Orrin W. June War of 1812 Collection
Back to 1812
1. 1788, SEPT. 1. A[lexander] J[ames] Dallas, Philadelphia.
To Stephen Chambers.
Receipt for subscription to Dallas’s Reports of cases…in the Supreme Court
of Pennsylvania…
D.S. 7 ¼ x 3 inches.
Printed form filled in.
Endorsed, "1 Sept. 1788. J. Dallas rect for part of my subscript for his
Reports".
Dallas was Secretary of the Treasury 1814 - 1816, as well as acting Secretary of War for a week in 1815. Earlier he had been a successful
lawyer in Philadelphia, with several legal publications to his credit.
2. 1795, JULY 29. W[illia]m H[enry] Harrison, Headquarters, Greenville, [Ohio]
The commissary will issue for the use of two men released from captivity with the Indians four pounds of beef and flour & two gills of whiskey.
A.N.S. On
scrap of paper 6 ¼ x 3 inches.
Early in his military career Harrison was aide de camp to General Anthony Wayne at the battle of Fallen Timbers and the
conclusion of the Treaty of Greenville.
3. 1797, MAR. 14. William Hull, Boston.
Rec. of Jones & Bass one hundred & ninety pounds 18/2 in full due on
sales dated 13th inst.
A.N.S. 7 x 3 inches.
Signature assumed to be that of General Hull, commander at Detroit.
4. 1802, APR. 5. J[ohn] Mason,
Geo[rge] Tow[n, D.C.].
To Gen[era]l Samuel Smith, [Washington, D.C.].
Urging immediate notarization of a document sent by Mason.
A.L.S. 1p. 8 ¾ x 7 ¼
inches.
Enclosure missing.
Addressed on verso: Genl. Samuel Smith m[ember of] Congress.
foot by Mr. P. Cates.
During the war as Commissioner for
Prisoners, Gen. Mason had a part in sending Francis Scott Key to negotiate for the exchange of a civilian prisoner during the bombardment of Ft. McHenry in
Sept., 1814. Key was detained over night by the British and watched the bombardment until "the dawn’s early light."
5. 1802, MAY 15. Th[omas] T. Tucker,
Washington, [D.C.].
To Samuel Bishop.
Treasurer of the United States acknowledges receipt of drafts on the Secretary of War which sums are passed to
Bishop’s credit.
A.L.S. 1p. 10 x 8 inches.
6. 1802, SEPT. 22. Capt. Geo[rge] Izard, West Point.
To General [Callender] Irvine, Superintendent [of]
Military Stores, Philadelphia.
Thanks for attention given to his request for drums. Asks that they be paid for and gives suggestions for distribution to
the companies in his battalion.
A.L.S. 2p. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
In 1814 as major general, Izard was in command of the troops in New York
State.
7. 180, OCT. 30. Bill of lading for goods shipped from Amsterdam to Stephen Dutilh,
Philadelphia.
D.S. 1p. 9 ½ x 6 inches. Printed form filled
in.
Endorsed, "Amstm 30 Oct. 1806. Sh: Speedwell. Thos Wills bill of lading for sundries, shipped by J.H. & I. Dutilh".
The sundries were mostly gin
and ‘naills’.
In the early stages of the Napoleonic wars American ships became the chief neutral carriers. The large volume of commerce brought great
prosperity to the central and northern seaboard cities until Napoleon’s decrees and the British Orders in Council closed practically every European port. This
cargo left Amsterdam less than a month before the first decree was issued in November, 1806.
7-A. 1810, DEC. 18. Presuming that no Question will be made as
to the Truth of the Facts stated in
the following interesting Affidavit, it is Reprinted, in order that the Public may see what a Game has been going on in
America for the Purpose of Crimping Sailors out of the British Navy; and the miserable Situation in which British Seamen are placed, who have the Misfortune of
falling into the Hands of American Crimps, or Masters of American Merchantmen. London, Printed by W. Winchester & son, [1811?].
Broadsheet. 24 ½ x 47
inches.
Reprints, in double column, affidavit of John Harrington, Joseph Armstrong and James Young, seized in New York and forced into American service.
This affidavit, dated New York, December 18, 1801, was sworn before Charles Christian and certified by Robert Macomb, August 1, 1811.
8. 1812, FEB.
15. W[illiam] Eustis, War Department, [Washington, D.C.]. To Col. Jonathan
Williams, Commandant, U.S. Engineers, Philadelphia.
Secretary of War asks the
Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army what additional fortifications will be needed for the defense of New York harbor.
A.L.S. 1p. 10 x 8 inches.
9. 1812,
MAR. 12. W[illiam]Eustis, [Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.]. To John M[ichael]
O’Conner [i.e., O’Connor], [City of New York].
Notifying O’Connor that
he has been commissioned first lieutenant of artillery.
D.S. 1p. 10 x 8 inches.
Printed form filled in.
Cover with address included.
O’Connor, whose name appears frequently among their papers, rose to be major of artillery and Assistant Adjutant General of the Northern Army before his
discharge in June, 1815. Six months later he was reinstated with the rank of captain. In 1817 he published his Treatise of the Science of War and
Fortification which was accepted by the War Department for use at West Point. (cf. Sidney Forman’s West Point, a History). There is a copy of the Treatise in
the June Collection. Letters show that he was in France in 1818 and 1820 and had been admitted to the École d’Application de l’Artillerie et du Génie at Metz.
(See no. 84). This was an advanced school usually open only to French officers graduated from the École Polytechnique in Paris. Whether he actually attended
the school is not clear. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, June 1, 1821.
10. 1812, MAR. 19. John M[ichael] O’Connor, New York. To
William Eustis, Secretary of War,
[Washington, D.C.].
Accepts commission as first lieutenant in artillery.
A. Cy. S. 1p. 8 ¾ x 7 ¼
inches.
11. 1812, APR. 30. [Lt. Col.] John Chrystie, New York. To Callender Irvine, [Superintendent of
Military Stores], Philadelphia.
In the
absence of Col. Schuyler, writes unofficially to ask quickest way to get tents and arms for the volunteers he is enlisting. Fears they will desert for want of
equipment and employment. Local election is proceeding quietly.
A.L.S. 1p. 10 x 8 inches.
Col. Peter Philip Schuyler was commanding officer of
Chrystie’s regiment, 13th Infantry of the Regular Army.
12. 1812, MAY 14. [Governor] Daniel D. Tompkins, Albany, [N.Y.]. To Lt. Col. [Christopher P.]
Bellinger, [Herkimer County].
Detailed instruction for handling assignment as commander of Black River Detachment (New York State Militia). No offensive
operations, only protect the frontier from invasion. Bank at Utica will provide funds up to 1,000 dollars.
L.S. 3p. 9 ¾ x 8 inches.
Endorsed,
"Letter Rec’d from Governor of State, May 14, 1812, at Herkimer". This letter is printed in Public Papers of Governor Tompkins (Military), v.2, p.
608-609.
13. 1812, JUNE 11. B[rigadier] Gen[era]l W[illia]m Hull, Urbana, [Ohio}.
Directs Quartermaster General Taylor to pay Wm. McGrew’s bill for
bricks received by Henry Hafer[?] to build ovens to provision the troops for march through the wilderness toward Detroit.
D.S. Scrap of paper 7 ¾ x 4
inches.
Written on both sides. Probably not personally signed by Hull.
14. 1812, JULY 20. John Armstrong, La Bergerie [near Barrytown], Dutchess Co.,
[N.Y.]. To
Governor [Daniel D.] Tompkins, Albany, [N.Y.].
Regrets that he has no place on his staff for Mr. McClean [McLean] unless given (as he expects)
a more important command. Will mention the young man to Mr. Eustis.
A.L.S. 1p. 10 x 7 ¾ inches.
Endorsed, "July 20, 1812. From General Armstrong to
the Com. in chief".
Armstrong had recently been commissioned brigadier general in the N.Y. State Militia, to be in charge of the defense of New York City.
In January, 1813, he succeeded William Eustis as Secretary of War. John McLean, Jr. was a private secretary to Gov. Tompkins, whose letter recommending him is
printed in the Governor’s Public Papers (Military), v.3, p. 33. McLean’s situation is explained on p. 20.
15. 1812, JULY 29. Geo[rge] Hosmer, Aid[e] de
camp, Niagara Frontier, [Lewiston, N.Y.?].
General orders. The quarter master general is ordered to procure for the use of the army on the Niagara
frontier, forty boats or batteaux and have same in readiness with the greatest dispatch. By order of the Major General [Dearborn].
A.D.S. 1p. 10 x 8
inches.
Endorsed, "Orders for the Quarter M. Genl. for bldg Boats".
See also no. 25.
16. 1812, AUG. 28. Ja[me]s Monroe, Secretary of State, Washington,
[D.C.].
Armed vessels of the U.S. are not to interrupt American owned ships coming from British ports carrying British merchandise in consequence of the
alleged repeal of the Orders in Council. Give aid and assistance to them so that ships and cargoes may be dealt with on arrival by competent authorities. By
command of the President.
Printed D.S. 1p. 10 x 7 ½ inches.
17. 1812, SEPT. 1. [Maj. Genl.] Stephen Van Rensselaer, General Headquarters, Lewiston,
[N.Y.].
To Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, [Albany, N.Y.].
Hull’s surrender has caused alarm in western New York and particularly in Chautauqua county. Has
had to send detachments to reassure the people. British appear to be gathering reinforcements at Ft. George. Soldiers under his command are becoming mutinous,
demanding pay and discharges. Like those in Col. Bellinger’s regiment.
L.S. 2p. 9 ½ x 8 inches.
Tipped in folder: Clipping from sales catalogue
describing and pricing this letter. For what may be the Governor’s response, see his Public Papers. Military., v.3, p. 108-112.
18. 1812, SEPT. 10. R. W.
Nelson, Poughkeepsie, [N.Y.]. To [Derick B.] Stockholm, [Richmond
Fort, Staten Island, N.Y.].
Personal letter about taking over Stockholm’s office while
he is in military service. Comments on progress of the war. Hull’s surrender a disgrace, but capture of the Guerriére an omen of ultimate success.
A.L.S. 2 ½p. 10 x 8 inches.
Stockholm is not listed as an officer in the New York State militia until 1814, when he was Adjutant of the 4th Artillery
Regiment, from Dutchess County. However, he must have already been in service with this or some other Dutchess County unit, as indicated in reference to
Governor Tompkins’ correspondence attached to the transcript of this letter.
19. 1812, SEPT 10. Morgan Lewis, Quartermaster General, Albany [N.Y.]. To
Gov[ernor] [Daniel]
Tompkins, [Albany].
Directions for moving and provisioning a small detachment such as Capt. Sizer’s company for the march [from Utica
to Sackets Harbor].
A.L.S. 1p. 10 x 8 inches.
The reply to Governor Tompkins’ letter (Public Papers [Military], 1807 – 1817, v.3, p. 112-113) that
this detachment must be moved faster than some others had been and asking how it will be done.
Endorsed, "General Lewis, 10 Sept. 1812".
Evidently
removed from its mounting in a letter book.
20. 1812, SEPT. 26. David Reid.
Receipted bill for a map of Ohio purchased by order of General Harrison and
for having same carried by an express from Dayton to Picqua.
D.S. 1p. 7 ½ x 5 3/8 inches.
Paid by Thomas Bodley, Q[uarter] M[aster] G[eneral],
[Kentucky] M[ilitia].
Endorsed, "no. 46, David Reid. 26 Sept. 1812. Map & Express Riding $7—
Harrison preparing for the winter campaign of 1812-13.
He had just been put in command of the Western Army and directed to defend the frontier and to recapture Detroit.
21. 1812, SEPT. 30. John Boynton,
Plattsburgh, [N.Y.].
Bill of sale for sloop "President" sold to the U.S. for $3,800, purchased per order of Morgan Lewis, Q[uarter] M[aster] Gen[eral].
D.S. 2p. (4 l) 10 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
Tipped in: Bill and receipt. Printed form filled in. Endorsed, "Bill of Sale of the Sloop President. Jno Boynton,
Sept. 30, 1812".
One of the three armed sloops that formed the entire U.S. naval force on Lake Champlain as late as June, 1813. In Sept. 1814 it was
still there, but judged unserviceable and not used in the battle. (A. T. Mahan, Sea power in relation to the War of 1812).
22. 1812, OCT. 4. W[illiam]
Eustis, War Department, [Washington, D.C.]. To Major General
Henry Dearborn, Albany, [N.Y.].
Secretary of War replies to Dearborn’s letters of Sept. 28 &
29. Paymaster will send funds. Blank commissions lost in mail will be replaced. Refers to enclosure now missing. Supposes Dearborn has given necessary
orders to General [Stephen] Van Rensselaer.
L.S. 1p. 9 ¾ x 7 ½ inches.
Endorsed, "From Wm. Eustis, Octor 4, 1812. Concg volunteer commissions.
Genl. Van Ranssalear. Recd. Octo. 10, 1812".
23. 1812, OCT. 7. Richard Rush, Comptroller’s Office, Treasury Department, [Washington, D.C.].
To [Walter
Bradley, Fairfield, Conn.].
Form letter. Collectors of customs directed to search all vessels, foreign and domestic, for provisions going to Canada in
violation of Trading with the enemy act.
Printed letter, signed. 1p. (2 l.) 9 ½ x 7 ¾ inches.
Endorsed, "Comptroller of Treasury, Recd. Oct. 12, 1812.
Concerning Trade with the Enemy".
23-A. 1812, [OCT. 15?]. B[rigadier] Gen[eral] J[ames] Winchester, Com[manding] L[eft] W[ing]
N[orth] W[est] Army, Camp
Defiance, [Ohio]. To Col. [Robert] Pogue, Jennings’ Blockhouse.
Supplements an earlier accompanying letter. Directs Pogue to widen road from the
blockhouse to the Tawa [Ottawa] village.
A.L.S. 1p. 12 ½ x 7 ¾ inches.
Dated with year only, but references in Winchester’s Historical Details indicate
mid-October. The accompanying letter is missing.
24. 1812, OCT. 29. [Dr.] Stephen Wood, Camp at St. Mary, [Auglaize Co., Ohio]. To Genl. [John
S.] Gano,
[Cincinnati].
Reports on activities since last letter. Requests leave to go home when army assembles at Maumee Rapids in late November. One reason, to
assist in holding court. Is certain no fighting will begin before January and he can be back on duty before that.
A.L.S. 1p. 9 ¾ x 8 inches.
Endorsed,
"Stepn Wood to Gen. Gano".
Wood is designated Surgeon of the 1st Division, Ohio Militia, in Gen. Gano’s mobilization order of Aug. 15, 1812. His practice
of medicine was only one (apparently minor) of many activities, for the professional designation is often omitted. He appears as partner of Gen. Gano in
mercantile ventures, held many public offices, including terms in both houses of the Ohio General Assembly. In the law, he progressed from justice of the peace
to an associate judgeship of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas, which position he held at this time.
25. 1812, NOV. 9. Peter B. Porter, Q[uarter]
M[aster] Gen[eral] of the State of New York.
By request of Major General Stephen Van Rensselaer, appoints Samuel Ward, Thomas Colburn & William Eastman to
appraise value of a boat belonging to Erastus Park, taken from Lewiston by troops crossing to Queenston Oct. 13 and destroyed by the enemy. Appraisers agree on
$300. Verso: Park’s receipted bill and Porter’s notation to pay as soon as he can find funds.
D.S. 2p. 12 ¼ x 17 ¾ inches.
Seizure of private boats
indicates the desperate need for more than had been provided in response to the order of July 29 (no. 15). Several of these had been lost in the treacherous
eddies of the Niagara River below the Falls.
26. 1812, NOV. 25. Lieut. Tho[mas] S. Jesup.
Bill, certification and receipt for travelling expenses as
bearer of dispatches to and from General Harrison’s headquarters at Franklinton, [Ohio} during October & November, 1812.
D.S. 1p. 11 ¾ x 8 inches.
Endorsed, "Thos. S. Jesup’s A.J.C. $8.31¼ Nov. 25th 1812. Express".
During the campaign of 1812 Jesup had served as brigade major and adjutant
general under General Hull. He was captured during the surrender of Detroit but soon exchanged. After an interlude in services such as the above, he was
promoted captain and assigned to the important task indicated by no. 29.
27. 1813, MAR. 2. Lt. Col.] John Chrystie, Cana[n]daigua, [N.Y.]. To Callender
Irvine,
Commissary General, Philadelphia.
Has just come here to take charge of recruiting, which goes well. Sends, with apologies for delay, money he
owes to Irvine and Dr. LeBar[r]on. Asks to be remembered to Col. [William?] Duane to whom he is also in debt.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.) 10 ¼ x 8
inches.
28. 1813, MAR. 14. Major General William Henry Harrison, Franklinton, [Ohio]. To
Quartermaster’s Department, North-western Army.
Receipted
bill for transportation allowance used in going about the state on military business during November and December, 1812. Total $114.
D.S. 1p. 8 ¼ x 6 ¾
inches. Printed form filled in.
Endorsed, "William H. Harrison, March 14, 1813. $114—no. 186."
Laid in: Small engraved portrait of Harrison. 7 ¼ x 5
½ inches.
29. 1813, MAR. 16. John Armstrong, [Secretary of War], War Department, [Washington, D.C.]. To
Capt. [Thomas S.] Jesup, Cleaveland [sic],
[Ohio].
$10,000 deposited in Pittsburgh for purchase & building of boats on Lake Erie. More available when this amount is spent.
A.L.S. 1p. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾
inches.
Endorsed, "Letter from the Hon. Secy of War, 16th March, 1813."
This is the original letter. A copy is in the War Department files.
Jesup
built the fleet of troop transports which carried Harrison’s army of 4,500 men across to the Canadian shore as soon as Perry’s victory had given the United
States control of Lake Erie. The full story of Jesup’s achievement is told by Howard S. Miller and Jack A. Clarke in their article "Ships in the Wilderness, a
Note on the Invasion of Canada, 1813", Ohio History, 71 (July, 1962), 124-128.
30. 1813, MAR. 22. [President] James Madison, Washington, [D.C.]. To [St.
George Tucker,
Williamsburg, Virginia].
Will discuss with the Secretary of the Navy Tucker’s information about depredations of British fleet in Chesapeake
Bay. Comments on British attacks on southern rather than northern states. No information as to Harrison’s present operations in the West nor news from
campaign in northern New York. Will be glad to receive model of Tucker’s telegraph.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.) 10 x 8 inches.
Addressed with Madison’s
personal frank.
At bottom, note in Tucker’s hand, "Ansd. March 26 & sent a model of my Telegraph with explanations &c." Endorsed, "Mr. Madison, March 22d
1813. Ansd. March 26th. Se Memo within."
Laid in: A photocopy of Tucker’s letter of Mar. 19, to which this the reply. Also covering letter from the
editor of James Madison Papers (1965) sending the photocopy and indicating that the [Oberlin] Madison letter is not among the manuscripts in their possession.
Thanks for a copy of it sent to them.
31. 1813, MAR. 26. Brigadier Gen[era]l James McComb [15th Brigade, Pennsylvania Militia].
Approves payment of a
bill for rations and forage furnished by John McAnulty to a company per order of Lt. Col. David Fulton [i.e. Fullerton], Sept. 28 & 29, [1812].
A.N.S. on
verso of bill. 1p. 7 ¾ x 5 ¼ inches.
32. 1813, MAR. 29. John Meiggs, Mill Prison, near Plymouth, England. To Messrs. Steven, Jumel
& Co., Pearle
Street, New York, U.S. [sic].
Second mate of the schooner "Gold Coiner" sends careful report of the pursuit and capture of his ship by the British brig Lyra
and the whereabouts of the rest of the officers and crew. News of arrival of crews of other captured ships, the "Cannonaire", the "Dick" and two not named.
Reports certain defects in the schooner’s equipment and the efforts of the crew to repair them soon after they left New York. Mentions parole privileges and
food allowances provided by prison. must smuggle letter out by an old acquaintance "as all letters is prohibited."
A.L.S. 2p. 12 ¼ x 7 ½ inches.
Probably entrusted to some departing prisoner, the letter was some time reaching the United States. Postmarked at Boston on July 31, 1813.
Stephen Jumel,
for who this letter was intended, was a prominent New York merchant and ship owner. The "Gold Coiner" and possibly the two other ships named must have belonged
to him. Meiggs, evidently an old sea-hand, gives his employer a business-like account of the fate of his vessel. Unlike Neil McKinnon who wrote no. 59 from
Dartmoor Prison, he makes no appeal for money, sympathy, or release.
33. 1813, MAR. 31. Bill for wood supplied to Capt. Thomas Goodrich’s company of the
108
regiment of New York State Militia. Vendor’s name illegible. Approved by Samuel Watson, Quartermaster, Major Calvin Britain and Brigadier General Jacob
Brown.
D.S. 1p. 9 x 8 inches.
On verso: The D[eputy] Q[uarter] M[aster] Gen[eral] will please to Discharge the Within account. [Signature
illegible]
The 108th Regiment, New York State Militia was from Jefferson Co. (cf. Military Minutes of the Council of Appointment of the State of New York.
v.2, pp. 1079, 1350, 1397).
34. 1813, APR. 15. [Brigadier General] Z[ebulon] M. Pike, Sackets Harbor, [N.Y.]. To Lt. Col.
John Chrystie,
Canandaigua, [N.Y.].
Understands that Gen. Chandler intends the recruits mentioned in Chrystie’s letter to join Chrystie’s regiment. In Winder’s brigade?
Prays for successful expedition against Montreal. "Canada is ours notwithstanding the Embassy of Mr. Gallatin" [to discuss Russian offer of mediation].
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ¾ x 8 inches.
Forwarded from Canandaigua to Buffalo, this letter may not have reached Chrystie before Pike’s death on April 27.
Laid in: Small portrait of Pike, with hand-written obituary and poetical quotation. On verso: "The Pike letter and this print came to me from the Christie
[sic] family."
35. 1813, MAY 8. Col. A[bimael] Y[oungs] Nicoll, Fort McHenry, [Baltimore]. To Gen[era]l
Samuel Smith, [Baltimore].
Due consideration
will be given to Smith’s letter. Will make every effort to arrange proper defense, as directed by the Secretary of War.
A.L.S. 1p. 9 ½ x 7 ¾ inches.
Cover separate.
Endorsed, "R. Y. Nicolls [sic] Fort McHenry, May 8, 1813".
Pencilled note on cover, "A new commander at Ft. McHenry reporting to Major
Gen. Samuel Smith".
36. 1813, JUNE 8. [Mrs.] N[ellie] C[onway] Willis, Orange [County, Virginia]. To [Mrs. Dolly P.
Madison, Washington].
Family
news, troubles with Dr. Bogue[?], Perrin [Willis]. Daughter Mary has been seriously ill but now recovering. Asks for news of other relatives. Glad to learn
of some war victories, but sad at loss of the Chesapeake.
A.L.S. 4p. 9 ¾ x 8 inches.
Writer President Madison’s favorite niece to whom he made a
special bequest in his will.
37. 1813, JUNE 19. [General] P[eter] B. Porter, Niagara Falls [N.Y.]. To [Major General Henry
Dearborn, Headquarters, Fort
George, N.Y.].
Friendly Canadians, crossing to the U.S. shore, report enemy cruelties to inhabitants of Lundy’s Lane near Chippewa, forcing parolees back
into the British army, etc.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ½ x 7 ¼ inches.
Endorsed, "Genl. Porter to Genl. Dearborn, Niagara Falls. June 19, 1813. Stating
that the Enemy were exercising violence toward the inhabitants at Chippewa & that they escaped over to our shore".
38. 1813, JUNE 23. Lieut. Joseph
Henderson, Milton, [Pa.]
Issues clothing to Nicholas[?] Van Laer[?], who signs the receipt.
D.S. 1p. 8 x 4 inches.
Printed form filled in,
revisions in ink indicating changes from winter to summer equipment.
Probably a company of the 22d Infantry.
39. 1813, JUNE 30. Capt. P[hilip] B[owes]
V[ere] Broke, commanding H.M.S. Shannon. To the
Director of the Chest at Greenwich, [England].
Certifying that a member of the Shannon’s crew had been
wounded in service during the engagement with the United States frigate Chesapeake. Detailed description of the seaman and his injuries, signed by captain and
three other ship’s officers.
D.S. 1p. 5 ½ x 5 ¾ inches.
Printed form filled in.
40. 1813, JULY 6. Quartermaster’s Department, North Western Army,
Upper Sandusky, [Ohio].
Col. John C. Bartlett, Quartermaster General.
Receipted bill of Tuhutatiah, a Wyandot Indian, for helping to lay out a road from
Upper Sandusky to Fort Findlay.
D.S. (Tuhutatiah’s mark & two witnesses). 1p. 7 ¾ x 5 inches.
41. 1813, JULY 7. [Col.] William Duane, [Adjutant
General, 4th Military District], Philadelphia.
To [Col. Jonas] Simonds, [6th Infantry Regiment].
Comments on bad behavior of recruits concentrated at
Fort Mifflin. An artillery company will be made up from them, but any withdrawn from Simonds’ regiment will be replaced and more officers added to the three he
has left. The prospect of friction between Wilkinson and Hampton, Dearborn’s illness and the death of Pike combine to delay war’s progress in the north.
Difficulties in getting his [Duane’s] appointment as Adjutant General approved by Congress increased by intrigues of Dallas and others.
A.L.S. 3p. 10 x 8
inches.
The tone of this letter indicates the justice of Jefferson’s appraisal of Duane, "His passions are stronger than his prudence and his personal as
well as his general antipathies render him very intolerant." (DAB).
42. 1813, JULY 15. Z[ebulon] R. Shipherd, Wash[ingto]n. To Messers Webster & Skinner,
[Albany, N.Y.].
Congressman writes to constitutents of expected attack on Washington by British fleet. City unprotected and disorganized. Gives status
of bills in which constitutents are interested.
A.L.S. 2p. 10 x 7 ¾ inches.
Writer was father of John J. Shipherd, co-founder of Oberlin
College.
43. 1813, JULY 30. Quartermaster’s Department, North Western Army, Camp Lower Senecatown,
[Ohio]. John C. Bartlet[t], Quartermaster General.
Receipted bill of John Cairnes for one horse to serve as an express horse at Camp Senecatown. Price $45.
D.S. (John Cairnes his mark and Joseph Payne
witness). 1p. 8 x 7 inches.
Printed form filled in.
Bartlett’s name written in over printed name of James Morrison as Deputy Quartermaster
General.
44. 1813, SEPT. 18. [Capt.] B[enjamin] Gardner, A[ssistant] D[eputy] Q[uarter] M[aster] Gen[era]l,
Franklinton, [Ohio]. To R[eturn] J[onathan]
Meigs, Governor of Ohio.
Asking permission to enlist into the U.S. Quartermaster Corps about 150 men of the Ohio Militia now encamped nearby.
A. Cy.
S. 1p. 10 ¾ x 8 inches.
Copy evidently made and signed by Robert Barton, Aide de Camp, as Capt. Gardner’s name appears as Gardiner.
45. 1813, SEPT.
25. B[enjamin] S. Chambers, Q[uarter] M[aster], [3d] R[egiment, Kentucky]
M[ounted] V[olunteers], Camp Meigs, [Ohio].
Receipt for ammunition wagons and
ammunition issued by Capt. James McCloskey, A.D.Q.M.G. to Col. R. M. Johnston’s [i.e., Johnson’s] regiment on their march to Detroit.
D.S. 1p. 10 x 8
inches.
Both signed duplicates present.
Endorsed, "B. S. Chambers QMMRV Receipt for 2 ammunition wagons & amunition, Sept. 25."
46. 1813, OCT.
26. Seneca Turnpike Company (Gate no. 7, Palmer Cady, Tolgatherer [sic]),
[Auburn, N.Y.?].
Receipted bill for passage of teams, artillery, officers’
horses, etc. of Colonel Winfield Scott’s regiment.
D.S. 1p. 8 x 6 ¼ inches.
Authorization for Capt. John B. Hogan, Asst. Deputy Quartermaster General
to pay $11.18 ½, signed W. Scott, Col. Comg.
Scott was on his way from the Niagara frontier to join Gen. Wilkinson’s forces at Ogdensburg,
N.Y.
47. 1813, NOV. 9. Thomas Barclay, his Britannic Majesty’s agent for the relief of British subjects
detained in the United States of America and for
carrying on exchanges of prisoners of war, New York.
Certifies that William K. Britt of the American vessel "Crownprince", at present on parole, is duly
exchanged.
D.S.s. 1p. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
Printed form filled in.
Royal coat of arms at head.
Seal in lower corner.
48. 1813, NOV. 9. Thomas
Barclay, his Britannic Majesty’s agent for the relief of British subjects
detained in the United States of America and for carrying on exchanges of prisoners
of war, New York.
Certifies that John Shepperd of the American vessel "Freeman", at present on parole, is duly exchanged.
D.S.s. 1p. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾
inches.
Printed form filled in.
Royal coat of arms at head.
Seal in lower corner.
49. 1813, NOV. 15. Capt. J[acob] Catterlin, U[pper] Sandusky,
[Ohio]. To Major Gen[era]l [John
S.] Gano, [Lower Sandusky, Ohio].
Detailed complaint of the wretched treatment of the sick at this post. Partly due to
lack of hospital stores but more to the unskillfulness and neglect of the surgeon.
L.S. 1p. 12 ½ x 7 ½ inches.
Variously endorsed, "Capt. Catterlin,
Nov. 15, 1813"; "Capt. Catterton to Gen: Gano".
Franked, "Public Service J Catterline, Capt. Commg. U. Sandusky".
Comments on the various spellings
of the name accompany the transcript of this letter filed with the original.
50. 1814, JAN. 10. RECRUITING! Appeal for enlistments in the service for five
years or war’s
duration, open to any number of young men. Bounty, pay, etc. outlined. Application to be made to Daniel George, [1st] Lieutenant, U.S.
Infantry.
Broadside. 8 x 6 ¼ inches.
No place named but since George’s regiment of volunteers was from Maine and New Hampshire, the broadside was
probably displayed throughout that area.
51. 1814, JAN. 14. Jonathan Carleton, [Paymaster, 1st Regiment, Ohio Militia], Fort Meigs, [Ohio].
To Maj[or]
Gen[era]l J[ohn S. Gano, Lower Sandusky, [Ohio].
Illness has hindered performance of his duties, but he will get troops all paid shortly. Reports on
illness of other members of the post.
A.L.S. 1 ½p. 12 ½ x 7 ½ inches.
Endorsed, "P. M. Carleton to Gen. Gano."
52. 1814, FEB. 7. John Quincy
Adams, [St. Petersburg]. To [Levett Harris, American Consul
General, St. Petersburg].
Sending a letter to be forwarded to the United States "by the first
safe opportunity."
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ½ x 7 ½ inches.
Endorsed by Harris, "John Quincy Adams, St. Petersburg, 7 Feby, 1814. Recd. just before my
departure to join Messrs. Gallatin & Bayard at Berlin & London."
The letter to be forwarded was probably to Mrs. Abigail Adams. (cf. Writings, ed. W.C.
Ford, v.5, p. 19).
Laid in: Clipping from a sales catalogue describing and pricing this letter.
53. 1814, MAR. 6. E[lijah] Brigham, Washington,
[D.C.]. To H[enry] D[ana] Ward, [Columbia,
South Carolina].
British overtures toward peace received but Congress prepares for vigorous prosecution of
war. Large appropriations for army and navy. Much party dissension and little harmony throughout the country. Hopes Clay and Russell can negotiate peace at
Gotenberg. Encloses letter from Ward’s sister. News of family and friends. Ward’s brother Arte[mas, Jr.] made long but sensible speech in the House [of
Representatives].
A.L.S. 2p. 10 x 7 ½ inches.
Enclosure missing.
Endorsed, "Hon. E. Brigham, Washington city, March 6, 1814". "Died in Washington,
1816."
Brigham was a Federalist Representative from Massachusetts 1811-1816 and like most of his party opposed the war and the administration’s conduct of
it. He was one of the thirty-four Congressmen who issued the anti-war "Address to their Constituents on the War with Great Britain" of which there are copies
in the June Collection. The Wards were sons of the famous Revolutionary general, Artemas Ward. (Family relationships from Charles Martyn’s Life of Artemas
Ward, the First Commander-in-Chief of the American Revolution. 1921. Ch. 15)
54. 1814, MAR. 26. [Commander] Isaac Hull, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New
Hampshire. To Hon.
Jeremiah Mason, [Washington, D.C.].
Urges strengthening of fortifications of Portsmouth harbor against expected increase in British
naval activity. Col. Walbach can give complete information.
L.S. 2p. (2 l.). 9 ¾ x 8 inches.
Endorsed, "Comd. I. Hull, March 26, 1814.
55. 1814,
APR. 9. Ira Whitaker, Batavia, [N.Y.]. To [Mr. and] Mrs. David Whitaker, [Windsor,
Vermont].
Quaintly spelled letter to parents from a temporary stop in
the ‘hollon purchase’ on the way to ‘foart Niagary" after a 19 day march from Sackets Harbor. Rumor is that recruiting has been stopped, that there will be a
six months armistice.
AL.S. 1p. (1 ½ l.). 13 x 8 inches.
56. 1814, APR. 15. G[eorge] W[ashington] Campbell, Secretary of the Treasury, [Washington,
D.C.].
Printed circular notifying customs collectors of the repeal of the Embargo Act, of Dec. 17, 1813.
D.S. 1p. 12 ¾ x 7 ½ inches.
Addressed to
Collector of New Haven, [Conn.?]
Text of the act of repeal included.
57. 1814, JUNE 28. John M[ichael] O’Connor, Headquarters, Left Wing of the
Northern Army,
Plattsburg, [N.Y.]. To J[ohn] Armstrong, Secretary of War, Washington, [D.C.].
Accepts appointment as Assistant Adjutant General. Has
reported to Major General Izard as directed.
A. Df. S. 1p. 13 ½ x 8 inches.
Written on cover of a letter franked to Major O’Connor by Robert Brent, Adj.
& Inspc. Gen’l Office.
Endorsed in O’Connor’s hand, "Letter of Appointment as Asstt Adjtnt". In another hand appears an endorsement, "Jas Mott, Monmouth, N
J".
58. 1814, JUNE 30. Richard Cutts, Sup[erintenden]t Gen[era]l of Mil[itary] Supplies, Washington,
D.C.]. To Capt. John M[ichael] O’Connor, New
York.
Returns of public stores received and issued by O’Connor as Quartermaster of 3d Regiment of Artillery, Sept. 1812 – Oct. 1813 are correct.
L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 10 x 8 inches.
Readdressed from no. 64 Pearl St., New York to Plattsburg, N.Y. Endorsed by O’Connor, "Richard Cutts, Superintendent Genl.
War dept. Washington 30 June 1814. This Letter acknowledges Receipt of & adjusts my a/cs for Stores &c received & issued as Qr Mas 3 Arty".
58-A. 1814,
AUG. 1. Pennsylvania. Governor. (William Findlay), Harrisburg.
Commission of Elias S. Mathewson of Bradford County, as captain in the Pennsylvania
Militia.
D.S. 1p. 15 ¾ x 12 ½ inches.
Printed form filled in.
Mathewson’s company was part of the 9th division, from Lycoming, Potter, M’Kean,
Bradford and Tioga counties.
58-B. 1814, SEPT. 26. U.S. President. (Madison).
Message transmitting a correspondence between Admiral Cochrane and the
Secretary of State [Monroe] in relation to an order of the former to destroy and lay waste the towns on the coasts of the Untied States. Washington, Printed by
Roger Weightman, 1814.
Printed pamphlet. 8p. 8 ¼ x 4 ¾ inches.
"Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations."
This is the same as the missing
enclosure mentioned in no. 61. (American State Papers. Foreign Relations, v.3, p. 693-694).
59. 1814, SEPT. 30. Niel A. McKinnon, Depot for Prisoners of
War, Dartmoor, Eng[land]. To John
L. Lawrence, [Secretary, American Legation, Ghent, Flanders].
Captured while captain of marines on the privateer
Hussar. Sent to Halifax and then to England. Mutiny on board transport on the way to England severely punished. Maltreatment has injured his health. His
clothing stolen, he suffers from cold as well as hunger. Asks for money which his father will repay.
A.L.S. 2p. (2 l.). 8 ¾ x 7 ¼ inches.
Endorsed,
"Niel A. McKinnon. Dated Sept. 30, 1814. Recd. Nov. 5, 1814".
60. 1814, OCT. 3. John Quincy Adams, Ghent. To Thomas M. Jones, [Chez Devat & Coie,
Calais].
Concerning William Tudor and the difficulty of finding passage for him back to the United States.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ¼ x 7 ¾ inches.
Overleaf: Jones writes to Tudor in similar strain, also personal gossip, news of other Americans abroad, and forwards letter to him, addressed to Samuel
Williams, 13 Finsbury Square, London.
61. 1814, OCT. 3. Ja[me]s Monroe, Department of State, [Washington, D.C.]. To William H[arris]
Crawford, [American
Minister, Paris].
Sends duplicate copies of correspondence mislaid during the late invasion. Comments caustically on the destruction of Washington and the
general attitude of the British government. Enclosures include a copy of his correspondence with Admiral Cochrane regarding laying waste the coast of the
United States.
L.S. 2p. 12 ½ x 9 inches.
Enclosures are all missing, but no. 58-B is probably the same as the one mentioned.
Endorsed, "Mr. Monroe,
3d Oct., 1814".
62. 1814, OCT. 21. Ferman Phillips, Stokes County, North Carolina.
Enlistment record. Five years as volunteer in the United States
Army.
D.S. (Ferman Phillips, his mark, et al.). 1p. 10 x 8 inches.
Phillips does not sign the receipt for bounty money.
Printed form filled in.
Endorsed, "Ferman Phillips. Suspend 60 $ no witness".
63. 1814, OCT. 24. Major I[saac] D. Barnard, Camp Erie, U[pper] C[anada]. To W[illiam] H.
Dillingham, [Philadelphia].
Account of the battle with the British at Lyon’s Creek. Expects soon to go into winter quarters, perhaps in Canada. Encloses
copy of general orders praising his regiment [the 14th Infantry].
A.L.S. 3p. 7 ¾ x 6 ½ inches.
Enclosure missing. Endorsed, "Maj. Barnard, Oct. 14,
1814, Lyon’s Creek fight".
64. 1814, NOV. 10. Capt. James Cook’s Company of Light Dragoons, [Third Regiment, New Jersey
Detached Militia].
Muster
roll as of that date.
Document, unsigned. 1p. 13 x 7 ¾ inches.
Overleaf: "Captain Cook’s company…according to the within roll…discharged…W[illia]m
Colfax, B[rigadier] Gen[era]l. Jersey City, 5th Dec. 1814".
This muster roll differs slightly from that in The Record of Officers and Men of New Jersey in
Wars, 1791-1815, [pt. 5], p. 92-93. (New Jersey Adjutant-General’s office, 1909).
65. 1814, NOV. 16. Rufus King, Washington, [D.C.]. To Governor [Daniel
D.] Tompkins, [Albany,
N.Y.].
Enclosing a list of nominations [for the militia] in the state of New York. Remarks concerning the officers of the 27th
Regiment confidential. If Mr. Romain [sic] Quartermaster General [of the 3rd district] is to be removed, correct information about Mr. J. Post should be
obtained. Loss of papers in the War Office prevents Senate from receiving recommendations.
A.L.S. 3p. 10 x 8 inches.
Endorsed, "From Mr. King, Nov.
16, 1814. Entd. fol. 273. Examined. Answered 26 Nov. 1814".
Enclosure missing.
Laid in: Small engraved portrait of King after Gilbert Stuart.
King was Senator from New York, 1812-1825. The autograph is printed.
The regiment referred to is the 27th Infantry, composed of New York volunteers.
Governor Tompkins replies in detail, generally agreeing with the Senator’s appraisals. Knows only Justus Post, of whom he approves. (Public Papers
(Military). v. 3, p. 603-605).
66. [1815, JAN. 17?] [Major General Andrew Jackson, Camp Jackson, Louisiana]. To [Captain
Thomas L. Butler?].
Write Governor Claibourne to Send a reinforcement to Colo [sic] Morgan Chefmountour [Chef Menteur] of two hundred men or two hundred & fifty – and I would
request that the Governor accompany this reinforcement – any Troops that can be spared from Genl Villerys encampment may be taken. This reinforcement will
march with two days rations – and their Baggage follow.
A.N. unsigned & undated. 1p. 12 ½ x 7 ¾ inches.
In Jackson’s hand on the cover of a
communication from Morgan endorsed as if written on Jan. 16. Probably handed to Jackson’s aide Capt. Thomas L. Butler (later Brevet Major) who often wrote out
the General’s orders. The British has already begun to withdraw. Jackson had put Governor Claibourne in command on the right bank and ordered General Morgan
to prepare to advance and harass the enemy on his retreat. (cf. A.L. Latour. Historical Memoir of the War in West Florida and Louisiana, 1816. p. 187). This
note seems related to such a troop movement.
67. 1815, FEB. 5. North Carolina Militia, 1st Regiment. Camp Portsmouth, Norfolk, [Virginia?].
Honorable
discharge of a substitute [name illegible] after a tour of four months and six days.
D.S. 1p. 6 ½ x 3 ½ inches.
Printed form filled in. All signatures
illegible.
68. 1815, FEB. 12. True American Extra. [New York?]
PEACE. Reprinting at 2 o’clock, P.M. on Sunday, the announcement from the New York
Gazette of the evening before. Arrival of Henry Carroll, Esq., on the British sloop "Favorite", bringing a copy of the peace treaty.
Broadside. 9 ¾ X 7 ¼
inches.
Incorrectly dated 1814 in ink. "Peace with England" written on both sides. Some words affected by torn left margin.
69. 1815, FEB. 13. PEACE
SIGNED. The Reporter, Brattleboro’, [Vermont], reprinting at 9
o’clock, P.M., a handbill received from the [Albany, N.Y.] Argus, announcing the signing of
the treaty and the arrival of messengers with copies.
Broadside. 8 7/8 x 5 ¾ inches.
70. 1815, FEB. 18. J[ame]s Barbour, Wash[ingto]n, [D.C.]. To
[Spencer Roane and Francis T.
Brooke, Richmond, Virginia].
Treaty of peace ratified unanimously by the Senate, though opponents accompanied their assent
with "groans and indulgence of feelings of spleen and hostility."
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 10 x 8 inches.
Endorsed, "Jas. Barbr. Feb. 18, ’15. Treaty unan.
ratified".
James Barbour was a senator from Virginia at this time. Roane and Brooke were distinguished members of the Virginia bar.
71. 1815, FEB.
25 – MAR. 12. [Lady Augusta D’Ameland (née Murray)], Ramsgate,
[England]. To [Lt. Augustus Frederick d’Este, aide de camp to General Sir John Lambert at the
Battle of New Orleans].
Disturbed by rumors of a battle at New Orleans and fearful for her son’s safety, sends a series of almost daily jottings. Begins in
despair but on learning that he is unharmed and on his way to England, changes to a curious disjointed mixture: reproaches that he has not written to her
(instead of to his sister); London gossip; speculations as to a rumor that a change in the dynastic laws might permit d’Este’s succession to the throne of
Hanover and recognition as a member of the royal family; investigation in the House of Lords of a letter she had written to the Czar of Russia; anger at her
non-recognition as Duchess of Sussex; Napolean’s escape from Elba, etc., etc.
A.L.S. 10p. 9 x 7 ½ inches.
For an enclosure, see the next
entry.
72. 1815, MAR. 12. Emma Augusta [d’Este], Ramsgate, [England]. To [Lt. Augustus Frederick
d’Este].
Hasty note to her brother giving much the
same news as her mother. Thankful for his safety and proud of good reports of his behavior in battle at New Orleans.
A.L.S. 3p. 7 ¼ x 4 ½ inches.
Sealed and addressed on verso, "His Royal Highness Prince Augustus Frederick".
The history and status of the d’Estes and the legality of Lady Augusta’s
marriage to a younger son of George III are discussed in excerpts from the Dictionary of National Biography filed with the transcript of letter no.
71.
73. 1815, APR. 27. Robert Brent, P[ay] M[aster], U.S. Army, Wash[ington, D.C.]. To Governor
Isaac Shelby, Frankfort, Kentucky.
Answering
complaint about payment of troops [Kentucky militia] in Treasury notes which are discounted for interest due. Regrets he can do nothing to change arrangement,
but suggests that Major Voorhies [District paymaster] has a plan. Congressional appropriation will barely pay for the standing army to be retained and Brent
may be unable to satisfy the claims of all the militia.
A.L.S. 4p. 10 7/8 x 7 ¾ inches.
74. 1815, AUG. 19. [Lt. Col.] R[obert] H. Macpherson,
Alexandria, [Virginia]. To [Major John
Michael O’Connor, New York].
Like O’Connor he is anxious to find gainful employment in civilian life. Recently
discharged army men are quite properly dissatisfied with the rewards of service but by pressing demands too violently are antagonizing Congress. Diplomatic
approach is needed. Proposes that O’Connor prepare series of articles for newspapers throughout the country stating with dignity, "solidity of reflection and
manliness of sentiment", the justice of their claims. Compare army with navy (duly praising the latter) but at the same time, show the advantages of navy men,
who have so many sources of extra income – prize money, gifts by public subscription, etc., which never come to the land forces.
A.L.S. 3p. 9 5/8 x 8
inches.
At head of p. 1, "Direct to me at this place & destroy this after reading it."
Addressed: Major J.M. O’Connor, Late of the Army, in care of
Captain Van Deventer, City of New York.
Endorsed, "Recd 23 Aug. Ansd 24 (declined proposition)".
75. 1815, AUG. 22. Th[omas] T. Tucker, Treasurer of
the United States, Washington, [D.C.]. To
Major J[ohn] M[ichael] O’Connor, [New York].
Enclosing draft for the amount of a warrant issued by the
Secretary of War.
D.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ½ x 7 ¾ inches.
Printed form filled in, but personal greetings from Tucker and "the ladies" written at bottom.
Endorsed, "Treasurer of the United States, 22 August, 1815, Thos T. Tucker, Treasurer. Recd 26th Augt. Ansd 26".
76. 1815, SEPT. 19. William Napier,
Belfast, [Ireland]. To [C. Birnie, Bear Branch, America]. [!]
Personal letter apparently to be taken by a fellow townsman intending to visit Birnie.
Concerns only property matters, some family news and general comment on conditions in Belfast and northern Ireland in 1815.
A.L.S. 3p. 9 x 7 ¼ inches.
Evidently delivered, for it is endorsed, "Belfast 19th Sept. 1815. Wm. Napier". Several places called Bear Branch appear in early gazetteers, but the one in
Indiana, north of Madison, not far from the Ohio River, seems the most likely, being in the path of after-the-war settlement and the most easily reached from
the Atlantic seaboard.
77. 1815, OCT. 10. W[illiam] Morrill, Alexandria, [Virginia]. To [John Colby, Salisbury,
Massachusetts].
Vivid description of
the city of Washington a year after its destruction by the British. A postscript mentions symptoms of recovery and the great rise in real estate values since
the peace. A second p.s. inquires for news of the [ship?] Echo.
A.L.S. 4p. 10 x 8 inches.
78. 1815, NOV. 26. A[lexander] J[ames] Dallas, [Washington,
D.C.]. To J[ohn] M[ichael]
O’Connor, 101 Greenwich St., New York.
Has sent O’Connor’s letter of [Nov.] 23d to the Secretary of War.
A.N.S. 1p. (2
l.). 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
Endorsed, "A.J. Dallas, Secy of Treasury, 26 Nov., 1815".
79. 1815, DEC. 15. North Carolina. Legislature. House of Commons.
Resolution praising President [Madison] for his political conduct during the war and his acceptance and ratification of an honorable treaty of peace. Read and
concurred with in the Senate.
Printed document. 1p. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
80. 1816, NOV. 21. John Holmes, Boston, [Mass.] To Hon. J[ame]s Monroe,
[Secretary of State,
Washington, D.C.].
Mr. [Cornelius P.] Van Ness wishes someone from New Hampshire to be agent under the 5th article of the Treaty of
Ghent. Gov. Plumer recommends Ichabod Bartlett. Holmes recommends him highly.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
Endorsed, "Mr. Holmes, 1817".
Holmes had just been elected a member of Congress from Massachusetts.
81. 1817, SEPT. 5. Col. H[ugh] Brady, 2d [Infantry] Reg[iment], Sackets Harbor,
[N.Y.] To
Gen[eral] [Callender] Irvine, [Commissary General, Philadelphia].
Criticism of clothing and shoes issued to his regiment. Suggestions for
improvement of army clothing and shoes in general.
A.L.S. 3p. 9 ¾ x 8 inches.
Endorsed, "Colo. H. Brady, Sackets Harbour, Sept. 5, 1817. respecting
clothing".
82. 1818, FEB. 1. U.S. Army. Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office.
Regulations for purchasing department, paymasters, etc.
Printed
leaflet. 8p. 7 ¾ x 4 3/8 inches.
Signed on p. 6, "D[aniel] Parker, Adj & Inspr. Gen".
83. 1818, SEPT. 15. James Gallatin, London. To Capt. [John
Michael] O’Connor, Paris.
Enclosing English book dealers’ catalogues with comparisons of prices in England, France and the United States.
A.L.S. 2p. 9
x 7 3/8 inches.
Enclosure missing.
Endorsed, "James Gallatin, London, the 15th of September 1818. Recd at Paris, 20 Sept. ansd 5 Oct."
James
Gallatin, as his father’s secretary, was with him in London from mid-August to mid-October, 1818, on a special mission related to the Treaty of
Ghent.
84. 1820, MAY 29. Albert Gallatin, [American Minister], Paris. To Capt. John M[ichael]
O’Connor, Paris.
Sends copy of letter from Msr.
Pasquier [Minister of Foreign Affairs] granting Gallatin’s request that O’Connor be admitted to artillery school [École d’Application de l’Artillerie et du
Génie] at Metz. The King has made exception to the rule that foreigners may not attend.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 3/8 x 7 ½ inches.
Enclosure missing.
Endorsed, "Albert Gallatin, Minister Plenipo. 29th May, 1820. Recd 31".
85. 182[4], DEC. 15. W[illiam] Eustis, [Governor of Massachusetts], Roxbury,
[Mass]. To Russell
Freeman, [Washington, D.C.].
Concerning Freeman’s certificate of appointment to deliver electoral votes to the Vice-President [Daniel
D. Tompkins]. Praises President Monroe’s final message of his 2d administration and Lafayette’s reception by Congress.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 9 ¾ x 7 ¾
inches.
Incorrectly dated 1823. Both the contents and the endorsement indicate Gov. Eustis’s error.
Addressed to Freeman in care of Hon. James Lloyd
[Senator from Massachusetts].
86. 1826, JAN. 15. C[harles] F[enton] Mercer, Washington, [D.C.]. To George Carter, [Oatlands,
via Aldie, Loudon Co.,
Virginia].
Asking endorsement on enclosed note. Other business matters, indicating possible financial difficulties.
A.L.S. 2p. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
Enclosure missing.
Mercer, at this time a member of Congress, had been Brigadier General with Virginia troops during the War of 1812.
87. 1826, OCT.
27. [Commodore] I[saac] Chauncey, Navy Yard, New York. To Samuel Southard,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, [D.C.].
Edward Livingston’s history of the
title to the land now occupied by the Navy Yard has been submitted to Chancellor Kent for study.
A.L.S. 1p. (2 l.). 13 x 7 ¾ inches.
Chauncey had
been in command of the naval units on Lake Ontario during the war and was now Commandant of the New York Navy Yard.
88. [18]33, MAY 30. F[rancis] S[cott]
Key, Geo[rge] Town, [D.C.]. To [William T. Barry,
Postmaster General, Washington, D.C.].
Recommending Mr. Lewis Adie for a position in the Post Office
Department.
A.L.S. 1p. 10 x 7 ¾ inches.
89. [1840?-1850?] A SOLDIER IN THE WAR OF 1812 & 1815, Wrote some Poetry…in Melville
Island Prison…now
remembered by one of the prisoners confined at Melville Island Prison, Halifax, and Dartmoar [sic] Prison, England… [Display of 1 line, introductory paragraph
of 6 lines, 59 lines of poetry in 2 columns]. n. p., n.d.
Broadside. 9 ¾ x 7 ¾ inches.
Inscribed, "Presented by John W. Green[?] of Boston 6 mos a
prisoner at Dartmoar prison, Eng."
90. [18]51, JAN. 29. Hudson Taylor, Wash[ington, D.C.]. To [Benson J.] Lossing, [Poughkeepsie,
N.Y.].
History and
detailed description of monument to the heroes of the Tripolitan War, erected in the Washington Navy Yard.
A.L.S. 2p. 7 ¾ x 6 3/8 inches.
Moved in
1860 to grounds of the Naval Academy at Annapolis. (cf. Lossing’s Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812. 1869. p. 124).
91. 1855, SEPT.
11. Celebration of the Battle of Plattsburg.
Apparently an address. Unsigned. No contribution to the history or significance of the battle. After a
would-be humorous introduction, mainly an overdone eulogy of a Revolutionary veteran present in the audience.
Handwritten. 4p. 7 x 5 ¾
inches.
92. [186-?] [Benson J. Lossing].
Random notes in his hand, for The Pictorial Field-Book, New York City, sites and events. St. George’s Church,
Beekman Street; Banquets for Commodore Bainbridge (1813); Commodore Chauncey (1814); arrival of Commodore Perry, etc.
1p. 9 7/8 x 7 ¾ inches.
93. 1860,
FEB. 16. Allen Trimble, Hillsboro, Ohio. To Benson J. Lossing, [Poughkeepsie, N.Y.].
Cannot answer Lossing’s "series of interrogations" [questionnaire?]
because family papers are elsewhere. Does, however, furnish from memory a good deal of miscellaneous information regarding the part played by Ohio and Kentucky
in the war: names, sites, etc., that might prove interesting. Suggests other veterans in Highland Co. who might help. Notes that a series of articles in a
local newspaper are available.
A.L.S. 3p. 9 5/8 x 7 ¾ inches.
94. 1860, FEB. 27. Stephen Champlin, Buffalo, [N.Y.]. To Benson J. Lossing,
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Is having a sketch of his life prepared.
A.L.S. 2p. 7 3/8 x 4 ¾ inches.
Champlin (1789-1870) was Perry’s first cousin. He was
in command of the schooner Scorpion which fired the first and last shots at the Battle of Lake Erie. In his last years, he was the sole surviving officer of
the battle.
95. 1860, MAR. 28. Hez[ekiah] L. Hosmer, Toledo, Ohio. To Benson J. Lossing, [Poughkeepsie,
N.Y.].
No part of the country offers better
facilities for historical research on the War of 1812 than the area within a circuit of fifty miles of Toledo. Urges Lossing to visit him there. Suggests
places and persons to see.
A.L.S. 3p. 7 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches.
Hosmer (1814-1893) was an authority and writer on local history, at this time practicing law
in Toledo. Earlier (1844-1855) he had been part owner and editor of the Toledo Blade.
96. 1860, APR. 9 D.G. Jones, Algonac, Mich[igan]. To Benj. [sic] J.
Lossing, Care Harper &
Bros., New York.
Aged Indian chief Shaw-a-no [Oshawahnah], Tecumseh’s second in command at the Battle of the Thames, lives at
Walpole Island reservation on the Canadian side of Lake St. Clair. Still mentally alert and worth a visit.
A.L.S. 2p. 7 7/8 x 4 7/8 inches.
97. 1860,
AUG. ---. [Benson J. Lossing]
Notes regarding Oshawahnah, the principal chief of the Indians on Walpole Island, Ontario. Refers to "letter from near
there". [no. 96?]
1p. in Lossing’s hand. 8 ¾ x 7 3/8 inches.
At head of sheet "OSHAWAHNAH principal chief in Walpole Island". Written in for
Lossing by G. H. M. Johnson, Chief of the Six Nations on the Grand River, Aug., 1860. The Z-like character symbolizes a right arm bent at the elbow, signifying
a head chief as the right hand of his nation. (Pictorial Field-Book, p. 421n). These notes appear almost unchanged in the Field-Book, with a cut of the
daguerreotype, p. 550-551.
98. 1860, NOV. 2. Usher Parsons, Providence, [Rhode Island]. To Benson J. Lossing,
[Poughkeepsie, N.Y.].
Will welcome his
visit. Has much to communicate. Sorry Lossing could not see Mr. Champlin.
A.L.S. 2p. 8 x 5 inches.
Parsons (1788-1868) and Stephen Champlin were
among the prime heroes of the Battle of Lake Erie. Parsons was assistant to the chief surgeon of Perry’s fleet. The latter was ill with fever and the care of
all the wounded fell to Parsons, who at that time was only 25 years old.
99. 1860, NOV. 3. Stephen Champlin, Buffalo, [N.Y.]. To Benson J. Lossing,
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Lengthy apology for not calling when passing through Poughkeepsie recently. Will come in the spring and bring a piece of the Lawrence,
which will make Lossing a fine cane. Sends newspaper clipping of Ohio Governor Dennison’s tribute to Lt. Brownell [sailing master of the sloop Ariel] at the
farewell dinner at the Cleveland celebration. This is entirely incorrect. Mr. Bancroft’s history of the Battle of Lake Erie now serialized in the [New York]
Ledger the best he has seen thus far. Encloses facsimile of Perry’s letter announcing the surrender of the British fleet.
A.L.S. 3p. 8 x 5 inches.
Two
enclosures, one (the facsimile of the Perry letter) missing. The clipping of Gov. Dennison’s speech is from a Cleveland newspaper. The Bancroft item was the
main official speech at the inauguration of the Perry statue at Cleveland, Sept. 10, 1860. Both these appeared later in the official account mentioned in the
next entry.
100. 1861, JAN. 20. Stephen Champlin, Buffalo, [N.Y.]. To Benson J. Lossing, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Has not forgotten to send diagrams of the
Battle of Lake Erie. Had sent them (through Dr. Parsons) for a book being put out describing the celebration in Cleveland on Sept. 10, 1860. Will send as soon
as returned. Hopes the "fire eaters" have not given any trouble. Comments on "these squally times bordering upon real war."
A.L.S. 1p. 7 ¾ x 6 ¼
inches.
Incorrectly endorsed by Lossing, "Capt. Champlin, Jan. 20, 1860."
The book referred to is The Inauguration of the Perry Statue at Cleveland on
the tenth of September, 1860…published by the City Council. Cleveland, 1861. The diagrams appear on p. 104.
101. 1862, MAR. 10. Benson J. Lossing,
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. To C. H. Armistead.
Renews request for photograph of the silver vase given to Armistead’s father by the citizens of Baltimore in
recognition of his defense of Ft. McHenry, September, 1814. Unless it comes very soon, it will not appear in the "History", which is nearly ready for the
press. Has all the other Armistead memorabilia.
A.L.S. 2p. 8 x 5 inches.
The vase (really a punchbowl) is illustrated in the Pi ctorial Field-Book, p.
960.
102. 1864, MAY 21. Stephen Champlin, Buffalo, [N.Y.]. To Benson J. Lossing, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Condolences to Lossing [on an unspecified family
bereavement], delayed by poor health and failing eyesight. Sends recent picture of himself in uniform. Regrets not being able to send one showing how he
looked in 1813.
A.L.S. 2p. 8 x 5 inches.
A cut made from the photograph appears on p. 523 of the Pictorial Field-Book, along with the diagrams of
the Battle of Lake Erie promised in no. 100.