorlc Places at Brie.
Night Travel.
spread their arms ;" and every year the anniversary of the battle is somewhere cel-
ebrated with appropriate ceremonies. Already tlie corner-stone of a monumental
shaft in commemoration of the battle has been laid upon Perry's Look-out on Gibral-
tar Island ;' and in the beautiful city of Cleveland — an insignificant hamlet on the
bleak lake shore in 1813, now [1867] a nuxrt of commerce with about fifty thousand
iiihfibitants — a noble statue of Perry, wrought of the purest Parian marble by a resi-
dont artist, has been erected by the city authorities.^
I was present, as an invited guest, at the inauguration of that statue of Perry on
the 10th of September, 1860. Never will the impressive spectacles of that day, and
the inflixcnce of the associations connected with them, be effaced from memory, llie
journey thither, the mementoes of history seen on the way, and the meeting of scores
of veterans of the War of 1812 at the great gathering, made a deep impression on
the mind. I lefl my home on the Hudson, with my family, on the morning of the
Cth," Avith the intention of stopping at Erie (where a portion of Perry's . September,
squadron was built) on my way to Cleveland. It was a day like one in ^**'^"*
midsummer — sultry and showery ; yet in the railway carriage, whose steeds never
(Trow w'cary, and wherein shelter from sun and rain are ever afforded, we traversed
during the day, with very little fatigue or inconvenience, more than the entire length
of the State of New York, through the Hudson and Mohawk valleys and the great
levels westward, to Buffalo, a distance of three hundred and seventy miles. There
I left my family in charge of the veteran Captain Champlin, one of the heroes of
the fight, to accompany him by water to Cleveland ; and early the next morn-
inc'' I pushed on by railway to Erie, where I had the good fortune to
meet Captain W. W. Dobbins, son of the gallant officer of that name al-
ready mentioned. Ho kindly accompanied me to the places of interest about Erie —
tlie site of Fort Prestju' Isle^ — of Wiiyne's block-house — of Fort Wayne, on Garrison
Hill, by the light-house* — of the navy yard at the mouth of C'ascade Creek,* and the
old tavern where Perry made his head-quarters before and after the battle. When,
at the close of the day, we returned to the village, heavy black clouds were brooding
over the lake in the direction of the great conflict, and the deep bellowing of the dis-
tant thunder gave a vivid idea of the tumult of the battle lieard from that very spot
■almost half a century before. I had completed my sketches and observations, and I
spent the evening pleasantly and profitably with Captain Dobbins and his venerable
mother, to whom I am indebted for kind courtesies and valuable information.^ At
almost two o'clock in the morning'^ I left Erie in the railway cars for
Cleveland, just after a heavy thunder-shower had passed over that re-
gion, making the night intensely dark, and drenching the country.
We arrived at Cleveland at six o'clock in the morning. Heavy mists were scurry-
ing over the lake upon the wings of fitful gusts, and dashes of rain came down fre-
quently like sudden shower-baths. For almost three liours I waited at the wharf
where the passengers on the boat from Buffalo were to land. She was The Western
Mdropolis — a magnificent vessel — one of th j finest ever built on the lakes. All night
" September T.
= September 8.
' See pictnrc on page 61R On the 4th of July, 1862, the national anniversary was celebrated on Put-in-Bay Island by
Jte companies of Ohio vijiimtccr militia. Their encampment was the first ever seen there since Harrison loft it wltji
Ml troops in the autumn of tSlS. At that time it was agreed to talie measures for erecting a monument iu coramemo-
mlon of the victory, and The Ilattlc of Lake Krie Monument Aimoeiatvm was formed. A Constitotion was adopted, and
(Jmcral Lewis Cass, of "Detroit, was appointed president of the association. J. G. Camp, E. Cooke, E. Bili, A. P. Ed-
turd!, and J. A. Harris, were appointed a provisional executive committee.
' Tlie project of erecting a statue of Perry at Cleveland originated with the Hon. Harvey Rice, of that elty, who, as
umber of llie Common Council, brought the subject before that body in June, 1S57, in a series of resolutions. A eom-
mittce was appointed to take the matter in hand, composed of Harvey Kice, p. M. Ovialt, J. M. Coflinlicrry, J. Kirkpnt-
tick, and C. D. Williams. They contracted with T. .Tones and Sons, of Cleveland, to erect a monument surmounted liy a
itunc of Perry, for the sum of eight thousand dollars. The designs of monument and statue were made by William
Wslcntt, the sculptor, of Cleveland, and the figures were executed by him.
' See page 511. « See note 1, page 510. 'See page 511.
'Mm. Dobbins is of English and Irish extraction, and was married to Mr. Dobbins at Canuonsbnrg, Pennsylvunia,
iiily in the year 1800, by whom she had ten children.
v-\ i
|-.;ilH
jljfl !iifj|(':-'j
638
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Pilot of the Ariel.
Croivdi fill Cleveland.
"Camp P erry" on Sundaj.
long she liad battled with the storm, yet she was so staneli that her passoiicers had
slept securely ami soundly. A line state-room liad been assigned to Captain Cliamp-
lin. Among the survivors of the war who accompanied him was Captain Asel Wjl.
kinson, of Golden, Erie County, New York, who was the pilot of the Ariel — a tall
slender man, seventy-two years of age. He stood at the helm of his vessel all tlnoiu'li
^ ^^ ' the battle of the 10th of Soj).
rifonf) yf//^/-? ' n tember. His cartridge-box
^J^ll^ ^y/Ci^CynyO'r^S.'V^yi/' ^vas shot from his side by a
cannon-ball, and tlie tliunder
of the great guns brought the blood from his ears and nose, and permanently ini|i;iir
ed his hearing. I received many remiaiscences of the fight from his lips diii.ni^^ ^
brief hour that I spent with him. His vigor of mind and body gave promise \ years
of future usefulness, but his days were nearly numbered. On the 4th of Julv, 1861
he was in Buffalo with liis wife to part'cipate in the celebration of the day. When
they were passing tlie corner of Pearl and Mohawk Streets he suddenly fell to the
pavement and expired.
In the midst of a furious thunder-storm wo rode to the residence of a gentleman on
Euclid Street, to the hospitalities of which we had been invited, and there we found
a pleasant home during our brief sojourn in Clevelaiid. It was the last day of the
week. On Monday the appointed ceremonies were to be performed, and visitors were
pouring into the " Forest City" by tliousands from every direction. Tiiat evcnina
the hotels and large numbers of private houses were filled with guests. Mr. Bancioit
(the historian), who was one of tlie chosen orators for the occasion, liad arrived ; alsd
a large delegation from Rhode Island, including Governor Sprague, Mr. Bartlett, the
Secretary of State, Dr. Parsons, Bishop Clarke, and Captain Thomas Brownell, who
was the acting sailing-master of the Ariel in the battle. Members of the Perry fam
ily and scores of tlie survivors of the war were also there, and the bright and beau
tiful Sabbath found Cleveland full of strangers.
It was indeed a bright and beautiful Sabbath. The storm-clouds were gone, and
the first cool breath of autumn came from
the lake and gave warning of the ap-
proaching season of hoar-fi-ost. At an
early hour Euclid Street — magnificent
Euclid Street — was full of animation,
Crowds were making their way to "Camp
Perry," on the county fair-grounds, the
head-quarters of the military, who were
under the command of Brigadier General
J. W. Fitch. In the spacious marquee of
that officer we met, just before tlie horn'
for morning religious services (in which
Bishop Clarke led), most of tlie Rhode
Island delegation. Governor Dennison,of
Oliio, and his staff, and Benjamin Fleming,
of Erie, a lively little man, then seventy-
eight years of age, who was a maintop-
man in the Niagara during the battle,
He was yet living in 1863, and was one
uENJAMiN FLMiiNo. gf t^fpe gurvlvors of the battle who arc
residents of Erie.' Fleming was a native of Delaware.'^ He was dressed in full sail-
' The other two Were John Murray, a mnrinc from Peniioylvanla, aged abont sevcuty-three, mid Jesse Wall, a colored
man, nged about eeventy-four years, who was a flfer on board the Niagara.
• ficujamiu Flemiot; was bom in LewlBtou, Delaware, on the 20th of July, 1T82. He entered the naval service on
OF THE WAB OF 1812.
fi39
Son IvldH Soldiers of the War of 1812.
Tnaugnratloa of the Statne of Perry.
PreUininai7 Proceedings.
or's costume, and on liis right breast, in the form of a shield, on which was inscribed his
name and the occasion, was the silver medal presented by the State of Pennsylvania.'
pebby'b lantern.
for some soldiers were on those
vessels and upon Put-in-Bay
Island. There was also Ilosea
Sargent, of Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts, a survivor of the
Lawrence, who handed Perry
his flag as he was leaving his
vessel for the Niagara. A
mute relic of the battle was
also on the ground. It was
Perry's signal lantern, and be-
longed to Lieutenant Selden,
It was made of tin, with win-
There wc also met Dr. Nathan
Eastman, of Medina, Ohio,
who, as volunteer surgeon, as-
sisted in dressing the wounds
of those injured hi tlu' battle
who were taken to the marine
liospital at Erie. He was after-
ward appointed assistant sur-
ijeon, and spent the dreary
winter of 1813-14 in that ca-
pjicit y on board the prize-ships
Detroit and Queen Charlotte,
of the " Wayne Guards" of Erie, who were present,
(lows of scraped horn, and had a venerable appearance.
Monday dawned gloomily. Tlie sky was lowering with heavy clouds, the tem-
perature- was chilling, and as the time approached for the commencement of the pub-
lic ceremonies there were indications of early rain. But these hindered nothing. At
an oarly hour I went to the City Hall, the head-quarters of the " soldiers of 1812,"
anil assisted in the interesting task of making a register of the names and ages of
tliose who were present, about three hundred in numb'.r.^ The air was full of mar-
tial music, the streets and buildings were gay with b.anners, and as the appointed
time for uncovering the statue drew near, the public square of ten acres, in the cen-
tre of which it stoo;!, began to fill with people. I had made my way with difficulty
through the crowd from the old soldiers' head-quarters to the stage erected for the
ooiuluctors of the pageant and invited guests. Mr. Bancroft soon arrived, alone, but
was followed almost immediately by the mayor of the city, the committee of arrange-
ments, Dr. Parsons (the associate orator), the Perry family, and other invited guests.
Very soon the immense military and civic procession came filing into the square in
2ay and sombre costumes, accompanied by a miniature brig Laiorence, on wheels,
drawn by four horses. The inclosure was filled with the living sea, and broad On-
tario ami Superior Streets were crowded with people as far as the eye could reach.
" All Cleveland is out !" exclaimed a gentleman at my elbow. " All creation, you
hiul hotter say," responded another. It was estimated that fifty thousand strangers
wore present.
The ceremonies before the statue were opened by prayer from the lips of the Rev-
ireiid Dr. Perry, of Natchez, Mi88is8i])pi. Then Mr. Waloutt, the sculptor, unveiled
the statue. There it stood, upon a green mound, surrounded by an iron railing, im-
posing, beautiful, and remarkable because of its extreme whiteness.^ Tens of thou-
•iinils of voices sent up loud cheers as that chaste work of art was clearly revealed,
I'lirjust as the covering was removed, rays of sunlight, that had struggled thi^ugh
board the fflgnte Eimx in 1811, and at New York volunteered for the Inke service. He \vi<>wUh Elliott at the captnre
iif the Caltiionia and Adam». See list uf nnmcs In Note S, page 3S5. He had lived In Brie ( er since this war. Two
of bis sons were in a Pennsylvania regiment during the late Civil War, and both were wonnded in the b.ittJeB befon^
Richmond. > See page BS5.
> .\monf; these were Benjamin Le Reanx, a^d seventy-«even years. He was f^om La Salle City, Illinois. He ivas a
imall, lively, spnrkliug-fnced man, and was dressed in the same military suit of gray in which, as orderly serc^uant, he
tonghi under General Scott in the battle of Niagara, or Lundy's Lane. lie was in Jesnp's command. A liistory of that
gray uniform will he given liereaftcr. Mr. Lc lieaiix's father was a Frenchman, and Kprved as captain nnder LafuyiUte.
' The monument and statue, represented ou the following page, present to the eye one of the most chaste memorials
of sreatness to l>e found in the country. Indeed, it is believed that nothing equals it. The pedestal is of Khnde Island
liraiiite, twelve feet in height, on one side of which Is sculptured. In low relief, the scene of Perry's passage from the
Imrrma to the Maijara. On one side of It is a small statue of a Sailor-boji, bareheaded, and on the other one of a Mid-
iki|)m(in, with his cap on, in the attitude of listening. The statue is of Parian marble, and remarkable for its purity.
Il It i^l^lit fejt in height, but at the altitude of the top of the pedestal or monument it appears lilfa-slze. The entire
litii;ht of the monument, including the base, is twenty-live feet. .
i-M
MO
PrCTOBIAL FIELn-BOOK
The Statnc unveiled.
Orations by Bancroft and Pari>ona.
A remarlcnblu Dinner
' li i
|i
7f1
1
the clouds, fell full upon it. Mr. WuJPutt
made a brief address, which was resiiondci^
to by Mayor Scnter. Then followed Mr
Ban'^roft's oration,' and an historical dis^
course by Dr. Parsons.'* Oliver Hazard IVr-
ry, the only surviving son of the ((.iiiiiio.
dore, addressed the people briefly, when the
masonic ceremonies of dedication were m-
formed. The proceedings closed with a soncj,
written by E. (4. Knowlton, of Cleveland
and sung by Ossian E. Dodge.
I had been invited to dine with the vof-
crans of 1812, and when the eerenKniies he-
fore the statue were ended,! hasi ened from
the crowded city to the old soldiers' han-
quet-hall in the railway buildings on the
margin of the lake. The scene was a most
interesting and remarkable one. Almost
three hundred survivors of the war, who iiad
been participants in its military events, wort-
seated at the table, with their commander
for the day (General J. M. Hughes), and
Deacon Benjamin Rouse, the president of
the Old Soldiers' Association, at their head.
There were very few among them of foclih
step. Upon every head not disfigured liy a
wig lay the snows that never melt. It was
;i dinner-party,! venture to say, that has no
|iarallel in history. The ages of the guests
(excepting a few younger men, like niystlf,
who were permitted by courtesy to be jires-
ent) ranged from fftysev en to ninety years.'
The average was about seventy years; and
the aggregate age of the company Avas about
twenty thousand years t
When I left the banquet-liall a spectacle of rare beauty met the eye. Tlic high
banks of the lake in front of the city were covered with men, women, and oliikhvn,
thousands in numbei-, who had come out to be witnesses of a promised sham-fight on
the lake, in nearly exact imitation of the real one forty-seven years before. Iciiuilnd
the steep bank, up a long flight of stairs at the foot of Warren Street, to a good po-
sition for observation, and found myself by the side of Mr. Fleming, the jolly little
maintop-man of the Niagara, with his sailor's dress and silver medal. The clouds
had dispersed, and the afternoon was almost as bright and serene as when the old
battle was waged. One by one the vessels representing the belligerent squadrons of
Perry and Barclay went out from the mouth of the Cuyahoga, not " with a light
breeze" alone, but by the more certain power of steam-tugs. Captain Champlin com-
manded the mock-American squadron, and Mr. Chapman* that of the mock-lJritisli.
• Imtnedtately after the noncluBlon of Mr. Bancroft's addrcee, he wns presented with i\ cane, made of the ttrabcr of (he
Lmcreiux, by the "Wayne Guards," of Erie. The head is of i»old, and tho fernle a spike fi-om the Lawrenoe.
' During the delivery of Dr. Parsons's disconrse, an intellii;ent old man. named Quiun, ttom Pittsburg, Poiinsylvania,
came upon the stand, and reported himself as the man who made the corda^ nsed in rigging the vessels of Perrv'i
eqnadron. He had with him, in a box, the identical tools that were nsed in that service.
3 The oldest man among them was a colored soldier named Abraham Chase. He was ninety. Two of them (8. F.
Whitney and Bichard M'Cready) were only flfty-seven. They were boys in the service. « See page B2T,
PERBV'S STATUE.
the timber of thr
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
541
Sbam BattU' on Lake Erie.
VUit to early Reaidents of Cleveland.
Captain Stanton Sboles.
lUdO.
. gingnlar coincidence occurred. Ab in the real battle, so in this, there waH a light
Vn-e/t' ar Hrnt, which freshened before the close. It was lui excitinfj scene, and little
Fli-niuB iUirly danced with exhilaration as he observed the flashes — the booming
of groat guns — the fleet rnveloped in smokt; — Champlin, like Perry, leaving the Law-
rence and going to the Niagara, and the latter sweeping down, breaking the Chap-
inan-Harclay's line and winning victory. With this extraordinary pa^^eant closed the
public ceremonies of the day.'
On the following Jay, accompanied by the Rev. T. B. Fairchild, of Hudson, Ohio, 1
viiiited several jjcrsons and places in Cleveland connected with its history. Among
the former were Judge liarr, to whose kind courtesy, through the medium of letters,
I was under many obligations, and the widow of Dr. David J^ong, a daughter of John
Wadsworth, one of the earliest settlers in that region. She was a resident of Cleve-
land at the time of the battle. =* When I visited her* she and Levi John- .September,
nor. and his wife were the only survivors of the inhabitants of that place
in 1813. At the time of Hull's surrender
there was great alarm at Clevelaiul, and
Mrs. Long was the only woman who re-
mained. Her husband would not desert
the sick there, and she would not desert
her husband. At that time they had no
military ])rotection, but in the spring of
1813 Major Jesup was stationed there
with two companies of Ohio militia.
These were joined in May by Captain
Stanton Sholes, now [l ^67] a resident of
Columbus, Ohio,^ with a company of
United States Artillery from Pennsylva-
nia. He was cordially welcomed by
Governor Meigs, and made his quarters
at Major Carter's tavern. Tie immedi-
iitcly set about felling the timber on the
-iite of the present city of Cleveland, with
which to build a small stockade fort.
This was erected near the present light-
house, about fifty yards from the lake.
JtmJiM,'fh.di^,
' At lilt close of the pnbltc proccedingB the members of the Mnsonlc Order who were present dined together ot the
Weddell Flonse. H. L. HoHmer, Dnpnty Grand Master of Ohio, presided. The banqueters were enlivened by toasts and
spctflien, and the festivities closed with a song written for ihe occasion by William Ross Wallace, and sung by Ossian
E. Doilgc— a song of three stanzas, of which the Idlowing scirrlng one is the conclu<-'on:
" Roll, roll, ye waves ! otemni roll I
For ye are holy from his might:
Oh, Banner, that his valor wreathed,
Forever keep thy victor-light 1
And if npon this sacred lake
Slionld ever come invading powers,
Like him may we exulting cry,
Wk'vK met TIIK 1.-OK, ANB THEY AKE 0ITE8 1"
■ Dr. Long's dwelling was on the site of the present light-house at Cleveland. It still exists, bnt at some distance
frnm the place where it was built. It now stands on the north side of Frankfort Street, between Bank and Water Streets.
It in a small building, one story, about 20 by '2fi feet square.
' Mr.Sholcs is a native of Connecticut, born before the breaking ont of the Revolntlonary War, and Is now CISC")
nbout ninety-six years of age. His father was a British soldier at the capture of (Jnebec ftom the French, and served
four yeiirs in our old war for Independence. In early life Captain Gholes engaged in tlie bnslness of a sailor, and visited
many parts of the world. He qnit the ocean in 1803, and settled In the Slate of New York. After a few years he took
'ip bi« abode on the banks of the Ohio River, about twenty miles below Pittsburg. In May, ISl'.!, he received from Pres-
ident Madison a captain's comn\l88ion in the second division LTnited States Artillery, with orders to recruit a company
ofonp hmidred men tor five years. This he accomplished, and in May, 1813, arrived with them at Cleveland, as we have
ibjcrv'ed. He served faithfully in the Northwest, during the hostilities In that region, under Harrison. I am indebted
loCnptain Sholes (br much valuable information concerning operations there. He is an honored hero of two wars, fbr
hefore the close of the Revolution be ran away from home, and entered the service of his country as a boy-aoldler.
■ -V
ill
OM
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Parrjr tnd hia Csptlvei.
Terrible Storm on IjUie Brte.
Fate of the chief Vemelg In the Bwtit
I, .1
IIo also erected a comfortable hospital. During that summer he was on active dntv
there, but two ilays before the battle on the laki' he received orders from Xf>veriiinont
boats at Cleveland, movo on to the mouth of the Mauinee, preparatory to a Hpt^dy
invasion (if Canada.
• iMO ^ ^'''^^ Cleveland on the morning of the 1 2th of September" for Southern Ohio
and the residence and ((tmb of lieneral Harrison. Of the incidents of tlmt
jounioy I sh.iU hereafter write. Lot us occupy a few moments in consKU'ring tlic
farther movements of the lake squadron so lately in battle. We left them in Put in-
" September, l^ay on the morning of the t'ith,'' after the sad task of burying the slain
•'A®'^- officers had been performed.
In the course of the i' ly after the battle Perry visited the wounded Barclay oii
board the battere
as sliarp-shooters. The noise of great gnns and the dangers of the fight unnerved tliem, and they had lied to the hold
in terror. Wlien brought before Perry they expected torture or scalping. Their astonishment was great when he gpokf
kindly to them, directed them to be fed, and scut them on shore with assurances of protection from the Indiaus friendlj
to the Americans.
2 The prisoners conveyed to Brie were sent to Pittsburg, In the Interior, for greater gecurlty. The wounded were
well cared for.
3 In this dispatch Perry spoke In terms of praise of all his officers who were conspicuous in the battle. Captain El-
liott received a bountlftil share, contrary to the judgment and wishes of many of Pc^r^'J^ officers. They expressed Iheir
opinions fteeiy in disparagement of Elliott. A quarrel between the two commn«diis and their friends ensued. The
controversy was revived in after years by Mr. Cooper, the historian of the United States Navy, and old animoslllcs wcrr
awakened to unwonted vigor. They have ^^ t.'aptain George Miles, of Erie. Theymn
now slept for many years, and I do not » |^M A converted into merchant ships, but In lb
choose to disturb them by any remarks l^fl^HR course of five or six years they became Ufc
here. The public verdict has determined ^^I^^H '^'^' "^'^ IMmit lay at Buffalo sonic time,
the relative position of the two command- l^RBIA when she was purchased by the hotel-keep-
ers in the history of the country. So let it wHPmI^&=:;^v. ers at Niagara Falls, with which to mskeii
be. Ug^a^HMylft spectacle for the visitors there in the sum-
* The liatrrmcf, Dftrmt, and Qtteen Char' fj|k_ I^RH^^^^a^ """''■ ''''"'y P'oeed a live bear and olhfr
fo'te were afterward sunk in Little Bay (see j^^k I^^^B^BiifeB animals on board of her, and sent her
map on page SU), on the northerly side of l|^^B ^^^^BSr^l adrift above the Fails, in the presence ofn
the harbor of Erie. The .Vtar^m was kept '^^^K I^^^^^E^^ great crowd of |>eople, who expected to tee
at Brie as a receiving ship for a long time. --M^K y^^^ B^^^^ J her plnnue over tlie great cataract. Bn;
She was finally abandoned, and also sunk "y^^^^B^g^F^^^ T she lodged In the rapids above, and ther'
In Little Bay. Here her bottom, partly ^^^^^HP^B?^?"^ went to pieces. Such was the end ofCom
covered by sand, may still be seen. In ^^H^^^jT-**^!"' mander Barclay's flag-ship Ikrynii. Pieer*
1837 the Detroit and i^uen Charlotte were ^^^^^Ei'^^^vJ^ "f "i^ iMwrerwe have been sniinlit for »>
pnrchasedofthe government, and raised by ■ >•-;- relics by the curious, and many caue« and
m!>
OF THE WAU OF 1813.
Ai3
,c wonndcd vrtre
Pen, and tlii rrl«i)n at Brio.
Their Horeptlon.
Incident! at Biie.
Biecutlon of BM.
ri.UllV> gllAKTEBB.
at Erie on the 'iail, and was grooted by a
Kaliite of seventeen giiiiH on shore. A month
.0.) later," wlien Canada liad been
m;'- • siieeesstully uivaued by Harri-
son, and Perry, as his vohmleer aid, had
sliiircd in tlie lionors of victory, tlie Ariel
sailed into K'"'« with these eonimaiiders,
fllio were accoin])anied by Coniniodori'
Barcliiy, then admitted to liis paroU^ and
Colonel E. r. Gaines. Tiiese ottieers took
locl'lniis ai Duncan's, Perry's old head-
nuiirtd^, yet standinj,' (glorious because of
its uHJtdciations, though in ruins), on the
corner of Third and French Strei'ts. ' They
were received -with the booming of can-
non, the shouts of the people, and the kind-
ly greeting of every loyal heart. The town
wa» illiiuuiiated in the evening, and the streets were enlivened by a torch-liglit pro-
cession, bearing transparencies, made at
the suggestion and under the direction
of the accomplished Lieutenant Thomas
Holdup.^ On one of these were the words
" Commodore I'erry, 1 0th of September,
1813;" on another, " (4eneral Harrison,
5th of October, 1813;" cm another, " Free
Trade and Sailors' liights;" and on a
fourth, " Erie." The Niagara arrived the
same afternoon, and other vessels soon fol-
lowed.^
The succeeding winter was passed in
much anxiety by the inhabitants of Erie
on acx'onnt of an expected attack by the
British and Indians, who, it was reported,
were preparing to cross the lake on the
ice from the Canada shore. False alarms
were frequent, and midnight 2)acking8 of
valuables preparatory to an exodus were
quite common. The summer brought
guaranties of repose, and during the last
half of the year 1814 only a company of
volunteers were stationed there, most of them at the block-house at Cascade Creek.*
ilifr artlclen have been made of the wood. Captain Chainplin and Dr. Parsons, snrvlvors of the battle, both hnvp
lisira made from the oak wood of the flag-ship. Our little eniiraving on the opposite page shows the form '>f Chnni-
liliii's chnlr. I saw the stern-post of the Lawretue In possession of Captain W. W. Dobbins, at Erie.
1 Tliis is known as the " Eric Hotel." The above picture shows its appearance when I sketched it in September,
1^C(|. Tlie most dii^tiuit window of the second story, seen in the gable of tho main building, and boarded up, was point-
ed out to me as the one that lighted the room occupied by Perry.
' See Note S, page 528. ' Doctor Parsons's Diary. Mi.ss Laura O. Sanford's History of Erie.
' Tliree men wore executed at Erie for desertion in the autumn of 1S14. One of them was a young man of some
standing, mimed Bird, who had fought gallantly on the Niagara in the battle on Lake Erie. Ills ofTenee could not be
overlooked, and he was shot. It was thought by some that his pardon, under tho circumstances, might not have been
detrimental to the public good. A doleful ballad, called The vmurnful Tragedn o,t James Bint, was written, and became
very popular throughout the country, drawing te£ 's from nnrctlned and sensitive listeners. Older readers will doubt-
less remember with what pathos the singers would chant tho following, which was the last of tho eleven verses of the
ballad:
"See, he kneels upon his cofHn 1 sure his death can do no good.
Spare hini I Iliirk I Oh God 1 they've shot him ; his bosom streams with blood.
Farewell, Bird ! farewell forever ! Friends and home he'll see no more I
But his mangled corpse lies buried '^ Erie's distant shore."
THOMAS nOLDUP STEVENB.
1 i »'
Ml
044
I'ICTOHIAL FIELD-BOOK
Arrapgemenu fur Invading Cansd«. narrlmn'a Dlilnt«fWt«dneM. Qowrnor Shelby and hia Full^liijr
CITAPTEU XXVI.
"'Twftd on LaTranche'H fcrtllo banka
A KUlli'Xt l«>it iipiK'iircd ;
But rmirtmn hundred fiirniivl their ranks—
No chnnro of war they foiirt'd.
Their counlry'B chuhc htid called them forth
To Imttle'H Htormy Held ;
They deemed the mnu of llltlo worth
WhoHO rnind but tliou^'ht to yield.
There onr Columhlit'K warrior bnnda
The Htnr-Rtud enHli;n bear,
And General llarrlHon commands
The men to valor dear."
g>ftPFjj|^;;-.2 ' ., 11 KN Perry's victory gave the sovereignty of Lake Eric ♦', tiio
/Vlu AincricaiiH, General Harrison had conipleted liis arraiigoiiu'iits
for invading Canachi. lie liad called on Governor SiuHiv of
Kentuclvy, lor fifteen Inindred men, and, with the generosity of
an nnselfish patriot as he was, invited that veteran to the field
and to the chief command, Haying, "Wliy not, my dear Hit-, comp
in i)erHon ? You would not object to a command tiiat would be
nominal only. I have Huch confidence in your wisdom, that you,
in fact, should ' be the guiding head and I the hand.' Tiie situation you would W
placed in would not be without its parallel. Scipio, the concpieror of Cartliano, did
not disdain to act as the lieutenant of his younger and less experienced brother
Lucius."
This invitation roused the martial spirit of Shelby, and he resolved to lea(l,nolto
«cn(?lt H people against the foe. He called for mounted volunteers to assemble at
•July 81, Newport, opposite Cincinnati, at the yiose of July." "I will meet you tlieiv
*^'^- in person," lie said; "I will lead you to the field of battle, and share Avitli
you the clangers and honors of the campaign." His words were electrical ; Kentucky
instantly blazed with enthusiasm. " Come," said the young men and veterans, " let
us rally round the eagle of our country, for Old KliHf''s Mountain^ will certainly lead
us to victory and conquest." Twice the required number flocked to his standard;
and with Major John Adair,'' and the late venerable United States senator .lolin
J. Crittenden,^ as his aids, and wearing upon his thigh a sword just presented to
1 Oovernor Shelby wn» one of the lendcrB of the militia who defeated the bunded Tories nndcr Major Fcrgnfnn on
Kiuij's Mountain, on the upper borders of South t'arolinu, on the 7th of Octobf r, 1781. Slielby'8 valor on that occusioo
was conspicuous, and he was known in late* . cars by the familiar nairo of Old Kmg'n Mountuhi.
' John Adair was a North Carolinian, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1780, at the age of thirty-one years. lie wasnn
active ofllcer in the Indian ware on the Northwestern frontier. He held the rommlBsiou of major In 1792. He was pop
nlar in his adopted state until isn7, when his unfortunate connection with Burr obscured his rei)utatlon for a while, lie
seems not to have been aware (like other of Burr's dupes) of the traitor's real desi^rns. In politics he was a Kcdorolist.
His conduct during the campaign of 1813 was every way praiseworthy. lie was afterward apiiointcd adjutant geneml
of the Kentucky troops, with the brevet rank of brigadier general. In that capacity he commanded the KcnIiicliUiis
in the battle of New Orleans. In 1820 he was elected Governor of Kentucky, and was often a member of the Stale Ugls-
lature. lie had been United States senator in ISO,"* ; in 1831 he was elected a member of the lower house of Confres!.
He died on the l'.)th of May, 1S40, nt the age of eighty-three years.
3 John .T. Crittenden was born in Woodford County, Kentucky, in September, 17Sfi. His father was an early Mttler
in that state. Young Crittenden studied law, and commenced Us practice in Russellville, Logan County. He was amonf
the first voliuitcera raised by Oovernor Shelby for Harrison in 1S1S>. He accompanied General Hopkins in his cx|)Cili-
tion on the Wabash (see page 330), and the next year was with Harrison on the Northwestern frontier. He performed
gallant service In the battle on the Thames, after which ho resumed his profession at RnssellvlUe. He was several
times a member of the State Legislature, and was elected United States senator in 1817. He afterward removed to
Frankfort, where he practiced his professhm uutil IS36, Bcr\-ing bis constituents as legislator occasionally. That year
OF THE WAU OF 1818.
S40
li FuUi
Eric t", iiio
raiigcnu'iits
p Slielby, of
LMUTOsity (if
to the iiflil
iar sir, come
i.at would 1)0
iin, lliiit yim,
Oil would 1)1'
!artlia;,'t', did
ced brother,
had, not to
aKsonibli,' at
set you tlii'i'c
share witli
Ki'iiluoky
etcrans, " kt
rtainly lead
is Btandaiil;
iiator Joliii
) resented to
Injor ForRnson on
■ on that occasion
years. Howium
7>.)2. Ilcwaspor
)ii for a while. Hi'
wns i> Federalist.
ndjntnnt Kcnnal
_ the Konlufklflns
nftheStntoUiri?-
lOUBC of Coiifrcss,
->■'
as an early Mttlfr
He was amon,;
lis in his cxpcili-
r. He iicrformcl
He was several
irwaril removed to
onally. Thotyeu
T^i^riart—ntei U> Ooternor Hhelbjr. Annr «' the Northwest In Mutlon. ItilabulMtion forC'iiniuU,
him by Henry Clay, in tho iiamo of tho State of North CaroUnn, in testimony of ap-
nreciittio" of liin HerviccH in t\w old war for independence,' lie led thirty-five hund-
red mounted men, ineludinjx Colonel H. M. Johnsoii'H troop, in the direction of Lak<'
Eric. At IJrhana he or<;anized Ium volnnteerH into eleven re^'imentH,'' and on the 12th
(if September reached Upper Sandimky. From that poHt Shelby pnwiied forward with
bin start", and at Fort l>.ill (Tittin) he heard of IVrryV victory. He dispatched a cour-
ier to Major (leneral Henry, whom he had lell in command at Lower Sandusky, j^iv-
iiiffhini the glorious news, and directing him to press forward with tho troops us fast
as posnible. The intelligence of success nerved them to more vigorous action; and
on the 15th am! 10th" the wliole army of the Northwest, excepting tho • seiiiombor,
troops at Fort Meigs and minor posts, were on the bordera of Lake Eric, "'"•
on the ])leasant peninsula between Sandusky Ihiy and the lake below llio nioutli of
the Portatjc liiver, now i'ort CMinton.^ Shelby arrived there on llic 14th, a few inin-
iit(» before a jtart of Perry's s(|uaost, and to march the icgulars there, with
Clay's Keiituckians, to the Portage. Colonel Johnson was directed to remain at Fort
Melius with his mounted regiment until the expedition sliould sail, and then nmrch
toward Detroit, keeping abreast of the army on the trans))orts, as nearly as possible.
The embarkation of the army commenced on the 20th.'' The Aveather
was delightful. On tho 24th tho troops rendezvoused on Put-in-liay Isl-
l;f was elected to the United .States Senate. lie was called to the cabinet of Picsldcnt Harrison, In 1S41, as attorney
; iicral. Ue was agahi elected to the Senate, and In 1S4.S was chosen Governor of Kentucky. President Fillmore called
lira to his cnbinet In July, 1H60, as attorney general. Ho entered the United Slates Senate again as a nienilicr In ImM,
:i!iil lield his seat there until IMl, when his term of ofllce expired. He took an active part, as u Union man, In leglsla-
I .(' measures |H>rtalning to the Urcat Rebellion, and his proposition for conciliation will ever be known In history as
; . Critleiulen Cmnprnmiiie. In ISfil he was elected a representative of tho lower house of the Thirty -seventh Congress,
uidili position he occupied until the close of the session on the 3d of March, 1S03, when he ." •> agam put In uomtna-
i: 111 for the same offlce. But he did not live until the time for the election. His physical powers had been gradually
L-ivinB way for some time, and at half past three o'clock on Sunday morning, July 26, lstl3, ho died at his residence at
1 ranlifort, without a struggle, at the age of almost seventy-seven years.
1 have before me Mr. Clay's autograph letter to Governor Shelby ou the subject. -The following Is a copy:
" Lexinoto.v, 22d August, 1813.
•Mr DEAB Sib,— I have seen by the public prints that yon Intend leading a detachment ft'om this state. As you will
Hint a Bword, I have the pleasure to Inform you that 1 am charged by Governor Turner and Mr. Macon with delivering
; yiin that which the State of North Carolina voted yon In testimony of the sense It entertained of your conduct at
Kiis's Moimliiin. I would take It will, me to Frankfort, In order that 1 might personally e-tecnte the commission, ar.*
■ Hie same time have the giatlflcatlon "f seeing you, If I were not excessively oppressed with fatigue. I shall not fr '
i rwcver, to avail myself of the first safe conveyance, and If any should offer to you I will thank you to Inform mo. t' ■
\\ aci|aire additional lustre in the patriotic and hazardous enterprise in which yon are embarking I
"Your friend, H. Clav.
Tlic Bword was placed in the hands of Mr. W. T. Barry, a mutual friend, on tho day when tho letter was written, who
nveyed It to Ooveruor Shelby, at Frankfort.
'■ The reglnu'iits were officered respectively as follows: I.lentenant Colonels Trotter, Donaldson, Poague, Mountjoy,
Idinlck, Davfiijiort, Paul, Calloway, Simrall, Barbour, and Williams. They were formed Into Ave brigades, under Brig-
!:fr« Calmes, Chiles, King, Allen, and Caldwell. The whole were formed Into two divisions, under Major Generals
w illian Henry and Joseph Deaha. W. T. Barry was appointed the governor's secretary, Thomas T. Barr judge advo-
, :ic scneral, and Doctor A. J. Mitchell hospital surgeon.
• The Portage Is a deep, sluggish st'cam. It rises in the Black Swamp, and flows between thirty and forty mile*.
litre is a nood harbor at Port Clinton.
' lllack Hoof was a famous Shnwnoese chief. He was born In Florida, and remembered his tribe moving from there
■ ' rcnnaylvanla and Ohio. He was promhient In tho fight against Braddock In I'M, and was In all the Indian wars
uiili the Americans In the Northwest toward the close of the last century, until the treaty of Greenville in liflS. Up to
: ilui lime he had been the bitter enemy of the white man ; afterward he remained falthftil to that treaty. Tecnmtha
■ tried to seduce him, bnt failed, and by his Influence he kept a greater portion of his tribe from joining tho British hi
I the War of ISI'2. He became the ally of the United States, bnt bodily Infirmity kept him f^om active service. In the in-
I lUnce of his fHeudsblp just mentioned, he simply brought his people to camp, and left younger chiefs to conduct them
I in the campaign.
Mm
IV. ^>-
ii 3.
640
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Army crosses Luke Erie. It lands wlihont Opposition. VeuKeniice of the Kcutncltiiuis iind Fenrs of I'roctor
and, and on tho 25tli they were upon the Middle Sister, an island containintf six or
seven acres. Upon that small space almost five thousand men were encamped. The
Kentuckians had left tlieir horses on the peninsula, and were acting as infanti-y.' The
elements were iavoring. There was a fresh hreeze from the south, and General Har-
rison and Commodore Perry sailed in the Ariel to reconnoitre the enemy at llaidcn
They acc<)ni|ilished their ohject fully and returned at sunset. Directions wore at
once given for the embarkation of the troops the next morning, and in a general or-
der issued that evening, the place and manner of landing, the arrangement of the
order of march, the attack on the foe, and other particulars, Avere prescribed with
gi'cat minuteness. It Avas believed that the (Mieniy would meet them at the laiuliiur.
place. This order was signed by E. P. (iaines, the adjutant general, and contaiiud
the following exhortation: "The genei'al entreats his bi-ave troops to remember tliat
they are the sons of sires whose fame is immortal ; that they are to fight for (ho ri"lits
of their insulted cotintry, while their opponents combat for the unjust pretension^ of
a master. Kentuckians! remember the Kiver liaisin ! but remember it o?*/y wliile
victory is suspended. The revenge of a soldier can not be gratified upon a fallen
enemy,"^
•> September, The filial embarkation took place on the morning of the 2Vth.'' Xo lovo-
1813. jjpj. ..xntumnal day ever dawned upon the earth. The sky was eloiulles-;,
the atmosphere balmy, and a gentle breeze from the southwest lightly rippled thi
waters. In sixteen armed vessels and almost one luindred boats that little ainuMvas
put aflo.at. All was in motion at nine o'clock, and as the great flotilla moved north-
ward toward the hostile shore, Harrison's stirring address was j-ead to the nun on
each vessel. From these Avent up a hearty shout of Ilamson and Victori/, and
then all moved on silently into the Detroit River. The sjiectacle was lieaiitil'iil and
sublime.
Hartley's Point, three or four miles below Amherstburg (Maiden), and opposite
the lower end of Bois lilanc Island, had been selected by Harrison and Perry ax the
landing-place. The debarkation took place at about tour o'clock, on a low, sandy
beach there, which stretched out in front of high sand-drifts, behind which it was be-
lieved the enemy lay concealed. The army landed in perfect battle order, the Ken-
tucky Volunteers on the right, the regulars on the U;ft, and Ball's Legion and th"
friendly Indians in the centre. But no enemy was there. I'roctor, who Avas in com-
mand at Maiden, taking counsel <»f Prudence and Fear,^ and contrary to the solemn
advice, earnest entreatie, and indignant remonstrances of his more coura<>eous broth-
er officer Tecumtha,"* had fled northward Avith his army, and all that he could take
' There were not vessels enough to transport tho horses with forage, and they were left behind. A .strong fence of
brnsh and fallen timber was constructed across the iathmii from near Port Clinton, a dLstance of not more tlian twn
miles, maliiug the whole peniiisnia an inclosnre for ilie horpet l-i pasture in. One of ever)- twenty Kcutuckinns wm
draft'-'d to form a guard for the horse?, and these were placed iimliT the command of Colonel Christopher Rife.
3 The terrible niiissacre at the River Fai.'^iii, and tho circnnif "i ccs attending it, inspired the Kentucliiimn with dim"-'
savage desires for -.cngcance. Quo "f their songs s'.ina; aiound camp-Hres recounted the cruellies of the Indians .hi.
the inhumanity of Proctor on that ■ tcasiou. The following if one of the slanzati :
Freemen 1 no lonaer bear snoh slaughters;
Avenge v . r country's cruel woe ;
ArnuBO, ami ■a\!^ yonr wives and dnughters !
• iv • Arouse, and smltr the faithless foe 1
• CuoBus.— Scalps ■ ro bought at stated prices,
Ma'i'eu pays the price in gold."
' Proctor, like the Kentuckians, rmembered the Ihrer Raimn, ami was afraid of fnlUng into f^ie hands of th"M vrhwe
eons and brothers had he 'n butchered a few months before by hii* iiermissloii. His scouts had peen tho Amcriiaii* mi
the Sandusky Penliisula, ■ i.il had reported their number ntji/tcni thmuaiid, at le.:st ten tbunsand nf whom weioKfc-
tuckiaiin buni'iig with revrnge. The fear of these cave tieetness to bis feet.
* The defeat and r.ipttire of the British sipitidron h.tn foolishly irniucaled f'om Tecumtha f'/f fear of itsd'raorali!-
Irg effect on his sa» il'c followers. The Iiidian leader waf thcrefoic gr»«tly astonislu li -.vhiin hii . Iisened Prnctor pre\i>T-
ing to flee. Re hnd l^"en delighted when the British veBsels went out to fight. He crossed ever to Bois BUni WunJ
to WBtcb the fln iiijH.irancf of them returning willi the vinqnishBd American siiuadron— an apparition which Pm-
tor's boastirt' made him believe would certainly be rv v, .led. lie was disappointed, bewildered, and perpleicil:
BUfi, with giiiii \i i.<>mcncc of manner, he addressed Proctor, saying,
"Father, I Men! Our fleet has gone out , we know th^.y have fought ; w. iiavB heard the great guM; bat wc iiiii"
BOU^ —
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
5-JT
;ar8 of I'roctot.
Tbe Americana |parK«n.
gaiMi lint we taw*
rilj^iha^ scornful Kebuke «f Proctor. The British and Indians fly toward tbe
with hini) leaving Fort Maiden, the navy buildingK. and tbe store-housea smoking
ruins. As the Americans approached the town, wita Goverwr Shelby in advance,
'hev met, not valiant Jiritissli regulars nor painted wavajjf^^but a ' roop of modest, well-
hcssed women, who came to implore mercy and protet-.ion. Tbt- kind-hearted vet-
eran soon calmed their fears. The army entered AmherstUurg with the bands play-
iiiiY Yaiiliee Boodle. The loyal iidiabitants had fUA w't" ' army. The ruins of
port Maiden, the dock-yard, and the public stores wer - ^ u]> iMfc^c volumes of
smoke. _ * _ _
Proctor had impi'essed into his service all the horwK of the itihabitants to facilitate
his fliffht, yet Harrison wrote courageou^i v to the S-cretary v*' War, on the evening
after his arrival at Amherstburg," sayhig, • I will pursue the «»emy to- • September 27,
morrow, although there is no probability '^4" overtakin)^ him, as he lias '*"*•
upward of a thousand horses, and we lia\«' not one in the army. I shall think my-
self fortunate to collect a sufficiency to nvmnt the general ofHcers." Only one, and
tiiitt a Canadian pony, was procured, and «»« that the venerable Shelby was mounted.
When Harrison's vanguard arrived at AuihrfTstburg, the rear-guard of the enemy
had not been gone an hour. Colonel Ball immediately sent an officer and twenty of
his cavalry after them, to prevent tli.m destroying the bridge over the Aux Canards,
or Ta-ron-tee. They had just fin . it when the Americans appeared. A single vol-
ley scattered the incendiaries, and the bridge was saved. The ne.\t morning Harri-
son's army, excepting a regiment of riflemen under Colonel Smith left at Amlierst-
burg, crossed it, and encanijx'd in tlie Petit Cote Settlement,' and at two o'clock on
the 29th they entered Sandwich. At the same time the American flotilla reached
Detroit; and on the, following day, Colonel Johnson and his mounted regim.'iit ar-
rived tlure. M'Arlhur, wil'i seven hundred eftective men, had already crossed over,
ihiven off a body of Indians who were hovering around the place, and retaken the
town. General Ilarrison had also declared the martial law enforced by Proctor at
an end, and the civil government of Michigan re-established, to the great joy of the
inhabitants.^
On the arrival of Johnson the general-in-chief sent on one of his aids-de-camp.
Captain 0. S. Todd,^ to order the colonel to cross immediately with his troops, for he
nothing of what has happened to our father with one ami tCriptain Barclay]. Our ships have Koiie one way, and we
aif much astonished to sec our lather tyiiiK up every thing, and jjreparing to run the other way, without letting his red
tliililrcn know what his intentions arc. You always told us to remain here and take care nf our Innds. You always
told ns you woalrt never draw your foot off British ground ; but now, father, wc see you arc drnxflng back, and we arc
(orry to fee our father doing no without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's conduct to a fat dog that
curries its tail upon its back, bat when alTrighted It drops it between Its legs and runs oft.
"Fatlier,li»tenl The Americans have not yet defeated us by land, neither arc we sure that thev have done so by
iialer; itelher^are loi'nA to remain hfrc nrA Jieiht onr eiicm;/, Hhould tlieii nuike thrir appcarawe. If tliev defeat us we ' i\\
iki mreat v'ith our father. . . . Youhii.o got the arms and ammunition which our groat father, the king, sent .'ui his
red fliildren. if yon have an Idea of going away, give tlicm to us, and you may go and w(>Iconie for us. Our lives are
in ihc hauda of the Great Spirit. We are determined to defend our lands, and. If It be his will, we wish to leave our
lune , upon them."
This speech was addressed to Proctor at a ronncil held on the ISth of September in one of the store-houses at Am-
hersthiirg. Its efle their feet, and brandished their tcunahawks In a men-
.itini; manner. Proctor had resolved to flee to the Niagara frontier, hut this demonstration maiie him hesitate. He
Snilly (luietcd Tecumtha and his followers by promising to fall back only to the Moravian Towns, on the Thames, and
ihere malte a stand. These were about half way between Amher.slburg and the outposts of tlie centre division of the
Wlish nrray, on the western borders of Lake Ontario. On the day of the conncll Prortor left Amherstburg with a large
ftiti'dii (if his r.irce. Mnjor Wurburlon remained, charged wltli destroying the public property on the appearance of
lie Aii:ericans. ■ See Maj) on jinge '.'«().
' iitfoi ^ the Americans landed, the joyons Inhabitants ran nj) the United States flag. They had suffered dreadfiilly.
Fornioiilhs thf insolent savagr-s had made tiicir dwellings (ice qu.utcrs. When they fled ; e Indians tired the fort.
TbeH.imc.i wore "i on extinguished.
' ilarriaon'j gallant aid-de-eamp, Charles Scott Todd, is yet [ISeT] 'Iving in his n..tlve state, Kentucky, where he was
l»ni oil the i'ia of January, 1701. I met him In W.ishington ('ity at near the close of ISdl, wher. he wa^ almost seven-
ivoiie years of agi;. llii mcnif.l and physical vigor seemed equal to those of most men at fifty, ile was there lO offer
Mfwnkc '« the field ted up the Thames.-
Proctor seems not to have expected pursuit by land, and the Americans found all
the bridges ov«'r the streams that fall into Lake St. Clair uninjiiieu. Harrison jiic's-tl
the maturity of sge." In May, 1113, he was commlpsloned a captain In the Vnltcd States army, and IlnrrlBoii nppoliiK!
him hie aid. His oonduct in llio campaign in the autnmn of that year was highly commendeil, cspecliiliy at llntanlt
on the Thames. He sui cecilcd Major HukiU as deputy Inspector general of tlie Klgluli Military l)i8tri< ■., and was .1(1;:
lant general of the district the followln'; year, when he served with General M'Arllmr with great accei)tnuce. Hi k-
came iusiwctor general in March, isift, with the rank of colonel, Imt left the army in .lune following ; and after tlie n j
Harrlsim said that "Colonel Toiiil was equal In bravery and superior in intelligence to any ofllrer of his raukio iht
army." He resumed hie prn^ lire of the law r.t Krnnkfort, where he married a daughter of Governor Sliclliy. He sooi I
became secretary of slate, tin n a meml)er of the Legislature, and was tlnally sent by President Monroe on a coniiiiemld ]
mission to Colombia, South .'.inerlca- His services there were very important. In the spring of lR4fl he assisted, liy rt-
iinesi, in the preparation o' a Mfe of General Harrison, and, as editor of a Cincinnati paper, he warnilv advocated fc
general's election to the iiiesidency. In the summer of 1841 he was appointed United Stales minister to Rufsia.mt j
served his eouiilry in that capacity to the perfect satisfaction of both governments. It was while he was there Ibatltt
portrait from whi'h the above likeness was talcen was painted. In private, as In public life, Colonel Todd is a miit'.
uf A Christian gentlvman.
' This consldornlile stream was called Im TVamhf by the French. It is sometimes called the Trait, but now Ukiic?!
only by the name of Thames. In the poetic epigraph to this chapter it is called Im Tranrhf.
' M'Afee (page I'Xl) says that when the American armv arrived at the mouth of the Thames, an eagle was »fcu h"-
ering over it. "Tliat," said Ilarri.wn, " is e presage of success." Perry, who had landed and was wtlli the goceral,
remarked that an eagle hovered over his squadron on ilie morning of the inth of SJcplcmbei.
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
649
* Octohfr,
1S13.
an ia the Thamo
in pursuit of
possiljk'. Hi,
iieral oSicers,
iitentiou, uH
mceniiiig the
ly two bciii"
in rear of tlic
,0 Long Toiiit,
iiij^ht make a
country, \m\
The luud vwiw
itod mon cross-
li on the evoii-
1 the
})ur-
M' Arthur and
) hohl Detroit;
lall's regiment
and ahont one
ihirs, JolmsonV
ich of Slii'Uiy's
as ■wore tit for
hes, the wliolc
u toward Clia'-
mped. GeiRMiil
llness to remain
lid.
some small v
)ing n|> Luke St.
1011 of his s(|uail'
|, nndor ("ajitaiii
the Caledonin :
adron appoiireii
, provihiims, anil
aving much tlie
h'lcans found all
iLirrisoupros^i'il !
Ind HiirrlBou a;)piiiiiieJ i
lcsi)ei'iiil!j' !it llii> iun't
ll)istrif.,iiiul«f nil;-;
Int (icceptancc. Hr K--
Iln(,'; aiidoftiTllicra
leer of his rauklnltii j
Irnor Sli<'ll>y. Ue » I
li)nrnn on a oontUtntid I
llR4nhens8i8'.cil,n,vrt-
warmlv ndvocaleil Ik
Inlnlstcr toRui-sia.ao'l
lolic wiiiillien'lhalllif I
iloncl Todd 1« a modt!
hreiO, but now is km" j
Ian eaijle wae m« li"'- 1
IwaBwUh lkgciier«l.|
Pursuit up the Thames^
A Halt at DolHen's.
The Amerlcau Truopu at Chatham,
forward rapidly along the good road by the boi'ders of the lake for twenty miles,
when seven British deserters informed him that Proctor, with seven hundred white
men and twelve hnndred Indians, was encamped at Dolsen's farm, ahont fifteen miles
from the mouth of the Thames, on its right or noi'thern bank, and fifty-six miles from
Detroit by water. This information stimulated the Aniericaiis to greater exertions,
I ^vlien they halted at night on the banks of the Kuscom, they had marched twen-
tv-tivc miles from Sandwich. At dawn the next morning the ])ursnit was renewed,
ind near the month of the Th.ime8 Johnson's regiment captured a lieutenant of dra-
,T(i(iiis and eleven privates, who had just commenced the destruction of a bridge over
■1 small tributary of the river. This was the first intimation to ILarrison that Proc-
tiir was aware of the pursuit. Tlie capture of this little party was considered r, good
, linen. The pursuit was continued, and that night the Americans encamped on Drake's
farm, on the lefl bank of the Thames, about four miles below Dolsen's. The iScoi-jnon,
commanded by the gallant Champlin, the Tigress, and the Porcupine., had followed
the army up tlie river as convoys to the transports, and to cover the passage of the
tiooiis over the mouths of the tributaries of the Thames, or of the river itself. At
this tioini the character of the stream and its banks changed. Below, the channel
«as hroad, the cur-
rent sluggish, and the .-::^lr^^
siiores were extended ; '
Hat prairies ; here the
country became hilly,
the banks high and
precipitous, the chan-
icl narrow, and the
c:rrent rapid. On
these accounts, and
hecausc of the expo-
-ure of the decks to
Iiiilian sharp-shooters
from the lofty wooded
hanks, it was conclud-
eil not to take the ves-
sels higher than Dol-
sen's, Perry now left
tl'.e vessels, ofl'ered his
services us volunteer
aid to General Harri-
son, and Joined the army In the exciting pursuit of the fugitives.
Harrison pressed forward on the morning of the 4th. Proctor fled up the Thames
iiom Dolscu'.-i, cursed by Tecumtha for his cowardice, to Chatham, two and a half
miles, where an impassable stream, called M'tiregor's Creek, flows into the Thames
hetween steep banks. There Proctor j)romised Tecumtha he would make a final
stand, " Here," he said on his arrival, " we will defeat Harrison or lay our bones."
Tliese words pleased the wavv',or, and he regarded the position as a most favorable
one. " When I look on these two streams," he said, "I shall think of the AV abash .md
the Tippecanoe." A l)riOL8EN*8,I
' The above skotrh if a vlow of Dolsen's lioii-3e, made whpii I visited the spot in the nntninri of 18(10. Il is a hewn
kif Mructnrc, and atands very near the rljjht or north haiiU nf ihc Thames. It Is aoout two miles and a half iiclow
Chatham. The owner snd resident there In isia, Isaai' Dolsen, Ksq., was then living in Chatham, but was absint at
Ihe llmc of my visit He was then about clRhty years of a^e. He and his brother .Tohn were natives of the Molinwi;
V«llpy, of Dutch desec't. On their return, after the battle some miles above, tlic Amerlcon army eniiimpell on the farm
iitJiihii,haira mi''' mcIow Isaac's. The Tlianies Is here sluggish, and about three hundred yard* wide.
m
4
650
rici^lffjetiL
flkirmiah 8t M'Onwor'a Mill.
DeM^»ili)t» aT Tiii p uMi,
Thy Brltl«fa nearly overtnk^
VUIW »1 JLUXIO.N op ,41: THAMES AKD H'OSEUOBB CREKK. >
^•'^?t£i«
wwre at each, to dispute the
pamugfc of the pursiKTs or
tbttir attempts to make re-
fairs. Two six-pound n\\.
iiTidi I thcflimitioiiof
,r^' VVood, soon drovi
tliOBii. /' 'omthf liridrr,
at ('WAtimuu and a dash nt
(V/lonel Jolinson and his
liorsemen upon the dusky
foe at M'Grejtor's also stu't
tliem flying after Proctor,
JohiiHon lost two men kill.
ed and six or Bcvcn wound-
ed, The Indians had thir-
teen killed and a larf'c
miinbor wounded.
Botli bridges were speed-
ily repaired, and the troops
were abowt Vr pns'h forw^ird, when Walk-in-tlie-water, the Wyandot chief ahc.iK
mentioned, who iw^ left tht- banner of
I'l'iH'tric Willi NJufy warriors, c/Mt\^ to Har-
rison anil i\\\'i'iit\ III loin )iis army condi-
tionally. The general iiad no I'liiir Ut treat
^♦H)) the Bavage, so ho told him tiitii St iw
\i'\\ '|'|i('limlliil he must 'vcepout oftlie way
ol'llie American army, f (<• ^id so, and re-
ttirned (ii the Detroit River.
Tlie enemy sjyread destrnclion in theii
flight. Near Cliatham 'ley Hred a hoiis'
containing almost a thonsand muskets.
The flames were (juenched and the arms
were saved. Half a mile flirther np the
river they burned one of their own ves-
sels laden with ordnance and military
stores; and o](posite Bowles's farm, where
Harrison mcamped, two more vessels and
a distillery, containing ordnance, naval and military stores, and other property ol';in;it
value, were in flames. The Americans secured two 24-pounders and a cpiautityot
shot and shell. Certain intelligence was received that the enemy were only a few
miles distant, and tlial night Harrison intrenclied his camp and set a double guard.
At midnight Proctcn- and Tecumtha reconnoitred the camp, but prudently refraineJ
from attacking it.
1 Tills sketch Is a view of the junction of tlie Thames and M'Gregor's Creek, from the i)re8eut bridge nt Challiani,
looking lip the river. The Thonies Is seen on the left, and M'are;{or's Creek on the right. The ujiper tern utidii of
ihc l)rl
11 tllL' (liiskv
ar's also sent
ftcr Proctnr.
,wo iiicn kill-
leven wouiul-
aiis had tliir-
iiid a lar!.'p
ded.
's wore speed-
lid the ti(Mi]i«
chief alreiiK
I quaiiliiy "f
've only a t'lvi
d:)iihle !iu:iril.
nilly n'fraiiicil
biidfre (it Chalham,
liper k'rr ' itii'U «f
ic« Is BCC'ii lh« com!-
;ini-l>i)Bti', under lt(
jtoii from Eliinliclh-
LdDkliijibcjomltk'
l)ullilinfr, meiili""'!
arthpr up the fWm
the oppodlwi''"'
srvc.
mtumnoflSW. The
llip Rtream virymir
liaded ravine, wUbi
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
HI
551
The fugitive BrltlBh and Indlniis discovered.
The chusen Battle-^rouud.
Tecumtba'a cbief Lleutenaut.
The Americans were in motion at dawn, the mounted lortimeuts in front, led by
reiH'Viil Harrison and his; staff. The Kentuckians, under Shelby, iV.Mowed. They soon
eai)tured two of the enemy's gun-boats and several bateaux, with army supplies and
iinmunition, and several prisoners. At nine o'clock they reached Arnold's Mill, at
the foot of rapids, where the Thames Avas fordable by horses. There Harrison de-
termined to cross the river and tbllow directly in the rear of Proctor. The mounted
men each took one of the infantry behind him, and at meridian, by this means and the
liatcaux the whole American army was on the north side of the Thames, and press-
,,, y„ viijrorously after the fugitives. Every where on the way evidences of the pre-
uitation of the retreat were seen in property abandoned.
\t two o'clock, when eight miles from the crossing place, the Americans discovered
e smouldering embers of the recently-occupied camp of the enemy's rear-guard, un-
,.r Colonel Warburton. It was evident that the fugitives were nearly overtaken.
(iilonol .Toiin«^*>n dasheil forward to gain intelligence. Within about three miles of
the .Moravian Town' he captuied a British wagoner, and from him learned that Proc-
lor had halted across the pathway of the pursuers, only three hundred yards farther
(,ii. Johnson, with ]\[ajor James Suggett and his spies, immediately advanced cau-
tiously, und found the enemy awaiting the arrival of the Americans in battle order,
lie obtained sufficient information resjiecting their position to enable General ITarri-
«\n and a council of officers, held on horseback, to determine the proper order for at-
t;nk. His force was now little more than three thousand in number, consisting of
one hundred and twenty regulars of the 27th Regiment, five brigades of Kentucky
mhinteers under Governor Shelby, and Colonel Johnson's regiment of mounted iii-
.iitry.
The ground chosen by the enemy to make a stand was M^ell selected. On his left
IS ('u ilivcr Thames, with a high and precipitous bank, and on his right a marsh
iintiiii(( ii\uiii:*l paralh I with the river for about two miles. Between these, and two
iml (hree iiiin;k1 liiy, and liidt'cd Mn *vhole spiu'c between river and the great swamp, was
iivered with beech, sugar-maple, and oak trees, with very little undergrowth. The
llrilisli regulais (a piirt of the Forty-tirst Kegiinent) were formed in two lines, be-
tween till' sm-dl swamp and the river, their artil' ly behig planted in the road near
iiebank of the stream. The Indians were postetl between the two swamps, where
lie undergrowth was thicker, their right, commanded by the brave Oshawahnah,'*
,; Chippewa ciiief, extending sciue distance along and just within the borders of the
larger niarsli, and so disposed as to easily flank Harrison's left. Their left, command-
' This village is in tiio townsliip of Oxford, Caiiiida West, on the right bank of the Thames. The settlers were In-
dians converted to Chrlstlnulty by the Moravians, who fled to Canada from the Muskingum, in Ohio, in 17'Jli. By an
order of the Provincial Council In IT'.tlt, a large tract of land, comprisin)» about ttfty thousand acres, was granted for
Itieir II6C, on which they proceeded to build a church and villace. The Rev. John Scott, of Bethlehem, ministered there
for some lime. At the period we are consldcrinjj; this Christian-Indian vllliijrc had nearly one hundred houses, mostly
well built. liiW.y of the Indians spoke Kn^jllsh. They had a scliool-houso and a chapol, and very rtne gardens. Village
aud crops were destroyed by the American troops. It havlni' '.,een allegod that eonic of the Indians iCsldIng there had
beoi' .'icmost In the massacre on the Raisin. In isao the Indians surrendered a large i)i)rtlon of their lands to tnc Ca-
ladian government, for an annuity of one hundred and tifty pounds Btcrlliig. The present Moravian Tov.u Is back from
ilic Thames, about a mile and a half from the original site.
' The likeness on the next page of this chief, Tccumtha's lleutenaut, or fecond in command, in the battle on the
Thames, is from a daguerreotype taken from life at Brantford, in Canada, in Seplcmher, ISTiS, and pre.«entcd lo mo by G.
11. M. .Iiihnson, chief of the Six Nations on the Orand River (see page i-n), in the summer of tSCO. Tlie old chief at-
tended a grand council of all the Indians in Canada, at Brantford, and was the guest of Mr. .lohnson. In tli" council ho
appeared with all .i s testimonials of bravery— his " stars and gartiMs"-ns scon in the picture. Arou -d his hat was a
filler l)au('. He also displayed a sliver go' .-et, medals, etc., a sash of bead-work, strings of wam|)uia, and an orna-
menteil tomahawk pipe, like the one on iiage -t'.'l. He was then about ninety years of age. He had been a famous war-
rior—the hero of tlfteeu battles. He was a mild-spoken, pleasant man, very vigorous in mind and body. lie was yet
'Iviiig in ISdl, the principal of seven or eight chiefs, on Walpole Island, In Lake St. Clair, opposite the town of Algomac,
Michigan, llfty miles above Detroit. Walpolp Island Is about ten miles in length. The Indians are Chippewas, I'otta-
■(atomies, and Oltawae. They were settled hero by the Indian Agent of lh« British government at the close of the War
"flite. They were placed in charge of a superintendent In is.ii). The number now (1S<)7) Is about one thousand.
■''VlrprluclpBl business Is huulirig In the country around the Canadian borders of Lake St. Clair.
552
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ilarrlson'ii Arrangcmciita fur Battle.
The British Llue of Battle.
OHUAWAU.NAll.
ed in person by Tecumtha, occupied
the isthmus, or narrowest point be-
tween the two swamps.
In the disposition of his army for
battle, General Harrison made arianrr,,.
raents for the horsemen to full bmi;
allow the infantry to make tlie attaik
and then charge upon the British lines.
For this puiijose General Cainus's
brigade, five hnndred strong, undir
Colonel Trotter,* was placed in the
front line, which extended from the
road on the right toward the greater
marsh. Parallel with these, one Imnd-
red and fifty yards hi the rear, was
(4eneral John E. King's brigade, and
in the rear of this was General David
(^hile's brigade, posted as a reserve.
These three brigades were under the
command of Major General Ileniv.
Two others (James Allen's and Cald-
well's^) and Simrall's regiment, form.
ing General Desha's^ division, vm
formed uj)on the left of the front line,
so as to hold the Indians in check ami
prevent a serious flank movement by them. At the crotchet ft)rmed by Desha's corps
and tlie front line of Henry's division (sec map on page 554), the venerable Gover-
nor Shelby, then sixty-six years of age, took his position. In front of all these was
Johnson's mounted regiment in two columns (one under the colonel, and the other
commanded by his brother James, the lieutenant colonel''), its riglit extendiiif; to
witliiirfifEy^yaitls of the road, and its left resting on the smaller swamp. A small
corps of regulars, under Colonel Paul, about one hundred and twenty in numl)or, were
posted between the road and the river for the purpose of advancing in concert with
some Indians imder the wooded bank, to attempt the capture of the enemy's cannon,
Tliese Indians, forty in number, were to stealthily gain the British rear, fire upmi
them, and give them the fearful impression that their own savage allies had turned
upon them. Tlie defection of Walk-in-the-water would be instantly remembered.
When every preparaticm for attack was completed. Major Wood, who had just
been reconnoitring the enemy's position, informed General Harrison that the British
lines were drawn up in open order. This information induced the general, contrary
1 George Trotter wns then licntenniit colonel. He was a captain In Simrall's regiment, and was lUstlngnlshcil nn!
womided in the action of Colonel Campbell at the Mississinlwa Towns in December, ISI'2. He was acting brlgailior
general in the battle on the Thames. lie was a native of Kentucky, and died at Lexington, in that state, on tlic 13th
of October, 1315.
' Samuel Caldwell was a distinguished Kentuckian. He was a major of Kentucky levies in 1T91, and diBtingiilfhed
himseli' with Wilkinson In the Wabash country in August of that year. lie was lieutemiut colonel commaudlii); vdlnn-
tecrs in the autumn of 1S12, and was in General Green Clay's brigade the following year. He was made brigadier geu-
erril of volunteers in August, ISl,'!, and r-> such comn-anded in the battle on the Thames.
' Jotepli ncsha was a descendant Mt'i Huguenot family. He was born In Western Pennsylvania in December, Ki'\
and emigrated to Kentucky, with his laaier, in 17S1. In 171)0 he settled permanently in Mason County, Kentuck.v. H
performed military service under Wayne in 17M and 'M, having, at the early age of fifteen, been engaged in coiillii;
with the Indians. He represented Mason County in the State Legislature, and In ISIO was "lioseu a member of Con-
gress, his only military service in the sVar of 1812 was under Harrison in the campaign in Canada. In lS241ie»a<
elected governor of Kentucky, and held the office four years. He then retired to private llfb. He died at OeorgcloMi,
Scott County, on the Uth of October, 1S42.
* The spirit of the Keutnckians who formed thot corps may bo Inferred by the fact that Lie itenant ColonelJamM
Johnson had with lilm his two sons, Kdwnrd P. and Willlnm, the one feventecn and the other only flftcsn yci.."8 of age.
James Johnson was a representative In Congress In 1S25 and '20. Ho died In August, 1820.
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
553
ChMgeofBattleOrder^
Battlo of the Thames.
Flight of Proctor.
to all precedent, to incur the peril of changing the prescribed mode of attack at 1
hst moment. Instead of having Henry'a division fall upon the British front, he
the
hst momeiii. insiuitu ui nuving nvmy a uiviBiuii liiii mjiMi iiiu uriiiHii jiuiii, iio Or-
dered Johnson to charge their line with his mounted riflemen.' That gallant oflicer
made immediate preparations for the bold movement, but found the space between
the river and the small swamp too limited for his men to act efliciently. In the ex-
ercise of discretion given him, he led his second battalion across the little swamp to
attack the Indian left, leaving the first battalion, under his brother James and Major
Payne, to fall upon the British regulars. The latter were immediately formed in four
columns of double files, with Major Suggett and his two hundred spies in front. Col-
onel Johnson formed the second battalion in t wo columns, in front of Shelby, with a
company of footmen before him, the right column being headed by himself, and the
l(>ft by Major David Thompson. Harrison, accompanied by Acting Adjutant Gen-
oral Butler,^ Commodore Perry, and General Cass, took position on the extreme right,
near the bank of the river, where he could observe and direct all movements.
A bii"'lc sounded, and the Americans immediately moved forward with coolness
and precision in the prescribed order,
amoni? huge trees, some undergrowth, and
over fallen timber. They were compelled
to move slowly. When at some distance
i'rom the front line of the British regulais,
the latter opened a severe fire. The horses
ut'the mounted Keiituckians were frighten-
ed recoiled, and produced some confusion
at the head of the columns. Before order
was restored, anotlicr volley came from the
enemy. With a tremendous shout the
American cavalry now boldly dashed upon
the British line, broke it, and scattered it
in all directions. The second line, thirty
|i;ices in the roar, was broken and confused
in tlic same way. The horsemen now
wlieeled right and left, and poured a de-
stnictive fire upon the rear of the broken
coinmns. The terrified foe surrendered as fast as they could throw down their arms,
and in less than five minutes after the first shot of the battle Avas fired, the whole
British force, more than eight hundn d strong, were totally vanquished, and most of
thiin made prisoners. Only about fifty men and a single officer (Lieutenant Bullock),
nt'thc Forty-first Regiment, escaped. Proctor fled in his carriage, with his personal
^lafl; a few dragoons, and some mounted Indians, hotly pursued by a part of John-
son's corps under Major Payne.
" When Proctor anw lost wns the day,
He fled La Tranche's plain ;
A carriage bore the chief away,
Who ne'er rctunied again."— Old Sono.
Tlie battle on the right was over before the advancing, columns of General Henry
were fairly mi sight of the combatants.
When the bugle sounded for attack on the right, the notes of another on the left
rang out on the clear autumn air. Colonel Johnson and the second battalion of his
VIEW O.N THE TUA.ME8-'
1 The measure," said General Harrison, in his report to the Secretary of War on the «th of October, " was not sanc-
tlonodby any thing that I had seen or heard of, but 1 was fully convinced that it would succeed. The American back-
woodsmen ride better in the woods than any other people. A mnsket or rifle is no impediment, they being accustomed
tocirryliip; Ihoni on horseback from their earliest youth. I was ijersuaded, too, that the enemy would be qiUte unpre-
pirort for the shock, and that they conld not resist it."
'Weehall meet Adjutant Robert Butler hereafter in the battle of Now Orleang.
'Thl8Ylo-.v ia from the road-side, on the hieh rive- l)ank, at the point where the British left rested on the Tliames,
ana a few rods from the residence occupied by Mr. Wa ts.
! »
ill
'1 1 1
■
i! j i;
• \; ill
!f 11
!'■ ■'
li||'
i 'Wi
:iiil
554
nCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Contest with tho Iiidiiius.
The Fight n flerco one.
The 8Bv»){e» Attuiti.
troops moved against the Indians almost simultaneously with the attack on the Brit-
ish line. The savages, under the immediate command of Tecumtha, reserved tlieir
fire until the Americans were Avitliin a few paces of them, when tliey hurled a ninsf
deadly shower of bullets upon tiiem, prostrating a greater i)ortiou of the vanifuard
or forlorn hope, and wounding Colonel Johnson very severely.
"Sudden, from tree and tliickct srecn,
From trunk, nud mound, nnd 'junhy screen,
Hharp llghtiiin<{ flashed with in>>tunt sbeeu,
A tbousiuid death-bolts sung 1
Like ripcu'd fruit before the blast.
Rider and horse to earth were cast,
Its miry roots among ;
Then wild, as If that earth were riven.
And, poured beneath the cope of heaven,
All bell to upper air was given,
One fearful whoop was rung ;
And, bounding each from covert forth.
Burst ou their front the demon birth."
The branches of the trees and the undergrowth in this part of the field were too
thick to allow the mounted riflemen to do much service on horseback. PeiceiviiKr
this, Johnson ordered them to dismount, and carry on the conflict on foot at close
\
rtOMPSCv""' ''■'■'• - ■ '/ ..
Cs J-' -' S) PIS llj ItBRITISHAtia * ^.
-5^ .' Jl ^ Us II II WDIANS
1UTT1.E OV THE THAMES.
quarters. For seven or eight minutes the battle raged furiously, and there were
many hand-to-hand fights between the Rentuckians and savages, Avhile the foniifv
raised the fearful cry, at times, " Kemember the River liaisin !" Victory was poiseil
for a while. Perceiving this, Shelby ordered Lieutenant Colonel John Donaldson's
regiment to the support of Johnson, and directed General King to press forward to
the front with his brigade. The Indians had already recoiled from the shock ot'tlu
Kentucky rifles, and only a part of Donaldson's regiment participated in tl-e fiirlit.
Tlie savrges fled, and a scattering, running fire was kept up for some time aloMg tin
swamp in front of Desha's division, and by the fugitives pursued by Major Tiiomp^ra
and his men. Other movements were ordered by Governor Shelby, but the Iiuliaiis
had given up the contest, and the battle was over before they could be efi'ected. Tlie
«v
OF THE WAR OF 181:
655
IlKjpe of Proctor.
Death ofTecumttaa.
Who killed Tecnmthar
amp,
and
paf an allies of the British scattered througli the forest in rear of the greater sw:
wliilt' Proctor and his few followers were tlyinj; like hunted doer before Payne
Ills horsciiieii, who imrsncd hiiu fur beyond tlie Moravian Town, killing sonic Indians,
(•■ii)tiiiiii'4 some ])risoners, and securing valuable s))()ils. Among the latter were six
brass cinnion, three of wiiieii were taken from the Jiritisli in tlie War of the Uevolu-
ijon and were retaken from Hull at Detroit. Majors John Payne, E. D.Wood, ('.
S Todil John Chambers, and A. L. Langham, and Lieutenants Seroggin and Hell,
with three )irivatC8, continued the pursuit of the fugitive general until dark, bub could
not overtake him. lie abandoned his carriage, left the road, and escajied by some
liv-nath. Within twenty-four hours he was sixty-tive miles from the battii uround !
liis carriage, sword, and valuable papers were captured by Major Wood.' and the
party returned to i\[oravian Town, taking with them sixty-three prisonei -. They
t'ouiid the little village deserted. So panic-stricken were some of the women that,
when they left, being unable to carry tlieir children in their flight, they threw tliem
into the Thames to prevent their being butcheri'd by the Americans I^
The loss in this short, sharp, and decisive battle was not large. The exact nundicr
was not ascertained. That of the Americans was ])robably about fifteen killed and
thirty wounded. The British lost about eighteen killed, twenty-six wounded, and six
hnnilred made prisoners; of these, twenty-five were officers. Harrison estimated the
;,uml>er of small-arms taken from the enemy during the pursuit and the battle, with
those destroyed by them, at more than five tliousand, nearly all of Avhich had been
captnred from the Americans at Detroit, Frenchtown, and Dudley's defeat on the
Mauince. The Indians left thirty-three of tlieir dead on the field. How many they
lost by death and wounds in the contest was never ascertained. Tecumtha, their
irroat leader, and really great and noble man, all things considered, was among the
slain. He Avas much superior to Proctor in manhood, military genius, and courage,
nml is wortliy to be remembered witli jirofoiind respect. He was killed early in the
action, while ins})iriting his men by words and deeds. Tradition and History relate
that he had just wounded Colonel Jolinson with a rifle-bullet, and was springing for-
ward to dispatcli him \a ith his tomahawk, wlicn that oflicer drew a pistol from his
licit and shot the Indian through the head.
" The moment was feiuful ; n mij,'litier foe
Ilml ne'er swung his battle-nxc o'er him ;
But hope nerved his urm for ii ilciipernte blow,
And Tcciimthn fell prostrnle before him.
Ifc fought In defense of his kindred and king,
With a spirit most loving and loyal,
And long shall the Indian warrior "ijig
The deeds of Tecumtlia the roj-al."
The statement of tradition and history has been made in enduring marble by the
sculptor on Johnson's monument in the cemetery at Frankfort, Kentucky.^ It has
hoen questioned, and positively denied , and during the political campaign when
Johnson was a candidate for the chair of Vice-President of the United States, the
(|ucstion caustid much warm discussion. Johnson, it is said, never affirmed or denied
the story. He killed an Indian under the circumstances and in the manner just re-
lated, on the spot where two red warriors, stripped naked, were found after the bat-
ik, one of whom it was believed was Tecumtha.''
' In « letter to the author, Captain Stanton Sholes (see page 641), who was in the battle of the Thames, says, " I had
« very pleasant ride back to Detroit in Proctor's beautiful carriage. I found in it a hat, a sword, and a trunk. The
l.ittcr contained many letters, mostly written in the handsomest writing I ever saw, by Proctor's wife to her 'dear
Henry.'"
' "I had this fact," says Samuel R. Brown, in his Vieica on Lake Erie, page 63, " from an American gentleman who was
It C^ford when Proctor and vhe Indians passed through there. The squaws were lamenting the loss of their children."
' Sec page 4!>«.
• Tlio solution of the question, "Who killed Tecumtha V" is of no historic Importance, yet. It having been the subject
otmiich discussion, a few facts bearing upon It may be appropriately Introduced here. Thi se facts liavc been drawn
fhleliy from a very i;,fere8ting written communication made to me in January, 1S(11, by Dr. Samuel Theobald, who was
Johusou'a judge advocate, and with him in the battle. When Dr. Theobald (see a sketch of him in note 2, page 560)
:f
•il
i ; : !;(,
iiMI
650
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Tho (ittllaulry urciohiuci Jiilinaoii In the BiUtlc.
Ills WonndB.
Hamuei ThK,*
JuhuHon bcliiivod most t;alluiitly in tli,
action. He was niouiitcd on a wliito nony
that his Horvant had riihh-ii, liis own hor/f
having bei-ii disabloil. Tills maik' hini a
conspicuotis mark for the enemy. At the
sound of the bugle ciiargc he (hislicd for.
ward at the head of Jiis Forlorn Hone, and nt.
tacked the Indian left, where Tecunitlia \v;i<
stationed.' The first volley of bullets fmin
the foe wounded lilni in the hip and tlii,rl|
He almost innnediately received anoilu'iliiil.
let in his hand from the Indian that he shot
which traversed his arm for some distance
Ho was disabled, and said to Dr. Tlicoliald -•
one of his start", who was dismounted anil
fighting near him, " I am severely woundiil'
where shall I go ?" " Follow me," answcml
Theobald. lie did not know where to find
the surgeon of the regiment, so he led him
across the smaller swamp to the road, aiil
about three Imndred rods in the roar, to llic
stand of Dr. j\Iit(dudl, (4overnor Shelby's sur-
geon g''neral. The colonel, fahit with the
loss of blood, was taken from his horse, when
the little animal, having performed its duty to the last, fell dead, having Iteen wound-
ed in seven places. Theobald ran to the Thames for water, which revived the colo-
nel. His woimds were dressed, and he was conveyed to a vessel a few miles below,
WTote to mo lie wns residing near Grecnvlllp, WashltiKton Connty, Mleslsslppl. lie snys that, early in the cnmpilL'n.
Johnson organized a small corps, composed of the Btaff of his regiment, which he denominated the Forlorn Ilnpc. |;
was designed to accompany him immediately in the event of a hattlc. One of these was the venerahle Colonel William
Whitely, who had been dIstinfinlBhed In conflicts with the Indians In the early years of scttloments In Kenlucky.aml
then over seventy years of age. lie had volunteered as n j)rivate In Captain Davidson's company. The others who
composed the Forloni Hope, and charged upon the enemy at the o))cnlng of the battle, were Benjamin S, C'linmlh ■■
Robert Payne (a nephew of t^olonel Johnson), Joseph Taylor, William Webb, Garrett Wall, Ell Sliort, and Dr. S. Tli.
bald. Whitely was lillled, and was found lying near the two Indians mentioned In the text by Theobald and Wall,
after th(' battle. They found th« Iwdies of the two Indians lying a little way apart. On the following moriilnsthf
news spread that the body of Tecnmtha had been found. One of the Indians alluded to was designated as the fiilloi
chief. Theobald felt a desire to identify the 1)ody of the chief, and took Anthony Shnnc', a half-breed Shnwnoese, who
knew Tecuintlia well, to view it. The body was entirely naked, and several strips of skin had been taken frum Iho
thighs l)y some of the Kentucklans, who had reason to renuvilier the River Itdwin, and, as I was informed by a soliliw
who was In the battle, these strips were used for making razor-strops I Shane did not recognize the body as thnt of Te-
cnmtha. The late Colonel John Johnston, of Dayton, Ohio, who, as Indian agent, often employed Shane, informcil mf
that he told him that Tecnmtha once had his thigh-bone broken, and that a sort of ridge had been formed around the
fracture that might he easily felt. No such ridge was observed in the thigh of the Indian claimed to lie Tecnmiha,
found on the ground where the charge of the Forlorn Hope was made and Johnson was wounded. Dr. Theobnld far-
ther infoi-ms me that his friend, ( aptaln Benjamin Wartleld, commander of a company in Johnson's regiment, tdid hiia
that he was directed to search the l)attle-fleld for wounded soldiers. He found a British soldier, named Clarke, lyii;
there mortally wounded. He was the Indian interpreter for I'roctor, and asserted positively thatTecutntha vimi kiileil,
and his body was carried off by the Indians. I have since been Informed by Colonel C. H. Todd, one of Hnrripon's iiid<
at that time iv
sippi. His ancestors, paternal and maternal, were Kentucky pioneers. His younger brotlier, James, was with him in
the battle of the Tliames, and another brother, Thomas 8., was in tho military service on the frontier for twelve months
as a lieutenant of rangers.
-^fii^lllNFH'
m
OP THE WAlt OF 18ia,
507
muel ThaolMlii.
itly ill the
ivlliU' jioiiy
own horse
iiile liini !i
ly. At tlic
(luHhed for-
loiii',iui(lat-
I'llllltllll \VIIS
l)iilli'ts tVum
) iiml llii^li.
jviidtlu'vlnil-
lial lie slint,
ni' (listancc.
r. Tlu'oliald,-
lountcd, and
ly Wdiindfil;
e," aiiswcrfil
■lu'iv to find
) he led him
he road, and
I' roar, to tin-
SliplliyV sur-
hit with the
s horse, when
been wound-
ivcd the colo-
• miles hclow,
r in till! cnmiialini.
FdrWirn Uiipi'. It
lie I'oloiiclWillijra
n in Ki'iiliiiky, oiiil
. The others who
nmiii S, (.'hnraher?,
rt, mid Dr. S. Tliw-
heolwlil ami Wall,
iwiiiK moriiliis till'
iiateil as the fall™
;il Shii\vnncsi\\vli.i
en tiiliPii from thf
irnu'il by a folilifr
body as that (if Ti-
iluiiie, iiiformcii nv
formed around Ite
1(1 to lie TecnralliJ,
Dr. Theobald far-
■('•.:impnt, t(ddW'n
iiiiodrlarkp, lyiiii-
cmiilba waskilM,
f Harrison's aiils
I at that battle, anil
lonel JoliuBon may
d Kentuckians, was
US took his posllioii
ctwccn hini>elf anil
it Uiid told him Ibat
jiht here, or feel Ht
of his white troop!
I. Hewa?"?rBdn-
,iC for twenty years.
• Greenville, Miffif-
iCB, was with hlni in
ir for twelve months
johiuoii cMVcyad Honi«wanl. Rejolclnsi bacauie of the Victory. Ilnrrlnou nuil I'nictur propwly rcnrudad.
under charge of Captain CImnipliii, of the Scorpion, whieh that gallant ofHcer ha«l
eaptiiied from the Mritinh. In that vesHcl lie wsis conveyed to the Sroipiou, at Dol-
peiiV and in her to Detroit. There he reinaiiied a short time, and then, with iiiiuh
Mitterinii, li" made his way honn waril.' lie reaehed Frankfort early in N^
Photographic
Sciences
Coipordtion
33 WeST MAIN STRiPT
WeBSTIR.N.Y. I4SS0
(n6)«72-4S03
^^■^
^\.
^
^47
i
mmmms
III
I
I
668
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Proctor's PuulBbment considered too mild by the Prince Regent.
The Remnant of Proctor's Arniy
TUK BARBI80N MEnAI,,
time of the battle. He was sentenced lo be " publicly reprimanded, and suspended
from rank and pay for six months." So notorious was the fact of his cowardly aban-
donment of his army at the very beginning of the battle that the Prince liegent se-
TIfF. BlIELnV UEnAI..
verely reprimanded the court for its " mistaken leniency," expressed his " regret that
any officer of the length of service and the exalted rank" attained by General Proc-
tor " should be so extremely wanting in professional knowledge, and deficient in
those active, energetic qualities which must be required of every officer," and that
the charges and finding of the court should "l)e entered in the general order-book,
and x-ead at the head of every regiment in his majesty's service." General Proctor
is represented as a stout, thick-set, fine-looking man. He died in Liverpool in 1858
or 1859.
The few British regulars and militia who escaped after the battle of the 5th of
October fled in confusion through an almost unbroken wilderness toward Lake On-
tario. They rendezvoused at Ancaster, seven miles westward of Hamilton and tin'
head of the lake, on the 17th, when their numbers, inclusive of seventeen officers,
amounted to two hundred and fifty-six. Their flight spread consternation ove- all
that region.
The victory in itself and its subsequent effects was raoat complete. It broke u]>
the Indian confcdci'acy of the Northwest, and caused the disheartened warriore to
OF THE WAB OF 1812.
559
Effects of the Victories of Perry and Harrison.
Disposition of thn Troops.
A Jonrney to the Thame:<.
forsake their wliite allies, and sue Immbly for peace and pardon at the feet of the
Americans. Their very personal existence compelled them to endure this humilia-
tion. The winter was approaching, and ihey and their families were destitute of
provisions and clothing, without tlie means of procuring either. Their prayers were
heard and heeded ^ and those whom they had fought against at the instigation of a
professed Christian government, became tlieir saviors from the deadly fongs of hun-
ave3 of the slain. From a corn-field between the smaller and larger swamps, near
the spot where Johnson and Tecumtha met, I made a sketch of the battle-field.
)i
•
''^'mw-
THAMES UATTI.E-fiUOU.Nll.'
Around us were golden pumpkins and wealthy shocks of Indian com, and in the re-
tiiitly-cleared field, where the small swamp loy, cattle were quietly grazing on the
frost-nipped grass. It is an attractive spot for the historical student, and our visit
was an item in the fulfillment of the poet's prophecy, that
"Oft to La Tranche's battle-fleM
In future times ehnll traveler come,
To mute reflection's power to yield,
And gaze on lowly warriors' tomb.
'Here,' shall he eaj-, 'our soldiers stood ;
There were the Indians' unraerons host;
Here flowed the gallant Johnson's blood ;
There died the Shawnoean boast.' "
We intended to visit the Moravian town,^ but, after sketching the battlc-grormd,
and the little view of the Thames printed on page 553, the day was so fiir spent that
w ft'lt compelled to turn back toward Tecumseh, where we partook of refreshments,
ami at twilight started on our return to Chatham. We arrived at the " Royal Ex-
change" at nine in the evening, cold and weary, but full of satisfaction.
Before sunrise on the following morning I sketched the view at the mouth of
M'Gregor's Creek, printed on page 550, and after an early breakfa-st, again accompa-
■ In this sketch the spectator Is looking southward, toward the Thames. Its line is marked by the distant trees. The
leoM Men along the edge of those trees Indicates the position of the road hat leads to Detroit, across which stood
Proctor's regulars, and on which were his cannon. The line of Proctor's aim ' was north and south, across the upper
tkt ofihe Fmaller swamp, near where the cattle are seen.
' 1 WM Informetl that the Sloraviaus there were all Indians except their mini iter, the Rev. Mr. Vogler. There were
I'lOUt Wty families, mostly Delawares, and descendants of the e.irly settlers. E ich family had a plank house and forty
icrw of land, famished by the government. The houses appeared very mnrn like those of the pensioners at Am-
kffftbmg, mentioned on page 290. They had a neat church. Some of the ' .a honses of the orieinal town, a mile and a
hi'f from the present village, not destroyed in !>!.'!, were yet standing. The chief or military leader of the Indians
itu Philip Jacobs, who lived ou the site of the old town. He was abou sixty years of age at the time of my visit.
ria
■nit
.llifjjii 1^
m i
It*
iJMfM
: a fit . TTfl
562
riCTOllIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dolsen'a.
Journey eastward.
Harrison on the Northern Frontier
nied by the courteous Mr. Miller, crossed the river, and rode down to Dolscn's to pro-
cure a drawing of his residence, made famous by the ave.its of the campaign of Har-
rison against Proctor, We returned in time for myself and party to take the cars for
the East at half past nine o'clock. We passed through London (a flouri8hin<» town
of about seven thousand inhabitants, pleasantly situated at the confluence of the north
and east branches of the Thames) at noon, and arrived at Paris, forty-seven miles far-
ther eastward, in time for dinner. There we left the railway, and traveled in a pri-
vate carriage to Norwichville, twenty-five miles southward, where we were received
at twilight by relati.es — descendants of tie first settlers of that region, who built
log huts, and felled the primeval forest there only a little more than fifty years a M'Arlhur was then In attendance as n witness npon the court-martial for the trial of Brigadier General Hull. See
page 234.
■
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
663
rthern Frontier.
Treatment of Harrison by the Secretary of War.
Harrison leaves *be Army.
A Journey In Ohio.
fl-i ' Harrison's prerogatives as commander-in-cliiof of the Eighth Militaiy District,
This coilin is quite shallow, nudmoro like the hollowed platform of a scaffolding. It bears evidence of lmvlii"licoi
liollowcd by the processes employed by The coffin, when found, was in a cui'
the aborigines when liuropeans first vis- >^--7>> MBife>t cavity of earth lined with clay mn(l» m
Ited America, namely, by lire and stone ^. \l,l .^^HkI pcrvlonn to water. It lay In water twelve
axes. With these they felled trees and l^s^ ^^^^^^ Inches in depth, resting npou seven niece,
hollowed out logs for canoes. They first K|^S .^HH^^V "f ^^all timber, these resting npoii tm
bnrnt the timber, and then removed the ^ pg Wfc ^^^^^^fc\ larger p'eccs, as seen in the above >ketcli
charred part with the blunt stone axe, for ^gej ^HIHi^to^ These, like the coffin, wore coninleteiv
these could not be made sharp euongh to JPK^ g-: - ^^T " water-sogged." The coffin was lined
ci't.andondnrc. These processes were re- ^^^^^^§^^S| with a faliric resembling old carne-in'
pcated until the requisite depth was ob- 9-^^- JM. ^^^SS^^ go fragile that it ernmblcd at the fliOu-
taiued. Kvery part of the Iiollowed por- S,^_^ ^^^^^^ est touch. On this the body of thc'de-
tiouH of the ancient coffin tliat I saw bore btone axes. ceased had been laid ; and thereon wa.
clear marks of these operations. found the skeleton 'n fragments, lock- ol
beautiful black hair, and ten copper rings lying near where the hands might have been folded over the breast. The
whole were Imbedded in clay, over which was an arch of small and large stones. Over this was a mound ofclav, mak-
mg the whole structure inclosing the coffin about seven feet in height. The remainder of the pyramid was cnmpnwd
of stone. These the State of Ohio purchased for constructing the " Licking Summit Reservoir" for the use of the Oliin
Canal, and removed about fifty thousand wagon-loads. The sepuichrc was found when these stones were removed, acd
was explored by Mr. Wyrick. The clay was brought ft-om u distance, for there is none like it in the vicinity.
The annexed diagram, kindly drawn for tne by Mr,
Wyrick, shows a sectional view of the clay mounds, ite
email stone arch, and the position of the coffin. A the I'p-
per part of tho clay mound, and B the lower portion. In
these the open dots indicate the places where it was evi-
dent timbers had been placed, and had rotted away. C
the arch of stone, 1111 Indicating two layers of small
stones from six to ten inches in diameter, and 2 a layer
of broad flat stones. D the coffin and skeleton, and E the
conc.ivlty filled with water, in which they rested. The clay
had evidently been formed into a kind of mort.-r, and ffa<
as hard as sun-dried brick. The pyramid was on an en-
Inence seven miles south of Newark, and five hundred feet above the level of any stream of water near.
a The cavity in which Mr. Wyrick found this stone was about twenty feet in circumference, and nbont two feet in
depth at the centre. When he had excavated through dark and rich alluvium about fourteen inches, he came to alighl-
er soil of a clayey nature, in which were pebbles. One of these, of oblong form, composed of reddish quartz, tirst at-
tracted his attention. Soon afterward he found the inscribed stone Imbedded in the "ilay. Gentlemen of learning ei-
nmined it, and proved the letters to be obsolete Hebrnic. The Reverend J. W. M'Carty, of Newark, a Hebrew ffholar,
translated the words on three of the four sides as follows : "Hnli/ of HhHok ;" " 7'he \y'ord u/ tlie Imw ;" and " The Wh)
cf the Lnrd." At a meeting of some of the leading citizens of Newark, held at the Court-house about two months afte:
my visit there, to consider tho character and the circumstances of tho finding of the " Boly Stone," General Dllle pre-
elded, and Mr. M'Carty gave au interesting account of the whole matter. It was stated that only four or five of itc
SECTIONAL VIEW OK THE PVnAMII).
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
665
Bcrlbed Stonei.
ortkm of a
lo;^, t'omiil
yramid tor-
ue Imiiilnd
r,evi(k'utly
.lit of metal-
t envious of
llclji-ow lot-
cd. The let-
\v) arc neatly
or what prac-
}, may forever
Mice ofhavinslicfii
iiind, was in a cm;-
with clay inail^ iiii-
t lay in water twoU\
pg upon eevcn piece-
resting upon two
the aliove fkcick,
were coraplelciy
coffin was liueil
Jinij old carpciin:,
;nl)lo(l at the fli:lit-
the body of the ic-
and thereon «i-
fraiimcnts, locks "1
. . . the breast. Ttt
monnd of clay, mak-
■amid was compnH-fl
the use ot the Ohio
were removed, aul
vicinity.
■n for mc by Mr.
jC clay moumls, Ibe
he coffin. A the cp-
lower portion. In
_'8 where it was cvi-
lad rotted away. C
two layers otsmali
nc^cr, and 2 a layer
skeleton, and E the
jey rested. The clay
dofmorfr.onilffa'
imid was on an ck-
near,
nd nhont two feet in
s, hecametoallghi-
Jdish quartz, tirst at.
emeu of learning «•
■k, a Hebrew Bcholar,
'10 ;" and'Tftf"*'
out two months o(te:
General Dille !«■
ly four or five of ttc
An ancient stone Box and Its Contcntn.
An Immense niicieut Enrth-work neur Newark visited and described.
Early the following momiiiEf, ftccompanicd by my young friend, I visited the " Old
Fort " i'** t''*^ i)eoi)le there call one of the most nia^nificunt of the ancient earth-works
that abound in that section of Ohio. It is a mile and a half from Newark, in the
miilst f * ''' pi'i'iicval forest, and forms a pleasant resort in fiummer. It is composed
of a continuous mound, that sweeps in a perfect circle a mile in circumference, broken
only )iy the entrance to it, wliero the banks, higher than any where else, turn outward
foi'tifty feet or more, and form a magnificent gateway. The embankment averages
QUKAT EABTll-HdKK NKAU MKU'ABK.
from fifteen to twenty feet in height, and is covered with maple, beech, and hickory
trees of every size, from the huge Anak of the forest to the lithe sapling — the formei*
indicating the origin of the strncturc to be far more remote than the atlvent of Euro-
iicaas in the New World. These also cover the area inclosed by the mound. The
ditch from which the earth was thrown is within the embankment, and is visible
around the entire line of the work, proving it not to have been a fortification. Li the
centre of the area (which is perfectly level) is a slight elevation, in the form of a
sprcau eagle, covering many yards, and is called the Eagle Mound.'
char.ictcrs correspond to those now In use In the Hebrew books, but these furnished a key to the translation. It had al-
ready been stated by a gentleman familiar Mth the history and practice of the Freemasons, and who was a member of the
fraternity, that the stone was of the kind used by masons of a certain grade in the East soon after the b-iilding of the
lirit temple by Solomon. It has in their system, he said, a well-known meaning, its principal use In ancient times be-
ins for deposit beneath whatever structure the master mason might superintend. This symbol, he said, was uot nec-
osrarily furnished with inscripticms, but masons entitled to use It might put buch sentences upon i* as that one has. It
would be placed In the northeastern part of the foundation, and if it stood on Its point would Indicate that something
more was deposited beneath. If it lay on Its broadest face, the point ir small end would indicate the direction where
clhor deposits would be found. These, If found, would disclose facts connected with the building. Was uot the cavity
in which the stone was found the foundation of a structure never erected f
A few weeks subsequent to my visit, Mr. Wyrick found, in one of the mounds in that vicinity, a stone box, nearly
eis'-shaped, the two halves fitting together by a joint whi"'. runs around the stone lengthwise. Within this box was a
stone seven inches long and three wide, ou a smooth surface of which Is a figure, in dan relief, well cut, and surrounded
by characters thus described by the Rev. Mr. M'Carty : "The words over the head of the human figure contain three
letters. Two of them are Hebrew, Sheir and He (or Heth). The third I Inferred to be 3fpm— a conjecture most readily
suggested by its form, It being exactly that of the old Gaelic Muin (M), and afterward fully borne ont by Its always an-
swering thereto. This gave tlie word Mosheh (Moses) or MesMach (Messiah)." Of the characters Mr. M'Carty said " some
looked like the Hebrew coin character, some like the Phffiulcian alphabet, a few bore resemblance to those on the Grave
Creek stone,* and some I could not Identify with any known alphabet." He at last found that the language was really
Hebrew, much like that found In the Bibles of the Gennan Jews, and, after great and patient labor, he discovered that
tlie whole constituted an abridged form of the Ten Commandments.
This is uot the place, nor has the writer the knowledge requisite for a discussion of the matter. I have simply stated
the curious facts— facts well worthy of the earnest Investigation of archieologists, for they raise the ethnological and
historical question whether the mound-bui'ders of this continent were of Asiatic origin, c .• were related to the Indian
tribes whose remnants still exist.
' Other mounds In this vicinity are In the shape of animals. One of the most curious and extensive of these is about
four miles from Newark, on the road to Granville. It Is in the shape of a lizard, and covers the whole summit of a hill.
Its dimensions, in feet, are aa follows : Length of the head and neck, 32 ; of the body, 73 ; of the tall, 105 : width from
the ends of the fore feet over the shoulders, 100 ; l^om the ends of the hliid feet over the hips, !)2 ; between tlie legs,
across the body, 82 ; across the tall, close to the body, IS ; height at the highest point, 7 ; whole length, 210. It appears
lobe mainly composed of clay, and Is overgrown with grass. Visitors have made a path from the nose, along the back,
to wliere the tall begins to curl, at which point stands a large black walnut-tree.— See Howe's Historical ColUxtions of
Ohio, page 298.
' A small stone tablet, fonnd in a large mound near Grave Creek, In the vicinity of Winchester, Virginia, having an
inscription in cuneiform characters like the anclcut Phoenician.
f,- 1 , '
wm\
1
)
!■!
I
\
■iw'
1
1 1
1
iH'
A
'
\
st'- -i^j
oiid
I'ICTOUIAL ilELU-BOOK
TbuoKbti coucuruluK the Muund-biiilden.
City of CiilumbUH.
Jourui'y down the Hcl.ito Vulley.
The ground covered by this ancient work is owned by the Licking County Agri-
cultural Society, and witliln the earth-walled inclosure their annual lairs arc held lor
the acconiniodaiion of which some buildingn have been erected. These, with the ijcn.
oral aj)j)earance of the work, and the trees upon the banks, as seen from the ciitruini'
may be observed in the picture on page 505. After finishing that sketch, and ex-
j)loring every part of this strange old structure by an unknown people in an unknown
age, I rettirned to Newark, the quickened imagination tilling the mind with Wdiidious
visions of the earlier ages of our continent, while jNIemory recalled those suggestive
lines of Bryant in his ' Prairie," in which, turning to the Past, he Boliloquizes concern.
ing the mound-builders, saying, as introductory,
" And did the dust
or these fair BolitndcH once stir with Ufa
And bum with passion t Lrt the mighty mounds
Thnt overl HTATK-IIOCSK.
*
-t 1
'fff
IV
li' if
'ii
668
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Vide tu "r.iilt IIIU" Md "Adeua."
(Icvernor WurthiujftDii.
yUlIT IIILI., UKNEHAI.
U'AUIUI'U'S UlblllUNUC.
inand a tints view ol'tlie town
and tlie Hurroiuuliui? ckuii-
try. It was rcacluMl iVoni
tlic valley by a windinj; road
amoii tliu liillH. The iiiaii-
rtioii was ot'lii'Wn HaiulHtoiic,
spacious and flugant in Hii-
inli within and without. It
was ert'Ctfd in 1802, and
stood in tho midst of a
pleasant grassy lawn, dot-
ted with a variety of orna-
raontal trees and fruit-Lcar-
ing Osage orange -trees. I
was disai)pointed in not find-
ing the proprietor at home,
but this was lessened by the
kind hospitalities of a young
woman, a member of tho
family, who led mo to the observatory on the top of the house, from which may 1)o
obtained charming views of the Scioto and Paint Creek Valleys.
Having sketched the "Fruit Hill" mansion,' I rode to " Adena," the fine old res-
idence of Govenior Thomas Wortliington,
chief magistrate of Olii'i fiom 1814 to 181h,
It is situated upon the same ridge, two hund-
red feet above tho Scioto, and lialf a inilo
north from M'Arthnr's mansion. It overlooks
the same valleys, and, because of the beauty
of its situation, it was called " Adena," or Par-
adise. The building is of hewn sandstone,
and Avas erected in 1805, at great expense,
under the supervision of the elder LatroLe,
of Washington City. Its elegance and nov-
elty were such, in its form, its large panes of
glass, its papered rooms, and marblo fire-
places, that persons came from long distances
to see it, and considered its name appropri-
ate. It was the finest mansion m all that
region ; and, so much was Worthington re-
spected, that all agreed that man and dwell-
ing were worthy of each other.
He was an early settler in the vi-
cinity. In 1798 he built the first
frame house, with glazed win-
dows, erected in Chillicothe, oiled
paper being then the eubstitute
for gla8S.2 He erected a saw ..nd grist mill for the acc.mmodation of the inhabit-
ants, and in every way was a very public-spirited man.'
/^^^^:{y2^^^^
1 Thi« vtew is from the Inwr, looking toward Cliillicothe, a glimpse of which In seen on the extreme left of the picture.
» The first dwelling for a white man on the site of Chillicothe was a bark cahin erected by General M'Arthnr.
3 Thomas Worthington was bom in Jefferson County (then Berkeley), Virelnia, about the year 1709. He took wiin
him to the Ohio country quite a number .if slaves, whom he emancipated. He was one of the most energetic of tlio pi-
oneers to that reclon, and soon bec.nme a leading man among the settlers. He was a member of the Convention m
formed the Constitution of the State of Ohio in 180.1. Soon after that he was chosen to represent the new state in (lie
wu ^ pip
OF THE WAlt OF 1812.
AOt
fiirthluxton.
rhii'h may 1)c
fine old xv^-
VVorthinstoii,
1814 to m\
gc, two liuml-
d half a milo
It ovorliMiks
of the beauty
■vdciia," or Par-
ivn sandstone,
reat expense,
dder Latrolje,
lance ami nov-
lai'ge i)anes ut'
marblo fire-
hong distances
lame appvoitvi-
»n in all tkit
irthington re-
an and dwell-
jf each other.
[ttler in the vi-
built the iirst
glazed win-
lillicothe, oiled
;hc Euhstitute
,f the inhabit-
[eleftoftheiilctmf'
ll M'Arthnr.
Ilea. He took ww
Tenerpetkofthcpl-
Ihe Convention m
[be new etale In tbt
p^riiHtoBoTVAdM^
M'ArlhurV I>ortnlt.
▲ VMi to CiMlasMl Mid It! VIctoity.
AIIKMA, OUVIcaNUH wubtuinotom's buidkmok.
Ader.a waH then owned by (tnveriior Worth-
iiiBton's H«". Cieneml Jiinu'H Worthington.
Tlio court in fron* of the ninnHion whh Kllei(in and from varionw points in the vieinity
most (harming views of tlio Seioto Valley
may ho obtained. The proprietor was not at
Imnic at the time of my viwit, but I liave very
iili-awnl rccollcctionR of t!ic kind courtesy
1 received from his family in showing me
works of art and curiosities, and imparting
information. Among the relies of tlie j>ast
which I saw there was a hatchet-pipe, almost precisely like the one shown me at
llrantfoi-d, in Canada, and delineated on page 421. It was presented to Governor
Woi'thington by Tecnmtha, and is higlily valued by the family.
Leaving "Adena," I passed down the winding road through the hills to the plain,
liy a beautif.d little lake at the foot of tho wooded acclivity, and, on reaching Cliilli-
nithc, called at the residence of the Honorable C. A. Trimble, member of Congress,
unci son in-law of M'Arthnr, who owns the fine portrait of the general from which tht-
e'i<»raving on page 267 was copied. He, too, was absent, but, tlirongh the kind oftices
of his brother, I was permitted to have a daguerreotype of the i)ainting made. This
was completed just in time to allow me to take the cars on the Marietta a;id Cincin-
nati Railway for tho latter i)lace at about three o'clock in the afternoon. We reach-
n\ the "Queen City" at seven in tho evening, having journeyed ninety-six miles
tiiroiigh an interesting country from the Valley of the Scioto to that of the Little
Miami.
During the three succeeding days I visited men and places of interest in and about
Cincinnati. I crossed the Ohio to Covington and Newport, cities, on the Kent .^y
i.horc, flanking the mouth of the Licking River. I also rode out to Batavia, the cap-
ital of Clermont County, about twenty miles distant, one hot afternoon, fortunately
occupying a portion of the driver's seat on a stage-coach. Our route lay along tho
Ohio through Columbia, a suburban vilhige (settled before the seed of Cincinnati Avas
jilanted), to the mouth of the Little Miami, the eye every where delighted Avith the
li'.cturcsque beauty of the shores of the great river, covered with vineyards then
wealthy with immense stores of grapes, on tl Ohio side.
"There prows no vlii
By the hnunted Rhi.ie,
By Diuuibe or Guadalquivir,
Nor on Ivlnnd or cape,
That benrB such grape
As grows by the Beautiful River."'
We crossed the Miami, and made our Avay along the level country on its oastern
side a few miles, when our course bent more eastward among lofty cultivated hills.
Toward sunset we looked down from a rugged eminence into the fertile vale of the
east branch of the Little Miami, then flooded with the evening sunlight, which
i S«iif!e of the United States, and was an active pnpporter In Congress of Jefferson's administration. He was clccttd
meraorof the state In 1814, and held tho office four years. After his retirement from the chief magistracy he was ap-
pointed a member of the first board of Canal Commissioners, and held that office until his deatb la the year 1827, hav-
I ii?b«en in public station abont thirty years.
' Olio U the Shawnocse word for Beautiful River. The French called it La Belle Riviere,
•
1.
i!
570
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Veterans of the War of 1S12 at Bntavia.
An Evening with h IMnghter of General llarrlsca
hrotight out, in luminous relief, against the grc en verdure back of it, the quiet villaTo
of IJatavia, that lay nestled in the lap of the hills at the head of the valley. There
at the houses of relatives and friends, I passed the Sabbath, and met three survivinir
soldiers of the War of 1812, namely, John Jamieson, Abraham Miley, and James C'ln"
t^r. Mr. Jamieson was fr«m Kentucky, and belonged to a comjKi.ny of spies in Pop
ter's regiment. He was active on the frontier in the vicinity of Detroit durini; a
greater portion of the war. In 1814 he saw the infamous Simon Girty on the rack
of severe rheumatism at his house a few miles below Maiden. The villain's eabin
was decorated with scalps. Mr. Miley was a rifleman in Fort Meigs at the time of
the siege in May, 1813. Mr. Jamieson and Mr. Carter confirmed the horrid story of
the conversion of some of the skin of Tt'iumtha into razor-sti ops. One of them had
seen pieces of the skin in the hands of a Kentuckian who took it from Tecumtha's
thigh !
• September IS, On tho evening after ray return to Cincinnati from Batavia" I de.
1800. parted for North Bend, fourteen miles westward, on the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi Railway, where General Harrison was wedded while yet a subaltern in the
army of the tTnited States, where he lived when he bore the honorc of a gallant Gen-
eral of that arm}', and where he was buned while the laurels which composed the
most precious civic crown in the power of a people to bestow were yet fresh unoa
his blow.
The atinual fair of the United States Agricultural Society was about to close in Cin-
cinnati, an(l thousands of visitors were making their wa,y homeward. The cars were
densely y .eked, and, because of oomc detentioi: in tho lower part of the city, we did
not reacn North Bend until after dark. The nearest public h^use was at the little
village of Cloves, a mile distant over the hills, and thitherward I made my way on
foot, accompanied by a grandson of General Harrison, son of W. W. H. Taylor, Esq.,
at whose house I supped and spent the evening. Their dwelling is pleasantly situ-
ated on a slope overlooking tlie village of Cleves and the Great Miami Valley at that
point, and is only half a mile from the tomb of Harrison. 3Irs. Taylor is a daughter
of the general She kindly invited me to pass the night under their roof, but cir-
cumstances made it proper for me to take lodgings at the tavern in Cleves. In the
possession of Mrs. Taylor were poilr-aits of her father and mother, the former painted
in the winter of 1840-41 by J. G. H. Beard, of Cincinnati, and pronounced a faitliful
likeness by the family. The latter, an equally faithful likeness, was painted in 1828
by a young artist named Corvin, who died in New York when about to embark lor
Italy. It is the portrait of a small and beautiful woman at the age of fifty-three
years. Mrs. Taylor khidly furnished me with photographic copies of the portraits.
When I visited North Bend, Mrs. Harrison, who had'jusl. passed the eighty-fifth
year '>f Iter age, was residing with her son, Scott Harrison, Esq.,' at Lawrcncoburi/<*a, CC
ou/i/i-^<^ £ry<^
nOSEEIl H0U8K, NOBTII UESD.
BLOOK-HOrSE AT MOBTII OKKD.*
'Ve have obsen-ed in Note 4, pnge 40, that Ensign Lnce, of the United States Army, In the Exercli>e of his discre-
I im.cbose thj site of Cincinnati for the block-honse In opposition to the powerful influence of Judge Symmc.". Ac-
I Miiiijto cummon tradition, It was passion, not judgment, that fashioned the ensign's decision. He had formed an
I K'luintancL with the bennttful young wife of one of the settlers at the Bend. When the husband discovered the gnl-
I liii officer's too great attention to his blaclt-eyed pponec, he removed to Cincinnati, th.it she might l)e beyond the power
j rfihe tempter. This movement suddenly changed the mind of the ensign. He had resolved to build the block-house
I iiiheBemt ; now he discovered that Cincinnati was a much more ellgltile site. He accordingly marched his troops to
1 ikjt Ikile settlement. Judge Symmes warmly remonstrated, but in vain. The ensign was fairly captivated by the
I fpukling eyes, and they decided the question. " Thus we see," says Judge Burnet, from whose " Notes" these facts
pvfbeen gleaned, "the incompHrable beauty of a Spartan dame produced a ten ye.'-s' war which terminated in the
iKtiMilon of Troy, and the irresistible charms of another female transferred the commei 'al emporium of Ohio from
|*plifc where it had been commenced to the place where it now Is. If this captivating ^kraerlcan Heiim had rcmaln-
l«iit ihe Bend the block-house would have been erected there, population, capital, and business would have centred
|«im. md there would have been the Queen City of the West." a Sec page 40. ' 8co page 67.
'Tliif It copied, by permltelon, from a sketch In Howe's Bistorical Collectiotu of OAio,pago 288.
%\%
■
I ,
I ,
i^ •■
«•
mm
672
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Captain Harrison nud Anna Symmes as Lovers. Their Marriage oppceed. Its Consummation and RiTT
the river, Jtulge Syinmes had erected quite a commodiou,. house for himself, the ruins
of whose cliimney and fire-place might yet be seen in 1860. To that dweliiiifr cj«,,,
his family in January, 1795, one of whom was the beautiful Anna, tlien a girl twemv
years of age. The block-house was a dependency of the post at Cincinnati, and it
received the early personal attention of Captain Harrison, then a young man twenty.
two yeai's of age. He was the son of a leading citizen of Virginia, and bcarinf tlf
highest praises of his commander. General Wayne, as a gallant soldie;-. Ih; ^as i
welcome guest in the hospitable house of Judge Symmes ; and his visits, whicli W-
came more and more frequent, were especially ])lcasing to the gentle Anna, who hac]
first met him at the house of her sister, Mrs. Major Short, near Lexington, Kentuckv
The young friends soon became lovers, and tne judge gave his consent to tlieii niai-
riage. Hearing some slanderous stories concerning Captain Harrison, he witli(li(.,v
that consent, but the loving Anna, like a true M'oman, had implicit confidence in jifr
affianced. She resolved to marry him, and her faithfulness verified the sayino' that
" Love will llnd its way
Throngh paths where wolves would fear to prey."
On the morning of the day fixed for the marriage, Judge Symmes, without anv sii<.
picion of such an event then, mounted his horse and rode to Cincinnati. The lovirs
• November 22, were united at his house," in the presence of Anna's stcp-motber ami
"^- many friends, by Dr. Stephen Wood, then a magistrate. The judge did
not see his son-in-law until a few weeks afterward, when he met him at a duiner-par-
ty given by General Wilkinson, then in command of Fort Washington, to General
Wayne. " Well, sir," the judge said, somewhat sternlj^, " I understand you have mar-
ried Anna." " Yes, sir," responded Captain Harrison. " How do you expect to sup-
port her ?" the father inquired. '" By my sword and my oaVu right arm," quickly an-
swered the young officer. Judge Symmes was pleased with the reply, and, like a
sensible man, Avas reconciled, and gave them his blessing. He lived to be proud (f
th.at son-in-law as governor of the Indiana Territory, and the hero of Tippecanoe, Fuii
Meigs, and the Thames ; and the devoted wife, after sharing his joys and sorro\vs for
five-and-forty years, laid him in the grave witliiu sight of tlie place of their nuptial*,
while the nation mingled its tears with hers, for he was crowned witii the unsuipasj-
able honor of being the chief magistrate of this republic'
' William Henry Harrison, the youngest of fifteen children, was born at Berkeley, on the James Eiver, in Virginia, a
the 9th of February, 1773. He was descended from a celebrated leader of the same name in Crom^ieil's army. Ho\f;,i
educated at Harapdeu-Sydney College, in Virginia. On the death of his father, Robert Morris, of Phlladelnhia, became l:<
guardian. Contrary to the advice of that gentleman, he entered the army. He hastened to the Northwest, but tuols:?
to share in the horrors of St. Clair's defeat. His services with Wayne have already (page 53) b-ien noticed. Soon if :
his marriage he resigned his commiseiou, and entered npon the duties of civil life, at the age of twenty-fonr, as Seen;
of the Northwestern Territory. In 1790 he was elected the first delegate in Congress for that extensive region. .^
aftenvard, when Indiana was erected into a separate Territory, he v. as appointed governor, and clothed witli exirs r
dinary powers. He entered upon the duties of his ofBce at the old military post of V'ncennes in ISOl, and disoliarjci
hit duties for several years with great wisdom end fidelity. His troubles with the Indians, and his military piovcmenii
In the Wabash Valley, are recorded in Chapter X. of this work. In subsequent chapters may be found a deiaileJ .t-
count of his conduct as a military commander. His services in the field ended with the battle on the Thames, tn Otto j
ber, 1813, and in the following spring he retired to his farm at North Bend. He was frequently called to serve hie adof:
od state in public capacities. De was a member of the Ohio Legislature and of the United States House of ReprtifM. j
ntives. In IS"* he was elected to a reat lu the United States Senate, and In 1829 was appointed minister to rnlmf'ciJ
Differing wi'h President Jackson In some \iews respecting Panama, he was recalled. In 1S40, after living iu retircnie!;! j
many years, he was nominated by the party then called Whig for the chief magistracy of the United States, and wa.« eleci-l
cd by an o- erwhelniingvotc. He was luangurated on the 4th of March, 1841, being then a little past si-cly-eightvcars of j
B^e. Precisely a mouth afterward he died, leaving behind him a clean record of almost fifty years of public eerri%
" Calm was the life he led, till, near and far,
The breath of millions bore his name along,
Throii;;h praise, and censure, nud continnons jar—"
I'ot long at on Ohio's conrslng wave
is borne one freeman toward the glowing West,
HI" eye and tongne above the chieftain's grave
Shall hail the marble honors of his rest !
And, long as Dian lifts her waning crest
Where Liberty yet holds what she hath won,
A pensive thought shall haunt the patriot's breast
■K*WW-
', the ruhb
liing came
;irl twenty
lati, and it
lan twenty-
scaring tlio
He was ;i
i, -whicli lie-
la, who Iwil
, Kentucky.
then \m\-
\c withdrew
deuce in Iut
saying th:\t
OF TJIE WAR OF 1812.
573
An evly Settler In Ohio.
A Visit to the Tomb of General lliirrlsou.
C'nptuiu Syramca and his Theory.
I passed the night, as I have intimated, at the tavern in Cleves, and in the niorn-
inf had the good fortune to meet tlie venerable Daniel G. Howell, who was the first
man-child bora on " Symmes's Purchase." That event occurred at North Bend, on
the ^Sd of August, 1790. A child of the opposite sex, the first in the settlement, was
l)oni nine days earlier. Mr. Ilowell's family were from New Jersey, and came West
with Judge Symmes. He gave me some interesting particulars concerning the hai-d-
;hip8 of the early settlers, and his adventures as one of the volunteers for the relief
of Fort Meigs. At first the settlers could not spare land enough for raising flax, but
they fortunately found a useful substitute in a species of nettle that grew on the open
(rlades in the Miami Valley to the height of about three feet. The autumn winds
\\oukl prostrate it, beneath the winl v snows it would rot, and in the spring all the
bovs of the settlement would be engaged in carrying the crop to North Bend, where
it was treated like flax, spun by the women, and woven into cloth for summer wear.
This was all the Unefi in use there for some time. It was very dark at first, but was sus-
•cntible of bleaching. They used dressed deer-skin for external clothing, and wild tur-
keys came over from Kentucky in abundance, like the quails to the Hebrews, ar d sup-
plied them with mucli food.
After breakfast I called at
Mr. Taylor's, and his son ac-
companied me to the tomb
of Harrison. On an adjacent
hill, about thirty rods west-
ward from it, is a family bu-
rial-ground, in Avhic'h is the
crave of Judge Symmes, cov-
ered by a marble slab, rest-
ing a little above the ground,
on brick- work.' From this
little cemetery we crossed a
srassy hollow and ascended
to the tomb of Harrison, or.
a beautiful knoll about two
hundred foet above the Ohio
River. It was built of brick, iuekison-s oravk.
Of him, whose reign in her brief year was done,
And fro.^ his heart shall rise the name of IlAnEiBON."— ' Ieohqe II. Coi.ton.
1 The followinfr Is the Inscriptiou on the slab : " Here rest the rcraaiua of John Cleves Symmes, who, at the foot of
thtw hills, made the Jlrst settlement between the Miami Rivers. Born on Long Island, New York, July 21, A.D. 1T42.
Died at Cinciunati, February iC, *..D. ISU."
John Cleves Symmes was bom i\l Riverhead, Long Isl.ind, and in early life was a surveyor and school-teacher. lie
carried a daughter of Governor William Livingston, o' New Jersey, and sister of the wife of John Jny. He was active
during the Revolution, and in 1777 was made an associate jndpe of the Supreme Court of
the State of New Jersey. On his removal to the Northwestern Territory he was appointed
one of the United States district judpcs. Near the present village of Cleves he built a flne
house, at a cost of $12,(iOO, the brick for which was burned on the spot. A political enemy,
named Hart, sot it on Arc on the Ist of March, 1811, and it was entiraly consumed. Judge
Symmes died, as his monument says, In 1S14, at the ape of about seventy-four years.
A nephew and namesake of Judge Symmos attracted much public attention and consid-
erable ridicule, abont forty years ago, by the promulgation of his belief that the earth was
o])en at the poles, and that its interior was accessible and habitable. He had held the of-
fice of captain In the army In the War of 1812, and performed gallant service at Fort Erie.
He petitioned Congress in 1822 for aid In performing a voyage of discovery to the Inner
earth, setting fo.fi the honor and wealth that would accrue to his country from a discov-
ery which ho deemed certain. His memorial was presented by Colonel Richard M. John-
son, of Kentucky, b.it was laid on the table. He fo;ind very little enconragcment or sup-
Dort from any quarter. His nrgnmiMits were ingenious, and he had a few believers. He
died at Ilamlltcf., Butler Conni>, Ohio (the site of old Fort Hamilton), on the 2Sth of May,
182S, and some admirer of his caused a monument to his memory, havii.n; as a part of it a
globe open at both ends, to be constructed. The picture of It here given Is from Howe's
Hintoricat CoUeaioiu (\f Ohio, page 77.
STXIIE8B MOMUHEMT.
i!
Il
'til
^ ' '§
m
M
574
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Bite of General Ilairlsou's Hesldeucc.
DeBtruction of h\f Huuee by Fire.
Meincntocj,
was ten by twelve feet in size, and was surrounded by trees, shrubbery, and greo,
sward. At its foot was a noble mulberry-tree, and at its head was the entrance witl
doors slightly inclined. The only tenants when I was there were the remains of Gpu
eral Harrison and his second daughter, Mrs. Doctor Thornton. The engravini; show*
the appearance of the spot, and a view of the great North Bend of the Ohio as we
look eastward from the grave. On the right, near the bank of the river, is seen oii"
of the stone chimneys already mentioned, a few rods from the North Bend Station
Descending from Harrison's tomb, we crossed the Whit.- water Canal, and after
sketching the old house seen on page 671, visited the site of General Harrison's resi-
dence, on ti level spot at the foot of gentle hills, about three hundred yards from the
UABBISUN H BESIDEMUli AT NUUTU IIKMI.
Ohio, and in full view of the North Bend Railway Station. Nothing of it remained
but the ruins of cellar and fire-places, and these were cove-red with bramb'cs. The
house Avas set on fire by a dismicsed servant-girl, it was believed, a few years ago,
and entirely consumed. All of General Harrison's military and other valuable papers
were burned ; also many presents that were sent to him by political frieads duiinir
the presidential canvass in 1 840, The family portraits and a few other things were
saved.' I sketc?:'?d ♦he locality from the railway station. Placing a drawing of the
mansion, from one in Howe's Ilistorical Collections of Ohio, in the proper position, I
give to the reader a correct view of the residence and its surroundings before the iiio.
The tvater seen in the foreground is that of the Whitewater Canal. I returned tn
Cincinnati toward noon, and left the same evening for Dayton and the shores of
Lake Erie.
> Among these wa8 a beautiful black cane with a silver head, on which was engraved a log cabin, a cider-barrfl,,i
sheaf of wheat, a steam-boat, and other devices ; also his name, and presentation " by o gentleman of Louisiana." The
log cabin and cider-barrel refer to a peculiarity in the features of that campaign. The oastem end of Harrison's man-
sion was one of '.he original log houses built by the settlers at North Bend, and clap-boarded over. His partiean(, wlifu
he was nominated, started the story that he lived in a log cabin, whose latch-strlng was always on the outside, so that
the traveler might enter, and that a mug of cider was alwayd ready there for the wayfarer. The story was popularirith
the masses. Log caliins were erected all over the country, in which Harrison meetings were held, and n barrel of cidfr
was always ready for li-ee distribution at these meetings. The canvass was known as " the Hard Cider CampalgD," aoJ
the demoralization produced by it was very great. Many a song was composed in bis praise and eung at these mce:-
ings, in one of the most popular of which occurs the following verse, that may be appropriately quoted iu this con-
nection:
" Hurrah for the log cabin chief of onr choice !
For the old Indian fighter, hurrah 1
Hurrah ! and from mountain to valley the voice
Of the people re-echoes hurrah I
Tlien come to the ballot-box— boys, come along,
He never lost battle for you :
Let us down with oppression and tyranny's tbrongi
And up with Old Tippecanoe 1"
^ii-iH
P!'.;-•'
Ah ! never shall the land forget
How gash'd the life-blood of her brave—
Gnsh'd, warm with hope and courage yet,
Upon the soil they fought to suve."— Williaii Ccllen Butakt.
IIILE the army of the Northwest, under Harrison, was slowly
recovering what Hull had lost, and more, stirring and important
events were occurring on the frontiers of Niagara, Lake Ontario,
and the St. Lawrence River.
England was then putting forth her mightiest efforts to crush
Napoleon, and her display of energy and resources was marvel-
ous. It required the most vigilant exercise of these on the Con-
tinent, yet she withheld nothing that- seemed necessary to secure
gnccess in America. The naval victories of the Americans during 1812 were very
mortifying to the " Mistress of the Seas," and it was resolved by the British cabinet
to prosecute the war on the ocean with the greatest vigor. A most profound and
wholesome respect for the skill and valor of American seamen had been suddenly ci-e*
ated in the British mind, and, to prevent farther disasters on that theatre of action,
it was determined that no more conflicts with American ships should be hazarded
but with such superior force as would seem to insure success. The American coast
was to be practically blockaded, and Avith so much rigor as to prevent the egress of
privateers and the return of them with prizes ; and the fiat went forth from the Brit-
ish court that ever'^ thing American found afloat should be captured or destroyed,
while all of her maritime towns should be menaced and annoyed by the presence and
movements of British cruisers.
Tlie success of the allied powers against Napoleon during 1812 greatly relieved
England for the moment, and enabled her to give more force to her conflict in the
Western world. During the winter of 1812-13 a body of troops were sent to Hali-
fax, to re-enforce those in Canada in the spring, the ])rincipal object to be accom-
plished in that quarter being the defense of the provinces against invasion, while the
war should be carried on vigorously along the coast and on the ocean.
i The Americans wore disheartened by the results of their campaigns on land during
1812, and it was diflicult to increase the army either by volunteers or militia. The
I joveniment had determined to renew the efforts for the conquest of Canada, in which
service nearly all of the regulars were to be employed. The remainder, to consist
of militia and volunteers, were to compose, witii the regulav,*, an army of fifty thou-
sand men. By an arrangement for an exchange of prisoners, many valuable oflicers
were restored to command. Tlie states were divided into nine military districts,^
to each of which a general officer of the United States army was assigned, whose
'The districts were composed as follows : 1. Massachnsetts and New Hampshire. 2. Rhode Island and Connecticut.
llSew York from the sea to the Highlands, and the State of New Jersey. 4. Pennsylvania from Its eastern limit to
jtlK ille^hany Mountains, and Delaware. 5. Maryland and Virginia. 0. The two Carolinas. T. The States of Tenneg-
Iw.Loaislana, and the Mississippi Territory. 8. Kentucky, Ohio, and the Territorial governments of Michigan. In-
I liuis, nilnnls, and Missouri. ». Pennsylvania from the Alleghany Monntalne westward, Now York north of the Hlgh-
liiadf, and Vermont.
NfHlP^ \
HI
1 1 m
576
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Amerlcang prepare for vigorous War. Opcrattong in the St. Lawrence Region. Brockville and ita yiciiilT
duty it was to superintend and direct all the means of defense witliin liis niilitarv
district. Detachments of troops were stationed ot the most exposed places on the
sea-board to form rallying points for the militia in the event of invasion ; and tlic
commandant of each district was authorized to call upon the governors of tlio re-
spcctive states for such portion of the militia most convenient to the menaced ixjint
as he should deem necessary, the operations of such troops to be combined with tliosi
of the regular force, and the whole to be under the direction of the commandant ut'
the district, and while in service to be paid and supported by the United States. By
this arrangement, designed to prevent any serious interference on the part of UK-
governors of states who were opposed to the Avai-, there was in each district a mru-
lar officer of rank equal with any militia officer who might be ordered out, and un-
der the Articles of War, entitled to chief command. Strict orders were also issued
to receive no militia major general into the service of the United States except at tlic
head of four thousand men, or a brigadier general without half as many. Eight new
brigadiers were commissioned ;' and each district, besides its commissary genera!
was to have an adjutant, a quartei--master, and an inspector of its own. Meanwhile'
vigorous preparations bad been making by the Northern Army on the St. Lawrence
and its vicinity, and the Army of the Centre on the Niagara frontier, for an invasion
of Canada.
Early in February, 1813, some important movements were made on the St. Law-
rence at Ogdensburg and its vicinity. In a former chapter we have observed some
interesting occurrences between the hostile pai'ties in that region during the preced-
ing autumn and early winter. Both were vigilant, and both had committed " inva-
sions" and made i>risoners. British deserters had fled to the American linos and
parties of troops from Canada had crossed the river, captured some of these, and
«M
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
fabisu'b stobi-uodbk.
Preparations to receive the Brltleb. AUJutuut Church nnd hU Auoclatei. The British advance on U|{denibiir
yet (1867) standing, near the International Ferry, wan i
rude wooden breawtworii, on which was niountcd (m .,
Hled-carriage, an iron twelve-pounder, also taken tVdiii
Burgoyiie. This battery was commanded by Vapim,
Joshua Conkey. On the point where the liglit-houst
now stands, near
the site of old
Fort Presenta-
tion, was a brass
nine -pounder on
a sled-carriage, in charge of one of Captain
Kellogg's sergeants. Back of the old fort, and
mounted on sleds, were two old-fashioned iron
six-pounders, one of them commanded by Ad-
jutant Daniel W . Church,^ and tlie other by
Lieutenant Baird, of Major Forsyth's compa-
ny. In front of the huge gateway between
tlie two buildings then remaining of the old
fort- was another brass six-pounder on a sled,
and about twenty feet to the left of this was
a six-pounder iron cannon on a sled. Several
others were lying on the edge of the Oswegat-
chie fast bound in ice. Below the town, on
the square bounded by Washington and Wa-
ter, Elizabeth and Franklin Streets, was an un-
finished redoubt, wliich was commenced the previous autumn by M. Kaniee, a Frencli
engineer, by order of General Brown, and named Fort Oswegatchie. All the troops
then available for the defense of the placo were Forsyth's riflemen, a few volunteeiii,
and iibont a dozen raw recruits.
On the morning of the 22d of February, about eight hundred men, under Licuten
ant Colonel M'Donell, appeared on the ice, and approached Ogdensburg in two col
umiis. It was a singular spectacle, for only once or twice before had the river Imii
closed between Prcscott aii Daniel W. Church was born at Brattleboro', Vermont, In 1TT2, and emigrated to Northern New York in 1801,irtH*
at Canton, St. Lawrence County, he commenced the business of millwrlglit by erecting the first saw-mill built thcti
He was one of the pioneer settlers in that county, and acted a conspicuous part in its early history. He assisted in or<:;
Izing the first court in that county, and was sitting on the bench as associate Justice, with Judge liaymond presiding,^
the court-house at Ogdensburg when the shot from Prescott passed through the building, as mentioned in uotel.i
680. He volunteered In the military service at the beginning of the War of 1812, and was appointed adjntant ofColonj
Benedict's regiment. His particular services at Ogdensburg and vicinity are mentioned In the text. Twice during ll^
■war he received the special thonks of General Brown. He was a man of fine personal appearance, fond ofhlsto^u
science, and charming in society. He died at Morristown, on the St. Lawrence, on the Tth of January, 1867, in tbc ^
year of his age, universally esteemed and deeply regretted by the whole community. " See picture on pagf v
' These were Scotch Roman Catholics, of the families of refugee Loyalists from the domain of the Johnsons in i
Mohawk Valley, the most of whom inhabit the County of Olengary.
* Father Francis Picqnet was a priest of the Sulpician order, and was active, after his arrival In Canada in 173.1 In 4
ostabllshmeut uf the Catholic religion and French political dominion In the New World. For the purpose of atlaf
>-)>t««9B?*
1 Ugdentbarg
>rry, was ii
lllttMl, (111 W
Liiki'U from
l>y Va\)\\w\
lighl-liousi'
lanicc, a Frencli
All tlie troops
few voluntet'i's,
1, nnder Lieutcn-
\\\\% in two col-
li the vivev Iw" '
[luuulred stroiii!, j
l)\os^ and a body I
.ft column, five
and the Koyalj
idi.vns, was com-!
idily toward tki
■re at hreaklast.l
the old fort,ofj
the stone buildl
Wrence County, andl^
Lv York in 1801, itW
Itsaw-mmOniUtbd
I He assisted in oipj
|Rttymondprc»l«iif.J
lntionodin"»'«l'f'3
|tcdBdj«taiit';f':*3
Ipit Twice (lutincu
Wrondoflil«.d
lee picture on pagf*
|oni»oJolm80Mta«
aCanadftinimH
f the purpose 01 1""!
OF THE WAU OF 18 12.
071)
Tbe Brlllsli driven back upo n the Ice.
Surrender of a Part of the AmerlcsuH.
Hiitorlcal Localttle*.
iniru tt'"l directed them to reserve their lire until lie Hhoukl give the word of com-
mand. IJiiiid, with the brass six-pounder, was on the rii^lit of liis line, and Church,
witli tlic iron six-pouniler, was near the centre. Just as the enemy reached the flat,
siiow-drifted shore, they tired, but without ett'ect. Forsyth then gave the wonl, and
■I full volley of musketry and a disclfarge of artillery swept down eight of the foe,
iiul threw their line into utter confusion. They attempted to rally and charge upon
tlie Americans, but the frightened militia failing to HU|)port the light infantry, the
luovenieiit was not executed, and the assailing party, after losing, besides the killed
and wounded, a number of prisoners, fled out u[)on the frozen river, seriously an-
noyed by the nine-pounder on the point where the light-house now stands.
While these events were in progress on the ujjper side of the village beyond the
Oswcgatchiej Lieutenant Colonel M'Donell had nmrched up into the town, from a
poiut below the battery, near the barracks, without resistance.' Captain Conkcy
kept his twelve-poui: er silent, when he might have
8 we the enemy's ranks feart'ul'y, and perhajis ut-
terly checked their advance ; and, without the least
resistance, ho surrendered himself, his gun, and his
mer, to the invaders. When this was accomplished
they expected an easy conquest of the town, but they
were soon confronted by the cannon undicr Captain
Kellogg and Sherift" York. The gun of the foi-mer
was soon disabled by the breaking of its elevator
screw, and he and his men fled across the Oswegatchie
BtTB OF FOBT l>BE8ENTATION.
Iigas many of the Iroqnois confederac; of Indiana to the French and the Church as possible, he founded a mission nt
j ihe mouth of the Oswegatchie in 1.748, and recommended the erection of a fort there. The river was called L:i Presentn-
lion by the French. There he erected a substantial stone building, on the comer-stone of which, found among tlMt
I rains many years ago, was the following inscription : "in nominr t bki omnipotentis nmo uaiiitatione initia nEnn-
I rass. PicqnBT, 1T49." Translation : " Francis Picquet laid the foundations of this habitation. In the name of the Al-
■ilthty God, ill 1749." Another stone building of the same size was erected about sixteen feet from the first one \ and
then a stockade fort was built there soon afterword, covering nbont an acre of ground, these edifices, standing on the
ItokoftheOswegatc'ule, formed part of the fort, which was called Presvntation. Between the two buildings masslvo
j jiies of oak, fifteen feet in height, were erected. " The remainder of the eastern or southeastern portions," says Mr.
I tiesi, in his "Recollections of Ogdensburg and Its Vicinity," " was heavy stone wall ; indeed, this may be said to hove
i inclosed the whole. Here was held the first court in St. Lawrence County, and here, iho, they had preaching when
I lliey were fortunote enough to obtain a clergyman." Nothing now remains of these old works but a few traces of the
jlmiilation. The Inscribed comer-stone occupies a conspicuous position In the State Armory, erected in Ogdensburg
linlsM. I saw It in 1866 in a wall of the Hasbfonck estate on Ford Street. In the above sketch of the site of Fort
iPitscntatlon, taken from In front of Judge Ford's mansion, the position of the stone buildings above mentioned is in-
Ifalcdby Ihe two little figures seen between the low one-story building toward the right of the picture and the more
Ifcunt landing-place at Ogdensburg. Toward the left of the picture, on the point projecting into the St. Lawrence, is
Im Ihe light-house, and across the river a glimpse of Prcscott and Fort Wellington. Toward the extreme right, on the
l&lant shore, are seen the ruined buildings on Windmill Point, desolated dnrtng the " Rebellion" of 18,17. The land-
|li?pljce of the British, on the marshy shore, to attack Forsyth, was directly beyond the clump of trees on the extrcmo
|Ul of the picture.
' The British stnick the shore nt the foot of Caroline (now Franklin) Street, and marched up that street to Wachinu
|li«,ilong Washington, past Parl.-li's liouso, to siHto sirci'l, and halted : thou to the Arfcual in Ford Street, between
'< ami Isabella Streets. ,
i!
if;
:| i
.1
610
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
of 8h«rlffYork. Sketch ufh la Ufe, Vllght ofCUlMDS. PatrlotlRin, CnnruKo. ouil Fldollty of Mrr/v^
MAI* UF UI'UUATIUNH A'i tlUIIKiNblll.'lUi.
and joined Forsyth, leaving the indomitable York to maintain the light alone.' Tin
Hheriff continued to fire until two of his men were mortally wounded, and liimsill'
and the remainder of ins party were made prisoners.
The village was now in full possession of the enemy, and the citizens fled, mostly
in the direction of Remington's, now Ilouvelton. M'Donell proceeded at once to
• Joseph York was born In Claremont, New llampslilvo, on the SIh of Jan-
nary, 1781, and when qnlto young settled with his father In Hanil(il;ph, Vot-
mont. At the age of seventeen years (17»8) he Joined the Provisional Amiy
under Lieutenant Nathaniel Leonard, ind served until the army wan ili<.
banded In 1800. He emigrated to Ogdensburg In 1806. .He was do|iul,v fkr-
Iff three years, and sheriff four years. When made prisoner on the orcifion
above noted, ho was taken to Prescott, and thence to the Johii«tn»ii j i
where, through the active exertions of his wife, he was paroled, auil :i :■ i
weeks afterward exchanged.
Mr. York's residence at that time was in tlie conrt-hoose, a frame bond-
ing that stood on the corner of Knox
and Euphoinia (now State) Streets. His
widow was living when I visited Og-
densbnrg In tht) snramer of 18(10. She
was a small, delicate, and highly-Intel-
ligent woman, and I remember my In-
terview with her with great pleasure.
She gave me a graphic account of the
events of the invasion, and kindly al-
lowed me to make a copy of the silhou-
ette likeness of her hnsband. She said
she did not leave her home In the court-
hoffso until the British had tired several
shots into it, and almost reached it,
when she took some money and table-
spoons, and ran as fast as she could into
the country, with a number of other women. They retreated about fiflfenl
miles. The next day she returned, and fbnnd the honse plundered, the fuJ
ntture broken, and her husband a prisoner. The heroic little woman (wliol
had made many cartridges for the soldiers) Immediately resolved to go overf
into Canada In search of her hnsband. She crossed tbc riveil
in a skiff, went to the honse of a fHend (Mrs. Yates) at Joliu!^
town, having a British ofllcer as escort, made personal applici
tion to Lieutenant Colonel M'Donell, procured the release o
her hnsband on parole, and took him back with her. Sherilfl
York was very highly esteemed In St. Lawrence County,
successive years he represented that county in the Leglalatareol
New York. The town of York, in Livingston County, was namtj
8th of May, 1827, at the age of forty-six years. Mrs. York died in July, 1862,
OOVRT-UOCSli, OUIIKNHIII'IUI.
i/i honor of him. He died on the
MWaML" !
r or Mm, York.
it alone.' The
id, and himself
ens flod, mostly
ded at once to
,;e, on the Rlh oMai!-
icr 111 Kaniloliih.yt'-
Iho rrovlsluiiai Amy
l\ the iirmy wai" ilis-
.;ie was ilciraly A"-
floncr 1)11 the occafiou
I) tlic Johiutowu jail,
as paroled, and a (e»
linui'c, a frame MM-
Iretrcated about «tlfeii|
InBepliiii'lered.tlicto-l
lolc little woman («1»>|
lely reBolved to go ontl
fshe crossed the meil
l(Mrs.Vntc9) atJotiui^
made personal apjlw
-•ocnrcd the relea« «
lack with her. Simla
Iwrence County.
ItyintheLeplsW""^
ItonConnty.waBnsraej
|dlnJtlly,1862.
OF THE WAR OF 181S.
081
Hrtrwit of the Amerlcani ffora OKdensburg.
Plunder of the VIIMKe.
Priioaeni carried to C«nwl*.
coiiiplt'te tlio conqiU'Ht by tlinlod^ing KcrHytli and liin J>arty. lie jiaiiiiU'd IiIh troopH
,^ j|,y iiortliorn nIioh! of the OMWc^atchic, and Hciit a Hau; to FttrHytli Niiiniiioiiiiig
him to mirrcndi'i- iimtantly. " If yon Mnrrcndcr, it shall ho. widl ; if not, I'vcry man
nhali ho put to the bayonet," was a nu'HHai^e sent witli the HnininoiiH. "Tell Colonel
M'Doncll," replied Forsyth, "there must be more tightinn done first." The bearers
,it'tlie rtai,' had just reached tlieir line on Ford Street, near llusbrouck's, when Church
mill Hi>'''*l ^'■'"' *''^' ^^'" six-pounders that stood before tin; j^ate of the iort, both
cliariji'd with j^rape and canister. The eft'ect was severe, but less frightful tiian it
ininlit liave been had not Forsyth peremptorily ordered Chundi to elevate his jdece
II little lii,c;her. The discharge frightened the enemy, and they took sheltt^r behind
I'liiinh's store-house and other buildings, and began picking oft" the Americans in de-
mil while another i^arty, overwhelming in numbers, were preparing to storm the ohl
fort. Forsyth's quitik eye and judgment e'tmprehended the impending j)eril. It was
heiu'liteiiL'd by the wounding of Church and Haird, and he gave orders for a retreat
10 Thurber's Tavern, on Black Lake, eight o;- nine miles distant, where, on the same
day, ho wrote a dispatch to the Secretary of War, in which he gave a brief account
,(i the attairs of the morning, and said, "It you can send me three hundred men, all
shall he retaken, and Prescott too, or I will lose my life in the atteini)t."
Lieutenant Haird was too severely wounded to be taken away, and he was left at
the mansion of Judge Ford,' where he was made a prisoner. The town now being in
full pos-session of the enemy, the work of plunder commenced. Indians and camp-fol-
lowerH of both sexes came over from Canada, and these, with resident miscreants,
defying the earnest eft«)rts of the British ofticers to prevent plunder, carried oft* or de-
jtroyed a great amount of private property. Flvery house in the village except three
was entered. The public projierty was carried over to Canada. Two armed schoon-
ers and two gun-boats fast in the ice were burned, the barracks near the river were
laid in ashes, and an attempt was made to fire the bridge over the Oswegatchie.^
Fifty-two ])risoners were taken to Prescott, where those who were not Ibund in arms
were paroled and sent back.^ Some of the prisoners were confined in the jail at Joans-
town, three miles below Prescott,* and othei-s were sent to Montreal. Fourteen '^f
the latter escaped from prison at Montreal, and the remainder were sent to Halifax.
The Americans lost in this aftair, besides the prisoners, five killed and fifteen wound-
od. The British lost six killed and forty-eight wounded. As the enemy immediately
evacuated the place, the citizens soon returned. From that time until the close of
the war Ogdensburg remained in an entirely defenseless state, whioh exposed the in-
liabitants to occasional insults from their belligerent neighbors over the river.* A
little east of Prescott, on the bank of the St. Lawrence, the British erected a small
fortification during the war, which commanded Ogdensburg. It was called Fort
Wellington. The present fort of that name was built upon an eminence back of the
other, in 1838, at the time of the " Rebellion" in Canada."
' This mansion stood on a pleasant spot not far from the left bank of the Oswegatchle River. Nathan Ford, Its own-
I eT,««8 among the earliest settlers of Ogdensburg. He was born in Morrlstown, New Jersey, on the 8th of Decemoer,
I li(3. He served In the Continental army, and In JTfl4 and 1796 he was employed by Ogden and others, who had pur-
I ctod lands In Northeni New York, to loofc after their affairs In that quarter. He was ft man of indomitable energy,
lull early foresaw prosperity for the little settlement at the mouth of the Oswegatchlc. He died in April, 1S29, at the
I ige of sixty-six years.
' The plunder of public property consisted of 1400 stand of arms, with accoutrements, 12 pieces of artillery, 2 standii
|«(ti)lore, 300 tents, a large quantity of ammunition and camp equipage, with some beef, )>ork, flour, and other stores.
' The prisoners li^the jail at Ogdensburg represented to the liritish that tbey were only political offenders, and then
Iwre all released. Most of them accompanied the invaders back to Prescott, when It was ascertained that they had de-
iMivcd the British officers. Some were given up at once, and Sheriff York Anally recovered the most of Inem.
•Thin jail was used as a place of public worship for a long time, to which the inhabitants of Ogdensburg ftcquently
|ifcirted before the year 1812. Previous to that time there was no regular place of worship in Ogdensburg.
in May, 1813, an officer came over from Prescott for deserters, and Insolently threatened to bum Ogdensbnrg If they
Ixte not given up. "Ton will do no snch thing," said Judge Ford. " No sooner will I see the incendiaries landing
IttiD I will set fire to my own house with my own hands, rally my neighbors, cross the river with torches, and bum ev-
Ii7hnn8e from Prescott to Brockville." The British officer, perceiving the consequences that might ensue, afterward
lipclojized for hie conduct.— Hough's History qfSt. Latcrence CourUij, page 685.
! I
- ;r
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
A Villi to Ogilriinlmr); unci I'rMCOtt.
Th«"lUbtllloti"lB C.nin.
T vi»itPfl thfl tliofttro of m'om'n jnut deflcrilx-d, mid placoH of IntoroHt in tlicir ii(i(F||.
horliood, in July, IHOO, iUUt HjM'iidiiijj; ft day or two niiionjj thi' 'nioiisaiid Islaiidx j,,
•.inivM, *'"' vicinity oC{'a|M' Viiicoiit. At dawn on a liraiitifiil inorninir" I cinluriicil
on tlui Htoam boat Xcw York at tliat point lor Ogdcimburj;, and liad the
plt'aouro of nu'iitiiij; an old a('(|iiaintanco (Captain Van ('lev*'), a votoran (ttimiiaiKlcr
of ntcam-l)oatH on halic Kric and tiu' St. Luwivnco, and wlio wiih an invoiiinl'iry lutdr
in till! Htiniiijj hci'Iics in the m-i^liltoiliood of tlit- OHWcgatchii' in 1H:)h, which wiljl),.
noted ])reHentiy. Familiar with every iwlaiid, roek, and hush on t!ie route, I t'iiii,|,|
him a nioHt iimtnietivo companion diiriiisx that delii^htlul voyajj^e ainoiii^ thcTliuii.
sand IslandH. Another paHwenger waH Mr. Tierpont, of IMerpont Manor, .Icfl'iisun
County, New York, who was one of the United Htate« commiHwionerH that tixcd tlic
Itoiindary-liiie between the former and Canada Koon after the ehme of the War „f
lsr.'-'15. With these two gentlemen as companions willing to impart iiifuriiiatinn.
I lacked nothinu;.
Just above Hrockville, as we emerj.'ed from the Tlionwand Islands, a settleiiicnt nf
Tories of the Uevoliition was pointed out to me, and the house in which a f^raiidsdn
of lJenc I vlnitpd tho fine mansion and benutihil grounds of Mr. PHrii)h, son or the early proprietor ofvaet landed estates inl
1h»t reijion. There for many years was the residence of Elena Vespucci, a lineal descendant of the Florentine Amerl-I
PHi Vcspnrcl, in whose honor onr continent was named. She visited this country with the expectation of receiving il
irrftnt of lanil or money f^om Congress. She was a brilliant, fascinating woman. She left for Europe in 1S59. Mauri
«r <>l' her t:\ste were seen al)ont the raaneion.
OF THE WAH OF 1818.
66a
tlu'ir lU'igl).
id Isluiids in
' I ('inf the Hrit-
workH; tliear-
e Oswogiitcliie,
"rcscott, mitl, in
„> below, to visit
At Amrlcan Niramnr prciMd Into tb* IwrviM oftliv " I'litrluU."
Hinge <>r II Knriiiniiril Wliiil-nilll.
r^l^Tiftnded estates Ini
f the Florentine AmfH-l
lectatlonofreceWngij
lEuropclnlSM. Mstjl
(Mil fifty " I'iitriotH" from Siickctt'H Hurhor. On tlu' w:iy down the St. Lawrcnco, Van
( livi' diHCovtTi'd two HfliooncrH hiciilnu'd. Oni' of his pasHfiigcrs, a Htranjfcr of jjjon-
;,il jiiiiH'aianci', askoil him to taku them in tow, aH tlicy won' hidon with j^ooiIh for
OifiU'iiHlmrg, and Ik> should he jrlad to liav them reach j)ort tlie next morninij. The
ilfckft were covered witii boxes and barrels, iind only men »'nonj;h to navijjate tlie ves-
s"\* were visible. 'I'lie sehooners were taken in tow, when Van Cleve was speedily
umlceeived. Full two hundrnl arme(l inen <'anie from them on boiird of his vessel.
Till' H('li f British pen-
al colony in Van Dienien';' Laud. Eleven
years later they were all released by a
declaration of amnesty by tl'.e crown.
The British burned the wood-work of
the wind-mill and stone houses. In tliai
desolated condition they yet remained
wlien I visited the spot in lb60, and made
tlu' sketch from which our little en7, and designed to be, what It has since become, a large and floHri»liiiij
city. In front of it is a beautiful bay, nearly circular, a mile and a half In diameter, formed by the main and a curioii?'
OF THE WAR OF 1812
687
ritleh Dcfensei.
e ice in th"
er to recon-
rce at Sack-
ilve months'
Bvations. A
tlien to cross
to cross the
>\va, join the
Every thi' ;
1 Chauncey's
!row(lo(l with
'ore the litilc
It gradually
he ^v estwani,
lie deserting
it wooed the
once a famous
stream, that
a broad hav
iree miles -wesi
tito. In that
1 stood the re-
f old Fort To-
rected by the
and now (1 86 1)
o s t shapeless
On the shove
d of it, between
isent new har-
d the city, were
the most cast-
ig in the form
A little far-
the borders of
rfrffl, Lieutenant Com-
i ; tlic Governor Tomp-
[f, Lieutenant Adams;
I the Lady of the Lakt,
l-WRters of the MIffif-
ling Pike entered tht
thnse of Louisiana, in
Lewis iind Clnil>' I"
til) wns comnilPhiiiiK'il
lerilouB but succeffrii!
|er of ISO", be rccciveil
■ wns commisfioiicil a
Ithantblvty-fourycarf
Ir of ten counties, awl
Lrk to-morro-v in the
Rhould I be the happy
tpltlous, and smile "O
Ithe anne ofvlctori."
|tant»,»ttnatedonlbt
I by Oovenior Simcot.
I large and llourlsliiiij
! main and o curiouf-
Seglect of Defenses.
General Pike's Instructions.
His Troops conn-onted at their Landing-place.
YORK IN Itilii, rSOM TUB 1ILOOK-UO(7BI! EAST OP TUP. DON.
deep ravine and small stream, was a picketed block -house, some intrenchments
^ith cannon, and a garrison of about eight hundred men, under Major General Slieaffe.
On Gibraltar Point,
the cxti. no western
end of the peninsula,
that embraced the
Harbor with its pro-
tecting arm, was a
small block - house ;
and another, seen in
the engraving, stood
on the high east bank
of the Don, just be-
vond the present
iiridge at the eastern
termination of King and Queen Streets. These drfonses had been strangely neglect-
ed. Some of the cannon were without trunnions , others, destined for the war vessel
then on the stocks, were in frozen mud arid half covered with snow. Fortunately for
the garrison, the Duke of Gloucester was then in port undergoing some repairs, and
her guns furnislied some armament for the batteries. These, however, amounted lo
only a few si.x-pounders. The Avhole country around, excepting a few spots on tlio
lake shore, was covered with a dense forest.
On the day when the expedition sailed from Sackett's Harbor General Pike issued
minute instructions concerning the manner of landing and attack. " It h expected,"
lie said, " that every corps will be mindful of the honor of the American arms, and
the disgraces which have recently tarnished our arms, and endeavor, by a cool and
ilctcrmined discharge of their duty, to support the one and wipe off the other." "The
unoffending citizens of Canada," he continued, " are many of them our own country-
men, and the poor Canadians have been forced into this war. Their property, there-
fore, must be held sacred ; and any soldier who shall so far neglect the lionor of his
profession as to be guilty of plundering the inhabitants, shall, if convicted, be pun-
ished with death. But the commanding general assures the troops that, should they
capture a large quantity of public stores, he will use his best endeavors to procure
them a reward from his government." With such instructions t^c Americans pi'o-
ceeded to invade the British soil at about eight o'clock on the morning of the 27th
of April, 1813.
It was intended to land at a clearing near old Fort Toronto. An easterly wind,
blowing with violence, drove the small boats in which the troops left the fleet full
half a mile farther westward, and beyond an effectual covering by the guns of the
navy. Major Foi^syth and his riflemen, in two bateaux, led the van, and when with-
in rifle-shot of the shore they were assailed by a deadly volley of bullets by a com-
pany of Glengary Fencibles and a party of Indians under Major Givens, who were
concealed in the woods that fringe the shore. " Rest on your oars ! prime !" said
Forsyth, in a low tone. Pike, standing on the deck of the Madison, saw this halting,
and impatiently exclaimed, with an expletive, " I can not stay here any longer !
Come," he said, addressing his staff, "jump into the boat." He was instantly obeyed,
(haped peninsula, which, within n few years, has become an island. It was only a few rodd wide, where, in IS-W, a
siorm cut a channel and made most of the pe ilnsultt an island, while at its western extremity It was very broad, and
tmbraced several ponds. See map on page BOrt. It is low and sandy— so low that, from the moderate elevation of the
uimi (fifteen or twenty feet above the water), the dark line of the lake maybe seen over it. Upon it were, and still are,
Mme trees, which, at first glance, seem to be standing on the water. This gave the name of Tarnntah, an Iitdian word
lifiiifylng " trees on the water," to the place. When the French bnilt a fort there, westward of the extreme western
fnii of the peninsula (which was called "Oibraltar Point"), they named It Fort Tarontah, or Toronto. In pursuance of
liit plan of Anglicizing the tipper Province, SImcoe named it York. The people, at a later day, with singular good taste,
resumed the Indian name of Tarontah, or Toronto.
"• — n ■"#..
msm
588
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Battle in the Wuode.
Cowardly Flight of the IndianB.
The Biltiah driven to Toronto.
and voiy soon they and their gallant commander were in the midst of a fight for
Forsyth's men had opened tire, and the enemy on the shore were retnniing it hntiV.
ly. Tiic vanguard soon landed, and were immediately followed, in support, by Ma-
jor King and a battalion of infantry. Pike and the main body soon followed miii
the whole column, consisting of the Sixth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and Twenty-first Hcfr.
imcnts of Infantry, and detachments of light and heavy artillery, with Major For-
syth's rifllemen and Lieutenant Colonel M'Clurc's volunteers as flankers, pressed for-
ward into the woods. The British skirmishers meanwhile had been re-enfoi-ced hy
two companies of the Eighth, or King's Regiment of Regulars, two hundred strong, a
company of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, a large body of militia, and sonic
Indians. They took position in the woods, and were soon encountered by the ad-
vancing Americans, whose artillery it was difficult to move. Perceiving tliis, the
British, led by General Sheafle in person, attacked the American flanks with a m-
pounder and howitzer. A very sharp conflict ensued, and botli parties suffered much.
Captain M'Neil, of the King's Regiment, was killed. The British were overpowered
and fell back, when General Pike, at the head of the American column, ordered his
bugler to sound, and at the same time dashed gallantly forward. That bugle blast
thrilled like electric fire along the nerves of the Indians, They gave one horrid yell
then fled like frightened deer to cover, deep into the forest. That bugle blast was
heard in tlie fleet, in the face of the wind, and high above the voices of the gale, and
evoked long and loud responsive cheers. At the same time Chauncey was send i hi;
to the shore, under the direction of Commander Elliott, something more effective than
huzzas, for he Avas hurling deadly grape-shot upon the foe, which added to the con-
sternation of the savages, and gave fleetness to their feet. They also hastened tlie
retreat of Sheaffe's white troops to their defenses in the direction of the village, Avhilc
the dnim and fife of the pui"suers were briskly playing Ya)ikee Doodle.
The Americans now pressed forward as rapidly as possible along the lake shore in
j)latoons by sections. They were not allowed to load their muskets, and were com-
pelled to rely upon the baj onet. Because of many ravines and little streams, tlie ar-
tillery was moved with difiicHlty, for the enemy had uc'stroyed the bridges. It was
a strong right arm, and essential in the service at hand ; and by great exertions a
tield-piece and a howitzer, under Lieutenant Fanning" of the Third Artillery, was
moved steadily with the column. As that column emerged from thick woods, flank-
ed by M'Clure's volunteers, divided equally as light troops, under Colonel Rij)ley,h
was confronted by twenty-four pounders on the Western Battery, the remains of
UKMAIMB OP TUB WESTERll IIATTKBY.'
which are now (ISGT) plainly visible between the present New Barracks and the
city on the lake shore. Upon that battery the guns of some of Chauncey's vessels,
> In this sketch the appearance of the mounds in ISOO is given. On the left, in the distance, is seen a glimpse of a
wharf and part of Toronto. On the right a portion of the peninsula, now an island. In the centre of the picture Is Ihc
opening between the island and the remainder of the peninsula, looking out npon the lake. The steam-boat indicatct
the present channel, which is narrow and not very deep.
Iven to Toronto.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
689
B»ttle »t York.
Explueiun of the British Powder-magaslne.
Death of Ocueral Pike and uthen.
which had beat up against the wind in range of the enemy's works, were pouring
heavy shot. Captain Walworth was ordered to storm it with his grenadiers, of the
Sixteenth. They immediately trailed their arms, quickened their pace, and Avere
ibout to charge, when the wooden magazine of the battery, that had been carelessly
left open, blew up, killing some of the men, and seriously damaging the defenses.
Tlie dismayed enemy spiked their cannon, and fled to the next, or Half moon Battery.
Walworth pressed forward, when that, too, was abandoned, and he found nothing
within but spiked cannon. Sheaffe and his little army, deserted by the Indians, tied
to the garrison near the governor's house, and tiiere opened a fire of round and grape
allot upon the Americans. Pike ordered his troops to halt, and lie flat upon the grass,
while Mijor Eustis, with his artillery battery, moved to the front, and soon silenced
the great guns of the enemy.
The firing from the garrison ceased, and the Americans expected every moment to
see a white flag displayed from the block-house in token of surrender. Lieutenant
Riddle, whose corps had brought up the prisoners taken in the woods, was sent for-
ward with a small party to reconnoitre. General Pike, who had just assisted, with
his own hands, in removing a wounded soldier to a comfortable place, was sitting
upon a stump conversing with a huge British sergeant who liad been taken prisoner,
his staff standing around him. At that moment was felt a sudden tremor of the
(fround, followed by a tremendous explosion near the British garrison. The enemy,
despairing of holding
the place, had blown
up their powder-mag-
azine, situated upon the
I'dge of the water, at
the mouth of a ravine,
near whore the build-
ma of the Great West-
ern Railway stand.
The effect was terrible.
Fragnients of timber,
and huge stones of '^-
, . 1 ,1 _ • POWDEK-MAOAZINK AT TOBO.NTO.
which the magazine
walls were built, were scattered in every direction over a space of several hundred
vards.^ When the smoke floated away the scene was appalling. Fifty-two Ameri-
cans lay dead, and one hundred and eighty others were wounded.^ So badly had
the affair been managed that forty of the British also lost their lives by the explo-
sion. General Pike, two of his aids, and the British sergeant were mortally hurt,^
while Riddle and his party were unhurt, the missiles passing entirely over them.
The terrified. Americans scattered in dismay, but they were soon rallied by Brigade
Major Hunt and Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell. The column was reformed, and the
!;eneral command was assumed by the gallant Pennsylvanian, Colonel Cromwell
' The maKMino was abont twenty feet sqiinre. It contained live hnndrcd barrels of gnnpow-der, and on Imineniso
Tjaiitity of shot and shells. It was bnilt of heavy stone, close by the lake shore, with a heavy stone wall on Its water
[fimt. Its roof was nearly level with the surface of the ground. The descent to its vaults was by stone steps inside of
ihc wall. It was so situated that the Americans did not suspect its existence there. The picture of it above given, as
il .i|ipcared before the explosion, is f^om a pencil sketch by an English ofHcer. It is paid that some of the fragments
otihe magazine were thrown by the explosion as far as the decks of Chauncey's vessels, and, says IngersoU, " the water
vn! ehocked as with an earthquake."
' A late provincial writer, whose pages exhibit the most bitter spirit, says, in speaking of this destruction of life, "We
hfurlllj: agree with James [the most malignant and mcndacioua of the British writers on the WarJ ' that, even had the
whole column been destroyed, the Americans would hut have met their deserts ;' and if disposed to commiserate the
poor soldiers, at least, wo wish, with him, 'that their places had been filled by the American President and the ninety-
fight members of the Leg! .ur<) who voted for the war.' " — A History of tht Late War between Oreat Britain mirf the
UaM S/atot ^ ^^ y^^/ n^^^fl'^ ^'' *' ^^'^ made the seat of the ])iovin(ial
///^^J'^ly ^^^—^ ^/y /) government, and for sixty-two years lie Imd
<^ watdied its growtli from a few scattered
huts to a stately city. lie was born at "Butler's Barracks," just back of Newark.
now Niagara. Some of Butler's Rangers, those bitter Tory marauders in Ceiitnd
New York during the Revolution, who hi cruelty often shamed Brant and his braves,
settled in Toronto, and were mostly men of savage character, who met death by vio-
lence.' In the War of 1812 Mr. Ross belonged to a company of York Volunteers.
He w^as with Brock at Hull's surrender, and in the battle of Queenstown,tAVO months
later, where his loved commander fell. He assisted in the burial of the hero in Fort
George, and he gave me many interesting incidents connected with the event.
Mr. Ross gave me such minuto and clear directions concerning the intcrestinj
places in and around Toronto that I experienced no difliculty in finding tlictn, I
hired a horse and light wagon, and a young man for driver, aud spent a greater por-
tion of the day in the hot sun. We first rode out to the plain AvestAvard of tlic eity,
to visit the landing-place of the Americans and the remains of old Fort Toronto, Tlic
latter, delineated on the next page, were on the margin of the lake, where tlic
bank is only about eight feet above the water. The spot is about sixty rods west-
ward of the present military post called the New Barracks. The princijial remains
of the fort (in Avliich may be seen some timber-work placed there when the fort was
parti.ally repaired in the winter of 1812-13) are seen ih the foreground. Thcj ;iu
sented abrupt heaps covered with sod. On the right, in the distance, is seen Gibraltar
Point, with the trees springing from its low, sandy surface. On the left are the Xew
Barracks. A ic^ rods Avestward of the fort were the remains of a battery, the
■ Mr. Ross knew a Hr. O , one of these Bangers, who, when intoxicated, once told him that " the sweetest «faiibc \
ever ate was the breast of a woman, which he ait off and broiled 1"
Ntffljii
maaaamamer.
iftbeWikrariMt
OF TIIK WAU OF 18 12.
508
^I]jjj|in7i)roi(l Fort Toronto, An Adtouture among the Portlflcatloni iit Toronto I)iii|i1eR8iii« of* Brittib Offlclai.
KKUAlMt OF Ol.ll KdllT TOUONTO.
mounds of which were four or five feet in liei^lit. I'asHliiff on toward the city, near
tlic lake Hhore, Ave came to the remains of the Western I Jattery (see map on page 590),
ililincatud on page 5H8, ten or fifteen rods eastward of the New Barracks; and, still
nciUTr to tlic town, the moiuids of tlie Ilalf-moon Hattery.
hiding into tlie city, we j)as8ed tlu'ougli the old garrison, where a few of tlie One
IIiiii(lrc'(lth Hcgiment occupied a portion of the barracks. The gates were away, and
tliu pul)lic road passed directly through the fort. For tlie purpose of obtaining a
sketch of the old block-house of 1813,1 mounted the half-ruined parapet on the north
side, when I was accosted by the fort adjutant just as I had set my pencil at work.
With great discourtesy of manner he informed me that it was a violation of law to
OLB FOBT AT TOBONTO IS ISOO.
mnke sketches of British fouJifications, and that I ought to think myself fortunate in
being allowed to escape without a penitential day in the guard-house, I assured him
that had I for a moment dreamed that a few old mounds of earth, two deserted block-
lioascs, and some tumble-down barracks, with a public road crossing the very centre
; of the group, constituted a fortification in the sense of British military law, I should
not have been a trespasser. This intimation that a man with his eyes open could not,
in the chaos around him, discover a British fort, did not increase the amiability of the
j adjutant, and, with the supercilious hauteur of offended dignity, he gave me to under-
I stand that he wished no farther conversation with me. This was tlie only instance
Pp
i
. i '
I 1
1
1
li-fff
■
594
I'ICTOUIAL FIELI'.BOOK
A courteous Sergeant.
Viilt to the Don.
Chief JuiMce Roblnaon und William Lyon M'Kcnile
of incivility that I received during all my travels in Canada. I cloned my jjorttblid
passed out at tlie eastern gateway, and from the causeway that crosses the iiivincit
the foot of Hathurst Street, a short distance from the site of the powder iiiai,'a;;iin
that exploded, I obtained a much more interesting sketch than I should have (Kmc
from the parapet.' This was full compensation for the fort adjutant's iiuivility
When I had finished my sketch I started into and through tlie fort, and fell in will.
Sergeant Barlow, a most courteous young man, who invited me to his quarters to st,
his bride. There he showed me a number of relics of the War of 1812, lately thrown
up by the excavators in the employ of the railway company. Among them was a
military button marked "P. R." — Pennsylvania Rangers — some silver and copper
coins found with a skeleton, and the remains of an epaulette. There I also met Sir-
geant Robertson, a veteran Scotch soldier, who Avas one of the Glengary l{ei;inipiit
during the War of 1812. He had served in the British army twenty years pii'vioih
to that war. He was tall and vigorous, but somewhat lame, and about ninety years
of age. He gave me some curious details of the operations of the famous Gleiifarv
men during tlic strife.
From tlie old fort Ave rode out to the River Don, at the eastern extremity of the
city. It is there about seventy feet wide, and was spanned by a bridge at the jiiiRtidn
of King and Queen Streets, made of heavy open timber-work. There (4eneral Slicaffo
crossed in his flight, burning the bridge behind him. Looking up the Don from it
about three fourths of a mile, where its Avooded banks are high, may be seen Si,
James's Cemetery, in the northeast corner of Avhicli is the site of the first palaco or
dwelling of the governor, which was built of logs and called Castle Frank. TIk
spot still retains that name. I intended to visit it, but Avhen Ave were at the hiiili,'i
the day Avas Avaning, and a thunder-shower Avas gathering in the Avest ; so avc turucil
our faces cityAvard, and arrived at the hotel in time for a late dinner and a stioll
around the city to view its very beautiful public buildings before dark.
On^the folloAving morning I called upon Sir John Beverly Robinson, chief justice
of Upper Canada, at his pleasant residence on the southeast corner of John and Qiictn
Streets. He Avas an aged man, small in stature, and elegant and aifable in manners.
His father was a member of Simcoe's corps of Queen's Rangers during our old War
for Independence, and, Avith other Loyalists, fled to Nova Scotia at its close. He aft-
erward settled in Upper Canada, where the chief justice Avas born. The son Avas des-
tined for the legal profession, and finished his education in England, Avhere he was
admitted to the bar. When the War of 1812 broke out he abandoned his profession
temporarily, joined the army in Canada, and was Avith Brock, in gallant service, at
Detroit and Queenston. He Avas rcAvarded Avith the office of solicitor general, and
was afterward made attorney general and chief justice of the province. He died at
Toronto early in 1863, at the age of seventy-one years.
In the course of the morning I met the famous leader of the revolt in Upper Canada
in 1837, William Lyon M'Kenzie, with whom I had been acquainted several jears,
He Avas still engaged in his favorite profession of editing and publishing a newspaper,
and, though at near the end of the allotted age of man, he seemed as vigorous as ever,
and was conducting his paper with that boldness that ever characterized his career,
He, too, has since been laid in the grave. Mr. M'Kenzi* accompanied me to the res-
idence of the governor general, the Parliament-house, and the wharf, Avhere great
preparations were making for the reception of the Prince of Wales, who Avas then at
Montreal on his Avay to the Upper Province. Workmen were engaged in the con-
struction of an immense amphitheatre and triumphal arch, not far from the Parlia-
1 In this view is seen the causeway and bridge over the ravine, and the general appearance of the fort in ISCO. lu
the embankment Is seen a/raise, or pickets placed horizontally. On the left is the old block-house of 1813. In the cen-
tre, to the right of the open gateway, is another block-house with a flag on it, built after the Americans left Yorlf. On
the right is the governor's house, built after the war, with a poplar-tree near It. In the ravine, a little to the left of ihe
cannon and horses, was situated the magazine that exploded.
OF THE WAU OF 1818.
0OS
m Lyon M'Kenile.
my |)<)rtt(ili(i,
tlic raviiicat
tier inaiiiii'.iiii
lid liavi' (lom
It's incivility.
ul foil in wiili
lunrters to sci
, lately thrown
ig them WHS a
er and coiiiicr
1 also met Sir-
;ary Rejiiniciit
years i»revi(iih
ut ninety yiiiis
nious Gleiigary
xtrcmity of tlic
at the j\inctiun
General Slieaffe
;he Don from it
nay be seen St.
B first palace ov
.le Frank. Tin
re at the bridi.'i
;t ; 80 we turned
ner and a stroll
rk.
json, chief justice
John and Quceii
able in manners.
ing our old War
8 close. lie aft-
'he son Avas des-
Id, where he was
|ed his profession
Uant service, at
itor general, ami
,ce. He died at
fin Upper Canada
td several years.
|ng a newspaper,
srigorous as ever,
Irized his career.
Id me to the res-
krf, where great
tvho was then at
laged in the con-
■from the Pavlia-
lofthe fort In ISM. lu
lpeofl813. In the MB-
jiericona left York. On
I little to the left of Ibe ;
ftante wroi« Uke Ontario.
The Railway to Lewliton.
Arrival at MiaKara i'allt.
nient-howse, at the foot of wide IJrock Street, I think. Tlie veteran agitator wan to
leave for Montreal that afternoon for tlio purpose of meeting the i)rln('e, and so we
soon i)arted, he to (hish off some spicy editorials — to hurl a shot at some political or
social evil — and I to dine and prepare for a voyage across tlie lake to the Niagara
Klver.
We left, Toronto towavd evening,* lioping to reach Lewiston in time to •AnKn»t28,
take the train that would connect with one leaving Niagara Falls early *'*""•
for the East, but in this we were disappointed. The voyage was a delightful one in
a stanch steamer. We passed out of the harbor through the channel across the for-
mer neck of the peninsula,' and in a short time Ave were out of sight of land. All
alon" the western and northern liorizoiis heavy clouds were drift,ing, and the watery
e.vi)aiise back of us was as black as the Styx. Before us, as Ave approached the
mouth of the Niagara River, the white mist, which is eternally rising from the Great
Cataract, was seen above Queenston Heights, at least twenty miles distant. When
we entered the river a heavy thunder-shower was rapidly rising in the direction of
Hiirlington Bay. It burst upon us
at Lewiston, where Ave entered tlio
railway cars. It Avas short and se-
vere. As Ave moved along the fear-
ful shelf in the rocks forming the
perpendicular banks of the Niagara
River — rocks a hundred feet above
and a hundred feet below the rail-
way that overlooks the rushing wa-
ters—the setting sun beamed out
in splendor, and revealed clearly
the whole country fror.i (iueenston
Heights to Lake Ontario. Just as
we had passed a small rocky tunnel,
we were detained for a few minutes
liy some obstruction, Avhcn, from the
back Avindow of the last car in the
train at Avhich I was standing, I
made the accompanying sketch. It
will convey to the reader an idea of
the nature of the road. BeloAV is
seen the waters of the Niagara, span-
ned by the suspension bridge at
Lewiston, and, by a somewhat wind-
ing way, floAving into Lake Ontario
in the far distance. W^e ran into
Niagara Falls village at dark in the
midst of another heavy thunder-
shower, and late in the evening de-
parted in the cars for the East. I
rested at Rochester that night, and
on the following day reached my
home on the Hudson, after a weari-
some but most interesting tour of a
fortnight in Canada and along the Niagara frontier.
We have observed on page 591 that the victors at York abandoned that post pre-
paratory to an attack upon Fort Geo rge, at the mouth of the Niagara River. On ac-
> See note 8, page S86.
VIEW ON TUB NIAOABA, KEAB LEWISTON.
II
«
11^
It - i:, ■
I I A
IN
PICTORIAL l-IELD-BOOK
Kxpedltloa agalnit FortOMTgl.
Prapkratlooi fur an Attack.
The rflupcctlve t\
irrvK i||o„,
count of aclvorto windH, the expedition did not leave York Harbor until the Htli i,r
May, when the whole fleet crosHed the In!:: and anchored off the mouth of Foiir-miK.
Creek, four niileH eastwurd of Fort Niiijifarii. Dearborn and Chaun(;ey, ami dtlur
army and naval connuanilerM, had preeeded the fleet in the pilot Hehooner JauIi/ of
the Lake, and selceted the place for an encampment near the mouth of tliu ciKk
There the troopw were deborki-il, and (Jhauncey Hailed for Sackett's Harbor with iu,„i
of his fleet, to obtain Hupjdies and re-enfbreementH for the army. lie arrived tlicii' . n
•Miiy, the llth.» The Hmaller veHseJH wore continually employed in convcyiiifr Ktons
isia. ^,„j troojm to Dearborn's eamj»; and on the 22d the il/rt(//so;j, with tlic cum-
modore's pemiant flyinj? in her, sailed for the same point with three hundred ainl Hl'tv
troops, including Macomb's artillery corps. She arrived at Four-mile Creek on tlio
25th, aiul on the evening of the same d&y Commander Perry, who had come (li,\v,|
hastily from Erie,johied Chauncey, to the great delight of that oflicer. At the mo.
ment of his arrival, all the officers of the squadron were assembled on board tlie ilai;.
ship to receive orders. "No person on earth," Chauncey said to Perry, as lie cor-
dially grasped his hand, " could be more welcome at this time than yourselt'." ()|,
the following morning the commodore and Perry, in the Lady of the Lake, recon-
noitred the enemy's batteries with care, i)lanted buoys for the government of tli(
smaller vessels which it was intended to send close in shore, and arranged other pre-
liminaries for the attack. They then called upon General Dearborn, who .vas quite
ill at his quarters, when Chauncey urged the importance of making the attack tlu
next morning. The general assented, and issued an order to that effect, which was
signed by Winfield Scott, adjutant general and chief of staff. Tiie last clause of the
order placed the landing of the troops in charge of Commodore Chauncey, and that
Bj)ecitic duty was intrusted to Commander Perry. Information of this arraiifremeiit
was communicated to the commanding general, Avho, it appears, had no definite plan
of attack.'
Fort Niagara and the troops there were under the command of Major General
Morgan Lewis, of New York. During the occupancy of the camp at Four-mile Creek
re-enforcements had come in from various points, and on the return of Chauncey, pre-
pared for attackiii"- the British post. The American land force fit for duty was over
four thousand in number, under the general command of Dearborn. He was too ill
to take the field, and issued his orders part of the time from his bed. He was siip
ported by Generals Lewis, Bbyd, Winder, and Chandler, and eminently so by Colonel
Scott, whose skill and industry in disciplining the troops during their detention in
camp was of the greatest service.
The British force in the vicinity was composed of about eighteen hundred regular?,
consisting of the Forty-ninth Regiment, and detachments from the Eighth, Forty-first,
Glengary, and Newfoundland Corps, under the command of Brigadier General John
Vinoent. Eight companies of the Forty-ninth, five companies of the Eighth or King's,
thrt a companies of the Glengary, and two of the Newtbundland Regiment, and a por-
no;! of the artillery, were stationed at Fort George and its immediate vicuiity, with
i iiree hundred and fifty militia and fifty Indians. The right, from Fort Georie to
Brown's Point (the first below Vrooman's, near Qneenston), was commanded hy
Colonel Harvey ; the left, from the fort to Four-mile Creek, on the Canada side of the
Niagara River, was commanded by Colonel Myers, the deputy quarter-master (gen-
eral ; and the centre, at the fort, by General Vincent. In the rear of Fort George, in
the several ravines, companies were stationed so as to support each other when re-
quired.''
Besides Fort George, the British had several smaller works along the shores of the
Niagara River and Lake Ontario, in the vicinity. Five of the twenty-four-pounders j
» Letter of Commodore Perry, sappoBed to be to bis parents, cited by M'Eenzie In his Li/e of Feny, 11., 138,
> Merritt's MS. Narrative.
;il the 8lh of
of Ftmr-milo
ey, ami otlur
jiicr JauIij 0/
of tlif cicik.
i»or with iii(i>i
rived tliciv ( n
iivoyiiifi Htdns
with th(! com-
ulri'd aii'l til'iy
! Cr(.'C'l{ on tl\o
ul come down
r. At tlie inn-
boanl the tliv,'-
rry, as lie cor-
yourself." On
he Lake, recon-
LTiiment of the
nged other j)re-
who .vas qiiitf
tho attack the
BFcct, wliieh was
i8t clause of tk'
lunccy, ami that
Ills arranjiement
no definite jilan
f Major General
<'our-mile Crecli
Chauncey,prc-
duty wan over
He was too ill
, lie was snp-
y so hy Colonel
loir detention in
undred regulars,
rhth, Forty-first,
er General Jolui
<:ighth or King's,
mcnt, and a por-
te vicuiity, with
Fort Gcorie to
comraandcil Itv
Hinada side of tbe
rter-master gen-
Fort George, in
other when re-
Ithe shores of the
Ity-four-pounders
OF THE WAK OF 1813.
697
CiPDoaada batwMn Fort* Otorg* and Nlagar*.
Tho Americnn Sqoadron off tba Nlagar* River.
taken fio'n il"ll had been brouj^ht to that frontier, four of which had bci •:. .uounicu
in Fort (Jeorgo, and tlio Hflli had been placed <;« f/arbette,* about half a mile from New-
ark on or near tho Hitc of tlie prcHcnt Fort Alississagua. They liad another buttery at
ihe month of the Two-mile Creek. Tho Americans had (juite a jiowerful work, caUcd
ilic Salt Battery, in tho lower part of Voungstown, opposite Fort (ieorgc. There
wire two other batteries above it, and two between it and Fort Niagara.
Arrangements were made for the attack on Fort (ieorgc on the morning of the
•.•7th of May. A large number of boats had been built at Five-mile Meadow, on the
Niagara River, and orders were sent for them to be brought round to F'our-mile Creek.
When they were launched, towc-''. evening on the 20th, a small buttery ojtpoHito the
Meadows opened upon the workmen. This brought on a general caimonading be-
tween the two forts and their dependent batteries, during wliich the Salt Hattery at
Y'oungstown inflicted severe injury upon every wooden building in and near Fort
Georce, while the return fire from the fort was slow and feeble, owing, it is said, to a
scarcity of powder. Meanwhile night came on, and under its cover the boats went
down the river and reached the American encamj)tnent in safety. During the night,
,ill tho heavy artillery, and as many troops as possible, were placed on the Madinon,
Oneida, and Lady of the Lake, and instructions given for the remainder to follow in
the smaller war vessels and boats, according to a prescribed plan.
Generals Dearborn and Lewis went on board tho Madison, and between three and
four o'clock in the morning the squadron weighed anchor. The troops were all era-
harked at a little past four, and the wliole flotilla moved toward the Niagara with a
very gentle breeze. The wind soon failed, and the smaller vessels were comi)elled to
employ their sweeps. A heavy fog hovered over land and water from early dawn
nntil tho sim broke forth in splendor, when a magnificent sight was opened to view
on the lake. The large vessels, tilled with troops, were all under way, and the bosom
of the water was covered with scores of boats, tilled with soldiers, light artillery, and
horses, grandly advancing upon the enemy, wIjo had been greatly perplexed by the
fog. The breeze had now freshened a little, and all tho vessels took their designated
positions without difliculty.
The Julia, Sailing-master Trant, and the Growler, Sailing-master Mix, took a posi-
tion at tho mouth of the Niagara River, to keep in check or silence a battery near the
light-house (on or near the site of Fort INIississagua), in the vicinity of which it was
lUITBANCE TO TIIS HUOARA BIVBB.>
intended to land some of the troops, The Ontario, commanded by Mr. Stevens, took
a position north from the light-house, so as to entilade the same battery and cross the
> That Is, on tlie top of an embankment, withont embrasures or openings in tbe banks by wliich the cannon is shel-
tered and concenled.
' This view is from n drawing made In 1S19, previous to the attack on Fort George, and published in the Port Polio
in July, 181T. On the extreme left Is seen Fort Niagara, and at a greater distance, across the river. Fort George and the
vilage of Newark. To the right of the light-houee, over which is a flag, is seen the battery which the Julia and Oroickr
< controlled.
illHii
til
598
PICTORIAL FIELD-EOOK
Opeuing of the Battorieo.
T.andtng of the American Troops.
Gallantry of Commodore Perry,
fire of the other two. The Governor Tompkins, Lieutenant Brown, and the Conquea
commanded by another lieutenant of the same name, took position near Two-mile
Creek, so as tc command a battery which the enemy liad erected tliere. Near tLis
was tlie designated place for the debarkation of most of the troops. For the purpose
of covering them in that movement, the Hamilton, Lieutenant M'Pherson, the Asn
Lieutenant Smith, and the Scourge, Sailing-master Osgood, took stations near the otL-
or two, but closer to the shore.
While the vessels were taking their positions, and the troops were preparing to
land, the batteries upon both sides were playing briskly. Colonel Scott, on accept-
ing the position of adjutant general, had stipulated that he shovld be allowed to com-
mand his regiment (Second Artillery) on extraordinary occasions. This he considered
an extraordinary occasion, and he was placed in the command of the vanguard or for-
lorn hope of five hundred men destined to make the first attack. The troops were tu
land in three brigades, from six divisions of boats. Scott's advance was composed of
his own corps acting as infantry, Forsyth's riflemen, and detachments from infontrv
regiments. These were to be followed by General Lewis's division and Colonel Moses
Porter with hio light artillery, and these, in turn, by the commands of Generals Bovd
(who had succeeded General Pike), Winder, and Chandler. The reserve consisted of
Colonel Alexander Macomb's regiment of artillery, in which the marines of the squad-
ron, under Captain Smith, had been incorporated. Four Imndred seamen were also
held in reserve, to land, if necessary, under the immediate command of Commodore
whauncey.
Before the expedition reached the place of intended debarkation the wind had in-
creased, and a rather heavy sea rolling shoreward made the landing difficult. The
Tompkins swept gracefully into her designated position. Lieutenant Brown coollv
prepared for action, and then opened a fire upon the British battery with so much
precision that it was silenced, and its people driven away in less than ten minutes.
The boats now dashed in under the skillful management of Perry; and so eager were
the troops of the van, under Scott, to meet the foe, that the ^ leaped into the water
and waded to the shore. Captain Hindman, of the Second Artillery, being the first
man who touched the beach. They had already been under fire ; for, as the first bri-
gade, under Boyd, with Scott in the van, approached the shore, they were unexpect-
edly assailed by volleys of musketry from more than two hundred of the Glengarv
and Newfoundland regiments under Captain Winter, and about forty Indians under
Norton, who was conspicuous at Queenston the year before. These had been con-
cealed in a ravine and wood not far from the battery tliat had been silenced. The
shot passed over the heads of the Americans; and, a few minutes afterward, Scott
and his party were on the beach, sheltered by an irregular bank, varying from six to
twelve feet in height, where they formed for immediate action. The enemy, from
apprehension of the fife from the schooners, did not ai)proach the shore again innne-
diately, but kept bnnk, with the intention of assailing the invaders when they shouhl
ascend tlie bank to the plain above.
The conduct of Perry on this occasion was remarkable. Unmindful of personal
danger, he went from vessel to vessel in an open boat, giving directions personally
concerning the landing. With S^ott he leaped into the water, and rushed ashore
through the surf, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing the whole first brigade, un-
der Boyd, landed in perfect order on the beach, flanked by M'Clure's Baltimore and
Albany Volunteers. Meanwhile the schooners were not firing briskly enough to suit
the young hero. He pushed oft' to the Hamilton, of nine guns, and while Seott and
his party were attempting to ascend to the plain, ho opened a tremendous discharge
of grape and canister shot on the Brit'sh, who were now advancing to repel the
Americans, full one thousand strong, infantry and artillery, under Colonel Myers.
The struggle of the Americans in ascending the bank was most severe, Tliroe
Sa^t-awiiWAi-'.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
600
lommodore Perry.
;he Conquest,
ear Two-raile
2. Near this
r the purpose
son, the Asp,
near the otli-
preparing to
>tt, on accept-
lowed to coin-
he conskk'red
nguard or for-
troops Avere to
s composed of
from infantry
Colonel Moses
Generals Boyd
fG consisted of
s of the squad-
men ■were also
of Commodore
le wind had in-
difficult. The
t Brown coolly
' with so mueli
in ten minutes.
Id' so eager were
into the water
jeing the first
as the first Ijri-
were inicxpeet-
the Glenfjary
Indians under
lad heen eon-
silenced. The
fterward, Seott
ing from six to
10 enemy, from
)re again imme-
len they should
Iful of personal
.ions personally
rushed ashore
rst brigade, uii-
Baltimore and
enough to suit
vhile Scott and
idous discharge
ig to repel the
oncl flyers.
severe. Three
A i«vere Contest on the Shore.
Retreat of the British.
Capture of Fort Qeorge.
limes they were compelled to fall back, hard pushed by the bayonets of the foe. In
the first attempt, Scott, at the head of his men, was hurled backward to the beach.
Dearborn, who was anxiously watcliing the movement with his glass from the Madi-
fon and who placed more reliance on Scott than any other man, seehig him fall, ex-
claimed in agony, "He is lost ! he is killed !" Scott soon recovered himself, rallied
liis men, rushed up the bank, knocked up the bayonets of the enemy, and took and
lield a position at a ravine near by. He a, as supported by Porter's field train and a
i)art of Boyd's brigade, in which service the Sixth Regiment, three hundred strong,
under Colonel James Miller, performed a conspicuous part. A severe and gallant ac-
tion ensued — gallant on both sides — Avhioh Avas chiefly sustained by Scott's corps, and
the Eio'hth (King's) British regiment, under Major Ogilvie. The contest lasted only
about twenty minutes, when the severe cannonade from the Jlamilton and the Avell-
applied fire of the American troops caused the Britisli to break and flee in much con-
fusion. The whole body of the enemy, including the Forty-ninth Regiment, which
had been brought forward by Colonel Harvey as a re-enforcement, fled toAvard Queens-
ton, closely pursued by Colonel Scott. Colonel Myers, their commander, Avas Avound-
ed and taken from the field ; and the Avbolc corps, officers and men, Avho fought brave-
ly, suffered severely.
General Vincent Avas satisfied that the victory of the Americans was complete, and
that Fort George was untenable, so he ordered its guns to be spiked, the ammunition
to be destroyed, the fort to be abandoned, and the Avliole force under his command
to retreat Avestward, by tlie Avay of Vrooman's and St. David's, to a strong position
among the hills, at a place called the Beaver Dams, about eighteen miles dist"nt, and
rendezvous tliere.
Information of the im-
pending destruction of
the fort Avas comUiUnica-
ted to Scott Avhile pass-
ino; it with his pursuing
eolumn by some prison-
ers M'ho came running
out. He immediately de-
tached two companies,
under Captains Hind-
man and Suockton,' and,
wheeling to the left,
dashed on at their Jiead
toward the fort to save
the guns and ammuni-
tion, if possible. When
lie was about eighty
paces from the works
one of the magazines ex-
ploded, and a piece of
tlying timber thrcAV the impetuous leader from liis horse, and hurt him severciy. He
soon recovered from the shock, and pressed forward. The gate Avas forced, the light-
ed trains for firing tAvo smaller magazines were extingnished, and, Avith his uwn
liands, Scott hauled doAvn the .British flag. Tlie Avhole manoeuvre occupied but a few
minutes, and Scott AA'as soon again at the head of his column, in hot pursuit of the
n.AN OF ©"-..BATIONB AT TUK .MOITU JF THE NIAGARA KIVEB.
' Tbomas Stockton was a native of Delaware, and wns appointed captain of artillery in 1S12. In If M he became ma-
jor of the Forty-eecond Infantry, and at the close of the war was retained as captain, with the brevet ranit of miv)or.
lie afterward served In the artillery. Uc resigned In 1828. In 1S44 he was governor of Delaware, and died at Now-
c.i*llc In March, ISIC.
m
'Ifi
600
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
PurBuit of the British chocked.
Their Flight to the Beaver Dams and Burllugton Heights
flying enemy, satisfied that he would overtake and capture them. Twice he disre-
garded an order from General Lewis to give up the pursuit, saying to Lieuti'iiants
Worth and Vandeventer, the messengers, " Your general does not know that I liavc
the enemy within my poAver; in seventy minutes I shall capture his whole Ibrce'
Just then Colonel Burn,' his senior, Avas crossing the Niagara Itiver from the Five-
mile Meadows with precisely the troops which Scott deemed necessary to make hU
successful pursuit of the enemy secure. While waiting for these he was overtaken
by General Boyd, who gave him peremptory orders to relinquish the chase and re-
turn to Fort George. He obeyed with regret. He had followed the' enemy five
miles, and was then so near them that he was in the midst of the British stragrrl^rs
Lieutenant Riddle, who was not aware of the order, pursued the fugiiives almost to \
Queenston, and captured and brought back several prisoners.
At meridian, Fort George and its, dependencies, with the village of Newark, wore in*'
the quiet possession of the Americans, the att.ack and conquest having occupied only
three hours. The Americans had been eleven hours on duty since embarking at Four-
mile Creek. Only a small portion of them had been actually engaged in the eouflict,-
Their loss was about forty killed and one hundred wounded. The only officer slain
was Lieutenant Henry A. Hobart, of the Light Artillery. The loss of the British rcir-
ulars was fifty-one killed, and three hundred and five wounded, missing, and prison-
ers. The number of British militia made prisoners was five hundred and seven
making the entire loss of the enemy eight hundred and sixty-three, with quite a large
quantity of munitions and stores saved from destruction at Fort George and the
batteries.
General Vincent and most of his troops reached the ' t- ;>j,ms toward suiiiJct,
and during the evening he was joined by a " battalion company" of the Eightii, and
a " detachment of the royal navy" under Captain Barclay, who had been escorted bv
the gallant Cf^»tain Merritt, of the mounted militia, from the Twenty-mile Creek,'
Between midnight and dawn, the troops from Fort Erie, under Lieutenant Colonel
Bisshopp, and from Fort Chippewa, under Major Ormsby, reached the camp, orders
having been sent to those commanders to abandon the entire Niagara frontier. Early
in the morning Vincent resumed his march toward the head of Lake Ontario, lii>
whole force being about sixteen hundred men. From Forty-mile Creek (now Grims-
by) he wrote an official dispatch to Sir George Prevost that evening, giving an ac-
count of his disasters, and suggesting the propriety of establishing a communieatioii
with the army on Burlington Heights (whither he was marching) " through the me-
dium of the fleet." On the 29th he took post on the heights, and was soon joined bv
troops from Kingston.
•May, ^11 tbe morning of the 28111," when it was known that Vinc^^^l I'ad fallen
1813. back to his deposit of provisions and stores at the Beaver Dam^ ^ t • \,il Lewi-
was sent in pursuit of him with the brigades of Chandler and Winder, ' -^ accom-
plished nothing. Ascertaining that Vincent had fled westward, tin. y : y Ircuit
' James Bum w;s a native of South Carolina. Ho was a captain of cavalry In 1799. He settled in Pennsyk. ^.u, and
in the spring of 1812 was appointed colonel of the Second Light Dragoons. Ue left the service on the disbaudlng of Uf
army In 1815. He died at Frankfort, near Philadelphia, in 18-.i!i.
= General Deorborn, in a second dispatch to the Secretary of War, written on the 8th of June, spoke in the liisnoa
terms of aH the officers and men engaged in the affair, especially of the "animating examples" of Scott and Boyd, ami
the sen-Ices of Colonel Porter, Major Armistead, and Lieutenant Totlen, in their "judicious and skillful execution in
demolishing the enemy's butteries." Lieutenant Totteu Anally became a brigadier genera', and was the Chief Eogi-
neer of the United States Army fur feveral years before his death.
' " Wc formed again at the Coiiiicil-honse" [see plan on page 5!l«], snys Captain Merritt, "when I was sent np to or-
der down the light company of the King's, who, we understood, were at the Eight-mile Creek. I rode throngli Ite
woods, around tlie American regiments', followed up the lake to the Twenty-mile Creek (was two hours on the ro,ii!;,
where I met Commodore Barclay with his sailors, and the King's. We hurried on to Shipt, . 's, where I Icanieu lh(
army had retreated to De Con's [the Beaver Dams]. I took the party through the wool's, l. arrived there nt nine
o'clock In the evening. Next morning the mllllla were allowed to remain or follow the ar ny This was a had day for
many as well as myself. I went home, prepared my 'kit,' and with a heavy heart bid adieu, . bought, to the place
of my nativity for a long time. I was determined to share the fate of the army."— MS. Narru.. ,v
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
601
llugton IleighU.
ice he (lisro-
Lieutoiiants
thai I havo
rliok' force,"
31U the Five-
■ to make liis
as overtaken
chase and re-
e enemy five
sh stragglers.
ves ahnost to \
jwark, wercin*'
occuijied only
.rkiiig at Four-
n the conflict.-
ily officer slain
ihe British rei;-
ng, and prison-
red and seven,
th quite a lart^c
ieorge and tlic
toward sunset,
the Eighth, and
•een escorted liy
ity-mile Creek,-
utenant Colonel
he camp, orders
frontier. Early
akc Ontario, liib
lek (now Grims-
ig, giving an ac-
communicatiou
through the me-
8 800U joined liy
British Property destroyed by themeelvcs.
In.'arions Delay.
Expedition scut toward Burlington Heights.
■nc'
It I'.id fallen
.-■; dLewi"
' -'^ accom-
ti ircuit
i in Penni-yl' . '(...an'l
ithediebaudiugotthf
L epokc in the hlgiiMi
Jof Scott and Boyd, anil
Id skillful cxecntlon io
Td was the Chief Engi-
len 1 was sent np toot-
k T rode through tte
X'o lionrB on the roail\
I'e, where I Icnrneu the
1 arrived there at nine
rhie was a Imil ilny t«
bought, to the via"
of many miles to assure themselves of tuu Eiitish evacuation of the frontier, and then
returned to camp.
Forts Erie and Chippewa, and all public property from the former down to Niagara
Falls were doomed to destruction by an order received from General Vincent on the
iftornoon of the 27th. In pursuance of that order, Major Warren, in command of the
b.itteries opposite Black Rock, was ordered to open fire upon that place, and keep it
up all night, until the troops should move oif. He did so ; and in the morning the
magazine at Fort Erie was blown up, and magazines, barracks, and store-houses all
alon" the frontier were fired. In the evening of Friday the 28th, Lieutenant Colo-
nel James P. Preston, the commandant at Black Rock (who was Governor of Virginia
iu 1810), crossed ovef with the Twelfth Regiment and took possession of Fort Erie.
He at once issued an admirable proclamation to the people of Canada, by which he
allayed their apprehensions and disarmed all resentment.'
Two or three days were now consumed iu apathy at Newark, Dearborn and Chaun-
cey not having been able to agree respecting future movements. The latter, who had
anchored his fleet in Niagara River, sailed for Sackett's Harbor on the 31st. jMean-
wliile a rumor came that Proctor was marching from the Detroit frontier to assist
Vincent in recovering that of the Nir.gara. This determined the American com-
mander to send troops in pursuit of Vincent immediately, for the purpose of attack-
inij him among the hills or arresting his flight westward. For this purpose he de-
tached General Wuider, at his own request, on the 1st of Juno, with about eight hund-
red men, including Burn's dragoons, and Archer's and Towson's artillery. He took
tlie Lake Road, and marched rapidly to Twenty-mile Creek, Avherc ho was informed
of Vincent's position at Burlington Heights and his re-enforcements from Kingston.
Winder prudently halted, sent to Dearborn for re-enforcements, and waited for their
lurival. He was joined on the 5th by General Chantiler and about five lumdred men.
Chandler, being the senior oflicer, took the chief command, and the whole body moved
1 "The Albany steara-boat which arrived yesterday (Snndny) brings intc'ligcncc that Fort Erie had surrendered to
the troops of the United States, under Generals Dearborn and Lewis, with little or no resistance on the part of the en-
emy," This announcement appeared In a New York paper on Monday morning, the Tth of Jnnc, ISl.'i. This form of
(Uinonucemeut of war news ftom the North and West at that time was very common. Expresses from tne army at dif-
ferent points were sent to Governor Tompkins, the chief magistrate of the State of New York, living at A 'any, and
tic steam-boat was the most rapid method for conveying inteliigeuce then known. Every few days the New York pa-
pers would say, " The Albany steam-boat brings intelligence," et cetera. It must be remembered that steam navigation
nas theu iu its in'ancy. It was not six years since Fulton's first successful experiment had bean made. There were
only three steam-boats on the Hudson at that time, whose owners had, by legislative grant, the monopoly of that kind
of navigation. These were the I'aragon, Car of Xeptune, and yorthliiver. The average length of the passage from New
Vorlc to Albany was then about thirty-six hours.*
'The following advertisement, taken from the New York ^'oiiii'' /'o"' of the date under consideration, with a fac-
simile of a cut of " the steam-boat" at its head, will seem very curious to th», traveler now, at the distance of sixty years:
HUDSON RIVER STEAM-BOATS.
For the Informatinn of the l^iblic.
The Parafion, Captain Wiswall, will leave New York
! every Saturday afternoon, at 5 o'clock. The Car of S'c])-
! (line, Captain Roorback, do., every Tuesday afternoon,
I itJo'ciock. The Xorth Rir^er, Captain Bartholomew, do.,
I every Thursday aftemoi.n, at B o'clock.
The Parmion will leave Albany every Thursday mom-
\K, at o'clock. The Car of \ej>tune, do., every Satnr-
t lijy morning, at o'clock. Tho .Vorfft Hiver, do., every
I Tuesday morning, at o'clock.
PBICKR OF PASBAOB.
Frm .Vew York to Verplauck's Point, $9 ; W"8t Point,
|$i.50;Ncwburg,.'(i8; Wnpplnger's Creek, $ii.2s ; Poughkeepsic, if-l.tlO ; nydcPark,$4; Ksopns, $4.28 ; Red Hook, $4.50 -.
[Ciil!kill,$,'>; Hudson, $5; Coxsackie, $.VtiO ; Kluderhook, $6.75 ; Albauy,"$7.
fVom.l/fiaMij toKindcrhook, $1.50; Coxsackie, $2 ; Hudson, $2; Catsklll, $2.25 : Red Hook, $2. i«: Esopup.$.T: Hyde
|Pari[,$3.'.>5; Poughkeepslc, $3.50 ; Wappiuger's Creek, $4; Newbnrg, $4.26 ; West Point, $4.76; Verplauck's Point,
|(S,!!5; New York, $T.
.Mli'thcr way passengers to pay at the rate of one dollar for every twenty miles. No one can be taken on board and
put on shore, however shct tho distance, for less than one dollar.
Tonng persons from two to ten years of age to pay half price. Children under two years, one fourth price. Servants
I'honse a berth, two thirds' price ; half price of none.
t
■
i
H!
602
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
BucouDter lit Furty-mlle Creek.
Ameiljans at Stony Creek.
Prepnrntlons to Biirprii-c their Camp
forward briskly to Forty -mile Crook, where
thoy rosted, after driving off a patrol of mount.
ed militia und"r Captain Merritt. Thoy then
moved forward to Stony Creek, ten miles fii ••.
tlier westward and within about seven inijes
of Vincent's camp, where they encountered a
British picket-guard. These were dispersed
and hotly pursued by the American advanee-
guard, consisting of light infantry under Caii-
tains Hindman, Biddle, and Nicholas, part of a
rifle corps under Captain Lyttle, and a dotatli-
ment of dragoons under Captain Selden. Near
the present toll-gate, a little eastward of Ham-
ilton, they encountered another picket. These,
too, were driven in, and the victors pushed on
in pursuit until they saw Vincent's camp on tlic
groat gravelly liill at the head of Burliiiatmi
Bay. Then thoy Avheeled, and made their aviu
leisurely back to camp at Stony Creek.
The main body of the army encamped upon
ground rishig slightly above a meadow, throu!;h
which flows a branch of Stony Creek, and occu-
pied the space from the main stream north of the village to the house ofMr. Gasc,
at the foot of the hills, on the site of which, when I visited the spot in 1 800, stood the
residence of Nelson jMiller. The Thirteenth and Fourteenth Regiments, and a com-
pany of artillery under Captain Archer,' took post on the lake shore, near the moutli
of the ereck, about three miles fi-om the main body. The troops in both camps, ex-
pecting a night attack, slept on their arms, and every precaution was taken by Cliaml-
ler in the posting of pickets, throwing out patrols, etc., to prevent a surprise. Ex-
plicit directions Avere given by him where and how to form the line of battle in tli(
event of an attack. The cannon Avere properly planted, and the horses that drew
them Avere unharnessed.
There Avas equal vigilance in the British camp. The audacity of the American
vanguard in pursuing the pickets amazed and alarmed Vincent. lie Avas anxious to
obtain immediate knoAvledge of the numerical strength and the disposition of his
foe, and sent out Lieutenant Colonel Harvey, Avith the light companies of the Ei^litli
and Forty-ninth Regiments, to reconnoitre the American camp. The duty was
Avell performed, notAvithstanding the night was very dark, and Ilarvey reported, he-
fore midnight, that " the enemy's camp -guards Avere fcAV and negligent; that hi-
line of encampment Avas long and broken ; that his artillery Avas feebly supported.
and that several of the corps Avere placed too far in the rear to aid in rcpellin!; a
blow Avhich might be rapidly and vigorously struck at the front." He advised a
night attack, and Vincent, heeding it, made immediate preparations to execute tlie
movement.
At midnight the British commander left; his camp with about six hundred men.
composed of five companies of the King's (Eighth) Regiment and the Avliole of tin
Forty-ninth, and marched for Stony Creek. Harvey's scout joined them, and at abow
two o'clock in the morning they all halted Avithin a mile of the American cai
Harvey had discovered the centre to be the Aveakest point in Chandler's line, liy
one of the inhabitants of the neighborhood, Avho had treacherously joined the Amir-
' Lemuel B.Archer was a native of Virginia. He was a captain In Scott's Second Regiment of artillery, and ™|
breveted major for his gallant conduct at F'.rt George on the 27th of May, ISl.S. He was retained in the service 1d1"-
I seven miles
ncountcred si
re iVis])erseil,
ican advance-
•y \inder Caji-
olas, pavt of a
and a detach-
Sclden. Near
twavd ofllam-
pickct. These,
tors pushed on
t's camp on tlio
i of BuiTnicttdii
made their way
^ Creek.
encamped npon
iicadow,throui;li
Creek, and ooch-
use ofMr. Ga;;e,
11 18G0, stood tlic
Lcnts, and a com-
> near tlie nioiUli
both canipi', ex-
taken l)y Chanil-
a sur\irise. Ex-
le of battle in tk
iiorses that drew
1 of the American
Jc was anxious to
[disposition ot'liis
liies of the Eiiihtli
The duty ^v;l>
Irvey reported, V
To;lia;ent ; that In-
^ocd)lv supported;
[aid (n repellin? a
I" lie adviseth
Ins to execute tk j
jriix bnndred raoii,
the whole of tk I
[hem,andatahout|
American car
landler's lino. IM
. joined the Am«-
,„entof.>rtlllery,aud«|
Inert In the eenlceinl*!
nber,1823.
j^tftalt on the Americnn Cnmp.
UdufuHlon and Dlsaxter In the Dtirknesa.
.■r ■ - -? ^^ ^
^^T^-«^- ■ rm^g
■HiiliMiM'J//^4i!o^ B^.'iUJ..
' -^^'w!^'
^^rr-::^rf^''
i'M''^'
''MJi,:
BATTLE-OBOD-ND Or BTONY UUBEK.' >
icans and deserted, Vincent had obtained the countersign for that night, and through
it he was enabled to secure the sentinels without giving alarm.
It was now two o'clock in the morning" — a warm Sabbath morning — and ■ jnne e,
the little army of Americans Avere sleeping soundly, unconscious of impend- ^'"'•
ill!! danger. Clouds covering a moonless sky made the gloom deep, but not impen-
etrable. Five hundred iJritish regulars loaded their muskets, fixed their bayonets,
and, led by General Vincent in person, rushed upon the Ainerican centre at double-
quick, with the appalling Indian war-whoop, and plied the bayonet so fearfully that
the line was cut, and that portion of it scattered to the Avinds. This furious charge
was immediately followed by M.-ijor Plenderleath at the head of forty men of the
Forty-ninth, Avho fell upon the artillery, bayoneted the men at the guns, captured two
six-])ounders, and turned them with fearful eft'oct upon the camp. The greatest con-
fusion prevailed, Chandler's centre and the assailants becomhig ahnost inextricably
mixed in the dark, and each was unable to distinguish friends from foes.
In the mean time Major Ogilvie, with a part of the King's Regiment, had fallen
upon the American left, composed of the Fiflh, Sixteenth, and Twenty-third Regn-
1 IK, and some riflemen under General Winder, to which was attached Burn's dra-
L'liis, who wore too far in the rear to render immediate assistance. Tiiis attack was
at first gallantly resisted, the Twenty-fifth, of the centre, lending their aid ; but a fire
ill tlie rear, from a detachment of the assailing party that broke througli the line,
j threw them into great confusion.
While Chandler^ was making preparations to meet this unexpected assault, a heavy
' Tills view, pketched In the morning snnllght, is from the residence of Daniel Lewis, Esq., llcntenant colonel of the
I Wentworth Militin, who was in the battle. In the forcgronnd is eeen the meadow through which flows a branch of
I Sinny Creek. Beyond it, on the left, is a gentle elevation, the estate of Mr. Thomas Wudr of Hamilton, and near the
J village, ou which lay the encampment. Miller's (Gage's) honse is seen on the extreme i „ Ith a veranda and grove
lollrees in front. In the distance is the range of hills which extend westwai'd from Qneenoton, and are called "the
lllonntain" by the Canadians.
iJoliii Chiiudler was born within thcbonndf of the present State of Maine (Kennebec County), then a part of Massa-
Ithnsctts, ill the year 1700. His parents were very humble, and ho became an Itinerant blacksmith. Ills residence was
lia General Dearborn's settlement of Monmouth, about fifteen miles west from Augusta. It Is recorded. In a late Hin-
Y"j and OemipHon of Aeie Krutlaiui, by Coolidge and Mansfleld, that " h"- was the poorest man in the settlement." By
lliKlujlry and |)cr.«cveranco he became wealthy. Ills talents were of a high order. lie was a representative In Congress
llrom 1S05 to ISfis, and when the war broke out and he was commissioned a brigadier general, he was major general of
iBilllln. His military career ended at Stony Creek, and he was disbanded in 1S15. He represented Maine In the Senate
Icllhe United States from IS'.'O to 1S29. Uc died at Augasta, Maine, September 25, 18*1, at the ago of clghty-one years.
m
id
604
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Csptare of Qenernls Chnndler and Winder. Narrow Escape of Oeueral Viucent. Hctreat of the Araerlcani
fire was opened on the right flank of the Americans. Perceiving this, he hastened
in that direction to prevent its being turned, when, in the darkness, his horse stum-
bled and fell, and the general was severely hurt. He soon recovered his feet suc-
ceeded in providing for the safety of his right, and wae returning to the centre mov-
ing with difficulty on foot, when he was attracted to the artillery, where there was
much confusion. He was not aware that the two cannon were in possession of the
enemy ; and, under the impression that those in confusion around the pieces were
some of his own command, he gave orders for them to rally. To his utter astonish-
ment he found himself among the enemy, and in a moment he was disarmed and made
a prisoner of war. At about the same time General Winder and Major Van De Ven-
ter' fell into the same trap and were made prisoners.*
At this moment there was the wildest confusion every where. Towson's artillcn-
had poured a destructive fire upon the assailants and had broken their ranks. Coi-
onel Burn, with his cavalry, had cut his way through the British Forty-ninth ami
was performing the samp feat with the American Sixteenth, when he discovered that
he was fighting his own friends. They had combated severely for several minutes he-
fore the fatal mistake Avas discovered. Meanwhile General Vincent, the British com-
mander, had been thrown from his horse in the darkness, and being unable to find
either his animal or his troops, had wandered oiTin the woods. His friends supposed
him to be killed or a prisoner. The command devolved upon Colonel Harvey, who.
finding it impossible to drive the Americans from their position, collected his scat-
tered forces as quickly as possible, and while it was yet dark hastened back toward
Burlington Heights with his notable prisoners. He sent Captain Merritt back tn
look for General Vincent. He was unsuccessful, but captured two Americans, and
•Jniiec, took them into camp as trophies.^ During the ensuing day* Vincent wa^
1813. found by his friends in the woods, four miles from the place of conflict, with-
out hat or sword, and almost famished. His horse and accoutrements had fallen into
the hands of the Americans.
In this confused and terrible night-battle the Americans lost seventeen men killed.
thirty-eight wounded, and ninety-nine missing. The British lost twenty-three killed.
one hundred wounded, and fifty-five missing. Notwithstanding the Americans held
the ground, it was a substantial victory for the British, and the loss of the two gen-
erals a severe one for the former. Through the gallantry of Lieutenant M'Chesnev
one piece of artillery was immediately recovered, and the other the enemy was not
able to take away for the want of horses.* They were endeavoring to do so when
they were overtaken by Lieutenant Macdonough, and the piece was seized by him,
The Americans, fearing a renewal of the attack, retreated so precipitately that thev
left their dead unburied. Under the command of Colonel Burn they fleet to Fortv-
mile Creek, near which they Avere met by Colonel James Miller and four hundred
men sent to re-enforce them. " I can assure you," Colonel Miller wrote to his wife,
" I can scarce believe that you would have been more glad to see me than that array
Avas.^ On the follow'".g day,^ in the afternoon, they were joined by Generals
Lewis and Boyd, with their staffs, and the little army encamped there, on a
1 Christopher Van De Venter was a native of New York. He was appointed lieutenant in Scott's regiment of artil-
lery in 1809. In 1812 he was assistant military agent at Fort Columbus, In New York Harbor. He was afterward dtp- j
nty quarter-master, with the rank of major, and in that capacity served on the Niagara frontier. He was token a pris-
oner to Quebec. At the close of the war he was retained In the service, and In 1810 was ald-de-camp to Bri(.M(lier General j
Joseph G. Swift. He resigned In August that year, and from 1817 until 182V he was chief clerk In the War Dcpartmect. j
He died at Georgetown, D. C, on the 22d of April, 1838.
' Colonel William Fraser (then n sergeant), who was living at Perth, back of Brockvllle, In Canada, in ISOfl, took boii j
the generals prisoners. He advanced upon the artillery, he said, with forty-six men, but when they drew near it ifcfT
had only twenty-flve men. The American cannon In their front was loaded with all sorts of missiles. The primiiij j
flashed, and the ptin was not discharged. They then nished forward, shouting " Come on. Brant !" The cannon «m j
taken. Plenderleath was wounded. Fraser was binding up his wounds, when Chandler and Winder fell into thi" fnue j
and were captured. ' Merritt's MS. Narrative. ♦ The satue
» Antograph letter to his wife, dated Fort George, June 13, 1813.
I the Americani.
lie hastened
horse stum-
lis feet, snc-
centre, mov-
re there was
ession of the
piccca wore
tter astonish-
led and made
Van De Ven-
son's artillery
r ranks. Col-
irty-ninth, ami
iscovered tliat
ral minutes ho-
le British com-
unahle to fiml
icnds supposed
■l Harvey, who.
lected his seat-
ed back toward
Merritt hack to
Americans, and
ly* Vincent was
of conflict, with-
,8 had fallen into
iteen men killed.
snty-three killed,
Americans held
of the two geu-
mant IirChesney
enemy was not
to do 80 when
seized hy him,
litately that they
.y fled to Forty-
tid four liumlred
■rote to his wife,
, than that anny
lined by Generals
Imped there, on a
Icott'B regiment of anil-
He waBaftc"™^''*f 1
J. Hcwastokcuavn*-
Imp to Brigadier Genml
IntheWarDcpartmeBi.!
Lnda,lnimtook*o4!
Ithevdrewneaiitttf?!
jmlflsUes, Thcpriinix?
Int t" Tbe camion «w ]
Imder tell into the sum I
4 The same ■
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
605
A BriUsh Fleet 'n Bli?ht.
Pursuit of tbe Americans.
The Britlab at Sodua Buy.
plain, its right flank on tlie lake, and its left on a creek which skirts the base of a very
steep but not lofty mountain.
At six o'clock that evening a British squadron under Sir James L. Yeo appeared in
the distance. The Americans lay on their arms all night, and in the inoruing the
hostile vessels ' ere near. There was a dead calm. At six in the morning an armed
schooner was tt wed in, and opened a fire upon the American boats m which most of
tlieir baggage and camp equipage was transported, which lay on the shore. Mean-
while the artillery companies under Archer and Towson had placed four cannon in
dit'ensivc position, and Lieutenant Totten had constructed a temporary furnace for
lieatin<» shot. The hostile vessel was soon driven ofl". At about the same time some
savasje allies of the British appeared on the bald brow of the mountain, and fired in-
effectually into the camp, and intelligence came that the British were moving cast-
ward from Burlington Heights, Sir James sent an officer, with a flag, to demand
from General Lewis an immediate surrender of his force, reminding him that a Brit-
ish fleet was on his front, a savage foe in his rear, and an approaching British aiTny
on his flank. Lewis answered that the summons was too ridiculous to merit a serious
icnlv. He had not lost a man in the whole aflair of the morning. The schooner had
beeii driven away, and he was prepared to send oflF the boats with baggage and camp
o(inipa!?e, accompanied by a guard of two hundred men under Colonel Miller. The
bo-its started prematurely — before the troops were ready. They were chased by an
armed schooner. A dozen of them Avere captured, and the remainder were run ashore
and abandoned by the crews. At ten o'clock in the morning the whole army com-
menced a retrograde movement, the savages and local militia constantly hovering on
their flank and rear. They reached Fort George after losing several prisoners cap-
tured by pursuers, and General Vincent came forward and occupied their camp at
Forty-mile Creek. Lieutenant Colonel Bisshopp, who was placed in command of the
riffht division of the British force, pushed forward with detachments, and took posi-
tions which commanded the cross-roads from a little west of the present Port Dalhou-
sie,on the lake shore, to the mountain passes at the Beaver Dams.'
The British squadron in the mean time hovered along the lake coast, and interfered
ireatly with the supplies for the American camp. On the evening of the 1 2th* . ju„e,
tliey captured two vessels laden with valuable hospital stores in the mouth *^'^-
of Eighteen-mile Creek, eastward of the Niagara River; and on Tuesday evening, the
15th, they made a descent upon the village of Charlotte, at the head of the naviga-
tion of the Genesee River, and carried oft" a large quantity of stores. Sailing east-
ward, they appeared off" Sodus Bay on Friday, the 1 8th, and on the following even-
in? a party of about one hundred, fidly armed, landed at Sodus Point (now in Wayne
I Comity) for the purpose of destroying the American stores known to be deposited
I there. These had been removed to a place of concealment a little back of the village.
The enemy were exasperated on finding the store-houses erajity, and threatened to
[tetroy the village if the place of the concealment of their contents should not be re-
Irealed. The women and children fled in alarm. A negro, compelled by threats,
[save the enemy the desired information, and they were marching in the direction of
[the stores, when they were confronted at a bridge over a ravine by forty men under
ICaptaiii Turner, of Lyons. A sharp skirmish ensued, in which each party lost two
I moil,'
Both parties fell back, and the foiled British, as they returnea to their vessels,
1 The chief anthoritieB consulted are the official dispatches of commanders on both sides, and the several histories of
IHewar already mentioned ; Mansfield's Life of General Scott ; antoijraph letters of Colonel James Miller: MS. state-
lanit of Captain Willinm H. Merritt ; Armstrong's Notices of the War of 1812 ; Niles's Weekly Register ; The War, and
Itnl «lat8raent8 of survivors.
i An accoimt of my visit to tbe battle-Kronnds of Stony Creek and the Beaver Dams will be given in the next chapter.
j ' Sutemcnt of Captain Luther Rcdfield, of Clyde, Wayne County, New York, in a letter to tbe author in Pebmary,
p*wheii the old soldier was about elshty-six years of age. He says that in a log house a few rods north of the pres-
BiPrcsbTterian chnrch, in the village of Junius, public worship was held. The attack of the British at Sodus was on
Bitordaj: ercniug. Tbe next day. Just as the ofleruoou service was about to commence at the bunee above mentioned.
H I ■■
C06
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
DeatructiuD of Property at 8odus.
Brltlnh Flee t (iff OBWeyo.
Tliev
burned the public store-liouBcs, five dwellings, and the old Williamson Hotel,
laid waste by fire property valued at about twenty-five thousand dollars.
• Jnne20, From Sodus the British stjuadron sailed eastward, and appeared offO..
1813. wego," with a wish to enter the harbor and seize or destroy stores there ■
but Sir James, who was a cautious commander, did not venture in, and on tlie morn-
ing of the 21 St his squadron turned westward, and for several days lay oft' the Xi-
agara River,
a horseman came dasblnf; np at full speed with the news of the British invasion. Redflcld was a captain in the rem.
inent of Colonel Philetns Swift. There were several non-commissioned oiBcers in the chnrch. These were fent t.i
arouse the military of the neighborhood, and by Ave o'clock Captain Redfleld-was on the march with about one hnni-
red men. They halted most of the night a few miles north of Lynns, and resumed their march by moonll).'lit tuwjri
morning. They arrived at Sodus at a little after sunrise on Monday morning, when they met a funeral procc''«loii wih
the body of Turner's slain soldier. The British bud gone, but the fleet waa in eight. "The company remained abuut s
week at Sodus, and were then discharged.
^^^Si~
OF THE WAU OF 1812.
007
f'lcet oft Oswejp).
^«h De»lgiiii against Sackett'g Harbor.
The Defences there.
Oeiier^l Jacob Brown.
[old 'Dicy
i.
cared off Os-
stores thiTc;
on the mom-
iy oti' the Ni-
captain in tbc nt-
rhesc wutc Feul i.i
Ith abonl one hnnj-
y moonlichl lowanl
crnl procpfflon wi'.h
3y remained about »
CILVPTER XXVm.
"To Sackett'B IlarborYeo steered, with PrevoBt's chosen blood-honnda,
iiut Brown his duga of valor cheered, mUitin blood, but good lionud*.
He chased them from the bloody tracic, and Yeo's bull-dog8 slighting,
Though Chauucey was not there, he show'd Sir James the art of dghting.
Bow, wow, wow 1
Fresh-water dogs can tntor them with bow, wow, wow !"
Olii Soko — A NEW Bow Wow.
^IIEX the military and naval authorities at Kingston were in-
formed of tlie weakening of the important post at Sackett's Har-
bor by the withdrawal of troops and vessels for the expedition
against York, they resolved to attempt the capture of the place,
or to destroy the new ship-of-war then on the stocks,' and other
public property there. The capture of York made them circum-
spect, for the flushed victors might turn their faces toward King-
ston ; but when it was known that Dearborn and Chauncey were
about to attack Fort George and its dependencies, it was resolved to assail Sackett's
Harbor immediately. Tlie prize was more attractive now than ovtr before. Besides
being the principal place of deposit on the lake for military and naval stores, and a
fine vessel was there nearly completed, all the property captured at York^ was de-
iiosited there. The possespion or destruction of these by the British would have
jiveu them the command of Lake Ontario, and a decided advantage during the whole
(ampaign. With singular remissness of duty on the part of the commanding gen-
eral, tliese had been left exposed. The guard detailed for their protection, under Col-
onel Barker, was utterly inadequate for the task. It consisted of parts of the First
and Second Regiments of Dragoons, numbering about two hundred and fifty men,
fifty or sixty artillerists, and from eighty to one hundred infantry, composed chiefly
of invalids, recruits, and fragments of companies left behind when the expedition
sailed for York. The dragoons, dismounted, manned Fort Tompkins, a considerable
work on the blufl", on the west side of the Hai'bor,^ and covering the site of the present
i Ksidence and garden of the naval commandant of the station. The artillerists, un-
der Lieutenant Ketchum, were albo there. A little north of the village, on the east
I side of the Harbor, opposite Fort Tompkhis, was a small work, erected principally by
[ the labor of a company of exempts, called Fort Volunteer. General Jacob Brown,*
' Aftpr the death of the gallant leader in the attack on York, this vessel was named General Pike.
■ Seepage 691.
' This cousistcd of a strong block-honee and surronn ling intrenchments, and occupied the place of the battery on
likich the iron thirty-two-pounder that drove off the British In 1812 was mounted. See page 368. The single cannon
|ti!h which it was armed at the time we are now considering was the same iron thirty-two-pounder,' The fort was
liimni Tompkins in honor of Daniel D. Tompkins, then governor of the State of New York. The bluff on which it
Ic'od ovcrlcoki Navy Point, within which is the Harbor, where the ship-yard was. The place was named in honor
Iri.injnstns Sackett, the first settler. Its Indian name was a long one, and signified " fort at the mouth of Great River."
'Jacob Briiwn was born of Quaker parents, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of May, 1776. He was well
[lijeaied early. Wnen he was sixteen years of age his father lost his property, and the right-minded youth resolved to
iro Ilia own livelihood. He taught scliooi in the Quaker settlement of Crosswicks, in New Jersey, from his eighteenth
• twenty-flrst birth-day. For a while he was a surveyor in the vicinity of Cincinnati, and in 1T98 was a school-
ttfher in the city of New York. Ue commenced the study of law, but it was distasteful to him, and he abandoned it.
I« then pnrchased some land on the Black River, in .Tefferson County, and adopted the puniuit of a farmer. In 1809 he
fu 8pp icred to the memory of Major General .Iaoou Brown, by Birth,
by Kducation, h\ Principle, devoted to Pom i'. In defense of his country, and In
vindication of lu-r rights, a Warrior. To her ho dedicated his life— wounds re-
ceived in her cnnsc abridged his days."
.SmiM Wrfc— " lie was born in Bncks County, Pennsylvania, on tho 9th of
May, 1775, and died at the City of Washington, commanding general of tho army,
on the 24th of February, 1S28.
" Let him whoe'er in after days
Shall view this monument of praise,
For Honor heave the Patriot sigh,
And for his country learn to die."
West .Sfefc— "In both by the thanks of the Nation and n golden medal from
the hands of their chief magistrate— and by this marble erected to honor him,
at the command of tho Congress of tho United States."
North Side.— "In War his services are attested by the fields of Chippewa, Ni-
agara, Erie ; In Peace by the improved organization and discipline of the army."
Tho monument stands very near that of General Macomb, bis successor iu the
chief command of tho armies of the United States.
QENEB.VL UBOWk's MONDXEST,
BRckett't llMbur.
iviiij; fiiUHliod
li 111' was call.
H of the war,
It liis lidmc in
r, ii lew inilo
WIl VlMlllcstcil
I'd by ('i)l(iii(l
iiniiiid in tliut
iiitcrlfrc with
liiickus, ami
III tlic cvi'iit (if
i hciitl-(|\iartir>
kuw CDiiccrniii'.'
it was uiidir-
I' ciu'iny sluMiM
ocall tli('iici>.'li-
and lake chid'
til of ^Iiiy, tlio
d l)oc'ii ('nii>iii:;
1 to watcli till
of the (Micniy,
lacki'tt's llailmr
artliiiit intormii-
it l?ntish s(|u;iil-
irJaiiioH L. Yen,
own willi tlic ill-
's to the militia
I possible, to tlic
awn of the intli
i^Aa
»M 3j^'
eown'b
MOSCHCT.
OV THE WAU OF 18 12.
U09
A.i«mbllnsofth«MllUla^
The Brltlib Force upprnachei Berkett's Harbor.
An Alarm.
Colonel Tuttlo, who was ndvanciiif; with rej?ular». Diirinjj the day the people of
the surrounding country continually arrived at head-<|uarlcrs. Some were armed,
,1,(1 HOine were not, and all were entirely without disei|iline, and alnumt without or-
jiiziition. As fast an they appeared they were armed and nent to Horse Island, a
mil,, distant, wliere C!olonel Mill.s and about two hundred and fifty Albany Volun-
leers had been Btationed for a week. The island (on whi(!h the light-house stands')
I.I0UT-UODHK ON UOKSE ISLAND.
lommands the entrance to the Harbor, and there it was believed the enemy would
attiiiipt to land. Then, as now, it was separated from the main by only a shallow
strait, always fordable, and sometimes almost dry. Between it and the village was
atliin wood that had been partly cut over, and was encumbered with logs, stumps,
ami brush. The main shore is a ridge of gravel, about live feet in lieight, and at that
time formed a natural breast-work.
At midday on the 2!-th," the Uritish squadron, which left Kingston on the •«»>,
oveiiiiig of the 27th, appeared off Sackctt's Harbor. It consisted of the Wolfe, ^*''"'
•Jljust finished; Royal Georr/e, 24; EarlofMoira, 18; schooners Prince Regent,
Simcoe, and Seneca, mounting from ten to twelve guns eadi, and ;;''out forty bateaux.
The land troops, ten or twelve hundred strong, consisted of the grenadier company
of the One Hundredth Kegiment, two companies of the Eighth or King's, a section of
the Koyal Scots, four companies of the One Hundred and Fourtli, one comi)any of
the Glengary Kegiment, two of the Canadian Voltigeurs, a detaehment of the New-
foundland Kegiment, and another of the Koyal Artillery, with two G-pounders. There
was also a considerable body of Indians attaelied to the expedition, and who accompa-
nied it in canoes. Sir James Lucas Yeo commanded the squadron, and the whole expe-
dition was under the direction of Sir George Prevost, the Governor General of Canada,
who accompanied it as leader of the land forces. He was with Yeo ovi the Wolfe.
The British squadron lay to about six miles from the Harbo'-, and u large number
of troops were embarked in boats for the purpose of landing. While anxiously wait-
ing for the signal to pull for shore, the soldiers were perplexed by an order to return
to the squadron. They were still more perplexed when that squadron, without appa-
rent cause, spread its sails to the light breeze and turned toward Kingston. Tlie se-
; cret was soon known, A flotilla of nineteen American gun-boats had been seen off
' This is a view of ttie liglit-tionee as It appeared when I visited the Islond In 1S.VI. It stands upon the spot where the
I nem; landed, and the keeper at the time of my visit was Captain Samuel H'Nitt, of whom I shall hereafter speak.
I The island contains about twenty-seven acres.
Qq
1 !
i
Wf^f
010
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Cbua and Capture of American Veiieli.
PoittlonortheV
A Panic and nig^,
Six-towiiH Point, njjprouching from tlio wi-stward, and Sir (Joorgo Provost did „„.
doubt tlifir lu-ing fillrd with arnu'd mon dcHtined to rt'-cnforco Suckett'H Ilarlior. It
WUH even so. They were conveying part of a regiment under Lieutenant ('ol(jn(.|
Thomas Aspinwnll from Oswego to the Harbor, The apparition had made .Sir (Jcorc,.
nervous. Tlie Indians were not ho easily frightened as their pale-faced ally. Tlin
darted in their eanoes toward the American Hotilla. This movement sliatnid Sir
George. IIo listened to the advice of Sir James, turned the prows of his vesHcJH onoc
more in the direction of Haokett's Harbor, and sent several boats with armed hkh t„
join the canoes. Aspinwall and his party, closely chased, made for the shore. Twdv,.
of his boats and seventy of his men were captured. The other seven boats, niorc fleet
than their companions or pursuers, reached the haven in safety. Tlie escaiKd i/artv
on shore made their way thither by land. They arrived at nine o'clock in tiie even-
ing, and added one hundred men to the effective force at Sackett's Harbor.
• May, The niglit of the 28th'' was spent by the Americans in active i)r(])arations
1813. fy,. ^]^^, expected attack. Toward midnight, about forty Indians, \u\dvr J.ien.
tenant Anderson, were landed on the shore of Henderson Bay, for the ])uijMjse of at-
tacking the American militia in the rear. They were discovered, and Colonel Mills
and hip force, about li>ur hundred strong, were withdrawn from Horse Island an]
placed behind the gravel ridge, at a clearing of five or six acres on the main, witli ;i
6-pounder field-i)iece. The remainder of the militia, under Colonel Gershoni Tutth ,
were posted on the edge of the -voods, a little farther back ; and Colonel Backus wiih
his dismounted dragoons, was stationed on the skirt of the same woods, nearer tin
village. Lieutenant Colonel Aspinwall was posted on the left of Backus, and the ar-
tillerists, under Lieutenant Ketchum, were stationed in Fort Tompkins, whose only
armament was a 32-pounder mounted on a pivot.
Not a zephyr rippled t'lj waters of the Harbor on the morning of the 29tli, and not
a cloud flecked the sky. Calmness, serenity, and beauty were visible on every side,
Tlie sails of the enemy's squadron coul " ^ot catch the slightest breeze, and it was im-
possible for the large vessels to appro oar enough to join in the attack. At dawn,
thirty-three boats, filled with armed r \ the British squadron and made for Unrso
Island, where they landed under cover of two gun-boats directed by Captain Muicas-
ter, of the royal navy. As the flotilla rounded the island, the huge pivot gun in Fort
Tomj)kin8 hurled murder-
ous enfilading shots in their
^A
^X I, ^^/plt'^^C^ t^/^^^ "'''^'*' '^^'i ^^'^^ t^'^^y «'^f^
near the shore they re-
ceived a scattering fire from the muskets of the militia. This was promptly respond-
ed to by Mulcaster's great guns, loaded with grape and canister, and by his first fire
Colonel Mills, who was standing near bis men, was shot dead.
The British formed in good order on the island, and with the grenadiers of the One
Hundredth at their head, pommanded by Colonel Bayncs, they pressed rapidly across
the shallow strait. The rank and file of the American militia had suffered no mat^
rial injury, but the Bonnd of bullets among the bushes, and the din of the oncoming ;
foe, struck the whole line with an extraordinary panic, and before th»._, had time to j
give a second fire they rose from their cover behind the gravel bank and fled with \
precipitation, leaving their 6-pounder behind. The efforts of the gallant Major Her-
kimer to arrest their flight were vain.'
This disgraceful retreat astonished and perplexed General Brown, who was on the j
< It Is said that one of the militia commandere, who had talked very valiantly and hopefully, became mnch diuour-j
aged ae soon as he saw the enemy's boata approaching the shore. As they came forward In a swarm he became lev :
and less hopeful, until nt length he told bis men that he doubted the ability of the American force to cope with tlie ec-j
cmy. " I fear we shall be compelled to retreat," he eald. After a pouee ho continued, " I know we shall, and as I ami
a little lame I'll start now," and away he went npon the road leading to Adams, as fast as his legs could carry bin. josl J
as Mulcaster's guns opened their fire. He was among the "missing" at the close of the battle.
t\i
OF TIIU WAIi UF 18 13.
on
Panic »nd miiht.
Cow»rdly Flight of Mlllll«.
OtIlMtry of Captain M'NItt.
D««tnictiuii of Pnbllc StorM.
Icftof lii« little army. lie expected the inilitin wouM Imvo reiimiiied firm until tlio
cminy were finally on the niuin. IJut their movement wiiH so Hiidfleii, general, and
raiiiil, that he found himself completely alone, not a man Htandiiijj; within ncvcral rodn
of him. Stung l»y this nhameful conduct, lie ran idler the fugitivcH and endeavored
to arrest their flight, lliw effortH were unavailing. Forgetful of their proiniMert of
coiiniije, and unmindful of the orders tliey had received to rally in tlio woods in the
(•vciil (»f^ their being driven hack, they continued their flight until they were sure of
beinn out. of harm's way. Some of them were not lieard of again during the fa-
tigued Americans could not overtake them. They readied the squadron in safety,
leaving a large portion of their dead and wounded behind.^ At about ten o'clock in
the morning, Sir George, with cool imj)udence, sent a flag to demand the surrender
of the posi which he had failed to capture. The summons was treated with deserved
contempt. lie then asked permission to send surgeons to take care of his wounded.
This was dei.i<'d ; but an assurance was given by General Brown that Americans
were " distinguished for humanity as well as bravery."
It was believed that the enemy intended to renew the attack. His squadron con-
tinued at anchor, and his boats remained filled with soldiers for some time not t'n
from Horse Island. At noon they returned to the squadron, and the whole flotill;
sailed for Kingst m. It entered that port on the morning of the 30th, to the great
mortification of the inhabita'its, who had expected to see the expedition return witli
' Captain Grey was a son of General Grey, tlie commander of tho corps In tlie massacre of a part of Wayne's delacb-
inent at Paoll, In Penr«.lvania, In September, 177T. « Oral statement of E, 'ilam,/, Esq., of Sackett's Hnrtar
5 The British lost 60 killed ana -ill wounded. The Ameri os lost 4T killed, 84 wounded, and a* missing. Most of ihe
latter were the cowardly militia, who were ashamed to sbovt ibelr faces t'gatu.
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
613
Dgraccful Uctreai
o, he was in-
IVoin it, and
ted drasiiooib
isenco oi'tlan-
t three huud-
dc of llic vil-
a Htill ru<,'iiiir.
Jieui with re-
jvery man nl'
stuii'^ \>y {\\v
id ahnost two
iirhur \)utcli(r,
iiig-l)hu'e, tln'j
uliiiit goncKil,
it soldier, lit
e oil, hoys; rt-
riiUied militia
expired.'
How public Property wan unved.
Conceit and Inefflclency of Sir George Prevost.
A Sort of "Greek Fire."
ats deciJotltk'
eepiiiji; tlio lio-
auk and roar,
•s, imniediatoly
conuneiicoil in
\te that tlu' la-
idron in saiitv,
,t ten o'eloclv in
the snrreiulov
with deservotl
f his wouiicli'il
,hat Ameriean^
squadron cim-
le time not far
whole flotilli'
th, to the great
Ion return witli
L of Wayne's (letacb-
1, ofSacketl'sHiirhw
Inlsslng. Mostofihe
■ill the garrison at Sackctt's ITarhor and the puhlic property tlu-re.' The whole af-
fair on the part of tlie Britisli, was pronouiieed at the time, and lias heen hy tlieir own
writers since, " in a high degree disgraceful."^ The skill, courage, and energy of (ien-
cmI Brown, under the most appalling difti(uilties, seconded by the like Imir American and Pert had cnt their cables and retreated up the Jilack Uiv-
or Several of the guns on Navy Point were spiked. The value of the property de-
stroyed by the fire was about half a million of dollars. The loss was severely felt,
liccause tiie distance from Albany, from which most of these stores w-ere drawn, was
such tlip.t they could not be seasonably replaced.*
No further attempts were made by the enemy to capture Sackctt's Harbor, and it
remained, as it had been from the beginning, the most important place of de|)osit for
the army and navy stores of the Americans on the Northern frontier. During the
HAUKKTt'h IIARIIOB I.N tS14.'^
1 James's MiUtarij Ofrurrmcen, I., 17.1.
: Thctfoiidiat of Sir Ocorjjc Prcvost In this and nthor occnrrcncee where lie became military commander was severely
triliclsed. WilkliiHoii, in his Mminim, i., B'fn, dccli.res that Sir James Yeo was av-rsc to the retreat. He says he was
iDtDrmeil that Major Drnmmond (afterward Liculcnant Colonel Drummond, kilW;d at Fort Krio), when Sir Cmrffe cave
iho nrder to retn'nt, stepped up to him mid said, " Allow me a few inlnulc", sir, and I will put you in possession of the
|.lifc." To this the hanRhty haronet replied, "Obey yonr orders, sir, and learn the first duty of a soldier." The oon-
impt for Sir Georijc on the jinrt of the army, which his conduct on this occasion engenderetl, was mnch intensified by
his iiijlorions retreat from Plattsburg the following year.
■ Tlie nuthoritles consulted In the preparation of this narrative are the official i 'port- ..f the respective commanders ;
Uie wveral American histories of the war ; Auchlnlcck, Christie, and .lames on the British side ; Wilkinson's Memoirs :
i.«)|ier'3 Naval History or the United States ; manuscript statement found among General Brown's papers, and narra-
liiM of survivors.
' Id a letter to the author In October, 18«a, the late venerable Robert Carr, who was a lieutenant colonel on the North-
(ra frontier, gave the following account of a sort of" Grjek fire" that wan exhibited at Sackctt's Harbor at about the
meofthcovents recorded in the text. "AtSacketfs Ilarlmr," says Colonel Carr, "In September, WIS, a person from
:(e«r England called on General Brown *o exhibit some preparation which he called (iijtii'f/ /frc, or some such name.
lienml Cnvlniiton called at my tent and invited mo to go «lth him t<. witness the trial to be mndr that morning; bnt
tflwaaamemher of a court-martial then sitting, I could not en with him. On his return he informed me that the af-
fiirwaaniost astonishing The Hqnld resembled ink, and he had it in two small porter-bottles, one of which ho threw
Wlnitasmall hemlock-tree, which was Instantly in a blaze from top to bottom. The other bottle ho also broke against
ii'iihvr Iroe w'th a similar result. He asserted that water would not extinguish it. General Covington remarked that
^imijlitberalleu 'helljire.'"
This view la from a print firom a drawing by BIrcb, pabllshcd In the Port Folio 'a ISIO. On the left Is scon Pike's
i ' m
614
PICTORIAL WIELD-BOOK
Sackett'B Uarbur, and Occurrences there.
Description of Its Derciiscs.
Map of the Some.
summer and autumn of 1813 several expeditions were fitted out there, which we shal'
hereafter consider, and labor was vigorously applied by the troops stationed there in
the autumn, and by the sailors in the winter, in strongly fortifying the jtost. Kow
I'l.AN or »iOKEl • S lIAItllliK A.M> ITS Dtl t.NM ■■, 1>, i-.J.
Tompkins was strengthened, and several
other works. were constructed, and Ix'foiv
tlie midsummer of 1814 the post sceiuid
to be secured agamst any force the enemy might bring to bear upon it.*
cantonment, where were bnrrnckH erected bj' MnJor Darby Noon.-- Sec pace 2(i2. On the rocky binff nt the ri};lit is geen
Fort T()mi)kiu8. Near Pike's cantonment is seen a block-hon»e, on the site of Fort Volunteer, and tmmedintcly l)aik
of it, a circular building with battlementcd toj) represents Fort Chuuncey. The little figures near the Buiall boat, toward
the centre of the picture, are on Navy Point, where the ship-house now stands.
• Jopeph Bouchette, one of the most eminent writers on the statistics of the Canadas, gave the following dcsoripiinn
of the place at the close of 1S14 : " A low point of laud rnns out from the northwest, upon which is tlie dock-yard, «iH
largo storc-housos and all the requisite buildings bcUniging to such an establiKhmeut. Upon this point is a verjpow.
crful work, called Fort Tompkins, having within it a strong Ijlock-liouse two stories high ; on the laud side it is covortil
by a strong picketing, in which there arc embrasures ; twenty guns are mounted, besides two or three mortars, witlii
ftirnace for heating shot. At the bottom of the harbor is the villr.ge, that contains from sixty to seventy housof, ami to
the southward of it a barrack capable of accommodatii. • two thousand men, and gcunally used for the marines lielunp-
iug to the licet. On a point eastward of the liarbor 'il.iids Fi-.rtPikc, a regular work surrounded by a ditch, in advance
of which there is a strong line of picketing. In the centre of the principal work there is a block-house two stories lii:li.
This fort is armed with twenty guns. About one hundred yards from the village, and a little to the westward of Fori
Tompkins, is Smith's cantonment or barrack, strongly bnilt of logs, forming n squa.o, with a block-house at carli ror-
lier. It Is loop-holed on every side, and capable of rnakinir a powerful resistance. Twenty-five hundred men liavp liic:
accommodated in it. A little" farther westward another fort presents itself [Fort Kentucky], built of earth and stniiiLit
palisaiied, having in the centre of it a block-house one story high. It mounts twenty-eight guns. Midway knvon
these two works [a little farther iniandl is a powdc- magazine, inclosed within a very stong picketing.
"l!y the side of the road that leads to Henderson Harbor stands Fort Virginia, a sipiaro work with bastions atHf
angles, covered with a strong line of palisades, 1)U', no ditch. It is armed with sixteen guns, and has a l)lock-lio».«( is
the middle of it. [See sketch on p.lilV.] Fort fhauncey is n small circular tower, covered with piank, and IcKjp-lioki
for tlie nse of musketry, Intended for a small-arm defense only. It is sitnated a small distance from the villiij;c, aid
commands the road that leads to Sandy Creek. In addition to these works of strength, there are several Ijlodi-hiis*
In difl'erent situations, that altogether render the i)lace very secure, and capable of resisting a powerful attack ; iiulml, j
ttmn recent events, the Americans have attached much importance to It, ann, with their accustomed celerity, have spared
no exertions to render it formidable."— Bouchctte's CanaJn, page 620. To this account may be added the slaliiiiiiii
thi.t, after the battle in May, lS1!t, a breastwork of logs was thrown up around the village from Ilorso Island to the «li 1
of Madison Barracks.
The above map, showing a plan of Sackett's Harbor and its defenses in 1^14, as dcscril)ed by Bouchette, in from s |
tnanuBcript drawing by Patrick May, a soldier who was staliouod there for two years. The topograi)hy may not be \ix- i
OF THE WAll 01 1812.
615
Map of the Same.
Iiicli we shall
jned there in
) jiost. Fort
A VUlt to Snckett's Unrbor.
C'omtnuduro Tattnall.
Illetoricul LuculitlcH,
Henry Kekford.
tV"":,,/
/^ ■, r.RAMDCAnAoc
r.CHdUNCCY
fe-^^jj
TB 1)KIKNH1:S liN llU.
iccl, and several
ictecl,au(lbuf()iv
le post seeintd
it'
luff at the rlijht is FPcn
\A immediiilely hatk
tlie Binall boat, toward
,; foUowiiic ilcsfript'aa
J ibthcdock-jnril.wiih
ii« poliil 1b a very \im-
1 laud side It in covcml
■ three mortars, Willi 1
seventy hoUBCf, ami tu
for the niariiics Iwliiiii;-
1 by n ditch, in ailvaiicc
liinisi! two stories liish.
o the wcetwardoflorl
lock-liouse at cacl> f»
luudred men have Imis
it oV earth and slron;i.t
U118. Midway helwctB
licting.
•k with bastions at Ik'
id has a lilock-lirai'o it
J piank, and l"»l)-li"''i
;e from the villn.;' .
re BGVcral l)lotli-li' »■
iwcrful attack; iiuK'l,
led celerity, have fiawi
le added the ftalcmriii j
lorfio Island to liw' «k |
r Bnnchette, 1« fn™ > j
tgrnpliy may not \k ]i:(- '
I visited Sackett'8 Harbor in the summer of 1800. I roiln up from Sandy Creek
diirin" a sultry moniinjjf, tlirough the wealthy agrieultural tinvns of Eilishiirg and
lltiiderson, after a heavy rain. Before noon the sky was almost cloudless, and I
spoilt the afternoon in visiting places of interest around Sackett's Harbor. Coinino-
(loreJosiah Tattnall, one of the most accomplished men in the navy, and then in com-
mand of the naval station at the Harbor, accompanied me. I found him an cxceed-
iii'ly courteous man, of medium size in stature, and in tlie sixty-fourth year of his
jiirc. He had been commander of the East India stpiadron for some time, having the
i'oichatati for his Hag-shij), in which he brouglit over the seas tlic Japanese embassa-
ilors in the spring of 18G0. Having be(;n for several years in arduous service, the
('overnnient had kindly orJ'ored him to the Sackett's Harbor station to enjoy a season
lit" rest. There he deserted the flag of his country, under which he had been cherished
for almost half a century. He rec;igned his commissic/ii, joined the traitors in the
>lave-labor states Avho were then in open rebellion against his government, and be-
came commander-in-chief of the " Confederate Navy."'
Yet I can not forget the commodore's kindness. He accompanied mc to the ship-
lioiise on Navy Point, in which is the JVeio Orleans, juiit as she was left in her untin-
islicd state at the end of the war in 1815, He also went with mc to the site of Fort
Pike, to Madison Barracks and the burial-ground, and to visit the Avidow of Ca|)tain
William Vaughan, whose exploits have alrt ady been mentioned in these pages.^ Mm.
Vaiiglian (a small, delicate woman) occupied the Sackett mansion, which was her resi-
dence in 1 81 2. At the time now under consideration, Colonels JJuckus and Mills l)oard-
(•(1 with her there. The house was near the site of Fort Tomi)kins. It was a substan-
tial lianio building, with a fine portico, and was embowered in shrubbery and trees.
The JV^eio Orleans was to have been a huge vessel, made to cope with the iSt.Zaw-
rcnce,a, three-det'k man-of-war of 120 guns, which the British launched at Kingston
in the autumn of 1 813. Henry Eckford^ Avas the constructor, and Henry Eagle, late
uf Oswego, Avas foreman of the navy yard. Time was precious, and Eckford applied
cisoly correct, bnt it gives n general idea of the pains taken, and the method adopted for making the post as secure from
capture as possible. It Hhows the localities of the forllHcations, and of the vessels In the harbor in the nutumn of IS 14.
1 .losinh Tattnall was liorn at Hcniaveuture, four miles from Suvanunh, (leorgln, in November, ITflB. lie is a grandson
111 Clovernor Tattnall, lie entered the navy as a midshipn n in 1S12, and was commissioned a lieutenant in HIS. lie
wan promoted to commander in February, lS;ts, and to cap; i in February, ]K60. lie tirst served In tlie frigate CuniiM-
li/ii>ii,and was in the afl'air al Craney Island in June, 1813. He was in tlie Alpirii i war under Decatur, was with Perry
niithccoaPt of Africa, and wiili Porter in his expedition nemnst the pirates In i im (inlf of Mexico. He was in command
iiftlie Spitfire in the bombardment of Vera Cm/ ^ 'he war with Mexico, and in the attacks on Tuspan, Tampico, and
.Mariidi). lie was In command of the Knst In(' uulwu during the trunblo with the Chinese in the minmcr of 18,W,
andin the spring of ISfiO brought the Japanese Hudois to thU count ly. lie resigned his eomml^r . in ISfll, and
acfcptcd one from the "government" of the so-calleil Confei! latoRtat^ of America." Hewa- in ■ mni indofthe ves-
rtlsofllie rebels nt Norfolk when the Merrimack wa desti ^vfd, ni'd in l»«i:( was In command of "niusqnito fleet"
at Savannah, (Jeorgia. His services were soon afterward dispensed th, and lie sunk Inin '■hseuril.v. = See pagctftS.
: Ilcnry Eckford was born in Scotland on the 12th of March, U.:>, iiud at the ago of lixi. > ii became an apprentice to
liis uncle, John Hlack, an eminent naval
cinistnictor at Quebec. In 1700 be com-
menced the business of Bhi|>-bnllding in
tlie city of New York, and soon rose to /y^ / j^ L^^ /' -'"N
liiclicadofhisprofession, and New York- .^'^ / ^^^^^''7'TL--/ /^"y- ..r^^ y J
liailt (hips were most sought after. Eck- ^ ^"^ ^ X^, ^'^'^■-^A^^ i»E, HAiKKTi'H HAiimiu. of sjieiiding a p.'irt of the forenoon at the ele-
U.int mansion of the widow of General Hrown. There many mementos of that gal-
lant officer wore j)resorved. Among them was the' portrait painted by John Wesley
.larvis, from which the engraving on ])age 008 was copied; also a monochrome drawn
by Sully, of Philadelphia (now [1867] the oldest painter in the United States), for the
medal voted to General Brown by the American Congress for his meritorious con-
duct on the Niagara frontier. That medal was also there. There too was his sword ;
also the elegantly written and well ornamented diploma Avhich by vote of the Com-
mon Council of New York conferred njion him the "freedom of the city," and the
2old box in which it was presented to him. Of the latter mementos of the gallant
soldier I shall have occasion to write hereafter.
The mansion of General Brown, which he built in 1814-'1.5,i8 spacious and elegant.
It is of blue limestone, and stands on the borders of the village of six or seven hund-
it'd inhabitants, in the midst of a lawn of about eight acres, ornamented with shrub-
' The following were the Inscriptions on the montiniont:
ll'«( /Vint/.-" In memory of Hrigndler Gcnernl Z. Af . Pike, killed at York, IT. c, 2Tth April, 1818. Captain Joseph
Nicliolsoii, 14th Infantry, iiirt-de-cnmp to General Pike, killed at York, U. C, 27th April, isia."
Smth IMnel.—" In memory of Brigadier Oenernl L. Covinijtoii, killed at Chryfiler'g Field, U. C, Nov. 11, 1813. Lleu-
:oiiaiil Colonel E. Hackns, lf>t nragoons, killed at SacV-'tt's Harbor, "nth May, 1S13."
Katl AiiiW.— " In memory of Colonel Tuttle, Lientennnt Colonel T)lx, Major iTohnson, Llentenant Vandeventer."'
''Mlh I'anfl.—"lu memory of r.ieiitenant Colonel .Tohn Mills, Volunteer, killed at Sackett'fl Harbor, 20th May, 1818.
Captain A. Spencer, 29th Infantry, killed at I.nndy's Lane, 2mh .I.ily, ISU."
Ocncrnl Pike was first bnried near Fort Tompkins, not far from the ship-honse. The remains of all were deposited
in the rcmotcry of the barracks lu ISIO, when the monnraent was erected. Those of Colonel Mills were token to Albany
Immediately after the battle.
!l
ill
^Iffi:
iJiJII
ii
618
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Ueueral Browu'ii I{e!
bed him of several thousaTid dollars;
W1IITTLE8KV BOCK, wATKBTowN. rj^j Jig -^y^s iuduccd by tlio inacliiiiii-
tious of his Avife — a Avoman of education, but thorouglily dejjraved, who AA-orked ujwn
liis fears — to report himself robbed of all, in order to secure the money for tliem
selves. This was done on an occasion Avhen he Avent out on a tour to pay off the
drafted militia. He oftered two thousand dollars reward for the robber, and made
OF THE WAK OF 1812.
610
A Conresaion extorted. Suicide of the gnllty Party. Captaiu Uollina. Hovoments uu the Niagara Froutier,
other demonstrations of honesty. But ho was not believed by many ; and his securi-
ties Fairbanks and Keyos, of Watertown, were so well convinced of foul play, that
they decoyed him into a lonely place* not far from the village, and extorted -July it,
from him a confession, and the assertion that a larger portion of the money ***'"■
mifht be found with his wife. One of the sureties and two or three others proceed-
ed to the residence of Whittlesey, which stood near the bank of the river, forcibly
entered the house, and there, between beds and quilted in a garment, most of the
money was found. Whittlesey was taken to his home, and husband and wife, bitter-
ly criminating each other, were placed under a guard. Unperceived by these, in a
moment of confusion IMrs. Whittlesey glided from the house, crossed the present cem-
etery of Trinity Church to the river, and plunged in. Her body was found floating
near tlic lower bridge. Public opinion fastened all the guilt upon the wretched wife,
Wliittlesey went into a Western state, where he led a correct life, and held the offices
of justice of the peace and county judge. Mr. Fairbanks, one of the actore in the af-
fair is yet (1867) living at Watertown, and from his lips, on our return to the village,
I received an account of the tragedy. >
At the Woodruff House, in Watertown, I met Captain HoUins, of the navy, a stout,
thick-set man, sixty-one years of age. He was a midshipman in our navy toward the
close of the War of 1812, and in the course of long years rose to the rank of captain.
He too, deserted his flag in the hour of his country's peril, went South, and, during
the Great Rebellion, played traitor with all the vigor his abilities would allow.^ His
accomplished wife, who was with him in Watertown, was a daughter of the pa-
triotic Colonel Sterett, of Baltimore, and, true to her family instincts, tried, it is
said, to persuade her husband to stand by his flag. She was in Poughkeepsie,
New York, when he arrived at Boston from a cruise in the Massachusetts in IMay or
June, 1861, and hastened to him to prevent his apprehended purpose. She failed,
and he fell.
I left Watertown on Monday evening for Cape Vincent, for the purpose of visiting
places of historic interest on the St. Lawrence. Concerning my visit to Carleton Isl-
and, French Creek, and other places near the Thousand Islands, I shall hereafter write.
Let iis now return to the Niagara frontier, and consider the hostile movements there
soon after the battles at Sackett's Harbor, Fort George, and Stony Creek.
We left the Americans, under General Dearborn, at Foit George, and the enemy's
advance, at the same time, occupied a strong position at the Beaver Dams, among the
hills, and at Ten-mile Creek (now Homer village, three miles eastward of St. Catha-
rine's), nearer the lake shore. At the former place, De Cou's house, a strong stone
huilding, was made a sort of citadel by the enemy, where supplies were collected
from the surrounding country, especially from those of the inhabitants who favored
the American cause. The character and position of the place had been ascertained
by a scout of mounted riflemen under Major Cyrcnius Chapin, of the New York Vol-
unteers, who was under Tov»'son in the capture of the Caledonia at Fort Erie the
preceding autumn.^ It was an important post, and General Dearborn determined to
Attempt its capture. For that purpose he detached five hundred and seventy men, in-
eluding Chapin's corps, some artillerymen, and two field-pieces, under Lieutenant Col-
; • , .
1 A mlnnte ncconnt of this affair, with a portrait of Mr. Fairbanks, may be found in Hough's Histanj qf Jefferson
''ountji, page 203.
i Gcoijc N. Hollins was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 20th of September, ITOW. lie entered the navy a8 mid-
fhlpmnn in Fcbrnary, 1S14, on the sloop-of-wur ISnlh'mnre, Captain Rldjiely. He was a volunteer, under Barney, in the
battle ofllladcnsburg. He was also an aid of Commodore Rodgcrs during the attack on Baltimore, and carried mes-
sages to Fort M'llenry. Up was in the battle between the Prem'dent and Enitirmwn, off Sandy Hook, in January, ISIB,
nhen he was taken prisoner and carried to Bermuda. He is supposed to be the last survivor of the men of the Prm-
itnl. lie was with Decatur in the Mediterranean. His exploit in the attack on Grcytown, Nicaragua, is fresh in mem-
ory, »nd not productive of pleasant reflections on the part of American citizens. Hollins scorns not to have been highly
prized by the leaders in the Rebellion, and is almost unknown to honorable fame among them.
' See pat,o 380. He was very efflclcnt as lieutenant colonel commanding in skirmishes near Fort George in October
following. He died in Buffalo in February, 1838.
■I *
620
riCTOUIAL FIELD-BOOK
Expedition against the British at the Beaver I)am«.
Enconnter with Indians.
An old Ocrmnn Chnrcb,
<:J^
onel Charles G. Bo-rst.
^e^'t-^--'2>^l-^'''^f—^ Infantry.' Tluy !,,(■,
Fort CJooi-rrc! oil the
evening of the 2.'!(l of June, marched up the Niagara River to Queenstoii, niid tlan
lialted for the night. Early the next morning they proceeded toward St. Da\ idV
ibur miles west of Queenston, and Avhen near it several British ofticers were koch to
leave houses, mount their horses, and ride off westward in haste. They fiied alann
guns and sounded a bugle, by which means the several cantonments of the eiieim
were aroused.
The Americans moved steadily forward until they reached the " Ten Road," a lit-
tle eastward of the present village of
Thorold, and at an old German church^
commenced the ascent of the " Mountain"
(as the Canadians call the gentle emi-
nences that extend from the Niagara to
Hamilton and beyond), through a forest
of pine and beech trees, to the more level
country on the summit, where they halted
for some time. On resuming their march
and proceeding about a mile, they saw In-
dians in a cleared field (Hoover's) and
open woods running toward a more dense
forest of beech-trees that skirted each side
of the read, near the p-esent toll-gate, close
by the residence of the Rev. Dr. R. II. Ful-
ler, rural dean. Cliapin was immediate-
ly ordered forward with his mounted men,
Avho Avere kept considerably in advance of
the main body. These had passed the beech woods, and a greater portion of tlio otli-
ers had also gone by, when a body of MohaAvk and CaughnaAvaga Indians, four Imnd-
red and fifty in number, under Captain John Brant and Captain William John Kerr-
(Avho afterward became his brother-in-law), AA'ho had been lying in ambush, foil upon
BtErstler's rear, Avhere about tAventy light dragoons were posted. Bocrstler imme-
diately recalled Chapin, formed his troops, charged upon the half-concealed foo, and
drove them almost a mile. The Indians might have been entirely routed had B(crst-
ler followed up the advantage gained. He hesitated. The Indians rallied, and hung
upon his flank and rear, keeping up a most galling fire at every exposed situation.
The Americans pressed onAvard, over the Beaver Dam Creek, fighting the wily foe to
immense disadvantage, and made conscious that they were almost, if not altogether
surrounded by them. For about three hours this annoying contest Avas kept up.
Boerstler's cannon liad been posted on a rise of ground at the turn in the road near
the residence of Mr. Schriner at the time of my visit, and the Indians fell slowly
back before the American bayonets.
At Icngtii Bccrstler defennined to retire and abandon the object of the expedition.
' Charles Q. Boerstler was n native of Maryland, and was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Fonrtecnth lufaiilr;
In March, 1812. Ho was active, as wc have seen (page 428), In affairs at Black Rock toward the close of that je.ir.
Three days hefore his unfortunate expedition to the Beaver Dams he was promoted to colonel of the Fourteenth. Ai
the close of the war he was disbanded.
» This is a view of the oldest building erected for the worship of God In that section of Canada remaining »1 tlit
time of my visit. It was a little more than half a mile from the vlllogs of Thorold. The German refugees from lh(
Mohawk Valley at the close of the Revolution built it. It was formed of logs, and was abont twenty-five feet sonare.
It stood In the midst of a bnrlal-gronnd.
' Captain Kerr was a (rrandson of Sir Wlllinra Johnson, b., Molly Brant, sister of the great Mohawk chief, ond \rt!
one qnartcr Mohawk. He married Elizabeth, the beantifDl and accomplished youngest child of Brant.
GKBMAN CUUBCH.
Wk^
11
ii!l ,>:
OF THE WAU OF 18 12,
921
Id Ocrmnn Charch.
rlcs (i. HciTM-
Kourtcciitli
' Tlu^y l,.f,
orgo on the
stoii, and then
i-(l St. David's,
i were Kt'i'ii tn
oy tiivd alarm
of tlie oueiiiv
n Road," a lit-
ion of tlio otli-
ians, four luind-
lam Jolui Kerr
nbush, fell upon
Boerstler immc-
nccalcd foe, ami
ited had B(crst-
lied, and imng
loscd situation.
the wily foe to
not altogether
t was kept \\\).
a the road near
ans fell slowly
tlie expedition.
B ronrtccnth lufaiiiry
le close of that year.
f the Fourteenth. .M
nclB remaining at ikf
an refui!ec8 from Ihi
■enty-five feet snuiire.
ihnwk chief, and \w
tront.
Rritlib Troopi Mved by a Uerolne. Hni. Secord's Services and Reward. Bontler and bis Command captnred.
W'hile moving off he encountered a (unall body of militia, under Lieutenant Cohmel
Thomas Clark, in tlie IJeech Woods. They had hastened to tlie field from all (iiiarters.
Iterstler lialted, and sent a courier to Dearborn for re-enforcements. Very Boon after-
ward Lieutenant James Fitzgibbon,
,vho was in coinniand at De (Jou's,
iippeared with forty or fifty men of
ihe IJritish Forty -ninth,' lie had
lieeii warned of tlic expedition of
Birrstler, and the danger to his post
iind coinniand, by Mrs. Laura Hecord,
then a resident of Queenston, and
now (1S07) dwelling at Chi})pcwa,
who liud been privately informed of
the plans of General Dearborn, Ke-
solviiig to reveal them to her endan-
(rercd friends, she made a circuit of
nineteen miles on foot, and gave tlie
int'ormation which led to the Indian
anibush and the check of IJaTstler's
maich.^ Fitzgibbon displayed his
men, and, perceiving much confusion
in the American ranks, conceived the
plan of boldly demanding their sur-
render in the name of Major De Ha-
ven, the commandant of the district. Fitz-
;!il)bon himself approached with a flag.
He falsely assured Ba'rstler that his ])arty
was the advance of fifteen hundred Jiritisli
troops and seven hundred Indians, then approaching under Lieutenant Colonel Bissh-
> A blacksmith in Smoky Uollow, two miles north from St. Catharine's, named Yocum, piloted Fitzgibbon from De
Cou's to the Beaver Dams.
I Mrs. Secord was then, as now, n woman of light and delicate frame, and her patriotic jonrney was performed on a
very hot enmnier's day. She is now (1807) living at the Canadian village of Chippewa, on the Niagara River, at the age
of ninety-two years, her mental faculties in full play, and her eyesight sufficiently retained to see to read without spcc-
uclei. She is the widow of James Secord, Esq., who commanded a company of militia in the battle at (Jneenston In
ni2,an(l was severely wounded there. In a letter to me, written on the 18th of February, ISOl, Mrs. Secord has given
i!ic fiillowlni,' interesting acconnt of her exploit here mentioned : " After going to St. David's, and the recovery of Mr.
Sicord, we returned again to Queenston, where my courage again was much tried. It was then I gained the secret |)lan
:.iid to capture Captain Fitzgibbon and his party. I was determined. If possible, to save them. I had much difflcutly in
.'itini; through the American guards. They were ten miles out in the country. When I came to a field belonging to
. Mr. De Cou,'in the neighborhood of the Beaver Dams, I then had walked nineteen miles. By that time daylight had
i-fi me. I yet had a swift stream of water to cross over an old fallen tree (Twelve-mile Creek), and to climb a high hill,
which fatigued me very ranch.
"Before I arrived at the encampment of the Indians, as I approached they all arose with one of their war-yells, which
iiiiieed awed me. You may imagine what my feelings were to behold so many savages. With forced courage I went
Done of the chlef:^, told him I had great news for his commander, and that he must take me to him, or they would be
.11 loet. He did not understand me, but said, ' Woman 1 what does woman want here V The scene by moonlight to some
:;iijhthave been grand, but to a weak woman certainly terrifying. With difflcnity I got one of the chiefs to go with me
' Ihdr commander. With the Intelligence I gave him he formed his plans and saved his country. I have ever found
iif brave and noble Colonel Fitzgibbon a friend to me ; may he prosper in the world to come as he has done in this.
"Laoba Seooud.
"Chippewa, U. C, February 18, 1801."
Lieutenant Fitzgibbon was promoted to the rank of captain in the British army, and is now (I86T) a Poor Knight of
Hindmr Castle. Ue gave Mrs. Secord a certificate setting forth the facts above recorded. It is signed "James Fltzglb.
iwn.rormerly lieutenant in the Forty-ninth Regiment." That certificate is printed In the Angto-Ameriean Magazine,
mdon page 178 of Anchinicck's HUtonj qfthe War ()/1812, published in Toronto in 1(566.
When the Prince of Wales was making a tour in Canada In 1S60, the veteran soldiers of 1812 on the Niagara fi'ontler
went In Niagara to sign an address to his royal highness. Mrs. Secord apiilied for permission to place her name on the
IM. "Wher,-!f()re?" was the natural question. She told her story, and it was agreed that she was one of the most em-
inently deserving of honor among the patriots of thut war. The story was repeated to the prince on his arrival at
ijuccniton, and it made such an impression on his memory and kind heart, especially when it was said that I ho. brave
: ad patriotic woman was not " rich in this World's goods," that, soon after his return home, tie caused the sum of one
linndred pounds sterling to be presented to her. The likeness above given la from a daguerreotype kind'y eonl Ui me
!:m Mrs. Secord by the liand of Mr. J. P. Merrttt, of St. Catharine's.
^^t-f-tisi^
■ r »
■
i
imi
i.
i '
1 Hi^
\ <
1
M
\r
■K
i
fMi
5 ' ;'
' ':
vlifflWi
|i:
rIBp i
. i
If
IMilll
622
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
The Terms of Surrender violated by the ludlans. A bold Stroke for Lll)erty. Fort Qeorge inveated by the Brltlik
opp, ftml that the savages were bccominj? ho cxaHpemted that it would bo (Htruult
to keep them from massacring the Americans. Hcerstler believed, and was alarnicd
lie agreed to surrender on the eonditions that the officers should retain their arms
liorses, and baggage, and that the militia and volunteers, with Colonel liocrstler (wlio
Avas slightly wounded), should be permitted to return to the United States on parole i
By tlie time the capitulation was agreed to in final form, Do Haven, who had liccn
sent for by Fitzgibbon, came up with two hundred men and received the sulmiissiou
of the captives. The number of prisoners 8urren This capltnlation, In four brief articles, the substance of which Is given In the text, was signed on the port of Colo-
nel Boerstler by Captain Andrew M'Dowcll, and on that of Lieutenant Colonel Bieshopp by Major P. V. De Havon,
Captain Merrltt, in his MS. Narrative, says that Captain Norton, of the Indian force, bnmorouely declared that ik(
Caughnawagas fought the battle, the Mohawks got the plunder, and Fitzgibbon got the credit. "The greater part ot
the Caughnawagas," says Merrltt, " were displeased, and returned home in a few days afterward, which at this time iti-
a very great loss."
' Major Chnpin, in his Revieio o/ Armatromj's Notices of the War o/1812, page 10, says that he was placed in oiieboii
with a principal part of the guard, and Captain Sackrlder and a greater portion of the prisoners iu the other bunt, (ir-
ders had been given for the boats to keep some rods apart, one ahead of the other. After they had passed out of Bur-
lington Bay upon the open lake, Chapln made a signal to Sackrider in the hinder boat, which the Ameriians were rnw-
ing, to come up closer. lie gave the word in whispers to the men, and while the major was amusing the Britisli caplaio
with a story, tlie hinder boat came up under the stern of the forward one. It was ordered back, when Chnpin, witli loa I
voice, ordered his men not to fall back an Inch. Captain Showers attempted to draw his sword, and sonic of his rani
thrust at Chapln with bayonets. The latter prostrated the captsin with a blow. He fell in the bottom of (he boat, ami
two of his men who were thrusting at Chapln fell upon him. The latter Immediately stepped upon them. The mianl
iu both boats were speedily overcome and secured. "I succeeded to the command of oar fleet of two biiteaus," mts
Chapln, " with no little alacrity. We shifted our course, crossed Lake Ontario, and with the boats and prisoners arrived
the next morning safe at Fort Niagara."
» Congress was in session when this "climax of continual tidings of mismanagement and misfortune" renchedWa*
ington. The late Charles J. Tngersoll, one of the historians of the war, was then a member of the House of Ifi-iircsenla-
tives. The intelligence produced great irritation. " On the Cth of July, 1813, therefore," says lugersoll, " afier a fhon
accidental communion of regret and impatience In the lobby of the House of Representatives with the Spealcer and
General Ringgold, of Maryland, I was deputed n volunteer to wait on the President, and request General Ue.irlmni-
removal fl-om a command which, so far, had been so unfortnnate." The recall of General Dearborn immediately fol-
lowed this request, and on the 16th of July that officer, who had performed noble service in the Continental army, tool;
leave of that on the Niagara fnmtier, at Fort George, puranant to an order from the Secretary of War that he (houlJ
"retire from command until his health should be re-established." "The Northern army," says Ingersoll, "relieved of |
a veteran leader whose age and health disqnalifled him for active and enterprising services. In his successor, General ;
Wilkinson, did not get a younger, healthier, or more competent commander."— Hi'storica! Sketch of the Second War,iV..
1., 28R.
« The authorities consulted in the preparation of the foregoing narrative are the official dispatches; statements ot
officers! the Histories of Thompson, Perkins, Conner, Brackenridge, Ingersoll, James, Christie, Auchluleck; Stone'.' j
Life of Brant ; Chapin's Review of Armstrong ; MerrittJe MS. narrative ; personal narratives of sun-Ivors, etc.
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
688
ited l)jf tbe Briilih,
id bo dilViciilt
wiiH alarmwl,
in thoir arniii,
liojrfitU'r (wild
tes on purolc,!
who had hww
the suhmisMiMi
red ami forty-
nd a stand of
)itulation wen
ioners of tlit'ir
jas'od on parole,
^^llnc• of them
)on sent, with a
rs and a ijuard,
?8 of York tiny
irrivcd safoly at
Colonel Christii'
lidly to Qiu'cih
lastcnc'd hack t'l
pcedily jutitifiM
that place aii'l
Mo force. Gen-
icral Do Kottin-
irn, whose career
r a more iueom-
iits on the North-
led on tliepartotCokv
Mnjor P. V. De Hnveii.
jiiHly declared that tb
The grentcr pan of
which at thiB limo n ■
was placed in one bi .u
in the other boat. Or-
hud passed out ut Bur-
Americans were rm-
Bing the BritlBh captain
i-hen Chapin, with loud
and some of his men
iottomof theiiiiai,,,!.:
,p<)n them. The -i;
. oftwo l)ateaus,"si;(
18 and prleoncrs arrivtl
fortnne" reai-hodWash-
le House ofllcirMenti-
upersoll/'afiei' »''""'
I with the Sjieaker acd
est General Boarboni'!
rborn immedlntel!: W-
Continental army, tocli
of War that he shoalJ
InRersoll," relieved ot ^
^1 his successor, General '
io/theSecondVat,tU'
Ipatches: statement! ol !
\e, Anchliileclt; Stone's
TsurN'ivorB, clc.
A Vltlt to St. Catbartoe'i and tbe lleaver Unmi' Battle-gronnd.
De Cou's and De Con'* Pallf .
It was in sultry August, 1 860, that I visited the scenes of Bcoi-stler's march and dis-
iifitcr and places in the vicinity. I have already mentioned my trip from Qnoenston
to St. Catharine's, and so on to Hamilton, Paris, Brantfonl, and the Indian settlements
on the (trand River in Canada.' It was at that time that I Hto]»i)ed at St. Catharine's
for the purpose of seeing the Honorable William Hamilton i\Ierritt,tho brave British
cavalry officer already mentioned, and of visiting places of interest near. I arrived
there on Saturday evening, and at a boarding-iiouso wlicro I procured lodgings I had
the iileasiiro of meeting the family of a once valued actpiaintance in Virginia, who
were seeking health from tlie use of the powerful mineral waters that flow up copi-
ously there from the deep recesses of the eartli.'* Little did I think that within a few
montlis tlie accomplislied head of that family, Avhom I had learned to esteem most
hi'dily, would bc.sedueed from his allegiance to the flag of his country, under which
he liad served with fidelity and distinction for five-aiid-tliirty years, and become the
.'eiieral-in-chief of armies in rebellion against the government of tlie Republic! Ho
held tlie narrow view of American citizenship, engendered by the doctrine of supreme
state sovereignty, expressed in the words "I go witli my state," and followed the
terrible fortunes of his native Virginia when iier political charh.tans — her selfish
trading politicians — declared her secession from tlie Union, and brought ruin on her
licople.
I was unfortunate in not finding Mr. Morritt at home. As a member of the Cana-
dian Pai'liament, he had gone to (Quebec to receive the Prince of Wales. To his son,
Mr. J. P. Merritt, I am indebted for many kind courtesies while there. He gave me
free access to.his father's military papers, and kindly lent me the MS. Narrative of
Events in the campaigns on the Canadian Peninsula already referred to.
Early on Monday morning,* Jvfter a night made memorable by a f( rful •AuRnstso,
tiiunder-storm, I started for the Beaver Dams, accompanied by Mr. Mer- ^*'''-
ritt. On the way I sketched the ancient German church delineated on page 620 ;
and early in the forenoon wo reached the house of the Reverend Dr. Fuller by the
famous IJeech Woods where Boerstler was first attacked. From the roof of his
dwelling we obtained a fine view of the Beaver Dams' battle-ground and the thea-
tre of Bocrstler's misfortunes, and from that elevation made the sketch seen at the
top of the pictn ■ the following page. On the right is seen the Beech Wooc'i,
snd through tl , re Beaver Dams' Creek. On the left is seen the turn of the
road where Bui filer's cannon were planted, and a little to the right of it is the
stone house of Mr. Shrincr, whose orchard, adjouiing it, was the place where Bojrst-
ier surrendered to De Haven. The two-story house on the right of the picture
is De Cou's, and the cascade on the left is a view of Dc Cou's Falls, in Twelve-mile
Creek.
From Dr. Fuller's we rode on through Beaver Dam village to De Cou's, passing
on the way the smoking ruins of a barn which had been fired by lightning during
the night. The famous house Avas of stone, two stories in height, spacious, Avith or-
namental shrubbery around it. It was in an elevated, fertile, and beautiful region.
After sketching the building we passed on to the lake slopes of the hills, and, follow-
ing a farm-road a little distance, came to De Cou's Falls, where the Twelve-mile
Crc'k pours over a ledge of rocks, semicircular in form, hito a Avild ravine, in a per-
pendicular cascade of sixty feet. The sides of the ravine are very precipitous, and
covered chiefly with evergreens. With much difliculty and some danger, I made my
1 See page 420.
' The city of St. Catharine's, on tho Twclve-milo Creek, the Welland Canal, and the Great Western Railway, was
known a8"Chipman's" during the war. It is between twelve and thirteen miles west from the Niagara River. It is
a port of entry (Port Dalhonsie is at the month of the creek), is heantifuliy situated, and threatens to rival Hamilton.
Its mineral springs are very noted for their belling properties, and St. Catharine's has become a place of great -esort
for invalldB and fashionable people. It is a very desirable place for those who love a quiet watering-place for a few
weeks in summer. The population is about seven thousand.
624
PICTORIAL VIELD.BQOK
Skatch of Da Cun'i Falln.
A Veteran of the War uf \HU.
Meturn to 81. (.'uthirtiwi,
A fourth of a mile licl
IHV
It'll, Biiaut'ii Dy cc
dars and hemlocks, were
tlie remains of an ohl mill.
was another fall of thirty feet, wliere tlie ravine (Icciuns
and darkens, for tlie whole declivity down which the
stream pours toward the plain is covered with a tleuse
forest.
Wo made our way along a most picturesque road
among tlie hills to tlio I'ertilc rolling plain below, and
stopped at the little log cottage of Captain James Dit
trick, a bachelor
of seventy -five,
and a veteran of ^//C^y^t^
the War of 181 2. ^-^
He was commandi r ot the Fourth Lincoln company, and
was in the battles at Queenston, Fort George, and M.
agara, or Lundy's Lane, and was active on the froiilin
and over the peninsula during tlie whole of the Avar. Ik
arrived at the Beaver Dams a few minutes after the sur-
render of Ba'rstler, and participated in the joy of the oc-
casion. C.'iptaui Dittrick was a bald-headed, heavy man,
very pleasant and communicative — ready to " fight his
battles o'er again" by his hearthstone. Our visit was
made too short for our pleasure and profit by the mm.
bling of thunder. We rode on to St. Catharine's, wlicrc
we arrived in time to escape a drenching shower. I
dined Avith Mr. Merritt and his fathei-'s family, and bad
the pleasure of meeting at the table the widow of the eminent Jesse Hawlcy, who
was a distinguished citizen of Western New York, to whom Governor De Witt Clin-
ton (autograph letter now before me) gave the credit of being the chief projector of
that great work of internal improvement, the Erie Canal. He published a series of
UK UOU^ FALLS.
> St. Cuthitlnt'i.
OF TlIK VVAK OF 1812.
625
TWtWilMnlltoD Md Stony Creek.
A Renjgee hrom the Wyomlnn Valtay.
Departure Ibr Brsntford.
ablp It'ttcrH ovpr the sipnnturo of "Hercules," whoso wise »upfjj[eHtionH led to tlie eon-
striictioii *>' t'"^^ iiii^lity work wiiic.ii itnmortulizi'tl tin; nuiiKt of Clinton, und uddod
millions to tho wimlth of New York.'
I left St. Ciitharine'M toward ovcninj? for tho heantiful city of Hamilton, at the head
,,| ihc livke. The railway piisHeH throiiirh a most cliarininj; country lying between
I lif "Mountain" or uneient shore of Ontario and the lake. This mountain approaches
the liiko within three fourths of a mile at Humilton, and then, turning more soutli-
«iir(l assists in forming the deep valley in which iJundas lies nestled. I passed the
iiiifjit at the Royal Hotel in Ilamiltoit, and at six o'clock the ne.\t morning started in
i liclit wagon for Stony tireek, seven miles eastward, over a tine stone road. I was
iliriftt'tl to Colonel Daniel Lewis for information concerning tho battle and its local-
jij,,^. His residence was a little northward of the village, but he was absent. From
jif jlcuh's, residing there, I obtained all needful knowledge respecting tho place of
ihc eiu'iunpment and the combat. After making the sketch on page t(0:3, 1 returned
M till! village, made my way half a mile southward of it, and took a hasty glance at
the pouring down of Stony Creek from the "Mountain" in a perpendicular fall of one
liuiidred mid thirty feet into a deep, narrow gorge. Wishing to depart from Hamil-
ton for I'jvris at twelve o'clock, I did not linger long at the falls. On my way back I
stoppcil lit the house of Mr. Michael Aikman to obtain sonic information concerning
ilie pliu'c of tho liritish encamjiment on Jiurlington Heights. He too was absent, but
I -pout a most interesting half hour with his mother, Mrs. Hannah Aiknnin, a small,
ililicate woman, then ninety-one years of age. She was the daughter of Michael
Showers, a Tory refugee from the Wyoming Valley. She and her family were in
Wiiiterino'^t's Fort, and her father was one of IJutler's liiingers. After the battle
ilure they were comjielled to fly. They went up the Susijuehivnna, and across the
(Oiintry by way of the Genesee, intending to go to Niagara by the lake in a small
li(i;it whicli they took with them. It Avas so injured that it could not be tised. The
liither walked to Fort Niagara for relief, and for a week his family subsisted on roots
wlmli they dug from tho soil. They were timely relieved by some Mississagua In-
,li;iiis. Her father was one of the settlers with Butler's Hangers on tlie Canadian
iHiiiiisula, and for almost seventy years she had lived at her then place of abode.-'
\Vhcii I told her of my visil to Wifttermoot's house, and described it as she remem-
liorid it, and sjioke of the Wintermoots, the Burnets, the Hallenbecks, the Dorrances,
mil others whom she knew, her eyes brightened, and she said it seemed as if one of
kr old neighbors had come to see her.
1 reached Hamilton^ just in time to take the cars for the West, and, as I have al-
ready mentioned, arrived at Brantford, on the Grand River, that evening. Of my
visit to the Indian settlements in that vicinity I have elsewhere written.*
: It is proper to sny here that the project of a cnnal to connect the waters of Lake Krle with those of the Hudson
Kivrr wi\8 contemplated by General Philip Schuyler, Elkanah Watson, and Christopher Colles, many years before Mr.
llswley wrote his con"incing letters.
' I have liefore mentioned in this work that, after the Revolntion, Butler's Rangers and other refugees fVom the
limed States settled on the Canadian peninsula. Each one of Butler's Rangers, almost tic hundred in number, was
iri'H'nted with a thousand acres of land in this then wilderness, and that district, of which there were four in the prov-
I intf.wns called Nassau. Governor Uuldlmand, a German, named tho four districts respectively, beginning at the De-
I troll, Hesse, Nnssan, Mecklenburg, and Lunenburg. Haldimand was a great friend of the Canadians ; but Simcoe, de-
I iltoo! of making the province as English as possible, and denoting native nationality, gave British names to almost
I mrj place. In this spirit he changed the name of Toronto to York, in honor of a victory by the Duke of York on the
I Continent.
' Hamilton was laid ont in 1813, and Is sitnated on the southwestern extremity of Burlington Bay. It is the chief city
I ofWcst Canada, having a population of about 24,000. Burlington Heights are composed of an immense deposit of
I invel, sand, aud loam. The village of Turlington was the germ of tho city of Hamilton, and stood on its site. The
I Gtftt Western Railway passes along the shore of the bay, at the foot of the heights, aud crosses the Des Jardins Canal,
I rtlch Is cut directly through the great hill north of the cemetery and the residence of the late Sir Allan M'Nab. The
I present railway bridge over the canal is of iron, and seventy feet above the water. The first one was of wood. It gave
I my, (rilh a train of cars uj)on It, in March, 1867, when flfty-six persons were killed. In the cemetery may be seen the
I tenutas of General Vincent's fortitied camp. They form a ridge across the grounds (which comprise about twenty-seven
I ims), mnning east and west. The palatial residence of the late Sir Allan M'Nab is called Dundum Castle. It is built
I ollimestoiie, ft-onts sontbeast, overlooking the bay and Ilnmllton, and is sarrounded by about forty acres of laud.
• See pages from 420 to 426, tnclnsive.
Rb
II
ilm '
. I
: -■
li
n
\
wiS'
1
i"
m
■ "? ;
^1 ' '
w\
626
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Raids on the Niagara Frontier.
A Maesacn by Western Indians.
Statement of Captain Merritt and othcrt
Genera' BoyJ, liMng the senior officer on the Niagara frontier, became temporary
commander-in-cliief there after the depurture of General Dearborn. He found liis .,0.
sition an important and arduoas one. The success of the British at the Beaver Daiib
made them bold, and they were gradually closing upon the Americans at Fort Geor<'(
and Newark. Frequent picket skirmishing occumd, and bold raids into the Ameri-
can territory were performed. One of these occurred on the night of the 4tli of
July.* A party composed ot Canadian militia and Indians, and led hy Lieu-
tenant Colonel Thomas Clark, crossed the Niagara from Chippewa to Schlosscr
captured the (^""rd there, seized a large quantity '."provisions, one brass 6-pouiulci
cannon, several .'^tands of arms, and some ammunition. With these spoils they re-
turned in triumph to the Canada shore.
Four days later a sad tragedy was performed near the residences of John and Peter
Ball,' about a mile and a half from Fo'-t George. The gallant young leader, Merritt.
then just twenty years of age, was sent with a, small party to recover some metlicini"-
near Ball's wh'ch the British had concealed when they fled from Fort George in JIav.
A body of one hundred and fifty savages, just arrived from the Western wilderiHw,
under Captain M. Elliott, and led by the bloody Blackbird, of Chicago faino,^ wm
employed as a covering party. Merritt was encamped, and while breakfastins; ai
Bail's a skirmish vith an American picket-guanl took place not far off. Lieutciiam
fi^ldridge (then adjutant), with *. irty-nine volunteers, went out to the relief of tin
guard, and a larger force, undor M.ijor Malcolm, prepared to follow. Tiie irnjxtiious
Eldridge dashed forward into the *.hick Avood. and fell into an ambush prepared for
liim by Blackbird and hi.i followers. The foe was repulsed at first, but overwiulm-
ing numbers crushad Eldridge and his little party.^ Only five escaped. The prison-
ers and Avounded were butchered and scalped by the Western savages, whose con-
duct on the occasion Avas marked by the most atrocious barbarity.^ This was su
shocking and exasperatir..,' that General Boyd resolved to adopt Washington's ])lan
of having " Indians fight Indians," and to accept the services of the Scnecas andTns-
I The Ball family ftill occnpied ihls dwelling, I was 'uformed, when I visited Niagara In 1800. They have, as a cher-
ished re'ic, the military f hapeau woni by the g;;llant Brock whc :. he fell at Qucemton. s Sec pr.L'c »
' Joseph C. Eldridge was a native ot New York. He entered the army as second lieutenant in the Thirteenth Wfii-
lar Infantry in the spring of 1S12. A year afterward he was promoted to first lieutenant, and appointed adjutan; He
was difitlnguislied for bravery at Stony Creek a month earlier, and was a yonng officer of great promise.
♦ Tlicrc are statements by American and British writers concerning this affair too widely differing to admit of rociu-
• illation. Soiii 'if the American writei s say that the force which fell upon Eldridge was composed of liritith atiii In-
dians, while Brit if U writers declare that un white man was present. The only statement that I have ever met from an
oye-wiliicss Is that of the late Hon.AA'illiani Hamilton Merritt in his MS. narrative, now before me, and from thai 1 have
drawn the facts up to the ambnsh. He says that he had no expectation of being in the tlglit, and that he and John fell
were the only two white persons engaged ii, it except a boy thirteen years old, whose father was a jjrisoncr and d.in-
geronely wounded, and whose eldest brother was killed at Fort George. "This little fellow," says Merrill, "was it-
terminer to revenge the loss his family had sustained, and would not be pcrsm\ded to leave the field until his moiher
! Mrs. Law, whose house was on the ground] canic out and took him away in her arms by force." An American officer.
writing from Fort George the nexi day, sold that two of the five survivors, and who were at first taken prisoners, Haini
that there were British soldiers in the ambufii, i:airted as Indians, " with streaks of green and red around their eyet."
— A'lJ. I's Heimter, iv., .S52.
Mr. Merritt says that his \vho;c attention, after the fight, was given to the prisoners in the hands of Blackl)ird ie^
his followers, and that his own life was threatened because he made intercession for tliosc of the captives. "Tl ; ■
devils," he snys, "were crying nnd imploring me to save their lives, as I was the only white man they saw." II' ■
that the Indians, after getting an Interiireter, promised him that " the lives of the prisoners slnnild he spared-woui 1
only frighten thorn ft great deal, to prevent them coming again. I made a solemn vow," he continue.", "if a \mmn
was killed, never to go out v 1th an Indian again." Tlie savages violated their pledge, and butchered their prisonvr; :
witli a barbarity too revolting to bo repeated here. The American officer above allnded to says : " I break open ihi- j
letter fo- the purpose of stating that the body (as is supposed) of Lieutenant Eldridge, the adjutant of the Thirlctnib.
has been brought in this moment, naked, mangled in the manner mentioned of the other." The excuse made for ibf i
murder of Eldridge was that, after he was made prisoner, he treiicherously drew a concealed pistol and shot one oflbe
chiefs throutrl- the bead. This was Blackbird's reason for niuruering a/(. Mr. Merritt speaks of Eldridge as " the offl-
rer who forfiiited his life by firing at an Indian while a prisoner." He does not speak from his own knowledge. At ]
investigation proved th" assertion of the savage leader to be wholly untrue, and this crime (strange as it may appai;
stands, unconrtcmned by British writers, one of pure barbarian cruelty.
The following least revolting recital is from a letter from an American officer to his fUcnd In Baltimore, dated at Fun j
George, July 12 : "A recital will make you shudder. I will merely mention the fate of a young officer who came nmln
my UKiire, whose bod> was fcnind, the day after the action, cut and mangled in the most shocking manner Immlim I
liirn fmii liM hmlii, and nis ueabt btukfeo in nis moctu 1 We are resolved to show no quarter to the ludiuus ato [
Uiis."— -Vi/i's's Weekli/ Itmjiiikr, iv., 362.
OF THE WAli OF 1812.
«27
11 Merritt and utheit.
ame temporarv
le found liif i)()-
le Beaver Dams
I at Fort Gcoi'iii'
into the Amcri-
it of the 4tli of
,nd led by Lieu-
;wa to Schlosscr,
brass 6-poun(lcr
? spoils they n-
f John and Peter
r leader, Merritt,
r some medicines
t George in May.
istern wildcrnet'S,
cago fame,^ weve
3 Lreakfastinp; at
• ofl". Lieutenant
1 the relief of tlie
, The impetiimis
l)ush prepared for
t, but overwlielm-
,ped. Tlic prison-
vages, whose eon-
ty.* Tills was so
rVashington's iil;i!i
! Senecas and Tus-
iO. Thcyhave, asacher-
'■ See \)t.i( >■
In the Thirteenth Uf.ii-
nppolnted adjutaii! lit
t promise.
frei-iii? to ndmitotrf.uo-
iipopcd of Ilrilitli nod In-
I have ever met from sn
nil-, iind from that 1 have
ml that he and John Bell
was a ))i-isoncr and iia-
" i^ays Merritt, "was |^^
lie liold tiiitil his moihet
'," An American oUccr,
■et taken priponcrp.ftaidi
id red aroimd their ove.C
hands of Blaclil)ird anJ
Jthc captives. "Tl.eiiw
Inan they saw." lie ^r^
Ishoiild he epnred-ivoiiH :
1 continues, "if a prisonei
butchered their prisoners
Lays : " I break op«n tbis
Litant of the ThlrtccniK
[The excuse made for the
listol and shot one oftle ■
,jofEldridgca8"thco(l-
liis own kuowlcdRC. .At
f trange as it rany appra
-inaltlmore,datedatFoni
Ig officer who came nnilfi
Iking manner. /n>fii(rm»
Irter to the Imliaus all« '
;,Ti;i il:i ' u :i!,'HlnBt Black Roek.
Qeueral Porter harrieii to its Detetae.
Bepolse of the Britiiib.
laroias, who had proffered them, under certain conditions which humanity would
impfse.
Clark's success at Schlosscr suggested another and more important expedition. It
«as the surprise of the American naval station and deposit for stores and munitions of
war at Black Hock- near BulValo. It was organized by the gallant Lieutenant Colonel
(Veil liisshopp, of the British Forty-first, ile left his head-cjuarters at Lundy's Lane
in the afternoon of the lOtli," with detachments from the lioyal Artillery, and • jaiy,
The Eighth, Forty -first, and Forty -ninth Regiments, and at Chij)pewa was *^'^-
joined by Lieutenant Colonel Clark, with a body of Lincoln militia and volunteers,
iiiaking his whole force between three and four hundred in numlxT. They embarked
it Chippewa early m the evening, and at half an hour before dawn^ landed
iiiiperceived on the American shore, a short distance below Black Kock.
Tiie block-house there, called Fort Tompkins, was in charge of less than a dozen ar-
tillerists; and the only other available military force at the station was about two
hundred militia, under ."Major Adams, with two or three pieces of artillery. At Buf-
falo, two miles distant, were less than a hundred infantry and dragoon recruits from
the South, on their way to Fort George, and a small body of hulians under Henry
(VBail, the young tJorn-planter, who had been jiartially educated at Philadelphia, but
who, Indian-like, could not brook the restraints of civilization, and had gone back to
i IS blanket and feather head-dress. These forces were under the command of Gen-
iral Peter B. Porter, who was then residing at his house near Black Rock.'
Bicshopp was accompanied by Colonel Warren. They surprised Major Adam's
tamp, and he and his alarmed militia fled precipitately to Buffalo, leaving the artil-
li'iy unharmed on the ground. General Porter narrdw^ly escaped capture in his own
hutise. lie made an unsuccessful attempt to reach Adam's camp when he learned
iifthe flight of the militia and the garrison at the block-house. lie followed on foot
t iward Buffalo, and on the way met Ctiptain Cummings, with one hundred regulars,
who, having heard of the invasion, was advancing toward Black Rock. In the mean
lime the enemy had fired the block-house and Itarracks, attacked the navy buildings
and a schooner lying there, and the principal officers had gone to the house of(ten-
I lal Porter, where they ordereil breakfast. Their followers, and the re-enforcenuuits
luiitinually coming over from the Canada shore, were employed meanwhile in plun-
<\emg the inhabitants and public stores not destroyed by fire.
Oil meeting Captain Cummings, Porter ordered liim to lialt. Then, mounting the
< of one of the dragoons, he hastened to buffalo, rallied about one half of Major
.VilaniV militia, and, with these and about fifty volunteer citizens, he soon rejoined
t'iiiiitnii:^'s. With the united force and about forty Indians, he attacked the invaders,
at eiirht o'clock, from three different points. Tiu^ Indians, who were concealed in a
nviiie, arose from cover, tmd gave the appallintj; war-whoop at the moment of the
aSlaek, and added much to tiie surprise and ctnifusion of the British, who did not ex-
ptet the return of the Amcricaus. After a short, spirited contest, the foe were beaten,
jinl driven in confusion toward their botits, now nnxtred ne!>r the present ferry, where
ility rnllic■ llu was wonnded by a rlflc-bnll passing throiij;h his chest and lungs, and another shattering bis wrint. Ua re-
iH
1. ^^^H
m
i^HBJI
s
,'^iplisii
m
H
■
m
628
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Death of BUshopp.
His Monnment.
Expedition to Barliagton Heights.
Descent on York.
ish suffered a greater loss after they had reached their boats.' Among those mor-
tally wounded was the commander of the expedition, a gallant .young man tliiitv
years of age. He was conveyed in sadness to his head-quarters at Lundy's Lane
where, after Ihigoring live days, he died. He Avas buried in the bosom of a ereen
slope, in a small cemetery on the south side of Lundy's Lane, a short distance from
the great cataract of the Niagara, by liis brother officers
who erected over his grave a neat monument. In tlJ
course of time it fell into decay, and thirty-three years
afterward the sisters of the young soldier replaced it liy
another and more elegant one. Upon the recumbent slaii
that surmounts it is an appropriate inscription.^
During the remainder of the summer there Avoi-e fre.
qucnt skirmishes in the ncigliborhood of P'ort Gi;or"c
caused by attacks ttpon American foraging parties inu
no enterprise of much importance was undertaken ex-
^^^<;>-^^v ->"— ' cepting an attempt to capture the British stores at Bur-
uiBBHOPi-'H aoNUJfENT. llugtou Heights, knowii lo be in charge of a feeble (juaril
under M.ijor Maule. This was attempted toward the end of July. Colonel Win-
field Scott had just been promoted to the command of a double regiment (twenty
companies), and had resigned the office of adjutant general. He was eager for dis-
tinction and useful servitic, and he volunteered to lead any land force that mifrlit lie
sent to the head of Ontario, Chaunccy was then making gallant cruises about iIk
lake. He liad twelve vessels, and felt strong enough to cope with any force that
might aj)pcar under Sir James Yeo.
Tlie expedition to Burlington Heights was under the chief command of Chauncey,
He appeared at the mouth of the Niagara River with his fleet on the 27th ofJnlv,
and on the following day he sailed for the head of Ontario, with three hundred lan.l
troops under Colonel Scott. Meanwhile Colonel Harvey had taken measures fertile
security of the British stores at Burlington. Lieutenant Colonel Battersby was or
dered fiom York with a part of the Glengary corps to re-enforce the guard umlw
Major Maule. By forced marches Battersby joined Maule before Chauncey's arriyal.
That officer and Scott soon perceived that their force was insufficient for the pro-
scribed work. Convinced of thij, and informed of the defenseless state of York on
account of the withdrawal of Battersby's detachment, Chauncey spread his sails, went
across the lake, and entered that harbor on the 31st. Colonel Scott landed his troops
without opposition, took possession of the place, burnt the barracks, public store-
houses and stores, and eleven transports, destroyed five pieces of cannon, and boro
maincd at Porter's, Itlndly treated nnd attended by Iiis wife, who wna sent for, for about three weelcs, when he waffif-
ficientiy recovered to bo sent to the rende/.vous of prisoners at Willliimsvllie.— Stone's Life of lied Jacket, page 246.
' The entire loss of the British dnring this expcd'tion, in liiticd, wounded, and missinp;, must have been nlmont m-
enty. Rome estimated it as hi-ih as one hundred. The loss of the Americans was three liilled and five wonndpd. T»ii
of the latter were Indians. "The destruction of property was not so great as has been generally represented. The
Americans did not lose, by destruction or plunder, more than one third of the valuable naval stores at Black HiK-k.rol.
lected for Commodore Perry, nor did they reach a particle of the military stores for the use of the army, then doposiifJ
at Buffalo. The enemy destroyed or captured 4 cannon, 17T English and French musljcts, 1 three-poiuuiertravcliiiL'car
Hage, (! ammunition kegs, a small quantity of round and case shot, I'iil barrels of salt, 40 barrels of wiiisky, conBldoralli
clothing and blankets, and a Bm.all quantity of other stores (lurk's Ofllcial Report.
' The following is a copy of the inscription :
"Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Colonel the ITonoraWc Cecil Bisshopp, 1st Foot QnnrdB, and tnspcciini; flel'-
ofllcer in TTpper Canada, eldest and only surviving son of Sir Cecil BIsshop]), Bart., Baron de la Fouche, in Enj;liiiiil.
After having served with distinction in the British army in Holland, Spain, and Portugal, he died on the ICth of.Iuly,
1.S13, aged .SO, in consequence of wounds received in action with the enemy at Black Rock on the llth of tlic same
mouth, to the great grief of his family and friends, and is buried iicrc.
"This tomb, erected at the time by his brother ofBrers, becoming much dilapidated, is now (184(1) renewed byhlsaf
fectionate sisters, the Baroness de la Fouche and the Honorable Mrs. Rechcll, in memory of an excellent man and Ix-
loved bro'iter."
Lieutenant Colonel Bisshopp received n severe, but not mortal wourd while on shore, and four orflv-e other? after lif
entered his boat. The gallant Fitzgibbon took charge of him, and conveyed him a» tenderly as possible from Cliip-
pewa to Lundy's Lane.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
029
:ent on Totk.
hose mor-
an, tliiity
iy's Laiu'
)f a green
ance from
cr officers,
t. Ill tin-
hree years
laced it In-
inbent sluii
1.2
e were fre-
irt George,
|)artios,l)ut
jrtaken ex-
ires at Bur-
icble guanl
)lonel Win-
(lit (twenty
,gcr for (lis-
it might lie
s about tli(
' force tliat
f Chauncev.
nh of July,
uiulreil h]\'\
iurcs for the
'sby was or-
Tuard uiulor
cy's arrival.
for the pro-
of York on
s sails, went
(1 liis troops
ubllc storu-
n, and bore
i-hen he was ful-
ct, page 'M.
Iheen almost wv-
! womulpd. If"
bpvei-cntoil. Tkf
J Black RiKk, col-
ly, then (lf|iosili\l
Voi'travcliiicta:-
sky, coniiiiicrnblf
J inspcctini! W-
jclic, in Enslail.
llth of tlif ^:i^!,■
Incweilbyhifst-
lent man and bfr
lo others after hi
luible from Chip-
(Jeneral Dcarboru Bucceeiled by Geuerul Wilkiuson. Arrival of the Latter at Wasbiugton. Indian eklrmlsbiug.
away as spoilH one lioavy gun and a consitlorable quantity of provisions, cliierty of
flour. The expedition returned to the Niagara on tlie 3d of August, carrying with
tlieiu tlic sick and wounded of Boerstler's conunand found in York. No military
movements of much importance occurred on that frontier after this until late iii the
year.'
Four days after the return to the Niagara, while Chauncey's fleet was lying at an-
chor ill tlio nioutli of the river, a British squadron under Sir James Yeo made its ap-
pearance. Chauncey went out to attack the bjironet. They manceuvred uU day, and
after midnight, during a lieavy squall, two of the American vessels wore capsized and
]o8f witli all on board excepting sixteen. Tliis movement we sliall consider here-
after ill giving a connected account of the naval o2)eratious ou Luke Outario dur-
ing the year 1813. ' ,.s »,>;<•.■ , '
We have noticed the retirement of General Dearborn from the command of the
Xortheiu Army. That measure had been decided upon by General Armstrong, tlie
Secretary of War, full six months before it occurred. He considered the command
of that army "a burden too heavy for General Dearborn to carry with advantage to
the nation or credit to himself," and two remedies were suggested to the Secretary's
,pi„j — "the one a prompt and peremptory recall, the other such an augmentation of
Ills staff as would secure to the army better instruction, and to himself the chance of
wiser councils."^ The former remedy Avas chosen, and General James Wilkinson, tlien
in command in the Gulf region, and General Wade Hampton, stationed at Norfolk, in
Virginia, were ordered to the Northern frontier. These men had been active oflicers
in the old War for Independence, the first on the staff of General Gates, and the sec-
ond as a partisan ranger in South Carolina in connection with Marion. Unfortunate-
ly for the good of the public service, they were now bitter enemies, and so jealous of
each other that they would not co-operate, as we shall observe, at a critical moment.
It was early in March when the Secretary's orders were sent to Wilkinson, and
with them was a private letter from the same hand, breathing the most friendly spirit,
and saying, " Why should you remain in your land of vyjyi-ess when patriotism and
ambition equally invite you to one where grows the laurdf .... Lf our cards be
well played we may renew the scenes of Saratoga."^ Wilkinson Avas flattered, and
as soon as he could make his arrangements he left the " land of the cypress," jour-
neyed through the Creek country by way of Fort Mims to the cajdtal of Georgia,
and thence northward to Washington City, where ho arrived, Aveary and Avorn Avith
several liuiidieds of miles of travel, and Aveak Avith sickness, on the Slst of July. He
was cordially received l»y Armstrong and the President, and, after being alloAved to
rest a few days, and becoming formally invested Avitli the power of commander-iii-
ehiefoftlie Army of the North in place of Dearborn, a plan of the proposed opera-
tions of that army during the remainder of the campaign, Avhich the Secretary had
laid before the Cabinet on the 23d of July,'' Avas presented to him for con- « isia.
sideratioii,'' Avith an expressed desire that if he should perceive any thing " -August 6.
ohjeetioiiable in the plan he Avould freely suggest modifications.
At the beginning of the campaign Armstrong Avas anxious to secure tbe control
' There were frequent picket Hklrmishes. Among the most oonoplcnons of these -n-ns one that occurred near Fort
OeDrge on the Itlth of Angust while the belligerents were near each other. It wiis the first, of any accotmt, in which
ihe Indians of Western New York engaged after their alliance with the Americans, which had been made with the ex-
plicit understanding that they were not to kill the enemy who were wonndcd or prisoners, or take scalps. The occa-
►ion referred to was an effort to capture a strong British picket. About three hundred volunteers and Indians under
Major Chapin and General Peter B. Porter, and two hundred regulars under Major C'nmmings, were sent out by General
Ikiyd for the purpose. The primary ol)Jcct was defeated by a heavy rain, but a severe skirmish ensued, In which the
ratmy was routed, and twelve British Indians and four white soldiers were captured. The principal chiefs who led
thoAmorican Indians were Farmer's Brother, Red Jacket, Little Billy, Pollard, Blncksnake, Johnson, Silver Heels, Cap-
lain Half-town, Major Henry O'Bail (Complantcr's son), and Captain Cold, chief of the Onondagas.— Boj/rf'.< Ih'upakh.
' SWm aS the War of 1812, 11., 28.
' .trmclronj; to AVilkinsoii, March 12, 1S13. Armstrong and Wilkinson were both members of General Oates'g mill-
IMj (taff during the campaign which resulted in the aipturc of Burgoyne at Saratoga in the autumn of 177T.
i
Tssmmmmmm
ir'i
«
4
I'l
B1
630
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Secretary ArmstroiiK aud Oeueral WilkinsoD. Generals Wilkinson and Hampton. IlanglitiuesB of Uarapton
Oil'
of the St. Lawrence by the capture of Kingston, but circumstances, as we have s
prevented an attempt to do so. That project was now revived, and liad received the
approval of the Cabinet. It did not strike Wilkinson favorably, and on the Ctli nf
August, in a written communication to tlie Secretary, the general freely sutffrostcil
modifications, saying, " Will it not be better to strengthen our force already at Fort
George, cut up the IJritish in that quarter, destroy Indian estal>lishments, and (simiiM
General Harrison fail in his object) march a detachment and capture IMaldeii? After
which, closing our operations on the peninsula, razing all works there, and Icavinfr
our settlements on the strait in tranquillity, descend like lightning^ with our w) ,1.
force on Kingston, and, having reduced that place, and captured both garrison an,]
shipping, go down the St. Lawrence and form a junction with Hampton's column'- it
the lateness of the season should permit."-' The object of that junction was to mak,
a combined attack on Montreal. The Secretary of War, always impatient when lii-
opinions were disputed, at once conceived a dislike of his old comj)aiiion in ariih
whom he had invited so kindly to come North and win laurels, and from that tinun
widening estrangement existed. Long years afterward the Secretary wrote, "Tlii<
strategic labor of the general had no tendency to increase the executive contiilwn,
in either his professional knowledge or judgment. Still the President hoped tliatii
the opinions it contained were mildly rebuked, the general would abandon tlioni, ami,
after joining the army, would hasten to execute the plan already communicated tu
him."'*
Armstrong replied courteously to Wilkinson. He adhered to his own plan,bnt al-
lowed that the fall of Kingston and the attahiment of the control of the St. Lawreiii.i
might be as etfectually accomplished indirectly by a quick movement down tiie rivtr
against Montreal, masked by a feigned at tack on the former place. But he decidedlv
objected to any fixrther movements against the enemy on the Canadian peninsula, a«
they would but " wound the tail of the lion ;"^ and Wilkinson departed for Sackott's
• AiiKustii. Harbor* without any definite plan of operations determined upon, wliili
1S13. Armstrong sent instructions to General Boyd to keep within his lines at
Fort George, and 8im])ly hold the enemy at bay, notwithstanding the American IW
was much larger than that of the British.
On his way to Sackett's Harbor Wilkinson sent from Albany his first orders i
Hampton, as commander-in-chief of the Northern Army. This aroused the ire of tlif
old aristocrat, whose landed possessions in South Carolina and Louisiana were almost
princely, and whose slaves were numbered by thousands. His anger was intensifiod
by his hatred of Wilkinson, and he immediately Avrote to the Secretary of
War,'' insisting that his was a separate command, and tendering his resif
nation in the event of his being compelled to act under Wilkinson. Wilkinson at tin
same time was distrustful of Armstrong, and evidently quite as jealous of his own
rights, for on the 24th of August he wrote to the Secretary of War, saying, "I trust
you will not interfere with my arrangements, or give orders within the district of my
command, but to myself, because it would impair my authority and distract the piiV
lie service. Two heads on the same shoulders make a monster." "Unhappily for
the country," says Ingersoll, " that deplorable campaign was a monster with tlin*
heads, biting and barking at each other with a madness which destroyed them allaul
disgusted the country."^ This calamity we shall have occasion to consider hereatlor,
Wilkinson arrived at Sackett's Harbor late in August,'' and found liiiii
self nomintilly in command of between twelve and fourteen tlioiisaml
troops, four thousand of them, under Hampton, at liurlington, composing the riglii
wing, and the remainder equally divided between Sackett's Harbor, the centre, ami
I See pa^f 58B. » Hampton was on Lake Champlain, with his head-quarters at Burlingtci
' Noticfn 'fa! War i<1812, li , 31. « The same.
» Amistri iig'8 letter to Wilkinson, Angust 8, 1313. « Hintorieal Sketch of the Setond War, etc., I., !9 |
>• August 23.
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
631
,'htiiic«B of Uamplon.
1 we have -> tn,'
lad received the
i on the 6th of
recly suggftitcil
already at Fort
iiits, anil (should
INlaklen? After
ere, and lcaviii',r
with our w)' I
)lh garrison und
ton's columii,2 if
;ion was to make
patient when liis
iipanion in ariii-,
from that tinn- u
ary wrote, "Tlii«
Mitivc coniiilwiic
ent hoped that if
landon them, and,
communicated Id
1 own plan, hut al-
i" the St. Lawrinct
nt down the river
But he decidedly
idian peninsula, as
arted for Saekett"s
lined upon, vliile
thin his lines at
le American I'orw
tiis first orders to
scd the ire of tk
isiana Avere almost
er Avas intensififd
o the Secretary of
ndcring his rcsi2-
Wilkinson at tlir
alous of his own
, saying," I triM
tlie district of my
distract the ])\^y
"Unhappily fii:
onstcr witl> tlun
•oyed them all and
consider hereaftor,
it,<^ and found him-
fourteen thousand I
mposing the riglu
lor, the centre, and
Wllklnso" at Sackett's llnrbor.
Afiuirs ou the Niagara Frontier.
Scutt marcliea fur Sacliett's Harbor.
Fort George, the loft wing.' But his real effective force did not exceed nine thousand
men. It had been a sickly summer on the frontier, especially on the Canadian penin-
sula and the hospitals were full. The British force opposed to him amounted to
about eight thousand. Their right was ou Burlington Heights, their centre at Kings-
ton, and their left at Montreal.
Wilkinson called a council of officers on the 28th.* It was attended by n. August,
Generals Lewis, Brown, and Swartwout, and Commodore Chauncey. It was ^**^'
determined to concentrate at Sackett's Harbor all the troops of tliat department ex-
cent those on Lake Champlain, preparatory to striking " a deadly blow somewhere."^
Wilkinson accordingly hastened to Fort George, leaving Lewis in command at the
Harbor, and arrived there on tlie 4th of September, extremely ill, after a fatiguing
voyage tlie whole distance in an open boat. As soon as his strength would allow he
assumed active command there, and on the 20th held a council of officers, at which
Generals Boyd, Miller, and Williams, eleven colonels and lieutenant colonels, and ten
majors, attended. It was resolved to abandon and destroy Fort George, and transfer
the trooj)S to the east end of Lake Ontario. But orders came from Washington to
"put Fort George in a condition to resist assault; to leave there an efficient garrist)ii
of at least six hundred regular troops; to remove Captain Nathaniel Leonard, of the
First Regiment of Artillery, from the command of Fort Niagara, and give it to Cap-
tain George Armistead, of the same regiment ; to accept the services of a volunteei'
corps offered by (Tcneral P. B. Porter and others, and to commit the command of Fort
George and the Niagara frontier to Brigadier General Moses Porter."^ These histruc-
tions were but partially obeyed. Leonard was left in command of Fort Niag.'ra ; no
arrangements were made for the acceptance of the volunteers ; and Colonel Scott, in-
stead of General Moses Porter, was placed in command of Fort George, with a garri-
son of about eight hundred regular troops, and a part of Colonel Philetus Swift's reg-
iment of militia, instructed, in the anticipated event of the British abandoning that
frontier, to leave the fort in command of Brigadier General JM'Clure, of the New York
Militia, and with his regulars join the expedition on the St. Lawrence. Having com-
l)leted his arrangements, Wilkinson embarked with the Niagara army on Chauntey's
fleet, and sailed eastward on the 2d of October.
Colonel Scott immediately set Captain Tottcn, of the Engineers, at work to strength-
en the post over which, a few months before, he had unfurled the American flag for
tlie first time. Much had been accomplished at the end of a week, when, suddeidy,
to the surprise of all, the British broke camp and hastened toward Burlington Heights,
(iencral Vincent had received intelligence of the defeat of Proctor on the Thames,*
and he instantly directed the concentration of all. his forces at the head of the lake,
to either meet Harrison, should he push in from the field of victory, or to renew the
attempt to repossess themselves of the Niagara frontier. Proctor, with the small
remnant of his vanquished army, joined Vincent on the 10th. This retrograde move-
ment of the British was the contingency which Scott longed for, because he preferred
;i( tive service down the St. Lawrence to garrison duty. He accordingly placed Fort
(ieorge in command of General M'Clure, and crossed the river to the American shorts
with all the regulars on the 13th of October. '' He marched to the mouth of
the Genesee River, where he expected to find lake transportati(Ui for his troops.
He was disappointed; and in drenching rain, and through deep mud, he pressed on
with his little army by way of the sites of Rochester* and Syracuse^ to Utica,'' where
" 1813.
ad-quarters at Burllngloi |
lie Seamd War, etc, i., » j
' Report of tlie adjutant pcneral, August 2, 1818. ' Minutes of the council.
' Armstrong's Notices of the H'ar of ISli. * Sec page 664.
' The only dwelling then at the Palls of the Genesee, where the city of Rochester now stands, was the log house of
Knos Stone, hnilt in ISilT. Now (18«7) the population of Rochester is about 66,000.
' Syracuse was then in embryo, in the form of a few huts of salt-boilers, and called by the village name. South Salina.
It uow (1S«7) contains a population of about 34,000.
' Utica is on the site of old Fort Schuyler, a few miles eastward of the later Fort Schuyler, originally called Fort 9t«n-
wii, uow Rome. It was then an incorporated post vlllngo, and considered the commercial capital of the great Western
^^ ',
Mi
H ^.
.—• j.r]mn»CTiy.-,«.i~
1,1
1
1 .
It ■ I
'i 1
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s
IIP
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a^^ e; t u i !a " ; .B! wj5« S! S IHP!HWWI
632
■I ^
■ ' i
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
AmiRtroDg on the Frontier.
The British threaten Fort George.
It la abandoned.
Newark buret.
^ November 10.
he struck tlie road that from there penetrated the Black River country. • There he met
General Armstrong, who luid left liis post at Washinajton for the double purpose of rec-
onciling the differences between Wilkinson and Hampton, and to superintend in per-
son the movements of the St. Lawrence expedition. The Secretary permitted Scott to
leave tiis troops in command of Major Ilindman, and to push forward to Ogdeiishurc
where he joined Wilkinson, and took part in subsequent events of the expedition.
• October 13, When Scott left Fort George" it was believed that tlie British troops
1813. jiad been called from the west end of Lake Ontario to re-enforce the "ar-
rison at Kingston. Such order had been sent to Vincent by the timid Sir George
Prevost when he heard of Proctor's disaster. On the receipt of it Vincent called a
council of officers, when it was resolved to disobey it, and not only hold the penin-
sula, but endeavor to repossess every British post on the Niagara frontier. Mean-
while M'Clure was sending out foraging parties, Avho greatly alarmt >| and distressed
the inhabitants. They appealed for protection to General Vinccn . and he sint a de-
tachment of about four hundred British troops under Colonel Murray, and about one
hundred Indians under Captain M. EUictt, to drive the foragers back. The work was
accomplished, and the Americans were very soon hemmed within their own lines Lv
the foe, who took position at Twelve-mile Creek, now St. Catharine's.
While affaii-s were in this condition at Fort George General Harrison arrived there
as we have seen,^ Avith the expectation of leading an expedition against Burlington
Heights. But he was speedily ordered to embark, with all his troops, on Chauncey's
squadron, for Sackett's Harbor. M'Clure was again alone'' with his vol-
unteers and militia. The time of service of the latter was about to ex-
pire, and none could be induced to remain.^ Gloomy intelligence came from the St.
Lawrence — Wilkinson's expedition had failed. Startling intelligence came from the
westward — Lieutenant General Drummond, accompanied by Major General Kiall.
had lately arrived on the Peninsula, with re-enforcements from Kingston, and as-
sumed chief command ; and Murray, with his regulars and Lidians, was moving to-
ward Fort George. Its garrison was reduced to sixty effective regulars of the Twen-
ty-fourth United States Infantry. These were in great peril, and M'Clure determ-
ined to abandon the post, and place his little garrison in Fort Niagara. The weather
was extremely cold. Temperature had been faithful to the calendar, and winter hail
commenced in earnest on the Ist of December. Deep snow was upon the ground.
and biting north winds came over the lake. " Shall I leave the foe comfortable quar-
ters, and thus increase the danger to Fort Niagara ?" he asked of the Spirit and Usage
of War. They answered No, and with this decision, and under the sanction of an or-
der from the itinerant War Department,* he attempted to blow up the fort while iiis
men were crossing'' the icy flood.^ Then he applied the brand to the
beautiful' village of Newark. One hundred and fifty houses were speed-
ily laid in ashes.* The inhabitants had been given only a f^w hours' waruiiig ; and,
District of New York. 1 ( was first called Old Fort Schuyler Village. At the time wc arc considering it had .ibont KOO
Inhabitants, and was a central point for all the principal avenues of communication. Its population now is nboiil 'i5,(«M'.
1 Tlic present Jefferson County was then known as the Black River country. ' Sec piigo »!',
3 " I offered a bounty of two dollars a month," says M'Clure, in the Huffalu GazetW, " for one or two monthn, butwiti-
out effect. Some few of Colonel Bloom's regiment took the bounty, and immediately disappeared."
* From Sackett's Harbor the Secretary of War wrote as follows :
"War Department, October 4, 1S13.
" Sib,— Understanding that the defense of the post committed to your charge may render it proper to dextrmj the Ima
of Newark, yon are hereby directed to apprise the inhabitants of this circumstance, and Ipvite them to remove ttiem-
selves and their effects to some place of greater safety. John Ar.iibtkoso.
" Brigadier General M'Clure, or officer commanding at Fort George."
Behind this order General M'Clure took shelter when assailed by the public indignation.
' Mr. E. Giddings, a printer, kept the ferry between the fort and Youngstown opposite at that time, and for many years
succeeding the war he had charge of Fort Niagara. He narrowly escaped capture when the British took the fort in De-
cember, 1818.
« Only one house was left standing. Mr. Merritt, in his Narrative, says : • Nothing but heaps of boats, and streets
taW of furniture that the Inhabitants were fortunate enough to get ont of their houses, met our eyes. Hy old quarter;,
Gordon's house, was the only one standing."
« December 10.
OF THE WAIi OF 18 12.
683
Newark buret.
Fhcre he met
Lirpose of rec-
iitend in per-
itted Scott to
Ogdensburg,
expedition.
British troops
force the gar-
id Sir George
icent called ii
old the penin-
)ntier. Mean-
and distres-sed
i he st'iii a de-
aud about one
The work was
r own lines by
1 arrived there,
inst Burlington
, on Chauncey's
e'' with his vol-
^as about to ex-
me from the St.
( came from the
■ General Kiall.
ingston, and as-
Iwas moving to-
vrs of the Twen-
I'CUire dcterm-
. The weather
and winter had
pen the ground,
imfortable quar-
pirit and Usage
.notion of an or-
iie fort while his
le brand to the
[1809 were speed-
' warning -, and,
leringithadabontW
Ton now is about '&,(**>■
r a See imj;e 8W.
ItwomonlhB.butwitti-
led."
Jient, October 4, 1913.
[oper to deatroy the Imn
Ithem to remove ttteni-
Jomi Abmbtboso.
Ime, and for many years
l8h took the fort in De-
of boats, and streets
tyes. Myoldqnnne"!
SufferiDKB of the luhabitants.
Jnst Indignation of the Brltieb.
Furt Niatsora Burrendered.
with little food and clothing, a large number of helpless women and children were
driven from their homes into the wintry air houselesu wanderers.* Oh ! it was a
cruel act. War is always cruel, but this was more cruel than necessity demanded.
It excited hot indignation and the spirit of vengeance, which soon cau.sed the hand
of retaliation to work fearfully. It provoked the commission of great injury to Amer-
ican property, and leflb a stain upon the American cliaracter.
Murray was at Twelve-mile Creek when he heard of the conflagration of Newark.
He pressed on eagerly, hoping to surprise the garrison. lie was a little too late, yet
his swift a])proach had caused M'Clure to fly so precipitately that he failed to blow
up the fort or destroy the barracks on the bank of the river ; and he lefl behind tents
sufficient to shelter fifteen hundred men. These, with several cannon, a large quan-
tity of shot, and ten soldiers, fell into the hands of the British. That night the red
cross of St. George floated over the fortress, and Murray's troops slumbered within
its walls.
"Let us retaliate by fire and sword," said Murray to Druramond, as they gazed,
with eyes flashiiig with indignation, upon the ruins of Newark. " Do so," said the
commander, " swntly and thoroughly ;" and on the night of the 1 8th of December —
a cold, black night — Murray crossed the river at Five-mile JMeadows, three miles
above Fort Niagara, with about a thousand men, British and Indians. With five
hundred and fifty regulars he pressed on toward the fort, carrying axes, scaling-lad-
ders and other implements for assault, and shielded from observation by the thick
cover of darkness. They captured the advanced pickets, secured silence, and, while
the garrison were soundly sleeping, hovered around the fort in proper order for a sys-
tematic and simultaneous att.ack at different points. Five companies of the One
Hundredth Regiment, under Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton, Avere to assail the main
gate and escalade the adjacent works ; three companies of the same regiment, under
Captain Martin, were to storm the eastern demi-bastion ; the Royal Scots Grena-
diers, Captain Bailey, were to assault the salient angle of the fortification; and the
tiauk companies of the Forty-first Regiment were ordered to support the principal
attack.^
These preparations were unnecessary. Gross negligence or positive treachery had
exposed the fort to easy capture. M'Clure had established his head-quarters at Buf-
falo, and when he left Niagara on the 12th,* he charged Captain Leonard, > December,
commander of the garrison, to be vigilant and active, for invasion might ^^^^■
lie expected. This vigilance and activity the invaders had prepared for; but when,
:it about three o'clock in the morning, Hamilton went forward to assail the main gate,
lie found it standing wide open and unguarded ! Leonard had left the fort the even-
m before at eleven o'clock, and spent the night with his family at his house three
miles in the rear. He gave no hint to the garrison of expected assault, and his de-
parture was without their knowledge.^ They were between three and four hundred
^trong in fairly effective men, and, with a competent and faithful commander, might
have kept the invaders at bay. They had neither, and when the foe came there was
no one to lead. The sentinels were seized, and in fear gave up the countersign to the
i"i,aiid the fort was entered without much resistance. The occupants of the south-
lastera block-house, and the invalids of the Red Barracks, made such determined op-
Kisitiou for a few minutes that Lieutenant Nowlan and fivo men were killed, and Col-
' The nnfcrnpulons James
commanded by the gallant Lieutenant John S'-e'y.
The batteries on the Canada shore and the cannon of the Americans opened tin
simultaneously and vigorously, while Rlakeslee's men, cool as veterans, disputed tlu
ground with the foe inch by inch. But the Indians and Canadians, lacking iiiornl
Btrengfl ve way almost before a struggle was begun, and M'Mahon and liis re-
serves w .)rdered to the breach. They, too, gave way and fled, and could not In
rallied by their officers. ILall's power was thus completely broken, and he was
placed in great peril. Deserted by a large portion of his troojis, oj»posed by veter-
ans, vastly outnumbered, and almost surrounded, he was compelled, for tlie safety of
the remnant of his little army, to sound a retreat, after he had maintained the un-
equal conflict for half an hour. He tried to rally his troops, but in vain. The gal-
lant Chapin, with a few of the bolder men, retired slowly along the jiresent Niagara
Street toward Buffalo, keeping the enemy partially in check,^ while Hall, with the
remainder, who were alarmed and scattered, retired to Eleven-mile Creek, where ho
rallied about three hundred men, who remained true to the old flag. With these he
was enabled to cover the flight of the inhabitants, and to check the advance of the
invaders into the interior.
The British and their Lidian allies took possession of Buffalo,^ and proceeded ti
plunder, destroy, and slaughter. Only four buildings were left standing in the town,
These were the jail (built of stone), the frame of a barn, Reese's blacksmith-Kin ip, and
the dwelling of Mrs. St. John, a resolute woman, who, more fortunate than her neigh-
> This battery, of three Rtino, was on the elto of William Bird's house, and Fort Tompkins was on gruinid now ocrn
pied by the stables of the Niagara Street Railway Company. It had six pretty heavy guns, and was the largest work
there.
a " Among these was Lieutenant John Scely, a carpenter and joiner, who lived on the comer of Auburn ami Nlaeara
Streets, and was lieutenant of a company of artillery at Black Rock- lie had fought his pieces t Hackctt'i llartHir.
Colonel J u |^^f^
CHAPTER XXIX .
" For a nnutlral knight, ■ lady -bi'iKh-bo I -
Fell her lioiirt and her heart-iitrln(t» to arhcj
To vIkw hU ileiir iKtrmiii hIih liH>ku(l to iiinl fro.
Tbr name of the knight wiin HIr Juinca I.iicai Yco,
And the //odj/'-'twu iih« <^tlu- iMkr"
Old H<>nd--Tiiii CoiRTKom Kniiibt, ok Tna Fi-viita (Ui.n.ii
KNKllAL WILKINSON, aH w« hav«» wm, arrivotl nt Satictt'.
Harbor on ihc. 20tli of August, 1813, whtTO lio I'oinially UNHiitmi
(•oimnniid of tlio Nortlufii Aniiy, ami, with tho co-oporation , i
loiuicil of oftitHirs, formt'il u gfiu-ial j)liin of o|)«rat ioim iii'inn.
tho enemy at Kingston and down the St. Lawrence. IIin fj^
care waH to concentrate the forces ofliis conintand, which wn.
scattered over an extensive and spar^cIy-settled counlry, sciin
on the Niagara frontier, some at liie eastern end of Lake Ontan.
and on tlu- Si. Lawrence, and some on Lake Champhtin. lie accordingly diivci, -
tliose on the Niagara and at Sackett's Harbor to rendezvous on (irenadicr Islami, ii.
the St. LaMrence, about eigliteen miles from the Harbor, and at French Creek (aovr
Clayton), about the same distance further down the river. Tliose compoHim,' tin
right wing, on Lake Chatnjthiin, were directed to move at the same time to the (an
ada border, at " tlie mouth of the t'lmtcan
gay, or other point which would favni tl.
junction of the forces and hold ilic cin
my in check."
For t!ie purpose of promoting hamiom
of action between Wilkinson ainl llaMi|,
ton, as we have observed, and to add ifii
cioncy to projected movements, the Sen
tary of War, accoiii])anieil by the adjiitai,
•general. Colonel Walbach, established th
seat of his department at Sackett's llai
bor." He, and Wilkinson, .8qm.rai,.r'
and the late venerable (Jen- '''"
eral Joseph (rardner Swill (then chief en
gineer of the Northern Anny, and l)i:ir
ing the commission of colonel') hold eon
saltations with (Jovernor Tonipkins ni
Albany, who, from the beginning, had em-
jdoyed his best energies for the pninietinn
of the general good, and especially furiiH
defense of his commonwealth against ii;
vasion.
Before considering Wilkinson's expcli
tiori, let lis turn back a little, and taki a
^^^^1
' JnR«pb Oardnfr Swift wan horn In Nantnrket on the last day of the year 1TSS. He entered the army as « cuilftM
Newport, Rhode Island, lu isfto, and was the tlrst cradiiate of the MHiljiry Academy at West Point. He beoBiiie ttl'.» 11
to a corps of United States Knirinceri", and in ISOT, having attained the rank of captain, he was «ii)>olnl puditioii.
WIk'II Wiir was (ii-chinMl in Juin', IHI2, zciiltnis Hiipportt'is of tlu- iiiitional adininiH-
tnitii'ii were govt-riiorH of New York and Vermont,' hi'tween wliicli lay important
|,!iki' Cliamplain. Tlicsi' majjistratcN, HiiHtained by tlit'ir re»pt'C'tivo Le^iHlaturcs, si'C-
(iiiili'd till' administration in all its nu-aHnri's. Tiu! Lci^islatiiri' of V^-rmont proliibitcd
;ill iiitcrcoiirHi! with Canada except with tlie permiHuion of the governor, and they
;i(l(ii)t(d ineasureH for eallinfj out the militia of the state when needed. New York
was not a wliit behind her sister of the (ireen IVIonntains in zeal and ettieieney.
Dmini' the summer of 1H12 J}ri<.;adier tieiieral Hloomiicld was sent to the Cham*
^
-^VWfX^r,.
plain frontier with several regiments, and on the Ist of September had collceted
about eight thousand men at I'hittsburg— regulars, volunteers, and militia — besides
some small advanced parties at Chazy and Cliamplain. General Dearborn arrived
tiiero soon afterward, and assumed direct connnand ; and on the lOth of November
lie moved toward the Canada line Avith three thousand regulars and two thousand.
militia, and encamj)ed upon the level ground near the jiresent village of Ko'tise's
I'oint. There he advanced across the line towa'-d Odell Town, for what ultimaic ob-
ject no one knew, ;vnd on the banks of the La Colle, a tributary of the Sorel, he was
confronted by a considerable force of volti-
(;cur8, chasseurs, militia, and Indians, under
Lieutenant Colonel De .Salttberry, an active
IJritisii commander.
On the morning of the 20th, just at dawn,
Colonel Zebulon JM. Pike, with about six <
liiuulred men, crossed tl!e La Colle, and sur-
rounded a block-house which had been occupied by a strong picket-guard of Cana-
dians and Indians. These had tied during the previous evenirg. At about the same
time a body of New York militia, who had been detached by an ■-} ;er road, approached
for the same purpose, and in the dim light of the early m' iio; were mistaken by
those at the block-house for enemies. Pike's men openc' liVe upon them, and for
] U-cflinp to Major General ( ■. {". PInckney, of South Carolina, with tlie rank of lieutenant colonel. lie succeeded
' nitlian Wmii'- ;« ns commander of the United States corps of En;;ineerfl, with the rank of colonel. For his valuable
■ rviira on tlie St. Lawrence frontier in IRIS and 1814, and in defense of the city of New York, he was breveted as brlf;n-
: TL'onornl. He was connected with the Military Academy at West Point for several years after the war, and in 1S18 he,
>::li >fvfrnl officers of the corps, left the service because of the appointment of Oencrnl Bernard, a French ofllcer of dls-
" linn, t(i the control of itnpdi tant eucineering services on the coast. For nine years General Swift was Surveyor of
!, port of New York, and from 1S20 to imti he was snporintendent of the harbor Improvements on the Lakes. lie was
1 1 liiirte of several important works as civil engineer, nnionc; which may be named the Baltimore and Snsquchanna
I!ailro.'.d, the New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain Railroad, and the Harlem Railroad, lie went on a mission of peace,
by imlpr of President Harrison, to the British American Provinces in 1S41, and in 1852 he made a tonr in Europe. Ocn-
ml Swift contritmted many valuable papers to publications on scientific subjects. After ls;tO he resided in Geneva,
Nfw York, spendinR his winters in Brooklyn, Lone Island. I am Indebted to him for many valuable letters relating to
ihp fiilijcct of this work. He retained his mental faculties in great perfection until near the time of hia death, which
vnrrrd at Geneva on the i.ld of .luly, ISWi.
■ Daniel D.Tompkins was Governor of New York, and Jonas Gnlnsha of Vermont.
»
mmmmmmmmm
040
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Repulse ot the Britleh at La Culje.
They rally uud defeat the Amrricnns.
Llcnt.Ward atid Lioiit. Col. Carr
nearly half an hour a sharp contest was
sustained. When they discovered their
mistake, they found De Salaberry ap-
proaching in force with a strong ad-
vance guard, when Lieutenant Ward,*
of the Twenty-ninth New York Militia,
with his company of fifty men, moved
slowly upon the enemy, and, after re-
ceiving three discharges from them
without returning a shot, gave the or-
der to fire and charge. This was
promptly obeyed, and the appalled foe,
taken completely by surprise, were
driven back to the main body. This
gallant performance of the lieutenant
elicited the highest praise from his su-
l)eriors. But De Salaberry's force was
too overwhelming to be successfully
withstood. To the Americans a re-
treat was sounded, and they fled so
precipitately that they left five of their number
dead and five wounded on the field.^ It was a
fruitless expedition, and the army returned to
, November 23, Plattsburg^ out of luuuor and de-
pressed in spirits. Three of the regiments of regulars went into winter
isia.
' Lieutenant Aaron Ward received hie commission on the 30th ><' April, 1813. He was i)roninted to captain ii yc jr
later. At the close of the war he was charged with the conducting oi the first dotachnicnt of Dritlsh prisoners from the
States to Canada. Law was his chosen iirofession, and in IS'JS he became a lawmaker by being elected a i f|irestnta-
tive of his district in the State of New York in the National Congress. He was an actlvf and efHcicut worker, aiici his
constituents were so well satislied with hi i services that he kept his seat twelve out of eighteen consecutive yenrs. Ui
assisted in fiaming the new Constitution of the State of New York in lS4fc, and after that he declined 'r, cnc,age in pub.
lie life. He traveled extensively abroad in 1859, and afterward jjublished a very Interesting volume, entitled ylroiind*
Pyramids. For many years he was niiijor g(!tieral of the militia of Westchester County. He died early in ISiiT. Ills res-
idence was at a beautiful spot overlooking the village of Sing Sing, and the Hudson and its scenery from the Ilighiand;
to Hoboken.
'MS. Journal of Colonel Robert Carr. Chrinttc's HiHtori/ «/ tlte War in the Canadaii, page 90. Robert Carr, whose jour-
nal Is here cited, was born in Ircl.iud on the '.".tth of January, H";*. He came to America at the age of six ye:^r^!, and m-
tled, with his father, in Philadelphi", They lived next door to Dr. Frank'ln, and he was often employed by that jrest
man as an errand-boy. Helearnnl the art of printing wit' Benjamin Franklin Bachc, a grondson of Dr. Franklin, viih
whom he commenced his appreniicoship in 1792, He r .-o to the liead of Ills profession, and in ISW received n ilrM
premium as the best ijrmter iu Philadelnhia. He printc . Wilmn's (>rnilholnl utke ;rAo Wiu;
t^t^r, asapriiiter,viith Pruide>\tWathi>igU>n >0.itia>rr(!rliiighi»(iv>neonip(i»itiQ>i*.
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
Lieut. Col. Carr.
:^^^
i/cnt into winter
intcd to cnptn\n n jcar
llsli prisotRT^^ fi'im llic
g elected a vcprcpcma-
Bcleut worker, and ais
conBCUlivo year». he
liiiea •■■•. eiii,age in put)-
mc, eutitlcilvlroiind*
early linSCiT. IHsrf^-
cry from the Uigtilonii^
oljcrt Carr, whose jour-
>e of ?ix year!", and ►•'i-
"mlilovcdliy lliii' ■'
L,i „fl)r. Krauliliii.'
jiii IBW receiveil n i. ■.
• nlao Ree»'» r.i/clnjxilM.
ml in August, lxlH,vrj(
1 He was disbanded in
ylvani«,New.Ierfey,ot
' on the occasion o!ili«
JoardpnBiiearPhil««tl-
liod of mo.-o than hiitr
Ter of the Leiris'.atnrcta
aUlcrman ami ■ jnslin
, Deprived oflii" prop-
l8ylvBni,i-1";(l"'".'»'*
ficmooii late in Kovf*
J and assured met!* be
|ihotM.rct.
laiidcont-.insmncliv*
In. oivi !«•«"'"' "*''"'
Rsd of Deirborn'a Canada Bzpedltion. Praparatlons for War on I«ka CkampMB. Bwly If i
041
ther*.
niiartors at Plattsburg, and three others at Btirlingto*, the former under the com-
mand of Ooloiiel I'iko, and the latter under Jingadier liencral Chandler. The liylit
artillery and dragoons returned to (Trcen1)u*H (opptjsit*' Albany), tW head-quartern
ot'lTt'neral IVarborn, and the militia were disbanded.
Tlicrc were no further military movements os Lake C'hamplain of special import-
unco until July, 181.'}. Naval preparations ha. On the fidlowing morning they went down the Sorel with a stiti favoring
hivczc from the soutli, and at Arch Island gavi chase to three British gun-boats.
Ww ]pui'siiit continued to a point within sight of the fortifications on Isle aux I^oia-,
win rt^ prudence caused Smitl; to tack and beat up the Sorel against the wind. When
tills iiiovenient was discovered by the British, thn'c armed row-galleys were sent out
lioiii the shelter of the lialteries on the island, and gave chase. They soon opened
iiiidii the Hying sloops with long twenty-four pounders. At the same time a land
; force was sent out on each side of the river, who poured severe volleys of musketry
ii)H)n the decks of the Groicler and Eagle. Tliese were answered by grape and can-
ister. This running fight had been kept up for about four hours, when a heavy can-
[ii'iii-shot lore planking from the Eagle below Avater, and she M'cnt down almost im-
mediately. At about the same time the Growler became disabled and ran ashore,
[jiiiithe people of both vessels were made prisoners. The Americans lost in the en-
jaacment one killed and nineteen wounded. Tlu loss of the British was much great-
i— probably at least one hundred. But they gained a victory, and with it secured,
[tor the time, the full control of the lake. The captured sloops were refitted by them,
tiiamcd respectively Finch and Vhuhb^&wA placed in the British naval service. Mac-
donough recaptured them at Plattsburg in September the follow ing year.
I Vacdonough wis not dislieartcned by his loss. It stimulated him to greater ex-
jenions, and bj tlie 6th of August he had fitted out and armed three h1oo})S and six
jun-hoats. Meanwhile a British force of soldiers, sailors, and marines, fourteen hund-
riil strong, under Colonel J. Murray, conveyed in two sloops of war, three gun-boats,
pi forty-seven long boats, had fallen upon Plattsburg." That place was en- ^ ^
taly uncovered, tliere being no regular troops on the west side of the lake.
fhi'eiu'my landed on Saturday afternoon without opposition, and began a Avork of
WKtruction which lasted until ten o'clock the next day. Major General Ihimpton
pw at Burlington, only twenty mil«>8 distant, with almost four thcmsand men, yet he
1 not attempt to en ss the lake, or in aiiy way oppose the inroad of x.Iurray. The
'rotlicur shamefully violated the promises made to the civil authorities of I'latts-
1 Sidney S.nHh T?a« flflh lionteriaii*, nndi>r C'nmmftdore Burron In the Chetapeakr at the time of her nfliilr with the
In IKiii hp wi^a ordered tti Lnk« Champlain, and remained In command there nntil the arrival of'H&cdonougb
jiOTfeir in rank. He diet! n. eommardcr in the .ctvico In ISSil .
I' Hi'in Harbor '« eoBsldeicd the best on I^ake Chumplaln. It is near the sonthwest comer of Ferrlaburg, Addison
p.y, Turnout, nud nearlv yppofite Wcslpml on the New York .>!dc of tlic lak?.
I
042
nCTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Colonel Hurray's Knid.
Movements ofUamptou in Northern New York.
Operatlous on LakeOntaHo.
ftifi#i
bijrg when he entered the villaso, that private property should bo respected, and tliai
non-i'oinbataiits should remain uiiniolestod. After destroyiiij^ the bloek-liuusc arw..
iiul, armory, and hospital in the town, and the military eantoninent (known as Pike's)
near Fredenburg Falls, on the Saranac, two miles above the villaj^e, he waiitonlv
burned three private store-houses, and plundered and destroyed private iner(liaii(lis('
furniture, etc., to the amount of several thousand dollars. The value of public pMi).
erty destroyed was estimated at twenty-Hve thousand dollars. ^
Having accomplished the object of his raid, Colonel Murray retired so hastily tlim
he left a picket of twenty men, who were eaj)tured. He went uj> the lake Rcvcnil
miles above JJurlington on a marauding expedition, destroying transjiortation l)oiitk
and on his way back to Canada he jilundered private property on Cumberland Ilra.|
on the Vermont shore, and at ('hai.y Landing. Such w;is the condition of afl'aiis m.
Lake Champlain at the close of the summer of 181 ;t, when Wilkinson took conuniiiKl
of the Army of the North, and prepared for his expedition down the St. Lawrence.
The right wing of the army, imder (Jeneral Hampton, was first put in motion, whin
it was thought that Kingston would be the first point of attack. He was ordered k.
penetrate Canada toward Montreal by way of the Richelieu or Sorcl,to divert the at
tention of the enemy in that direction. For this purj)ose his forces were asseinMi,!
on Cumberland Head at the middle of September, consisting of four thousand etl'eit.
ive infantry, a squadron of horse, and a well-appointed train of artillery. On ili,
"September, lOth* he inovcd forward to the Great Chazy Uiver, the infantry in |ji,;ii<
isi.s. convoyed by 3racdi)nough's flotilla, and the squadron of horse and anil-
'■ September. ^^^^ |^y jj^jj^j rjij^py formed a junction at Cham])lain on the 20tli,'' and im
the same day the advance, under ALijors Wool, Snelling, and M'Neil, marched as far
jis Ovlell Town, just within the Canada borders, westward of House's Point. A seven
drought was jirevailing over all that region. Hami)ton was convinced that lie weiilii
not be .able to procure water on the route northward over that flat country fur hi-
' September 21. horses and draught-cattle, and he at uiicc returned to Chanqdain' ami
took the road westward, which led to the Chateaugay River. At the "FomCer
ners," not far from the present village of Chateaugay, he cncamnei'-
" September 'J4. ' • , i • • i • i '
and nunamed there awaiting orders twenty-six days.
In the mean time preparations for the expedition were going or- at the easteni end I
of Lake Ontario, over whose waters (.'ommodore Cliauncey and Sir Ji.ines Yen '
lieeii for some time pl.iying a sort of hide-and-seek game. As Chauncey's fleet w:;-,
co-operative force in the expedition of Wilkinson, wc may here appropriately consider !
the naval movements on Lake Ontario not already described, up to the departure uf J
the expedition down the St. Lawrence.
We have already observed the active co-operation of the naval with the landforowj
in the capture of York^ and Fort Oeorge,^ and the atteiiqit of Sir Janu^s Yeo tosiw I
or destroy the post at Sackett's Harbor.^ Intelligence of the fact that the Hriiiskj
Kqiiadron was out upon the lake reached Chauncey on the 30th of May, while iyinjl
in the mouth of I lie Xiagara ?^>ver. He immediately v,'eighevirj
the lake and looked into York, and then ran for Kingston. Nt> foe was to be seen,}
and he sailed for Sackett's Harbor, where the embers of the recent conflagration nm I
smouldering. Chauncey felt some dcuibts of his ability to cope with the heavy v(*j
sels of the enemy, and he used every exertion to have the new shiji, the General Pikl
put afloat. She was a corvette, pierced for twenty-six long twenty-fours. Slie i vuj
' HUt':r;i nf iMKf Chaniptaiii frmn IBflft to I'iU, by PetiT S. I'nlmcr. pn^e t s] : I'elcr.Siillloy, ifSST iT, heslilc* l«v
honnes >'Blned at Jlimi ; .I-idfte Palmer. $3sn W: Pnctor Miller, *1«00: Hoi«twick Hiirk,$1«HP0; ,T:ii;ub l''iirlf,iiTi*
lesser amounts by other citizens. A stor«-boajriately omsiiltt \
[> I lie departure
IviththclanAfoTO
Ijjinies Yco tosoiif I
let that the IiriiiAJ
If May, wlulelyin;!
Inehov, crossed vvii I
Ifoe was to be sow. I
eouflafijratioiiwmj
Lith the heavy v»l
|), the General Pk\
i^iy-dnir^. She f.»j
tysT" 9"W'e™ would btt4|
r British officer?, wti".''*^
LndUinnl betas I'-l
Ju)cUmc,andimWW,rfH
♦ the pig? »*
Commodore Cbauncey tries to engage Sir James Yeo. Serious DUaster. The British Commander avoids a Conflict
launched on the 12t}i of June, and on the day before, Captain Arthur Sinclair had ar-
rived and was placed in command of her. But it was late in the summer before she
was fully equipped and manned, for niucli valuable material intended for her had
liecn consumed, and men came from the sea-board tardily, a part of wliom were sent
to the importunate Perry, then an.xiously preparing liis squailron on Lake Erie to co-
uperate with (ieneral Harrison. Meanwhile the keel of a fast-sailing schooner, after-
ward nainetl the Si/fp/i^v/as laid by Eckford at the Harbor; and a small vessel was
kept constantly cruising as a scout between the Ducks (a group of islands) and Kings-
ton, to observe the movements of Sir James. On the 10th of June the Lcufi/ of the
7;rtic, Lieutenant W. Chauncey, engaged in that serviiie, captured the Britisli schooner
/;«(/(/ Murray, loaded with ]irovisions, shot, and fixed ammunition, and took lier into
ll)e Ilarbor. At about this time the British squadron made a cruise .vestward, and,
lis we have seen, interfered seriously with vessels hearing supplies for the Americans
at Fort George, and destroyed stores at Sodus.' Sir James, as we have observed, had
looked into Oswego, but thought it prudent not to land.^
We have alluded to the a])pearance of Sir James and his squadron off Niagara on
the 7th of July, just after Chauncey, with the troops under Colonel Scott, had re-
turned from the second expedition to York.' The lirilish squadron was first seen
about six miles to the northwest. Chauncey immediately weighed anchor, and en-
deavored to obtain the w'cather-gage of his enemy. He had thirteen vessels, but only
tlirce of them had been originally built for war purposes.* The enemy's 8(iuadron
oonsisted of two shi])s, two biigs, and two large schooners. These had all been con-
structed for war, and Avere very etKcient in unnament and defensive shields.
All day the belligerents manrouvred, with a good breeze, without coming into con-
tliot. At sunset there fell a dead calm, and sweejis were used. When night came
nn the American fleet was collected by signal. During the evening the wind came
trom the westward, freshened, and at midnight was a fitful gale. Suddeidy a rushing
-ainid was heard astern of most of the fie 't, and it was soon ascertained that the
Umdlton, Lieutenant Winter, and Samrge, Mr. Osgood, had disappeared. They were
lapsizedby a terrific squall, and all the officers and men, excepting sixteen of the lat-
ter, were drowned. This was a cvere blow to the lake service, for these two ves-
sels, carrying nineteen guns between them, were the best in it.
Soon after dawn* the British squadron was seen bearing down, as if for ac- . jniy s,
tion, but when within a league of the Americans it bore away. Again the *^^^-
klligerents commenced mananivring for advantages. Alternate wind and calm made
the service severe, and at length the considerate Chauncey, whose men had been
at quarters full thirty-six hours, ran in and anchored at the mouth of the Niagara
River. AU night the lake was swe[)t by squalls. When, in the morning,''
the enemy was seen at the northward, Chauncey weighed anchor and stood
lout to meet him. Another day and night were consumed in fruill'ss manopuvres.
: At length, at six o'clock on the morning of the 10th, having the weather-gage, Chaun-
[oey, with a light wind, formed his fleet in battle order, and a conflict seemed immi-
[iiont.' .But varying breezes, and an unwillingness on the part of the enemy to engage.
' July 9.
1 See pnpc «pB. » See pnpe OOfi. ' See psge 628.
' The I'ikf, ifnilimn, Ontida, Hamilton, Scourge, Ontnrin, Fair ArMriinn, Govtmot Trrmpktru, Conq^ifst, Growler, Julia,
ji(«p, «nJ /V|■^
>Onthe iiiKht of the !>tti, t'hnnnccy, becoming convinced Hint lis, could not get tl;o wind of the British while the lat-
llnirert (llpposed to avoid an nctlon, formed hin floi't in nn order of battle well culcul.dod to draw the enemy down. It
Iwu consiilerert nn admirable movement, lllc vesBels were formed In two lines, one lo windward of the other. "The
pesther line," pnys ('iii)per, in giving an ncrnunt of it, "connlslod altogether of tlie sninilest of the schooners, hnvlhg in
1,1b tlie order in which they nre named from the van to the rear, the .hiKa, Grnieler, /'.rf, Afp, Ontario, and Fair Amer^
Tl.e line to leeward eonlnlned, in the same ordiir, the Hkr, Onfirta, Mmlifnn, Gvvfrnnr Tompkins, and Oonquett."—
i Hi«fm/ <\nhe Fnitrd .S7n/<'«, 11., 304. Commodore 1 'lintinrey, In his dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy on the
Blh. Mid, " Tlie Mliooncrs, wiih long, heavy bnuH, ronm d nboiit six hundred ynrdj to wiriilward, with oidcrs to com-
prace ,1 Are upon the enemy as soon as they could tiMith him with effect, and, an he approached, to edg • down the line
nleeanni, Tue Jului, Grmeler, Pert, and .In;) in pass through the Intervals, and form to leeward, the Ontario anJ Fair
fi u-an to tate their tlatlons in the line." The same dippositlou waa made ou the night of the '.Otb, when so action en-
•B€)^K
m
:i ^ M
Oaftant of American VmmhU.
rtn^wrjr pmdant.
A Battle at hut.
Uni o'clock at nisjht the enfinv
••rnnioHl of the schooiicrH) op»;r»wi
to draw uheacl, and a gi'iicrul ac-
Im* - i /
Hfie. Th**Y became separated from the rest
aevere hut short stnij/glc, with funall loss, i
and »t midni<5ht, the gale increasing, ('haun<^_,
Genese*". He o.h<»»}fed his course, however, and w«»t to j^a/'|i«at'8 Harbor, wheiv, after
encountering a cairn, he arrived with th(! reniainn <»f IiIh fleet on the 13th. On the
same day he took in provi^iouH for five weeks and sailed on andher cruise, witli iiu|,(
vessels. Off Niagara, on the J 6th, he fl'll in with the enemy, who had the samt
number of vessels ; )iut, afler a cruise of three days nu)re, lie returned to the Flar
•Juiyij, bor," where lie found the new vessel (the Sylph) launched, (^ireat siekiH»
\m. prevailed in the fleet, and Chauncey lay uiaclive in the Harbor for some tiine.^
On the 2Hth of August ('hauncey put out again upon the lake, but it was not until
the 7th of Septendx^r that he came in sight of the enemy. At dawn of that day the
Jiritish 8ii CliuMdcey employed, very important.
i)H 1I//I \\\h Hir 3mtui> lay becalmed off the Genesee. Catching a gentle bree,:i
from tlie nor(hw<'M(, Channcey bore down upon him, and was within gun-shot di-
lance of his enemy when i\ii Mf(/I«h sails took the wind, and their vessels, beiiii.{ tin
(HtftPr sailer'' escaped, not, howevof, ^U)ii\\\i Hiistnining considerable damage durin^'
a niiinllig Hgiil fo;- more than three houiM. 'f'h< I'lkii jnirl been hiilliMl several tiinen.
lull not seriously hurt, while the Urititli vessels were a good i\tn\ I III up. Vco tinal
ly escaped to Amherst Uay, whoso navigation was strange to the Ainerlciiii j)||nIi,
and he was not followed, t hannccy lay off the Pucks until the 1 7th, when Sir.lnimt
made his way into Kingston harbor. Chauncey jiow ran into .Sackctt's Ilarhort'or
supplies.
On the 18th the American squadron sailed for the Niagara for troops fo he con
veyed to Sackett's Harbor, and was followed by the enemy. AH or remaining a th
days, Chauncey crossed the lake with the JH/ir, Madison, and Sylph, eaili with a
schooner in tow, having been informed that the enemy was in York harbor. Whwi
he approached, Sir James fled, followed by Chauncey in battle order and with tk
wcatlu!r-gaga The ])aronet was now compelled to tiglit, or to cease boasting of un-
satisfied desires to measure strength with Americans. An action commenced ;ii ii
little past noon, when the Pike for more than twenty minutes sustained the dosiKrv.
assaults of tin- heaviest vessels of the enemy. She was managed admirably, and de-
livered tremendous broadsides upon her antagonists. She was gallantly as.'»ist(il s
part of the time by the Tompkins, Lieutenant W. C. I?. Finch, of the Madimn ; and
when the smoke of battle passed away, the Wolfe (Sir James's flag-ship) was found to
sued. "Notliiiifr conldlinTC beon Blmplpr or b<-ttcr devtnp(l," snye Cooper, "tliaii ttiis order i^ aUln; nor Is It pw.-iii'i J
to say wliat wonid have been llie coiise<-aonccB had circnmBlanccn allo-.iod tlio plan to be rigidly observed." A AMI
of tlie poBltloua of the Tesael.-i in this en);a«;e>r.ent »'aB »ent by Chauncey with h(« report of the affair to itic X«h lk-|
partment.
1 ilamea Trant was a nat've of Ireland, and came to America in ITSl with Cnpiain Barry, in the AUiawc V
i«allinuiiiagtcr in the Unilcil State? Navy from it."^ forniution. He was marke^i by eccentricities of (tmriuioi
InnB, iind for the nioet iinfllnclii.' jj con-nee. ITc livi-d nntil he wa."! nbont aevenf y years of ape. Toward tli.-
Ilfi> 111- was commlwloned a lieutennnl (May f>, ISl"), which gave him <{reat comfort. He died at Phiiudili
llthofSeptemlwr, I-hSO.
• It appears, b-' the offloialreportJ'nindc at almnt that lime, l.hatom fifth of the men were left on shore incd:
of illneM. Of twer of persons found on the five vessels, and made
piitioners, including the ofl?cers, was two iiundred and sixty-four. Among the latter
was a lieutenant and two muster's males of the royal navy, four masters of the pro-
vinciiil marine, and ten army ofticerH. During the remainder of the season Sir James
Vio remained inactive in Kingston harbor, and Commodore Chauncey was employed
ill wiitcliiMg tlie movements of the enemy there, and in aiding the army in its descent
„llliC HllMM/MfVti.
.Mler much (lineKHdhx) (i( Hackett's Harbor between the Secretary of War, (ieneral
WilMilHon, find other oflheis, it was det ined to pass Kingston and make a descent
ii|i(iii Modlniil (''or weeks the busti i" preparation had been great, and many
;irmed boats and transports had been built at the Harbor. Everything was in readi-
msi< by tlie 4th ofOctober.^ Yet final f>rdcr8 were not issued until the 12th, when
apian of encampment and order of battle a as given to each general oflficer and corps
comiiiaiider, to be olmerved when circumstances would permit. Four days more
wcic consumed without any apparent necessity, when, on the 17th, orders were given
for the embarkation of all the troops at the Harbor destined for the expedition. At
tlie same lime, (teneral Hampton, who, as we have seen, bad been halting on 1 1 banks
of the C'liateaugay, was ordered to move down to the mouth of that river.
1 Chuincey was indignant and loud in his complaints of a want of support on thin occasion. Bpeaklni; of this, the
Eon. Alviii Broniidn, of Oswego, New York, in a letter to nic, dated Augimt 28, ISOO, iiii,v» : " While on board the British
i Stft as » prisoner in May, 1S14, and asBoclntlnK familiarly with its mibordinate ofliccrB, I received ample conHrmntion of
ifporU tliiit hn.i been cHrrciit in the army and navy of tlie bad conduct of sonic of the officcrH under Comnioiiorc < baun-
I nylnatlien late naval cnKagemeut at the head ofthc lalie. It was a runnlnt; fight, and the British sailors facetiously
iilMIt the IhirHngtan liofta, as it was fought partly off Hurllngtoii Heights. Chauncey was the assailant, and would
j lire destroyed the British fleet, or have driven it on shore, bad he been properly sustained by his best and heaviest
I tewli, pnrtlcularly the Madimn, tlommandcr Crane, and the lieavily-arnicd and fast-sailing brig Si/lpk, Captain Wool-
I Ry. Tliesc vessels never gol into close action." The only excnso was that tliey had gnn-boats in tow ; but (liiiuncey'g
Jiipul for close action, which he ktpt flying, implied that the vessels must cist ofl' every e- 'umbrance. "The British
I titen," continues Mr. Bronson, " awarded Cliaunccy all credit for skill and bravery, and «d;nit jd that their fleet must
I bjichpcn destroyed If ho had licen properly sustained by his subordinates "
'loiircr of a flag of truce whr went into Sackctt's Harbor on the \'Hh of October admit^.ed that Sir James Yeo wa«
' V hc;itf n on this occasion that he had made preparations to burn ;:N vessels, and would have done so had Choun-
— : •nm twenty minutes longer. )'v. •yfjun f>!i tho ITot*'* starboard side was dlsmniintod.—I..etter to the Kdltor
Mi(ic /VcM, dateil atSackett's B^ rbor.Octolier 13, 1818, and copied InTAs (Tar, ii., 80.
' ..Hiiiiiia' and llamilum were the (Irmeltr and Jttlii, captured fl'om the Americans on thb night of tb« 10th of An-
I'lieir names had been changed by the captors.
:.;icral Morgan Lewis's testimony on the trial of Wilkinson.
it .
tl
!.!
m
646
riCTOIlIAL FIELD-BOOK
Wilkluaim'a Bxpaditlou leaves Sackett's Harbor.
A disaatrouB Voyui;e.
Oallantry of Capulii Mjet,'.
With a reckleHS diHregard of life and property, tin- ti()(>]i,s under Major (n-neral
Lewis were embarked at the beginning of a dark night, wlieii portentn of a Htorm
wore liovering over tlie lake, at ;i aeasoti when sudden and vioh'iit gulen were likdv
to arise. They weri' j)acked in seows, bateaux, Durham boats, and common hike suii-
boats, with ordiuince, ammunition, hospital stores, baggage^, camp e()uipiige, and two
months' ))roviHion8. The voyage was among islands and j)ast nunutrous j)oiiits u{
land where soundings and currents were known to few. Tliere was a scarcity uf
pilots, and the whole flotilla seemed to have been sent out with very little of mjin's
wisdom to direct it. The wind was favorable at the beginning, but towanl mid.
night, as the clouds thickened and the darkness dee|)ened, it freshened, and latorc
morning became a gale, with rain and sleet. The flotilla was scattered in every di-
•October 17, rcctioii, and the gloomy dawn* revealed a sad spectacle. The shores ot
'*'•'• the islands and the main were strewn willi wrecks of vessels and proi).
erty. Fifteen large boats were totally lost, and many more too seriously daiuasici]
to be safe. For thirty-six hours the wind blew fiercely, but on tlie 20th, there lim-
ing been a comparative calm for more than a day, a large pro|)ortion xjf the troniis,
with the sound boats, arrived at Grenadier Island.' These were chiefly the bilgaclis
of Generals l?oyd, Hrown, ('ovington, Swartwout, and Porter^ (the three former liai|
encamped at Henderson Harbor), which had
arrived.
General Wilkinson in the mean time was
j)a8sing to ami fro between the Harbor and
Grenadier Island, looking after the smitten
expedition. A return made to him on the
2'Jd showed that a large number of troops
were still behind, in vessels " wrecked or
stranded." The weather continued boister-
ous, and on the '24tii he was com])elled to
write to the Secretary of War, " The ex-
tent of the injury to our craft, clothing,
arms, and provisions greatly exceed our ap-
prehensions, and has subjected us to the
necessity of furnishing clothing, and of
making repairs and ecpiipments to the flo-
tilla generally. In fact, all our hopes have
been nearly blasted; but, thanks
to the same Providence that
placed us hi jeopardy, we are sur-
mounting our diffi'nilties, and,
God willing,! shall pass Prescott on the night of the Ist or 2d proximo."
The troops remained encamped on Grenadier Island until the 1st of NovemWr,
except General Brown's brigade, some light troops, and heavy artillery, which went
' The now venerable Ms^or Mordecal Myers, of Schenectady, New York, to whom I am Indebted for an iiilrwlin;
narrative of the events of this campaitrn, was very active in savlnp: lives and property diirlnj; this boiateroiin woathft
It was resolved to send back to Sackctfs Harbor all who could not endure acMve service in the campaien. Nearly rw.i
hundred of these were put on board two srhooncrs, with hospital stores. The vessels were wrecked, and Captain Mmt
on his own solicitation, was sent by General Jloyd with two liirtje boats for the rescue of the passenpers a..d crew, li
found the schooners lylnu' on their sides, the sails napping, and the sea breaking over them. Many had pcrishcisDi!
the most of those alive, '.uvlng drank freely of the llqnors among the hospital stores, were nearly all Intoxlrntnil. Tit
hatches were open, and the vessels were half-illled with water. By great exertions and personal risk Captain .Mk>
succeeded in taking to the shore nearly all of the two hundred persons v\\o had embarked on the schooners. For,
or fifty of them were dead.
' t'olone! Parr's MS,,Ionmal. "October 10, first brigade, under Boyd— fith, 12th, and 18th Heglmenta; secomlbji
gade, under Hrown— Gth, l.Mh. and 22d Regiments, already arrived and encamped. October 20, the third bripade. niwie
Covington— »th, 10th, and 5Mh Regiments i and fourth brigade, nnder Swartwout— 11th, 21sl, and 14th, hnvo arrin-i
The flflh, under Porter— light troops and artillery -arriving hourly. The weather sill! stormv, and continual ruii,* I
the laat two days."
V.tSk'.i
^u
OF THK WAIi OF 1812.
Ut
otCip\.\\nU]»n.
klivjor Ui'iKTal
ts of ii storm
08 wiTi' likely
imon laki' sail-
|)ii<4(', mill t\\(i
rous points uf
^ a scarcity dt
little of iiunv
,t toward niiil-
led, iintl bcldfc
c>«''> ""
led, andCnptninMym,
IsHcnpers ii..d crew. 11
Mnny hurt perished, «<'
lly all intoxlonli^il- Thi
linnl risk Captain M«rs
the schooners. Font
InenlmentB : sworn! W-
Ithc third bricsdf, I'M''
land I4th, linv.^ sf'i'*'
1 and coutinnal niics [o:
• October,
down the St. Lawrence on the 29th,* and took post at French Creek. In
the mean time Hampton, pursuant to Wilkinson's orders, moved'' down Wie-
the ("hateaugay toward the St. Lawrence for the purpose of forming a ''" *' '
innction with Wilkinson from above. He found a forest ten or twelve miles in ex-
ti'iit along the river in the line of his march, in whicii the vigilant and active De
Siilaherry had felled trees across the obscure road, and placeil Indians and light troops
to (li.spiite the passage of the Ameritans. (Jeneral (leorge Izard was at once sent
out with light troops to gain the rear of these woods, and seize the Canadian settle-
ments on the Chateaugay in the open country beyond, while the remainder of the
aiiiiv ma open comtry, seven miles along
the river, to Johnson's,^ where another extensive forest lay in the way. These woods
had hecn formed into abatis, covering log breastworks and a log block-house. On
tlie latter were some pieces of ordnance. In front of ihese defenses were Indians and
iiliuiht corps of Beauharnais inilitia, and behind th"m, under the immediate command
of Lieutenant Colonel De Salaberry, was the remainder of the disposable force of the
enemy, charged with the duty of guarding a ford at a small rapid in the river, and
keeping open communication with the St. Lawrence. De Salaberry's force was almost
a tliousand strong, and Sir George Prtvost and General De Waitville were within
liiigle call with more troops.
Ilanipton determined to dislodge De Salaberry, take possession of his really strong-
hold, and keej) it until he should hear from Wilkinson, from whom no tidings had
heen received for several days. lie was informed of the ford oi>])osite the lower flank
iif the enemy, and on the evening of the 25th he detached Colonel Robert Purdy, ot
tlie Fourth Infantry, and the light troops of Boyd's l)rigade, to force the ford, and fall
upon the British rear at dawn. The crack of Purdy's musketry was to be the signal
tor the main body of the Americans to attack the enemy's front. But the whole
movement was foiled by the ignorance of the guides and the darkness of the night.
I'lirdy crossed the river near the camp, lost his way in a hemlock swamp, and could
mutlior find the ford nor the place from which he started. His troops wandered
about all night, and diiFerent corps would sometimes meet, and excite mutual alann
by the supposition that they Iiad encountered an enemy.^ In the morning Purdy ex-
tricated his command from the swamp labyrinth, and, within half a mile of the ford,
halted and gave them permission to rest, for they were excessively fatigued. In tiie
iman time Hampton put three thousand five hundred of his "rmy in motion, under
(li'tieral Izard, expecting every moment to hear Purdy's guns; but they were silent.
The forenoon wore away ; meridian was past ; and at two o'clock Izard was ovdered
1 1 move for\\ ard to the attack. Firing immediately commenced, and the enemy's
i j keta were driven in. The gallant De Salaberry came out with about three hund-
^~•^ Canadian fcncibles and voltigeurs, and a few Abenake Indians, but Izard's over-
whelming numbers pressed him back to liis intrenchraents.
Kiting was now heard on the other side of the river. Purdy, who seems to have
neglected to post pickets or sentinels, had been surprised by a small detachment of
'This point Is seen at the junction of " Hamptou'H ronte" and "Smith's road" on the map on page 881. The stream
*en along " Smith's road" is the Oiitard. • Sec Map on page SSI.
'"Incredible as it may apjiear," said Pnrdy, in his ofBclal report to Wilkinson, "Oenernl Ilamptou intrusted nearly
«M half of his army, and those his best troops, ti> the guidance of men foch n/ vhmn repeatfdlfi asmtred him that fA«y
vri ml nn/iiaintf-d with the euuntrii, and were not compctciit to direct such an expedition." "Never, to my knowledge,"
Kill Pnrdy, in another part of his report, "during our march into Canada, and while wc remained at the Four Comers,
alenn oftwenly-six days, did General Hampton ever send off a scouting or reconnoitring party, except in one or two
cues at Speur's, lu Canada."
m
;;,
|:!
1 1
it
if
m
648
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Dlagraceftil Events.
Hamptun't inglorioni Retreat
Wllklu8ou'« Expedition on the Hi. Lawrence
^^
chasseurs and Canadian militia, who gained his rear. His troops, utterly dis<";ii(ertoi]
fled to the river. Several oflicers and men swam across, bearing to (ienonil llaiiijiton
alarming accounts of the gieat number of the enemy on the other side of the HtiCiim
That enemy, instead of being formidable, had Hc^d atler his first tii-e, and the Uulicnju^
scene was presented of frightened belligereius running away from each other. All
was confusion; and detachments of Purdy's scattered men, mistaking each otlicv tor
enemies in the dark swamp, had a spirited engagement. The only sad fruit of tin.
blunder was the death of one man.
De Salaborry liad perceived that superior numbers might easily outflank him, am]
he resorted to stratagem. He posted buglers at some distance from eadi ollur, and
when some concealed provincial militia opened fire almost upon Hampton's Hank.
these buglers simultaneously sounded a charge. Hampton was alarmed. Krdni tin
seeming extent of the Britisli line
as indicated by the buglers, ho sup-
I)Osed a heavy force was about ii,
fall upon his front and flank. He
immediately sounded a retreat, and withdrew from the Held. The enemy in a body
did not venture to follow, but the Canadian militia' harassed the army as it IMl
slowly back to its old cpiarters at Cljateaugay Four Corners, where its inglorious
campaign ended. The whole affair was a disgrace to the American arms, and, as om
of the surviving actors in the scenes (now a distinguished mnjor gcnenil in tlic I'nitiil
States Army) lias said, "no officer who had any regard for his reputation would vn]
untarily acknowledge himself as having been engaged in it."'^ In this attair, wliiil
has been uns.arrantabiy dignifled with the character of a battle, the Ameiiiiiiis lo>i
about fifteen killed and twenty-three wounded. The British lost live killed, si-xtim
wounded, and four missing.^
Storm followed storm on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. Snow fell to tk-
deptii of ten inches, and the troops collected by Wilkinson on Grenadier Island siit'-
fen'(l much. The season was too far advanced — a Canadian winter was too near— to
allow delays on account of weather, and (ieneral Brown and his division moved for-
ward, in the face of the tempest and of great ])eril, on the '20th of October. Tlicv
landed at French Creek, and took post in a thick wood about half a mile up from tln'
present village of Clayton. Chauncey in the mean time attempted tc blockade tlir
enemy in Kingston Harbor, or at least to prevent his going down the river either to
pursue the Americans or to take possession of and fortify the important old military
post at the head of Carletoti Island, just below Cape Vincent, lint Chuuncey's l>lo(k-
ade was ineffectual. British marine scouts were out among the Thousand Tslaml*:
and when, on the afternoon of the 1 st of Xovember, they discovered Brown at Fremli
Creek, two brigs, two schooners, and eight gun-boats, filled Avith infantry, were m\\
and ready to bear down upon hii»i. They did so at about sunset of the same (iuy.
Fortunately Brown had planted a battery of three IB-pounders on Bart'.ett's Point,;!
high wooded bluft' on the western shore of French Creek, at its mouth, under the cmii-
mand of Captain M'Pherson, of the light artillery. This battery, from its elevation,
was very effective, and it was served so skillfully that the enemy were driven away
after some cannonading. Ai, dawn the next morning the conflict was renewed wiiL
' In Ills offlclal diBpntch Sir George Provost nnltcd /ron> t'le Prince Regent a stand of colora for each of the live >jl-
talions of Canadian mllllin as ii mar); of opprohation. Tliey were granted.
a Major Generjljohn E. Wool, who then held the commlsRlon of major In the Twenty-nluth HegimentUniieil Stain
Infantry. I am Indebted to written and OTal statements of (Jcneral Wool for many of the facts given concemine ili(
affair near Johnston's, on the Chateangay. Hon. Nathaniel S. Bentop, of Little Falls, New York, late Auditor of it.
State of New York, and anth r of a Hintori/ of Herkimer Onivti/ and Ur <'pper Muliawk yallfij, wis captain of a iniliia
company engaged in ihis affair. He informed me that his company n.imSered loa men, and oH of them his o 3 beigfc
— eix feet.
, ' American and British OfHclal Keporte ; General Orders ; Christie's, Auchinlcck's, Thompiion's, Perkins's, and lew
toll's Histories ; Armstrong's Notices, etc.
i I
OF THE WAB OK 1912.
hii
\ the St. Lawrence.
discoiioertcj,
(Till llaniiiton
oi" iho Hticiim.
I the lu(^K•l•()ll^
ch otlu'v. All
each otlii'v fur
ttd fruit of till'
Lflank him, and
L'lK'h olhc'i', iiiiil
imptoirH Hunk.
It'll. From tin
the British line
bugU'Vs, 111! siiji-
e was ahinii tn
and flank. \h
neniy ui a hoily
army as it loll
•e its iniiloriiiii-
irnis, and, us urn
ral in tho United
ation Avoulil vhI-
this afl'air, wliicli
e Americans lost
ve killed, sixteen
Snow fell to the
ladier Island snl-
was too near— 1»
■ision moved for-
' October. Tliiy
mile u]» from iIk-
tc blockutlc tile
he river ehlii'v to
jtant. old military
laimcey'shlock-
'housaml TslamU;
Brown at Fremli
iifantry, were out
of the sanie d;iy.
«artlett'sPoint,;i
h, under the com-
•om its elevation,
ere driven away
■as renewed , witli
I for each of the Ave M-
jHeslmentUnileilSHW
Its Riven coiiccraini; lk»
fork, late Auditor of tt«
I WAS captain of a railiw
II of them hl» a beigb
li's, Perkins'*, an^I^'?'^
Amerlctn Camp at French Creek. The attacktu^ Brttlih repulaed. Wllklnaon pursued down the 8t. Lawrence.
the same result, the enemy in the two enpaffemi'nts having- snffered irinih loss. That
of the Americans was two killed and four wounded. It was with much difficulty
that tlie British saved one of their brigs from capture.
Troops were coming down from Grenadier Island in the 'iieau time, and lamling
upon llie point on which Clayton' now stands, and along the shoni of French Creek
as far as tlic lumber and rafting yard on what is still known as Wilkinson's Point.
Wilkinson arrived there on the ;ul, and on the 4th'' he issued a general or- . Novemtwr,
dcr preparatory to final embarkation, in which he exhorted liis troops to ***"*•
sustain well the character of American citizens, ami abstain from r ipine and plunder.
"Tlie u'eiieral is determined," he said,*' to have the first person who sliall be detected
in plundering an inhabitant of Canada of the smallest amount of property made an
example of."*
MODTU ur VKENOII UKKKK.*
On the morning of the
5tli, a clear, bright, crisp
morning, just at dawn, the
whole flotilla, comprising al-
most three hundred boats,
moved down the river from
Fri'iu'li Creek witli banners
furled and music silent, for
they wished to elude dis-
covery by the British, wlio,
until now, Avere uncertain
whether the expedition was
intended for Kingston, Pres-
cott, or Montreal' The vig-
ilant foe had immediately
discovered their course, and,
with a heavy armed galley
and gun -boats filled with
troops, started in pursuit. The flotilla arrived at Morristown early in the evening.
It had been annoyed by the enemy all the way. Several times Wilkinson was dis-
posed to turn upon them ; and at one time, near Bald Island, about two miles below
Alexandria Bay, he was compelled to engage, for the enemy's gun-boats shot out of
the British channel on the north, and attacked his rear. They were beaten ofl", and
Wilkinson determined to run by the formidable batteries at Prescott during the night.
It was found to be impracticable, and his boats lay moored at Morristown until morn-
ini;. A corps of land troops from Kingston had also followed Wilkinson along the
hoithern shore of the river, and arrived at Prescott before the American flotilla reached
Ogdenshurg.
For the purpose of avoiding Fort Wellington and the other fortifications at Pres-
cott, Wilkinson halted throe miles above Ogdensburg, where he debarked his ara-
iMUuition and all of his troops,^ except a suflicient number to man the ' November e.
' This wne formerly called Cornelia, and Is yet called by the name of French Creek. It was named In honor of Senator
' ilm M. Clayton, of Delaware, iu ISai!. French Creek was called by the Indians Fallrn Fort, from the circumstance that,
: A\i bi'fcire a white man was ever seen there, a fort had been captured on its banks by the Oneidas.
: IJeiiiTal Order, French e:rpek, November 4, 1813.
' The loat that conveyed Wilkinson and his military family was commanded by the now venerable William John-
't.iii, who was an active spy on that frontier during the war. lie is better known as " Bill Johnston, "by some called the
llfro." and by others the " Pirate," of the Thousand Islands. Of Mr. Johnston and his remarkable career I shall write
|)re«ently.
' Thifl is from a sketch made In the .inmnier of l.sflfl, fi-om the place of Brown's encampment, at the Inmber and raft-
II:; yard on Wilkinson's Point. In the water, in the fire^round, ia seen a raft partly prepared for a voyage down the
^' Ijiwrencc. The bluff in the distance, beyond the little aail-vnssel, is Bartlett's Point, on which M'Pherson's battery
• IS pinced, The vessel without sails Indlc tea the i)lacc where the British stjuadron lay when It was repulsed. Tiie
;:\ seen lioyond Is Grindstone Island, from behind which the British vessels came. The point In the middle dlstsnce,
II ihe extreme right, la the head of Shot-bag Island.
600
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
1
i
■ ■ - , ' '
Pll
Mmi^4
DlfflcuUlei lu Wllkinaun'i W»y.
A Council of Offlcem.
Nomber and Poiltlon of tbo Hiiclib Porcr.
U;ll,l> IHI.A.1II AM> UII.K1MIU.n'S tl.UTlLLA.>
boats. These were to be conveyed by land to the "Red Mill," four miles IhIdwOo
densbiirg, on the American shore, and the boats were to run by the batteries ihiu
night. At the place of debarkation he issued a proclamation to the Canadians, in
tended to n.ake them passive;-' and there, at noon, lu; was visited by ('oloml Kiuij
Hampton's adjutant general. By him he sent orders to Hampton to press forward to
the St. Lawrence, to form a junction with the descending army at St. liegis.
By the skillful management of General Brown, the whole flotilla passed Prtscoti
safely on the night of the Gth, Avith the exception of two large boats heavily laden
with provisions, artillery, and ordnance stores,'' which ran aground at Ogdt tisbmi;.
They were taken off under a severe cannonading from Fort Wellington, and soon
•NovemberT, joined the Others* at the " Red JNIill." Wilkinson was now informed that
^*'^- the Canada shore of the river was lined with posts of musketry and anil
lery at every eligible point, to dispute the passage of the flotilla. To meet and n
move these impediments. Colonel Alexander Macomb was detached, with t\vilv(
hundred of the Uitf of the army, and on Sunday, the 7th, landed on the Canada shore.
He was soon followed by Lieutenant Colonel Forsyth and his riflemen, who did ex-
cellent service in the rear of Macomb.
The flotilla arrived at the " White House," opposite Matilda,* about eighteen milc>
below Ogdensburg, on the 8th, and there Wilkinson called a council of his oftiecis,
consisting of (ienerals Lewis, Boyd, Brown, Porter, Covington, and Swart wout. Alt-
er hearing a report from the active chief engineer. Colonel Swift, concerning the re-
ported strength of the enemy,* the question. Shall the army ])roceed with all |)ossil)li'
rapidity to the attack of Montreal? was considered, and auswered.in the attinuative.
' This Is from ft sketch by Captnin Vnn Cleve (see note 1, page BIT), who kiudly allowed me the use of It. Bnld Island
Is one of the Thousand Islands, and lies on the left of the American or steam-ljoat cbnuucl of the river. It ib mostli
bare, and rises to the height of about thirty or forty feet above the water hi the centre. At some distance beyomlii.
nortliward, Is the British channel. The gun-bouts that attacked Wilkinson's flotilla came out at the lower end ufBtld
Island, through a lateral channel in which the sall-vesscl lies.
» He assured them that he came to Invade, and not to destroy the province— "to subdue the forces of his Brltanni
Majesty, not to war against unoffending subjects. Those, therefore," he said, " who remain qniet at home, should vic-
tory incline to the American standard, shall be protected In their persons and property ; but tho.«e who are founii in
arms must necessa'ily be treated as avowed enemies. To menace is unmanly ; to seduce, dishonorable ; yet it is juft
and humane to place these alternatives before you."— ^Proclamation, November 7, 1813.
' Thi- tlolllla moved at eight o'clock in the evening, under cover of a heavy fog, General Brown, in his gig, leading the
way. There waA a sudden change In the atmosphere, when the generaVs boat was di«c.->vered at Prescott, and aliiws!
fifty 24-pound shot were fired at tier, vithout effect. The gleaming of bayonets on slmre. In the light of llic iuodh in
the west, caused a heavy cannonade In the direction of the American troops on the march, also without effect. Browa
baited the flotilla until the moon went down, but its general movement was perceived by the enemy. For three hniii-
they poured a destructive Are upon it, aiul yet, out of about three hundred boats, not one was touched, and oulyom
man was killed and two wounded.— General Wilkinson's Journal, November 6, 1S13.
According to the statement of Captain Mordecal Myers, already referred to (note 1, page M6), there were traltoreic
Ogdensburg. He says that the British at Prescott were apprised of the approach of the flotilla by the burning ofWof
lights lu one or more honscs in Ogdensburg.
* Matilda Is a post vlUa'^e In Dundas County, Canada West, on the Point Iroquois Canal. The " White House " hi.l
disappeared when I visited the spot in 185B, when the place belonged to James Parlor.
' Colonel Swift employed a secret agent, who reported to him that the enemy's forces were as follows in number Mil
position : aOO under Colonel Murray, at Coteau du Ijic, strongly fortified with artillery . about 300 men of tiie Briliih
line of artillery, but without ammunition, at the Cedars; 300 sailors, 400 marines, and an unknown number uf militia (.;
Montreal, with no fortifications; 2600 regular troops expected dally from Quebec; and the mllilla between Kinetlon
and Quebec, 20,000. Wilkinson reported his own force to be 7000 men, and that he expected to meet 40ne thousand wtronj^, had been sent down from Kingston to Preseott, under the
,.,,iiiin;ind of Lieutenant Colonel Moi rison. They had come in the armed Hcliooners
Ikn^/i'rd .md Sidney Sinit/ . txjul several gun-boats anil bateaux uiuler Captain Mul-
eiiHter, whieh had eluded Chaiuieey's inetticient bloekading s(juadron. They were
jciiiu'tl at Prcscott by provincial infantry and dragoons under Lieutenant Colonel
irsoii, an This conHlct is usually called the battle of Chrysler's Field. It is sometimes called the battle of Wllllanidrarp, Ihit
Village beinf; almost within cniinon-shot rauge of the battle-fleld. Chrysler's na-ne Is fl-fiucntly Hpelled with r t.
♦ Ttio British army, on this occasion, was slightly superior in numbers, countlnii; its Indian allies, to the Aracrlcum
and had the double advanta^'u of stronc position behind ravines and of frcxhncss, for the Americans hnd nndcri;"n^
great fatigue. They were formed in what Wellington called m ichehtii, or the flgnre of steps, with one corps niorf ii-
Tjaiced than another, as follows : Three companies of the Eighty-ninth Regiment were posted on the extreme right
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
ess
the BrItlLh Vanguard.
BatUe on Cbrjrsler'B Farm.
locidenta of the Cuntoat.
The Aniericanh repntaed.
d the greatest iii-
8 command to re-
imanding gen('r;il
eir gun-boats was
d lo form hi? do-
or to outflank him
I to lie moored o'l
off Cook's Point.
brave Boyd, anx-
battle, instantly
S wart woul was
ed with tlie fourth
to assail the van-
of the enemy,
■was composed of
■oops, and Gov-
im -with the third
woods of second
onelE.W.Kiplcy,
main liae in open
ted, its right rest-
md the left on a
r Colonel Thomas
itorsccted the ox-
Imost impossible,
apot In AiiRMt,!*'''''
II the oxen nml carl art
Irown'B MS. Utter-l.ii"k
tleofWinianiKlrarp.tbsi
ly spelled with a I-
allies, to the AracricMt
icrlcana had nndcre"«
flth one corpe more "a
1 on the extreme right,
.1
^
Swartwout's sudden and successful dash was qni( kly follo\,'('d by an attack on the
enemy's ielt by the whole of the fourth brigade, and a part of the first, under Colonel
Coles, who advanced across plowed fields, knee-deep in mud, in the face of a heavy
shower of bullets and shrapnel-shells.' At the same time General Covington, mount-
ed on a fine white horse, gallantly led the third brigade against the enemy's left, near
the river, and the battle became general. By charge after charge, in the midst of
diffieulties, the British were pushed back almost a mile, and the American cannon,
placed in fair pontion by General Boyd, under the direction of Colonel Swift, did
excellent execution for a few minutes. Tlu- squadron of the Second Regiment of
Dragoons Avas early on tlie field, and much exposed to the enemy's fire, but, owing
to tiie nature of the ground, was unable to accomplish much. At length Covuigton
fell, severely wounded,^ and the ammunition of the Americans began to fail. It was
soon exhausted, and the fourth brigade, hard pushed, fell back, followed by Colonel
J. A Coles. This retrograde movement affected the third
brigade, and it too fell back, in considerable disorder. The
British perceived this, and followed up the advantage gained
with great vigor, and were endeavoring by a flank movement
to capture Boyd's cannon, when a gallant charge of cavalry,
led by Adjutant General Walbach, who had obtauied A'-m-
strong's permission to accompany the expeditioi,, drove
them back and saved the pieces. The effort was re-
newed. Lieutenant Smith, who commanded one of the
cannon, was mortally wounded, and it fell into the ene-
my's hauds.^
The conflict had lasted about five hours, in the midst of cold, and snow, anil sleet,
when the Americans were compelled to fall back. During that time victory had
swayed, like a pendulum, between the combatants, and would doubtless have rested
with tlie Americans had their ammunition held out. Their retreat was ])romising to
be a rout, when the flying troops were met by six hundred men under Lieutenant
Colonel Timothy Upham,* of the Twenty-first Regiment of Infantry, and Major Mal-
colm, whom Wilkinson had sent up to the support of Boyd. These checked the dis-
orderly flight, and, taking position on the ground from which Boyd's force had been
driven, they gallantly attacked the enemy, seized the principal ravine, and, with a se-
vere fire at short ransket range, drove ^he British back and saved the day.* Mean-
while Boyd ha! reformed his line in battle order on the edge cf the wood from which
Swartwout dro ■ the foe at the beginning, and there awaited another attack. It was
notmafle. Both parties seeired willing to make the excuse of oncomuig darkness a
warrant for suspending farther fighting. The Americans, under cover of night, re-
tired unmolested to their boats, and the British remained upon the field. Neither
^-/ c^.^fi!^t>tA^
^
party had gained a victory, but the advantage was with the British.^
resting on the river, with a 6-,)onnrter, and commanded by Captain Bamea On their left, and a little In the rear, were
llankinf; companies of the Forty-ninth and a detachment of fepclbles, with a fl-pounder, under Lieutenant Colonel I'ear-
.
gis, on the opposite shore of tlie St. Lawrence. But he was disappointed. General
lirown had written to Hampton the day before informing him of rumors of a liattit
above, and saying, "My own opinion is, you can not be with us too soon," and beg-
ging him to inform ihe writer by the bearer when he might bo expected at St. Rcijis.'
Soon aller Wilkinson's arrival, Colonel Atkinson, Hampton's inspector general, ap-
peared as the bearer of a letter from his chief, dated the 11th, in which the command-
er of the left of the grand army of the North, who had fallen back to Chateaugay
Four Corners, declari;d his intention not to join Wilkinson at all, but to co-operate
in the attack on Montreal by returning to Champlain and making a descent from that
place.2 Wilkinson was enraged, and declared that he would " arrest Hampton, ami
direct Izard to bring forward the division." He was too feeble in mind aiul body to
execute his threat, or do any thing that required energy ; and, after uttering a few
varions pnbllshed Histories of the War; oral statementg to the author In 1866 by Peter Bronse, a survlvlDg flrltish sol-
dier In the Dattle, living near the ground ; Dr. Amaea Trowbridge's narrative, quoted by Hough.
The loss of the British In this engagement was 22 killed, 160 wounded, and 16 missing. The Americans lo?tl(l!
hilled and 23T wounded. Among the killed and mortally wounded were General Covington, and Lieutenants Smith,
Hunter, and Olmstead ; and their wounded olBcers were Colonel Preston, Majors Chambers, Cummings, and Nooii, df-
tains Foster, Campbell, Myers, Murdoch, and Townsend, and Lleutenantsi Heaton, Pelham, Lynch, Williams, Browt.
and Crary. Among the offlcers specially mentioned with praise were General Covington, Colonel Pearce, wlio took
command of his corps when he fell. Colonels E. P. Gaines, E. W. Blpley, and Walbach, Lieutenant Colonel AKpinwa;;,
Majors Cummlogs, Morgan, Grafton, and Gardner, and Lieutenants Whiting (his aid) and (late Mi^r General) W.J.
Worth.
The wounded In the battle were pitced In barns and log houses, and the mansion of Chrysler was made a hnspltai. \
bnllet passed through Cbptaln Myers's arm, near his shoulder, while at the head of his men In assailing the Hritisli if-
hind the stone wall. The dcsperateness of the encounter may be conceived when the fact Is stated that of S9 men he
lost 23. He shared General Boyd's qu.irter8 at French Mills. Dr. Man, a noted phypician, took him to his house. ini
miles distant, where he remained four months. He there became acquainted with the daughter of Judge Wiiiiam B»i-
li-y, of Plattsbnrg. and In March following they were married in that town.
Mordecai Myers was born at Newport, Khodc Island, on the Ist of May, 17T6, and Is now <1867) In the nlnety-Mconj
year of his age. He was educated In New York City, and became a mcrcliant in
Richmond, Virginia. There he served In a military company under Colonel («(!■
erwnrd Chief Justice) Marshall. He soon returned to New York, engaged in bo!
Ines3 there, and ser\-cd In an artillery company nnder the command of Cfliitir.
.Tohn Swartwont. He was afterward commissioned an officer of infantry, aiiiKnr
two years studied military tactics assidnonsly. When w.ir was threatenoii hew
active in raising volunteer companies, and In March, 1812, he was commis-sioiinl »
captain In the Thirteenth bntted States Infantry, and ordered to report to Colonel Peter B. Schuyler. Dnrinf; the m-
he performed laborious and gallant services under several commanders In the Northern Departnent, and in ISIS Ihf
disability produced by his wound caused him to be disbanded and placed on the pension roll fjr the half pay of « tip
tain. Then ended his military career. He has resided n'any years iii Schenectady. He has been mayor r f that cily.iiii
represented Now York city In the Legislature of the Statt for six years. ' Brown's MS. Letter-book
» Letter of General J. G. Swift to the author of this work, dated "Geneva, N. Y., February l.t, 1S6fl."
%^^^
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
066
of Oeneral Hampton.
the tnoniing
the battle the
la and gun-boats
;d safely down
Long II a ]) ids
out discovering
signs of an ene-
and at the same
! the land troopg
ohed in the same
ction unmolest-
At Barnharl's,
• ee miles above
■nwall, they form-
a junction witli
forces under Gen-
1 Brown, and Wil-
son expected t(]
irofthe arrival of
irnpton at St. lit-
pointed. General
munors of a hattli'
30 soon," and Vici;-
.'Cted at St. Ueiris.i
icotor general, iiji
hich the commaiul-
ick to Chatcaugay
[but to co-operate
lescent from thai
rest Hampton, and
mind and body td
ler uttering a few
se, a surviving SritlehBol-
igh.
The Americans lo?t 10!
J and Lieutenants Smith,
'ammlng«,an(lNooii,(aiv
Lynch, Williams, Brown,
Colonel Pearce, who took
tenant Colonel Afplii»a„,
(lato Major General) W.J
waemadeahoppitnl, A
aMBiUugthcBritlelike-
is stated that of S9 men h
■took him to his house, itn
titer of Judge William B.!
(IMT) in the nlnety-stconil
jtid became a merchant i«
mpany under Coloiirl|-«
[ew York, enq«Kf " '"
the command of Oa| i
officer of Infantry, till f'"
w-xrwaBthreatenenheirti
12 hewascommiwloiirt'
Schuyler. DnrinRtbewK
ep«rtnent,andinl815tb»
^11 fjr the half pay "'«'";
ecn ma vorrf that city, Mil
'Brown's MS. Utter-book
13, 1S60."
j^ American Army at the French Mills.
Character of tta chief Leaden.
Hampton censured.
1H13.
curses he called a council of war, and left Hampton to do as ho pleased. That coun-
cil decided that the " conduct of Major General Hampton, in refusing to join his di-
vision to the troops descending the St. Lawreme, rendered it expedient to remove
the army to French Mills, on the Salmon River.'" " The opinion of the younger
members of the council was," says General Swift, " that, with Brown as a loader, no
character wou-d be lost in going on to Montreal ;"'^ but the majority said no, and on
the folic winp day,* at noon, when information came that there was a . November i«,
I'onsidcrable British force at Coteau du Lac, the foot soldiers and ar-
tillerymen were all em-
barked on the transports,
under the direction of
General Brown, and de-
parted for the Salmon."
Tlie horses of the dra-
goons, excepting about
forty, were made to swim
across the cold and rap-
idly-flowing river, there
a thousand yards wide,
and the squadron pro-
ceeded to Utica. The
flotilla passed up the Big
Salmon liiver about six
miles to its confluence
with the Little Salmon,
near the French Mills,
when it was announced
that the boats were scuttled, and the army Avas to go into winter quarters in huts.'
Thus ended in disaster and disgrace an expedition which, in its inception, prom-
ised great and salutary results. It was composed of brave and patriotic men; and
justice to those men requires the humiliating confession from the historian that their
failure to achieve complete success is justly chargeable to the incompetency of the
chief commanders, and the criminal indulgence on the part of those commanders of
personal jealousies and animosities. The appointment of Wilkinson to the command
of the Northern Army was a criminal blunder on the part of the government. His
antecedents were well known, and did not recommend him for a responsible position.
Tlie weakness of his patriotism under temptation, and his too free indulgence in in-
toxicating liquors, were notorious. Hampton was totally unfitted for the responsible
station in which he was placed ;* and Armstrong, who was a fellow-soldier with them
both in the old War for Independence, lacked some of the qualities most essential in
the administration of the extraordinary functions of his office in time of war. His
presence on the frontier during the progress of the expedition was doubtless detri-
mei.tal to the service, and he left for. the seat of government at a moment when the
poimsel and direction of a judicious Secretary of War was Uiost needed.'
I-LM1E OK IIEUARKATIUN ON TUE SALMON UIVKU.*
' "The grounds ou which this decision was taken were— want of '.-road, want of meat, want of Hampton's division,
•nil a belief that the enemy's force was equal, If not greater tl.an our own."— Oenernl J. G. Swift to General John Arm-
nroiig, June 17, 1836. ' General Swift's Letter to Get eral Armstrong, June 17, 1886.
' In n general order Issued on the morning of the 13th, General Wilkinson said, " ' 'ho commander-in-chief In com-
Vllfii to retire [from the Canada shore] by the extraordinary, nnexpecled, and, it iipp lars, unwarrantable conduct of
M i.ii.r Oener.tl Hampton in refusing to join this army with a division of fonr thousand nen under ills command agree-
I'llo to positive orders from the commauder-in-chlef, and, as he has been assured by the b jcretary of War, of explicit In-
'pn rions from the War Department."
' Tliln Id a view of the place where Wilkinson's flotilla was moored. The boats wer; soon frozen In the Ice, and in
''■'■■' i.iry, apprehensions being felt of their captnrr by the enemy, they were cut nni' i.'urnt do^vn even with the surface
' i!f kv, and sunk when It melted In the spring. ' Colonel Robert Carr's V.i. Illary. • See page 680.
Uu Ibe Ulh of Noveml)er, General Brown, then in command of the army at I rench Mills, wrote, with coiwiderable
P'
t V
i-.i
^"^"fll
} ■
a *
\\:
■fir f
till
^ m
J ■
- !- t
m\
A '\
056
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
^a^a^jA-
1S13.
D«ath f nd fln-lal of (ieneral CoYtngton. Head-qnaitere of General Offl cer*. Hampton's Disobedience of OrdT"
On arrivii:L,' at Salmon River the army
was immediately debarked on the frozen
shores, r.nd set to work in the construction
of huts for wint«r quarters. Their first la-
bor was the sad task of digging a grave
for the remains of General Covington. He
was shot through the body on the 11th,
and died at Barnhart's on tlie morning of
the 13th, just before the flotilla departed
for French Mills.' Wilkinson at once loft
for Malone, after transferring the coram«.r d
•November 16, of the army to General Lywis,*
who, with General Boyd, made
LKWIS'C ANP BOVD'b lIRAD-QtlABTEIlg.
his head-quarters at a long, low building,
yet standing in 1860, a dingy red in color,
on the left bank of the Salmon, near the
present lower bridge over the river at
French Mills or Fort Covington.^ Lewi<
and Boyd obtained leave of absence, and
the command of the army devolved upon
Brigadier General Brown, who made las
head-quarters on the right bank of the riv-
er, in a house built by SpafFord in 1811
(store of P. A. Mathews in 1 860, corner of
Water and Chateaugay Streets), and tiioro
he received his commission'' of " Febmary ii,
major general of the United '*'*■
States Army. Hampton, in the mean time, had retired to Plattsburg with his four
thousand men. By special orders, sent from Malone by the hand of Colonel Swift
(when on his way to Washington with dispatches),' Wilkinson directed Hampton tn
join the army at French Mills. This, like other orders, were utterly disregarded by
feeling to the Secretary of War, saying, " fou have learned that the grand army of the United States, after marching
and countermarching most Inglorlouely, arrived at this place on the 13th instant. I must not express to yon my IndiL--
nation and sorrow. I did not expect you would have left us." In the same letter he said, " Colonel Scott will hand von
this, and can give yon all the information you wish relative to our movements since he joined us [see page Kl-.'l, and
the present situation of oar army. The public Interest would be promoted by the advancement of snch men as Scotl."
—MS. Letter-book.
' Leonard Covington was n brave soldier. H'. was a native of Maryland, and bom In October, 176S. In 179-2 he was
a comet of cavalry, and was dlstinguishcu lOr braver> under Wayne in the defense of Fort Recovery (see page 62) in
June, ITM. He was i a the battle at the Manmee Rapids in August following, where Wayne achieved a victory over th«
Indians. At the time of the first engagement he held the commission of lieutenant ; in the last he was captain. ]]f
resigned in 1T96. From 1806 to 180T he represented a district of his native state in the National Congress. In isonhf
was commissioned colonel of light dragoons, and In August, 1813, was breveted brigadier general. He accompunitd
Wilkinson in his unfortunate expedition that ended at the French Hills. At the time of bis death, on the 13tb of No-
vember, 1813, he was about forty-five years of age.
» There was a block-house at French Mills sltnoted on the property, owned, when I visited there in Isso.byMr.
M'Crea. General Covington's body was buried jnst outside of the hlock-honse, In the present gardjii of Mr. M'Cra.
There also was buried the remains of Msjor John Johnson, of the Twenty-first Infantry,* who died at the station on lli»
11th of December, 1813. The block-house was named Fort Covington in honor of the slain general, and the villazf
that grew up around the French Mills na also called Port Covington. The place was first settled by a few Frencli
Canadians, who built mills there, and from this circumstance It was called i^'rench Milli- until after the war.
3 " I found Mr. Madisoa mn ;h grieved by the failure of the campaign," General Swift wrote to the author in Fcbn-
ary, 1860. " It was generally believed that, had younger oiilcers been placed In command of the armies of Wilkinsra
and Hampton, Montreal world uave been taken without the Inconseqnenthtl conflict at Chrysler's Field, thonih ihii
affair gave distinction to several ofBcers for meritorious BerN'ices." M^or Totten sacceedcd Colonel Swift as chief™-
gineer after he left, of whom Brown spoke in the highest terms.
* MnJor Johnson was from Pennsylvania. He entered the service as a marine in 1800, and woa first lieutenar * nodcr
Prsble St Tripoli in 18M. In April, 1813, he waa aulBtont a4Jatant general with the rank of major. In June be wu
commissioned major.
BBOWN 8 UBAD-OCABTIBS.
OF THE WAR OF 18 12.
657
ibedtctice of Ordert.
hqdabtkm.
g, low building,
ajy red in color,
Salmon, near the
Br the river at
nngton.'* Lewis
of absence, an'!
D- devolved upon
I who made his
t, bank of tlie riv-
Spafford in 1811
1 1860, corner of
trcets), and tLere
n*" of FebniiTj U,
nited
urg with liis four
of Colonel Swift
,cted Hampton to
ly disregarded by
Ld States, after maxchiog
fcxpress to yoa rov innii:-
flonel Scott win hand TOO
due [6eepRge«l'>l,aDd
at of Boch men asScoU.
nerilTeS. InlTOvihPW!
tec'ovcry (see page M> ia
hleved a victory over ite
last he was captain, llf
lal Congress. InWto
Incral. He accoinpawM
\\eoth,onthel3thof:(o-
,veathereinlS6fl,l)yMr.
ltgard::n"fMr.M'CK-s.
Idied at the station on tli(
1 Boneral, and the villas
J gettled by a few FrenA
lafter the war.
■e to the author in Fcta-
Ithe armies of Wilkin«
Ller'g Field, thoash tlisl
tolonel Swift OS chief ft-
l»BBflrgtHeutenar'aii4tr
f major. luJuncbcim
nt Army relieved of Hampton's Presence. Sufferiugs of the Army at the French Hills. Departure of the Troops.
Hampton. He had accomplished the defeat of eiForts to take Canada,' and, leaving
General IzaT , of South Carolina, in command, he abandoned the service, and returned
to his immense sugar plantations in Louisiana,'^ followed by the contempt of all vir-
tuous and patriotic men.
General Brown at once adopted measures for making the troops as comfortable as
possible. Huts were constructed, but this was a work of much labor, and consumed
several weeks. Meanwhile severe winter weather came. They were on tlie forty-
lifth parallel, and at the beginning of December the cold became intense. Most of
the soldiers had lost their blarkets and extra clothing in the disasters near Grenadier
Island, or in the battle on Chrysler's Field. Even tlie sick had no shelter but tents.
The country in the viciu ty was a wilderness, and provisions were not only scarce,
but of inferior quality. A great quantity of medicines and hospital stores had been
lost through mismanagement, and these could not bo procured short, of Albany, a dis-
tance of two hundred and fifty miles. The mortality among the sick became fright-
ful and disease prostrated nearly one half of the little army before they were fairly
lioused in well-regulivted cantonments. ^ Taking advantage of this distress, British
emissaries tried, by the circulation of written and printed placards, to seduce the suf-
ferintj soldiers from their alL Ljlance. One of these written ])lacards (see a fac-sirailc
on the next page), found one moniing upon a tree in one of the American camps, and
presented to me by Colonel Carr, reads thus :
"Notice. — All American Soldiers who may wish to quit the unnatural war in
which they are at present engaged will receive the arrears due to them by the Amer-
ican Government to th(! extent of five month's pay, on their arrival at the British out
Posts. No man shall be required to serve against his own country."
It is believed that not a single soldier of American birth was enticed away by such
allurements.
The enemy frequently menaced the cantonment at French Mills, as well as at
Plattsburg, and toward the close of January Wilkinson received orders from the War
Department to break up the post on Salmon River. Early in February the move-
ment was made. The flotilla was destroye'l as fully as the ice in which it was frozen
would permit, and the barracks wore consumed. The hospital at Malone was aban-
doned ; and while Brown, with a larger portion of the troops, marched up the St. Law-
rence and to Sackett's Harbor, the remainder accompanied the commander-in-chief to
Plattsburg The enemy at Cornwall were apprised of this movement, and crossed
the river on the ice on the day when the last American detachment left French Mills.
Tacy were regulars, Canadian militia, and Indians, and plunder seemed to be their
chief object. In tiiis they were indulged, and the abandoned frontier suflered much.
No discrimination seemed to be made between public and private property, and it
was estimated that at least two hundred barrels of provisions were carried away.
Tims closed the events of the campaign of 1813 on the Northern frontier.
I visited the theatre of the scenes described in this chapter partly in the year 1866,
' See note 8, page 2Se.
' lismpton tiad Immense sngar plantations in Louisiana, and was donhtless the most extensive planter and wealthiest
man in tlie Sonthcrn States. He owned at one time five thousand negro slaves. He was a native of South Carolina,
indwssbom in TTM. He was an active partisan soldier with Sumter and Marlon. In 1803 he was commissioned a
ft rolosel of light dragoons, and a brigadier general in 1809. On the 2d ofMarch, 1S18, he was promoted to major general.
Hi« inelllcient caroer is recorded '" i the text. In April, 1814, he resigned his com.nission, to the great Joy of the North-
m .\rmy, with whom his deportment and habits had made him nnpopular. He died at Colambla, South Carolina, on
ihe 4th of February, 1838, at the age of eighty-one years.
' The srmy was cantoned as ft)llows on the Ist of January, 1814:
The artillery, under Colonel .^lexander Macomb, of the Engineers, at the block-honee on Mr. John H'Crea's property.
Tlio woujded fi-om Chrysler's n ere taken Into the block-honse. This was called the Centre Camp. The Ecut Camp, un-
il' r tlie charge of Colonel F.. W. Ripley, was on Selh Blanchard's properly. The North Camp, under Colonel James Mll-
l»r. wan on Ihe property of Allen Lincoln. The Wett Crnnp, under Colonel Campbell, was on W. L. Manning's property.
Tiiv Hmth Camp was on Hamlet Mear's property. The owners above mentioned were the proprietors of the land when
Iv'itedForl Covington in tjie cummer of 1800.
Tt
a '
'mm
i ■
'■f tv
m
m
wh
1:1
[M|i
IttE
"M« il
mi:
n
'! n
658
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
Attempt to eedace the American Boldlen from their Allegiance.
ancl partly in 1860. In the evening of Monday, the 23d of July, in the latter }wl
journeyed with a friend, as already mentioned on page 619, from Watertowu toCf I
v
OF THE WAR OF 1812.
Mt
Remains of Portlflotioni there.
Lin the latter )W.l
lnWatefto\viitoCai«l
Their Illitory,
TUIt to C»rIeton liland.
, ^ ^ ^ ^
Vincent' by railway, and lodged in an inn connected with the road station tliere,
standing on tiie margin of tlu' St. Lawrence. It waH a. chilly night. The next morn-
ing was clear and blustering, and tiic siirfaco of the river was dotted with the white
caps of the wavcK. After an early bi-eakfast we started for Carleton Island, three
miles down the St. Lawrence, in a skift' rowed by a son of the proprietor of the hotel.
As we approached the rocky blutt" at the head of tho island we oljserved several chim-
neys standing alone (built of stone, some perfect, some half hi ruins), which mark the
remains of strong and somewhat extensive fortifications erected there by both the
French and English during the last century, that post being a key to the internavi-
(jation of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. We moored our boat in a small
sheltered creek by which the head of the island is made a pleasant peninsula of eiglit
or ten acres. On this stand the residences of Mr. Chai-les Pluche, an intelligent French
Canadian (who owns five hundred acres of the western end of the island*), and of his
brother. That creek separates the peninsula from the higher bluff on which the ruins
of Fort Carleton are seen. Mr. Pluche kindly accompanied us to these ruins and
other interesting places near, and, but for the increasing violence of the wind, which
became almost a gale at noon, our visit would liavc been one of unmixed satisfaction.
Tlie ruins of Fort Carleton are upon the most elevated portion of the island, and
from 'he ramparts may be viewed some of the most picturesque scenery of the famous
Thousand Islands and the New York shore. At what precise time fortificat%ns were
first erected there is not positively known. The English found it quite a strongly
fortified post at the time of the conquest of Canada, at a little past the middle of the
last century, and, perceiving its value in a military point of view (for it commands the
main channel of the St. Lawrence), they greatly strengthened it.^ They occupied it
until 1812, On the declaration ot war that year most of the barracks to which the
now standing chimneys
belonged wei-c in good
order, and before Cape
Vincent was settled two
or three families resided
on the island. A garri-
son, composed of a ser-
geant ind three invalid
soldiers, and two women,
occupied the fort when
the war broke out. As
soon as intelligence of
the declaration reached
tlie frontier. Captain Ab-
ncr Hubbard, of Hub-
bard's (now Milieu's)
Bay, a soldier of the Rev-
I olution, started in a boat,
with a man and boy, to
SKMAIHS OF rOBT CABLETON.*
I This was Ijnown ns Gravelly Point at the time of the War of 1S12. It was laid out as a village in ISIT. It is the
northenimost town of Jefferson County, and Is the terminus of the Rome, Watertown, and Cape Vincent Railway. From
ihiK imint is a ferry to Klnffston, passing through Wolf or Orand Island by a canal dug for the purpo»e a few years ago.
The railway wharf Is 3000 feet In lengtli, with large store-houses and a grain-elevator.
' The island contains 1274 acres. The portion here alluded to was a military class-right, located tliere In 1786. The
island forms a part of Cape Vincent Township, Jefferson County, New York. The Island received Its name from Gov-
ernor Sir Gay Carleton.
' \Mg. In his Voiia/iet, printed in London, 179t. after speaking of Oswegatchie (Ogdensburg), says, " Carleton is higher
op the river, and has greater conveniences to it than Oswegatchie, having an excellent harbor, with strong fortifications,
tmi well garrisoned, excellent accommodations for shipping, a naval store-house for Niagara and other porta."
^ • This view is from the N. N. E. point of the fort, and shows eight of the nine chimneys yet standing. On the ex-
Itteme right, beyond the lltti" vessel, is seen Cape Vincent.
I . !.a
6eo
PICTORIAL FIELD-BOOK
IMUIAN AUHI.ET.
FIniSetsDraor* MlMMyVoit lutcreitiDg Relica on Carlaton liUod. Perilous Vojrig* on the Ht. |..,u r „.
capturo Fort Carleton. He sncceedcd, and thiH was the firut 8t>i/.urc of a military
pOHt artiT the di'clarali"ii of Vf'ar. lie sent a boat on the lollowiiij; day to briiij^ away
the HtoieH, and soon atlerward the l)arraek8 were burned. Niui^ bare cliinnieyM ha^
stood there ever ninee, gray and solitary tokeim of oliange. There were ai)out iweiity
originally within the fort, Home of whieli are in rninB. There were also eliiinncys on
the little peninsula near Mr. I'luehe's house, and ahnig the shore northwiinl, \vhiiv,oii
a fine grassy point, vestiges of the gardens that were attached to the otVieers' (|u,'iiui>
may yet be seen. The moot tliat surrounded the fort was dug in the rock, and so
was the well in the norti»western portion of the works.
A little northward of tlie fort was the garrison cemetery ; and beyond this, a fourth
of a mile from the ramparts, is an ancient Indian burial-ground, in a grove of small
trees on the verge of the river. In a grave that was opened there in the spiinij of
1H«0 was found the skeleton of a chief, bearing evidence that the body was Hm
wiupped in the hide of a bufl'alo, then swathed in birch-bark, and next deposited in a
board coffin. With the skeleton was found a sil-
ver gorget, on which was engraved a runnini,' deer,
also a line silver armlet (now in jiossession of tlio
writer) bearing the royal arms of England,' silver
ear-rings, and other trinkets. Near this burial-
ground was found, tlie year before, a silver imdal
giv(>n by the British government to Colonel .lolm
IJutler. It is known that Hutler and Sir John
.Johnson encamped, with the Iiidians from the Mo-
liawk Valley, on Carleton Island in 1775, when on
their M'ay to join the British at Montreal. The
medal w.is doubtless lost there at that time, and the chief who bore the armlet ami
gorget was probably one of the expedition, who perished there.
After partaking of some refreshments from the hands of Mrs. PlucKe and daujjh'er,
we re-embarked in our little boat at noon. The wind was blowing almost a gale
from the direction of Lake Ontario, bringing down waves that made the voyage a
dangerous one. At times, when in the trough, we could not see the land. Our oars-
man, a stout, resolute young man, labored faithfully, with the boat's bow up sticain,
but he could not make an inch of headway toward Cipe Vincent; so, alter heavy ex-
ertions and some anxiety, we were driven to the southern shore of the river, at a
point opposite our place of departure. There we abandoned the boat and stn.rted mi
foot for Cape Vincent, when we met a farmer, with his wagon and rick, going to lii-
field for hay. We hired him to take us to the Cape, and on soft, sweet dried "ii-
we lay and rested in the cool air to the end of the wagon journey. The reniaimki
of the afternoon was spent at the Capo in strolling about the little village, tor tin
river .was too rough to make a wished-for voyage to Grenadier Island either safo er
pleasant. There we met General W^illiam Estes, who was conspicuous in the " Patritt
War" in Canada in 1 838, and visited the dwelling of Dr. Webb, the kitchen part oi
which is the remnant of the house of Richard M. Esseltyne, which, with otherfs, wa-
destroyed by the British. In it an American was shot.
We lodged at Cape Vincent that night, and at five o'clock the next morning depnrti '
in a lake steamer for Clayton (French Creek), sixteen miles below, Avhere we lanli
and breakfasted at the "Walton House," kept by a son of William Johnston, known
among his British contemporaries in 1838 as "the Pirate of the Thousand Islands."
1 This armlet is little mare than ten Incbei In length and two and a half In width, and the ornamentntlon is emboswl
work. In addition to the royal arms is a trophy group, composed of helmet and cnirase, cnnnon, 8pear!<, and bannen,
the latter bearing the letters G. R., the monogram of the king ; and n group Inclosed within branches uf the olive ant
palm, composed of a crown resting upon a sword and sceptre crossed. These armlets, gorgets, and other silver onu-
ments were distributed freely among the Indian chiefs by the British government, as one of the means of secoringlW j
loyalty. The gorget was always sospended tram the neck, and rested npon the upper part of the breast.
OF THE WAK OF 1818.
Ml
on the HI. UwrcBcc.
e of a miliuiry
r to br'mi; awuy
cir.mm'yn liavi
re ubiiut iwi'uij
Iso ohimm-yH im
iwiir